Original X-roads-2003

Meanwhile…
 
    Mesiaha walked up to Gartan as he trained the men in the back courtyard of Othesis Castle. She could see the blood stains here and there from Sertoffs episode. The suns blazed so hot, and the sky was so clear she knew it would be a long time before rains fell to clean anything off.
    Gartan turned to his favorite ward and clasped her arm in welcome. “These new recruits will end up making fine High Knights one day.” he bragged on their progress.
    “They didn’t do ta well against Sertoff, if ya ask me.” she shrugged unimpressed. “I think ya got alotta work ahead of ya.”
    Gartan looked at her with confusion, “Against Sertoff? Did the heat make you delirious?”
    Mesiaha screwed up her face and took a step back from Gartan. “Don’t ya see tha blood around?” she motioned to some blood stains on the castle wall near a doorway.
    Gartan never took his eyes off Mesiaha to look at the stone. He looked at her with pity.
    Mesiaha shook her head, “Ya think I have Heat Sickness, don’t ya?”
    “It’s affected a lot of my men this season.” Gartan said quickly. “A lot of GOOD men.” he added. He took a step towards her, “Get some rest, spend more time in a cooler place. Maybe the cave near Zaria Forest, the water runs clear from the stream and the deeper inside the cooler the air.” He patted her shoulder, “Take some time and explore the cave, work on your endurance training and survival skills.”
    “Ya don’t remember fighting Sertoff at all?” Mesiaha asked again.
    “Why would you suggest such a thing?” Gartan stood straight.
    Mesiaha shook her head and walked into the front courtyard. She spoke to several merchants and random villagers, for several hours. No one there knew of any attack, nor would any of them notice the stains.