{"id":2635,"date":"2019-03-31T07:28:03","date_gmt":"2019-03-31T12:28:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2635"},"modified":"2019-04-20T09:45:07","modified_gmt":"2019-04-20T14:45:07","slug":"lucky-luck-part-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2635","title":{"rendered":"Lucky Luck – Part 6"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lucky Luck<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 6: A Lucky Kid<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gwen slowly woke with the realization that Zoe was using her as a pillow.\u00a0 Looking down at the blonde hair on her shoulder, the girl still fast asleep. She took a second to look at the face, relaxed in sleep.\u00a0 Stretching slightly she felt all the points of contact between their bare flesh.\u00a0 Last night had been wonder and brought a smile to her face.\u00a0 Zoe had been true to her words in repaying Gwen for the bathtub earlier.<\/p>\n

Taking a moment to look out the window at the soft glow of dawn breaking through.\u00a0 Realizing they would have to leave soon, especially if they wanted to make it to the next town during the daylight hours.\u00a0 She reached over poking at the exposed shoulder.\u00a0 Zoe mumbled in answer, sending vibrations though her skin.\u00a0 Poking again she got a better reaction.\u00a0 Sleepy green eyes opened and peered at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not morning yet,\u201d she mumbled, putting her head back down.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, time to get up,\u201d Gwen said, changing the target, and going after the ribs, earning a squeal.\u00a0 \u201cOh, ticklish,\u201d Gwen grinned at the revelation.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, keep those fingers away,\u201d Zoe squealed, now fending off an advance by Gwen, who found the activity quite enjoyable as she tried not to laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were not complaining last night,\u201d Gwen replied, finding a soft patch of unprotected skin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, last night those fingers were doing something much more pleasurable,\u201d Zoe said, squealing again as Gwen\u2019s attack hit another spot.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stop only if you get up,\u201d Gwen said, stopping for a second allowing Zoe to think and collect herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo fair,\u201d Zoe said.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019ll get up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen watched as Zoe shifted and got up, stretching slightly giving Gwen a good view of all her curves.\u00a0 She fought the instinct to run her hands all over the skin presented to her.\u00a0 She stood up and with a slight stretch went over to pick up her clothing on the floor, where they had been strewn last night.<\/p>\n

She looked over, knowing Zoe was teasing her with her posing, showing off.\u00a0 Quickly walking over she pulled Zoe close, reaching around to cup a breast, while the other hand rested at her naval.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou little vixen,\u201d Gwen whispered in the ear, giving it a gentle lick.\u00a0 She watched Zoe\u2019s eyes close before pulling away and heading back to her clothing. Chuckling a bit as Zoe tried to regain her senses.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s mean, teasing an innocent girl like me that way,\u201d Zoe pouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cInnocent?\u00a0 Tease?\u00a0 Me?\u2019 Gwen said, pointing at her chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes you,\u201d Zoe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have to really work at it to catch up to you,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, we need to get going, don\u2019t want to get to Setta late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate it when you\u2019re logical,\u201d Zoe finally said, but bending down to grab her clothes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll grab some breakfast, some food for the road and head off,\u201d Gwen said stating the plan for the day.\u00a0 It would be a long and hopefully boring day ahead of them.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen felt around with her aura, not feeling anything nearby and went back to listening once more to her companion.\u00a0 They managed to leave the inn early, the sun still rising and many in the town still waking up.\u00a0 They managed to leave almost before everyone else.\u00a0 She had not wanted to be on the road after a several wagons messed up the tracks.<\/p>\n

Gwen figured some of the faster horses would pass her, and some of the faster carriages, but the heavier wagons would remain behind her.\u00a0 She also figured as long as merchants were behind her, the bandits would ignore two people walking down the path.<\/p>\n

She tuned back in to hear what Zoe was talking about now, something about birds and their ability to fly.\u00a0 She spoke about where she might go if she could fly.\u00a0 Gwen half listened, knowing Zoe could talk for hours and not get tired.\u00a0 How she could talk so much, she had no idea, but it at least passed the time, and it beat Zoe complaining about how far they had walked.\u00a0 Gwen felt glad Zoe did not complain.<\/p>\n

The temperature had warmed up even more than the previous day.\u00a0 The snow from the storm was rapidly melting snow.\u00a0 The closer they got to Setta and the more people the more the road would degenerate.\u00a0 It was a reason she wanted to get on the road so quickly.<\/p>\n

She stopped, hearing something in the bushes up ahead.\u00a0 Motioning to Zoe, who stopped and remained quite as Gwen moved closer.\u00a0 She felt nothing threatening from whatever it was, but did not want to take any chances.\u00a0 Shock took over as she spotted a small body go racing away from her and the trail.\u00a0 Making a quick decision she took off after it.<\/p>\n

She moved quickly catching up rather quickly and hefting the child up into her arms.\u00a0 The child struggled to get down, but Gwen made her way back to where Zoe stood, looking at her, then the kid and back again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know we haven\u2019t talked about kids yet, but isn\u2019t this rather sudden?\u201d Zoe said, causing Gwen to stop at the statement before seeing Zoe smile.\u00a0 She placed the kid on the ground, who looked between the two of them as Zoe walked over to them.\u00a0 \u201cHi there,\u201d Zoe said, crouching down a bit to his level.<\/p>\n

Gwen watched as the boy looked between them before settling on Zoe and moved closer to her.\u00a0 She did not blame him, as Zoe probably appeared less threatening to him.\u00a0 Gwen moved away a bit, but stayed in listening range.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s your mom?\u201d Zoe asked gently, watching as the boy pointed down the road.\u00a0 \u201cIs she hurt?\u201d Zoe asked, taking a moment to remove some of the dirt off his cheek.\u00a0 He shrugged his shoulder causing Gwen to frown at the answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cZoe, stay here with him, I\u2019ll head down the road and see if I can spot anything,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen made her way down the pathway, her long strides quickly covering the trail rounding few bends and made it to a trail crossing.\u00a0 Signs pointing to different town, including Setta, but no indication of anyone.\u00a0 She could move down the trail, but without knowing which way to go she would be wasting time.\u00a0 She turned around to make her way back to where Zoe was.<\/p>\n

Voices coming down the trail caused her to stop.\u00a0 The unfriendly tone made her jump up into the trees.\u00a0 \u00a0Waiting a few minutes she spotted several figures coming down the path, and recognized a familiar figure.\u00a0 Three men, one carrying the boy, and another pushing Zoe, who had her hands tied behind her.\u00a0 She studied the men, their armor and how unkempt they appeared.\u00a0 They were anything but professionals.<\/p>\n

\u201cGregory will be happy with this one,\u201d one of the two men said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet, caught ourselves something pretty this time,\u201d a second one said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, about time we find something pretty and young, be good entertainment,\u201d the third said,<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d do a sheep Percy,\u201d the second one said, slapping the third one.<\/p>\n

Gwen watched as Zoe\u2019s eyes went wide at that statement and her own anger at the statement almost caused her to drop down and bust some heads.\u00a0 However she wanted to know who this Gregory was.\u00a0 Gwen watched as they passed under her, dropping down a few leaves onto Zoe.\u00a0 She shook her head, and glanced up.<\/p>\n

Gwen made a shushing motion as recognition was reflected in Zoe\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Zoe\u2019s body relaxed slightly but continued on as Gwen dropped silently to the ground to follow.\u00a0 She hoped it would head back to this Gregory, and perhaps solve the mystery of the boy and why he was out here alone.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen looked around at the camp in front of her.\u00a0 She had gone back up into the trees, allowing her to survey the camp from a higher angle and seeing things she might otherwise miss.\u00a0 It was near the crossroads, and she figured they were robbing merchants at random.\u00a0 Being off the roads would make them harder to spot and so far away from the cities made it hard for any city to enforce, as the governors might say it is another city\u2019s problem.<\/p>\n

However, the problem before Gwen was their lack of fighting power, nor did she sense a mage in the group.\u00a0 They appeared to be a group of petty thieves, who had amassed a large amount of plunder.\u00a0 She watched a large man walk out from one of the main tents and approached the group, his voice carrying over to where Gwen hid.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, got him did you?\u00a0 And what is this bonus of a prize,\u201d the man said, walking up to Zoe and looking her over.<\/p>\n

\u201cFound her with the boy, Gregory, might be some good entertainment, you think?\u201d one of the other men said.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery nice,\u201d Gregory said, running a hand down Zoe\u2019s cheek, who moved back out of his reach.\u00a0 He stopped, and looked at her.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t do that, it might get you hurt, but then again, I don\u2019t care.\u00a0 Hearing a girl scream in pain, exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Several men laughed at the statement.\u00a0 Gwen clinched her teeth at the idea of someone touching Zoe like that.\u00a0 She would make sure that person would suffer.\u00a0 Somewhere along the way she had developed some feeling for the young woman.\u00a0 She focused back on the events at hand and what she might do next.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, for you brat.\u00a0 Are you ready to cooperate?\u00a0 If not, your mother will suffer greatly,\u201d Gregory said, pausing for a second and turning towards Zoe. \u00a0\u201cI have a better idea, well show the brat what will happen to his dear mother if he refuses again.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the guys pushed Zoe a bit too roughly towards one of the trees.\u00a0 They released her hands only to retie them above her head.\u00a0 Not willing to let anything further happen Gwen jumped down and calmly walked into the middle of the camp and waited for someone to see her.\u00a0 Finally one did, and knowing he was looking at her, and not her armor and weapons.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey boss, we have another one,\u201d the man said.\u00a0 She watched as they all turned to look at her, no one seeing her for the fighter she was, but for her feminine curves.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s our lucky day boys,\u201d Gregory said grinning, even as several men laughed at the statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say it\u2019s your unlucky day, especially if you don\u2019t give me back what is mine,\u201d Gwen said, waiting for his reply.\u00a0 Her statement appeared to have caught him off guard, and he looked at her then at his men before over at Zoe, who remained silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re alone, not sure what you mean pretty thing,\u201d Gregory replied, walking closer to her.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve entered Gregory\u2019s Raiders, and anything, or anyone, who enters our camp is ours.\u00a0 Guess what sweet thing that means you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne and only chance, let her go and I\u2019ll spare your lives for what you were about to do,\u201d Gwen said, getting bored with the conversation.<\/p>\n

Looking around she spotted several crossbows and quickly counted six of them all aiming at her.\u00a0 She mentally questioned why it was always crossbows.\u00a0 Did someone think it was a great weapon at close range or something?<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so, you obviously have fighting power, but we know how to handle such fighters.\u00a0 All you have to do is dart them and even the toughest will succumb to a sleeping potion,\u201d Gregory said, confidence bursting from him.\u00a0 Gwen realized they had done this before.\u00a0 She wondered how many times they had done this before.\u00a0 She let her own fighting power rise up in response to the threat.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you\u2019re not going to let her go?\u201d Gwen replied, readying a few throwing stars.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd miss out on our fun, are you insane?\u201d Gregory replied, laughing a bit.\u00a0 He motioned with his arm, an obvious signal to the others.\u00a0 Gwen started moving even before the first crossbolts were released.\u00a0 Two stars went flying towards their targets, moving quickly and threw a third throwing star avoiding two more bolts before drawing her sword.\u00a0 Even the best archer would require some time before finishing reloading.\u00a0 She wasn\u2019t about to give them the chance to reload.<\/p>\n

The fourth person fell to her sword, as she turned to the fifth man having eliminated several already.\u00a0 They were no match at all for her, easily slicing through the man before rounding on Gregory who had his sword drawn.\u00a0 She waited a second to see what he might do next.\u00a0 He saw what she had done, and yet still charged her.<\/p>\n

In one slice Gregory fell like the others.\u00a0 She glanced at the remaining men, waiting to see what they might do.\u00a0 There were five left standing.\u00a0 One charged while the other four ran out of the camp with no sign of stopping.\u00a0 The remaining man she quickly knocked out before turning back towards Zoe, who appeared unharmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot what I expected,\u201d Gwen finally said, approaching Zoe and looking her over.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, you look good tied up like that, have to remember this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHa-ha, very funny,\u201d Zoe replied, glaring at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoubting my honesty?\u201d Gwen said, walking up to Zoe, taking a bit of time before finally cutting the binding holding her hands together.\u00a0 \u201cBetter?\u00a0 I cut that a bit close I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, I had faith,\u201d Zoe replied, earning a glance towards her.\u00a0 \u201cOnce I saw you in the tree, I knew everything would work out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe got lucky that none of these guys knew how to fight,\u201d Gwen said, only slightly concerned that they lacked the fear of confronting someone so powerful.\u00a0 The last guy who charged her must have thought he had some advantage the others did not.\u00a0 It begged the question, why.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe boy went into the tent over there,\u201d Zoe said, pointing to one of the larger tents.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay here,\u201d Gwen said, having forgotten about the boy until Zoe said something.\u00a0 Now that Zoe was safe, she could head back and see what was going on with the boy.<\/p>\n

Pulling the tent flap aside, she walked inside cautiously in case anyone else was waiting.\u00a0 She spotted two cages with people inside, all of whom looked at her in fear.\u00a0 She saw no threat and relaxed a bit before heading over to the cages, looking at the locks.\u00a0 Simple locks that would easily shatter with a single blow.\u00a0 Quickly destroying both locks she opened the doors for both before backing away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d one woman asked, suspicious of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a bounty hunter,\u201d Gwen replied, not trying to be a hero.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you after that boy, he\u2019s back there,\u201d one man said, pointing towards the back.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up,\u201d the woman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should I, he\u2019s the reason we\u2019re in here after all,\u201d the man replied back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right Erin,\u201d another guy said, as the group grumbled about the boy.<\/p>\n

Gwen watched as they all seemed to gang up on the woman, forgetting she was even there.\u00a0 \u201cSilence!\u201d Gwen finally shouted, watching the group stop and look at her.\u00a0 \u201cFirst off, I\u2019m not after the boy, second you all got lucky, the boy found us, I went to investigate and they kidnapped my lover.\u00a0 So your rescue is because they took the wrong gal, not for anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning she walked back out not wanting to hear anything else.\u00a0 She made her way over to Zoe, who looked confused at what she probably heard.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey think we\u2019re after the boy for some reason,\u201d Gwen said, hoping that explained it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder why?\u201d Zoe asked, a question even Gwen wondered about.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t ask, don\u2019t want to know either,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cSometimes, not knowing like this is better, less complications.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Zoe said, not sounding convinced at the answer.<\/p>\n

Gwen went around the camp looking for anything they might be able to use.\u00a0 She found some coins in the leader\u2019s tent, along with several books.\u00a0 She never expected the man to have such a library of books, almost a nerd of sorts.\u00a0 She scanned the titles, seeing a familiar one, \u2018How to Defeat Powerful Fighters\u2019, and appeared well worn.\u00a0 She glanced at the author, Fred Ortich, and shook her head.\u00a0 His tactics worked on fighters up to about level four, but anything higher, it started going wrong.<\/p>\n

It would explain why the man thought he could win, and in the Shadowlands they rarely came across anyone who was above level five.\u00a0 Gregory had gotten lucky up to today having never fought against someone stronger.<\/p>\n

Walking back out of the tent she noticed several had walked out of the tent and were going around the camp as well, gathering stuff.\u00a0 Two were already walking out of the camp, and probably back home.\u00a0 Heading towards Zoe she spotted the woman and the boy near her.<\/p>\n

\u201cGwen, this boy is a latgic,\u201d Zoe said as Gwen approached.\u00a0 She looked at the boy and understood they were using him for something.\u00a0 A latgic was a person who had high magical abilities, but no control over it.\u00a0 The magic could be a lot of things, from having the ability to help others, make things easier or improve magical qualities of fighters or mages.\u00a0 The longer a latgic was in a person\u2019s influence, the greater the effect, and some even could develop bonds with a person.\u00a0 The powers were thought to weaken as one grew older, but no real research as many latgics were hesitant to work with others.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what\u2019s his ability?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ability to detect people,\u201d the woman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMakes sense,\u201d Gwen said, thinking about how a group of thieves could use that ability.\u00a0 They would know when people were coming, and if they were heading towards the camp.\u00a0 It meant less time waiting and more time doing other things.\u00a0 A tremendous advantage over others.\u00a0 Add in a leader full of book smarts and he probably brought them all together, and no fighting powers no auras to trace.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t understand, how did you get in,\u201d the woman said.\u00a0 \u201cThey can feel when someone comes, especially into their camp.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess they were distracted today,\u201d Gwen said, looking over at Zoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I a distraction?\u201d Zoe asked innocently.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell you can be,\u201d Gwen answered before continuing, \u201cthat\u2019s why you\u2019re behind me in a fight and not in front of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to distract you,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say you got lucky that you got close enough to help,\u201d the woman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, how long have you been a prisoner?\u201d Zoe asked, getting another bit of the conversation going.<\/p>\n

\u201cA month or so, long enough for them to have been effected by Samuel\u2019s abilities,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, guess we were lucky,\u201d Zoe said, unaffected by the amount of luck they seemed to have.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you headed to Setta, I would like an escort, after everything that\u2019s happened, things are unsettling at the moment,\u201d the woman said, hugging Samuel.<\/p>\n

Gwen glanced over at Zoe, who shrugged before replying.\u00a0 \u201cI guess, we do move a bit fast, trying to get there before it gets dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem I have no desire to stay out here any longer than possible,\u201d the woman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s get going,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Erin,\u201d the woman said, introducing herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cZoe, and the tall silent one is Gwen,\u201d Zoe said, as they made their way towards the path.<\/p>\n

Gwen put an arm around Zoe and focused on her.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure you\u2019re fine, they didn\u2019t do anything when they captured you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing more than a shove, and they tied the rope too tight,\u201d Zoe said.\u00a0 \u201cNothing hit you, did they?\u201d\u00a0 Zoe moved back a bit to inspect Gwen a bit closer.\u00a0 Gwen endured the gaze, knowing Zoe was worried over her safety.\u00a0 It had been a long time since someone cared enough to do that.<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, I saw all the bolts, easy to avoid when that happens.\u00a0 Is the one you don\u2019t know about that\u2019s a danger.\u00a0 They all stood in front of me,\u201d Gwen answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess, though it does feel nice,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, what?\u201d Gwen asked, looking down into haunted green eye.\u00a0 A blink and the look was gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelping people, feels nice,\u201d Zoe finally replied, as they reached the path.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah it does,\u201d Gwen said, wondering about the look.\u00a0 Bending down she kissed Zoe lightly on the lips, a grin appeared on Zoe\u2019s face.\u00a0 She hoped the rest of the trip went by uneventfully.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen looked at the wagon as it passed by heading the other way.\u00a0 She thought they had left late, but with the snow now almost gone they probably would be sleeping somewhere on the path tonight anyways.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, are you and her are close?\u201d Erin asked.\u00a0 Gwen looked over at Erin, who looked at her and then at Zoe.<\/p>\n

Gwen took a second to think about the answer.\u00a0 She knew they were close, lovers or partners who shared intimacies?\u00a0 Gwen wondered what Zoe wanted in this relationship, if anything?\u00a0 \u201cWell, it\u2019s a bit complex,\u201d she finally said, despite knowing that to her, Zoe was more than a partner.\u00a0 She wanted it to be more than just a partner.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s obvious you care for her\u201d Erin said back to Gwen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, she is my partner, and lover,\u201d Gwen replied, not wanting to give too much away to someone she did not know.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts nice to have someone you can trust,\u201d Erin said, a bit wistfully.\u00a0 \u201cI know how that is, keeping secrets is hard.\u00a0 Seems like everyone wants my son despite my trying to keep the knowledge a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen remained quiet about that.\u00a0 She had secrets she kept quiet, and had a deep suspicion that Zoe did as well.\u00a0 Neither feeling comfortable yet about speaking about such things.\u00a0 Though she had to agree with Erin, trust was very important.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all have our secrets, some more dangerous than others,\u201d Gwen finally replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so,\u201d Erin replied, as Gwen wondered about something.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you also a letgic?\u201d she asked, wondering if Samuel got the ability from his mother, or father.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomewhat, though my ability isn\u2019t very strong,\u201d Erin replied.\u00a0 \u201cI have a similar ability, though it\u2019s for normal people to detect magical power, not people in general.\u00a0 And his is more developed.\u00a0 And he is younger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen nodded knowing that like mages and fighters, latgic users had different levels.\u00a0 They were harder to determine, and certain spells could be used to determine their ability and level, but was difficult.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t understand how you slipped in, between me and Samuel\u2019s abilities, you should have been detected,\u201d Erin said.<\/p>\n

Gwen took a moment to think about that.\u00a0 Why had the men not detected her?\u00a0 True, she move into the camp with the group, but the men who took Zoe had not detected her.\u00a0 Were they that distracted by Zoe?<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess my proximity to the group hindered their abilities,\u201d Gwen said finally.\u00a0 \u201cThey might have assumed I was part of the group, and they were distracted by Zoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPossible, it\u2019s a strange ability at times, and doesn\u2019t always work,\u201d Erin finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand that at all, not being able to control your magic,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have magic?\u201d Erin asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, yeah, some fighting magic,\u201d Gwen said, not stating how much she had.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t know, it\u2019s always on so there is no getting used to it,\u201d Erin replied back.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what were they trying to get Samuel to do?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes, that,\u201d Erin said, now looking very uncomfortable with the question.\u00a0 Gwen wondered what the answer might be that had her so spooked.\u00a0 \u201cSometimes having your first sexual partner can enhance the effects of the person, both for the latgic and their lover.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t always work, and is fickle at best, but the rumor is out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen\u2019s eyes went wide at that.\u00a0 \u201cUm, but he\u2019s what, five?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSix, but way too young for something like that,\u201d Erin said.\u00a0 \u201cThere is always someone out there who will take advantage of this situation.\u00a0 I guess Gregory thought by doing that he could gain the boy\u2019s abilities at his strongest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand that part,\u201d Gwen said, her knowledge of latgics were limited at best, besides some basics, she did know their abilities seemed to diminish as they grew older.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts simple, most latgics\u2019 magic decline as they age.\u00a0 A few get stronger, especially with the person they are with, and sometimes it is limited to that person.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know the reasons why that is.\u00a0 When I was younger I had a strong ability as well, but during my teens it started to decline,\u201d Erin said.<\/p>\n

Gwen fell quiet at the explanation.\u00a0 How many latgics had been mistreated simply because of some rumor of their abilities?\u00a0 It also explained why so many were protective of the younger ones, hiding them and not saying anything.\u00a0 Older latgics had no problem announcing their powers, but almost never spoke of the younger ones.\u00a0 She looked over at Zoe who was talking to Samuel about something.\u00a0 The younger woman looked up as if feeling Gwen looking.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you two hungry?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I could use something to eat,\u201d Zoe replied.\u00a0 \u201cWe were about to eat before all this started.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I better get you fed,\u201d Gwen stated with a slight grin.\u00a0 She made her way to some trees that would provide a nice area to sit.<\/p>\n

Gwen pulled out some food of her pack, handing some to Zoe and the others.\u00a0 She watched as Zoe engaged Erin in a conversation as Samuel remained quiet.\u00a0 She thought about what Erin had said, and thought about what he might have already seen in his young life.<\/p>\n

She tried to remember what her life was like when she was that young.\u00a0 Most of her memories of her childhood were of training, and things she did not wish to remember.\u00a0 Her uncle and his family especially she did not wish to remember, or see ever again.\u00a0 They always seemed bad tempered, and her cousin seemed to inherit the same attitude.\u00a0 Thought they were best at everything they did, despite the fact she was better than her cousin.\u00a0 Her father was younger than her uncle, and always told her to not get so involved in things.<\/p>\n

Gwen ignored her father\u2019s advice, much to her own peril.\u00a0 Now she sat near some road in the Shadowlands, with a woman and her son who were letgics, and a young woman she considered her lover, all while working as a bounty hunter.\u00a0 What she considered a lucky situation after the disaster only a few years ago.\u00a0 She had considered her life was over, now, it seemed better than ever.<\/p>\n

With a great mental effort, she pushed those thoughts from her mind.\u00a0 A wagon appeared on the trail, heading down the trail.\u00a0\u00a0 The driver seemed to struggle with the mud in the road from the melting snow and warmer weather.\u00a0 She watched the wagon and the crew struggle down the road as it approached them.\u00a0 One of the group walked over to where they sat.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, taking his hat off as he addressed them.\u00a0 \u201cAny problems down the way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much, did have one encounter with bandits a bit back where the some roads met,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe midpoint,\u201d Erin said, obviously clarifying the point in the road better than Gwen.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d the man said, now listening to the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I doubt you\u2019ll have any problems, took care of most of them,\u201d Gwen answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ll be careful then, anything else?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuiet, but then again, just us,\u201d Gwen replied, the guy seemed to understand the comment.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s the road to Setta?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAside from muddy and miserable, clear,\u201d he replied back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood news, but we\u2019ll be careful, can\u2019t get too complacent,\u201d Gwen answered, seeing the man nod at the truth.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever a good thing,\u201d he said with understanding.\u00a0 \u201cWell, better get back and help out before they think I\u2019m shrinking my duties.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen said good-bye and watched him head back over to the cart, and helped it along providing eyes for the wheels.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, road\u2019s only going to get worse,\u201d Gwen said to the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad we\u2019re walking, maybe,\u201d Zoe replied, looking down at her new boots.<\/p>\n

\u201cDepends on how many wagons have travelled it,\u201d Gwen said, knowing that the more wagons that used the path the worse the conditions would be.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we better get going,\u201d Erin said, finishing up her food.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll repay you when we get back to Setta.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it,\u201d Zoe answered.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad we could help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI insist,\u201d Erin said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really no problem, we were in the area and got dragged in.\u00a0 You might say they caused us to get involved, started a fight and we finished it,\u201d Gwen said logically.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I heard,\u201d Erin said.\u00a0 \u201cIt sounded quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was, caught them by surprise, didn\u2019t have time to prepare for my arrival,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that still disturbs me,\u201d Erin said once more causing Gwen to shake her head.\u00a0 She knew nothing she said would change Erin\u2019s mind, so she remained quiet.\u00a0 Looking down the road and hoped to get to Setta before dusk.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen looked around Setta, noticing the organized militia walking the streets, keeping trouble makers in check.\u00a0 The guards looked the four of them over, but continued on.\u00a0 Gwen figured they were looking for more ruffians, and they did not fit the profile.\u00a0 Of course if one kept an eye out trouble usually did not catch you by surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin!\u00a0 Is that you?\u201d a voice asked in surprise.\u00a0 They turned to see an older man walking towards them, his hair think and scraggly but well dressed.\u00a0 She glanced back at Gwen who had a smile on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoppa,\u201d Erin said, as they hugged.\u00a0 She glanced down at Zoe standing next to her who looked on.\u00a0 She wondered if Zoe was thinking of her mother and father.\u00a0 Gwen wondered briefly what her parents might think if they were here.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you okay?\u00a0 How\u2019s Samuel?\u00a0 How did you escape?\u00a0 I tried several times to organize help, no one could find you,\u201d the man said, before turning towards Zoe and Gwen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine poppa, and so is Samuel.\u00a0 We\u2019re both fine, honestly,\u201d Erin said.\u00a0 Gwen watched as the man\u2019s face relaxed slightly at her words before they turned to her.\u00a0 \u201cThese two rescued us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d the man said, giving Gwen a hug.\u00a0 She felt slightly awkward at the situation but returned the hug anyways, before he released her and then did same with Zoe.\u00a0 He pulled back and looked them both over again.\u00a0 \u201cI must reward you,\u201d he said, as he picked up Samuel, who did not hesitate at the contact.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not necessary,\u201d Gwen replied, wanting to get to the inn before the other travelers starting arriving.<\/p>\n

\u201cI insist,\u201d he said, pleading with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be at the inn,\u201d Zoe said, interrupting any further reply by Gwen.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat, we\u2019ll meet you there later on after you\u2019ve had a chance to freshen up from your travels,\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe look forward to it,\u201d Zoe said, then before Gwen could reply tugged her away towards the inn.\u00a0 Gwen went along willingly and wondered what they would do.\u00a0 She hoped it was not much, she didn\u2019t want to carry anything big around.<\/p>\n

Standing off to the side she watched as Zoe bartered with the innkeeper for the room, and finally went up to the room.\u00a0 Clean and well lit, she put the backpack down and settled into a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, this feels good,\u201d Zoe said, taking her boots off and laying across the bed.<\/p>\n

Gwen stood, walking over to look outside, seeing a few travelers walking into the town, glad they already had a room.\u00a0 She could see the market square, which was a medium size.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee anything?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Gwen replied, a bit relieved at not seeing anyone who might be after them. \u00a0She went back over to the pack, and pulled a few items out before turning back to Zoe, who appeared asleep, her eyes closed ad relaxing.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t fall asleep, after all, we\u2019re meeting Erin and her dad in a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, just relaxing for a moment,\u201d Zoe stated.<\/p>\n

Gwen sat down next to the water basin, poured some water in it and washed her face a bit.\u00a0 She did not want to have mud or whatnot on her face when meeting someone.\u00a0 Pulling out a clean shirt, and changing feeling better with clean clothes on.\u00a0 She sat back watching Zoe do the same thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting day, wasn\u2019t expecting all that to happen though,\u201d Zoe said,<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Gwen answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cLucky that Samuel ran into the one person on the trial that day that could help him,\u201d Zoe said.\u00a0 \u201cI mean how many others would have been able to help like we did?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen thought about that for a few seconds.\u00a0 True, a bounty hunter might not have gotten involved, or someone else might have charged into the camp and been detected, and still others might have passed on by without a care.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ready to meet some locals?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really, but I\u2019ll make an appearance,\u201d Gwen stated honestly, shrugging at Zoe\u2019s glare.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be nice, I do know how to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better, otherwise you\u2019ll be sleeping on the floor,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a threat like that I\u2019ll be good,\u201d Gwen replied, knowing there was no way Zoe could keep her out of the bed, but also know the threat was real.<\/p>\n

Heading down to the tavern she took a seat and ordered a drink while waiting.\u00a0 The waitress took their drink order and returned quickly with them.\u00a0 Gwen looked up to see Erin, Samuel and an older couple enter the tavern and walked over to where they sat.<\/p>\n

Samuel still looked at her warily, he had no fear in his eyes, but still unsure about her.\u00a0 He sat on the opposite end of the table as the older man sat across from Zoe while the older woman sat across from Gwen as Erin sat on the other side of Zoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my wife, Eva, and I don\u2019t think I introduced myself earlier, I\u2019m Joe,\u201d the man said, introducing themselves.<\/p>\n

\u201cGwen, and my partner Zoe,\u201d Gwen replied, as the waitress came back, looking a bit strangely at Eva, but said nothing as she took their orders.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, are either of you two latgics?\u201d Zoe asked, looking at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, however my wife is a mage,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

Gwen looked over at Eva, who shrugged before replying.\u00a0 \u201cYes, its true, but those days are long behind me now, specialized in ice,\u201d Eva said.\u00a0 \u201cI was born in the Realm, but left when I was sixteen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen wondered why someone so young might leave the Realm.\u00a0 What secrets did the woman hide?\u00a0 Usually those who ran from the Realm had some reason, and rarely said why.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, never been to the Realm, I hope to visit one day, or at least one of the towns,\u201d Zoe said.\u00a0 \u201cThey say they have beautiful buildings, amazing technology and grand markets to shop in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGive you a market and you\u2019re happy,\u201d Gwen said, looking over at Zoe, who stuck her tongue out.\u00a0 Gwen quickly captured the pink muscle in question and waited a moment before releasing it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrat,\u201d Zoe said, but returned her attention back to Joe and Eva.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Realm was impressive back then, I don\u2019t know now.\u00a0 But there I was a young girl leaving the Realm because of my ability in magic,\u201d Eva said.\u00a0 \u201cThey wanted me to use it for killing, something I was against.\u00a0 King Percy was waging war against the Centurions at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen thought back to through the names, and Percy was the current king, Rick\u2019s father.\u00a0 Percy had gone and conquered territory belonging to the Centurion and the Minstrels, two of the four major powers.\u00a0 The Realm and the Voths were the other two.\u00a0 Each group had a Shadowlands beyond their boarders where the thieves and rogues hid.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard of that war, my father used to tell me it was a waste of resources and men, the territory he conquered the Centurions recaptured five years later,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father was wise,\u201d Eva said.\u00a0 \u201cI thought the same thing back then.\u00a0 OF course my views were not well received by others.\u00a0 So, I ran away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ever see your family again?\u201d Zoe asked.\u00a0 \u201cI mean you have a daughter, and a grandchild, did they know them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father understood why I left, and that we would probably never see each other again.\u00a0 He had a rare gift in magic, the ability to see the future,\u201d Eva said.<\/p>\n

Gwen thought about that, and wondered if Eva had a similar gift.\u00a0 She also wondered if he told her to leave because of something he foresaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like he supported you, what about your mom?\u201d Zoe asked.\u00a0 \u201cDid you have any brothers or sisters?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was an only child, and my mother, she was less accepting than my father.\u00a0 It\u2019s not an easy thing to do, but my mind had been made up,\u201d Eva said.\u00a0 \u201cFortunately I met Joe quickly, and swept me off my feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s sweet,\u201d Zoe said, with a smile, her romantic side running away with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she was standing in the middle of the street with a herd of sheep stampeding though town.\u00a0 So I picked her up and carried her off the street,\u201d Joe said with a chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cWouldn\u2019t talk to me for a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were persistent,\u201d Eva said.<\/p>\n

Gwen chuckled not expecting the story to be so literal.\u00a0 Joe had persistence to continue after what he desired.\u00a0 The waitress delivered their meal and they continued the small talk over the meal before a sleepy Samuel meant it was time for them to go back.\u00a0 Once more they were thanked by Erin leaving them with her parents.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know others will try for him,\u201d Zoe stated, concern in her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but then again, that\u2019s always the case,\u201d Joe replied.\u00a0 Gwen had the feeling he understood the problems both Erin and Samuel faced.\u00a0 \u201cThis time it had a happy ending.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight place, right time, lucky I guess,\u201d Zoe said<\/p>\n

Gwen shook her head even as Eva gave her a hug, stopping slightly.\u00a0 Gwen looked down at the woman who seemed slightly strange.\u00a0 She spoke before Gwen could say anything, her voice lower and raspy.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep luck within your heart,\u201d she said, then seemed to return to normal.\u00a0 Gwen looked at her, then over at Zoe and Joe who seemed to have missed the interaction.\u00a0 Eva said nothing else, but wished her luck in the future before she and Joe left the tavern.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady to head up?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, yeah,\u201d Gwen answered, thinking the phrase over a couple of times, not knowing what it might mean.\u00a0 She followed Zoe up to the room, and pushed the thought aside.\u00a0 She had time later on to ponder the meaning.<\/p>\n

End part 6 continued in part 7<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lucky Luck by AJ Marks Part 6: A Lucky Kid   Gwen slowly woke with the realization that Zoe was using her as a pillow.\u00a0 Looking down at the blonde hair on her shoulder, the girl still fast asleep. She took a second to look at the face, relaxed in sleep.\u00a0 Stretching slightly she felt […]
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