Jurenheim Ch 6

Chapter 6

Regulansier, or known among many as Reggie, approached Jeremiah. Reggie was a legend among Kell's Garden. He had come to the city over two hundred years ago. He founded the Garden's rangers as a splinter group of Kalina's elven rangers. He also fought alongside Karina's mother who had been a member. He was even recognized as a member of the city's council.

"Jeremiah," said Reggie as he nodded in greeting.

"Sir," said Jeremiah in turn.

Reggie motioned to Cass. "Is she the one?"

"Yes," Jeremiah responded.

Reggie approached Cass with a stern look. The look made her shudder and become uneasy. She attempted to hide behind Jeremiah again, but Karina grabbed Jeremiah and pulled him away from her.

Jeremiah looked back at Cass and said, "It's alright, Cass. He's here to help."

"Why are you here in Kalina?" asked Reggie.

Cass replied nervously, "I was looking for help."

"Help for what?"

"For my people. They have been fooled by an evil man who has done something to our queen. Now, my people live under constant fear of this man and our own queen."

Reggie pondered for a moment. "So, your people sent you 'here' to find help?"

"No, I escaped. I crossed the desert and came into Kalina by coincidence. I honestly do not know where I am. Then this morning, I realized I was being pursued by goblins. When I saw the city's lights, I ran to it hoping they would leave me once I reached the city."

Reggie turned back to Jeremiah in contemplation. He thought over what Cass had told him. He paced away out of ear shot of Cass, and he called Jeremiah and Karina over to his side.

"Does any of what she says add up to what has transpired?" Reggie asked quietly.

"Yes, sir," replied Jeremiah, and he recalled the events to Reggie.

Then, Karina did the same.

"Jeremiah, why did you leave the city's boundary?" asked Reggie.

At this, Jeremiah shrank back. He replied sheepishly, "Well, sir, Cass was being chased, so when she and the goblins reached the edge of the city, I had to make a hasty decision to keep following, to save her."

"Despite the fact that as a city guard you are supposed to stay 'in' the city," said Reggie condescendingly.

Jeremiah stared down in defeat.

"Sir," Karina broke in, "he was only trying to help. I'm sure that..."

Reggie quickly raised his hand, and Karina went silent.

"Jeremiah, how many times now have you failed the ranger exam?" asked Reggie.

"Twice, sir," replied Jeremiah.

"On which parts?"

"Magic and archery, sir."

Reggie raised an eyebrow at Jeremiah. "And yet, you were able to hit a goblin from fifty paces back in town."

"The exam just makes me nervous, sir, and I've always had trouble with magic."

"Hmph, and as for you, Karina. I thought you were supposed to be teaching him since your mother left. I guess you really are just a shadow of her after all."

Karina clenched and bared her teeth. If there was one thing she hated, it was being compared to her mother. The fur on the back of her neck began to stand, and her muscles tensed. Jeremiah, realizing Karina's state, quickly placed a hand on her shoulder. She gave a slight shudder at the surprise of his touch. She began to calm, but her muscles and teeth remained clenched. Jeremiah looked back at Reggie, no longer looking defeated but instead driven with fire and zeal in his eyes. He knew this wasn't like Reggie, and he had to make a stand.

"Sir," said Jeremiah sternly, "Karina's been doing everything she can to help me. It's not her fault I haven't been getting it, and as for tonight, she performed her duties as a ranger admirably. Please, leave her out of this. If you have a problem take it with me."

Reggie stared back at Jeremiah angrily, but Jeremiah continued to stand his ground. Karina, teeth still bared, moved closer to Jeremiah to support him. Her own eyes bore furiously into Reggie's own. Cass grew nervous, not knowing what she should do, as she watched the three from afar. Silence fell, and the three remained locked this way for a few moments.

Finally, Reggie's face softened, and he smiled at the two. Jeremiah and Karina, extremely confused, looked to each other for clarification as Reggie broke out in laughter.

"Very well, Jeremiah," said Reggie jovially, "let us gather next to the fire, and we will discuss your punishment."

Karina and Jeremiah gave a sigh of relief. They really weren't sure what they would have done had Reggie actually fought them. Jeremiah shuddered at the thought. Then, he motioned for Cass to come over. As the group gathered, Reggie, regaining his stoic elven composure, spoke seriously again to the three.

"Ms. Cass, I do not know if you speak truthfully, but in all my many years, I have learned to trust my fellow rangers. I have also grown a fondness for the other races of Jurenheim, and I know more than many not to judge one based on such things. If what you say is true, then it is very unsettling news and should be brought before the council. However, being a member of the council, I already know what will be said, and I'm afraid you will find no help here."

Cass's shoulders began to slump at the news. Just as Jeremiah tried to speak again, Reggie raised his hand for silence and continued.

"Which brings me to your punishment, Jeremiah. You will secretly escort Ms. Cass to Loxodus. There, you will assist her in finding the help she needs. Upon completion and your return, you will be recognized as a ranger of Kell's Garden."

At that moment, Jeremiah's eyes lit up, and Cass smiled at Jeremiah in glee. Jeremiah returned the look of excitement. Then, he turned back to Reggie.

"Thank you, sir," said Jeremiah, "but what about the city guard? I don't think they'll let me go."

"I will handle the intricacies, Jeremiah. This is an important and secretive mission I'm sending you on. We do not know what our enemies are planning for Ms. Cass, but it is of utmost importance you let no one know what you are doing. Karina, will you accompany Jeremiah?"

Karina gave Reggie a semi-earnest look and said, "Do you even need to ask?"

Reggie's eyes rolled. "I thought not. Very well, the two of you are to go and gather your things for the journey. Then, meet back at my home. Please, be secretive when you go. No one is to know about what you are doing."

Jeremiah grinned in utter excitement. "Thank you again, sir. Thank you soo much. I will do the rangers proud."

"I am sure you will, Jeremiah," said Reggie with a smile, "I will give you more details about your mission, tomorrow. In the mean time, the three of you will be guests in my home until you are ready to leave."

And with that, the three put out the fire and departed to prepare for the next day.