Scouting Trip by Hera Julii

Night had fallen again, and the women and men has come to the central fire once more. In one corner of the great bon fire, stories were being told. On the opposite side, a slave was dancing for a small group of young men. Ladies were mending clothes in another cluster, and Hera, she sat on an over turned crate, attempting to write by the light of the fire in her journal.

That was when the sound of chaos came. Men whooped, yelled, called and whistled. A sound only described as jubilation and victory. All eyes suddenly turned to the tree line. The remaining men on shore stood, grabbing their weapons, women and slaves leapt to their feet.

"It is John and Jeric and their scout party," a voice called out in the dark. There was a collective feeling of relief that swept through the camp. Slaves ran to their returning masters. Those that came into the circle of fire light wore large smiles, sweeping up their women and children. Hera just watched, until she was approached by Jeric, "Where is Nazarus?"

"He sleeps. Shall I wake him?" Hera set down her book, straightening in the silk of island sari to regard the group's Lieutenant.

"No." He gestured to the meeting tent. Hera took her book with her, and moved away from the celebration that was going on by the fire. Much food and drink would be had tonight. Jeric slipped into the tent, and Hera followed, pushing aside the canvas flap to enter. When it closed, they were left in relative darkness, save the radiance from the outside fires that cast shards of light at angles around them as they faced one another.

"Seven pasangs in, we have found a city. It is empty, but the structures seem sound enough to be repaired. It is a beautiful city. The architecture is superb."

"Where are the people? Who would leave such a city behind?" Hera interrupted him, concern etched her brow.

Jeric paused, then shifted, a slight incline of his head indicated he was hiding something. Hera was good at reading people, she remained silent and staring, waiting for him to spit out what it was he did not want to say, "There are burn pits outside the walls..quite far away from the city itself. We found human remains.." He paused again, "It could be.."

"The plague? We are not far from Bazi." Hera exhaled and moved to one of the crates still piled up in the tent, sitting on it heavily.

"Everything was burned. It's as though someone came through and purified the city, leaving it a skeleton inside." Jeric moved to the canvas flap, pulling it aside slightly to look out at the celebration that was ongoing.

"Yes, but who, and will they return?" Hera looked up at him.

"The city's Home Stone was not to be found. Whoever was here, and whoever loved it, took their stone with them. Perhaps to rebuild elsewhere." Jeric shrugged.

"Do you think it's safe?" Hera inquired quietly.

"All that is left is stone, and wood. We will make our own wells, and start over. I think it is safe yes, and besides Hera, you are only speculating." Jeric grinned, looking back at her.

"Yes, yes..speculating." Hera rolled her eyes, pushing up from the crate, "I will send Nazarus to you in the morning. You can deliver the good news."