(Previously: Garulf decides to let the ladies have some peace and quiet while misguiding Farah)At that moment Farah entered the tap room and looked around "where are all the laides? I sure miss our wine days."
"Listen Farah, those days are over, the women prefer tea now, and to be honest they look better...healthier and much more alive" Garulf said. 3I agree with you old friend my Frieda wasn't so alive since our honeymoon" Jorund noticed. "Last night I've even heard my Emeril sing, that sure has been a while" the blacksmid noticed too. The priest stood up and said "slowly our troubled town is turning back to normal, first our harvests which were very rich this year, then the opening of a brandnew bakery, the Lords of Light have given us so much already."
"The priest is right, I've got work again and I can save some money, and one day raise a family."
"I'm agree with Sven, our irrigation system is working well and new crops are already growing, altough is is odd of the time of the year, were in winter..."
"Tarun has a point, but don't worry youngsters, there is no reason to it, the crops are smart enough..." Helluin grinned.
"If you say so, anyway I hope I can buy some bread tomorrow, fresh from the oven."
"You'll have it Brian, I'm going to sleep for a while and tomorrow morning before dawn I'm going to start baking" Helluin spoke amused.
"Don't forget my order" Garulf grinned "I'm expecting quite a crowd tomorrow."
"I won't don't worry; Sven? I'm counting on you lad."
"Sure thing Helluin I won't let you down."
"That's the spirit" Garulf grinned, completely ignoring Farah who grinted her teeth. With an angry face she left the tavern and went back to the hall, after noticing that a lad seemed to guard the bakery. Inside the tavern Helluin laughed along with Garulf when they peeked trough the window.
The next moring the town were awakened by the delicious scent of fresh baked bread. Garulf opened his window and inhaled deeply "ahh, the scent of fresh baked bread in the morning, it sure has been a while since I've smelled this" he said satisfied.
"Yes it has been a while indeed, but my husband you know what else has been a long time?" Solvey noticed before placing Garulfs hand upon her belly. "What? Sweetheart are you serious?"
"Yes, Garulf three months now, but don't say a word about this yet, all of us women are. But we have agreed to do our monthly laundry like we always did to hide it from Farah" Solvey whispered. Garulf embraced her and said "my love this is good news indeed, come let's get dressed, then I can pick up my order from the bakery. The soldiers from Tarnbad will pass here like last year, to man their coastal fortress up north."
"Sure..." Solvey noticed while taking a warm dress. Both went downstairs and began to prepare things when Sven peeked inside trough the window. "Hey Garulf, your 14 loafs of bread, Helluins sends them."
"Thank you Sven, that saves me some time" Garulf said "and ow, if you see Brian and Tarun..."
"We're present chef... can we come in?" Brian noticed while sticking his head trough the open window. Solvey opened the door an let the men in. Garulf gave Sven some coins and then began to cook, aided by Brian and Tarun.
At the bakery Eilinel served her customers and asked "what's wrong?"
"Nothing. Only the soldiers from Tarnbad are going to pass here, the Borgia pass takes them closer to their coastal fortress in the northren region of the continent" Frieda spoke. "If they ride over the main trade route, they are five days more on the road and then they have to pay a passing tax for each village they pass that has a church" Emeril whispered. "And to be honest, those soldiers don't like thos paladins either" Freya whispered. "Well if they want bread, they'll have to order it" Eilinel said while checking a knot. She had tied Isil in a sheet upon her back and did her work while cradling her daughter. "I dunno but word goes that traders are re-builing Lindl" Frieda spoke.
"Maybe now we can put our lives back on the track, ow I'd best get to my own house, my skills as a seamstress might come in handy" Freya noticed before speeding out of the bakery. Eilinel lifted her shoulders and wondered how those soliers would be like.
Around noon the soldiers arrived and held still in front of the tavern. Garulf speeded outside and said "welcome milords, do come in."
"Mh, this smells delicious, we're tired and hungry, can you feed us?" The captain mentioned. "Yes, yes come in please, I've got fresh bread from our new bakery, opened yesterday..." Garulf began.
"Really? Soldier...go to that bakery and order all the bread...here is gold..." the captain responded. "My best man, I'm sold out, but you'll have your fresh bread by the end of this day..." Helluin noticed. The captain looked at him and asked "can you bake 30 loafs of bread by tonight?"
"Sure I'm on it already..."
"Thank you good man my soldier will arrange the financial part..."
"No bother, it is 30 silverlings, I'd rather keep it cheap" Helluin responded. The surprised captain gave 30 silverlings and then went inside. A soldier looked at Helluin and then asked "is there a seamstress? My cloak is torn..."
"Freya is over there, near her house, she'll take care of your cloak" Helluin answered before speeding to the bakery. Once inside he said "Sven we have to bake 30 big loafs of bread."
"I'm already busy boss, the dough is almost done, I figured they needed supplies" Sven interrupted.
"I'm busy with some pies, for the tavern, my sweet" Eilinel noticed.
"You two are wonderfull" Helluin responded when the bell rang. Eilinel went to the front and asked "what can I do for you?"
"My captain sends word that the 30 loafs can be delivered tomorrow morning, he fears your tavern might need more" a soldier said amused when suddenly Brian stormed in "Eilinel hurry Garulf asks 20 more breads..."
"We're sold out, the next load is on the way, can't be sooner than over twenty minutes..." Helluin warned. "I'll tell Garulf" Brian gasped. "And I'll tell my captain, fresh baked bread is always worth the wait" the soldier responded. Both men speeded away and Helluin sighed "lucky those guys only pass once a year."
"Are you sure?" Eilinel asked.
"I hope so..." Helluin sighed before going back into the bakery.
Twenty minutes later Eilinel speeded towards the tavern carrying a large basket with steaming bread. "Ahh our bread has arrived, excellent madame...and you have such a lovely baby" the captain spoke satisfied. "Thank you, but tell me what is your duty?"
"We guard the northren coast against the drow pirates, they usually don't venture so far during winter, but you can never be too carefull."
"You are right captain, that scum is worse enough" Eilinel noticed.
"Ow before I forget, we leave in the morning but you may expect our other troop five days from now, just that you're prepared."
"Thank you captain for the warning, I'll inform my husband at once" Eilinel said before leaving the tavern. On her way to the bakery she thought "so the old drow pirates are still around, I wonder if they still have our stolen ship, The Drakenya, which they have stolen three decades ago. Maybe that will keep my queen from looking for us, for now I must keep Isil safe. Her bonnet covers her pink hair, for she's too young for the dying process of the pimo Jecho plant." She looked up and sighed when Isil began to whine "yes sweetheart, mummy will feed you soon" she noticed before going indoors. Once inside she sat down and began to feed her daughter in silence. Helluin noticed this and asked "what's wrong my heart?"
"Nothing, that captain told me that we can expect another troop within five days, plus the drow pirates are still around."
"What? That can't be good news, my goodness. Well just maybe your queen will focus upon them, if she finds out."
"Maybe but neverless we can't let our guard down. Farah doesn't know who we really are, and I intend to keep it that way."
"You are right Eilinel my love. I wish I could've offered you an easier life than this" Helluin sighed "I have failed to keep my promise."
"Helluin don't say that, you've kept your promise, you have found a shelter for the both of us..." Eilinel said scared.
"But this isn't a palace."
"That doesn't matter, love that doesn't matter at all" Eilinel sighed. At that moment Sven peeked into the living room and said "sorry to disturb you, but this you've got to see. Against all odds the paladins have arrived and they are mad about the fact that, the temple is still standing." By these words both followed Sven outside and Eilinel noticed how the captain of the soldiers was argueing with the leading Paladin. "A church?! For crying out loud, the only reason why you want this, is because of the Borgia pass which we're using for the past ten years. We all know that the 'passing fees' are way too high, therefor we use this passage. And besides, last time I passed here people had almost nothing, now I smell food everywhere here. A miracle from their Lords, the priest told me. So why would they forsake their religion for something that is based upon mere fantasies and unbelievable stories? All you people care about is money. I have passed many villages who stand under your supervision, and believe me those poor fellows are even more poor than this little village, for they seem to have forgotten how to laugh, a graveyard has much more fun, and in mere contrast are the regents of those cities and villages. Living in huge castles, drinking and feasting while those corrupt bastards preach poverty and humility among the people. I felt sick everytime we had to pass one. Our town is also one that doesn't surrender to your demands, glad to know that Dun-Natal is also still standing" the captain spoke calm and civilized. "Soon enough they'll beg for our help in five years no baby has been born here, and only our Lord" the Paladin began when the captain shook his head and then pointed at Isilheledh who lay in Helluins arms. "I do believe that, that is a baby or am I wrong?" He spoke causing the Paladin to freeze. "My daughter was born here three months ago, and if the Lords of Light are willing this won't be the only birth" helluin noticed. "helluin is right, our Lords have manifested themselves once, who knows they'll do so again, we keep our faith in them" the blacksmid said whith a loud voice. The Paladin grasped his sword but several soldiers came standing in front of him. "An unwise idea my fellow..." one said.
"freedom of opinion is still a rule here..." another one said. "Altough you don't tolerate this, so it seems..." a third one noticed. The Paladin decided to put his sword away and grumped something before going to the others of his group. "Farah, I give your village another six months to convert or else, it would be burned."
"I'm sure commander, that they'll be convinced soon." Farah said. the paladin commander nodded and said "I hope so for your own sake, after all a burned down village ain't good."
"Hey, if you try to threaten us, I have news for you, you are waisting our time..." Garulf noticed. The paladins looked at him and then they rode off while the captain of the soldiers looked at Farah. "You bring everyone into trouble with your useless demands, one of these days you'll end up dead" he mentioned while climbing upon his horse. Helluin gave one of the soldiers the 30 loafs of fresh baked bread and the captain said "Hey inn keeper thanks for the meal, remember that you can expect the other group within five days."
"Thank you captain, have a safe journey and tell your friends that they are welcome here at all times" Garulf responded. The captain nodded and then gave his bataljon the order to move out. Garulf watched them leave and then looked at Farah who stood near the fountain. Yet instead of saying something, Garulf went back into this tavern followed by Helluin and Sven.
A bit later they all sat near the fireplace and Garulf sighed deeply. "Now she has openly declared war to us all."
"Look Garulf, maybe you don't know this, but all our wives seem to be pregnant, but they have told us to keep it quiet" Sven noticed.
"Eilinel must've adviced this, she has all reasons to believe that Farah's so called wine parties weren't as innocent as they might've looked" Helluin spoke. "Already thinking about a second child?" Jorund asked.
"No, besides Eilinel won't be able to have another child, until Isil is old enough" Helluin noticed. "Neverless, I think yer wife has done a smart thing for now, but what will happen when our wives can no longer hide their bellies?" Sven asked.
"Good point, we can't lock them up you know" Garulf spoke. "I have no idea, however we'll think of something even if that means we have to stick pillows under our clothes and pretend we all grow fat with all this food." Helluin answered. "That is an original idea, up to a certain point" the blacksmid said.
"And that is?" Garulf asked.
"Well, if all our wives had their children, and we walk around with these pillows, what would we do then?" The blacksmid responded.
"A massive diet?" Jorund suggested.
"Come on, diets are for women" Garulf protested causing the other men to laugh. "However it might be the best excuse if we want to fool Farah" Garulf noticed.
"Garulf is right, but goodness isn't it much easier to kill that old fart?" Sven said.
"it may sound tempting, but we don't know what Farah actually is after all we only hear her talking during our meetings at the town hall" Jorund mumbled.
"You start to think the same thing, ever since our women no longer drink Farah's wine, they all are pregnant. I may be a simple person but I ain't stupid" the blacksmid noticed. "Helluin believe it or not but you and your wife have done miracles here" Jorund said causing Helluin to wave with his hand. "Look Eilinel is the helpfull type and I only encourage her. Besides I'm looking at you all here today and you all are smiling, and more relaxed. When I first arrived here, I felt your stress and sorrow" he noticed. Garulf gave his friend a pint and shook his head "we are thankfull that you decided to stay" he grumped. Helluin only smiled and said "where are the women anyway?"
"They went to the bakery with your wife" Sven noticed. "Probably talking about ladies stuff" Garulf grinned causing the others to laugh.
Meanwhile Eilinel served everyone tea aided by Solvey. "Ow this tea is so delicious, much more healthier than that wine" Solvey noticed while serving herself tea. "We all are pregnant, but i'm afraid that Farah would find out" she added.
"Don't worry, she won't trust me" Eilinel noticed, before placing a plate with cookies upon the table. In her cradle Isilheledh turned around in her sleep and didn't heard her mother and her friends talking.
As said the other group of soldiers from the northren fortress arrived at Dun Natal a week after the first group and Garulf had his hands full with serving them. In his bakery Helluin were busy with baking the breads they had requested, aided by Eilinel. "Soon enough we have enough money to get out of here" Eilinel sighed. "My love what's wrong? Why do you say that?"
"I don't want to see my daughter grow up in a village that is under a constant thread of those Paladins."
"Eilinel my dear don't worry, she'll be safe, yes I have seen it too in my darkest dream but don't let that worry my heart, we'll make a strong girl out of her." Helluin noticed while embracing his wife. Eilinel nodded and then sighed deeply "guess you're right my love" she whispered before checking the cream for her fresh baked pies. Helluin looked at the breads in the oven and then smiled a bit. "Don't worry she'll face her demons one day and defeat them." He spoke before taking the breads out. "Yes you're right my dearest love" Eilinel noticed before decorating her pies, while Helluin placed the hot breads upon a cooling plate. "Can you bring these to the tavern Sven?" He asked.
"Sure, look I've made raisin dough for a raisin bread." Sven responded.
"Ah, good a new vari�ty for the customers, I'll place it in the oven right away." Helluin responded while taking the dough and placing it into the oven. Sven smiled and took the steaming basket "i'll be back in no time" he grinned before running out of the bakery. Eilinel smiled and looked at the doorway. "He seems so much happier, the women have thanked me so much."
"And the men have thanked me too, goodness they all are so...alive?"
"Yes indeed, now come, we have work to do" Eilinel noticed.
"I'll ask the blacksmid if he can forge some arrowpoints for me plus a sword, when Isil is old enough, I'll start her training."
"I'll teach her how to make herbal potions, salves and how to listen to the elements of nature" Eilinel noticed while taking the tray with pies to the shop. She looked into the cradle and smiled "my sweet baby girl" she whispered, before sniffing the air. "Ow someone has a dirty diaper here" she added before placing the pies upon a table. She then took her baby out of the cradle and placed her upon a nursing table. Helluin looked over her shoulder and made a funny face when he smelled the dirty diaper. "someone did her best here.." he coughed while Eilinel threw away the diaper. "She needs a bath...Sven? will you watch the breads, I need to fill a tub."
"Sure, is the baby dirty?" Sven asked while looking at Isilheledh who didn't cry at all. "Wow, she sure is quite calm, normally babies cry their lungs out when they have a dirty diaper" he noticed surprised.
"I've removed it before she even realized she had one" Eilinel said while Helluin filled a small tub with water. Sven went into the bakery and checked the ovens. "Isil is an exeptional baby, she hardly cries" he spoke.
"That is because Eilinel feels it when our daughter needs something" Helluin responded. "Ah? Well that indeed saves some cries, you think that our wives would be able to learn that as well?"
"That, I do not know but a crying baby sure has its own charmes."
"Maybe, but Helluin, do babies have bad dreams, like grown ups?"
"Strangely enough, yes they have, why do you ask?"
"Just in case our baby cries, but ain't hungry or has a dirty diaper, then I can comfort it" Sven noticed while checking the breads again. "By the way, the captain thanked you for the fast service, he paid the breads, here's the money" Sven added before handing over a small bag. Helluin checked the coins and then gave a few to Sven. "Here's your dayly payment"
"Gee, thanks... ow customers in the shop" Sven noticed as a bell tinkled. he put the coins away and speeded into the store. Helluin took the breads out of the oven and thought "those soldiers from last week must've told everyone beyond Icky mountains that the Borgia pass is toll free, never before we had so many passing travellers and merchants."
"Helluin are the raisin breads ready? Please, there are two customers who wish raisin breads" Sven suddenly asked.
"Oh? Sure here they are, still warm" Helluin responded. Sven took them over and went back into the shop. "So where did you came from?"
he asked while placing the breads into a basket. "We came from the Archmagi city of Allet-Truif, it lies due east from here, we have been assigned to supervise the town of Lindl which is also a mage city" the old man answered. "Good choice to use our toll free pass sir, Lindl lies just beyond it" Sven noticed. The old man paid for the breads and said "I'm surprised that the paladins leave this town alone."
"Wishfull thinking sir, they have been here and threatened to burn our village, if we didn't build a church by the end of this year. But our Lords have already blessed us, with good harvest and... good customers." Sven said when Farah entered. He wanted to say 'pregant women' but swallowed his words. Instead he said "Farah what can I do for you?"
"Why are you all so blind? Sven, one blessing doesn't solve the main problem of this village. Lack of newborn babies."
"Well Farah I believe our Lords of Light have heard our renewed prayers, one day they shall be forfilled, and no paladin n'or church can change this" Sven spoke.
"Well said young man, we archmagi also refuse their presence and to be honest they fear our magic" the old man said.
"Feel free to come and live here, if you like" Sven grinned causing the old man to laugh as well. "My friend there is magic enough here, and the paladins who can detect this magic will be terrified...Ah? Cookies? I'd like a pound of them, for the temple" he spoke as Eilinel entered the shop with a tray of cookies. "Sure good man, ah, Garulf, you look troubled, what's wrong?" Helluin asked as his friend entered.
"Those soldiers are more starved than the first group, you have bread available?"
"Sure, hey it seems that the priest has been summoned as well"
"Well, Helluin, those men are exhausted, and they have told me that their guard duties ain't simple."
"Don't worry my friend, here's all the bread you need, geesh I assumed that winter here would be colder" Helluin noticed while peeking outside. "That is a bit of a lotery here, one year the winter is hard here and the next year it is rather normal. Anyway thanks for the bread...goodday" Garulf said , ignoring Farah as he walked outside. The magi thanked Sven too and also left the shop while new customers entered. Farah shook her head and then said "one day y'all be begging for changements, for you know that one baby won't make the day."
"Farah please leave the shop, you're chasing the customers away" Helluin noticed. Farah muttered something and went out of the bakery. Sven lifted his shoulders and siched deeply before helping the customers aided by Eilinel.
As the months passed the men carried out their little plan by stuffing pillows into their clothes. The women mostly remained indoors and avoided any contact with Farah. Eilinel brought them food and checked their condition along with the priest. "Hello Frieda, everything seems in order congratulations" the priest said after checking Frieda's belly. "thanks, and thank you Eilinel for everything."
"It is nothing dear, Farah will be so angry if she finds out, that has to be avoided at all cost" Eilinel whispered while gazing at the priest. "Don't worry I won't tell anyone about all this" he said.
"I am not worried about that" Eilinel noticed while receiving some coins from Frieda. "I'm worried Farah will find out anyway, after all she ain't stupid."
"Don't worry Eilinel, we'll keep it secret untill all the babies are born and blessed" the priest noticed. "Eluna will be with us all" Eilinel sighed before leaving the room. She left Frieda's house and walked back to the bakery. In those months that had passed, the Elders had passed away and Eilinel suspected Farah for killing them. "Altough they were old and senile, yet she couldn't convince them, that her plans were right. And now she's the only Elder... She refuses to accept elections for a new counsil, and still tries to convert everyone here, but as long as the town refuses, she, as only Elder has to accept majorities rule unless..." Eilinel thought while going indoors. Helluin sat in a chair and played with Isil when he heard his wife entering. "How's Frieda?"
"She's doing well, just like the others, I suspect any day now..." Eilinel responded. Helluin noticed her troubled looks and asked "what's wrong?"
"I hope Eluna hears my prayer, let those babies be born before those wretched Paladins return."
"Mu love you can't force nature to let them be born, altough I too pray for the same thing it's..." Helluin began when the bell of the shop rang. Sven peeked inside and said "its the priest along with Garulf."
"Let them in...Garulf what's new?" Helluin asked. "Listen, soon the women will give birth but the priest can't run from one house to the other, without drawing that old fart's attention. My idea was to move all the women to the inn, on the night without a moon, then it'll be dark enough" Garulf explained. Helluin seemed to think for a while and then said "tonight it's gonna be clouded, even raining a bit so no moon and no lights either, leave the tavern dark."
"No..;give a feast, the ment can enter trough the front door while I lead the ladies trough the back" Eilinel noticed.
"Ehm, why not enter the tavern as a couple trough the front door but all women wear wide clothes to give the impression that the whole town has grown fat and not just us" Sven suddenly suggested. The men looked at eachother and then the priest nodded. "Your idea and a good one friend we'll see it done."
"My love I have to warn the ladies" Eilinel warned. "Leave that to me all the men are at the tavern for the moment." Garulf responded. "Thanks again, Sven..." he added.
""You're welcome, here let me guide you out, eh Helluin..."
"Sure Sven, take the rest of the day off."
"Thanks i owe you big time" Sven noticed before leaving as well. Eilinel sighed deeply and silently hoped that all would go well. "If Farah would find out anyway there might be death. She'd never allow those babies to live, oh Eluna godess of the night help them" she thought as the sun began to set.
As soon as it were dark, the people of Dun Natal came out of their houses and went to the enlightened tavern. As helluin had said it was a dark night without a moon, and it rained a bit. Garulf waited near the entrance and welcomed them inside while his sharp eyes looked around to see if Farah were somewhere to be found, aided by helluin whos elf eyes pierced the darkness. "She's nowhere in sight, but that doesn't mean a thing, come let us go inside as well and have a feast" Garulf spoke. Helluin nodded and followed his friend into the tavern, where Eilinel checked the women and then said "this will be a very short night for all of us..." before guiding the women upstairs.
As bot Garulf and Helluin had feared, the paladins returned to Dun Natal much sooner than suspected. Farah welcomed them with open arms and said "my lord the townfolk have no longer reason to believe in those old legends I'll call them..." But before she could ring the bel a few men stormed out of the tavern and were cheering like if they had found a fortune. "Ah glad to see you are so happy about the coming of the paladins" Farah said. "Wha? Heck no woman... We have other reasons to be happy."
"Jorund is right, Hey Garulf open the blinds man!!!"
"Sure Bjorn..." Garulf yelled back and went back into the tavern. A little later Eilinel opened a window and the cries of newborn babies began to fill the morning air, while more and more men stormed out of the tavern. They all began to dance around the fountain and cheered. Farah stood near the paladins and were spellbound. The paladin captain however shook his head and said "we had decided to convert this village if crops were failures and no babies were born by the end of our terms, Farah. However for some reason these things have happened so, we have no deal..."
"What?! But...but what about the money? You promised..." Farah protested.
"No convertion, no money..." The paladin captain noticed. He and his patrol rode away and left Farah angry and very dissapointed. She turned to the cheering men and said "one day this happiness will become your greatest tragedy."
"Shut up will you, we are fathers now..." the men responded together before continuing their celebration. Dun Natal finally had children and hope for the future but Farah's dark eyes cried for vengeance.
