Dracen Phyre - Chapter 3
Chapter 3
She couldn’t believe that this is what she was to do. She packed a few things into her satchel for the journey. Fortunately she was used to traveling light. Hopefully anything she didn’t have that she’d need she could barter for. The Council had already told her where the bridge was anchored for her to travel to River Rock. And she had to be there at a certain time or the magic wouldn’t recognize her. She shivered. Witches. They creeped her out. Though they were meta-human like her, their ancestry differed greatly. This was reflected in life style and power. Hopefully she wouldn’t have to be at River Rock too long. She wasn’t sure how she was going to react to being in close proximity to a Witch city, as well as that many of them together. The few Witches she’d encountered on her missions had been far from their enclaves in human hamlets.
She glanced around her room. It was a standard guest room. Stark and utilitarian. A room countless numbers of Hunters had no doubt used over the years. It reminded her that she didn’t have much to call her own. There was a small one bedroom place in the city surrounding the stronghold, but even there the Hunter nomadic lifestyle of simplicity was reflected. Most things that were important to her she carried with her always. Anything else was easily bartered for something useful. It was a wonder that materialism was popular pre-Eruption. Chasen couldn’t fathom having piles of things, or living in a space big enough for three. Even when she’d been growing up at the Academy with other young Hunters that much space felt odd and overwhelming.
With a sigh, Chasen slung the satchel over her shoulder, adjusting it so that she could draw her blade if necessary. Her hand fell to the raygun resting in the holster slung low on her hips and anchored to her left thigh. She hated that the weapon was necessary, preferring blades for their elegance and beauty. Rayguns were bulky and crass. But with so many predators, being able to end a confrontation from a distance outweighed the dislike. With one last glance around, she picked up her cap and goggles. The goggles she pulled over her head and left around her neck; the hat she jammed down over her hair, causing the stray pieces to fly every which way. Tucking what she could underneath, Chasen left the room.
Oliver Davenport was standing with his hand poised to knock. “I was just coming to see you off.”
Chasen smiled at her uncle. He was a good head of family. She pulled the door shut behind her and fell into step next to him. “Where’s Nate?”
“Sparring. He’s been trying to spar with Blackwood’s second for ages. Girl finally told him yes last week and they set it up for today. Otherwise he’d be here too.”
Chasen smirked, “Uh hun.” She recalled the pretty Hunter standing by the orange clad elder. Oliver grinned in reply.
Leaving the stronghold through a side door toward the out lot, Chasen squinted against the bright sunlight. She paused on the steps and gazed up. The sky was clear, not a cloud in sight. That didn’t mean anything though. If she’d learned one thing while traveling, it was that outside the populated areas, the weather and terrain were rough. She’d have to be ready for anything. With a sigh she walked down the steps to meet Oliver. The Elder was already asking the Hands on standby to retrieve Chasen’s bike. She watched the flurry of activity. “Don’t startle them too much, Uncle.” She watched him from the corner of her eye, “I wouldn’t want to be responsible for a run on the medic wing from heart attacks.”
Oliver cuffed her affectionately as a Hand brought her steam-bike out. Chasen was proud of the machine. With in town limits most people walked, but to Hunt outside the territory or travel you needed transportation. Many relied on air-ships, but they were crowded and set to a schedule. Chasen enjoyed the freedom having her bike allowed her. She could follow what path she wanted and decide when to go and how long it would take. It was big enough to seat two with some room for essentials. She saw that her tent, knapsack, and sleeping bag were still in place.
She moved forward and thanked the Hand, he dipped in a quick bow before scurrying away. Swinging her leg over the seat, she pulled her goggles into place, adjusting them for comfort. Grinning at Oliver, she pulled the key from her pocket and slotted it into place. She twisted the key, held the break and throttle leavers, and kicked the engine to life. A hiss started as steam moved through the parts.
“Young Davenport!”
Chasen looked up, and frowned. Elder Orton was bustling toward her, slightly out of breath. Releasing the brake and throttle, the engine died along with the hiss. Orton straightened her cape as she stopped next to Oliver, “Thank you for seeing her off. But I felt that she needed one more thing.” Slowly approaching her, Orton held out a chain. It winked and flashed in the bright afternoon sun. Chasen slowly reached out for it. She examined the chain of faded gold, and gasped as she saw the Hunter’s crest etched into a medallion dangling from the end. A dagger with a circle divided into seven slivers, each bearing colored glass the color of each family.
She shoved her goggles up to get a better look, her cap shifting askew. Holding the charm and necklace to her breast, Chasen whispered a reverent thank you. Orton nodded, pride showing in her eyes.
Oliver stepped forward, his hand falling to Chasen’s shoulder, squeezing affectionately. “You’ve always represented the Davenports honorably. I have no doubt you’ll do the same for all Hunters. Go with our blessing, my child.” His lips pressed a kiss to both her temples.
With her voice caught in her throat, Chasen put the chain over her head, allowing the crest to rest just above her breasts next to the silver clockwork key that had been her mother’s. Her fingers stroked the charms, before rising to readjust her goggles and cap. With a last nod, she started her bike, and rode down the main road of the stronghold, small bursts of steam trailing her.
She passed through the market district, stalls lining one side of the street, and small established businesses the other. She ignored the left turn toward her apartment, and instead continued straight toward the outer gate. She wanted to be on the way to the Bridge point. Absently she waved as she heard voices calling her name. Her mind spinning with all that had happened in the last twenty four hours.
She turned a few times, trying to memorize the streets and sights of the Capital. She wasn’t sure when she’d be returning. It was almost too soon, when she realized that she was at the gate. She slowed to a stop before the open portal. She turned and pushed her goggles up, her gaze moving over the sprawling city and the massive stronghold. The solid power and majesty were impressive. Blinking back sudden tears, Chasen put her goggles back in place. Revving the engine, she took a deep breath and accelerated through the gate.
Her body shuddered as she passed the protective barrier. It was one of the few forms of magic a Hunter could cast. A barrier to protect. This time leaving it, Chasen had a feeling she wouldn’t feel that comfort for a long time to come.