The Magician, The Wand IX

--- o The Wand IX o ---

   ❝ Eugh. ❞

   Judge snorted to himself, not so much out of disapproval but that he as he often did, had something lodged in his sinuses. With a hefty blow and one finger on his other, he dislodged whatever was in his nostril, watching as it flew a few good feet away, sticking to the wood of his wagon where it would stay until nature decided otherwise.

   Despite his own lavish style of fashion, Cesare Judge was smart enough to know it would be unwise to embellish his means of transport lest he be the target of the wayward bandit or guerrilla faction wanting to make a quick buck to fund their campaign. Even if he was moving under the banner of Iris’s Court, where she was not only one of the famed Twelve Shields of Wyddel, but also a sworn leader of one of the four great houses. Most wouldn’t dare to even look her way  unless they were either mentally retarded, or had a death wish. Hell, both would be a potential option and he had seen his fair share of the latter in his time.

   He’d done this enough to know the best routes and methods of getting from one place to another, and would have no issue if it were only him and a single wagon but several stacked to the brim accompanying various others used for lodging and whatnot? It was his first, and it made him feel like a king. That too, he was already intimate with and often partook of the fine trappings that came with deep pockets and the ears of the rich and powerful.

   But right now? Right now he watched in anticipation and mind agitation at how slow his hands were at loading the last of his precious cargo. Cargo that was by all means not anyone’s business knowing the contents, and by all means possibly one that may see the bars of a prison cell if it were to be taken notice of. But such as his work was, so it shall be. Besides, those deep pockets of his did come with the benefits of ignoring the consequences with the right palm to grease with a fat purse.

   This was, perhaps not surprisingly, something Iris would have no issue voicing her concerns and resignations over. She knew, as did everyone, that Judge was in the business of making money by any means, but she also knew that he had his benefits and despite her insistence on denying such, he too made a heavy weight in the coffers of her own campaign which always seemed to be a little short in terms of coin.

   Besides, if it were not for Veld’s insistence, and of course, Elly’s, she’d have left him to his own devices. Veld too was no better in his own business, perhaps worse with the things that he deals, but between him and Judge, there was no comparison to who she would pick. She did, after all, take Elly to him to look after because of her own trust, knowing that he was the one and only person who would take care of her despite his misgivings.

   As for Elly, her own relationship with Judge was one that took Iris by surprise when she first met him. By what means he knew her, was a mystery until she managed to convince the truth to come out. And only because of Judge that it did, as at the time Elly had no trust in anyone including Iris, and seldom spoke at all let alone about herself. Finding out he knew her since she was in diapers was indeed surprising, even more so how he did. He had even designed Elly’s prosthetic arm, and helped her come out of her darker tendencies that still occasionally surface to her chagrin.

   Judge often thought of these things, though most likely it was means to make money, he had a soft spot for her and even he could not suppress his excitement for her new opportunity. Though he would have preferred to accompany them the whole way, for good reason he wasn’t allowed to even step foot in Cadwaladr, let alone the Monastery itself, but there would need to be some compromise between them so he could do regular maintenance on Elly’s arm. He didn’t anticipate that part, especially when Lady Fowler was involved but that’s neither here nor there.

   He hadn’t been there for the meeting, rather, he wasn’t allowed there due to the intimate details being one of his damn business, nor anything of his interest to begin with. But Veld did catch him up on it and he was more than elated to the details of their departure, and of course, their course of journey. Plenty of stops with plenty of money to be made.

   His own inner ramblings aside, Judge nodded to himself as he triple checked the state of his wagon and its contents. It would suffice for now, he made sure that the more immediate items were easy to access so he could make trade on the road whenever and wherever they may find themselves.

   ❝ Hm? ❞

   His ears perked at the sound of movement, which he cautiously turned around and approached, figuring it to be a stray mouse or something else, he pulled back the tarp covering what he assumed was covering his ornate rugs, only to see a familiar face as Elly jumped out at him with a smile.

   ❝ Gotya, cunt! ❞ She chortled, almost tripping over herself as she emerged from her hiding spot.

   ❝ Aye ya little shit, almost gave me a heart attack. ❞

   He huffed as he almost fell to his feet, holding his chest to stifle his surprise. He should’ve known that was bound to happen, as he did take note of Elly hanging around his wagon earlier, only to disappear where she would usually pester him with questions or dumb quips to waste time or even boast a battle of wits and insults between the two.

   ❝ Thought ye a rodent, thought right didn’t I? ❞ Judge bellowed as he ruffled her hair, to which she stuck out her tongue at his comment. He asked, ❝ Shouldn’t ya be help get ready? ❞ 

   ❝ All Dun’ ❞

   Elly replied with a shrug, she had already finished packing her own things and helped Narda with hers, though Veld wouldn’t let her help after she finished prepping the apothecary supplies. Iris too refused to let her help as she already had it sorted, so Elly found herself with time on her hands and in her hands did it often lead to mischief. She had already tormented Rhodi as she had a strong sense of duty to making his life miserable every chance she got, but he did her the same so it was a battle of petty wits and creativity that led to some very strange and often amusing moments for the two of them.

   ❝ There you are, ❞

   Iris called out to the two as she peered inside the wagon, her eyes set on Elly with the look she had whenever she knew mischief was afoot.

   ❝ Stop messing around, were ready to go as soon as Cesare is done. ❞

   Her words were pointed at the two of them, to Elly for her to stop playing around, and to Judge to simply hurry the fuck up, albeit in nicer words she would put it.

   ❝ Kay! ❞ Elly replied as she practically leapt out of the wagon. Judge simply shrugged and gave Iris a knowing look, though the both had a little smile as they always did when Elly was around.

   ❝ Aye, yer rite. Almos’ done meself, jus’ doin’ lass checks fore we head. ❞

   ❝ Right, well, everyone else is waiting so let’s wrap it up. ❞

   Iris replied curtly, making no attempt to hide her feelings from Cesare. They did not get along at all. But that’s maybe why the worked so well together, neither took the others shit and would always be the first to point out how the other was wrong or often, at his expense, stupid.

   And thus they would embark, the first stop, the town of Ruith, a good two days travel considering their large numbers. A good dozen wagons, and plenty more people and burdens to pull them along.

--- o The Magician I o ---