A town.
Not a village, hamlet, or small collection of dwellings. As the road exited the forest, Felek could see the low stone wall up ahead. Behind it, two and three-story buildings rose, Kikker in design (which, truth be told, was so similar to Polish structures as to be suspicious). Looking north and south, he saw a stream, either running behind or through the town. Farms and fly ranches filled the surrounding land.
Anelie held up her hand. The column stopped. Ahead, Felek could see at least two guards where the road entered the town. He turned to look behind him.
"Ruta," he said, loudly, "do we go across the stream, or do we follow it?"
"Through the town," Anelie guessed. Felek could only grin. Her pessimistic guesses had been right so far. Some day they would be wrong. Until then...
"Through, I think," came Ruta's reply. His grin turned into a frown. Swinging his horse around, he rode back to the first wagon. He reined in beside it.
"You think?"
Ruta looked at him, expression clearly confused, necklace held in her hand.
"I think. It's..." She looked into her hands. "I don't know." Ruta moved her hand a bit, pointing it north, then south. She looked up at the town. "I almost think we have to turn north once we're over the stream, and the town is confusing it."
"The town is confusing it." Ruta shrugged. Felek could not help but chuckle. "OK, then. I'm not surprised, somehow."
Anelie rode up beside him.
"Figure it out, yet?"
"Through, it looks like." He turned to look west, the sun already behind the trees. "They probably won't like us camping just outside their walls. Should we stay in the town tonight?"
Ruta's eyes lit up. She had not complained about the previous week's camping. Issa, yes, of course he had, if only in jest, but Ruta had transitioned to this new life quite easily. But, obviously, a change would be welcome. Felek looked at Anelie. She, too, was looking at the setting sun, then over towards the town.
Bogdi rode up to the impromptu gathering.
"Something going on?"
"We're considering splurging on a night in the town," Anelie told him. "It's money we don't need to spend, but..."
"I think," he interrupted softly, turning to look back at the second wagon, "it's a good idea." Felek followed his gaze. Adanya was looking back into the now covered wagon, obviously saying something to the kids. He nodded.
"We could use the break. Kikker beds aren't that bad."
"Topping off our supplies whenever we can is also probably a good idea," Anelie admitted. She nodded, as if she had just talked herself into it. "OK, let's go."
****
"Halt."
Felek reined in before the two Kikker guards. They stood in the center of the road, about ten feet ahead of where it passed through the stone wall. The wall was only about eight feet high, augmented a bit by the ditch dug before it. There was no drawbridge, the entrance protected by a simple wooden gate, now open. Wild animals were obviously the main enemy here. The guards wore blue rope tunics, falling down past their knees. The rope was thick, woven in such a way it probably did provide protection from at least the initial blow from a blade. They held their spears with both hands, eyes wary. One took a step forward.
"Interesting party. What is your intent, Polocks?"
The accent was a bit different from Issa and Adanya's, which in turn was different from the Kikker spoken in the port city of Saribit. It was easy enough to understand, though. Felek took a moment to gather his thoughts, do the mental translation.
"We are passing through, Sir Guard. Our business is much father along. However, we wish to lodge in your town, rather than set up camp beyond your walls."
The guard stepped to his left, looking down past the horses.
"You travel with two fellow Kikker?"
"Yes. They are friends." Felek hoped Issa stayed quiet. They did not need any attempted jokes just then.
"Do you have a recommendation for a good inn?" Anelie asked. Felek turned to her, surprised and impressed. That was probably as good as a bribe, if the guards were being paid to steer travelers to one of the local hostels. The two guards glanced at each other, smiles touching their large lips.
"The Croaking Fly is very nice," the first one said, nodding. "Very reasonable. Tell them Coujoe sent you."
"Oh, we will," Felek said, smiling. "Thank you."
The guards stood aside.
"Take the second turn to the left, follow it to almost the northern wall."
"Thank you again." Kicking into his mount's sides, Felek led them into the town.
****
Felek, perhaps more than any other Pole, saw the world the way King James did. As Shanna, perhaps, did. He had listened, eagerly, as the King told countless stories to the boy. Tales of his old world, of its wondrous machines, its incredible history. More, he had told Felek what it was like to live in a world filled with Humans. Not Poles. Humans. Humans of many colors, many cultures. Humans who had come to see the world in many different ways, yet were still at their core the same.
And why he found parts of this world so strange.
Kikker dwelling were one such strangeness. They were human. That was the problem, as His Grace saw it. The buildings were constructed exactly as humans would do so. Exactly, in fact, as the Polish built them. No special flourishes which indicated some aspect of their culture, no design which would cause a Pole to give a home a second look if it was transported back to Nowy Warsaw. It was as if, one day, the Kikker had gone from living in the ponds and rivers to living in human homes. As they rode down the central street, Felek saw it was no different here. Rectangular wood frame structures, with roofs of either thatch or shingles. Saribit at least had the distinction of having apparently been built directly on top of another race's city, the square frames rising from curved stone foundations with no attempt at architectural harmony. This, though...
He shook his head as they passed a rope weaver's shop. Would things be different, once they traveled far from the borders of his homeland? Would they find, in their travels, a truly Kikker city? Or WAS this their culture? Did they build like this before humans came, and it was all some kind of coincidence the two people were similar in this way?
It was a mystery.
He liked mysteries.
The locals were watching as he led the band of Poles past them. He felt no real wariness, no fear. It seemed to be more a case of curiosity. In fact, he suspected the horses drew more attention than their riders. Humans were just weird, ugly, hairy Kikker. Horses were strange, almost mythic creatures. Most Polish trading was done close to home, letting Kikker and Watu merchants spread the goods throughout the world. That would change, once things were more secure, but even then it would be the ports where Polish merchants set up shop. Few would travel by horse to a place like this.
They came to the intersection. A half dozen adolescents stood on the corner, gawking. Despite himself, Felek found his eyes dropping to the exposed breasts of the girls. Only for a moment, though, and mostly out of... well, it wouldn't be right if he DIDN'T look. He had been trained to be diplomatic. Raising his arm as he reined in, Felek smiled as he looked at Anelie.
"Should we head towards the recommended inn? We might only be charged twice what we should."
"We could at least take a look."
There was a murmur among the onlookers. Polish, it seemed, was a strange and exotic language. Or, at least strange and unintelligible. They were certainly providing at least some entertainment.
A girl stepped from the crowd, her brown skin mostly free of the blotches which characterized Kikkers. She stopped, eyes flicking from Felek and Anelie to the first wagon. Anelie frowned.
"Yes, Girl?"
The Kikker jumped back, back hitting her companions. They pushed her back into the street, her large eyes widening even more.
"You... you speak..."
"Yes, we speak Kikker." Anelie's voice wavered between amusement and annoyance. "It's not that hard. What can we do for you?"
"Um..." She looked at the wagon again. Felek followed her gaze.
Issa.
Laughter began bubbling up in Felek. Issa! The girl wanted Issa! God above, the look she was sending his friend transcended race like nothing he had ever seen! And he didn't see it! Issa's face was full of confusion. Had his friend ever been with a Kikker girl? Felek didn't think so. Certainly, he had not told Felek of any romantic encounters, nor of any interest in the girls at his village. Mind you, there were not that many of age, but, still...
Holding in his mirth, Felek moved his horse around Anelie's. The girl looked up at him uncertainly. He smiled.
"I'm Felek. What's your name?"
"O-Ofure."
"Well, Ofure, we are just passing through, but need lodging for the night. Do you know someplace good, reasonably priced, that can house us?" Her eyes went again to Issa. "That's Issa, my good friend. If you know a place, you can ride with him and give us directions."
Felek didn't know which was funnier, the look on her face or on Issa's. The girl ran to the wagon, pulling herself up into the driver's seat. Ruta slid over slowly, face as amused as his probably was as Ofure pressed herself against Issa. Issa tried to move away, only to find Ruta's body halting further retreat. Ofure, eyes glued to his face, pointed down the street.
"I know a place! It's good! Go straight, then turn south when you see the green building!"
Felek let out a chuckle, moving his mount back beside Anelie. She was grinning.
"So," she asked, "we doing this?"
"Yup. And we'd better move quickly, before she rapes him."
"Slower it is, then."
****
The inn was a three-story structure, large glass-free windows cut into the wooden walls. There were shutters, Felek assumed for non-Kikker guests who did NOT want free food flying into their rooms in the night. The building sat on the side of the road, but the road itself ended at the entrance to the stable. The gate open, they rode right in, breaking formation as the Hussars spread out in the yard. Not surprisingly, Felek did not see an actual building for housing their mounts. There were three Perds tied up to a post next to a storage shed, the slimy four-legged beasts laying on the muddy ground. A tarp covered Kikker wagon sat near them, next to the city wall which formed the back of the stable.
The door at the side of the inn opened, a head peeking out. It vanished. Chuckling, Felek dismounted. He walked towards the first wagon as Issa brought it to a stop in the middle of the yard.
"My mother worked here as a girl," Ofure was saying, eyes still drinking in Issa. "I did, too, for a bit, when I was little. I may do it again, but right now I have to help Mother. What do you do, Issa?"
"Um... not much." His eyes shot to Felek, pleading. This served him right, after all the flirting he had inflicted on Polish girls. Ruta, eyes sparkling, elbowed him.
"You're too modest! Ofure, Issa here serves the chief of the village of Visvang. He is known and trusted by the Polish King. He has a VERY bright future."
"You... exaggerate." Purple spots broke out on his brown face, his own eyes avoiding contact with Ofure.
"Ruta," Felek said, stopping beside the wagon and raising his arms. She pushed herself away from Issa, opening his escape path as she let Felek help her to the ground. Issa didn't move for a moment, side still pressed against the girl. Ruta gave Felek a grinning kiss. She would have much to tell him later, he suspected.
"Easy there, Boy. Let me help," Bogdi's words came from behind them. Felek looked towards the other wagon. The hulking soldier had little James held by his armpits, lifting him up and off of the wagon. Zuza was already on the ground, red hair blowing in the slight breeze. She was looking around, eyes wide.
Someone finally came out of the tavern. Two people, a man and a boy, skin a splotchy dark green. Both wore light purple rope tunics, the weaving well done but not particularly fancy. That encourage Felek regarding prices. These people were not getting obscenely rich off of travelers.
"Greetings, Innkeeper," Felek said, moving towards the pair, Ruta holding his arm. "We wish lodgings for the night."
"We..." the Innkeeper looked around the yard, "are not used to... Polish? Are you what are called Polacks?"
"We are Poles, yes." He stopped before the man, giving his best Kikker friendly smile. The border was close enough there should have been some travelers, even before the exodus. Maybe they had all gone to the other inn. "We are used to dealing with our Kikker friends, so we should not be too much of a problem."
"I do not have feed for your beasts, and not for so many!"
"I brought them, Uncle!" Ofure ran past Felek, grabbing the man by the arm. She leaned close, raising up on her webbed toes to speak into his ear. "There's a cute boy with them!"
Felek and Ruta exchanged a glance. If that had been an attempt at a whisper, it had been a poor one.
"We will use what we need to from our own supplies," Felek said, "for us and our beasts. We should, though, be able to purchase much from your neighbors. With your help." Looking back, he waved Jaromia over. "If you show our cook to your kitchen, she can assist your cooks in preparing our meals."
"I can do that," he said, breaking into a wide grin. "And here my son and I thought we would be empty tonight!"
The expressions of all three Kikker changed. Felek straightened, knowing what they were seeing.
"We do not wish to cause any problems, or have any ourselves." He cocked his head. "Will there be any problems?"
"Um... no..."
The Innkeeper had barely spoken when Ofure suddenly bolted off. She ran, breasts bouncing, past the humans towards the gate, making a wide swing to stay away from Adanya and the two children. Felek kept his eyes on the remaining two. The boy looked more fascinated than upset. His father just shook his head.
"Silly girl." He blinked, then shrugged. "They're not as ugly as you Polish, at least."
"Few are," Felek agreed. "Now, the price."
****
Jaromira was not attractive. Nor a particularly pleasant woman to be around. She was, however, the best cook Felek had ever experienced. No wonder Lewy had married her. Hell, Felek was starting to have thoughts about the older woman. The meals he had eaten at the Palace had always been good, verging on orgasmic at times.
Hers were better.
The Poles dominated the common room, occupying the long central table as well as a few smaller ones. Empty dishes from the evening meal were piled high, the change from a week of campfire cooking well appreciated. Many of the soldiers now stood, conversing loudly as a group of five Kikker travelers huddled in the corner trying not to be noticed. Ale had been permitted by Anelie, its effects now starting to kick in. Even the four recruits were clearly well on their way to becoming full soldiers in that regard. One of the two brown haired girls had slapped one of the men on his ass as she walked by with a freshly filled mug. She was rewarded by being assigned guard duty out by the horses.
"That's a little severe," Felek told Anelie, taking a sip of his own drink. The redhead scoffed.
"My solders are not going to be rutting like Elves. If the men can contain their lusts, so can the women."
"Makes sense," he admitted.
"I haven't been fighting for more women solders all this time to have it undone over something as stupid as sex." She took a swig of her own drink. Light flared outside a window. Felek saw a torch was now lit, illuminating the street. Another flared up on the other side. He put his drink down.
"I want to look around the town before it gets too late."
Anelie nodded.
"I'll send two guards."
"That's not needed."
"Yes it is." She looked around. "Kazik! Cyla!"
The two came from separate sides of the room. Kazik was a tall, thin blond soldier who barely looked twenty. His mustache was impressive, though, curling up on both sides. Cyla came up to his shoulder, and lacked his mustache. She did look more sober, a plus in Felek's eyes.
"Gear up," Anelie told them. "Felek, and I assume Ruta?" She looked at him. Felek nodded. "You're to escort them as they take a quick look around town."
"Yes, Lady!" Both saluted, swiftly moving off.
Anelie regarded her half empty mug.
"If you find anyone selling this stuff, buy a few barrels."
****
The merchants were still open, much to Felek's relief. Every town and village had its own rhythm. Visvang shut down what little commerce there was when evening fell. Saribit saw a few merchants close down for dinner, only to open again an hour later. That seemed to be the case here. The streets were almost as crowded as they had been earlier. Louder, certainly. Roving bands of younger Kikker moved up and down the streets, yelling to each other. Most of it was sexual, or at least could be taken that way. He imagined a number must have come in from the countryside. Either that, or the families here were huge.
That thought sobered him. Bogdi's family had been huge, to start with.
Ruta squeezed his arm.
"If we see her again, I'm going to kill her."
"Who?" His mind answered the question before he was even done asking. Felek shook his head. "Don't worry about it. It's not worth it."
"But she hurt Issa! Did you see him at dinner?"
"He wasn't harassing Cyla here like he usually is, but apart from that..."
"I know!"
Felek shook his head. Cyla was staying quiet. Whether because she was playing her part as a guard, or for other reasons, he couldn't say. He could ask, naturally. Get the information from her. He didn't think it was that important, though.
"Felek!" Ruta's fingernails dug into his arm. She pointed with her free hand.
Ofure stood with a dozen others across the street. As if sensing them, her head turned. Even from there Felek could see her eyes widen. Ruta pulled against him, stepping off the walk onto the street. He held his ground, hand going to her arm.
"Ruta, no."
"But why?" She looked at him, a half dozen emotions playing across her face. He pulled her back up from the street.
"It doesn't matter. We'll be gone tomorrow. Even if they fell in love we wouldn't be taking her with us, or leaving him here. Just forget it."
Her shoulders sagging, Ruta nodded. Giving her a hug, he kissed her forehead.
"It's her problem, not ours. Come on." He took her hand, moving forward. "Maybe they have a good rope skirt I can buy you."
She burst out laughing, mood swinging completely.
"Oh, Mother would love that!"
"We can get her one, too!”