The Legendary Junkmaster

Chapter 150: Gears of Fate (5)

"Hey, so what does this actually do?" Zach rolled over on the back of his waggon and waved Jason's 'gift' in the air.

'What the hell have I done now?' Jason groaned internally as he put on a fake smile. "You'll just have to use it to find out..."

Jason chuckled as he tried to divert Zach's attention, as he broke out in a nervous sweat. He had no idea what the device did, but he knew he did not want to find out. His mind was vaguely warning him that it was something to be afraid of, but he could not gain any more details than that. 

'Let's hope he doesn't find a reason to use it.' Jason frowned as Zach rolled back over and played with his new 'toy'. Zach was beginning to think that Jason was not all bad. After all, who did not love getting something for free? As a merchant, he just knew how to appreciate it even more. In other words... He was wondering how much it was worth and if he could sell it.

Jason glanced at the ruined buildings in the distance. It was an Old World city that nobody inhabited anymore. For some reason, Zach was certain that they would not even come across any beasts in that area. Jason could not help but wonder why he was so confident, but he figured that Zach probably used this route a lot. So he would know things that Jason did not.

Jason was actually surprised that over the past three days since they had left Murk Point that the guards had only had to deal with a handful of beasts. He had thought that the world outside the walls of Highrise would be more dangerous than this. Especially when there was a constant danger so close to the town itself!

When he asked Zach about this, the latter told him straight. "Well, think about it. We're food to most beasts, right? So why wouldn't they gather where we do? Out here... They'd be lucky to pick off one or two a month. Close to our towns and cities, they can usually keep themselves full. But don't go thinking there's no danger at all. Scavengers and weaker beasts would rather not contend with the stronger predators. So they prefer to hunt near these merchant routes."

Jason felt more relaxed when he heard that. 'In that case... A lot of these scavengers will avoid large groups like ours. They'll probably wait for smaller groups or solo travellers.' Now that he felt more relaxed, he allowed his mind to wander as he continued to make up his new designs. He began to yawn as a few hours passed and he was starting to feel the beginning of a headache coming on. 

As his eyes focused on where they were now, he realised that they were about to reach the edges of the ruined city. 'Well, at least it's a good way to pass the time.' Jason smiled as he glanced at the weary guards, whose legs were getting sore. 'I guess Zach intends to set up camp in one of the buildings for tonight. The guards can't go on much longer anyway.'

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Jason was secretly elated for the ANT-V prototype at this point. If it were not for it, he was sure that he would have been left behind some days ago. Jason shivered at the thought as he wondered what the cook for the caravan would be making for dinner that night. So far, he had not been disappointed. 

Jason's interest was suddenly piqued as he noticed that the commander of the guards came over to have a quiet talk with Zach. Judging from his expression, there was something going on that they should be concerned about. However, Zach just waved his hand and said something that Jason could not hear. Just as he was wondering what it was about, a scout broke off from their group and moved further up the road ahead of them.

"What's going on?" Jason asked as he cocked an eyebrow at the lazing merchant.

"Nothing to be concerned about. There's a lone traveller up ahead who seems to be resting by the side of the road. The commander is just worried in case it is someone with a strong Power who intends to rob us." Zach shrugged as he finally sat upright and squinted down the road.

"So... Why aren't you worried?" Jason frowned as he thought about the possibility of running into someone that they could not handle.

"Because... Those types hang around the cities near Bridgend. Just not Bridgend itself, for obvious reasons. The real question we should be asking is why they are travelling alone..." Zach seemed lost in thought as he spoke. It was like he was waiting for the scouts to bring back more information.

Moments later, the scouts reappeared and waved from just over a small hill that the road went around. Zach smiled when he saw how they were waving and laughed. "See, I told you! Nothing to worry about."

Jason cast a dubious look at his travelling companion before focusing on the road ahead. Before long, they were travelling around the hill and the woman came into view. Jason felt that she looked familiar but could not place where he had seen her before. However, he felt like the woman was focusing on him more than anyone else. 

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Just as they were about to pass her by, Zach spoke out. "Nice day isn't it? Do you need anything for your travels? I have food and clothes. Weapons too if you'd prefer."

Jason rolled his eyes at Zach's attempt to take advantage of a lone traveller. However, the woman smiled serenely at him before she spoke. "No, but thank you. Let me offer you some advice instead. I'd hurry along if I were you. If you don't, then those chasing your caravan will catch you in the open. And one more thing..."

The woman turned her bright eyes towards Jason. "You, when you come to a junction and don't know what way to go... Turn left..."

Jason frowned and was about to ask what she meant while Zach was trying to make sense of the woman's warning. However, her smile disappeared and within seconds... So did she...

"What the hell was that all about?" Zach grumbled as he tried to figure out if the woman was serious or not. "Just to be safe, commander, have your scouts check out the areas behind us. You can never be too careful about a stranger's warning."

Zach's expression turned gloomy as Jason wondered about the piece of advice she had given to him. 'It seemed more like directions rather than being lost on what to do next. Was she just some crazy woman?' Jason was unsure what to make of the strange meeting. When it came to Powers there were infinite possibilities. So was it really far-fetched to think someone could actually see the future?

"Zach!" The commander suddenly shouted despite not having gone far from the group. "We've got trouble! Roughly twenty soldiers are coming at us from behind!"

"What's wrong with that? The Emperor's men would never harm us." Zach laughed at the commander's stupidity before he almost choked on the reply.

"They're not from the Empire! They're wearing the armour of the Alliance!" The commander roared back as the guards started to prepare themselves for battle. 

Jason gulped as he remembered his last run-in with the alliance. Only this time, he did not have the Infinity to count on! 'Damn! Why are they here? We're pretty far from the borders, according to Zach! We shouldn't have to deal with stuff like this!' Jason gulped as he remembered the woman's warning. She had known that this group from the Alliance was chasing them... 'What else does she know...'

"Forget it! Get to the ci8ty as fast we can! We'll find a building to hide in!" Zach shouted as the guards gathered closer to the waggons as they whipped the beasts to move faster.

Jason felt the need to glance over his shoulder from time to time as the ANT-V began to create some distance between himself and the caravan. His own idea was to beat them there, that way if the alliance caught up then they would waste time dealing with the caravan. Allowing him to escape unnoticed.

"Where would I even go from there! Zach has all my materials!" Jason groaned as he began to consider slowing down. The choice was a difficult one to make, but each decision seemed to hold his very future in the balance. The gears of fate continued to turn...