548: 548. Herder

548. Herder

2"Those orcs were at the river drinking or may have crossed it to get to this side. I am worried that more might be around." Walker voiced his opinion while looking toward the water shining in the distance. It was close enough to see but not enough to see any small details with his eyes. 0

"Leader, I can not discern details. But I can see that there are smaller shapes around the water." Su was able to glean a small amount of information, which was better than what Walker could grasp.

"I hope they are just animals. You said there was a bend in the river that was bridged up ahead right? If we pass it we could be in for some trouble." Remey was trying to think ahead. She had taken on this trait more while she was at the elf city which was a nice surprise to her battle strategy. 

Walker had already figured out that it was a result of her alchemical brawlers' new skill. Since she was always recording new information within it on battle strategy and tactics about certain systems, it would only make sense that she was able to see further ahead and try to plan more. 

"The bridge should have a group of strong guards protecting it. They are stationed there all year round just in case there are any problems." Walker was confident that there might be less trouble up ahead. 

"The merchants that are heading in the direction are also often guarded this time of year. The adventurers guild issues many quests." Su followed up with her own knowledge making it feel that the party would have a nice place to rest for the night when they arrived. 

"Then we could try and get some trading in too. We will have a few things that would make them pretty shocked." Gil was thinking about the extra water spikes and charms they had picked up from around the forest elf city. However, he already saw Walker shaking his head. 

"The merchants from the elf city haven't begun to sell things yet. If we put things in the market then they may take on an unintended price or draw people to the elf city that we don't want there yet." Walker was thinking more on caution than anything else beacause there could be some unsavory people that try to take advantage of the elf city opening. 

Midnight huffed a little and raised her nose in the air, "Sister says she can smell a lot of animals and people up ahead." Walker turned his gaze farther away and saw the area Midnight was catching the wind from. It was the direction they were aiming for. 

"I bet that is a herding group. A lot of times when farmers need to breed their cattle to make them stronger in future generations they will trade half with another farmer from farther away." Gil was right in with this making the entire part nod in understanding. 

"Do you think they might want some company?" Su was first to suggest this. 

"I don't see why not. We will need to pass the bridge anyways and it is our goal to rest there. I also think it will be cool to meet some different system users." Walker had not met anyone with a herding based system or an ability to herd animals. This was a new experience for him. 

"I have met a few. My family didn't have animals because we didn't have the systems or skills for it. But there was a retired one that took over the small goat ranch near us. He was pretty nice and said his sons had gained the sheep sheperd system and the great herder system. I can barely remember them from when I was little though." Gil was a little embarrassed to not remember the two. 

"Is it a common system to have? I feel like I have not heard of many herding based systems before." Remey was also wondering just how common this was. She could see some white masses in the distance and believed that they were in fact sheep. 

"Leader, I think we should move a little faster. They will get away before we join them." Su brought this to their attention and the party stopped their idle chatter. They moved at a faster pace slowly bringing the animals in to clearer view in the course of an hour. 

There was a taller man in rugged leather armor with two whips attached to his belt. He was riding the back of a large white bull. "Heyo little adventurers. What brings you around my current operation?" The greeting was kind enough but they all saw the tension in his eyes. 

"Just trying to catch up with you actually. We assume you will pass the bridge and we are heading the same way. Traveling with more company is much better than less." Walker extended a hand outward to show that he wanted to shake and welcome the man. 

This changed the mans' attitude greatly and he hopped off the back of the white bull. "Well, I can not say I would ever turn back an open hand. My clients just call me herder and I enjoy that nickname so feel free to use it as much as you want. I am indeed, leading these cattle across the bridge but will stop to rest there first." 

The man had begun to recognize the multiple plaques and badges the party wore. He was also impressed to see that they were currently identified as a silver tier party of the adventurers guild. "Then call me leader….actually, please don't Su calls me that only. I am Walker. This is Gil and Midnight. The little snake here is Onyx." Walker pointed out Su first hut realized his joke was a little lame and blushed. 

"Welcome to the herding life. If you have any worries of where to walk just shout. My father did this and so did my grandfather. My friend over there is the one in charge of the sheep though. He is actually from the city over that way. So you might be able to chat with him more." The man lowered his had to block out the sun and hopped back on to the white bull. 

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