The Chronicles of Varnic: Calitora Prime » Places

         Kimber was apprehensive about letting the un-kept looking young man go; after all there were very few female centurions and the youth had seen right through her masculine façade. If word of her survival reached the wrong ears it would make traveling for her and her group dangerous.
In the end it was best to make a good impression upon the bearded man and his followers; she nodded and allowed the boy to leave.

Removing her helm had a predictable result among the remaining people; even the bearded man seemed surprised at her appearance when a smile came to his face, Kimber knew she still retained her beauty and ability to catch men’s eyes. Looking to Artanis the elven gladiator she was unable to tell whether he was surprised or not to see a female Praetor. He did lift one elegant eyebrow, but that could mean a number of things.

Turning back to the bearded man, she offered they both sit and discuss certain subjects further. Kimber had her legionnaires remain by the door, then lowering her voice so only the two could hear one another. Kimber proceeded delicately with the negotiations taking the better part of an hour; she provided enough information to Gamaliel for him to trust her with a place in his retinue and both gave promises to each other.

Rising from her seat, she shook Gamaliel’s hand indicating their mutual agreement to join forces with Kimber’s gold thrown in to make their travels easier. Kimber actually graced Gamaliel with one of her rare smiles. He had given her a reason to hope for the future of Riv’nar.

“I shall cherish your company, Praetor Kimber, however uncertain it may be. Pressing times lay ahead and you must prepare yourself for the unknown. We’ll speak again at first light, but for now, let us retire; our men require rest as I'm sure you would also. Should you feel informatively inclined, you know where to find me.”

“I agree, we must rest for the night and will continue talks tomorrow.” Kimber replied.