Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n
\u201cWelcome to Grumbsy,\u201d An orc greeted me as I stepped off of my voyage.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u00a0“Welcome to my story,\u201d I replied, hopping onto the dock, examining the young town on<\/p>\r\n
the west coast of the untamed continent called Kayos.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what that means,\u201d The large dock attendant replied as he turned to the<\/p>\r\n
person behind me. \u201cWelcome to Grumbsy. Enjoy your stay.\u201d I was going to ask him where one<\/p>\r\n
could find adventure, seeing as I have a story to tell. But as I looked around the populated dock<\/p>\r\n
and onwards to the rest of the village I realized I wouldn\u2019t have to search for very long.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
At the edge of the dock stood a distraught blonde woman nearly two decades old. She<\/p>\r\n
was asking for assistance from anyone walking by.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
They do say one has to avoid adventure not to find it on the continent of Kayos.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Her clothes were that of a peasant, but with the right adjustment she could be<\/p>\r\n
considered quite the fair maiden by all standards. As a man of culture myself, I found her quite<\/p>\r\n
fair the way she was. And as a man of honor, her fairness mattered not. Only her plight was<\/p>\r\n
important to me.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Standing next to her, was a slightly shorter girl with a black pointy tail. She wore purple<\/p>\r\n
robes, with a black belt tied around her waist. A sword sheathed on her hip much like my own.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
There was some dirt on her face and I honestly couldn\u2019t even tell if she was pretty or not.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cExcuse me ma\u2019am,\u201d I stepped up to the blonde extending my hand to make<\/p>\r\n
acquaintance. \u201dElrin Daun of Gladland The Fighting Writer. Did I hear you asking for the help of<\/p>\r\n
someone that knows how to use a sword?\u201d I patted the rapier at my waist with my other hand.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cHannah,\u201d She shook firmly. \u201cAnd yes. I\u2019m in need of great warriors.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYou have a great warrior,\u201d The girl behind her was irritated. At closer look, she had<\/p>\r\n
lineage East of here. And if I couldn\u2019t tell by her face, I would have known by her sword. A<\/p>\r\n
katana, at least that\u2019s what the paintings tell me. This girl was either a samurai, or she stole the<\/p>\r\n
sword of one. Or she just thought katana\u2019s were cool and bought one.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cSyrielle,\u201d Hannah looked at the young warrior doubtfully. \u201cYes I trust you are great\u2026 But<\/p>\r\n
I said I need more than one.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cShe did speak with plurality,\u201d I quipped. While I\u2019m not the greatest with words, I do know<\/p>\r\n
how to handle myself. And I\u2019ve been described as having a remarkable natural talent in my<\/p>\r\n
sparring sessions. So I have to flaunt it when I can.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Turning back to me as if she\u2019d already explained the situation Hannah asked, \u201cSo is your<\/p>\r\n
sword available?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
A hearty laugh from behind me revealed that an obnoxious sailor was there to tear me<\/p>\r\n
down. Roan had spent the entire voyage shittalking everyone on board. So much so his captain<\/p>\r\n
threatened to kick him off the boat. But he was a pretty skilled seaman from what I saw so he<\/p>\r\n
had quite the long leash to misbehave.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cDid you just ask this fancy boy to use his sword?\u201d Roan, who was pretty confident we<\/p>\r\n
were friends, slid his gloved hand around my shoulder, \u201cLook at this tunic.\u201d He tugged on the<\/p>\r\n
green clothing from the Martin Academy, that I had yet to take off. \u201cThis pansy is nothing but a<\/p>\r\n
bard. All boys like this guy do is follow, watch and talk about it later.\u201d A fair assessment based<\/p>\r\n
on nearly every other student the academy has ever produced.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYes, many bards like myself have poor priorities,\u201d I pointed one finger in the air with<\/p>\r\n
great pride. \u201cBut I was expelled from the academy, for having different priorities.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle snorted, \u201cSo you’re stupid.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Roan nodded to her, \u201cYup.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Hannah on the other hand didn\u2019t look that doubtful yet. In fact, she appeared rather<\/p>\r\n
curious. \u201cWhat priorities do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I began to unlatch the sheath that held my sword to my waist. \u201cThey wanted me to work<\/p>\r\n
on my grammar. My syntax. My spelling. They wanted me to read, understand and comprehend<\/p>\r\n
the deeper nuances of text and language and what they call The True Art of Storytelling.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Holding my weapon in the air I announced, \u201cI won\u2019t stand by while men and women save the<\/p>\r\n
world and I simply tell the tales. I\u2019ll stand side by side fighting right along with them. Breathing<\/p>\r\n
the stories into life with my own blade, before telling the world with my pen.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Turning around I looked out into the ocean, as if I could still see the world I once came<\/p>\r\n
from. \u201cIf I had spent my nights studying and updating my literary talents, I wouldn\u2019t have been<\/p>\r\n
down the road training at The Styx. Honing my craft to be the swordsman you asked for on this<\/p>\r\n
very day.\u201d The dojo where I trained the blade wasn\u2019t as well known as the Martin Academy, but<\/p>\r\n
it had a decent reputation from my understanding.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOkay maybe he\u2019s not that bad,\u201d Syrielle approved, apparently having heard of The Styx.<\/p>\r\n
Inspecting me up and down she emphasized \u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Hannah smiled softly at the young warrior. \u201cThen I suppose we have enough. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Once again I raised my finger to call attention to myself, but this time with great worry.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cUhm. I would like to point out that I still have no idea what you\u2019re asking me to do.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cRight\u2026\u201d Hannah shook her head and rubbed her temples. She was clearly stressed<\/p>\r\n
with whatever she\u2019s dealing with. \u201cSomeone took a young girl named Tessa. She\u2019s a neighbor<\/p>\r\n
of mine and not the only child in the area that\u2019s missing. I\u2019m hoping my nephew was able to<\/p>\r\n
borrow our other nearest neighbor Sam’s dog to track their scent. I came straight here hoping to<\/p>\r\n
find men and women like yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cHow much does this job pay?\u201d A short man in a black hood was suddenly standing to<\/p>\r\n
my left. As if he\u2019d been there the whole time.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
A little spooked by his presence, I asked. \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cUhm\u2026\u201d Hannah brought her hand to her mouth. \u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I looked at her with slight disappointment. \u201cThere\u2019s no money is there?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI\u2019ll get you coin. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The man who asked the question was suddenly missing. But I was the only one<\/p>\r\n
confused, \u201cWhere\u2019d that guy go?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cSo can you help me?\u201d Hannah\u2019s eyes pierced into my soul with desperation. Not that<\/p>\r\n
she needed to. The story sounded plenty interesting. Also missing kids is bad and I do care<\/p>\r\n
about that.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cGladly,\u201d I replied. \u201cLead the way.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Roan\u2019s arm was still around me. \u201cWell I don\u2019t recall being invited myself?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Behind us the captain of the ship shouted. \u201cHey, quit fartin around with those people and<\/p>\r\n
help us unload. You want off my crew?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Roan ended the embrace and shouted, \u201cStop telling me where and when to fart. It\u2019s<\/p>\r\n
weird.\u201d He walked away and returned to doing his job, which I was quite confident he was going<\/p>\r\n
to lose for insubordination any time now.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Feeling impatient, Hannah began to walk across town. There were a few dozen homes<\/p>\r\n
and a very small market place. Right next to the shopping center was a massive Tavern & Inn<\/p>\r\n
with big red words above an equally red door, \u201cThe Titan\u2019s Trap.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I didn\u2019t ask too many questions at first because I was a little busy observing the young<\/p>\r\n
village. Grumbsy couldn\u2019t have been around for more than three years. My home continent of<\/p>\r\n
Eurome had only recently begun colonizing the northern part of Kayos a few decades ago. At<\/p>\r\n
least that\u2019s what the records show. With the exception of a few villages, and tribes it was mostly<\/p>\r\n
an unknown continent of anarchy.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
That\u2019s where the best stories are. In the mystery.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
As we got to the other edge of town, just before entering the woods, we noticed a large<\/p>\r\n
orc lying unconscious under a tree. He wore nothing more than a brown loincloth, and a battle<\/p>\r\n
ax on his back. Upon closer inspection, it appeared he was lying in a puddle of his own vomit.<\/p>\r\n
Standing beside him was a hafflin with his arms crossed shaking his head. \u201cAh geez, what are<\/p>\r\n
we gonna do about you bud?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cHey Glish,\u201d Syrielle exclaimed, getting the short man\u2019s attention. \u201cIs your ol pal<\/p>\r\n
Vergusson having another rough day?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019d disagree,\u201d Glish replied. The tiny shoeless man with furry feet wore a<\/p>\r\n
green scaled tunic, with a black belt that had a variety of tiny tools on them. The most notable<\/p>\r\n
item being a blacksmith hammer. There was also a large knife that could look like a sword in his<\/p>\r\n
hands. \u201cWhere are you heading?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cFound a job,\u201d Syrielle told him.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cAnd you didn\u2019t ask us?\u201d The hafflin pointed at his snoring companion.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle pointed to the orc as well. \u201cGlish, he\u2019s unconscious.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019d still beat anybody I know in a fight,\u201d He answered with pure confidence.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cDoes he have a drinking problem?\u201d Syrielle looked more concerned than judgemental.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cBecause I\u2019ve been here a week and he\u2019s done this every night.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWell he\u2019s not pillaging so why are we complaining?\u201d Glish replied.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Hannah was growing very concerned. \u201cExcuse me. I don\u2019t know if this argument is<\/p>\r\n
important right now. Clearly the orc can\u2019t be of any assistance at this time.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish crossed his arms proudly. \u201cWell it\u2019s not like Vergusson is the only one around here<\/p>\r\n
that knows how to crack some skulls open. You got a job? Count me in.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Realizing we were mischaracterizing the situation I decided to clarify. \u201cI would say this is<\/p>\r\n
much more like charity work from the way it was explained to me.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish looked irritated, \u201cThere\u2019s no money is there?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cNot a lot,\u201d Hannah admitted, \u201dBut I said there will be\u2026 And there will be.\u201d After quickly<\/p>\r\n
explaining the situation to him, she wasted no more time and headed straight out of town into<\/p>\r\n
the woods.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s no money I\u2019m not going,\u201d The tiny dude recrossed his arms.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cCan you even do anything?\u201d Syrielle shrugged her shoulders.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Following her lead I emphatically said, \u201cYeah you look a little small to be a fighter.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
Pulling his heavy smithing tool out and placing it on his shoulders like a warhammer he<\/p>\r\n
announced, \u201cI\u2019m half of Vergusson and Glish bitch. I\u2019ll show you a fighter.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle pointed to me and said, \u201cYou better be calling him a bitch.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOf course I would never call you that.\u201d It wasn\u2019t clear if he was scared or genuine.<\/p>\r\n
Not that it mattered to her. She nodded in approval and continued on after Hannah.<\/p>\r\n
I inquired further about the mission. At first Hannah claimed she told me everything she<\/p>\r\n
knew. Seeing as I was risking my life I insisted she at least try to think of something useful to tell<\/p>\r\n
me.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYou seriously have no suspicions as to who took them?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
She shivered in fear as I asked, \u201cWe all have our theories. But the truth has been in front<\/p>\r\n
of us all along. There are those who would call us racist for saying this, but only one man has<\/p>\r\n
been seen around here who could commit such atrocities. The Devilman.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I shivered a little. \u201cDevilman?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cZorthos,\u201d Glish sounded like they were talking about a local musician everyone was<\/p>\r\n
familiar with. \u201cVergusson and I saw him a few weeks ago. We waved to him.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The story wasn\u2019t complete and I needed answers. \u201cDid he wave back?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be fooled,\u201d Hannah complained. \u201cYou know what he truly is. What people like him<\/p>\r\n
do. They eat children. The demon was likely looking for worshippers to join his cult.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cSo this Zorthos has a cult?\u201d I asked with a little irritation. This was all very useful<\/p>\r\n
information that could have been disclosed in the initial conversation.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle appeared annoyed as well. \u201cTo be clear. I\u2019ve heard about cult activity in the area<\/p>\r\n
recently. And we know there\u2019s a helkin named Zorthos. And we have now learned there are<\/p>\r\n
missing children. Another thing we are sure of, is that we are on Kayos. Which means there<\/p>\r\n
could be a thousand other things that took the kids before demons and people in spooky<\/p>\r\n
cloaks.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d Glish shouted excitedly. \u201cI heard there’s a powerful elf in the area. But I heard he’s\u00a0 not doing<\/p>\r\n
anything cool, he’s just pranking people. There\u2019s also Nydorri who is some weirdo that lives in<\/p>\r\n
the woods and sometimes ask Vergusson to fight bad people. Also I hear there\u2019s even a tribe of<\/p>\r\n
elves that are worshiping evil gods under the ground and stuff like that.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle patted him on the head, \u201cNot to mention all the indigenous Hafflin tribes.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWe can get rowdy,\u201d Glish pumped his chest. \u201cI\u2019m just saying. Elves you know?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Fun fact about my name, it\u2019s a pseudonym. I chose it after elf; the greatest teacher I\u2019d<\/p>\r\n
ever known. Causing my irritation with his bigotry, \u201cNo I don\u2019t know. Would you mind explaining<\/p>\r\n
it to me?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The samurai shook her head. \u201cHe\u2019s been bitching about them all week.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish raised his hands in the air as if what he was about to say somehow justified his<\/p>\r\n
ignorance, \u201cLook I\u2019m told that dwarves and elves got beef and I\u2019m with the dwarves!\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Hannah had stayed quiet for a bit but finally spoke up. \u201cWhat kind of elf just takes<\/p>\r\n
children for no reason?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYou no it\u2019s pretty racist to think they wouldn\u2019t.\u201d The Hafflin snapped back, \u201cNot every elf<\/p>\r\n
is a trickster with a plan. Most of them are just dickheads.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Before I said anything, Syrielle advised, \u201cDon\u2019t even ask him about dublins.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWho trusts those tall motherfuckers?”<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Thankfully it wasn\u2019t a long walk, and there weren\u2019t many more questions to ask about the<\/p>\r\n
mission. Though, I was very curious about the town of Grumbsy itself and the neighboring<\/p>\r\n
region.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Hannah, who I correctly guessed was two decades old, had moved here by boat with her<\/p>\r\n
family many years ago. She lived in a small house in the woods just outside of town. There were<\/p>\r\n
several other homes in that little area, but they were separated by enough trees and wilderness<\/p>\r\n
not to be called a village.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle had arrived on the same dock that I did only a week before. She was born 19<\/p>\r\n
years ago on the sometimes-island-sometimes-peninsula nation of Hellas. As I suspected the<\/p>\r\n
samurai had lineage in the far east. Her grandfather began traveling the world many years ago.<\/p>\r\n
Reaching Hellas trekking through the Southern continent of Mesopia.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
She was raised and trained with the blade by her father, Chozen Hano, who in turn was<\/p>\r\n
raised and trained by his father as well. Her mother, Elyra Natchios, was apparently just as badass as Chozen,<\/p>\r\n
coming from some smaller island of women soldiers.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Elyria passed away shortly after Syrielle was born due to illness. And Chozen passed<\/p>\r\n
away several years ago from a different illness. With her family gone she traveled Eurome<\/p>\r\n
searching for purpose, until she decided to look for it in Kayos.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish was born of Norrgard to the North of us all. The hafflin and his step brother Liam<\/p>\r\n
were struggling blacksmiths in the town of Odina. A few years ago an old friend of Liam\u2019s, Trant,<\/p>\r\n
reached out and told them to head to Grumbsy for work.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Trant was the owner of The Titan\u2019s Trap and the de facto leader of the town. He\u2019d<\/p>\r\n
reestablished Grumbsy a few years ago, after it had been pillaged and burned to the ground.<\/p>\r\n
The ever so eager businessman hopes to turn the town into the heart of Northern Kayos.<\/p>\r\n
Though at this point Glish was pretty sure that was just a sales pitch. So far, he was<\/p>\r\n
better off competing with the other blacksmith\u2019s for work on an established continent than<\/p>\r\n
hanging around Grumbsy. But Liam insisted they stuck around. Having not met Liam, the story<\/p>\r\n
wasn\u2019t that interesting to me. And Glish was a bad storyteller.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The specific details of their lives didn\u2019t seem too important to share, and they didn\u2019t<\/p>\r\n
provide too many anyways. Not that I couldn\u2019t describe the exact details if I needed to. As I<\/p>\r\n
explained to Syrielle when she asked about my life, \u201cSeveral years ago, I learned a meditation<\/p>\r\n
technique known as The Deep Dream. One of the many benefits is I can replay moments in my<\/p>\r\n
life exactly as they happen whenever I choose. Remembering any event I experience near word<\/p>\r\n
for word. Most people use it to process their feelings. I plan to use it, as a few before me have,<\/p>\r\n
to tell stories.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Of course there are other benefits to the deep dream. And Syrielle was most interested<\/p>\r\n
in learning more about it. She even offered to show me a thing or two about my sword in<\/p>\r\n
exchange for knowledge of my meditation techniques. Though I needed to see her in action<\/p>\r\n
before I trusted her like that.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
As promised the walk was only a few hours. When we arrived at the farm we saw a<\/p>\r\n
young boy, with no dog, crying. Hannah dashed to hug her nephew, \u201cDanny, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a jerk,\u201d The boy shouted. \u201cHe won\u2019t let us take the dog.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I looked around without seeing any other houses. \u201cUhm… Is there only one dog?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOur other neighbor had a few dogs, but things happen around here sometimes,\u201d<\/p>\r\n
Hannah explained without explaining. She grabbed her nephew\u2019s face and said, \u201cYou did your<\/p>\r\n
best. Just go home okay.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
As the young boy took off, we didn\u2019t even ask questions. We just followed her a very<\/p>\r\n
short distance away to another cabin. Certainly nicer, but there was nothing particularly fancy on<\/p>\r\n
the outside. Though even a quick peek through the window, I could at least see a fancy vase.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d Hannah took a breath. \u201cHe\u2019s always had a problem with his neighbors. Maybe<\/p>\r\n
he\u2019ll respond better to\u2026 Working men on the job.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Placing my hand on her shoulder, I assured her, \u201cWe\u2019ll handle it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish was already walking towards the house and I quickly followed him. Syrielle was<\/p>\r\n
right behind me but Hannah grabbed her arm. \u201cSyrielle, stop. Let them handle this.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The samurai politely replied, \u201cOh he hates women? Okay cool.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
As Glish hopped on the steps I could hear the dog barking. The little guy complained,<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWhat kinda jerk doesn\u2019t help his neighbors? He\u2019s gotta be a massive asshole. I bet he eats<\/p>\r\n
farts.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWe had to talk shit to get you to come along.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cSo we know it\u2019s a good strategy.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I was able to step on the steps that Glish jumped on because unlike Glish I\u2019m normal<\/p>\r\n
sized. My hafflin companion quickly knocked on the door with me behind him holding my right<\/p>\r\n
hand on my heart and my left in a waving position. The least threatening pose I could make.<\/p>\r\n
Right below me Gish crossed his arms. I couldn\u2019t see but I\u2019m pretty sure he snarled.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
When the door opened, a bald beardless man stepped out. His shirt was well kept, and<\/p>\r\n
his pants were neat and clean. There were glasses over his eyes and a curious smile upon his<\/p>\r\n
lips.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOoh visitors,\u201d He announced while his dog barked even louder behind him. \u201cI don\u2019t<\/p>\r\n
suppose you want to use my sister’s dog as well now do you?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cLook mister\u2026\u201d Glish started.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Before he could say anything else I cut him off, \u201cMay I ask what the reason is you aren\u2019t<\/p>\r\n
willing to help your neighbors?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cFirst it\u2019s this, then it\u2019s that,\u201d He waved his hand. \u201cI offered to help. For a price. Since<\/p>\r\n
there are several children involved, I figured my services were worth quite a bit. But I suppose<\/p>\r\n
not.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I hated everything about him. \u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201c5 Gold,\u201d He said as if that wasn\u2019t absurd.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish was furious, \u201cHow the hell do you expect them to pay that shit?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cPlease, do not yell,\u201d The man raised his hand at the tiny one. His dog behind him<\/p>\r\n
barked even louder. \u201cI offered him a payment plan. With interest. The young boy simply didn\u2019t<\/p>\r\n
understand. I know they can\u2019t pay it right now, but I also know they\u2019re working folk.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Snapping his fingers Glish proudly said, \u201cI\u2019m working folk. So let\u2019s talk about rates.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Amused by the hafflin, Sam invited us inside. Once there I noticed a small bookcase with<\/p>\r\n
numerous titles I didn\u2019t recognize. He offered for us to sit down before crudely telling his dog to<\/p>\r\n
be quiet. His pet whimpered and obeyed.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThe way I see it,\u201d He explained, \u201cI\u2019m the only man in the area with a dog\u2026\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Seeing my opening I asked, \u201cIs there a library nearby? Or do you own all of these?\u201d It felt<\/p>\r\n
like a silly question, I just didn\u2019t know how else to get the conversation to books.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cNo\u2026\u201d He shook his head with great curiosity. \u201cThose were purchased from traveling<\/p>\r\n
writers. They go along with my other collection of trinkets,\u201d His hand waved to an assortment of<\/p>\r\n
paintings and tiny scultpures. \u201cAnd there\u2019s even more than that.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Ignoring the other stuff I brought the conversation back to what I felt I was good at, \u201cYou<\/p>\r\n
know I\u2019m something of a writer myself.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
His eyebrows raised, \u201cAre you?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish, who had climbed into one of the chairs, smiled and put his hand on my shoulder.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI knew we brought you along for a reason.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI brought you.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Ignoring the banter Sam ecstatically rose to his feet. \u201cI recognize that tunic. You\u2019re from<\/p>\r\n
the Martin Academy aren\u2019t you? You must be magnificent. What\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cELRIN DAUN OF GLADLAND THE FIGHTING WRITER!\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish held his hands out waving them emphatically as my hype man. I couldn\u2019t get a<\/p>\r\n
read on whether he thought we were friends or not. He was a complicated fellow, but not really.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThe fighting writer eh\u2026\u201d Sam examined me. \u201cYou good with that sword?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI like to think so\u2026\u201d I said. \u201cAnd If I\u2019m not, I guess the stories won\u2019t be told.\u201d He laughed<\/p>\r\n
and I laughed as well, before I added, \u201cThe truth is I\u2019m rather untested, but I think there\u2019s an<\/p>\r\n
adventure in that. A story to tell. Most writers stand behind the warriors and watch. I will stand<\/p>\r\n
alongside them and create.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The dog owner looked very pleased. \u201cA fighter who writes the stories from his own<\/p>\r\n
perspective. A brilliant genre. Much like Wiltor the War Writer and Sylvie The Savage Scribe.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThe who and the what now?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve never read their tales?\u201d Sam was so excited and disappointed. \u201cOh they must be<\/p>\r\n
too sloppy for the educators who taught you to suggest their readings. But their books are in<\/p>\r\n
many of the libraries of Norgard if you ever find your way up there. And if you’re interested in<\/p>\r\n
some simple drawings maybe even check out Baylon the Battle Bard. He\u2019s got an interesting<\/p>\r\n
blend of images and words. But all storytellers pretty much do the same thing you’re doing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cSo they like\u2026\u201d I thought I was original until now. \u201cThey all… fight and write.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYeah just like you said\u2026\u201d His smile did not match my emotions at all.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI guess I need to read more\u2026\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Sam licked his lips with excitement, \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve read plenty of excellent work. A<\/p>\r\n
man like you must be extremely well educated. With some incredible writing of your own. You<\/p>\r\n
wouldn\u2019t by chance have any on you?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Nonchalantly pulling my notebook out of my pocket I said, \u201cI\u2019m on an adventure. I<\/p>\r\n
wouldn\u2019t dare bring my most prized possession with me.\u201d Beaming from ear to ear I walked over<\/p>\r\n
to him.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
He stood up, reaching for the book as I began to hand it to him. Only to pull it back,<\/p>\r\n
\u201cNow now.\u201d I wagged my finger in his face. \u201cI seem to recall we need something from you. I<\/p>\r\n
won\u2019t lie and call myself successful yet, so I have to pick and choose my freebies. And you<\/p>\r\n
haven\u2019t exactly presented yourself as friend.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d Sam shook his head happily. \u201cIf I can just read that notebook fresh from the<\/p>\r\n
author. A poor writer on the rise. I\u2019ll waive the fee. 5 gold was a ridiculous price anyways.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
When I extended my hand again he pulled his back. \u201cBut you better not be messing with<\/p>\r\n
me. This better be good stuff. If it\u2019s not, what am I waiving the fee for?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Showing great confidence I nodded, despite being extremely nervous. This man was<\/p>\r\n
weird as hell. And seemed to have a decent understanding of literature. He grabbed the<\/p>\r\n
notebook with excitement, and I grew excited as well.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
My nervous energy disappeared the second he grabbed it. What was there to be scared<\/p>\r\n
of? I was probably the only writer on the continent. These books were likely purchased in<\/p>\r\n
libraries far to the west of here.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I may not be the best, but I was trained at the Martin Academy.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThe fuck is this shit?\u201d sam looked at me in frustration. \u201cDo you not understand how to<\/p>\r\n
capitalize people\u2019s names?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I was cringing with embarrassment, \u201cCrap I thought I fixed all those in editing,\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
He continued to glare with disdain at my paperwork, \u201cThis is just a shitty version of<\/p>\r\n
Rapuznel, but it\u2019s trying to be Beauty and the Beast.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m surprised you picked up on that on page one,\u201d I replied somehow believing I could<\/p>\r\n
shift his opinion towards noticing the cleverness of my homage. Also I was genuinely surprised<\/p>\r\n
he picked up on that, I didn\u2019t mean for it to be clear that early in the story.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
He threw the notebook back in my face. \u201cYou think you can con me with this trash.\u201d The<\/p>\r\n
dog started barking louder, \u201cShut up Mut, I don\u2019t have time for you.\u201d The dog didn\u2019t stop. \u201cIf you<\/p>\r\n
don\u2019t have 10 gold for me you might as well leave. I support the arts, I don\u2019t support wanna be\u2019s<\/p>\r\n
like you.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish stomped his foot and pointed a furious finger at me, \u201cYou had one job.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI feel like this is a disproportionate response to how bad it was.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The Hafflin shook his head. \u201cYou said you were a writer.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI was expelled!\u201d My shame became my winning argument. \u201cThat\u2019s my whole arc dude.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The dog barked louder than before. And out of the corner of our eyes, we both saw it<\/p>\r\n
happen. Sam kicked the dog. The son of a bitch kicked the fucking dog. As the hound<\/p>\r\n
whimpered away the old man turned back to shout at us, but Glish\u2019s hammer had already<\/p>\r\n
slammed on the foot that hit the mut.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
To my own surprise, I was right behind my tiny ally. Kicking Sam in the chest launching<\/p>\r\n
him to the ground. Once he crashed, Glish rolled to the other side of him, and shoved his own<\/p>\r\n
tiny foot to the normal sized throat.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThe wrong people see something dirty like that and\u2026\u201d The hafflin slid his thumb across<\/p>\r\n
his own throat. \u201cEven dirtier things might happen.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cLucky for you,\u201d I knelt down and patted the ground in front of the dog. The scared<\/p>\r\n
animal slowly crept over to sniff my hand. \u201cWe\u2019re just gonna kick your ass and take your dog.\u201d I<\/p>\r\n
unlatched the leash from the post that held it down. Not knowing Glish that well I was hoping my<\/p>\r\n
words stopped him from killing the man. Warriors and murderers are not the same thing, and I<\/p>\r\n
never intend to lose sight of that.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
My smiling ally took his foot off the pretentious prick’s throat and leaned forward nose to<\/p>\r\n
nose. \u201cTell your sister, if she don\u2019t find a better puppy sitter, she ain\u2019t getting him back.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
With the leash in hand, I walked right outside to find Syrielle and Hannah waiting<\/p>\r\n
eagerly. Both had proud smiles on their faces, though Hannah\u2019s worried demeanor returned<\/p>\r\n
rather quickly. After greeting the dog, she held out a doll of Tessa\u2019s.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Knowing exactly what to do, and likely feeling thankful for being saved from his cruel<\/p>\r\n
uncle, the mut sniffed across the ground and led us through the woods.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Within an hour, we came upon a cave leading into a large hill. Could almost even be<\/p>\r\n
called a tiny mountain. The dirt in front of the cave had tracks consistent with activity. Confident<\/p>\r\n
this was the right location, Hannah took the dog and returned home.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Myself, Glish, and Syrielle slowly crept in. Thankfully all of us were actually pretty quiet.<\/p>\r\n
We snuck through the shadows working our way out of the falling sun. As we turned a corner,<\/p>\r\n
we were able to see a light, likely from a torch.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Our tiniest ally moved forward, sticking his head around the corner before waving us<\/p>\r\n
over. Syrielle quickly stepped behind him and peaked over him. Realizing these moments came<\/p>\r\n
very rarely, I stepped behind her and kneeled over as well so that we were all peaking around<\/p>\r\n
the corner stacked on top of each other.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I quickly examined the group of people holding the torches.<\/p>\r\n
One wore a long black cloak and appeared rather old. Two more were dressed in dark<\/p>\r\n
gray clothing. As I looked closer I saw in the far corner of the cave, several children tied up<\/p>\r\n
inside a wooden cage. Standing near them was a 4th man I didn\u2019t spot at first. The tallest of<\/p>\r\n
them, he wore red full plate armor, with a long golden cape that sported a red \u201cA\u201d on it. On his<\/p>\r\n
hip was a red long sword.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cAn Aresian,\u201d I whispered, tucking back behind the cave wall. \u201cWe\u2019re pretty fucked.\u201d The<\/p>\r\n
Sons of Ares as many called them hailed from Olympo, The Capital of Hellas. The greatest<\/p>\r\n
young fighters from around all Eurome, The Medirreon Iles, and even the Southern continent of<\/p>\r\n
Mesopia, were recruited by King Caul at young ages to be honed into the deadliest of warriors.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I had trained for years at this point, and I had been told my talents were admirable.<\/p>\r\n
Based on how I\u2019d outperform many of my sparring mates in class I\u2019d have to agree I had some<\/p>\r\n
talent at least. But I had no delusions of being a master swordsman. And no one wears Aresian<\/p>\r\n
armor or carries the red blade without being a master.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI say we cut the sneaky shit and just go right in there,\u201d Glish said proudly but still<\/p>\r\n
making an effort to be quiet.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle thought for a second but eventually showed a face of disappointment. \u201cNormally<\/p>\r\n
I\u2019m not for cowardly tactics, but my priority is those kids. If we just charge in we can put them in<\/p>\r\n
danger.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWell,\u201d Glish said with mild disdain. \u201cI don\u2019t like fighting like a bitch, but ninjas are pretty<\/p>\r\n
cool too I guess. So we might as well give it a shot.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOkay, so since you\u2019re small I say you go first\u2026\u201d Syrielle suggested.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish nodded, \u201cJust say I\u2019m the toughest.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
He snorted as if he somehow won the argument, then turned to sneak away.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cUhm\u2026\u201d I noticed something odd. \u201cGlish\u2026 Where is your hammer and dagger?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The hafflin looked at his empty waist. \u201cWhat the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cFuck!\u201d Syrielle sounded horrified.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
To my left a voice from the shadows, as friendly as could be, announced. \u201cOh calm<\/p>\r\n
down. Your sword is right here\u2026\u201d A torch lit on the wall revealing a man elf just a little bit shorter<\/p>\r\n
than Syrielle standing a few feet away. His long finger was pointing at the katana lying in the dirt<\/p>\r\n
next to him. Glish\u2019s hammer was in his other hand, and my very own rapier was on his waist<\/p>\r\n
along with the hafflin\u2019s other tools. He then politely continued, \u201cAnd I technically didn\u2019t even<\/p>\r\n
touch it. But I will if you don\u2019t relax.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWho are you?\u201d I took a non menacing step forward.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cNosikol,\u201d The thief bowed. \u201cI\u2019ve been hired to guard the men inside. You never know<\/p>\r\n
what Kayos might bring to disrupt their affairs. Heroes come and go like the wind. The best part<\/p>\r\n
for you is, they didn\u2019t pay me enough not to have my own fun. That costs extra,\u201d His fingers<\/p>\r\n
rubbed together.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWhat’s stopping me from killing you now?\u201d Syrielle took a step, but notably didn\u2019t attack.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d Nosikol replied. \u201cWhat\u2019s stopping you?\u201d He tossed the hammer to his<\/p>\r\n
free hand and held it above the katana threatening to smash it. Then he gripped the hilt of my<\/p>\r\n
sword with the other. \u201cJust take a step back, and I\u2019ll lower the hammer, and we can play a quick<\/p>\r\n
game.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
She nodded and did as he requested. There was no reason to trust him. There was even<\/p>\r\n
less reason not to. We didn\u2019t say it outloud, but we all understood this man was powerful. And<\/p>\r\n
without even having our weapons, what chance did we stand?<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cLovely,\u201d The elf took a step back and put the hammer back in the other hand. \u201cSo\u2026 I<\/p>\r\n
think what could be fun is to ask each of you a riddle.\u201d He held three fingers up, counted them<\/p>\r\n
down as he spoke. \u201cIf you all answer correctly, I will quietly drop your weapons and walk on out<\/p>\r\n
of here. If two of you get it right, and one of you gets it wrong, I will drop your weapons very<\/p>\r\n
loudly, shout that you are here, and then walk out of here. But\u2026 If two of you get your answers<\/p>\r\n
wrong, I will throw your weapons back at you, and then I will fight you.\u201d As he made a fist he<\/p>\r\n
said, \u201cIf all three get it wrong I won\u2019t give you back your weapons. I\u2019ll just kill you with them<\/p>\r\n
where you stand.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Before I could respond, Syrielle snapped, \u201cLay it on me.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYou first miss?\u201d Nosikol pointed to her.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cDid I stutter?\u201d She crossed her arms.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
What does man love more than life<\/em><\/p>\r\nFear more than death or mortal strife<\/em><\/p>\r\nWhat the poor have, the rich require,<\/em><\/p>\r\nAnd what contented men desire<\/em><\/p>\r\nWhat the miser spends and the spendthrift saves<\/em><\/p>\r\nAnd All men carry to their graves?<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n
I\u2019d heard it several times. Professor George, the old man who taught me most of what I<\/p>\r\n
know about the language I am writing and also the man to personally expel me, had said the<\/p>\r\n
riddle multiple times in classrooms, and social gatherings. My mouth opened, but Nosikol<\/p>\r\n
pointed an angry finger at me.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOh helping each other is an auto DQ my friend,\u201d He pointed the finger up and wagged it<\/p>\r\n
implying I was naughty. \u201cShe asked to go first. Wouldn\u2019t want to ruin her chances.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
When I looked at her, she appeared unphased by the banter. Holding her hand to her<\/p>\r\n
chin as she pondered. I never really asked her about her education level. There was no way for<\/p>\r\n
me to have any understanding of her ability to get the answer.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
After several minutes, she looked at me with disappointment and started to admit, \u201cI\u2019ve<\/p>\r\n
got\u2026\u201d Then her fingers snapped, and both our eyes widened as she found the answer.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cNOTHING.\u201d She managed to whisper, but was still pretty loud. Much quieter she said, \u201cAll of<\/p>\r\n
that describes nothing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cVery good,\u201d Nosikol nodded. \u201cTiny one\u2026 You ready for your question?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI look like a bitch?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201c…Yeah.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish was offended but tried to act tough, \u201cJust give me the riddle you\u2026 Bitch.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Three lives have I<\/em><\/p>\r\nGentle Enough to sooth the skin,<\/em><\/p>\r\nLight enough to caress the sky,<\/em><\/p>\r\nHard enough to crack rocks<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n
\u201cWell that\u2019s a stupid fucking question,\u201d The blacksmith threw his hands in the air. \u201cI mean<\/p>\r\n
what has three lives? That doesn\u2019t make sense. And\u2026 what\u2026 Like did you say clouds?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
I knew the answer the moment Glish said that word. If only I could tell him.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cNo you said sky\u2026 What’s even in the sky?\u201d He scratched his chin. \u201cWait clouds are in<\/p>\r\n
the sky. Aren\u2019t clouds water?\u201d HE GOT IT! I was fighting every urge not to tell him to stop<\/p>\r\n
thinking. \u201cAnd water feels good on the skin. And I\u2019ve seen ice crack rocks. So I\u2019m thinking of<\/p>\r\n
water, but I don\u2019t want to get it wrong.\u201d FUCK!<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle looked right at me. Obviously having realized Glish was circling the answer as<\/p>\r\n
well. Thankfully she was also smart enough not to even make a noise, but every piece of her<\/p>\r\n
wanted to. Glish snapped his fingers, \u201cHow many guesses do we get?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOne.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWell fuck\u2026\u201d The hafflin was not happy and we were having nervous breakdowns.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWell\u2026 Nothing else makes sense, so I\u2019m going with it. Water!\u201d There was a long pause, so<\/p>\r\n
long that the relaxation I felt after Glish got the answer right vanished back into full panic as I<\/p>\r\n
thought perhaps I had the answer wrong all along.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYup!\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The trickster looked at me.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
King and queen may cling to power and the jester\u2019s got his call<\/em><\/p>\r\nI am the most common, but I can rule them all<\/em><\/p>\r\nWhat am I?<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n
I hadn\u2019t heard this one before, but an answer came quickly to me. \u201cAs a man without<\/p>\r\n
what you described, I can tell you exactly what makes the common man richer than the powerful<\/p>\r\n
man who craves more.\u201d I took a dramatic pause. \u201cHappiness.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cNope\u2026\u201d Nosikol promptly dropped the weapons and shouted. He didn\u2019t shout words,<\/p>\r\n
just made sure the noise was very loud. Before leaving he mocked, \u201cI thought you were the<\/p>\r\n
smart one?\u201d I felt like I let him down the most. He was really rooting for me.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an ace from a deck of cards idiot\u2026\u201d Glish pounded his fist to his head.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle was equally disappointed, \u201cYou couldn\u2019t have sat on it?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
A loud baritone voice boomed through the walls from deeper into the cave. \u201cLooks like<\/p>\r\n
we\u2019re not alone are we?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry guys\u2026\u201d It was utterly humiliating. So far this was not my greatest day.<\/p>\r\n
Glish was clearly the angrier ally, \u201cI feel like you just really want to tell people you\u2019re<\/p>\r\n
unhappy.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what it was,\u201d Syrielle rolled her eyes.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The voice spoke again, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come out from the shadows and join us?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Chills ran down my spine, and I could tell Glish felt the same. Syrielle on the other hand<\/p>\r\n
quickly scooped up her weapon. Then tossed us ours. \u201cGet moving weiners.\u201d Then she just<\/p>\r\n
stepped around the corner. I didn\u2019t hesitate to follow, using my skills as a thespian to portray<\/p>\r\n
confidence I did not have.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
From the other side of the dimly lit coriddor, standing closest to us, the Aresian had<\/p>\r\n
raised his leg to rest his foot on a rock with his hand holding the hilt of his sheathed sword.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWelcome.\u201d His other hand extended out to us. \u201cI assume you\u2019re here to witness or even<\/p>\r\n
partake in this ritual?\u201d Obviously he didn\u2019t actually think we were there for that reason and was<\/p>\r\n
just being silly.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
From behind him the old man in the cloak revealed a raspy and worn voice, \u201cIt\u2019s almost<\/p>\r\n
time.\u201d He coughed right after speaking. \u201cWe can\u2019t delay much longer. End these intruders now.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The Aresian smiled at his elder. \u201cIt shall be done.\u201d He turned his attention to the other<\/p>\r\n
two men in gray. \u201cStay put, I\u2019ll handle this.\u201d Locking eyes with me he marched straight forward.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d I said to my allies. \u201cOur best chance is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle placed her hand on my shoulder and walked forward, \u201cStay put, I\u2019ll handle this.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
A part of me wanted to stop her, but my body just locked. She sauntered forward<\/p>\r\n
flaunting exaggerated shoulder movements towards the War God\u2019s Preferred Disciple without a<\/p>\r\n
care in the world. I felt more cowardly than ever in my life. A true man would have stopped her.<\/p>\r\n
A true warrior would have stepped in front of her and fought for her.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Yet I obeyed her orders, and stayed put. She said she\u2019d handle it, and along with my<\/p>\r\n
cowardice, I had almost never been more curious in my life.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Pulling his own weapon from its sheath the Aresian laughed. \u201cSo you men have your<\/p>\r\n
women fight for you?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cAh let me smash him,\u201d Glish was pumping his black smith hammer in his tiny fist.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019re from a less archaic part of the world,\u201d Syrielle told her opponent as she<\/p>\r\n
unsheathed her own weapon. \u201cLady power and stuff. Sorry to be so offensive to your old ways.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cAs long as I can kill you all the same,\u201d The Aresian pointed his sword towards her.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cOh please try your best. For the culture.\u201d She held her hands out and extended her<\/p>\r\n
sword in the least defensive position she possibly could.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
He smiled, and then he lunged with an attack so swift I barely saw it. But Syrielle did.<\/p>\r\n
And what I didn\u2019t see at all was her even faster parry. His red blade deflected off to his side and<\/p>\r\n
hers came straight for his head.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
From the way he dodged, it was obvious her attack would have been lethal if he hadn\u2019t moved.<\/p>\r\n
The larger broad sword swung wildly to keep the samurai at bay. She took a couple of<\/p>\r\n
comfortable steps back. Almost like she allowed him to regain his footing. Once he did, she<\/p>\r\n
swiftly put a little pressure on.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
She faked a few strikes, and he fainted some himself. Neither fully attacked until she<\/p>\r\n
pulled another long swing from him. Once again she parried the sword out to the side. This time<\/p>\r\n
though, before he could react, the tip of her katana slid straight through the opening in his armor<\/p>\r\n
at his throat. Blood spurted out of his mouth as he dropped to the floor.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
And I now understand why I was expelled from the academy of writing. For while I have<\/p>\r\n
skills as a warrior, I strongly lack the linguistic abilities to help You, My Audience,<\/em> understand<\/p>\r\nwhat just happened before my very eyes. Because I can\u2019t think of a way to describe it any better<\/p>\r\n
than what the hafflin next to me said in the moment itself.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cHoly fuck that was bad ass.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The other two cultist peons clearly trembled in fear, while the allies of Syrielle ran to<\/p>\r\n
her side with pride, weapons drawn. The man in the black cloak rose to his feet as his peons<\/p>\r\n
took a few steps back. \u201cYou will not keep this curse upon me. I shall rid my wretched soul of this<\/p>\r\n
hex once and for all.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cNone of us know what you mean,\u201d I explained.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The sorcerer began muttering to himself. At first it was in a different language none of us<\/p>\r\n
understood. He raised his long black staff with a red emerald on the end of it.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI SUMMON WRATH!<\/p>\r\n
I SUMMON VENGEANCE!<\/p>\r\n
I SUMMON MALFEASANCE!\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
As he spoke the last line, a second deeper voice could be heard speaking alongside<\/p>\r\n
him. A gust of wind came from nowhere, and the white of his eyes faded to black. The two<\/p>\r\n
voices bounced through the walls.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
He pointed his staff at the girl who killed his greatest warrior. She took one step forward,<\/p>\r\n
and a red beam blasted her in the stomach knocking her back. Just as I stepped towards her a<\/p>\r\n
similar attack knocked me over as well. My chest felt like it was being held to a fire. Then within<\/p>\r\n
a moment the burning agony grew deeper and spread throughout my body.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I screamed. Loud and blood curdling as the world faded to black, then red, then brown<\/p>\r\n
and I found myself in my old classroom. My hand was cramping from writing so profusely yet<\/p>\r\n
every line I wrote turned to ash as I scrolled down the never ending paper.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
My classmates were shaking hands with our professors. Scores of people out in the<\/p>\r\n
crowds were reading books written by the men who I sat side by side with for years. And yet not<\/p>\r\n
one cover had the name Elrin Daun of Gladland.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Their families were lined up closest to us.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Sitting at my desk I noticed two graves beside me. Inscribed on one of them was the<\/p>\r\n
name of the woman who brought me into this world. And the other belonged to Mary Daun. The<\/p>\r\n
first person to show me love, and teach me the meaning of the word home.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
When I looked back at my desk, letters slowly began to appear without burning away.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
You didn\u2019t run to the sword.<\/em><\/p>\r\nYou ran from the pen.<\/em><\/p>\r\nYou suck.<\/em><\/p>\r\nThere are no other words to say.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n
You just fucking suck.<\/em><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n
\u201cYou could have studied all you wanted Elrin,\u201d Standing above me was Professor<\/p>\r\n
George. The plump old man with a bushy white beard glared down with a frown. \u201cYou never had<\/p>\r\n
it. The focus. The attention to detail. These aren\u2019t things you learn. These are things you are.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
He leaned in nose to nose, \u201cPeople could have stayed with us and done it all. People could hear<\/p>\r\n
the adventures and tell and write them later. People could write fiction and poetry. People could<\/p>\r\n
write performances and then play them. People could have lived the life you always dreamed.<\/p>\r\n
But you couldn\u2019t. Because you\u2019re you Elrin. Because you\u2019re you.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
When he finished speaking, he blurred into a haze and swirled like a tornado as a light<\/p>\r\n
shined on my face and I could see the fog clearing. The familiar voice of Syrielle screamed out,<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWhy are you here?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Clearly she was dealing with her own issues. Yet I felt like she was asking the question<\/p>\r\n
of me, and I was compelled to answer. \u201cBecause I\u2019m not the worst.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
And I fucking meant it.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The double voices of the old man shouted, \u201cWhat are you waiting for you scoundrels?<\/p>\r\n
I\u2019ve put them on the floor. End this now.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Both of the sorcerer’s goons pulled short swords from their wastes. One stepped<\/p>\r\n
towards me, and the other towards Syrielle. I tried to stand, but my body only shook with pain.<\/p>\r\n
Paralyzed by the spell cast upon me.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
My lady ally was pushing herself to her feet, but there was little she could do to her<\/p>\r\n
oncoming attacker. And there was absolutely nothing I could do to mine. After all those years of<\/p>\r\n
studying sword and pen, the moment I embarked out into the world, the world said, No. You are<\/p>\r\n
no adventurer.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
He stepped in front of me. Raising the blade above my head. I tried to grip my sword, but<\/p>\r\n
my hand wasn\u2019t moving quickly enough. I thought to close my eyes. But I chose this life. Even if<\/p>\r\n
no one reads of my brief journey, I will not die a coward. And so I stared him directly in the eyes,<\/p>\r\n
for at the very least, I can haunt him for the rest of his days.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
His shoulder twitched, and the end was nigh. I almost didn\u2019t even hear the loud roar that<\/p>\r\n
echoed the cave walls around me, but I sure saw the flaming spear come flying out of nowhere<\/p>\r\n
and stick right into the chest of my would be attacker.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cLEAVE THE CHILDREN ALONE!\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Fighting through the paralysis, I was able to turn my neck just enough to see him. With<\/p>\r\n
skin as red as blood, and the horns of a goat protruding from his head. It couldn\u2019t have been<\/p>\r\n
anybody else. Zorthos, The Devilman.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The speer in the cultist\u2019s chest erupted into flames and disappeared. In a moment, a fire<\/p>\r\n
ax appeared in the helkin\u2019s hand. He wasn\u2019t that much taller than myself, but his muscles<\/p>\r\n
were quite a bit more noticeable.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cZorthos!\u201d Glish shouted. \u201cGet him!\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The man who was charging Syrielle ran straight past her and attacked the devilman. The<\/p>\r\n
two exchanged blows for a quick moment, but Zorthos was more than capable of dispatching<\/p>\r\n
his foe in a duel.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle had managed to get to her feet, and was marching slowly towards the sorcerer.<\/p>\r\n
The redman walked behind her ax at the ready. \u201cYou stepped in the wrong cave demon!\u201d Our<\/p>\r\n
enemy\u2019s voices shouted pointing his staff at us once more and continued to speak in a foreign<\/p>\r\n
tongue.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Another red beam blasted Zorthos\u2019s red chest. It barely fazed our demonic savior. The<\/p>\r\n
helkin simply walked past the samurai growling, \u201cPathetic sorcerer. You think any nightmare<\/p>\r\n
could compare to my life.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Looking worried, the sorcerer slammed his staff to the ground again shouting more<\/p>\r\n
incantations. A pair of black orbs suddenly appeared next to Zorthos. Purple tentacles reached<\/p>\r\n
out of the dark floating balls wrapping around his arms. A third just above him and another<\/p>\r\n
tentacle wrapped around his neck to choke him.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle continued to march forward.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I glanced over to see Glish, who was forcing himself to his feet. Based on his pain he<\/p>\r\n
was obviously also blasted with a red beam earlier. There was no chance I was going to be<\/p>\r\n
outdone by that tiny man, so I myself began to truly force myself to my feet. The pain burned<\/p>\r\n
every inch of me, but I was not to be undone that day.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Within a moment both of us were standing. And at the same time we stepped forward. A<\/p>\r\n
fourth black orb appeared above Syrielle just before she reached the sorcerer. Another tentacle<\/p>\r\n
had curled its way around her whole body trapping both her arms. She held her sword tight, but<\/p>\r\n
couldn\u2019t move one bit.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I took another step. And a third. Glish was moving at the same pace, only his legs were<\/p>\r\n
shorter, so I was moving much faster. With every step I could feel my bones rattling and my<\/p>\r\n
blood was boiling. Each muscle was going to explode at any second.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
But there’s this thing about me, I\u2019ve suspected about myself. Something I\u2019ve never been<\/p>\r\n
able to test, until I come face to face with a moment like this. And the very truth I\u2019ve always<\/p>\r\n
known is that I do not turn down.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
And our foe was soon too. I could see it in the caster\u2019s eye. It was all over his face. He<\/p>\r\n
was at his mana\u2019s end. All of his might and concentration was held on 4 tentacles. I just need to<\/p>\r\n
get there with my rapier. I can do it. I can kill him. I can save Syrielle. I can save Zorthos. I can<\/p>\r\n
save the children.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I am Elrin Daun of Gladland. The Fighting Writer.<\/p>\r\n
And I failed at my dream to chase another.<\/p>\r\n
And I will fight through this nightmare to save the world.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cElrin!\u201d Gish screeched. The hafflin barely made any progress on his march, but was<\/p>\r\n
pointing his little knife up at Zorthos. \u201cI\u2019m too short!\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
But I was not. My eyes were too focused on the main target, I forgot to check the details.<\/p>\r\n
With one more step, I was close enough to the devilman. My blade swung true and the tentacle<\/p>\r\n
holding his right arm was sliced in half. A loud screech from the orb pierced my ears.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Zorthos brought his hand back, summoned his fire ax, and launched it at his target. His<\/p>\r\n
weapon cut straight through the tentacle holding Syrielle, and on to the sorcerer who barely<\/p>\r\n
blocked it with the staff.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
His mystical weapon shattered, and with her constraint torn away the samurai stepped<\/p>\r\n
forward again, both tackling and stabbing the dark spell caster in one move. The double voices<\/p>\r\n
screamed, and a massive flash of red light blasted us all in the face.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I fell through a white cloud, landing very softly without knowing how. I was kneeling in a<\/p>\r\n
puddle, for some reason I knew it was tears. My face was dry, but they had to be mine. Gazing<\/p>\r\n
into my reflection, I wasn\u2019t there. Instead, it was the old face of the man who bore the seed that<\/p>\r\n
grew into me. The lazy selfish prick snickered. \u201cYou didn\u2019t want my name John?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cDon\u2019t call me that,\u201d I splashed him away. \u201cSack of shit.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Hundreds of Mr. Smith\u2019s faces began to appear in the pools around me. Until suddenly I<\/p>\r\n
was greeted by a far more paternal voice, \u201cWhat are you doing? Focus\u2026 You\u2019ve learned to<\/p>\r\n
control your dreams when you needed to long ago.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Once the voice spoke, I took a breath and recalled my mind back to me. There were<\/p>\r\n
trees growing throughout the puddles, so I rose to my feet. The same familiar voice spoke<\/p>\r\n
again, \u201cThis isn\u2019t a nightmare unless you need it to be. Control The Deep.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I waded through the shallow water, and worked my way around the trees until I came<\/p>\r\n
upon a clearing of red grass. Sitting on a tree stump, was the half-elf whose forename I adopted<\/p>\r\n
for my own. He was writing in the same journal I\u2019d seen him scribble in every day. There was a<\/p>\r\n
cup of tea steaming at his side. His hand softly reached out to another stump near him, \u201cCome<\/p>\r\n
join me. Unless you\u2019d rather spend time with your father?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI told you not to call him that,\u201d I sat next to the first teacher I ever had. As well as the<\/p>\r\n
only man I ever wanted to call a father. I wasn\u2019t that surprised, but didn\u2019t know what else to say,<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWhat are you doing here Elrin?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWell John,\u201d He was the only person I still let call me that and I felt it was pretty needless<\/p>\r\n
to explain, \u201cConsidering it\u2019s a dream, I think we can both assume I\u2019m here to\u2026\u201d He rolled his<\/p>\r\n
hands hoping I\u2019d finish.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cTo teach me something I already know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
He was proud, \u201cYou\u2019ve learned the lesson,\u201d Patting me on the head he explained, \u201cAs<\/p>\r\n
you like to put it. You\u2019re just to stupid to figure it out.\u201d A sad look came upon him, \u201cI wish you\u2019d<\/p>\r\n
stop saying that. You\u2019re remarkably talented John. Everybody who knows you can see it clear<\/p>\r\n
as day. And not one person understands your gifts more than you. Yet you\u2019re the only one who<\/p>\r\n
seems to forget.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d I couldn\u2019t agree more. \u201cThat sounds like something I\u2019d say to myself.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The dream of my true father chuckled. \u201cNobody outsmarts you better than you.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
We both laughed pretty hard after that. When the quiet returned I said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I know<\/p>\r\n
I need to apologize to you one day for real. You put yourself out there for me. You got me into<\/p>\r\n
the academy. And I got kicked out.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThey didn\u2019t understand you,\u201d The dream pitied me. \u201cYou were practicing the sword.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cBarely an hour a day\u2026\u201d It was a disgraceful excuse, and I always knew it was. \u201cIf that.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The truth was, I kept telling myself I was gonna take my sword and my penmanship seriously.<\/p>\r\n
But I just kept getting drunk, or going to watch a play or some live music. I never gave either<\/p>\r\n
craft the time of day it was worth.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cI think we know why I\u2019m here\u2026\u201d We locked eyes, but he didn\u2019t look disappointed at all.<\/p>\r\n
The real Elrin never would be. \u201cYou\u2019ve come so far, but you\u2019re still telling yourself the same old<\/p>\r\n
story like you made it up yourself.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
As he spoke, a cold breeze came over me, and snow began to fall upon us. \u201cYou know<\/p>\r\n
what the saddest part is?\u201d The half-elf sat for a moment, almost waiting for me to answer, before<\/p>\r\n
he said, \u201cI don\u2019t have to be in your head to tell you what the problem is. Nobody does. In fact\u2026<\/p>\r\n
Nobody needs to know you. Because at the end of the day, we can sit here and we can try to<\/p>\r\n
break down who you are\u2026 and why you are the way you are. Or\u2026 You can finally admit there<\/p>\r\n
is nothing original about what is wrong with you. Your faults are the least interesting thing that<\/p>\r\n
makes you you. So it\u2019s time you stop trying to define your reason for procrastinating so long,<\/p>\r\n
and just say it out loud.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The snow stopped falling, and rays of sun burst from every direction to melt the frost<\/p>\r\n
away. I didn\u2019t want to say it, because it just felt so stupid to say it. But, we both knew why he<\/p>\r\n
was here. \u201cBecause I\u2019m afraid to fail.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cAnd that fear led you on a journey different than any other man, elf, dwarf, or orc,\u201d Elrin<\/p>\r\n
always loved saying that last part. \u201cBut that fear that drove that journey is no different than every<\/p>\r\n
other man, and us creator\u2019s look in the mirror and say it\u2019s exclusive to ourselves. While the truly<\/p>\r\n
narcissistic tell themselves, they have a problem far bigger than that.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Unsure what to say I muttered, \u201cI should still apologize. I failed. Scared or not.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Placing his hand on the back of my neck he explained, \u201cYou know I\u2019m not concerned<\/p>\r\n
with how you let your fears block you in the past. All that matters is that today you\u2019ve chosen to<\/p>\r\n
throw yourself into Kayos. And in the end that\u2019s all any of us can do.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The dream was beginning to fade. And I didn\u2019t want it to, \u201cThank you Elrin,\u201d I smiled as a<\/p>\r\n
tear appeared in my eye. Before long it drained like a waterfall, and the puddles below grew<\/p>\r\n
larger.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThank you for growing.\u201d Having never broken his smile, the half-elf was disappearing<\/p>\r\n
like smoke, \u201cI hope you survive John. But always remember, that none of us ever do\u2026\u201d His<\/p>\r\n
body puffed away, and my eyes opened to find myself back in the cave.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Almost in an instant, the pain in my body washed away. Glish was hopping up and down<\/p>\r\n
all excited, clearly feeling great himself. Zorthos ran past Syrielle and the corpse she created.<\/p>\r\n
He smashed the lock on the cage holding the children.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Neither stepped out. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, I\u2019m not going to hurt you.\u201d They didn\u2019t believe the demon.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle had risen to her feet, also looking much better. She quickly walked over to<\/p>\r\n
Zorthos and the children, \u201cWould you mind if I tried?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
He stepped away and Syrielle knelt down next to the cage to talk to the young ones.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Most curious, I walked over to our demonic savior to introduce myself, but he didn\u2019t shake my<\/p>\r\n
hand. It was kind of awkward.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Glish walked over as well. \u201cThanks for the assist bro.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cAnytime\u2026 Bro\u2026\u201d Zorthos stared off into space for a second. \u201cI don\u2019t like that.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Without another word he just walked out of the cave. Glish said, \u201cSee ya,\u201d and didn\u2019t<\/p>\r\n
appear at all bothered the gesture was not returned. \u201cI told ya he was nice. Nobody listens to<\/p>\r\n
me.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle had managed to get the kids to step out of the cage, once the devilman was<\/p>\r\n
gone. We quickly walked them outside into the moonlight.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
It grew dark almost immediately, which caused their parents to be on edge when they<\/p>\r\n
heard us walking up the road. But once they saw their children they came sprinting forward.<\/p>\r\n
Tessa\u2019s parents charged while the other young girl, Kayla, ran straight for her uncle who had<\/p>\r\n
been waiting for her at Tessa\u2019s home.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Hannah ran straight over to the three heroes, giving each of us a hug. \u201cDid you slay<\/p>\r\n
him?\u201d She eagerly locked eyes with each of us for barely a second at a time before she<\/p>\r\n
switched to the next.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThe sorcerer?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThe Devilman,\u201d She reiterated.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cMy boy saved us,\u201d Glish announced proudly.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The young woman looked to me confused and I explained, \u201cThe devilman didn\u2019t take the<\/p>\r\n
children. He helped us save them.\u201d As much as I wanted to brag, I was a man of honor. I had to<\/p>\r\n
point at the real hero. \u201cBut to be honest. It was mostly that one there.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Syrielle did an awkward little curtsey.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cWell I\u2019m sure you were all so brave,\u201d She placed her hands on my arm and pulled me<\/p>\r\n
towards their home, \u201cPlease you all must spend the night. Let us show our gratitude.\u201d The way<\/p>\r\n
she said that last part, I was confident that whatever signals I wasn\u2019t picking up on before I was<\/p>\r\n
suddenly getting now. Without a doubt.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
My samurai friend struck up a conversation with the children and their parents, as Danny<\/p>\r\n
asked Glish if he broke Sam\u2019s foot. I took the opportunity to smoothly take my moment alone<\/p>\r\n
with Hannah.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
We walked straight into the kitchen where she asked me to keep her company. With all<\/p>\r\n
of the stress gone, her attitude changed entirely. She was much freer and quicker to laugh. Not<\/p>\r\n
only that, but on several occasions she\u2019d touch my hand. Even after everyone else came in and<\/p>\r\n
interrupted us, we still continued to enjoy each other\u2019s company.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Then her boyfriend showed up, sword in hand, ready to save the children. He had been<\/p>\r\n
a few towns over, but got word just in time. She reminded him he\u2019s not actually good with his<\/p>\r\n
sword as I awkwardly walked over and stood next to Syrielle. It was obvious the way she was<\/p>\r\n
smirking at me that she knew what just happened. Though while I could tell she was making fun<\/p>\r\n
of me, there was also a hint of sympathy. Mostly making fun of me. Through the dirt smudge on<\/p>\r\n
her cheek she might be kinda cute too, but it\u2019s hard to tell because there\u2019s even more dirt now<\/p>\r\n
than before. Also blood.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
With no good excuse, I was stuck spending the night. After a pretty average meal, my<\/p>\r\n
first on the continent, Glish and I were banished outside to the barn where we slept on hay.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
During the night, Tessa had horrible nightmares. She was terrified that the monsters<\/p>\r\n
would return. Syrielle kindly offered to stay with her for a few days. \u201cWith my sword here, no<\/p>\r\n
monster would survive trying.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The little girl was pleased and accepted with glee. Glish and I however, felt it was time to<\/p>\r\n
return to Grumbsy. I hadn\u2019t even explored the town yet and the hafflin lived there. It wasn\u2019t a far<\/p>\r\n
walk, but we were both tired from a lack of sleep and didn\u2019t feel like talking. Also I kind of didn\u2019t<\/p>\r\n
like him at all.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Upon arrival, Vergusson had moved from his tree. Only for us to find him under a<\/p>\r\n
different tree near someone\u2019s house closer to the center of town. Glish went to his shop, seeing<\/p>\r\n
as he had work that day. He advised me to head to The Titan\u2019s Trap. I was quite curious to<\/p>\r\n
meet this Trant, who owned the bar and also ran the town.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
It wasn\u2019t particularly crowded inside. Roan was passed out in the corner, much like<\/p>\r\n
Vergusson was outside. A few other patrons were sitting at the bar, and another few were at a<\/p>\r\n
table. Nobody looked at me when I walked in.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
The second I sat down at the bar, a tall plump red bearded man came barrelling through<\/p>\r\n
the door to the kitchen. \u201cWelcome to the Titan\u2019s Trap. Can I interest you in a round of troll?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
With a huge smile held up a mug which I think got me a little drunk just from smelling it.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
\u201cYou must be Trant?\u201d I held my hand out and he quickly shook it without showing any<\/p>\r\n
surprise that I knew his name. \u201cI am Elrin Daun of Gladland. The Fighting Writer. I was hoping<\/p>\r\n
for a warm meal and place to stay for the night.\u201d My hands rubbed together with excitement.<\/p>\r\n
\u201cAnd then once those things are sorted out, I was hoping you could point me in the direction of<\/p>\r\n
some interesting work.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
I could tell from his face I was asking the right man. \u201cWell I don\u2019t always have something,<\/p>\r\n
but it\u2019s often that I do. So stick around and I\u2019ll keep you in mind.\u201d I could hear the door behind<\/p>\r\n
me open and the barkeep looked up with curiosity. \u201cOr?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Standing in the doorway was one of the most gorgeous beings I\u2019d ever seen in my life.<\/p>\r\n
With her pointy ears and olive skin it was obvious she was a tree elf. Her auburn hair fell down<\/p>\r\n
to her elbows. There was barely anything covering her body, with only a random assortment of<\/p>\r\n
leaves potentially held together by magic. \u201cI need help!\u201d<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
It was becoming clear to me that I wouldn\u2019t have to travel much further than Grumbsy to<\/p>\r\n
find myself an adventure.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Next Chapter \u201cWelcome to Grumbsy,\u201d An orc greeted me as I stepped off of my voyage. \u00a0“Welcome to my story,\u201d I replied, hopping onto the dock, examining the young town on the west coast of the untamed continent called Kayos. \u201cI don\u2019t know what that means,\u201d The large dock attendant replied as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":212,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1\/revisions\/212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}