Drew woke up early. He saw John by the fire waving him down as he got closer to the kitchen area. “Morning John.” He walked past to get some food; he quickly returned to find a seat.
“Morning. Surprised to see you up this early. A lot planned?” John chewed on some food.
“Not really. The more I thought about it last night, the more I decided I wanted to hear what she had to say. If anything, she got my mind rolling. The more I thought about it, the more I was to place how she talked. She sounded like she was from the midwest.” John raised his eyebrow at the comment. “I know right? So that’s why I’m here. I think she might be one of us.” Drew continued to eat as though he hadn’t dropped that bombshell.
John had quit chewing. “You really think so? I mean, I really didn’t talk to her all that much. Not enough to get a reading.” John took a drink of water to get the food down. “We’ll find out soon. Here she comes.” He nodded in her direction.
Vee walked up to the table. “Morning gents. What’s cookin’ today?” She didn’t wait for them to answer, instead continuing past to get a plate. She also grabbed some juice and plunked down next to them. “Mmm so good. You found yourself a good cook.” She quickly shoveled the food into her mouth as the two men watched. She looked up, noticing their stares. “What? Got something on my face?” She smiled and dug back in.
Drew waited for her to finish before speaking. “You had said you have some information for John. Maybe for us both. Now’s as good a time as any.” He continued to look at her as he finished his meal.
Her demeanor changed. She looked around. “Not here. Not with all these people around. And Drew, sorry, but only if John says you can. I really only came here to talk to him.” She stared at them with an intensity he’d never seen before.
“Ok then. We’ll take a walk to the lake. Drew included.” John nodded to his friend.
“Wonderful. Truthfully, I think you need to get Monty as well. I brought up some things in Innsbruck and along the trip that I know he’s interested in.” She still had the serious look.
“If you think he needs to hear it.” John sighed and looked at Drew, now worried having just thought about what he’d mentioned a few minutes prior. “I’ll find Monty and Ivan. He will want to hear it as well.” Resigned to what may happen, John left to gather his other two friends.
Drew continued to stare at Vee. “Can I ask you something, before we go?” Drew tried to study her.
“Shoot. That’s why I’m here.” Her playful demeanor returned.
He leaned forward to whisper. “Where are you from?” he asked quietly.
She leaned forward, a smile plastered to her fast. “Michigan, out in the Great Sea.” Drew’s eyes got wide. “Hmmp. Not the exact emotion I was expecting of someone here that isn’t John.” She stood. “Gotta use the little girl’s room. I’ll let that stew for a moment.” She quickly made herself scarce.
“What the…”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John quickly dragged Monty and Ivan back to the kitchen to the chagrin of Marie. Drew had a worried look on his face. It caused John to second-guess bringing his two friends along, but he knew they deserved some answers. He looked around for Veronica but couldn’t find her.
“She went to the restroom,” answered Drew, taking the cue from John’s look.
They waited a few more minutes. They heard her whistling as she came around the apartments. Yankee Doodle Dandy. Oh shit. No way is that a coincidence. She’s from Earth. John was wide-eyed. Both he and Drew looked at each other.
“Howdy gentleman!” she hollered as she approached. “Ivan right?” He nodded. “The more the merrier I guess. Let’s get this funeral started!” She marched through them headed towards the lake. Monty and Ivan looked at each other. Monty shrugged and turned to follow. John and Drew walked a little behind the other three.
“She’s from Earth John. You heard her humming. And when you were looking for Ivan and Monty, she told me she was from Michigan!” He quietly yelled it. “Michigan!” Drew glanced back and forth having said it louder than he meant to.
John sighed again. “Drew. It’s ok. I heard her too.” He put his arm around his friend. “Remember that old farmer that taught me all those years ago?” Drew nodded his head. “Well, it was Monty. And he wasn’t an old farmer. I didn’t tell you the whole truth, because at that time I didn’t know you that well yet. I hope you understand.” John bowed his head. “He deserves some answers. And we are going to give them to him and Ivan today.” Drew had a worried look, but together they followed their friends to the lake.
The short walk was filled with idle chit chat. They found an area with a few large rocks to sit and talk.
At first no one said anything. No one knew what to say to get it started. After several tense minutes, it was John who finally spoke up.
“I just want to start off by saying how much I appreciate what everyone has done to help me. In the past, and now.” He looked at Monty and Ivan. “That being said, what you learn today must stay here, by the lake, and be told to no one. I’m afraid what may happen if you do.” They shared a quick glance.
“John. We’ve been friends and partners for years. Nothing will change that.” Ivan put out his hand, and John shook it. As did Monty, who smiled.
“Whew. Where to begin. How to start.” John’s mumblings were interrupted by Veronica.
“We’re from another world,” she blurted out.
At first they were all stunned, even John and Drew that she had been so brazen, and then Ivan laughed. “Good joke. Hope we didn’t make this little trek just for a bedtime story.” He laughed harder. And then he laughed less as he saw the look on his friends’ faces. Then his shoulders sunk. “Errm. Not a joke?”
Monty replied. “It would explain a lot.” He squinted and looked at each of the others.
“As she so hastily blurted out, it’s true.” John felt relieved to say it, but he also felt embarrassed for having lied for so long. He took a deep breath. “Monty. All those years ago, when I stumbled on your farm, naked and afraid, I had just woken up by a lake the day before. I had gone to bed in my apartment like any other night, but in a city and what I presume to be another world. I didn’t tell you the truth because well, come on. You would have thought I was crazy if I told you that.”
“Hmmp. I already did. You were naked, as you said. And you knew not even the basics.” He gave a polite smile.
John chuckled. “You taught me what it was to live here. For years I searched the world looking for others from back home, Earth. I had all but given up. So I resigned myself to create a village. A new home for me and my friends. I tried to tell you two, many times. I didn’t want to ruin our friendship.” John paused. “Who would have known that Drew would be dropped in my lap exactly how I was in yours.” He looked at Drew.
Drew steadied himself and began. “My story is similar. I woke up here, in this world, shortly before John found me. I had gone to bed and woke up in the forest. I played the waylaid traveler because we felt that was safer and sounded less crazy than what we are telling you now. I’m sorry I lied to you.”
“As am I. I was selfish, and for that I am truly sorry. I hope you understand why I did. Why we did.” At that point, Ivan put up his hand but said nothing. He glanced back and forth between the pair.
Finally, he looked at Monty, and then spoke. “We’ve always suspected you were different. How different, we didn’t know. To have no experience at your age was unheard of. You were like a newborn babe. But then you grew and turned into more than a friend. You were a brother to us. We knew you would tell us eventually where you were from. You never did us any wrong John. And while I didn’t like that there were secrets between us, I probably would have thought you were crazy if you told me this story when we’d met. I just wish it hadn’t taken this here lady to do it.” He looked at Veronica.
She paused at being called out. After taking a breath, she started. “I, well, I didn’t come here to out them. I only came here to talk to John. I don’t know how long I’ve been in this world, but I have searched high and low for others. Just like John, I had given up. I travelled the world hopelessly. Then I heard about the adventurer guild Ghostbusters. It was like a fire was lit within me. I hoped. No. I knew someone had come from Earth. So I set out to find him. I’ve followed you for years, always seeming to just miss you. When I found out you were making a settlement, I took my chance and ventured all the way out here. I talked to Monty, and I got him to agree to let me come.” He raised his eyebrow. “Ok well. I kinda just invited myself.” She smiled, trying to break the tense mood. “I could tell Monty had questions of his own. So I used them against him. Sorry pal. Truly.” She put out her hand for him to shake; he hesitantly met hers.
Again there was deafening silence, no one knowing what to say. It drug on for quite a while until Drew broke it.
“Monty. Ivan. I understand your weariness. I’d think we were nuts if I heard this. So please, ask us what’s on your mind. Help us alleviate any of your concerns.” He clasped his hands.
Ivan sighed and shrugged. “I don’t have concerns. Your story is too foolish to not be true, and from three of ya at that!” He shook his head. “I already said John was a fine man. And you have grown into one, too. While I can’t speak for Monty, I’m confident you only did it because you thought it would be harmful to be told. Which, honestly, it would have. I don’t mean to me and mine, but if that got out, you guys would have been shunned for being lunatics!” He laughed at that, relieving some of the built up tension. Then he stood and walked over to John and Drew. Drew had an apprehensive look on his face. “Not to worry. I don’t think of ya as bein’ any more crazy than I already did!” He grabbed them both up from where they were sitting and hugged them.
Monty stood and embraced them too, then he punched John, then Drew. “For lying.” He smiled.
Ivan let out a belly laugh. “No more secrets. Agreed?” Both quickly nodded while rubbing their jaws.
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“So tell us. What’s your world like? What did ya call it? Earth?” Ivan sat back down and steepled his fingers in anticipation. Monty also looked on in interest.
For the next several hours they discussed things from Earth. They found out that Veronica had arrived in Tyrina in 1986 but didn’t look a day over the 26 years old she was at that time. They traded stories and information about both worlds. Ivan and Monty added in bits about their world, but sat in awe when the other three talked about Earth.
It was early afternoon before Ivan had decided he had heard enough. “No doubt. No way can you be from here with all that information. It’s too fantastic not to be real.” He stood. “I forgive ya, both of ya. But, no more secrets like Monty here said or you get my friends.” He held up his fists and smiled.
John put up his hands and laughed. “I’m sure you could beat me within an inch of my life. Especially after my last showing.” He stood as well. “Thank you both. For listening to our stories and understanding why I was so hesitant to tell you.” He smiled sincerely.
“Aye.” He looked at Monty. “Let’s leave these three here to talk some more. I’m sure John has some questions for the lass.” He patted John on the head as he walked by. Monty made a fist causing John to duck. Monty laughed and followed behind Ivan.
They watched the duo go back to the village. They collectively let out a sigh of relief.
"That went about as well as I thought it would." John rolled his shoulders. He looked to Veronica. "I understand you seeking me out. I would have done the same. I looked for years for others. Not once did I even get an inkling that someone was from home." He deflated after the comment.
"To be honest, if you hadn't tried making that guild, I wouldn't have known about you either." She let out a laugh. "Ghostbusters. Really?"
John smiled. "It was a last ditch effort. If I couldn't find anyone, I thought maybe someone would find me. It worked. Now I wonder if there are others coming this way. It could be good and bad." He laid back. “What can you tell me about this world? You’ve been here longer than us. Twice as long as me as a matter of fact.”
“I agree,” interrupted Drew. “There’s too many coincidences here: the language, time, writing, even how I got my job. I needed something to help run the town, and guess what. I got it. I don’t know if it’s because John appointed me Assistant Mayor, or if I got it because it was needed.”
She thought for a moment. “I can answer a little bit about that.” She looked at John. “Why do you think the nobility are some of the highest leveled people that you’ve met?” John shrugged. “It’s because they get a very small amount of experience from any citizens. The more citizens they have, the more experience they gain.” She looked at Drew. “You got the job you wanted because John appointed you to a similar position. Anyone appointed to an official position is a shoe-in to get one like it. Just like you. You needed an administrative job. He appointed you to one, and you got it. Of course, you needed some skills that complimented the job. But I guess you’ve noticed your experience is going up rather decent. Even if you don’t do anything.” Both stopped to look at their statuses.
“Huh. I gained a level and didn’t even realize it. It’s been so long that I seldomly check it. I’m overall level 33 and 2%. My job level is now 26 and 14%.” John stopped to think. “It only makes sense if I’m getting experience from others.”
“I’m now level 2, 14% and level 2, 10% Administrator. Sweet!” Drew closed the screen. “I need to look at this more often.”
“The more citizens you get, the faster you’ll go up, John. It’s not much, but every little bit counts.” He nodded, agreeing with her statement.
“So, now a little bit about what I’ve learned about Tyrina.” She closed her eyes. “When it comes to the people, they’re not all that dissimilar than ours. Take away science and add magic, and they’d be almost the same, albeit a few hundred years behind us. I’m sure that’s something you’ve noticed. There’s at least three continents, big continents. And when I say big, I mean it. This one alone could encompass all the area of the land on Earth, and there’s two more just like it. Supposedly. I’ve never been off this one. I just heard stories and read books. Hell, boys, there could be giant aliens on them for all we know!” She laughed at herself. She calmed down and took on a serious tone. “There have been others like us, in the past.” Both men’s eyes got wide. “But you’re the first ones I’ve ever met. You can ask, well how do I know that if I never met them? Well, like I said, I have read a lot. There are sporadic stories of people appearing out of nowhere with no knowledge of the world. The latest story of a person I believe may have been from Earth was about 120 years ago.”
“So do you think that was the last one? Before you?” Drew asked her, listening intently.
“I don’t know. But take your experience entering this world. How many do you think didn’t have your luck and instead were killed quickly? Never found? Do some math. 2020, 2014, and 1986. Maybe it's random and maybe it's not. Maybe it’s just happenstance or me just trying to make sense of random numbers, but if they hold true, there could have been twenty or so since that story I read if someone came every five or six years. Maybe they laid low. Maybe they didn’t survive. And maybe, just maybe, they’re still here. I would be 60 years old if I was back on Earth, but look at me! I barely look 30! John would be what, 30? You don’t look a day over 25 yourself. Those are the stories I looked for mostly. Where people seemed to live an extended time or didn’t seem to age.”
“Do any of the stories talk about how they got here? Or why? Any clues as to how to get home?” John sat up, interested in her answers.
“Unfortunately, none of the stories were first hand. From my experiences, I haven’t found anything mentioning Earth or how to get home. Sorry.” Her shoulders dropped. “Drew, you mentioned all the coincidences, time, language, etc. That’s one thing I never figured out. But I will tell you, only the humans speak in English. Each race has their own language. The different people here have been around for thousands of years. I’m sure some of their history has been lost. They’ve had as many wars as we’ve had. So yea, I agree with you. It is convenient.” All three sat in silence at the revelation.
Finally, Drew stood and dusted himself off. “Well then. We make our lives better here until some answers are made known. No use sitting here moping when we have people back there who are depending on us.”
John smiled at Drew. “You’ve changed Drew. You’re no longer scared of your shadow. You should be proud of yourself.” Drew put his hand on John’s shoulder to show his appreciation. John turned to Veronica. “Are you staying? To build this community with us? We could use the help.”
Veronica beamed from ear to ear. “Absolutely! I was hoping you would invite me. I can help train people to fight. I’ll take a job. I’ll do whatever’s needed. I’m just so glad to be around some people from home! I can finally talk about baseball!” She walked over and put her arms around both of them. John laughed.
“That’s good, because I stink at fighting. I might have levels, but I’m not near skilled enough to actually teach people. I got my butt whooped a little while back. Let me tell you about what’s happened while we walk back to the village.” John took her arm in his, and together the three of them talked about the past few weeks’ events at the village.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Drew added Veronica to the citizenship list. He told her and she quickly accepted. “What kind of job would you like? I’m sure I can make up a position to help you get it.”
“I don’t know what you need here.” Vee looked at Drew as they entered the village through the eastern gate. “I could be a guardsman. Ehmm. Woman that is. Willis and I could train them, but I could be in charge of defenses. I’m quite handy with the sword and bow. Even the spear and shield if needed.”
“I wonder what skills you would need for that. Talk to Willis when we get back. He was the trainer back in Innsbruck and worked under their Head Guardsman. Which now that I think of it was probably a position and not a job. Talk to him, and then let me know and I’ll appoint you the position.” Drew grabbed some jerky as they entered the circle around the kitchen fire. Drew mused to himself. “I wonder if I can appoint him a Combat Trainer. I'll have to try.”
The majority of the villagers were gathered around, so Drew chose this time to talk to them. “Excuse me everyone. I know most of you met Veronica last night. She’s now the newest member of our little village. She is very skilled in fighting and has agreed to take the position of Head Guardsman. She has also agreed to help train anyone who wishes to learn in swords, bow, spear, or shield. Please, talk to her at your convenience if you should want to learn anything.” Veronica waved at everyone. Several nodded and a few Welcomes were heard.
“Hi folks. Please call me Vee. I thank you all for welcoming me. I’ll do my best to defend you and help train you. Ask anything of me. Just not while I’m eating!” She elicited a few laughs with that.
After supper, Veronica walked around talking to the villagers. Drew joined John at a table. Ivan and Monty had just left him.
“You know John. We trusted her really quickly. What if she’s not really who she says she is?” He asked as he sat.
“They just said the same thing. So we are going to keep an eye on her, watch for any oddities. Besides being from Earth.” John snorted. “Can you believe it? Unless she’s a very good liar, we found another!”
“I know. Crazy. Let’s just do as the other two said eh? I’ll keep an eye on her too.” Drew was being cautious, but rightfully so. “I also talked to Willis. He doesn’t know about any trainer positions, but he did say the Guardsmen get their jobs by being hired as such. He doesn’t have a job. He was only hired to train, so wasn’t officially a Guardsman. It doesn’t actually require any new skills. It’s one of the few like it. It’s based on combat like Inara who is our Hunter. Similar idea. They do get perks though as they level. Decreased stamina usage. Things like that.”
“Alright. You’re in charge of it, like usual. Maybe wait with giving Vee that position until she’s earned a little more trust. We don’t know what she’ll be able to do with it.” Drew nodded in agreement. “Mani and Yara should have been back today. Or they are and I just didn’t see them. I watched for them all evening as we built the commonhall.”
Drew looked around. “Now that you mention it, I didn’t see them either.” He stood up and shouted. “Has anyone seen Mani and Yara today or tonight?” People looked around but no one spoke up. “That’s not good. It’s getting dark. I know they’re capable, but we may have to go looking for them tomorrow. And by we, I mean you.” He put his hand on John’s shoulder. “I know you. You’re going to worry until you make yourself sick. Don’t. They’re fine. They’ll be back.” He smiled, trying to reassure John. “I’m going to go look at the town menu. See what’s new and try to appoint Willis. Find something to take your mind off of them. See ya.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John pittered around the village until he heard a commotion from the south entrance. His fears were assuaged as Mani and Yara entered looking worse for wear. He ran to meet them and helped Yara off her horse. She had a bad cut up her leg.
He hollered, “Go get Gert!” He put his arm under her shoulder to help her to a spot to lay down. Mani was being helped by Nathan. People quickly cleared an area for them. John grabbed a mug of water that someone carried and slowly poured it in her mouth while Mani watched, eyes never leaving her.
Ivan quickly came upon them. “What happened? Who did this to ya?” He quickly questioned Mani.
“Give me just a moment will ya? We’ve been riding hard all day to get back here. Let me just catch my breath.” Ivan stood, arms crossed.
“Aye. Go ahead.” Ivan pointed to Nathan. “Get those wagons in the gates. And get up top a tower. Get the scout up there too. We need eyes to the west.” He continued to bark orders as those able to fight gathered weapons.
After resting for a few minutes and getting a bite to eat, Mani crawled over to Yara who was being bandaged up by Gert. He stroked her hair. He finally spoke. He had fire burning in his eyes. “We continued west. Past the village. It was rough going. If you think the ground is rocky here, it gets even worse. And the elevation begins to drop pretty quickly. We came across a clearing on the second day. Yara thought she saw something on the other side of it. We stayed in the tree line and made our way over to where she had pointed. There were a few scattered remains of buildings. They were in the same shape as the ones we’d found before. Long abandoned for sure.” He stopped when Yara grimaced in pain. “We didn’t even see them coming.” He looked up to John. “They were humans, but something was wrong with them. They grunted and wore rags for clothing. They clamored over the ruins. They were nothing like what I thought would be able to build those buildings.” He was getting worked up.
“Take a breath Mani. You’re ok now. Yara will be ok. I think she’s just exhausted.” John put his hand on Mani's shoulder. “Gert here’s the best. She’ll take care of her. Take a breath and continue when you’re ready.”
He swallowed another mug of water. “I’m still confused John. They didn’t even try to talk to us. I couldn’t make any sense of what they were saying. Then all of a sudden, I was being pelted with rocks from slings. Several snuck up to us from the sides with makeshift spears. That’s how we got these cuts, defending ourselves. We killed several, but we left as quickly as we could. We even went across the river to hide our trail. We tried our damnedest not to lead them back here. I promise you that.” He now had tears in his eyes. “What kind of barbarians were they? To attack us like that!”
“We’ll find out. Don’t you worry.” John waved at a few people. “We need to move her inside. Mani too. Let them get some rest.” He moved to talk to Ivan and a few others. “Put out the torches. All the fires. Best not make us a target. They have no reason to suspect where we are. But we stay vigilant through the night. Move the noncombat people into the cellar and guard it. Tonight, we don’t sleep. Tomorrow, we find out who these people are.”