Groggy I slowly wake up in a comfy bed. Seven hours until dusk. Pops into my head. “Hello young one.” Rolling over to see the voice speaking to me. A tall slender man with pointed ears and silvery blonde hair. “Before you ask it has been two days since you were last awake.” He was a dapper looking older man with expensive looking clothes and a thin white blonde beard. I assumed they were expensive clothes anyway. “Kritin had quite the tale to tell when he left you here in my care.” “Here?” I asked in a rough dehydrated sounding voice. The older man handed me a wooden cup of water, “Paradise of course.” He answered with a smile. “Care to share the tale Kritin told you?” “Most certainly” He said happily “The giant spider known as The Wanderer found your caravan.” “A spider with a name?” I interrupted.
“Yes, The Wanderer has been occasionally causing caravans and boats to go missing, killing many in the process. It has been happening for the last ten years or so. All the sites had the same webbed ambush but they happened all over the forest hence the name The Wanderer. Anyway The Wanderer webbed the branch above your platform to either do what it did or climb up to your caravan. All I know is I am sure it did not plan to be crushed and injured by the branch. While you and the Murichi fought The Wandering Spiders army of hundreds of spiders, Kritin knew this was his best chance to end The Wanderers reign of terror in the Great Forest. During his assault on The Wanderer he was also attacked by many spiders aiding the beast. He knew this would most likely cost him his life but ending this beast would have been a glorious way to go. He slayed it by piercing its head with a polearm and once over he stumbled toward you and Mesech barely conscious. You two ran to his aid and you saved his life. He still owes you a favor or two in his eyes.”
“What about the others?” “Five Murichi perished sadly but the last to do so by The Wanderer. All three of the raptors also died. They took the fallen Murichi back to the lake shores and rested hoping both you and Mesech would rest up and heal the others if able. Mesech did wake up and aid the others but said you would not wake for days potentially. So Kritin decided to bring you to Paradise himself while the others returned to Eagles Watch. He carried you and your things here and stayed the night. During that night he told me of the tale of the human tested that saved him and he was here to repay a part of that debt. He left you in my care this morning and he said Eldrin was your goal.”
“Over a week already….” I muttered as I got up “What was that my boy?” “When is the next boat leaving?” “ Ah, this evening if everything is on schedule.” “I’m going to get up and take a look around now.” “Very good, I shall accompany you. My name is Laxilandituril but most call me Lax. He said with a smile. “And you already know but I’m Tom and it’s nice to meet you.”
Standing up I felt different. It was like the time after I killed those ants. All my senses were just better. Heading outside I noticed the walls and much of the settlement was much like Eagles Watch, a noticeable difference being Paradise followed more human building patterns and nothing was really carved or detailed. Lax stood next to me as I took in the surroundings. I was expecting elves to be really tall,regal, and timeless looking. He was rather short and looked aged like past his prime but not near death yet.
“Tom, do you know why it is called Paradise?” I could see the giant trees around us but the closest ones must have been cut down or something. After not replying Lax continued. “When the earliest human explorers floated down the river they were often attacked before and after this point, making it feel like a safe haven. Many people don’t want to leave knowing what’s out there waiting for them like this is their own paradise.” It wasn’t very large. The tall wooden walls were only a few hundred feet across but a U shape that ended in the river. The river was huge! Well over a mile wide. I couldn’t tell much from this distance though. “Let’s head back inside and get you some food then we can take a look around.” “Sounds good, Lax.” I smiled back at him, noticing how hungry i was.
The inn was pretty basic and empty. There were two tables and a few chairs at each one. One table had three elves wearing ringed armor with a green tabard over it. The tabard had an image of two trees and a city between them. As we sat down my mind was wandering all over the place. How Kritin brought me here. Maria and how her pregnancy is going. Magic in general. A new world. Lax excused himself and went to talk to a petite human woman of around forty. I assume she owned the place or at least ran it.
Back in my thoughts I didn’t notice the three elves had left their table and were surrounding me. “Tom, the spider slayer?” A male elf asked. I looked up at him. He and both his companions were shorter than me and had an odd mixture of green/brown hair. “I’m Tom.” Lax sat back down but stayed quiet. The male elf pointed at his tabard, “We are from the royal elven capital Frintilandituril. We would like a confirmation report for The Empress that the vile creature who has killed hundreds of us is truly dead.” I nodded, “I was there when Kritin slew the Wanderer.” “And what were you doing?” He asked while writing something down. “Killing spiders.” “How many?” “In total or just me?” I honestly didn’t know exactly. “Both, if you could please.” “If I had to guess, I killed around twenty of the two hundred or so.” “Impressive and how big were these spiders?” “Most were here to here but a few were a bit larger.” I said as I raised my hand two then three feet off the ground. “You are sure The Wanderer is dead?” “He appeared very dead before I passed out. Kritin also isn’t a liar out for some glory or whatever. He would have willingly given his life fighting The Wanderer.” I replied with more venom than I probably should have. “Sorry, last question. You passed out cleansing Kritin?” “Yes.” “And it was your first time casting it?” “Yes.” “Again I am sorry. I heard the story but needed confirmation. You are a friend of the Empress. If you ever find your way into Frintilandituril just announce yourself and ask for her. May the gods keep blessing you Tom.” The elven trio did a kind of bow then returned to their table.
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After a moment of silence our food arrived. “Here you go sirs.” Her eyes were locked onto me. “Thanks ma’am it looks good.” “I’ll be sure to let my husband know.” She smiled and left. More fish and cheese but at least there was actual bread. “Too bad we leave in a few hours. You could have had her tonight.” Shocked by his crassness “What?” “You humans have…needs that most other races cannot comprehend. Her and her husband help fellow humans out. Though since it is mostly men that travel through here it is mostly her.” Shaking my head, I asked “Is this common?” “It is very unique but not completely outside of a normal marriage contract.” “A normal marriage contract would be?” “Well, everywhere I have been to in Magarnia has always been two or more people. The makeup of the group varies from all male to all female to everything in between. It is mostly just one male and one female though. Beings are complex so most of the time it is not even officially recorded.” All this talk just made me want to go back to simple happy me. “I just want to get back home to my wife and raise our son together.”
We ate in silence for a while. “Have you ever been to Eagles Watch Lax?” “I have no desire to get near the largest Roc to have ever existed.” “I saw it and it was awesome.” “Awesome, I like that word. ” “If it wasn’t for the giant walking tree I saw before that I wouldn’t have believed my eyes.” He audibly gasped “You saw, The Guardian? Tom, you are truly blessed by the gods to be here.” “You have no idea.” I chuckled to myself.
“The ferry is here early.” Someone yelled from the door. “Better go grab your things young one. We do not have much time. Grab the bag as well.” I headed up to the room and grabbed my weapons and shield and a brown leather bag and started leaving the room. “Leaving so soon. I wish I could have some time with a hero like you.” The innkeeper said seductively. Not knowing how to react I just said, “If only there was more time” and I walked past her and headed down the stairs then I headed for the docks.
It’s a steamboat or at least looks like the old western looking ones. How does it run? Power sources could be anything. Lax waved me down. “You ready Tom?” I nodded. I saw he had an elegant looking rapier and a buckler on his side. “Wait, are you coming as well?” “Yes, I am headed to Port Glimo but then I take a different ship to the dwarven capital Nardun.” A thought occurred to me. “How am I paying for things?” “Kritin has good standing here so he paid for your stay. The ferry we will defend so we travel free. You might even gain a little coin if there is any trouble.”
Walking up to the ferry-master Lax spoke to the taller female elf. “This is Tom the spider slayer who was instrumental in the killing of the legendary wanderer.” She was clearly surprised by this news and asked me. “Is it true?” “I wouldn’t say I was instrumental but yes.” “The Wanderer killed my sister’s husband. I did not like him but he did not need to die. Anyway, welcome aboard Tom and you?” She looked back at Lax “I am Lax” “Sure you are.” She almost laughed. “I really am.” He smiled as he pulled something from his pocket and showed her what was cupped in his hand. “Pardon me for my rudeness and for doubting you.” “I understand. What room will we have?” “You two will share my quarters.” “Glorious thank you for your hospitality miss?” “Leah is what most people call me.” “See you soon Leah.” Lax gave another smile and prodded me onboard.
The steamboat styled boat had to have had over a hundred people on board. Mostly elves and a few humans. It was very crowded. “What was that about Lax?” “My family is famous and very rich.” “And sharing the room?” He laughed, “You humans with your lust filled minds. The captain’s quarters are better than the suite and it will have at least four beds. Now let us retire for the night. I am old and tired”