Aaron walked out into the mist pulling his hood up. He had woken early today to head to the market district. He needed more information on the current happening of the continent. Ideally he should have been able to gather news in the mercenary’s barrack, but he didn't want to tip off Dieter that he was snooping around for information that wasn't related to his current investigation. Thus the market where people gossip would be his best place to look.

The market district was on the east side of the city near the train station. The train station was the pride of the capital of Galicia. This mode of transportation of steam and mana was recently invented only a decade ago. To be able an established one not only showed off a kingdom's thriving wealth but also their strength of bonds with their neighboring kingdoms. Since most train rails are set up to connect with each other's capitals, with stops at any town along the way. Some people say trains were a strong sign of the everlasting stability on the continent. Promoting peace and friendship among the different countries. However Aaron disagrees on this point. Only a naïve fool wouldn't notice the fragility of the peace. The symbol of friendship was more as the symbol of allies to fight with in war. Thus those who make war their business would have the latest news of any conflict. Which were the merchants. At this time in the morning the merchants would be doing business with store owners by bringing in the fresh supplies from out of town. Heading over to the freight station he walked over to the supplier with the most goods.

" Good morning, good sir. Do you need any assistance today?" Aaron flashed his brightest smile to appear as innocent as possible.

An older man turned his gaze to Aaron, sizing him up. The men pulled out his cigarette,

" I will give you five copper coins, 7 if you do it fast."

"Deal."

Aaron grabbed the nearest box from inside the freight loading it into the wagon. As he moved more boxes he listened to the conversation around him.

" So the-”

“...got involved with the invasion.”

“Seriously, you think it is going to get bloody.”

“I don't know, but I hope they return home soon. With them taking so many men, the Varagian guard declare they’re not doing any patrols, leaving only the city guards to keep the peace. I for one do not trust them to do so.”

“Yeah, I heard that crime has already risen. Did they really need to take everyone?”

“ Particularly so. Oh now i think about it. Do you think they took the Dragon Slayer with them? I actually would like to see them in action for once.”

“Dragon Slayer?”

“Yeah, the Dragon Slayer. You know the one who earned the title Arch warrior and Arch mage.”

“Yeah I heard, but when did they start to call them the Dragon Slayer?”

“About a month ago. People don't know what title to use, so they decided to use the legendary title they used to gifted those ancient heroes. You know the ones who served under the great sorceress.”

“ Hm... I like it. It feels as if a new legend is being born. ”

"I couldn't agree more."

Aaron shook his head.

“What a casual approach to handing out names.”

“Hey, boy, pick up the pace?”

Aaron snapped away from the elders’ conversation.

“Oh sorry.” Aaron hurried his pace.

The morning sun rose blanketing the station with a golden light pushing away the mist.

"Oi, not too bad. Here's an extra copper." The men toss Aaron 8 coppers.

" Oh, boy. Thanks." Aaron made his expression as if he was a youth delight for some extra pocket money.

"So awful kind Mister, Before I go could you tell more about what you were talking about earlier?"

The Man raised his eyebrow

" About The war, you say? Why does a youth want to know?"

" No reason, I'm just curious ? Isn't it the talk of the town?"

" Curious, my foot. How do I know you are not hired by a competitor? Listen here kid, In the merchant's business, news is a valuable resource. Especially with dealings with war. I'm not going to hand out my secrets to anybody. You got your pay, now scam?"

Aaron left. As soon he was out of sight he pushed back his hood and frowned. What a cheapskate. 8 copper coins for an hour's work. It shoulda been a silver coin. The information should be more than enough compensation in return and the other man knew it. However he had the nerve to rip off a youth. Aaron crossed his arms. He needed to be more careful who he picked to interrogate?

He wasted an hour but there was still time left before his train. Spotting a woman stacking up fine silks, he made it over through the coward station. He once again put on his best smile. He stepped out to greet her bumping into a man with a purple mask. Aaron glanced at the man and froze. There was familiarity to the man, but he only got a glance of the man's right sleeves fluttering in the wind before disappearing into the crowd.

Putting it out of his mind, Aaron turned back to the lady. A force smashed into his back knocking him into the silks. Colorful Papers and fabric collapsed on him.

"My silks." the woman shrieked.

"Ah sorry, the person just came out of nowhere." A voice sounded like a young man hurried to apologize.

Aaron then felt a weak pull picking him out of the fabric.

" Don’t worry, we will pick them up for you."

"We?"

"Of course, it's our fault." A tan young man greeted Aaron with a grin.

Aaron shook his head as he bent down to pick up the scatter silks and papers. He didn't see how it was his fault since the man walked into him, but it was best not to drag it out.

With both of them working the silks were picked up in no time. The woman took a once over the silks and nodded. Aaron saw this as a chance to question her. He reached out his hand to introduce himself, but the man grabbed it instead.

" Thanks for helping clean up the mess and for picking up my research. " he energetically shook Aaron’s hand, well struggling to balance his research in his arms.

"No problem." Aaron turned back to the lady as he tried to shake the stanger’s grip away. However he was pulled back.

" Aaron? Is that you?"

Aaron turned toward the man, his eyes opened in surprise.

" Emil? What are you doing here?"

"Well you know, research. Man, it's been awhile. I haven't seen you since the library incident. "

Aaron flinched. The library incident was not his finest moment.

" So Emil, how have you been? Made any progress?"

" Sadly no. Well you know how it is. So where did you disappear to? Wait?” Emil pulled Aaron closer to himself. “That earring. In your left ear?"

"Yes?" Aaron took a step back.

" Isn't that the Varangian Guard's dragon fire earring? When did you join the Varangian Guard? "

" You recognize this earring?" Aaron was taken back. Though the Varangian Guard was famous, most people would only recognize the mercenary’s dragon crest badge. The dragon fire earring is only given to The Administrators or high ranking officers who work behind the scenes and didn't interact with the general public. Which was why Aaron didn't bother removing the accessory when he came to the train yard.

Emil puffed out his chest. "Of course. I'm a huge fan of the Varangian Guard.

Aaron gave him a look .

" Since when? You weren't interested in it last time we talked."

"Well that was then. This is now. I have been keeping up with the latest news."

“Do you, now?” Aaron leaned onto a piling of crates.

Emil put his research down onto the crates and stretched his arms.

“Of course, otherwise I can't say I'm a fan. Though, aren't you a little young to be part of the guard? I thought the Trebizond Empire forced a regulation on them so they can no longer accept minors?"

Aaron suppressed his sly smile forming on his mouth. He even knew about the regulations. Perfect. This made things easier.

" Yes you are right, but it is only for the mercenary squad. The administrators don't have such regulations. Especially for the branch facility out here in the capital of the Galicia Kingdom. By the way, is your research heavy?"

Aaron smiled as innocently as possible.

" Well, yes." Emil appeared baffled by Aaron's sudden attitude shift.

" Then as a fellow country man, let me help you carry your research to where you need to go." Aaron grabbed half the papers of the crates before Emil had a chance to refuse the offer.

" Um, thanks." The man blinked absently at him. " Aaron, what's wrong? Why are you talking so weird."

"Talking weird? I'm talking normally."

"No you are being way too polite. Last time we met I specifically remember you speaking rudely with an annoyed tone. Not with this sweet scholarly voice. And the way you elegantly cussed out those high ranking officials. It is still the talk of the court."

" I don't remember doing anything like that." Aaron turned his head away.

"Aaron?" Emil raised his eyebrow.

" Where to?" Aaron ignored him and urged him to lead the way.

  The town streets now in their morning height roared with noise and people filling every corner. The two youths navigated their way through the crowded streets.

“ Are you sure you are okay with helping me all the way to the library?”

“Emil, I said I have some spare time to kill. It is fine. ”

“Okay then.” Emil smiled wide, seemingly happy to meet an old friend.

" By the way, Emil. You said you know all the latest news about the Varangian Guard. Do mind tell me some of it"

" Sure. What do you want to know about?" Emil's eyes begin to sparkle with anticipation. Aaron smiled to himself. He was lucky to find someone who were so eager to share their fountain of wisdom that they didn't question why a staff of the administration sector needed outside information.

"Then can you tell me everything you know about the current war?"

" Ah the war? Now that is a big issue with the Varangian Guard. "

"Issue?"

" Yeah, not only Ervin Kreger personally got involved, but he pulled in the whole guard to help the Navarre kingdom. "

" How is it an issue for a mercenary group to go to war?"

"Because The Trebizond Empire is backing up the kingdom of Aragon."

"What? Why?" Aaron was shocked. The two countries were on two separate ends of the continent.

" It is strange, isn't it? The rumors said Aragon promised to open up the ports of Navarre if they agree to support them."

" The ports?"

" Yeah, the Trebizond Empire seemed to be wanting to invest into steamboats."

Aaron nodded his head. Steamboats were the newest invention in the world’s transportation. Only appearing a year ago. It made sense for them to be interested in it. The sandy desert in the west of the Trebizond Empire made it hard to set up trains. Well in the east were all coastal regions.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

"So, about the Huh? Emil?" Aaron turned over his shoulder. Emil had disappeared.

" Thank you, young men." An elderly woman spoke behind him.

"No problem." Emil's spirited voice responded back to her.

Aaron stared at him and shook his head. He looked too natural holding the door for her as if he was the shopkeeper. Emil noticed Aaron’s stare, smiled, and walked back as casual as he had left.

"Sorry, She needed some help opening the door. So what were we talking about"

"What was, no nevermind. You were explaining the conflict of interest between the Trebizond Empire and the Varangian Guard."

" Right, even though the Varangian Guard is an independent mercenary, their main base is within the Trebizond Empire. Such they are obligated not to go against the empire's interest. See the issue. "

Aaron nodded his head.

"So the Trebizond Empire had issued the guard to cease their assistance. But,"

"But?"

" Ervin Kreger, the head of the Varangian Guard, made a statement since there was no official treaty between the Trebizond Empire and Aragon. The Varangian Guard isn't going against the empire."

" Not official?"

"Yeah, even though it's well known, the empire is backing Aragon. It is all being done under the table."

" So basically Kreger says do things legit or he isn't going to listen?"

"Pretty much."

" And they won't make it official?"

"Nope they can't. They are under other peace treaties."

Aaron burst out laughing.

"The officials at home are probably steaming mad. Kreger really knows how to dance around them."

Emil joined in with his laughter.

"Which is why Kreger is very cool. Even though The officials are annoyed by him, all they can do is sit there and be mad. After all, the guard still has too much support from the commoners."

"So true."

"Though the biggest buzz going around the war is the expectation of the new Dragon Slayer."

Aaron flinched.

" This is the biggest involvement the guard has been in recently. There is no way they are not sending out the mysterious Dragon Slayer."

Emil's eyes sparkled as he turned to him.

"Aaron, aren't you part of the administration? Have you heard anything about them?”

Aaron coughed. Right, Emil was a big hero fanatic.

“Who are they? Their age ? Have you got a chance to meet them?” Emil gushed out. Aaron could only smile awkwardly at Emil’s bombardment.

“Come on, you know something. Are they tall and bulky? Or Lanky dressed head to toe in magical accessories. Or sho-”

“I don't know anything” Aaron flustered out. "I didn't even know people started to call them dragon slayers. But why are you even getting excited? It isn't like the person has actually done anything.”

“What do you mean? You simply cannot earn the titles without doing something amazing. Unlike the other positions where you take an exam or being hired for a job. You can only be promoted to the rank by a council made of Arch-mage for mage and Arch-warrior for warrior. There they review their case and why they deserve the title. Most times it is only granted to those who reach high status. Like an empire’s head court magician or renowned veteran hero. To be able to come out of nowhere and still granted both titles. They must be amazing."

“Or it could be all propaganda. You keep saying they did something amazing, but you haven't said what.”

“Well, they never release their reason for the approval of the title. But I heard from gossip, Ah, I mean from reliable sources that not only did they defeat a tyrant dragon, they discovered a previously impossible form of magic.”

Aaron paled. “ Is that going around?”

“ Not only that. People also say the only reason they haven't made an appearance is that they are under a top secret mission. You can't tell me that doesn’t sound cool? ”

“Okay, Okay i get it. No, I don't know anything. Do you want to know about someone else?"

"Huh, like who?" Emil's eyes sparkled.

" You are way into gossip, Emil." Aaron shook his head. "Fine, so there is this Mr. Cedric. He would totally cut my pay if he heard this, but he is the most adorable-"

"Get out of our inn." A woman screamed.

"We will get out as soon as you give us what we have asked for." A rough voice bellowed out of an open cafe.

" As soon as you pay for it."

" Hey let's bargain. You give it to us or we smash all your furniture."

" Get out before I call the guards."

"Ha, the guards are pathetic. We will be out of town before they even finish tying their shoes."

Aaron and Emil halted looking over to the commotion. A young woman with her hair tied up in a bun and a broom in her hand stared up at a group of men twice her size.

"It's VG's time. Go Aaron."

Emil pushed Aaron closer to the inn.

" Whoa, hold on. I'm only an administrator, I'm not supposed to get involved with hooligans. The city’s guards can handle it." Aaron tried stepping away from Emil’s pushing.

"Don't say that. You are still part of the Varangian Guard. The Varangian Guard protects the weak."

"But,"

In the corner of his eye the woman, not backing down, swung her broom at the thug. The man flared up at her provocation shoving the woman into the wall.

"Don't make me say it again, wench."

Aaron pushed the research in Emil’s hands. They went too far. Now it was his problem. He walked toward the open cafe, but before he arrived a brown skin girl called out from a table.

" The lady said to leave. Get out." the girl motioned her head to the door.

" Says who." The thug growled and moved toward the girl's table.

" Say me." She took a sip of her tea, returning her attention back to her companion with green hair.

The thug eyes lit in rage swing his fist at her. In a sweeping motion a butt of a spear smacked into the thug’s gut. He slumped to the ground knocked out.

" Why you little wench."

The other thugs charged toward the girl. Gripping her pole she swung it under the closest thug’s arm smacking him into the wall.

"Last one." She pointed her spear to the last thug.

"Soraya." A worried young man with glasses called behind her. "What are you doing?"

"Taking care of punks, what else?" She flashed the young man a carefree expression.

"You," The thug chuckled a stool at her. "Catch this."

With grace she sliced the stool in half.

The thug snatched a box behind the counter.

" I'm out." He dashed out the door.

"Wait, stop him. That is our money box." The inn girl ran up to the spearwoman.

"Which way?"

The spearwoman dashed out of the café trying to pass through the crowd to chase after the thug but the charts and horse obstructed her way .

Aaron shook his head.

“She lost him. Shame, we are on this side of the street. The thief is long gone by now. Whoa!” Emil pushed his books into Aaron's hands.

“Aaron, I think I saw where the theft went. I will be right back,” he dashed into the alleyway.

“Wait, what are you planning on doing?” Aaron struggled with the new weight in his hand, as Emil vanished from his sight.

John smith smirked to himself. That idiot woman left her stall wide open. He made his biggest haul and was stock free.

“Hey, theft, hold it.”

John looked back to an olive skin foreigner running toward him. How did he find him? The theft dashed into another alleyway zipping through some narrow spaces. That should have done it.

“I said,” the youth gasped, “hold it.”

“Really, why are you still following me?”

“I,” the youth squad down. “will not let.” he took another breath. “ Wait one second let me catch my breath.”

“Not in your life.”

“Wait” the youth sprinted but tripped onto his face.

“Ha Ha, serve you right. No one can stop me, the great thief John smi, opff.” A ebow smacked straight into his abdominal. His vision faded in darkness as he saw a younger tan foreigner stood over him. Next time he gained his consciousness he found himself in the city prison.

Aaron stepped over the unconscious body and grabbed Emil’s arm to pull him up.

“Seriously, Are you stupid? What were you planning? Simply chasing after someone wont means you can catch them. If he turned violent. I doubt you can defend yourself. You're lucky I managed to track you down. How idotic.”

Emil laughed. “There's your annoyed tone.”

Aaron clicked his tongue crossing his arm. Emil laughed even more.

“All’s well that ends well. By what about you? It was so cool how you jumped down the building roof. The criminal practically ran straight into your elbow. Totally like a hero.” Emil's eyes lit up. “Like I thought, you are an amazing person.”

Aaron waved his compliment away. "Honestly the girl with the spear was more amazing."

" Agree, the way she stepped in. She is definitely someone who can become a great hero."

“ You are a Hero frantic, through and through.”

Emil flashed a bigger smile. “Well what can I say, I could never get tired reading hero epics growing up.”

Aaron shook his head. Emil laugh some more until he froze and quickly look around

“Hey Aaron?”

“Yes?”

“Where did you leave my books?”

Aaron's face lit up. “ Oh, I drop them on to the streets to chase after you.”

Emil’s face paled.

“Hey I’m joking.” Aaron broke out into laughter. “ I left it with the woman innkeeper. Don't worry.” He patted Emil back as he continued to laugh.

“ Why, you?” Emil grabbed Aaron into a lock hold and started to rub his head. “That was not funny.”

"Okay I get it. Let go.” Aaron pushed out of Emil’s hold. “So let's turn over the thief and return the stolen money. So which way back?”

“Huh, I don't know. Didn’t you pay attention to how you got here?”

“I was too busy trying to chase you down.” Aaron frowned.

“Yeah, me too.” Emil grinned.

“Thanks for handing over the thief. With this hopefully our streets will be safer.”

Aaron shook hands with the town guard.

“ No problem. Doing what any Varangian guard mercenary would do.” Aaron smiled. He remembered what Mr. Ceric told him about public appearance . “By the way, What time is it?”

“Oh it should be around 8:30.” the guardsmen informed.

“That is great Aaron. Your train leaves at 9:00. You haven't missed it yet.” Emil said.

Aaron shrugged. It had been a chaotic morning. Honestly, he expected as much the moment he ran into Emil. The hero frantic could not help, but get himself into trouble.

“Emil, it was nice seeing you again. But I need to say goodbye.”

“Sure, it was ‘cough’,” Emil covered his mouth. “Sorry ‘cough’ I ‘cough’.”

“Emil?”

Emil slumped onto the ground into a coughing fit.

“Emil!” Aaron rushed to his side. He saw Emil slip into unconsciousness. “Blasted it, Emil.”

* * *

Emil stirred. He first felt the warmth of a blanket sinking into his body. Then the soreness of his throat. He slowly opened his eyes revealing a ceiling. Where was he? The walls were dark oak with a high ceiling. A large window facing east was letting in sunlight. Several other beds lined the room walls. He was in a hospital of some sort. How did he get here? Turning his head to the other side, there sat Aaron on a chair reading a book. He had his hood up. Not good. Emil only knew Aaron for a short while, but he had already figured out Aaron would put his hood up when he was angry or uncomfortable. His throat still felt scratchy but he tried to get his attention.

“Aaron?” He rasped out.

“Yo.” Without even looking up from his book Aaron flipped the page. “How are you feeling?”

“Been better.” Emil reached over to grab a glass of water. “Why are you here? Don't you have a train to catch?”

“Missed it.” Aaron flipped another page.

“Ah, Sorry. It was my fault. I shouldn’t,”

“It’s fine.” Aaron dismissed his apology with a hand wave and flipped another page.

“But, won't you get in trouble with the guard?”

“I said it’s fine. I will manage.” Aaron closed his book and picked another one. “By the way, I met Dr. Vitus.”

“You did?”

“Yes.” Aaron flipped another page.

“Where is he now?”

Aaron flipped another page.

Emil grimaced. He was one moment away from grabbing Aaron's book and chucking it.

“He returned back to his inn to retrieve his equipment.” Aaron flipped another page.

Emil was done. He leaned back into bed covering his eyes with one arm ending the conversation. The hospital room fell into an uncomfortable silence as neither one spoke. Emil finished his water placing it back onto his bedside table. He saw his medicine laying on the table. Grabbing the pills he swallowed them down. At his side Aaron closed his book and placed it into his lap.

“So,” Aaron pulled down his hood. “When were you going to tell me?”

“Tell you what?” Emil tilted his head. He looked down to the books Aaron was reading. They were his research papers. “Hey who said you can read those? Give them back.” he reached over to grab his book, but Aaron moved them out of his reach.

“Your traveling companion, Dr. Vitus said I could. It explains why you read a lot of hero epics growing up.” he waved the hero story he kept with his research.

Emil's shoulder shrunk as he sighed.

“ It was more because I read them with my mom who was farther along in the sickness.” Emil grabbed the novel from Aaron. “This was my mom's favorite.”

“Sorry.” He heard Aaron's annoyed voice soften. “I’m also sorry to read your papers without your permission. When Dr. Vitus told me what was wrong with you, I could not believe it. A person’s mana poisoning their own body. Slowly breaking it down. Mana is life. It’s properties of healing and energy, not corroding. But your and Dr. Vitus data proves what is happening. ” Aaron brought his hand to his lips, falling into thought.

Emil burst into laughter seeing Aaron automatically switching into scholar mode.

“What?” Aaron eyed him.

“Always the rude little scholar.” he laughed harder.

“Shut up.” Aaron pouted his face.

Emil grabbed his stomach as he tried to control himself.

“Stop laughing. You know I’m still mad at you. You promised to tell me about your research next time we met. You know after you helped me with the angry officials. But Dr. Vitus told me you had no plan in actually telling me.” he flicked his hood up.

“ So you admitted to cursing out the officials.”

“I meant officials that may or may not have gotten angry at what I said at them. Anyway, stop trying to change the subject. "

“You are right, I wasn’t going to tell you.”

“Why?” Aaron narrowed his eyes. “You do know I am already researching ancient magic in old ruins. It won't be much to keep out for any lost magic that might help.”

Emil hummed as he organized his thoughts.

“Because there is no need to bother. This is just a pastime for me. I don't expect to actually find a cure.”

“And if I want to bother.” Aaron lifted the book he was reading.

Emil shook his head.

“You don't have to go out of you way for a fruitless endeavor. I already made peace with it.” Emil flashed Aaron a gentle smile to show it was alright.

Aaron frowned. He hesitated for a moment before putting his arms behind his head and smiled back.

“Hey you said it yourself. I'm a hopeless scholar. You can’t present something interesting to me and take it back. Why can't I join your research? If I manage to find a cure then great. If I didn't find it, I would still not view it as lost time. ”

“But still.” Emil protested.

"Come on work with me. You are too interesting of a person to simply let disappear. Also you owe me for catching the theif and bring you to your companion when you collapsed.”

Emil lowered his head. “Fine you win. I can't beat you.”

“Good.” Aaron opened his book. “You can start by explaining your data you have collected so far .”