Mr. Pompous… Hadn’t seen him since the Adventurers Guild class. Can’t say I was surprised he was caught up in something like this. The ladies and I saw them before they saw us. I did a quick analyze on all of them and they were all level 25 and under. Mr. P, I was surprised to see, was level 21. He must have had daddy pay to have a lot of nasty beasts brought in in cages to kill to get up that far, that fast. Just enough to get to Iron rank so he could brag no doubt.

I turned and found two of the women looking scared. Not Flare though. She just looked at me waiting. Confident. Strong. Supportive.

“I’ll take care of this” I said. If she was going to look at me like that I was sure as the tide comes and goes going to prove I was worth it. Besides all these idiots were half my speed without time slow and with my Protection so high regular humans couldn’t even cut me. Time to show I was worth my metal.

Flare just watched as I stood up and stood up with me. I opened the door to the stairs and started down after closing the door again. Mr. P… Jared, was shocked to see me. His look turned into a sneer and he said “What are you doing here pig. Where is Rolf?”

I just kept going down the stairs.

“I asked you a question!” He shouted.

I just kept going down the stairs.

“Whatever. You were never worth my sword anyway and now you don’t have anything but and axe? You men kill him. When he is dead search for Rolf. He better not have, hired this pig. He has offended my honor to often. Lousy Guided.”

He said it with such disdain I almost answered him, but I decided he wasn’t worth the breath. Thy others attacked me. I moved around the outside of them swinging my axe. I felt my axe flow from attack to Protection and back again. It slid through everything like it was all air. Within ten seconds I was standing in front of Jarad. He pulled out his sword. His tool that he couldn't use. He had no strategy other than to use other’s with his money. This time I was too strong and he was not ready. I wasn’t going to let him learn from that mistake though. This was as far has he goes. “You should have run.” I said and took his head.

Flare was walking down the stairs followed by Windy and Mindy. I took a minute to clean off my axe while they picked their way through the bodies. Flare reached me and stood in front of me.

“Can we go now darling?” she asked.

I bent down and kissed her. “Yes darling. I will escort you home.”

She blushed, but didn’t say anything about the kiss and instead took my arm the same way she had at the art exhibit. Just like I was taking her to her carriage. Not like she had just been through two days of constant worry and discomfort without knowing what would happen. I had only known this woman a couple of weeks, but I was sure of one thing. I was most definitely… amazed… impressed… and as I’ve said before… in trouble.

We went outside and there was no one there so we started walking towards the docks. As we got near the dock Windy spoke up “how will we know who to trust at the docks to take us back? We were blindfolded and don’t know what ship we were on.” I was dumbfounded. I must be tired. I hadn’t thought that far ahead.

Luckily Mindy spoke up. “This is Rockport. It took us about two days to get here. Not that many boats can travel that quickly. Considering our research all points to the Farch merchant family being the culprits and considering Jake just killed the Farch family heir we can just look for a fast model watercraft with their family crest on it. That is what we came in on. There should be several other craft we can hire for a safer, if slower trip back.” The other ladies nodded and we continued on.

When we got to the dock area Windy pointed at a sleek looking craft docked about 300 yards from us. “That has to be it. I see no others with the crest and it is the newest model that can go that fast. Just the kind of thing that Pompous boy would choose.” I suddenly started to like Windy. She and I would be friends I decided. Anyone who named Jared ‘Pompous’ couldn’t be all bad. That said it hit me our plan didn't sit well with me as I looked at the target of my two-day chase along the river. I pulled up my map and there was only one person on the vessel. I started to walk towards the boat.

Flare looked at me curiously. “what are you doing Jake?” she asked.

I looked at her and smiled. “I’m taking that boat. It is mine now.”

She smiled a somewhat predatory smile I hadn’t seen on her face before. I shivered a little not sure what I felt at that moment, but a little excited to be looked at that way.

“That is a wonderful idea darling” she said patting my arm that was still intertwined with hers.

Mindy spoke up then “Oh, yes! Can you not kill the captain? It would good to have a witness we can hand over to the authorities.”

I looked at her and said “I’ll do my best. It will depend on how strong he is.”

Flare laughed and said “You do realize there aren’t many humans stronger than Rolf. He was almost Silver rank.”

I shrugged and said “There is a big difference between killing someone and defeating them without serious injury. It is never good to be too arrogant.”

She nodded at this and we continued walking. It turned out it wasn’t an issue. The captain was level 28 and didn’t stand a chance. I snuck up in Camouflage and got rid of close by weapons and then just used my Beastman level strength to subdue him. I tied him up and then asked a question of the ladies I probably should have asked before.

“Can anyone pilot this thing?”

Windy laughed “I am quite good with boats of this kind.” She said and took the helm while I untied us from the dock.”

It turned out that Windy was an expert with boats and soon had us off at a pace that made me think I was lucky to keep up with it at all. Only a combination of my high speed and endurance stat had saved me. After a couple hours I was too tired to keep my eyes open while sitting, so I took the captain up front and lashed him to the deck where Windy could keep an eye on him while she steered the boat. Walking back to the sitting area I looked at Flare and Mindy and said “I have been literally running for two days now and haven’t slept so I am about to crash for 4 or 5 hours. If something happens, wake me without worrying about whether it is trivial or not.”

Flare looked up at me and patted the couch next to where she was sitting “Lay down. We will keep watch. You have done enough for us.”

She didn’t have to tell me twice. I laid down next to her and set my Time Slow to the regen point and started to go to sleep when Flare patted me and said something. “What?” I asked. Coming out of Time Slow.

“I said are you ok? You are breathing very fast.” She said. She touched my forehead and said “you don’t feel warm. Are you feeling ok?”

I took a second to think of what to say. How do I discount Time Slow… “I just breath faster when I sleep. No need to worry.” I said lamely. I was too tired even for communication stats to put in an effort. Flare looked skeptical, but nodded and I laid back down. I fell into the blissful release of darkness within seconds.

Flare

I watched Jake as he passed out next to me. He was still breathing fast, but I could see any other reason to worry. He had no wounds despite fighting 13 men that I knew of. I gently, so as to not awaken him, played with his hair. ‘who are you Jake’ I thought for the hundredth time.

After he had saved us the first time, I had helped Mindy look into the Farch family. Since it was the same town as Jake I had had my man there look into him as well. Not because I didn’t trust him, but because I wanted to know more. I had gotten my hands on his Guild record as well as Jared Farch’s. Something that I could get in trouble for, but we needed information… Yes that is why. Not because I was nosy about him… I was happy to see notes from my friend Lillie on his training.

His and Jared’s were opposites in terms of records. The record didn’t say what rank Jake was for some reason, but Lillie was impressed with Jake and said he had a future as a scout which is saying something coming from an Elf. Jared on the other hand was full of warnings about arrogance and lack of real effort. The only positive marks had been on his swordsmanship. I thought back on that with what I had just seen and smirked. It hadn’t helped him against my Jake. Lillie also mentioned that Jake seemed to be stronger than she expected. She said no one new how long he had been alone in the woods for, but it must have been a while as he was already a high level for a Guided.

She noted it was strange how far he had been from town. When a Guided was brought to the elves they were dropped off by the god of guidance right next to a town so that they would survive. Maybe humans were different? Given more of a test than elves, maybe? Jake certainly didn’t fit with the picture of most humans. So many things were odd about him. He was fast sure, but strong and as graceful as a young Elf. He seemed to use skills she didn’t even recognize with ease. His Mana must be higher than normal too. All that and yet he was humble and kind and a pleasure to be around… and his looks…

“Ahmm….” Mindy made a noise to catch my attention from stroking Jake’s hair which I realized I had been doing this entire time I was thinking. I straightened up and looked at her.

“He seems to be deep asleep already.” She said with a playful smirk.

“Yes he must have had it rough trying to keep up with us.”

“Yes, but how? He said he was running. There isn’t any way he could have been running this whole way could he?” Mindy questioned “Few people could keep pace with this boat let alone for two days. He got to the warehouse just after us. He must have been in a boat as well, right?”

“I don’t know. He is covered in dirt and grasses and stains.”

“I see that, but there are dangerous beasts along this river. If he was following it he would have had to fight them too.” Said Mindy. “It is only with powerful wards or powerful magic users that they are kept from attacking vassals and even then speed is often needed to escape.”

“I think I can answer that for you.” Said Windy from the helm. She was pointing to the bank of the river. There laid the carcass of a Chimera cut down, but obviously not harvested. “It isn’t the first monster I’ve seen. I doubt it will be the last. Jake ran us down on foot while fighting Silver rank beasts by himself. Then, after two days of that, took Rolf ‘s head like he was playing with a child. Whatever you may think of Jake, I’m pretty sure you shouldn’t underestimate him.”

Mindy looked with horror at Jake and Flare smiled. “Weren’t you watching in the warehouse. Have you ever seen someone other than a dwarf wield an axe like that? As for keeping up with us he has a skill for that, but I would appreciate it if you would keep all this to yourself. His secrets are his and he deserves our silence on his abilities.”

Mindy looked at Flare with large eyes and her hand on her mouth and just nodded.

“I believe with what has happened we can assume we were right suspect the Farch merchants as the reason for the attempted bandit attack on you. How shall we proceed now?” Asked Flare

“Indeed. There is little doubt now, though I fear what my father will say when I admit to having tried to check on the missing goods from the second ledger we found. Even though I’m sure now that he tried to kidnap me in an effort to direct my father’s attention away from the discrepancies in his township finances. If I hadn’t gone through there and asked him why the town hadn’t started working on the roads and orphanage that he had used to avoid paying taxes last year I doubt it would have come to light.”

“I agree. What do you want to do next? I suggest going to not only your father, but alerting the king as one of the kingdom’s knights was caught up in it. He must have paid Rolf off for his silence.” Flare said with a grimace. The thought that a knight of the kingdom could be bought was not a nice one considering they were the country’s last line of Protection.

“Whatever we do I’m not going on anywhere with you two checking on anything else unless Jake is going.” Mindy said from her seat at the helm not even looking back.

“I’m truly sorry for pulling you into this Windy” said Flare with a grimace.

“Whatever. Just pay Jake to come or marry him so he’ll come for free.”

Flare glanced at Jake looking for any sign he was awake and then glared at her sister. “Windy! He’ll hear you! She said in a quite, but fierce voice.

“Ha ha ha! He is dead to the world. I would be too if I were him… and there is another one.” She said pointing at a huge snake that was on the side of the river being eaten a small Chitral.

Jake

I woke up to my alarm at 5 hours after falling asleep. I was rested and slowly opened my eyes. Flare was still sitting next to me and I looked up at her and said “Good morning Beautiful.” She looked at me and laughed. I was the best sound I had heard waking up in a while.

“Hello handsome. Did you rest enough?”

“Yes thank you for watching over me.” I looked at Windy still driving the ship. “Have you been piloting the ship the entire time?” I asked.

“Hi Jake! Yes I have.” She responded.

“Give me a minute and I will have you teach me what I need to do so I can spell you.” I got up and went to where I thought the Artifice powering the boat had to be and opened up the cover over it. It was large and intricate. It was based on a water spell. I logged the spell and schematic in my notes and then went over to Windy. “So teach me how to steer this thing.”

Two days later we made it back to the capital. I escorted the ladies to the Delcourt Manor. Mindy’s father was both relieved to have them home and shocked when they told him what had happened. He wanted to reward me, but I said I did it for my friends not reward and then begged off. After getting bath and a shave went back to my room at the Inn. I didn’t even turn on Time Slow. I just wanted a normal nights sleep in a bed I knew. The next morning I checked on Flare and found her on my map with Windy and Mindy near the Guild. I figured they would be busy today, but hadn’t thought that they would have a reason to go to the guild. It looked like they were headed to the guild so I got up, cleaned up and then headed to see.

Stolen story; please report.

When I walked in they were at the reception desk with Mr. Delcourt and several gaurds. Looks like they weren’t taking chances. I approved. I walked up and one of the guards tried to stop me, but Flare noticed me and told the guard to let me through.

“Are you following me?” She said with a smile.

“Always and anywhere.” I said returning her smile.

Windy groaned and said “if you to are going to be like this all the time I expect Jake to find me someone to do the same with or I’m going to start making your lives miserable.”

We both laughed and I said “deal. What is your type.”

“My type?” She asked. “You mean like what kind of man?... I think we should have this conversation a different time!” She said turning slightly red.

Mr. Delcourt looked amused by all this and had a twinkle in his eye like he was going to say something to add to her discomfort when he was interrupted by Jorgen walking up and saying “The Guild Master will see you now. We ask that you leave your guards here. You are safe in these halls.”

Mr. Delcourt looked thoughtful for a moment and then said “Alright as long as we can bring Jake with us as well. He is involved in this anyway.”

Jorgen then noticed me and smiled in recognition. “Of course! Jake, it is good to see you. We wondered where you had gone off too. The guild backlog of requests were going down at a noticeable rate until you disappeared.”

“It is good to see you Mr. Jorgen. I had to take a little trip, but am back and ready to start up again.” I said, happy that my efforts had garnered favor.

Everyone minus the guards headed to the back rooms and I went to a room I had never been in before. The Guild Master’s office. We walked in and he got up. I had never met him before, but he was a mountain of a man and I hit him with Analyze

Name: Wendel Gabreel

Race: Human

Level: 55

Age: 52

Main Categories and sub categories displayed

Wisdom 22 (Mana 5, Mana Control 1, Knowledge 15, Mana Regen 1/10min)

Intellect 20 (memorization 3, recall 3, Speed of thought 14)

Strength 41 (Attack 8, speed 28, endurance 5)

Constitution 13 (Resist Poinsons 3, Vitality 5, Protection 5)

Agility 11 (control of movement 4, balance 4, learning new skills 3)

Will 13 (Discipline 3, Ability to overcome adversity 3, desire to win 4, resistance to charm or intimidate 3)

Charisma 16 (Good Looks 4, Luck 2, Communication 3, negotiations 3, leadership 4)

Skills: Sword 34, Axe 22, Bow 38, Earth Magic 8, Teaching Sight 14, Enemy Sense 16, Combat Commander 31

Whoa! This was the highest I had seen. I took a screen shot to look at closer later. I was surprised even with his size I was stronger, but once again I was the slower of the two.

He was shaking hands with Delcourt and exchanging niceties and then said “Jorgen said you wish to use the guild’s communication box? May I ask why?” That caught my attention. I knew the guild had a way to transmit messages faster than horses could travel, but didn’t know how it worked. It wasn’t in the guild book other than as a note that they could use it to pull in Adventurers from other towns quickly.

Mr. Delcourt responded. “We have a time sensitive order. The Farch Merchant family has been embezzling funds and also bribing a Knight of the kingdom. We need to send word through the guild to the local guard to arrest them and prevent them from escaping with their ill-gotten gains to a neighboring kingdom. They will most likely find out their son failed to kidnap my daughter within a day and leave… if they aren’t already making there way to the boarder as we speak.

“I see. That is quite the charge. A Knight of the kingdom makes this even more serious. Has his majesty been made aware of this?” Guildmaster Gabreel asked.

“Yes.” Responded Mr. Delcourt “Here is a writ to the guard from his majesty to hold any knights known to associate heavily with the Farch family.”

“Very good.” Said the Guildmaster and he opened up a long narrow box on his desk. He started to fiddle with dials in the box and I realized this might be the communication device. I quickly hit it with Analyze

Communication device

Maker: Beatrice Flure

Spell used: Space Control

I was twice shocked at what I saw. Not only was the maker the same person who had received the first Analyze skill that Sara coveted so much. She also had my Space Control ability.

The Guild Master took the letters from Mr. Delcourt and placed them in the box and then closed it. It glowed briefly and then the Guild Master opened the box and confirmed the letters were gone. He then pushed a button and closed it again. I was dumfounded. This was amazing. I took a look at the schematic and from what I could tell it connected two boxes via space magic if they were both set to the same number which was a substitute for my thinking of a specific location. To send a letter you needed to know the code your target location was set to. If you wanted to receive you just reset your box to the code it was programed with by pushing the rest button. It was an ingenious!

“That should do it.” The Guild Master was saying. “They should check their box every couple hours. As soon as it is done they will alert the town guard.”

“Thank you Guild Master.” Replied Mr. Delcourt. “We have a contingent of high ranking knights headed there to bring the culprits back to the capital for the crown to judge. We will not take up any more of your time. Good day.”

They shook hands and we headed back out to where the guards were waiting.

“I hope they get them before they get away.” I said to Mr. Delcourt.

“I do as well young man.” He replied. “It is bad enough they were stealing from the crown, but to include the knights and then threaten my family. The punishment will not lenient.”

I said my goodbyes to everyone and got a promise from Flare for lunch later. We parted ways as they left and I decided to go ahead and get a job before I left. I picked one up and then also had Electra cancel my sword teaching request. I tried to have her switch it to Axe, but she said the only ones who would teach that were dwarves and you would only find them where there were rare metals like in their mountains or near a dungeon. I said I understood and headed out a little sad that I couldn’t find someone to teach me more about the Axe. I felt amazing with it sure, but I knew there had to be more to it than I could get just adding points to it.

After dealing with a small Orc party that had wandered to close to an unprotected travel route, I decided it was too nice in the forest today not to take a minute to relax. The temperature was probably in the 70s, though I had no way to tell. The sun was shining with just a few fluffy clouds and there was a breeze going though the trees. I laid down in the grass and just listened to the sounds of the forest. After a moment I realized I hadn’t looked at my stats in a while and pulled up mine and then the Guild Master’s to see if there was anything to learn there.

Name: Jake Smithson

Race: Human

Level 51 (962%)

Age 25

Main Categories and sub categories displayed

Wisdom 17 (Mana 5, Mana Control 2, Knowledge 1, Mana Regen 9/10min)

Intellect 18 (memorization 3, recall 3, Speed of thought 12)

Strength 56 (Attack 24, speed 24, endurance 8)

Constitution 15 (Resist Poinsons 1, Vitality 8, Protection 6)

Agility 10 (control of movement 4, balance 3, learning new skills 3)

Will 12 (Discipline 4, Ability to overcome adversity 2, desire to win 3, resistance to charm or intimidate 3)

Charisma 19 (Good Looks 8, Luck 5, Communication 3, negotiations 1, leadership 2)

You can level up 9 levels. Level up now?

Yes. No.

You have 4 Exp points.

Assign skill points now?

Yes. No.

You have 192 skill points.

Assign skill points now?

Yes. No.

I had leveled up 2 levels with the first couple monster I had come across running along the river so that I would get to 51 and in the Gold range and then left it alone. I didn’t have a way to just level up 1 level at a time and if I had waited I was afraid when I did get to the point I would upgrade to my Silver rank I would be to high not to cause suspicion. My plan was still to stay at Iron rank for a while, but I didn’t want to mess anything up for later either. I also had 4 Exp stat points to assign. I wasn’t sure about that. Maybe since it would be awhile before I leveled again I should wait to assign them? My skill points on the other hand were outrageous. I was going to get so many skills now! The 2 days of running and fighting high level monsters had born fruit in terms of Skill points if not money. It did hurt a little to think of the cores and materials I had left on the side of the river. It wasn’t like I was hurting for cash though.

Looking at the Guild Master’s Status page was interesting. I hadn’t seen leadership that high before. Resist poisons was at 3. That was one I was definitely interested in as well. His skill levels were also high and I was especially interested in Teaching Sight and Enemy Sense. Enemy Sense is what the Orc Warrior had used to see through me before. Was it like a warning sign? Did he have a tingle like a superhero? I had my map, but maybe it was worth it for close up fighting? Teaching Sight sounded cool as well. Come to think of it there were a lot of cool skills I could get now. I just wasn’t sure how many skills were noticed by the Guild card reader. I would need to find that out.

Having enjoyed my relaxation I reported back in at the guild and then headed to my room to change for lunch. I met Flare at the Delcourt’s manor where they had taken up residence for safety after being kidnaped. When I arrived I was impressed by its size. This was the difference between everyone and nobility. Even though it was in the inner city the grounds were large enough to have a small grove of trees and manicured lawns with flower arraignments and statues. The guard at the gate let me through and when I knocked on the door a butler opened it.

“I’m here to meet with Flare Elfwood. She is expecting me. My name is Jake Smithson.” I said.

“You are expected sir. Said the man. “would you care to wait inside for her. I understand she is planning on taking you out to eat.”

I was enjoying the weather a little too much and the grounds really were beautiful so I said “no I think I will enjoy it out here while I wait. Thank you.”

He smiled kindly and said “it really is lovely today. May I bring you a refreshment while you wait?”

I turned him down gently and waited for Flare. She didn’t keep me waiting to long and when she did come she was dressed in a yellow dress that was simple and perfect for a sunny day. That reminded me so I pulled out the Jewelry the Bandits had taken and said “I notice you aren’t wearing any Jewelry today. I forgot to give these back to you until now. Please forgive the delay, but I think they would look good on you.”

She clapped her hands and said “will you put them on me please? I would like to wear them. It makes me happy you found them. My father gave them to me.” She turned around the lifted her hair for me to put the necklace on and I wasn’t sure how that was so alluring, but it was. I put the necklace on and then the bracelet. She grabbed my arm and said “come I am taking you to my favorite place.”

As we walked, we talked about the things she had left to do in the city and how much longer before she would go back to Dungeon City. She looked at me then and said “don’t think you are getting away from me though. I will come visit you every chance I get and will write you letters every day.”

I laughed and asked “are you against me coming to Dungeon City then? She looked shocked “You would come with me?”

“Well all I have here is hunting monsters. I still haven’t looked around the city as much as I would like, but I can do that in the next couple of weeks and then I would be happy to go and check out a real live dungeon.”

She smiled that smile I was hoping for and said “this makes me so happy darling. I was so worried about being away from you. There are so many beautiful women here in the capital.”

It didn’t seem like she was fishing for a compliment so I didn’t give her the standard one. “You are beautiful Flare, but that isn’t why I am courting you and I would like to see where this goes.”

She looked at me slyly and said “why are you courting me then besides the fact that I am not giving you any choice?”

That sounded like a challenge so I gave it back to her.

“Nope… not telling. You are going to have to figure that out on your own or not at all.”

Before I felt like any time had passed we found our way to a lovely garden restaurant. Go figure an Elf would like a woods themed place to eat. I get the feeling I could take her on a picnic and she would be as happy as me taking her fine dinning.

Once we were seated and she had ordered for us… I was enjoying her taking the reins today, It was different from what I was used too, but I chalked that up to her being an Elf.

“What shall we talk about?” She asked.

“Hmm I said. My father always said if you are just dating a woman for fun talk about their hobbies and the things they enjoy… but if you are serious about her talk about the big five.”

“The big five?” she said looking thoughtful.

“Yes.” I continued “there are five important topics any couple must come to some real agreement on if a relationship is to last. They are family, politics, health, religion, and finances. If a relationship is going to make it past the first year a man and woman need to have the same ideas about most if not all those areas. They are too important in the long run.”

“That sounds interesting.” Flare said “what happens if you don’t agree on something?”

“You talk it out. Look for common ground and build on that. I doubt there are any two people that have identical ideas about all of them, but if you can’t talk it out then you really aren’t ready for a long-term relationship. Even if you don’t agree on them all if you can’t understand and respect your partner’s ideas on them what hope is there?”

She looked thoughtful. “I haven’t heard of anyone laying out a theory of relationships quite like that before. Mostly people just talk about how to be witty and cultured and how to look good for your intended.”

“There isn’t anything wrong with that.” I said. “but I would want to have a relationship where a we worked together with the same energy and resolve in whatever we try to accomplish. You can only do that if you start together and work together with the same ideals.”

She smiled at that “What shall we start with then? I would love to hear about your family.” She said, and so we did. We had a long chat, our food came and went and then tea. We talked the entire way back to the Delcourt manor and even then she didn’t want to stop, but we did with a promise to continue in our letters and at dinner in a few days.

As it wasn’t too late, I needed to go to Sara’s as it had been longer than normal since I had been there. She was probably climbing the walls wondering where her Analyzer tool (pretty sure that is what she thought of me) had gotten too. I smirked thinking of her searching her work bench before realizing I was a human.

When I got there she didn’t even ask me where I had been. Just started having me analyze things. After an hour of this I broached a subject I was sure was going to cause some strife. “So Sara.” I started. “It looks like I will be here for another 2 weeks and then heading to Dungeon City.”

She blanched “You are leaving? We have only just gotten started.” She started pacing and I just waited. There was no telling where her big brain would take her so I figured I should just let it happen. Besides I had a secret weapon.

She looked at me. “I am going to have to go with you then. I can’t let you go when everything depends so much on you. The problem will be my father. He is already being nosy about why you are coming over so often. I had to make it clear you weren’t a romantic interest.” She blushed at that. She then shook her head and continued “he doesn’t like that I won’t tell him what we are working on and it has been hard to convince him you are working partner. No one he has hired to help me has lasted more than a day.”

“Let me guess. They got in the way more than they helped and even tried to clean up making it hard to find things.” I said.

She looked at me like I had three heads. “How did you know that?” She asked and then shook her head again. “That doesn’t matter how are we going to convince him I need to go to Dungeon City?” She continued to pace.

Time for my secret weapon. “What if we made a personal version of the Adventurer Guild’s communication box?”

She stopped and slowly turned to me. “You’ve seen it? Tell me you’ve analyzed it.”

“Oh yes. It uses the Space Control skill and is a fairly simple design. I should be able to make it without much trouble. Did you know that it was Beatrice that made it?” I asked.

“Of course I know she made it!” She said “I know everything she did. No one knows more about what Beatrice accomplished than I do!” She had gotten a little hopped up about that last question, but then paused and looked at me with large eyes and said “Jake… Are, are you telling me… you… you, you have the Space Control skill?”

‘Uh oh’ I thought. ‘did I just step in it again.’ I thought. “Since Beatrice had it I figured it wouldn’t shock her to much, but Sara was looking at me like she had seen a ghost. “Yes.” I said with some trepidation.

She closed her eyes. “Of course you do. Ok…” She opened her eyes again and started pacing again. “That could work. We would need to be very careful though. When we start to sell them the Guild will want to make a deal to make more of theirs as they haven’t had a new one for smaller guild halls since Beatrice made the first 5000 for them. They may try to pressure Dad into giving you up for a direct contract. There will definitely be attempts at industrial espionage.” She looked at me again. Come back in a few days. I’ll work all this out with my father by then.”

It was the first time she had sent me away without begging for more time so I left out of there like an escaping convict before she came to her senses.

The next couple of weeks came and went. I spent my days hunting and exploring the city. When I went to work with Sara and she said that her Dad had been over the moon about our work. Seemed like he had given his permission to travel with me. We would fill orders at their family’s branch in Dungeon City. I also had time with Flare several times in spite of her hectic schedule. Those were the bright spots of my time. The day we were to depart finally came and I went to the Guild to let Electra know I was leaving and say goodbye.

Upon entering the Guild I walked up to Electra and she looked at me and stood up. “Jake there is news! Another Guided has arrived!”

“Where? When? Are they ok?” I asked.

“A small town called Reffin. He just arrived and is just fine. Unlike you he was found just outside of town.” She pulled out a map and pointed it out. It was about 150 miles further west from Dungeon City from the Capital.

“Can I send a letter to the guild there?” I asked.

“I think we can make an exception for this” she said. She gave me a piece of paper and pen and inkwell to write. She then went to get Jorgen as the Guild Master was out.

I couldn’t believe it… someone from my world. I bet he felt alone and confused like I did. I would need to there as fast as I could. I would take Flare and the others to Dungeon City and then go get him. He wouldn’t have to struggle through all this alone if I had anything to do with it. I started to write.