Night settles on the Village of Roth, and the ale is flowing. The group has learned that their coins spend fine in the village, but the tavern keeper does warn them about brandishing strange coins if they are in the capitol city of Logis.
"Another round." Palmer says, tossing some coins on the table for the barmaid. "There's an extra one for you."
"Thank you sir," the barmaid smiles as she collects the gold.
"You're quite generous when you drink," Vryce says to Palmer. "Are you sure you're supposed to have that much ale as a holy man?"
"I spoke to my god today," Palmer says. "If he doesn't want to drink, he can strike me down."
"What do you mean you spoke to your god?" Lucy asks. "Is that what happened when you tried to heal the girl?"
"I started to pray, just like when I healed Lucy." Palmer says with a sigh. "But as I uttered the words, it was like I just knew what would work. That seems like someone answering a prayer, right?"
"The gods answer your prayers in Bryconia." Lucy blinks a couple of times in surprise. "That's different."
"It could be something your character knows." Vryce wafts a hand. "We need to try and talk to some of the other patrons if we're going to get the information we need. I don't think prayer is going to help with that."
"Agreed." Leone says softly, pulling his hood around his face. "Well, you guys should talk to them. I'm going to stay here and drink."
"Good plan." Lucy nods.
Lucy, Vryce, and Palmer go in different directions, talking to the patrons in the bar, and asking a few questions. Palmer seems to be the most popular member of the group. The village is still buzzing over what he did for Melinda's daughter, and other people have ailments too, so they want to ask questions. Palmer fields them, doing his best to offer advice, using his real world knowledge as a base. Lucy and Vryce gather information, and by the time they make it back to their table, the drinks that were delivered are almost warm.
Except for Leone's. His is empty.
"I got something." Vryce leans forward. "Someone said that the Allen, the local… Drunk, I guess. Village idiot, whatever. Yesterday, he was telling anyone who would listen that there was a gnome on the road that was picked up by a man and a young girl."
"A gnome?" Leone asks. "It has to be Rabu."
"I think so." Vryce nods in agreement. "The other people in the village thought he was crazy, because gnomes are basically a legend. And the legends don't speak well of them."
"Hmm." Lucy contemplates Vryce's words. "A woman I spoke with said that the Spring of the Moon isn't far from here, and it only bubbles up right after the snow melts, which is apparently now. She said a lot of travelers come from Logis to collect the water because some still believe it has healing properties, which I guess is true, considering what happened today."
"Logis." Palmer nods. "The tavern keeper mentioned that it's the capitol, and someone I spoke to said it's the home of King Brynn."
"Well now we know which coins to use when we get there." Vryce shrugs.
"We're going then?" Leone asks. "Rabu may be there, but what about Malakai?"
"I don't know." Palmer looks down at the table. "He made a paladin, and said something about growing up in a temple. The capitol is probably the best place to look for a Temple of Grath. I don't think we're going to find one here."
"Fair point, and it's the only thing we have to go on," Lucy says. "Lets wait until tomorrow and see what the merchant has, then we'll be on our way."
The group seem content with their plan, so they finish their warm beverages, and go to their rooms. Luckily for them, their rooms are in the upstairs part of the tavern, which used to be an inn when the Village of Roth welcomed travelers to stop by on their way to some other destination. The rooms are clean. The beds are comfortable. Maybe not as nice as the ones back home, but compared to the ground, they're practically heaven.
The next morning, the tavern keeper serves them breakfast, made up of bacon, eggs, dry toast, and a special bottle of liquor he swears was made by the elves.
"Wow!" Palmer says as he downs what is his glass. "That's sugary sweet and really strong."
"It is." Vryce admits, shuddering as the last remnants run down his throat.
"I'm glad you liked it." The tavern keeper says as he walks back into the kitchen.
Lucy lets out a breath of air as soon as he's out of sight.
"It's really bad." Lucy coughs and she puts the glass down. "The ale was bad enough."
"You'll get to used to drinking." Vryce chuckles. "Then you'll enjoy it more."
"I don't know about that." Lucy makes a gagging face and pushes the glass away.
"It's familiar to me." Leone studies his glass and tilts it to get the last drop. "I don't know what, exactly."
"Maybe it really is some kind of elf drink." Palmer shrugs.
During the day, the group splits up, each of them finding ways to utilize the time they have before the merchant arrives.
Palmer goes around the village, offering support to the villagers that need medical attention. He also checks in with Melinda and her daughter, finding that the young girl's recovery is going quite well. She already asking to help tend the field, but her mother is mandating another day of rest. Palmer agrees with this, and with his recommendation, the girl is forced to pout in her bed for the rest of the day.
Lucy notices a group of villagers working on a part of the fence that was damaged in a recent storm. She offers her help, and is able to do a lot more labor than the men, which draws a few curious glances, but is mostly ignored. The villagers seem grateful for the help and after the fence is done, she assists with some other things around the village.
Vryce and Leone go back to the field and look for more clues about their friends. They are able to locate the spot where Allen noted that a gnome was picked up, but they all they see are tracks on the road from multiple wagons and carriages that have passed by the village. After they give up, they go back to the tree, and Leone practices with a stick, finding his ability to wield it quite effective. Vryce tries to figure out how to channel his necromancy in order to use his spell, but doesn't make any progress.
Around lunchtime, the group returns to the tavern to eat, and then they wait for the merchant. The merchant doesn't arrive in the early afternoon as expected, and the group considers venturing down the road to search for him, but then Leone spots something in the distance.
"That could be him," Leone says softly to the group.
"I hope so," Palmer sighs. "We've been waiting all day, and we really need to get on with our journey if we're going to look for Rabu and Malakai."
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
The group watches as a covered wagon approaches. It's driven by a portly gentleman who appears to be in his fifties, with thinning black hair. When he sees a group a wide grin spreads across his face.
"Hello everyone! I'm Hawthorne. Are you interested in doing a little shopping today?" His grin gets wider.
"You're the merchant that's supposed to be stopping by today?" Palmer asks, taking a step closer.
"Yes sir, and for you, I'll even give a discount!" He motions to Palmer's tabard. "Praise Grath!"
"Ah," Palmer says with a smile. "You also worship Grath?"
"I try to respect all of the gods," Hawthorne replies cheerfully. "But I believe I have something you will absolutely have to have."
"Do you now?" Palmer chuckles.
"Please, everyone. Come around to the back of the wagon." Hawthorne motions to the group.
A few villagers walk out to the road and form a semi-circle around the back of the wagon. The group lets them take care of their shopping first, since they are mostly buying common items.
"I see a rapier." Leone whispers to his companions. "I need that."
"We'll see what we can afford," Palmer says with a nod.
"How much money do we have left?" Vryce moves closer to the group.
"I have ten gold pieces. I believe Leone has five." Lucy motions to Leone. "Palmer?"
"I'm down to forty after last night," Palmer sighs. "Maybe that last round of drinks was a mistake."
"Let's see what kind of deal we can cut." Lucy shrugs.
The group waits until the villagers are done, then they approach the wagon.
"Ah yes, this is what I was telling you about." Hawthorne motions to Palmer, then picks up a box and opens it.
Inside, Palmer sees a mace with a symbol that matches the one on his tabard. Palmer tries not to show any excitement over the item, and studies it carefully before taking a step back.
"It's an interesting weapon," Palmer says. "I should say a prayer for the fallen worshiper that lost it."
Palmer closes his eyes and chants something the sounds like gibberish, but the rest of the group plays along. Hawthorne closes his eyes for a brief moment as well, when he sees the others do it, then he's right back to business.
"I would be willing to let this go for twenty gold pieces." Hawthorne smiles and pushes the box towards Palmer, as though the sale is already finalized. "That's with your discount, of course."
"Let me think about that," Palmer scratches his chin. "There are a few more things we need."
"Sure, I've got lots of potions, and I even have some water from the Spring of the Moon, if you're interested." Hawthorne nods. "It's early in the season, so I can let you have a whole flask for five gold pieces. The price increases after the spring dries up for the year."
"Maybe." Palmer tilts his head slightly. "How much is the rapier?"
"Ah, this one?" Hawthorne turns around and picks it up. "This was supposedly a pirate's weapon. Honestly, it's been sitting in my wagon for almost a month, so I'd let it go for ten gold pieces just to be rid of it."
"Is that with my discount?" Palmer perks a brow.
"Oh, right. Uh, how about nine?" Hawthorne grins.
"Let's put that to the side." Palmer scratches his chin, then looks back at the group. "Lucy, Vryce?"
"I'm okay with my sling," Lucy says as she approaches the wagon. "Do you have healing potions?"
"Yes, absolutely!" Hawthorne pulls a bag close to the wagon. "These are just general healing potions that will help if you're hurt. I charge ten gold each for them. If you want one of the special ones that is guaranteed to bring you from the brink of death, then those are twenty-five. I only have a few left."
Hawthorne points to three vials that are each hanging from a chain.
"Hmm," Lucy contemplates the prices. "Why are the good ones so much smaller?"
"Uh, you do appear to be pretty young, but I'm sure you've heard about them. They're made by the Monks in Deecry Abby from a flower that only grows on the mountain the Abby sits on, and even if you could grow the flower, nobody knows the secret to making the potions." Hawthorne gives Lucy a perplexed look. "You've never heard any of this?"
"I have," Lucy does her best to nod confidently and forces a smile. "I guess it has just been a while since I've seen one."
"Do you have any spell books or tomes?" Vryce steps forward, interrupting the awkward conversation before it goes any further. "Or a really big sword? Like a claymore?"
"I do have a few items you may be interested in." Hawthorne turns and pulls a chest over. "Swords, I have a few, but nothing as big as a claymore. You'd have to find a smith to make one, or you might get lucky in Logis."
Vryce eyes the chest as Hawthorne opens it. It is full of books and a lot of vials, which appear to be filled with reagents.
"May I?" Vryce motions to the chest and touches the book on top.
"Yes, go ahead." Hawthorne nods. "I don't have any training in the magical arts, so I'm not able to read them myself, but I did confirm my prices were fair with one of the vendors in Logis. There's a fair number of reagents as well, if you need them."
Vryce picks through the books and he's not able to read most of them, but towards the bottom he finds a black book that says Book of Necromancy on the front. He immediately flips it open, and only one spell is visible to him.
Sacrifice: Vin Ro
-Sacrifice one living creature with less hit points than your available mana points, and channel their hit points to yourself or someone else.
-Mana Cost: All Available Mana
-Reagent Cost: Dill Weed
"Interesting." Vryce says. "How much for this one? I may also require some dill weed, if you have it."
"One moment, I apologize." Hawthorne reaches into his jacket and pulls out a small blue book and a piece of charcoal. "It's been a while since I sold anything from that chest."
"No problem." Vryce glances back at his friends.
"Ah, the black book. It's a hundred gold pieces." Hawthorne smiles. "If you buy the book, I'll throw some dill weed in for free."
"Hmm," Vryce sighs. "That may be a little more than I have on me at the moment. How about just some of the dill weed?"
"I'll give you a whole vial for one gold piece." Hawthorne retrieves it from his box.
"Let us talk about this for a moment." Palmer motions to Vryce and then to the others.
"Of course." Hawthorne smiles and begins arranging things in his wagon.
Palmer leads the group away from the wagon, just far enough for them to be able to whisper without Hawthorne eavesdropping on the conversation.
"I really need that rapier," Leone says softly.
"I'm good." Lucy holds up her hands. "I don't think we should waste money on healing potions at that price."
"We can't afford the spell book, but I was able to see my spell and memorize the words," Vryce whispers. "It needs a reagent, which is why I asked for the dill weed."
"You should get some sort of sword," Palmer says to Vryce. "Even if it isn't a big one."
"Probably a good idea," Vryce nods.
"Alright, let me see what kind of deal I can cut." Palmer nods to the group and walks back over to Hawthorne.
"We would like to get the mace, the rapier, dill weed…" Palmer looks past Hawthorne. "And maybe that longsword behind you, if the price is right."
"No healing potions?" Hawthorne perks a brow and glances at Lucy.
"Not today." Palmer shakes his head.
"Alright, where are you guys headed, if you don't mind me asking?" Hawthorne asks absently, turning to inspect the longsword in question.
"Logis," Palmer replies.
"That's where I'm headed." Hawthorne pulls the longsword over and eyes the group for a moment. "Do all of you know how to use these weapons?"
"Aye," Palmer nods.
"Well then I may have a proposal that would interest you." Hawthorne moves closer to the back of the wagon. "I'm a little behind on schedule, and I've got some specialty items for a few of my regular customers in Logis. If you guys would accompany me, we could take a shortcut and get there a lot faster. If I'm traveling alone, I have no choice but to stick to the King's Road, which will take considerably longer."
"I assume we could run into trouble if we take this shortcut?" Palmer asks, narrowing his eyes.
"A bandit or two, perhaps, but nothing worse than that." Hawthorne shrugs. "I'm no fighter, but you guys look like you could probably scare them off pretty easily if it comes down to it. Especially that big fellow over there."
Palmer glances back at the group and sees a couple of nods, so he turns back to Hawthorne.
"Give us a fifty percent discount on everything here, and you've got a deal." Palmer smiles as he motions to the weapons.
"Fifty percent?" Hawthorne blinks in surprise. "Um, well…"
"You said the rapier has been in your wagon for a while, and I can see the dust on this box." Palmer points to the mace.
"Give me thirty-five gold pieces for everything, and ride with me to Logis." Hawthorne winces as if he regrets the figure he quoted. "That's the best I can do."
"Thirty-five…" Palmer whistles as if he's not sure about the price, but quickly relents. "Okay, you've got a deal."
The two men shake hands and Palmer hands over the gold from his bag. Hawthorne doesn't inspect the coins or look at the stamp, he just collects them and puts them into a bag. Palmer then collects the weapons and hands them out to his companions.
"Alright," Hawthorne says with a smile. "Who wants to ride up front with me?"
"I will," Palmer nods. "Just give us a few minutes to say goodbye to the villagers."
"Of course," Hawthorne says. "But time is of the essence."
Leone hangs back by the edge of town, as does Vryce. Palmer and Lucy talk to Killian and a few other villagers before returning to the wagon. Everyone seems to be on board with the plan, so they pile into the wagon, with Palmer sitting up front with Hawthorne.
Then they depart, putting the Village of Roth behind them, and a lot of uncertainty on the horizon.