The only thing Kezati ever was to his parents was a burden—a thorn in their sides, and something they were willing to get rid of because he wasn’t what they wanted. Even though he’d accepted Alrynn’s offer, and found himself in a better place because of it… he couldn’t help but be reminded of what they told him.

And he swore to himself that he wasn’t going to be a burden to Alrynn, either. Kezati was going to earn his keep here, learn everything he could about the mercenary life and, maybe, just maybe… make someone proud of him.

Kezati was waiting outside of somewhere Alrynn said could have some good information on commissions. Kezati wasn’t allowed inside, though, so outside he sat. He would’ve practiced his intimidating face but, well, that hadn’t gone so well the last time he tried—some drunk guy had actually tried to fight him. All he could really do was contemplate his worth and keep an ear out for any rumors that might lead to a job.

Until, finally, Alrynn walked out.

“Could you find anything?” Kezati prompted eagerly.

Alrynn shook his head. “I’m afraid all of what they have to offer calls for someone a little more experienced. I don’t want you to get hurt because I accepted a commission you weren’t ready for.”

“Oh… Y-you could… probably do one or two without me, if that’s the only issue. I can take care of myself at an inn for a few days.”

“For one, I don’t think I want to trust you alone that long. You’re a good kid, but… you know how to get into trouble, even if you don’t mean to. It’s practically drawn to you. I need to make sure you don’t get yourself into something you can’t get out of.” But Alrynn didn’t really sound annoyed; he sounded more concerned, more caring, than Kezati’s parents had been suggesting similar things. “And second, it’s not like we’re in desperate need of the money or anything—I’ve got a good amount saved up for now. We can wait for the perfect job. All we need is something relatively straightforward that can help you get used to what a day in the life of a merc is like. Trust me, this is far from the end of the world. We’ll figure this out.”

Kezati mumbled some half-agreement and hoped that Alrynn would turn out to be right.

“Do you know any other places we can check..?” Kezati prompted cautiously.

“Not really, if I’m being honest,” Alrynn admitted with a shrug. “It’s time we just wander by the regular haunts and wait for something to come to us. There’s no need to stress over this—it’s completely natural.”

“Guess I probably shouldn’t argue with the guy who’s been doing this for longer than I’ve been alive, huh..?”

“That’s right. Now, come on—are you hungry? Might not have heard of a job while I was out but I did hear of a place that’s supposed to serve good, authentic Pheca food. I figured we might as well try it out.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Kezati nodded. “Where is it, then..?”

…

He couldn’t believe it. They went out, Alrynn ordered something for the both of them, and after a couple of minutes they were both eating. They had a quiet conversation about needing to find a job, and to keep an ear out… then some rich-looking guy walked up to them.

“I couldn’t help but overhear that you were in need of a job,” he said, his casual tone tainted by a dash of contempt. “Might I hazard the guess that you’re mercenaries, then? You’re a bit too well mannered for simple rogues or bandits.”

Cautiously, Alrynn nodded. “I’m guessing you’re someone in need of our services? That waitress over there can probably vouch for my dependability. I’ve worked with her a couple of times in the past, before she got her job there.”

“Yes, I know. She was the reason I walked up to you in the first place.” The man looked around before turning his attention back to them and saying, “I’d like to discuss some possible details with you, but I don’t want to do it here.”

“Will right outside do?”

“Yes. I just don’t want anyone else to start getting any ideas…”

Alrynn glanced at Kezati. “Can you wave over someone and let them know that we’re coming back, and to save our seat? I’ll get started on talking to this guy. Just meet us outside when you’ve finished.”

“Yeah.” He fervently nodded his head, thrilled by the order. It was his first step to proving himself… even if his mouth was still half-full of what he’d been eating.

And with that, they made their momentary split; Alrynn left with the man outside, though still visible through one of the windows, and Kezati did as he was told. Once the waiter he talked to understood, he got up, too, in the hopes that he’d be able to hear “we’ll take the job.”

“So, it’s a necklace?” was the first thing he heard from Alrynn when he stepped outside.

“Yes. Gold chain, three sapphires in the center. All you have to do is retrieve it.”

“Sounds expensive.”

“It is.”

“You didn’t let me finish. Sounds expensive, but not expensive enough to explain that commission reward. Is it a family heirloom or something?”

“You could call it that, yes.”

At this point, Alrynn caught sight of Kezati, prompting the question, “And this isn’t going to be dangerous?”

“Nothing more than a couple of petty thieves, most likely. Oh, and as long as you keep quiet about trying to get it or as you go to send it back to me. I’ll give you an extra one—no, two—silver denarii for keeping this whole thing a secret. That’ll round things out to about two gold denarii, which I’m sure is quite a lot for a mercenary like yourself to receive at once.”

“There’s nothing else you’re keeping from me, are you?”

“Of course not! It’s a very valuable and precious necklace and I’ll do anything to get it back. Look—here’s a silver denarius to get you started. Just find that necklace as soon and as discreetly as possible, then return it to me, and you’ll get the rest.”

Just like that, with one last nervous look around him, the man was walking off.

“What do you think?” Kezati prompted after a moment. “Are we gonna help this guy, or..?”

Alrynn tossed the coin up, slightly, before simply observing it in his palm. Then, slowly, he nodded. “I don’t see a reason why we shouldn’t try, at least. I think it’ll be a good time to teach you a good handful of valuable lessons.”