CHAPTER FOUR

BEYOND YOUR STATION

‘Did I make the right decision? But she’s so pretty! Are we going to be okay? But she was so cute! Am I going to regret this? But she…’

As Siggy was in deep thought about whether or not his choice was correct, a voice called out to him.

"Ah, there you are, what took you so long pal?" Leo asked.

"Just getting held up by the ladies, you know how I am. Irresistible as always."

His friends both rolled their eyes.

"Sure."

"So, what did you want to say? You looked pretty grim there."

He looked up at their leader with a solemn expression.

"On the job, while I was running distraction, the guard chasing me almost caught up. I..." He hesitated for a moment, lowering his head to the side. "...I had to trigger the trap that Tris and I set up, and it scolded the guy's face pretty badly. We may have to keep a lower profile than we thought."

Leo's complexion paled, his face taut with tension as he furrowed his brows.

"That…is not the best thing I’ve heard today…"

Gwen clasped her hands together, clear signs of worry etched on her comely visage. She reached out her hands and gave him a light hug.

"At least you are still alive, thank Lady Kratara."

‘I’m getting an awful lot of hugs today, maybe I should put my life on the line more often.’

Tension somewhat leaving his face, Leo spoke.

"Yeah, the main thing is that you are still breathing, Sig. Though we might need to go easy on the expenditures."

Siggy reluctantly nodded.

"Go on. I know that look, you want to give your two groats."

Hesitating before speaking his mind he ultimately decided to go for it.

"Well, I’ve been saving up for this dagger I saw at the blacksmith’s when Lydia took me there to buy me a basic one and I have been saving up for it forever now. Is there any way that maybe I could still buy it? I know money’s going to be tight a bit but, I think I could still live off of my savings until our next job instead of having to rely on our supplies."

Leo gave him a long look before answering.

"Sig, you have given your all and more on the last job, I think it is only fit that you should be rewarded for it. Very well, you can buy the dagger with the intention that you will be paying for yourself for the foreseeable future."

Siggy gave a bright smile and patted him on the shoulder.

"Thanks, boss. I always knew you were cool!"

He cocked his eyebrow and gave him a scrutinizing glance.

"So all the lip you’ve been giving me up to now must have been my imagination."

The boy made a face like he just ate crap.

Leo on the other hand gave a hearty laugh and gave a light smack on the lad’s head.

"I’m only messing with ya kiddo. Go on, rest now, you’ve earned it."

"You dick." he said jokingly.

— — —

The setting sun bathed Dal Flarren in a brilliant amber colour, its fields outside the wall looked like lakes of gold. Herders guided the cattle, what little of them they had left, into the secure barns.

A farmer looked at the sight grimly, eyes filled with hopelessness.

"We lost another one. Damn it! This is the third azurehorn in a month!"

A farmhand cast a lingering glance before his head turned back to watch the herd.

"What could it be? Suddenly they just get startled and run in different directions at full speed. Something fishy is going on here. Have you noticed anything?"

"Barely, though whatever spooked them, either have great numbers or…" he paused for a moment, staring at the behemoth of a herbivore, easily towering over them at roughly two and a half meters of height and a massive body packed with powerful muscles to carry the enormous beast "... it is something of immense size itself…"

Contemplating his choices the farmer spoke after a brief pause.

"Ask the guards that have been with us if they could identify anything of note, then go to the Hunters. Hell, I can pay extra if they can spot anything tonight, even tracks will do."

"Got it. How much should I post for the reward?"

"50 silver for the mission itself. The rest of it depends on what they can provide as evidence. If they bring down whatever caused this and bring back proof of the deed, then they will be rewarded with two and a half denars in addition."

The young man nodded his head and left in a hurry.

— — —

Three armoured men were heading back from the fields into the safety of the city. They seemed to be in a rush as they placed their feet one after the other in rapid succession.

They were about to reach the city gates before being approached by the young farmhand they’ve been working with throughout the day.

"H-hey kid. Do you need something, we really should be heading inside, it’s not safe out at night."

The lad looked at them with a cocked eyebrow before speaking.

"The farmer wants to know if you guys saw or noticed anything suspicious today before the herd scattered."

The two men looked at each other, beads of sweat trickling down their foreheads, eyes darting around and jaws tensed up.

"We…we did notice something. Just before the animals ran, we heard…no…felt a growl. It was as if our very bodies were vibrating, about to collapse in on themselves. Shortly after, the stampede started, and one of the azurehorns ran into the forest. The…noise, stopped soon after and we heard something moving in the woods. Whatever it was, the size of the beast must have been enormous, the tree canopies themselves moved to make way as it left the area."

The young man’s eyes widened in terror.

"Why didn’t you report this to the field master?!?" He shouted in anger with hints of fear clear in his voice.

"We just wanted to get out of there as fast as we could after rounding up those dumb cows!" a smaller one among them said.

"You bloody cowards! The farmstead is built into the city walls, you could have easily come there and let us know. Go on then, get back to the city. I wonder what the boss will say in the morning when you show up."

One of the men on the rougher-looking side snapped out of his state of panic, looked at the farmhand with furrowed brows and proceeded to invade his personal space.

"Watch your tone boy! Some measly fucking peasant should know how to speak to his betters if he wants to live a long life!"

The ground shuffled beneath his feet as he recoiled at the threat, but soon gathered himself and stood his ground.

"I’d like you to back off please, I don’t want any trouble."

One of the other hired guards also stepped closer within half an arm’s length and grabbed the lad by the collar of his shirt.

"Y’eah? Well, we do!"

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Releasing his grip on the boy’s clothes and instead seizing his neck, he lifted him with a single hand after a light briefly shone around his forearm. Gasping for air, he kicked and flailed, but his futile efforts barely made his arm budge or loosen his steely grip.

"L-let…haaaa…l-e-tt go!" he grunted while struggling for breath, trying to pry the hand open around his throat.

The thuggish brute leaned in closer and stared right into his victim’s eyes.

"If you think that some peasant null can talk to us like that you have ano-" Before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by another loud voice.

"What’s going on here?!? Unhand him this instant!"

It was the gate guard, dressed in full armour with an open faceplate, carrying a halberd.

"T’was this snot-nosed little fuck that dared to talk to us like we are his lackeys or something, he should know his place!" Shouted the man holding the farmhand by his throat.

The guard, however, kept a stern face and commanded the man.

"I will not repeat myself, let the boy go, or suffer the consequences."

The thug looked at the man addressing him, he saw his raised weapon pointed in his direction in the stance of an experienced warrior. The man knew it was no idle threat. He looked back at the youngster in his hand and let him go after lightly sneering.

What took everyone back was the man’s next action. With raised arms, the fellow said in a lighthearted tone.

"My apologies good man, I simply wished to educate this little ruffian. Say, I ‘aven’t seen your face ‘round the gate before. Are you new with the guards?"

The sentry holding the halberd raised an eyebrow, flabbergasted at the man’s shameless change of heart.

"I do not want to see you treating citizens like that again, I hope I made myself clear. As for your question, many of the previous guards have been found lacking and are being replaced." the man reported pride in his eyes, his voice carrying enthusiasm. "Competence is the only factor now, a much-needed change from the previous band of jesters." he said with a somewhat indifferent yet still disdainful connotation.

"I see, thank you for bringing it to our attention. Will make sure to keep the change in mind. Now if you would excu-"

"You can’t possibly expect us to kiss up to this little mongrel, where-"

The third man of the trio tried to interject but his larger associate instantly squeezed his left shoulder, eyes filled with murder.

"Not now, we ‘ill talk about this later." he whispered in his ear.

Getting the hint, the other guy stayed quiet and the three left without saying much more.

"Thanks for helping me out, sir."

"Don’t mention it. Tell me in detail what seemed to be the problem?"

"Well…" He gave a quick recount of the events which led up to the altercation.

"Yes, that doesn’t surprise me at all. When the Viceroy entered the town to inspect procedures after receiving reports of corruption, he immediately started taking action to rectify the situation. That lousy governor will likely be replaced."

"Dear gods, finally! That pig couldn’t go soon enough."

"True enough. Now, about the missing cattle. I am afraid we simply cannot spare the men at the minute due to internal changes, as disconcerting as that may be. You are going to have to talk to the hunters, my friend." the guard said, shame apparent in his voice.

"I see. Well here’s hoping we are going to see a brighter tomorrow."

– – –

Laid on his back on top of a hay pile covered by a large piece of cloth Siggy stared at the mysterious object pinched between his thumb and index finger.

‘What a beautiful design, I wonder where it was made. Well, not like I can do anything with it… I am a null after all.’

He pondered for a while until an idea came to mind.

‘I could ask Lisa, I bet she knows something, she is a huntress after all.’

The young streetling looked up at the sky seeing the sun slowly making its retreat.

‘Sun is about to go down, I bet I can catch her at the Hunter’s Guild.’

He quickly got up and checked around himself. Everyone was already settling in to rest for the night. He made his way to the arch that served as an entrance and headed outside.

He walked through the town as the sun was slowly beginning to set, bathing the streets in a gentle fading light. It, however, did not manage to cover up the stench of the slums and the sludgy, mud-covered pathways.

Ignoring the sight he was all too familiar with, he headed for the main square of the settlement. The dilapidated scenery soon changed into one of a moderately wealthy townscape.

Journeying through the town, he was making sure as few people saw him as possible. He arrived at the square shortly.

Soon enough darkness settled on Dal Flarren covering her in the colours of night. An older gentleman slowly shuffled out in the middle of the square. The old man stopped in the dead centre and held out his left arm. A shimmering aura appeared and crackling particles of light swirled in the air as several orbs of light flew outwards, each stopping after they gently nestled into their respective light fixtures and poles.

‘Handy, though I always thought he seemed to be a bit old to be a ‘linkboy’. Wonder if he’s just taking it easy now for some extra cash.’

Continuing on his way after watching the spectacle, he reached a building with several figures in the windows downright undulating. The establishment was emanating loud sounds of people singing and making merry. The sign outside read: The Falcon’s Eye.

‘Huh, they’re having a party, someone must have gotten a decent kill, or maybe it’s just that dummy being at it again.’

He opened the door. The stench of sweat, alcohol and roast meat hit his nostrils. The people inside barely noticed him and continued with their celebration.

A high-pitched, rather irritating laugh assaulted his ears, he instantly knew who the owner was.

"And then get this, he said his name was Sinley Ho….Ho…."

She attempted to get the words out of her mouth but soon found herself stumbling towards a wooden bin. She grabbed its mouth with both hands and plunged her head inside.

"Hoargghghhhh."

The rest of the patrons she was trying to tell a story to just groggily stared at her, and then erupted in laughter.

Siggy didn’t find the words to say as he looked at Lisa’s sorry state.

"Well, aren’t you in a sorry state?" He said as he walked up to her.

The hammered huntress pulled her head out, lazily wiped her mouth and slumped next to her improvised outhouse.

"Oh shut…bghh… shutf up. Likeh youhw looked any b-better when you rolled up at the courtyard."

"Hey, at least I had a good reason." he protested.

She squinted her eyes, staring at Siggy with hazy, unfocused eyes. She gathered herself and began to speak.

"What -bwuuh- What are you doing here anyways Pipsqueak? Isn’t it past your bedtime by now?"

"Pssht, please, like I give a damn about the evening curfew, those halfwit night watchmen couldn’t even tell apart their heads from their asses.

Her brows furrowed and a shrill laugh escaped her.

"Kyahahaha! Ain’t that the truth? Well just be careful, I heard some changes are being made soon. Also, don’t try to sidetrack me. I asked you a question."

He turned his head to the side. She caught him with his pants down.

"Well, I couldn’t sleep and decided to take a walk around the town. Then I heard there was a party in here and decided to take a look. What are you guys celebrating?"

She grinned, swung her fairly muscular and somewhat scarred right arm around his neck, and brought him closer.

"My hunting party caught a huge kipinora sow. The bugger is almost the size of a small house. The town is going to be eating well for a while."

Her breath stunk of cheap ale and other unmentionables.

"Well, I guess that’s an archer for you, those steely arms of yours aren’t for nothing if not to pull your bow." He commented while poking at her biceps.

Her face turned crimson red and she shouted out in embarrassment.

"What the hell do you mean ‘steely arms’, is that any way to talk to a lady?!?"

"You mean the ‘lady’ who just barfed her guts out in front of an entire pub’s worth of people? The one who stinks of booze and other unmentionables? Also, I wouldn’t worry about your arms, I happen to like them, they give you character."

She was taken aback by the sudden declaration but soon flexed her arms trying to show them off in all their splendour.

"They are awesome, aren’t they??? Ain’t easy being this awesome, but if you try, I am sure you’ll get somewhere close."

"You are adorable sometimes, reminds me of some of the young ones back home."

"Hey!! Is that any way to talk to your elders?!? I’m eight years older!"

"Oh? You a hag now?

"Why you little!" She grabbed a hold of him and lightly rubbed her fist across his head while he was struggling for dear life.

"Aahhhh! Help, she is assaulting me!!!" He gave an exaggerated plea for help, holding his arms out in the air, but the only answer he got was a chuckle from the patrons.

"What is this strength?!? Seriously having aether is cheating!"

She paused, looked down at Siggy with a pained gaze but quickly hid it.

"First of all I didn’t even use it, you are just still a Pipsqueak." she flicked his forehead.

"Owwww." Siggy clutched his forehead.

"And second, don’t worry about it, you can make it even without it, most people don’t even have enough to be that practical."

Taking his hands off his stinging ‘battle wound’, he looked up with determination in his gaze.

"What?"

"...Well… I may have not told the full story of what happened today. I uh… I found something else." the boy took out a palm-sized orb from his pouch and showed it to Lisa.

"Do you know anything of what this thing might be?"

She took the item from his hand and inspected it carefully.

"Hmmmm, at first glance it looks like a spell stone… but not quite… Where did you get this?"

"I uuuuh… found it in an alley. I don’t think the previous owner needed it anymore." Siggy danced around the truth, trying to keep as straight a face as he could.

The huntress was mildly suspicious but decided to ignore it.

"Riight, well, only one way to find out. I am going to channel some aether in it and see if it is one."

"Wait!!! Won’t that use it up?!?"

"Of course not! I am just going to check what spell is stored on it." after seeing the boy calm down, she channelled a small amount of her aether into the object whilst thinking of seeking information.

And just as quickly…. nothing happened, the contraption remained still in her hand without the slightest hint of reacting to her touch.

"Well, seems like we are out of luck unless… it might be something you are really not supposed to have."

"What? What is it?" he asked in a panic.

"Well, I can’t test it without using it up, but it might be an arcane conduit."

"No... no way! I thought it might be, but is it really?!?"

"Hey, don't get too excited, if it is one, you are better off getting rid of it."

Casting a disheartened glance downward the young boy looked back up.

"How much even is one of those things?"

"Depends, the better ones are not on the public market. There is also the option of going on the black market or stealing one, but you don’t want to be caught by the guards with a conduit ‘beyond your station’ or you are going to either be dealt with permanently, or sent in with a penal battalion if there is a war going on."

He nervously gulped and asked.

"Do you… do you want to have it?"

"Well, I don’t have one, but I am not really a caster and they are really expensive… Aww what the hell, no risk, no reward, plus if you’ve found it in the middle of nowhere then it can’t be that powerful anyways. But not here, let’s go outside."

"Wait, wait, wait, wait… First, how much is it worth to you?"

A shrewd look crept into his expression and tried to milk the situation as much as he could.

"Well if it is a somewhat decent one, then how about no training fees for two years?"

"Make it three, and a gold coin."

"Ugghh. Two and a half and 75 silver coins."

"ALRIGHT!!! You, my good lady, have got yourself a deal!" celebrating his triumph, he sprung up and led the way out.

"Ever thought of becoming a merchant instead of a hunter?"

"Not exciting enough."

"Fair."

The two made their way into a nearby alley, rats scurried away into the darkness at their approach.

"Wow, such a charming place, really know where to take the ladies don’t you."

"Once again, I didn’t know I was talking to a lady."

*smack*

"Owww!"

"One day you will learn. Anyway, let’s see what we got here."

She took a small dagger out and nicked her thumb, letting a small amount of blood form a droplet.

"Ugh, why does it always have to be blood." the boy stood back when he saw the crimson liquid appear.

The huntress placed her bloodied thumb on the artefact and let her aether flow.

And…. once more, nothing happened.

"Well, seems like we are both out of luck Pipsqueak." she gave it back to him in disappointment

"Damn it!"

They made their way back inside the Falcon and sat down at a table with some empty seats. The lad was in a foul mood and a scowl just wouldn’t leave his scrunched-up face.

"Stop looking like that, life is full of ups and downs. There will be plenty of ways for you to make money." she tried to cheer him up and somewhat succeeded.

"Ugh, sounds like a pain in the ass. By the way…" Siggy leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Speaking of money, is the thing I asked you to have Jorin make ready?"

A smile spread on her lips as she recalled the thing the little tyke was talking about.

"Heh, sure. Despite you being an annoying little bugger sometimes, you are alright, you know that?"

He winked with an impish smirk "Of course I know, ain’t I grand? Now what have you got for food here? I am getting a bit hungry again."

After having his fill, he said his goodbyes and left the Guild’s inn section, carefully heading home so as to not get spotted in the dark.

Moments after his departure, the door to the establishment swung open and a man who was recognised as one of the farmhands entered.