The shoes almost fit. The sole of the left had worn down to nothing, leaving no cushion, and the leather had split. On a rainy day my foot would have gotten wet within two steps. The right was better, but still well used. The pants finally remained held up above my hips by a length of rope, wrapped around twice, and secured with a hitch.
Fortunately, it's a gorgeous day. Still early enough that the bright summer sun isn't overbearing, and with a strong breeze coming in from the ocean bringing with it the smell of the surf. Standing on the steps of the newbie dorm, looking out onto the cobblestones of the small plaza, the world my oyster.
First things first. Scanning the area. Looks safe. No one waiting, ready to snatch me up. Relaxing my grip on the paring knife acquired in the kitchen.
Bouncing down each step. Quarter to ten. Need to hit each place to get that initial discovery experience. Bank, town hall, town square and park, all clustered, head back there around noon, or a bit later, grab something to eat and take a breather. Head northeast to the temple, first, probably the most out of the way. But fifteen minutes, need to get something closer in time for the next tick. Always be earning.
Herbalist, too far away. Pawnshop, east of here. Doable, but may be tight. Setting off at a jog, heading east, my oversized clothes billowing out and my braid swishing left and right on each step. Getting some strange looks running through the streets of the merchant district, and some yells of encouragement due to my ultimate newbie gear. Dodging around shoppers and heading down a side street to a dilapidated two story building. Setting my foot on the front step with four minutes to spare. Sitting, nearly falling down, completely winded. Not a lot of energy. Need to put you through your paces and get some muscle on your scrawny bones. Resting until ten o'clock, the tick, and then checking.
Level: 0
Experience: 657 (343)
Until Next: 1,344
Mental TP's: 10
Physical TP's: 2
One fifty seven a tick. Currently at one sixty three on the Thief, but it had started much lower than one fifty seven. One fifty seven means roughly three days to level 5, six more to level 10, eighteen more to 15 and then fifty four to 20, or thereabouts. Assuming no lapses. Beyond that, even steeper.
No need to rush anymore, take it easier now. Being here changes the route a bit. Head back a little over that ways and get the herbalist, then up north to the temple. Setting off at a nice, leisurely pace.
Tomorrow is rats, best place to go, and then again the day after. Won't be much, if any, competition. Offends their delicate little noses. In order to do that, need to get some gear together. Shoes first, need a proper pair of shoes. Won't be that cheap, either, decent ones. Thirty silver, maybe twenty-five, at minimum. Next, need a real knife, not this kitchen utensil. Shouldn't be bad. Five silver, or possibly manage to beg one off someone. And, if underground's the goal, going to need some torches and something to get them lit. And then clothes, these aren't really suitable for anything, need something that fits. And then a pack, and pouches, and herbs, and armor. This is turning into more of a wishlist at this point. Getting unmanageable.
Touching the door of the herbalist's cottage. Got it. Turning around and heading back east and north.
So how the hell to get enough money together to get shoes, let alone half the things on that list? Ordinary come in with a little money. Not me. Rags, not proper clothing, and no silver. Running packages for the town hall should get me some but those deliveries aren't necessarily going to be quick. What was that game Five and Charity used to run? Saw them do it once. Two man operation but when Five wasn't in Charity did well enough by herself. Really able to draw in the crowd. Glorified begging, but she did earn the name. Seem pretty agile, dodging around all those people, but let's see where my ability's really at.
Jumping from cobblestone to cobblestone like a knight, in L shaped patterns. Making larger and larger jumps, gauging balance and poise. Running at a set of steps, jumping off and grabbing a light pole. Clambering to the top, trying to, my muscles not really cooperating. Using my feet and managing to get up there. Balancing on one foot, balance is good, switching to the other. Falling to the ground and tumbling the landing. Flat on my back, my leading shoulder sore from the hit. Catching my breath.
Good, not great. Better than adequate but not especially graceful. Charity would eat my lunch. Maybe something else. Grabbing two small stones off the side of the road. Juggling them with one hand while walking. The weights of each stone differing making it difficult. Good for practice. The right hand feeling strange. Switching to the left. More natural. Suspected earlier, left handed now. Taking a deep breath and trying to calm down. Getting a third stone to juggle with both hands, fumbling at first and losing one. Stopping, picking it back up and trying again. Resuming my walk north, juggling the stones at an easy pace while keeping my breathing measured and steady. More glances, more stares, but no issues.
Edge of the temple square. Letting the stones drop, one by one. Walking closer to the temple, the carved likenesses of the world's gods on the outside watching me. Inching closer. Checking. Closer still. Checking. Getting to the bottom of the temple steps and the faces of the statues turning in silent judgment. Got it. Fleeing the temple square and getting out of the sight of the building before leaning against a wall, soaked in cold sweat.
“Get it together.” My stranger's voice in no way reassuring.
Sinking down to the ground. Steadying my breathing. Again. In and out. Deep breaths. Slow down the heartbeat. Freaking out will not help anything. Sitting like that for a few minutes, and then the next tick hitting. Eleven o'clock, how's it look?
Level: 0
Experience: 814 (1,686)
Until Next: 1,188
Mental TP's: 10
Physical TP's: 2
Skip the noble district and go to the town square. Early, but money's the priority, need to get something to eat. Fast walking through the streets, looking neither left nor right, trying not to, at least. Hitting the Great Western Road and traveling west for a block. Too many people. Going a couple roads south and then continuing west. Was so good at being invisible but can't do it anymore. Not now when it's really needed.
Arriving at the park just south of town square. Thirty three looks of distrust, eighteen careful suspicion, and five abject fear, all from them, the townsfolk, on the way over. Every single one that had seen me face to face with no exceptions. My people, not a nasty look or even an inconsiderate word. Either neutral, oblivious, or mildly friendly.
Sitting on the ground, next to a bench, underneath the shade of the tree and idly picking at the grass.
Need to get some food but have no money. Have no money but need to go inside the town hall to get a job. Have to deal with this. Have no choice. Either go and do it or lie down and die in a ditch. Not like the mistrust of the townsfolk is anything new. Been like that for years. Black Hand. The name hard earned.
Standing up and dusting myself off. Didn't get experience for the park, maybe didn't stand in the right spot? Whatever, worry about that later. Need to go to the town hall and get some money. Walking one block north to the center of town, a huge plaza bisected by the Great Western Road with the city garrison located at the inner wall at the very north end.
Packed. Carriages and foot traffic going through the center, vendors selling food and knickknacks from carts, an outdoor theatre troupe putting on a production and beggars of all types, most around the large fountain. The town hall, a stolid two story rectangular building with a brick exterior, sitting tucked away on the southeast side.
Entering the building, a small reception with a few chairs. A woman sitting at the desk, flipping though some paperwork.
“I'd like to see the town clerk, I'm here for a job.”
“Sure, take a seat over there, we'll be right with you,” she says, without looking up. Then glancing up, catching sight of me, her face running the gamut. Wide eyed surprise, looking at me, looking to see if there was anyone else, looking back at me. Blinking, trying to formulate something to say.
“I'll just take a seat over here?”
“Yes.” A whisper. “Yes, sit over there. I'll be right back.” Leaving the room at a good clip.
Not all bad, at least they're pretty snappy about doing shit for me.
Level: 0
Experience: 814 (3,186)
Until Next: 1,188
Mental TP's: 10
Physical TP's: 2
Still before noon, but got the experience for the town square and now here. No experience for the park, which is odd. Going to grab the bank next, just on the other side of the square, and then depending on where they need me to go, either the noble district and grab the castle, or west to the colosseum.
Getting more acclimated to this body, too, dealing with the shape of the hips and different stride. Before it had felt like chipping a tooth, well, all over, and then periodically feeling it with my tongue, thinking it would be back to normal, but finding the chip every time. Getting more used to it.
The door opening and the woman returning with the town clerk. Bald, with a horseshoe of hair, and moderately overweight from sitting all day. The man squinting at me with one eye and holding a wax sealed envelope.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“I had heard,” he says, “that you came in requesting a job.”
Standing up from the chair and walking over to the desk. Having to look up at him. Undoubtedly the worst part about all this, being so short.
“Yes, sir.”
“Alright. I've got a letter that I need delivered to House Mink, as soon as possible. I'll need you to bring back their response. The pay is fifteen silver. Honest pay for honest work. Do you think you can manage?”
“Yes, sir.”
After considering me for a moment, “Good. Off you go.” Handing me the envelope and leaving the room. The woman giving me a queasy smile and wishing me luck.
Mink, northwest side of the city, somewhat near the colosseum, not the worst detour, at least. Heading over to the bank. Got it. Time for another jog.
The colors and banners in the guild district considerably more muted than they'd been last cycle. Still some here and there, but most already taken down. The streets clear and easy to navigate. Hotter out than earlier, my borrowed clothing soaked with sweat, but not getting as tired from this run as before.
There's the colosseum, much different in daylight. Basically an empty plaza, the only people a couple bored looking guards sitting in chairs outside Stormhawk. Heading over to the colosseum steps and sitting down. Got it. Hmm, bored guards over at Stormhawk. Smells like they're having another barbecue. Maybe head over and try to get some free handouts.
Both guards sitting in chairs, sweating, and one shirtless. Solid muscle, definitely looks like they've spent time training, and being at Stormhawk probably means they're Warriors. Hope so. The system selects the most appropriate class to suit the personality, Warriors are usually straightforward and dependable, for good or bad, and typically not all that bright. There're exceptions, of course, but it's like trying to find a law abiding Thief. Warriors make great marks.
“Hi guys, I'm really sorry about this but I'm kinda lost.”
Neither overtly distrustful or afraid of me at all. Another data point. It's starting to come together.
“What're you looking for?” asks the one with the shirt.
“I got this letter to deliver to House Mink but I don't really know where that is. Is that you guys?”
Glancing at each other.
“Nah, we're House Stormhawk,” says the one without the shirt, gesturing at the rather obvious Stormhawk banner hanging next to the door.
“Wait, Stormhawk? This is the Warrior guild? That's so cool.”
Both smiling at the remark. Good sign. “Well, it was,” says the one with the shirt. “Stormhawk gave us a good deal so we joined up.”
“You joined up? Are they still recruiting?” They've got to be, everyone was recruiting like mad a couple days ago. Get me inside and get some free weapons and some free lunch.
“I dunno,” says the one without the shirt. “I'm not sure if you're Stormhawk material. Tell you what, we could put in a good word for you, but you gotta do something for us first.”
“What's that?”
“I need you to come over here, see how you measure up.” Taking a couple steps toward him. Shit, he's tall. Opening my mouth to say something but finding it dry. “You're just a little thing, aren't you? All's I need now's a little kiss.” The guy pulling down the front of his pants and his dick flopping out. “Don't be shy.”
Going to burn this place to the ground and salt the earth.
“Hey, babe, we were just playing.” The guy yelling at me from behind, and the other laughing. “No need to get so upset.”
Brazen fucks. Heh. Well, not a total loss, fairly conclusive, actually. Pulling something like that - they don't have a clue - not about me or any of this. And Mink, Mink is over this way. Is there anything else over here? Don't think so. The castle, but that's over that way, which ain't going to happen today. Still need to figure out the money situation. Maybe be a little more straight up at Mink and beg honestly. It'll probably have a better result.
There it is, ten stories, looks like. Surrounded by a high wall with one entrance. And, of course, probably warded every which way with magic. They definitely won out when it came to the real estate grab. Ishtar tried to get the Temple, which failed, but Mink managed to get what they wanted. Probably a king's ransom inside, too, but who knows. If anyone'll take pity on me, it'll be them. Or they'll chase me out of here with lighting just for their amusement.
Entering the gap in the wall and starting to go in. The air picking up, becoming solid and pushing me back outside. Wonderful. Not even close enough to ring the bell. Is there even a bell? Over there, guy in a pointy hat. Seems promising.
“Hey. Excuse me. I have a delivery here for House Mink. Could you let me in or send someone down here?” Pulling out the sealed envelope and waving my arms in the air, trying to get some attention. Doesn't look like he hears me. Is there another way in?
“Hey. I have a delivery. Someone. Anyone.” Nothing. For the love of.
Can anything get through this? Lets try this rock, just toss it on in there. Huh, went in fine. Maybe just need a little more momentum. Okay, then, test of courage. Give it a running start.
Running inside, making it a few more steps in, but then the air solidifying and flinging me backward with even greater force. Trying, and failing to keep my feet under me, but managing to roll out, not much worse for wear.
Bastards. Repels only people looks like. This is a horrible idea, but whatever. Collecting several fist sized stones. Going to throw one at the door, try to make as much noise as possible so someone comes out. Going to throw it and hide behind this wall so if it bounces back it won't outright kill me. Here goes.
Taking up a pitcher's stance. Windup and throw. Now hide! The stone making a loud, reverberating clack as it hit the door. All becoming still.
“Hello. I have a delivery. Hello?”
Don't think they heard. Take two. Pitcher's stance. Windup and- The sound of the door unbolting stopping me short. A head poking out, blinking his recently sleep filled eyes.
“I have a delivery here for House Mink. Most urgent.” Please don't hit me with lightning.
Looking at me for a second. Pulling out something from his cloak. Waving it. Guess that's that. Had a good run.
“It's open,” the guy calling, “come on in.”
Taking a few cautious steps, the air not solidifying and not flinging me back, and then continuing in. Getting to the door and inside. Not so impressive in here, dank actually, but great to get out the sun. If it's where they put prisoners they're going to execute at least it's in the shade. Worth it. Had a good run.
“So what do you got there?”
“Delivery from the town clerk, they want a response back.” Handing him the missive.
“You just get here?” The answer obvious from my mismatched, shabby getup. Now or never, time to roll the dice.
“Yeah, actually. I got nothing. You see these shoes?” Showing him the bottom of my cracked shoe. “You see this, whatever the hell this is.” Tapping the jacket, shirt and pants. “I'm real sorry to bother you, but anything you can spare would really be appreciated. And if you got anything to drink that'd be great.”
“I'll see what I can do,” he says, “but I might be a bit. Bathroom's right there, you can take a seat wherever.” The guy heading over to a spiral staircase and out of sight.
Bathroom. Feeble light, barely working. Turning on the faucet at the sink and drinking some water. Taking some in my hands and throwing it on my face. Getting in the stall. How's this going to work? Sitting and relaxing. Not too dissimilar. Really good to be out of the sun. Another longer drink from the faucet. Definitely got some color today. Cheeks aren't so sunk in and the dark circles basically gone.
Back at the entrance, cushioned chair by the door. What a relief. How's the progress.
Level: 0
Experience: 1,128 (4,372)
Until Next: 812
Mental TP's: 10
Physical TP's: 2
Looking good, should be level 2 by eight in the morning. Wonder how long this is going to take? At least this chair's comfortable. Rest my eyes.
***
“Hey, wake up,” a voice saying.
A hand on my shoulder. He's back. How long? Hour, not so long, needed that nap, so tired today. Standing up and stretching. Looking up at him. Never going to get used to being so short.
“Here's the response, and this is for you.” Handing me a leather pack, which definitely had seen better days, but sturdy enough and no obvious holes. “And also this.” A knife with a sheath. “I remember first starting out. It's rough. Hope these come in handy.”
A real knife. Pulling it out of the sheath, testing it. Decent balance. Throwing it up, spinning, end over end over end. Snatching it out of the air and striking a phantom opponent. Definitely decent balance.
“You look like you're off to a better start than I was,” he says, with evident amusement.
“I don't know how to thank you.” My offhand coming up to my face, starting to get overcome with emotion.
“Don't worry about it. Oh, and here's the response and some silver for your delivery to us.” Ten coins. A bountiful harvest.
“Um, so how long you been here?”
“About a year, why?” he says.
Going to break the cardinal rule but it can't be helped. Only have six days, can't afford to play coy.
“So you remember the guilds then, right?” The guy nodding. “You guys have a bunch of spellcasters.” Need to have my head checked. “I'm a Runemage.” Done, broken. Don't go crying when everyone knows what you can do in three days. “And I was wondering if you could ask around tonight, any of the others, where their master went.” Since everything went down my master had disappeared, but he was the slippery sort. Know for a fact some of the others are still around. “I'm going to need some training, and I'd rather get it from the source, if I could.”
“That's,” bringing a hand to his chin, “I never considered that. That's a great question. But you could be right, they're probably still around, somewhere. I can't promise I'll be able to find out but come by tomorrow-” Stopping and shaking his head. “Oh wait, shoot. My shift is tomorrow. Listen, I know you need to get that response back, but if you've got a minute now we could ask around here for a bit.”
A guided tour though House Mink? Not as good as an unguided one, but still invaluable.
“That would be amazing. I can definitely make the time.”