Getting to the West Gate right before eight o'clock, my pack filled with today's lunch. Standing off to the side waiting for Riley and Wolfe to arrive, but ten minutes past the hour remembering today's meeting time had been nine. Taking a seat by the gatehouse steps, idly watching the morning traffic straggle past. Merchants starting to come in from outside and a few heading out. Several houses sending out groups, Stormhawk, Ishtar and Haven. A number of unaffiliated groups, or at least with no identifiable markings, as well.
Trying to grasp the latest Runemancy spell, Tracing. At ten o'clock last night, just after getting to sleep, had hit level 6.
Name: Lucilia Macarthy Profession: Runemage Level: 6 Sex: Female Experience: 15,952 (9,716) Age: 20 Until Next: 2,298 Health 53 Mana 46 Stamina 27 Spirit 8 Strength (STR) 55 (2) Constitution (CON) 62 (6) Dexterity (DEX) 67 (13) Agility (AGI) 86 (18) Discipline (DIS) 75 (12) Aura (AUR) 79 (14) Logic (LOG) 70 (15) Intuition (INT) 73 (16) Wisdom (WIS) 43 (-4) Influence (INF) 75 (12)
Name Trainings Bonus Armor Use 6 29 Physical Fitness 7 33 Simple Weapons 7 33 Arcane Symbols 12 51 Magic Item Use 7 33 Harness Power 7 33 Mana Control 7 33 Runemancy 7 33 Arcane Lore, Shaping 7 33 Arcane Lore, Transference 1 5 Survival 7 33 Perception 7 33 Climbing 7 33 Swimming 7 33 First Aid 7 33 Trading 7 33 Stalking and Hiding 7 33
Last level only Agility had increased, this level every other stat did. No reason to put anything more in Armor Use, this basic, light set was as far as it would go, so the points were better allocated elsewhere. Combining them with the remaining unallocated points from previous levels, training Survival and bringing it up to par. A useful skill for farther flung trips out into the field.
Tracing, however, is proving to be a problem. Every other spell, Runic Shield, and then the following Runes of Accuracy, Deflection and Disjunction, had all appeared in my mind, their rune shapes clear. And, after understanding how to activate Runic Shield, figuring those out had been no great issue. With Tracing, though, nothing had appeared. It was there, knew it, but there was no associated rune.
Too late now to head down to the library, possibly could have headed over earlier, but mistakenly came all the way to the gate early. Tomorrow, then. Compelled to learn it and overcome the challenge. That, and it seemed like it could be used for so many fun and useful things.
“Lucy,” a man's voice, Morgan, and with him Walker and Everton. Morgan and Walker looking to be in good spirits. Everton much less so, looking pale.
“Hey guys,” waving and then getting to my feet as they came walking up. “Tim, was Avery able to help?”
“Yep, she was a huge help,” he says, with a big smile. “Because of her I met some people that were able to help me and, well, I don't know how to thank you. But thank you.”
“You're welcome.” Glancing over at Walker. “Evie and Kate set you right, too?”
“Yes.” With decidedly less enthusiasm than Morgan. “I suppose I have to thank you for that, as well.”
“Helping people is just what I do.” Heh, he doesn't believe that for a moment.
Everton only looking at me, his face slack, with an unhealthy pallor.
“I heard two thank yous, think you can muster one up?”
“So we're clear,” he says, “you deliberately sent me there in order to get the shit beaten out of me, right?”
Truly a discovery, a Warrior with more than two braincells to rub together. Should alert the press – and soon – he'll probably only get more punchy as time goes.
“Yeah, I did.” No point lying, not as entertaining. May even fly off the handle and give me an excuse. “That's how they do things there. But you did well. You're pretty tough.”
“Thought so. Didn't think you'd admit it.”
“It was for your own good. And did it work, or did it work?”
Staring at me for a moment more, conflicted, but then starting to chuckle. Cutting off, wincing and putting a hand to his head.
“What's up with him? Thought they healed him.”
“They did,” says Morgan, “but afterward they started celebrating. He's already puked twice on the way over here, but we're flat broke and we need to get out there.”
“Wait, a hangover? Don't you guys know-” Hold on, of course they don't know. “I've got something for you.”
Fishing up my pouch with the herbs - hadn't had to use any yet because of Wolfe - and pulling out a single leaf. Considering Everton, then kneeling down and using my knife to cut it in half.
“Here, chew this for about a minute before swallowing. Its definitely, um, an acquired taste.”
Everton considering the offered leaf, taking it and putting it in his mouth. Then gagging.
“It's like,” the guy trying to hold it down, “it tastes like an old shoe. I hope this isn't a joke.”
“Keep chewing, you'll see.”
Within twenty seconds his face changing from disgust to disbelief.
“See? You don't need to chew it, but it takes effect faster. For a hangover you'll be a hundred percent in a couple minutes. Now what do you have to say?”
Reevaluating me for a few moments and then swallowing the leaf. “Thank you. Really, truly, thank you.”
“You're welcome. Good luck out there.” Giving them a mock salute.
The three starting to head out, but then Everton turning around. “What are you doing today?”
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
“Right now I'm waiting on Kate and Evie to get here. Probably be out until late afternoon, and then, I dunno. I'll come up with something, maybe take it easy.”
“Okay, well, if you're not busy later, there's supposedly some kind of street fair going on in the merchant district tonight and tomorrow. They were talking about it yesterday at Stormhawk. You should come. Tell Evie and Kate, too.”
A fair? Middle of the month already, then. Considering his earnest expression, Morgan's hopeful one, and Walker's, at the very least, not unenthused one.
“Yeah, sounds fun. I'll sure they'll love to come.”
“Great. You want to meet at The Red Lion at eight? We've been renting a room there. We'll head over together.”
“What are they charging you over there, anyway?”
“For the room? Thirty five a night.”
More expensive than the Rat Cellar. No surprise. But undoubtedly nicer, and the food's more than decent.
“We'll be there.” Watching them continue out the gate after bidding farewell, and then retaking my seat near the gatehouse steps.
Watching the different groups enter and exit on the road. Merchants, Stormhawk group, unaffiliated, unaffiliated, more merchants, Haven, unaffiliated. Looks like mostly newbies heading out, based on the gear, and then only a handful from the established houses. Maybe should have taken up smoking again, it would've helped pass the time. Stretching my arms, putting my hands behind my head, leaning back against the stone and closing my eyes. Letting the sun warm my face. Some time later the crunching of footsteps coming nearer, causing my eyes to open a crack. Riley and Wolfe.
“Morning sleepy,” says Wolfe. Since yesterday she'd acquired a soft brown cloak with a white trim to compliment her field outfit. She'd also gotten a small buckler, now slung over her left shoulder.
“Good morning.” Stretching, again, and then slowly climbing to my feet.
“Morning,” says Riley, a bit stiffly, and not meeting my eyes. Still the same outfit as yesterday. No, wait, a new pair of dark boots and a matching belt. Nice contrast with the rest.
“Evie, what's up?”
“Well,” she says, still not meeting my eyes, “I know you said yesterday that we were going to do something different, but I was wondering if, maybe, we could stick with what we were doing.”
“What? No way. Time to move on. What brought this on, do you really like the boars that much?”
Riley taking a breath, fidgeting, “No, I don't, it's not that, it's-”
“She's worried about what you told her,” says Wolfe.
Totally losing the thread of the conversation. What's she even talking about? A headache of my own starting to come on.
“What are you talking about, it's too early for this.”
“I'm sorry, I was worried about, nevermind, it's not important.” Riley putting her hands on my shoulders and her eyes filling with a sudden fervor. Staring into mine. “I told you that I'd help you yesterday, and I will. It'll be my penance.”
“Evie, I'm glad to hear that. Thank you.” Glancing at Wolfe in order to seek relief from the intensity. Wolfe slightly tilting her head, giving her mouth a quirk. Pulling off one of Riley's hands and then the other, holding the second between my own.
Riley taking that as an invitation and reaching out. “Kate, join hands.”
Her prayer slightly different than yesterday's, but the effect the same, power flowing from her through us, in a circle. Refreshing the shield and then activating the runes drawn on my armor, weapon, and Wolfe's hammer.
Walking out the gate, letting Riley get a bit ahead and then quietly asking Wolfe. “What's going on with her?”
“Yesterday, at the temple. She claimed that some of the statues were talking to her.”
“Which ones?”
“Wait,” says Wolfe, scanning my face, “what kind of question is that?”
“I want to know which ones.”
“I see.” The girl blinking rapidly, looking down, looking back at me. “Maybe the problem is that I'm actually the crazy one. Is that it? Is that what's going on? I'm really the one who cracked. Not you guys. It's me, isn't it?”
“No, that's not it at all.”
“Or maybe I'm still in the ship, still coming here.” Wolfe looking heavenward, “Or maybe we haven't even left yet and all of this was a bad dream. That could be what's actually going on.”
“Kate, you're way overthinking it. You're perfectly sane, and so is she. It's just...” Pausing. Riley had noticed she'd gotten ahead and had been waiting for us to catch up.
“Hey, Evie, I was talking to Kate and she mentioned that yesterday you were talking about the statues.”
“Did you really have to tell her?” Riley's face contorting, hurt by the betrayal. “Bad enough that you didn't believe me, but now she's going to be-”
“Stop it. I believe you.”
“You're just saying that.” Her usual self assured confidence wavering and her eyes getting misty. “Making fun of me, getting your jollies.” Gathering herself and striking an imperious pose, standing up as tall as possible and looking down at me. “I'm not going to put up with it. You can say whatever you want, I don't really care what you-”
“Now you listen to me.” Flat out yelling to shut her up and grabbing both sides of her face. Not letting her look away. The crackling shield likewise pinning her arms to preventing them from dislodging mine. “I believe you, but you have to be careful. It's really important. Please. I'm not trying to make fun of you, at all. But please, make sure you know what you're dealing with before you listen to any of them, before doing anything they suggest. I'm trying to help you. You really need to be careful.”
Releasing the shield to free her limbs, and blinking away the moisture collecting in my own eyes.
“I believe you. Okay?”
Her freed arms coming around, holding me tight, crying on my shoulder. Hugging her back. Wolfe watching the exchange in total disbelief, but then coming over and putting a comforting arm around her. Riley eventually crying herself out, sitting down on the side of the road. Plopping down next to her and getting out one of the canteens from my pack. Tasting, yep the lemonade, and handing it over to her.
“You about done? Drink some of this, you'll feel better.”
Glaring at me, giving an annoyed toss of her hair, but then grabbing the canteen and taking a drink. And then another, two small sips. Handing it back, her glare considerably diminished.
“I was saving that for lunch, but you looked like you needed some early. You good?”
“Yeah. Thanks.” Getting to our feet.
The three of us resuming our walk along the road. Riley back together and Wolfe mostly recovered - at least appearing to be much less scattered.
“It occurs to me that I never bothered to explain just what it is we're doing out here today. Boars are a thing of the past. Today we're going to be going a little further west, and then south through the woods and into the start of the hills. Fortunately what we're hunting today is definitely an easier fight, in a number of ways, than the boars. The problem with this one is that it can slightly hypnotist you, throw off your senses, if you look into its eyes. One on one they're troublesome, but significantly easier in a group. It's a cockatrice.”
“A what?” says Riley.
“It's got the head and talons of a rooster, and the body and tail of a lizard. Probably about five feet. It hypnotizes its prey and then attacks while they're incapacitated or groggy. So what we have to do to counter that is split up a little and surround it. It can only hypnotize what it's looking at, and it doesn't really have anything defending its back. Just like yesterday, keep your mana above twenty five percent and keep your eyes up. There are much worse things wandering around the hills.”
“Lucy,” says Wolfe, “I got something at 5 and I want to try it out. The descriptions are flowery, so I think I know what it does, but I need to make sure. Let me get a shot at the first one.”
First one in, doing my best to keep it's attention while also not looking at its head. Wolfe looping around and coming in from behind, weapon ready. The hammer slamming into the monster's head with a solid crack, dropping it to the ground and killing it in one hit.
“Where did that come from?” A huge grin on my face. Wolfe's momentary astonishment giving way to poised composure.
The kills in the morning roughly following one of three general methods. First, the ones where Riley unleashed her blinding fury on the beast, creating grilled lizard, or soon to be shish kebab. Next, the ones where Riley or myself distracted one, and then either myself or Wolfe striking from behind. Last, the ones where that didn't quite go as planned, getting briefly hypnotized, or not doing enough damage on the strike, causing it to snap back, but generally kept under control by Runic Shield or Wolfe's buckler.
Disjuncting the corpses produced an amber colored pebble slightly larger than the one from the twelve foot lizard we'd killed the day before. As far as materials from the corpses, the feathers near the head were the main item, tough and sharp, either hacked or individually pulled off.
Taking a break just past noon, high-ish on a hill next to a tree, overlooking a valley. Stretching out, enjoying the view and the breeze, the walled city of Lumeer visible to the north and east, off in the distance. Riley gracious enough to conjure bread to go with the cold cuts and cheeses in my pack. Sides were potato salad and cucumber salad, with water and lemonade to drink, and some apples for desert.
“Oh yeah, I totally forgot to tell you guys,” Riley and Wolfe, in the middle of eating their food, looking over. “So Jack's alive and he invited us to the merchant district street fair tonight. Should be a good time.”
“Wus thad,” says Wolfe, around her sandwich.
“It's like a street carnival. They do it for a couple days in the middle of every month. Food stands and games and merchants selling anything and everything. People doing shows.”
“So what, are you planning on doing something for it?” says Riley.
“Oh yeah,” says Wolfe, “are you going to do your knife show?”
Oh, right, they saw that.
“Nah, wasn't planning on it.”
“What?” says Riley. “Why not? That was great.”
“Yeah you have to do it, it would be a huge waste not to,” says Wolfe.
“Um, I wasn't really-”
“You have to,” Riley getting into it now. “No, ifs, ands or buts.”
“No really, I-”
“I know exactly what you should do,” says Wolfe.
The two backing me into a corner, their enthusiastic smiles penning me in.
“Fine.”
“Lucy, it's going to be great,” says Riley. “I have the best idea,” says Wolfe.
Hanging my head in defeat and laughing at the grass.
“Now I've got to get ready for it. Let me eat real quick and then give me twenty minutes before we start up again to see what I should even do.”
“How late are we even staying out?” says Wolfe.
“Probably, um, how full are your packs?” Hefting mine. “With all this food taken out mine's pretty empty.”
“Definitely getting there,” says Wolfe.
“Mine's pretty full, too,” says Riley, “We've already got a bunch of stuff, is there any reason we shouldn't head back early?”
“It's not just about the stuff.” Both of them giving me a look. “I mean, yeah, that's important, but you see how you've got unabsorbed experience that comes in over time?” The two blinking in unison. “When we're at work that continues to absorb. So one of the critical rules: always be earning. Tomorrow is the last day on leave, and then you guys are going to get your duty schedule. Always nice to have something in the tank, ticking away. And the sooner you level, the nicer and better things'll be. Not to mention more fun. We're stuck here, not getting out of this one alive, so better to make the most of it while we can.”
“If that's how it works,” says Riley, after the silence stretched on for a bit, “then I'd say we've gotten enough feathers. Let's not waste our time getting each and every one. We should focus on downing as many as we can.”
“Alright, we'll make a push once we start up again, and then see where we're at about an hour and a half after that. Maybe start heading back in by half after two.”
“That works for me,” says Wolfe. “I'm going to get something for you once we cash out. Don't worry, I'll pay for it. It's going to be great.”
Got strong-armed into agreeing to something awful.
Taking a quick breath to calm my irritation. It can't be that bad. Standing up and taking a step away from the picnic, facing a bit away, uphill. The question is how to best incorporate the shield. The only thing that had elevated the last performance was bardsong. Could do a decent enough job without it, better now, but still noticeably below that. To start, try to juggle a single knife with just the shield.
Putting the knife on the ground, picking it up with the shield. Not the fastest movement, but it did produce a nice lightshow and crackling sound. Maybe use snaps of the shield to bounce the knife. Oh, that works, good height, but my aim is shit. Accidentally flinging out knives into the middle of the crowd would be frowned upon. They'll have to sign waivers before joining the audience. Practice a bit on that now, see if any sort of progress can be made. Otherwise only use it for an extra helping hand here and there.
After twenty minutes, coming to a solution. The shield could either slowly manipulate, the daggers wouldn't be at risk of shattering like a glass mug, or use flashes of brute force. The best use was forcing the shield to freeze the dagger in midair, and then lightly tossing it after. Putting too much force on the toss led to unpredictable trajectories. Could use it to save errant knives, and it would provide a neat display at night.
“You ready?” Wolfe's voice from behind me.
“Yeah, basically all wrapped up.”
Refreshing the shield, and then the runes on my weapons and armor, Wolfe's hammer and then gathering in a circle for Riley's prayer. Heading back down the hill and resuming the hunt.