It took a while for Nora to calm down. I let go of her.
“I’m going to check his bag and then we’re getting out of here, alright?”
“Yeah, ok…” She barely nods as I get up.
I wish I was here to kill the fucker myself. We didn’t need this crap. If she doesn’t pull herself together, we’re in for a tough ride. Who knows how many more bullshit we may have to deal with? If we get lucky, the biggest problem we’ll have is lack of money. But life loves to screw with me doesn’t it? What are the chances of things going easy for us?
I reach his bag, full of patches, and open it.
There’s a small pouch, some knives, pelts and a folded paper.
So he was a hunter? I'm kind of surprised that he doesn't have any meat.
I pick the pouch and loosen the cord. Nice, there's 3 silver and 9 copper coins. This will cover us meals and rooms for a while.
The pelts and knives… Maybe I could sell the pelts...? No, better not. I don’t even know how much they're worth and I would just end up being ripped off. I should save them for later.
And a paper. I unfold it and see the content. It’s a childish drawing of a man and a little boy holding hands.
“...”
Shit, I was better off not knowing about this. Nora definitely doesn't need to see this.
I quickly wrap the paper and put it in my coat pocket.
“Well then.” I pick the contents and put them in the other bag I used to carry the dyes. I shouldn't use the hunter's bag or else someone might recognize it because of the patches.
Then I throw the hunter’s bag at his remains, pick the other bag and bowl.
“Nora, c’mon, get up. We're going to another spot.”
She gets up, somewhat clumsily, supporting herself on a tree.
Then I notice her neck. It’s red. Did he strangle her?
“Does your neck hurt?”
“...”
She didn't hear me.
“Nora.”
“Uhm uh?”
“Does your neck hurt?”
“Uh, no. It’s fine.”
“Ok. Can you carry this?” I give her the bag.
“Yeah, sure.”
Sigh, this is going to be tough to deal with…
A guy finds a girl in the woods. He strangles her and then she kills him, so that means… Did he try to rape her?
How the hell do I go about this? I don’t know how to deal with this kind of stuff.
I pick up the clothes I brought on the ground.
“Hum, see? I brought some clothes for us to change.”
She looks at the clothes on my arm, but then ignores it and looks away.
Yeah… To be honest, I don’t exactly know what I tried to do here.
“Well, c’mon, let’s go to another place.” She seems to not have heard me. “Hey Nora.”
“Uh? Ah, yeah, let’s go.”
“Ok, follow me.”
I extract mana and ignite it as Physical Magic in the ground where the fucker remains are. A hole opens beneath his remains. Then I close it.
“...”
She looks one last time at the place where the remains should be.
...
.....
........
It’s almost evening. We moved to another spot near the river 200 meters away from where we were. We moved upstream, in the south.
She washed herself to clean the blood and then I took a bath afterward.
It’s strange seeing myself again like this, with black hair. It's been almost ten years since the last time I dyed my hair.
Nora is dressing the new clothes behind a tree. I've already changed. I'm wearing a green shirt, brown pants and shoes. They are simple clothes from your regular countryman.
I got these clothes from different clotheslines. That way I didn't steal everything from the same person and we avoid the chance of the original owner recognizing the clothes if we passed by him.
I wonder if I got her size right…
“Al, I’m ready.”
I look behind to where she is.
Perfect. If I didn't know any better, I would never imagine she was a red mage. I got her men's clothes: a white shirt, brown jacket, brown pants and men’s shoes. She looks like a tomboy. Women's clothes would only get in the way and if it comes down to it, she can cut her hair and disguise as a guy.
“Does it fit fine?”
“Yeah…”
“Ok, good.”
Now we finally can get to the town and rest.
I look at the ground where my previous clothes are.
“Nora, give me your clothes.”
She comes to my side, limping, and gives me the bloodied clothes. I throw them on top of mine.
“I hope you don't feel attachment to them.”
“Heh? No, I don’t.”
“Hm.” I nod.
She may not feel anything, but for me it’s like throwing away an important memento. Sigh, let’s get this over with.
I extract 5100 mana and cast Fire Magic on the clothes. The coat nullifies most of the mana, but the rest does it job and burns them.
I wish I could store the coat in the Spirit Realm with my bow and arrows. But unlike my bow, it wasn't made with that purpose in mind, so it lacks the proper requirements to allow it to travel there.
The bow and arrows have small Red Crystals and a magic circle on each. The magic circle allows them to traverse and the Red Crystals hide them from the spirits. Spirits eat anything foreign in the realm, so they would consume them if they found it.
The reason I didn't use Red Crystals when I transported was because living things presence are too strong and no amount of Red Crystals can hide them.
The clothes are practically ashes now. I use Wind Magic to scatter them. Then I bury the bowl.
“Let’s go.”
“Hm” She nods.
...
.....
........
We finally reach a small road that leads to the town. It’s evening.
“Remember, no magic. Use Inner Magic only if you absolutely have to.”
“...” She's looking forward.
We didn’t speak until now. I just don’t know what to say. I wonder if I should make small talk to distract her from whatever she’s thinking or stay quiet and let her be.
In the army, we talked about silly and useless things to pass the time and take our mind out of the gruesome reality. But that was that and this is this. We signed up for it while Nora was forced into this situation.
Damn, what should I do? I need her to be---
“Is killing easy for you?” Nora asks out of nowhere
“Huh?”
“Is it easy?”
I take a moment to process her question.
“Surprisingly easy,” I answer honestly. “unfortunately.”
“How many people did you kill?”
“Too many.”
“How many Al?” She is irritated.
“... I lost count to be honest. Hundreds or maybe thousands with my own hands.”
“I see… I just don’t get it...”
“What do you don’t get?”
“I killed two people, I feel so… Argh, so frustrated! I feel like shit, I feel like---... How can it be so easy for you!?” She stops walking. “Killing is easy for bad people. But you're not a bad person! You can't be a bad person! The dreams, when you were younger, and now, the way you act--. It just doesn't make any sense!”
“Nora, listen to me.” I put my hands on her shoulders before she has the chance to snap again. “You. Defended. Yourself. They had the choice to not attack you and they ignored it. When you enter a fight or try to hurt someone, you should acknowledge that you may be forsaking your life. They knew that. Do not blame yourself.”
“But--” She’s looking at me with teary eyes.
“It’s like I said yesterday. Sure, it’s good that you feel bad about it, but do not consume or blame yourself over it. Who’s more important to you? You or someone else who wants to hurt you? If the latter is more important, then you shouldn't even try to live anymore.”
“...”
“Sorry for the harsh words. But please, think about it. You should be the most important person to yourself. If you don’t care about yourself, then who will?”
I hear a carriage coming from my left. Nora also notices and turns her face away from it.
“We'll talk later about this ok?” I whisper to her.
“Oi, youngsters!” I look in the direction of the sound and see an old man with gray hair driving a carriage full of straw. “You should head home, this road is dangerous at night. Lot’s of ruffians pass through here.”
“Alright, thanks for the warning.”
He stops the carriage.
“Do you live in Alryne? I can give you a ride if you want.”
We should accept the ride. Nora must be tired and I'm also starting to feel fatigue. I used too much Inner Magic today, nevermind yesterday.
“That would be great. Can we?
“Sure sure friend! Hop on! It’s always nice to have someone to chat with. Although it will be only for a little while hehe, the town is only ten minutes away after all.”
He moves to his right side to make space for me and Nora to get up. I climb up first to stand between him and her, just for precaution sake. Then I help her to climb.
“You guys settled? Let’s go then. Hip hip.” He shakes the reins and the ox starts moving.
“Thanks again for the ride.”
“No problem friend. We have to help out each other after all.” He grins “I’m Willbert, your boring everyday farmer haha. What about you?”
“I’m Aldren, and this is my little sister Arlene.”
“Nice to meet you. But what’s the problem miss?” He looks worriedly at her. She's looking away from him.
“Hum, yeah. Something happened,” I reply to him. “I would appreciate if you didn't ask more about it.”
“Hmm…” He looks at me with an unsatisfied face. “You treat her well sonny!” He yells with an angry tone. “Don’t be an idiot like me and drive her away! Or you might not get her back!” He turns to Nora. “You hear dear!? If he did anything bad to you, just tell me and I'll kick his ass!” She looks at him somewhat surprised.
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“Alright alright old man! Settle down. It’s nothing like that.”
“Hmph.” He turns forward. “Damn youngster don’t know what they have until they loose it.” He grumbles to himself.
What’s with this guy? He shifted his mood just like that.
“Look dear, I don't know what happened, but life is to be enjoyed to the fullest! You have a pretty face, so don't waste it! Smile dear! Enjoy yourself and share your smile with everyone!”
She looks a bit perplexed. “... Thank you.” But then looks away again.
That's got to be one of the lamest encouragement speech I ever heard.
“*sigh* Anyway, what do you do for a living son? You're in the army?” He hits with the back of his hand on my stomach.
“Ah, no. I do random jobs.”
“Oh? A jack of all trades then?”
“More or less, yeah.”
“I assumed you were a soldier because of your build. You don't see many people like that.”
“Haha, yeah, I get that a lot.”
A moment passes.
“Ahhh, I can't wait to get home! Today was a good day.”
“Something good happened?”
“Yes indeed~, look behind.” I didn't need to, I already know it’s full of straw. “Got that for free. Won a contest at Norfolk believe it or not. It’s enough to feed my friend here for months and then sell some.”
Norfolk is a village south of here.
“Hmm, lucky.”
“Indeed~~” He answers with a grin.
This feels nostalgic. I miss how people like him find pleasure in small things like this.
“Yep, this day is just perfect,” He continues. “Later I’m going to have a nice dinner with my son and grandson.”
“Is that so?”
“Yup~. My son, Quinn, God bless him, said he was going to buy the most expensive meat he could find on the market. We're celebrating my anniversary you see.”
“Oh, congratulations.”
“Thanks. One year closer to my grave! Haha, my grandson hates it when I say that.”
“I can imagine. I also wouldn't like if my dad said something like that.”
“Oh sonny, life is so much easier if you can joke and laugh about this kind of things.”
I don't agree, but whatever.
“Hmm, Quinn must've already returned from his hunt.” Nora twitches. “He mostly deals with pelts you see? He was hunting near--”
Oh no you don’t!
“S-So what happened in Norfolk?” I change topic before he had the chance to tell where he was hunting. No need to confirm if it’s the same person.
“Uh?”
“We were there a few weeks ago, so I’m curious about what they have been up to. I didn't know they were going to hold a festival.”
“Oh, it wasn't a festival. You see, I was at this stable and then---”
He continues to tell his story. I put my hand on Nora shoulder and gently shake it.
...
.....
........
Minutes later we reach the borders of the town.
“This is as far I can take you youngsters. I have to park my carriage somewhere else.”
“This is more than good enough. Thanks for everything.”
Nora climbs down and I follow.
“You both take care, I really appreciated the compa--”
“Gramps!”
A young boy comes running from the town.
“Oi Oliver!”
We better get moving. “We should go. Thanks once again.” I put my arm around Nora shoulders and start walking.
“Alright friend. And take care of your sister!”
“Will do.” I wave my hand with our backs turned to him.
I hear the boy talking from behind us.
“Wow, where did you get that much straw?”
“Hehe, I’ll tell you later. Where’s your dad?”
“Father didn--”
“Nor-- Arlene, want me to carry you?” I can't let her hear the rest, just in case.
“Uh? No, I'm fine.”
“Ok, if you feel tired, just say so.”
She nods.
I look behind, the boy climbed up the carriage and they moved away while we headed into the town.
Here's hoping Quinn is not that hunter. For the sake of those two.
...
.....
........
We are in front of an inn with three floors, in the southwest part of the town. ‘Lizard’s Nest’. Funny name…
“Remember, I'm Aldren, you're Arlene and we're siblings. We are traveling to meet our uncle in Bellmare. If anyone asks difficult questions, don't answer.”
“Ok.”
“Good, let’s go.”
We enter the inn.
Inside there are many tables. On the opposite side of us there’s a counter, and behind it is the kitchen. Left to the counter there's stairs. On the counter, there’s a black haired man with a beard and behind him in the kitchen there’s a woman cooking.
The place is almost full. There are people eating and drinking. Some are already drunk.
We make our way to an empty table and sit. Some people noticed our presence but dismissed us. Except for some drunkards.
“What are you having?” The bearded man came to our table and asked.
“What’s the cheapest stew you have?”
“Rabbit.”
“Then bring us two servings.”
“Will do.”
“By the way, do you have free rooms?”
“Yes I do. Going to rent one?”
“Yes please, but with two beds.”
“Hm. I’ll take you there once you are done eating. Don't forget that you have to pay upfront.”
“Sure.”
The man goes back to the kitchen.
Wait… I probably should have asked Nora if it’s alright sharing the same room. We shouldn't waste money, but if the guy tried to rape her… Will she be conscious of it now?
“Look, Arlene, I hope you don’t mind sharing the room.”
“Heh? No, of course I don’t.”
“Ah, ok, good. That’s good! Hum, you already know me, so you know that I won’t do anything weird right?.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Um, the guy tried to... Do something, right? Well um, just saying that I won’t try anything like that.”
“What do you-- Oh.” She seems to have realized something. “Al, he, um… He didn’t try anything 'like that'.”
“He didn’t?” She shakes her head. “Oh…”
Awkward silence follows. Man, talk about misunderstanding the situation...
But if he didn't try to rape her, then what the hell did he try to do? Maybe I'll ask her later. Or maybe I should wait and see if she talks about it first...
...
Moments later, a drunk is coming our way.
Oh great...
"Hey you two *hic*, mind buying me a drink?"
"Get lost before I punch you."
"Whoa whoa whoa! Easy there *hic*, no need to get violent mate!" He turns to Nora. "Tell your boyfriend to chill out. What's the matter with him?"
I get up violently. "You looking to get your ass kicked!?"
"Chill man chill--!"
"That's enough!" The bearded man appears with both stews in his hands. "Barbal, what did I tell you?"
"Oh c'mon, I was jus---"
"Do not disturb other customers! Get the fuck out of my inn!"
He puts the stews on the table and grabs the drunk shirt. He tries to resist back, but the bearded guy proves to be too strong for him. Soon enough, he throws him out of the inn.
"Whatever! I never liked your place anyway!" I hear him yelling from outside.
"Yeah yeah."
The man comes to our table.
"I'm sorry for what happened. These stews are on the house to make up for it."
"Ah no, there's no need--" Nora tries to refuse.
"I insist. Please enjoy the meal."
The man walks away without giving Nora chance to talk back.
I sit down.
“We better appreciate his generosity.” I grab one of the stews and start eating with the spoon that came with it. Unfortunately, in terms of food I'm spoiled. I learned to not be picky about it during the last years, but I grew up as a noble and ate only the best. This stew is not that bad, but it doesn't compare to what I used to eat, or to the academy canteen food. In the end, I'm still a noble, even if I fought against them.
I look at Nora. Surprisingly, she’s eating. I was expecting her to be more hesitant, either because of the taste or her guilt. But then again, we didn't eat anything for nearly twenty-four hours.
...
.....
........
“Please enjoy your stay.” The bearded man speaks before closing the door of our room.
We are inside of a small room on the second floor with two single-sized beds side by side and some basic furniture. There are two windows on the wall opposite side of the door.
I put the candle the man gave me on the bedside table and sit on the bed close the windows.
“Is there anything you want to talk about before we sleep?” I ask her.
“... To be honest, I don't know anymore. So much has happened, I feel at a complete loss...”
“I can imagine... How about we call it a day? We both need a good night sleep.”
“Ok, that's probably for the best.”
She sits on the other bed. As soon I remove my shoes, she asks:
“Al, do you think the other man was Quinn?”
God. Fucking. Dammit. Of course she picked up on that.
“Hmm, you want my honest opinion?”
“Hm-hmm” She nods.
“I doubt it.”
*********
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