In the days of yore, when our forefathers roamed the untamed lands, they were beset by trials and tribulations at every turn. Theirs was a state of perpetual loss and unremitting suffering, and yet it was in those primordial epochs that our greatest triumphs were wrought, for they were forged in the crucible of the world, and honed to a razor's edge by the very forces that sought to break us.
To walk the path of the sword is to subject oneself to the most grueling of trials, to cast off all that is superfluous and to lay bare one's very essence. It is to embrace the void, and to become more by becoming less, shedding all worldly trappings and vanities in pursuit of the ultimate truth.
- The Living Sword by Fen Vaigorus circa 520 AC.
We wandered back, and found Kidu looking pensive as he sat on his heels. He met us with a simple grunt. Bathed in the glow of the torchlight, he resembled an armored bear.
"Hail, Kidu the Raider!" I greeted, in a jesting tone, a friendly smile gracing my lips.
"I see you've returned with the spoils of war. Who did you spar with this time? Tested your deadly flail?" he retorted, his voice deep and gravelly.
"With coins, and I can only report that they had me at a disadvantage," I replied, "But I hope to gain something from my monetary loss, a most dire situation. Our young friend Larynda needs something to occupy her restless mind and body. Maybe learning a little of the path of the spear would serve her well," I chuckled, tossing him one of the staves.
Turning to Larynda, I noticed a hint of annoyance on her face, which coaxed a quiet chuckle out of me. "It's about time you earned your supper," I mused, lobbing the other stave towards her.
Amon Vanes had significantly shaped my belief of not depending solely on magic. Focusing only on her magical prowess would not serve her well, as a degree of martial skill was necessary on the challenging road on which we trod. Furthermore, with our team one man short, neither Kidu nor I could protect her all the time.
She fumbled for a moment, almost missing the catch, as if the shaft of wood was a live snake. However, she was finally able to tame the beast and shot me a petulant look, which I chose to pointedly ignore.
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"I leave Larynda in your capable hands, Kidu. I need to discuss plans with the caravan master, both for the immediate future and for tonight," I informed the northman.
Without warning, he struck at the girl, but with none of his usual liquid speed. Larynda, to her credit, dodged the blow. I could see an intense look of concentration as she counter-attacked with her own practice staff. Kidu simply let her attack him, quick in his defense but slow in his attack, and soon the sound of wood striking wood began to pick up in its rhythm.
Noting that my work here was underway, I turned away to see to my own business. I would have to remember to cast an Identify spell on Larynda later, to see if one training session had been effective. Walking away from our wagon, I sought for the woman drudge, who had taken away my donkey, for information on where I could find Laes.
I found Patches a few minutes later, happily munching on what I assumed to be oats alongside some placid ankylosaurids. Fascinating creatures, I mused, truly marvelous. Save for the three pairs of limbs, the resemblance to the creatures from the ancient past of my world was uncanny. I simply couldn't resist casting an Identify spell on one of these six-legged beasts.
Xaruar [Lesser Proto-Dragon lvl. 10]
Health: 462/465
Stamina: 65/103
Mana: 2/2
The categorization of these creatures was shocking. Naturally. Of course this fantasy world would have dragons, I chuckled, a little bitterly, to myself. This new discovery only added to my general stress. If these were the 'lesser' and 'proto' versions, then I had no desire to face 'true' dragons anytime soon. Yet another peril to add to the growing list of things that could potentially end my life. Still, the people in this world somehow managed to survive, and I would do the same. On the bright side, they seemed to use these creatures as everyday beasts of burden, so there was some comfort in that.
I gently rubbed my donkey's forelock and took the time to look her over, just enjoying being in her simple company. Engrossed in her meal of oats, she barely registered my presence. After a few minutes spent affectionately petting my companion, the drudge who had taken Patches before, approached me.
"She is a good creature. Quite intelligent and very well-behaved. Oh yes, Master Harevor told me to inform you that the evening meal will soon be ready. I will see to the rest of your donkey’s care," she said, bowing low in a clear gesture of polite dismissal.
I took the hint, returning her bow and voicing my thanks. Then I remembered I still had business with Laes. The old slattern had almost tricked me. "Speaking of Master Harevor, could you tell me where to find him?" I inquired.
"Sir, you can likely find Master Harevor in his tally wagon, yonder," the drudge answered, gesturing towards a distinct wagon embellished with gold paint on its edges.
I offered another bow and repeated my thanks before heading towards the wagon. Although I was making good progress, I became distracted. Involuntarily pivoting towards the scent of cooking, I found myself losing a few moments. People flowed around me, and realizing I was in the way, I hurried towards Laes’ wagon.