Too much of one thing can lead any of us down the path of the many-colored myriad loss.
- Well-known Qisnian aphorism.
“Why?” I rasped. “I must know. Why me? You said you would entrust your dearest possession to a stranger, did you not?”
“All friends start as strangers. You bear the mark of the Guild, do you not? A strapping man like yourself, and with formidable allies, no less? You have the air about you of a man who has found great strength. Something about you tells me that she of the Two Blades has touched you with her blessing. Also, you are an outlander with no real ties to this city, and I do believe, from the cut of your enemies in the arena, that you harbor a disliking for the iron collar,” he put forth. “Only a person such as yourself, a man not born to the Tides, can I trust to see my Lynda safely to the City of Dust.”
I made a move to refute his claims, but the man simply barrelled on, keeping me off-balance. How on earth was this man so well informed? Was this man there on that fateful day when I made an end of Jongshoi, the boy who had failed to prove himself a man?
“Let me give you a little something. A token to show that I mean no ill will. Most of the people here believe you’re dead, you know? All except a mother of a dead young brat. That one thinks you have turned into a ghost. A vengeful specter who preys on innocent blood in the dead of night on your quest for vengeance, or so the rumors go. Though she is only one voice among the many, I would not remain in this place with an enemy like that. Best you make yourself scarce.” He paused for a moment, giving me time to form a response.
“Why not have her just join the Guild here? I saw an elf, just a few days ago, wandering around free, without a care in the world,” I asked insistently, not understanding the Alchemist’s motives.
“On the surface at least, the Guild offers a level of protection for their members. But that silver-haired menace, Lanarisa, the elf you speak of, is protected by more than just her affiliation with the Guild,” Hamsa said, his refined voice growing irritable.
“Surely, it is…” I began.
“Better than nothing, maybe, but is far too thin and fickle of a shield. Have you met that Darcen Tsend fellow? Of course you have. Tell me the truth, do you think that snake of a man is worthy of trust? He did not come to his position by merit alone, I can tell you,” the old man snorted. “The Guild, under his leadership, has grown to be very flexible in its morals. ‘Respecting local customs and culture,’ would be how Tsend would phrase it. No doubt he will weigh the worth of new members against the demands and desires of the local lords. It would take just one upstart to think that an innocent, young half-elven child would be a welcome addition to his hareem. Also, even an ignorant fool knows the price that Elven blood commands on the slave blocks. Even a half-blood like Lynda,” stated the Alchemist bitterly, letting the words settle for a moment. “You too, would do well to not be overly-reliant on the protection of the Guild.”
“I want her to have a better future than she could here in Ansan. Though she is the very embodiment of the word ‘idle,’ she is also graced by some degree of mental aptitude, and the City of Dust would be a good place for her to spread her wings and find her own path. It simply is not safe for her here. Bah, the amount she eats alone is cause enough for worry. There is no end to the trouble she has caused for me already, I will be relieved once she is out of my hair!” he snorted, the lie obvious for all to hear and see.
He squinted at me. “I am old, Gilgamesh, or Bzzz…”
What did he say!? For a moment, I thought I heard the whisper of my old name before it was drowned by static. A distant thing, gossamer thin and floating out of reach. I tried to claim it for myself, but the voices whispered in turn that it was but a name. That I should let go. That I should forget. A soft command that was, nonetheless, as strong as banded steel. With that, they focused my mind back to the present.
“…as you were known, older than you know. Again, my next turn upon the wheel grows close. I want to give her a chance. More of a chance than she would have here.”
It felt like I was missing something, but I had to keep my attention to the conversation at hand. It was indeed a convincing case that he presented. His motives wedded logic with emotion, but a gnawing feeling in my gut told me something was being hidden from me or that I had overlooked something significant - some detail that was yet veiled. It was almost always the smallest things that caused the biggest amount of trouble. But maybe I was just worrying too much over nothing. Perhaps everything was in alignment.
Having already acquiesced to his bargain, I could only nod again in agreement and prayed that the burden placed upon me would not be too troublesome. Looking long and hard at the small girl, I saw that her face was now set into an expression that passably resembled grim determination.
“You had best call your companions in, and I will close Hamsa’s Wondrous Apothecary for the rest of the day. There will be gossip among the old wives, but this can not be helped. Be sure to tell your associates to bring in my goods,” he said, his friendly tone returning, now that our bargain had been struck, as he went outside.
Opening the tent flap, I told my companions of the situation in a hushed voice. Soon after, we began to offload the bounty from the forest into the gloomy shop. Elwin seemed furtive, looking this way and that and, like my earlier self, he probably saw enemies in every shadow. The only issue that arose was when I forgot to reward Patches, for her patience, with another carrot, which resulted in her braying in irritation.
Hamsa, seeing the array of bloody loot that we had unloaded, simply raised an eyebrow as I pocketed a simple single-edged knife for my own personal use.
“Do you really need any more weapons? Suit yourself, I suppose. Hmm, truth be told, I don't have any interest in these goods, and I have even less interest in where you got them. Still, a promise is a promise, and I will take them off your hands. I’ll have to speak to Yusuf later…” the old man nodded to himself, and I could only grit my teeth as a small part of me felt that I was making a mistake in trusting him. After all, I had no idea the true value of our loot. Still, another part of me was glad that forensics had not been developed yet in this world.
As we were finishing with our labors, I observed that Elwin appeared unusually troubled by the recent developments. It seemed as though something was gnawing at him, and I could have sworn I heard him murmuring softly to himself.
Once we had finished stacking the goods near the entrance, Hamsa lit a small candle on the wooden counter of the shop. Its faint light helped to cut through the gloom, and shadows danced with the flickering light on the cloth walls. More importantly, its fragrant scent helped to ward off the noxious smells that pervaded the inside of the shop.
With the help of the half-elven girl child Larynda, the Alchemist placed a small floor table down on the carpet. Hamsa produced a pot of what I assumed to be tea, which the girl poured into small thimble-sized porcelain cups. The alchemist bade us to sit on the floor with him, and his apprentice sat to his side, cross-legged. I noticed that the girl had begun to fidget.
It felt strange sitting under the alien and exotic alchemical ingredients hanging across the high roof of the tent as I sipped at the brew. My gaze drifted upward to the purple-colored dried grass, and I could not help but wonder which plant or mystical ingredient had been used to create this tea. My own lips only touched the small vessel once I saw the Alchemist drink from his own cup and, like a ritual, we drank our tea in silence. The liquid was bitter and astringent, tingling the tongue with its crude flavor, but it took some of the edge off the tiredness that haunted my body.
“So, what’s this all about?” said Elwin, breaking the solemn atmosphere and seeking some confirmation.
“As I have explained to your leader, I have a way that you might find easier passage to different climes,” Hamsa replied, affecting an air of mystery that grated on my nerves, “And in return, all you have to do is take my apprentice with you. A simple thing, is it not?”
I could hear Elwin grumbling to my left and Kidu merely snorted. As he did with me, Hamsa told my companions of the mutually-agreeable solution that he offered. He painted a scenario of an easy way across the grass sea, away from the Tides. Crossing the Wastes would be difficult, but with an experienced caravanserai who had made the trip many times, not an overly-dangerous one.
He also drew the destination of the caravan in a positive light, creating for us an image of a great coastal city steeped in culture and opportunity. Such were his oratory skills that he even managed to get the taciturn Kidu to grunt and mumble something in his own language in agreement. However, for all of this, Tucker still looked doubtful at the proposal, as cynicism was ingrained into his very being.
“Now, for the money! I see that all of this is for the Lurker hides, the Moon Moss, the River Root, and a bit of a welcome extra for Karilla horn. Only problem is, we collected all of this on behalf of the Guild…” the Rogue began, but Hamsa silenced him with a friendly smile, “You need not worry, as it was I who placed the original orders at the Guild. And of course, some payment for the equipment that you happened to recover…” the Alchemist replied placatingly, jingling a purse. The tinkling of coin played a welcome tune across the table and caused Elwin’s face to light up in almost comical delight.
Hamsa passed me the heavy purse and I counted out the coins, there and then, into three separate, equal piles amounting to eight silver pieces each, and handed the money to my companions. It was a fair sum, even when deducting the one silver coin we had left as a deposit with Taciano. Hamsa just nodded to himself at my actions. Mysteriously, it felt like I had just passed some sort of test. And just like that, one of my side-quests had come to its conclusion.
Almost two gold pieces in silver and bronze helped ease some of my financial worries. Also, with this new quest foisted upon me, I doubt that I could successfully complete my quest to warn the Guild of the Echo-Stalkers, and reclaim my deposit. That was one silver lost to the ether.
As I spoke with Hamsa, I noticed Larynda sitting silently at the corner of the table, her future decided for her. From the corner of my eye, I saw her shoot the occasional odd look in my direction. I responded with a weak smile, but she looked away and busied herself with adjusting her clothing. Probably not the best of starts.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
The Rogue let out a yawn and stood up, announcing, "Well, nature is calling, and I've got some business to take care of." He pocketed his silver and made his way out of the tent. This prompted the rest of us to get up as well. Kidu's massive size caused him to almost knock over the small cups on the table, and I could have sworn his granite expression turned red for a moment in embarrassment.
Sighing, Hamsa patted the large man on the shoulder and gave him a smile before whispering something in his ear, causing Kidu to look puzzled. Moment’s later, Hamsa produced a red length of knotted string and offered it to me. "Show this to the caravan master, Laes Harevor, who can be found at the caravanserai by the eastern gates. He's known for clothing his men and beasts in purple, a symbol of his presumptuous status," the Alchemist snorted in contempt before continuing, "This string is the mark of the favor he owes me. Tell him that you need immediate passage out of the city and will tolerate no delays. If he proves difficult, say these words: 'The teacher instructs.' He'll know what it means. Remember, speed is your ally against those who are pursuing you," he said, speaking softly, as he placed the knotted silken red string into my hand.
Despite feeling that I was being manipulated—blackmailed really—I gritted my teeth and decided to trust his motives, rather than the man before me, and placed his token into my pouch. In my mind, though I found it irksome, I rationalized that I was killing two birds with one stone. I looked around his shop, searching for anything that might be of use for my long journey ahead.
"You might be interested in these," he offered, presenting a wooden case lined with straw, like a sommelier. With a showman's flourish, he opened the case, revealing three delicately-shaped silver vials nestled inside. A part of me found it amusing, despite the circumstances.
Noticing my incredulity, the Alchemist began to explain, "These are mid-grade Mana restoration and Health. The last one is a little special and is often in great demand: a Stamina potion for all sorts of adventures. I’ll have to admit that the flavor is something of an acquired taste, but the locals swear by it," he said with a lewd wink, common to many old men.
He pointed at each potion in turn, and informed me that the number of nobs near the lips of the flasks denoted the type of potion it contained. In my opinion, it was a truly ingenious invention, born from necessity. Much better than using fragile glass vials, I thought.
Grudgingly, I reached into my pouch and handed him a few pieces of shrapnel in bronze and a single silver piece. I was never petty enough to bargain when faced with quality. The man looked annoyed at my chosen denominations, but nonetheless slipped the coins into the folds of his clothes.
“Concoctions such as these, I have a feeling that they can do more than simply restore one’s Health,” I opined, trying to get a feel for the limitations of this world.
The bald man squinted his eyes. “It is as you say. The Masters of Quas believe the application of Alchemics as varied as the flowers of the field. Is there a particular effect that you are looking for?”
I casually played with edge of my glove, trying to hide my want. “I was just wondering, if potions can staunch bleeding, set bones, and regrow flesh, would it be possible for them to reverse and stop the sands of time or even to cure the sick?” I asked, mixing my true desire in my question. The voices within mirrored my hunger. It was a sign that I was on the right path.
“Reverse the sands of time, what a poetic turn of phrase. I like it. You mean, of course, a potion that will grant eternal youth. I have heard of such things. Though their brewing is beyond me. Even the ingredients of such a potion would be a king, no a kingdom’s ransom! They say that pure refined Dust, is one such ingredient. That in the deepest of Dust Dreams all answers can be found. Ah, perhaps in my youth I would have dared to spend time within such a dream…” droned the old Alchemist.
“Refined Dust and Dreams?” I cut in incredulously. Without a good frame of reference, the man seemed to be spouting nonsense. Still, something within, the voices perhaps or simple curiosity, prompted me to inquire further, “Please, explain.”
"Refined Dust, a year’s harvest rendered down into but a few drops. In the Dust Dream, one can find inspiration for both mind and spirit. Perhaps it's just an addict’s excuse, but enough of my brooding. I’m sure that in the City of the Dust, you will find what you seek, for many are drawn to the riches within its walls. The city attracts wealth, along with men of passion and skill far greater than mine, like a lodestone drawing iron dust," the old man mused, his eyes twinkling with a fresh light as he drummed his fingers on the potion case. "Still, I wonder why someone like you seeks to delay what is yet so distant. When I was your age, I thought I’d live forever."
He paused, as if lost in the fog of memory. "Or perhaps your answer lies in the libraries of the University of Quas. But again, just setting foot in that hallowed institution would cost a princely sum. There was once a rumor, long ago, of a man who gained enough knowledge there to cheat death."
By the way he went waxed on, I doubted he had any further substantial knowledge on the subject. My questions had harveted nothing more than hearsay and rumor. Those who did not know much about anything at all had the tendency to speak the most.
“I see,” I answered with an automatic smile on my lips. “As for the why of it, suffice to say that I have learned to deal with problems earlier rather than later.”
A dark cloud came over the man. “Get your things as we discussed. It is time,” the old man said to his apprentice, passing me the case, the emotional strain heavy in his voice.
The young girl sniffled for a bit before shouldering a large, unassuming brown backpack that was by the counter. She walked slowly towards the old man, who seemed to have grown smaller. Fussing over her like a mother hen, he took out a long brown headscarf and wrapped it around her unruly blonde hair, with great love. He made sure to cover her ears and face with the cloth, wrapping it around her head like a shemagh from the desert tribes, which left only her jade eyes visible. They were brimming with tears as they looked back at him. Again, the Alchemist whispered something to her, and this time, the dam finally burst. She broke down, and her small shoulders shook with a surging flood of emotion. The old man simply held her for a few long moments before releasing her.
“No time like the present, for a hasty man such as yourself. No need for any more dilly or dallying. I leave Larynda in your care. Remember there must be no delays,” he stated firmly, a little of his former self returning.
The girl dried her tears on the sleeve of her clothes and pushed past me out of the shop. I followed her, sparing a last glance and nod to the eccentric old man before leaving the tent. Despite feeling that my life had taken yet another strange turn, I found the whole thing decidedly mawkish.
I stepped out of the shop onto the busy street and into the slightly cleaner city air. Kidu greeted me, a greeting I returned with a nod, and I rubbed Patches across her muzzle. She decided to nip playfully at my gloves in return. But Elwin was nowhere in sight.
Looking this way and that, I searched for the fool. Kidu, realizing the source of my distress, scanned the vicinity as well. I felt a tug at my arm and almost snapped in irritation. However, I held back when I saw that it was our little guest.
“Should go,” she all but squeaked, pointing towards what I assumed was the east.
"We're not leaving here without Elwin," I said firmly, locking eyes with her for a moment before resuming my scan of the crowd. I wondered if using Identify would be helpful in this situation. As I was about to cast the spell, I felt someone tap my armored shoulder. I spun around, only to find empty air.
"Well, that's damn bloody reassuring!" said a familiar voice near my ear.
I turned once more, slightly irritated by the childish prank, and found our missing Rogue smiling at me with his cheeky grin.
"Elwin, damn you! This is no time for these kinds of japes!" I said, taking a deep breath to restrain my growing anger, and to avoid causing a scene.
"I know," Tucker replied, his voice losing its usual playfulness. "This is serious. But first, let me say thank you, Gilgamesh of Uruk. You have my deepest gratitude, truly. If I hadn't met you, I'd still be wasting away in the slave pits."
"What is it, Elwin?" I asked exasperatedly, disliking the direction his formal words were taking.
“Across the Whispering Wastes, to the east? I’m sorry, but that is a path that I cannot travel. I need to get back to my family, I need to know…” he replied, looking me firmly in the eye.
"You have no honor, warm-lander. Our life debt has not yet been paid," growled Kidu dangerously, his words carrying the threat of violence like a brewing thunderstorm.
I placed a hand placatingly on Kidu’s shoulder, which seemed to calm him a little. "Elwin, I know family is important, but is there anything I can do to persuade you to stay? We—I—still need you. There’s so much that I don’t know about these lands. Can’t you see? We're stronger together," I pleaded, as panic started to take root.
"The caravan to Al-Lazar will take me too far from my home. I've been away from my family for far too long. True, I owe a debt to you, young Gil, but the debt I owe from lost time to my home is stronger. You two wouldn't understand the weight of being a father. Still, it will be a hard road without the both of you. If fate is kind, I promise to repay all debts I owe. Remember, Gil and Kidu, you'll always have a friend in me," he said guiltily, his eyes downcast.
"Bah, the words of warm-landers are worth less than wind. Take your hollow words and friendship with you, for I have no need of them," Kidu declared, almost growling.
Taking a deep breath to control my growing irritation, I decided to handle this like a mature adult. "Go in peace, Elwin Tucker. Let there be no debt between us," I responded formally as the sober truth finally settled in. However, my words were nothing more than a polite lie, for the man could have at least seen me to some form of safety. Surely he owed me that much. Still, thinking to accept this with some grace, I shook his hand and he mustered the courage to face me. Looking him firmly in the eyes, I could see a whirl of conflicting emotions in their depths. I released his hand and turned my back on him. For a fleeting moment, I expected a knife between my shoulder blades - such was the feeling of sudden betrayal.
Mastering myself, I tamped down on my emotions. Was this just part of the game? Perhaps Elwin was just following his prewritten script. This might be nothing more than a forced story event. Cursing inwardly, I realized that I should have stripped him of his gear before reaching this point, only to see that this option had vanished. The man had disappeared like a shadow under the sun at noon.
I decided to take stock and assess my situation. Crying over spilled milk would do me little good, and I had no time to wallow in my misfortune. We needed to get out of Ansan, and now I had a new burden to worry about. An annoying escort mission. It was time to get moving.
Things were not a total loss, however. I glanced at the child to my right, thinking that I might have gained a temporary companion to offset Elwin’s sudden disappearance - though her usefulness remained to be seen.
"Child, do you know the way to Harevor's caravan?" I asked the girl firmly.
She looked at me through misty jade-green eyes for only a moment, as she was unable to hold my gaze. I thought I heard a muffled 'Yes,' but in this situation, I needed a clearer answer.
"Speak up, child! I can't hear you!" I insisted a little sharply, my irritation coloring my voice.
"S'not child! My name's Larynda!" she retorted, suddenly finding her courage, before finally answering my question, "Of course, I know how to get there! Not like some outlander!"
I looked around worriedly, hoping that no one had noticed our little exchange. This one, it seemed, had a backbone. Kidu's expression was almost unreadable, but I could have sworn I saw a hint of a smile.
The girl huffed in irritation and led the way, her little legs setting a surprisingly fast pace through the muddy streets. A few minutes later, my anger had finally subsided, and clarity allowed me to think for a moment. I felt a pang of sympathy for her as I realized that perhaps we had both been abandoned this day.