Truth is only valuable to those who can bear it.
- A Quassian Aphorism.
I drummed armored fingers across the stone counter as we waited. If I could somehow arrange it, challenging someone seemed an easy way to get promoted to a higher rank. That was if my recent brawl with those of that esteemed rank were anything to go by.
However, it would involve having to deal with this Branch’s guild master, a prospect I was unsure of. We had been in luck with Larynda’s registration, the ceremony of sorts performed by one of the clerks here, instead of the guild master. More importantly, if the master of this branch had interviewed us, the light would have been shone on Larynda’s circumstances, which might have led to all sorts of questions being asked. Perhaps it would be best to visit later, and alone.
But what lay in my hands was more promising still, an opportunity to win fame and glory. The Festival was a tournament of the purest form, without weapons or armor, it was a contest of raw unarmed combat. Here, I had an overwhelming advantage that the other contestants simply could not surpass.
I was gifted with a unique form of magic.
I needed no chant or incantation, nor wizard’s staff or focus. My magic could be unleashed simply by me willing it to be so. Coupled with my enhanced physical abilities and my Mimic shield, it was clear that the deck was heavily stacked in my favor in such a contest.
“What are you grinning about? An’ can we leave soon? I spent a few nights sleeping rough once but ain’t never smelled this fragrant,” she asked in a slightly querulous voice.
Almost as in answer to her childish inquiry, the doors to the backroom opened. Aldina had returned and she seemed to be struggling to carry a long bundle wrapped in dark-stained oiled leather. Redfaced, she placed it, with great effort, on the counter.
“This is from Vincenzio… and this is the message that comes with it,” she explained, slightly out of breath. Rummaging through her pockets she produced a length of knotted velvet string. “If you don’t know your knots, I can read it out for you, for a few coppers…”
“Thank you, but that will not be necessary,” I replied with a tight-lipped smile. I was annoyed, not because of her, but at myself in the main. It is human nature to hear an insult, often where there is none.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
I took off one of my gauntlets for show if nothing else, running my fingers across the smooth cloth as I summoned the spell that would unravel the Necromancer’s message.
- Open later where prying eyes will not see - A token of our cooperation - Take the request for Milander Root and meet me on the morrow - Vincenzio -
“Well, that’s an interesting way of reading. Never seen anyone read backwards before,” commented Aldina, not meeting my eyes. Larynda tried to suppress a giggle but failed, for the most part.
“Thank you… Mistress Aldina,” I replied flatly with a small bow, now minus the smile, and in a tone that would invite no further conversation. I looked at Larynda, “Come now, we had best return.”
“You are most welcome.”
Hands in front of her, Aldina bowed at the hip.
It was with some mastery of self that I succeeded in fighting off embarrassment, and the temptation to open the package immediately. I was thoroughly intrigued by its heft and weight. At a guess, I imagined it to be some sort of heavy weapon. Perhaps a double-handed sword, or similar weapon?
With Larynda in tow, I promised her that I would just check the board before we left for the day. Her stomach grumbled in disapproval at my suggestion. I considered grabbing a meal here, but thought better of it, as I did not want to inflict others with our distinct fragrance.
Looking over the various requests, I found what I was looking for in the bottom corner. With a payout of only half a silver, it was barely worth the effort of registering the task. However, Vincenzio had instructed as such, and for the moment I saw no reason to disregard him. Ripping off the task for Milander Root, I went back to Aldina and registered that we would be undertaking the quest.
Our business concluded for the day, we departed from the Guild grounds. Though the sun had begun to set behind a cloudy sky, and the first hint of evening’s chill crept in, the streets remained bustling with activity. It was only halfway back to the inn when the skies opened up and the rain began to fall, that the throngs of people thinned. The people sought shelter from the rain, but Larynda appeared utterly unfazed by the downpour. If my eyes were not deceiving me, the raindrops seemed to avoid her altogether.
The sudden rain had served an unintended purpose, as it helped to mask our latest adventures in the bowels of the city. A saving grace when we were met by the help of the Begonia’s Shade. As the rain outside beat out its chaotic tune and the serving staff fussed over me, I finally felt safe.
It was amazing what a set of familiar walls and faces could do for someone.
Even little Theo came out to assist, though she was more of a nuisance than of any real help. The women of the inn, alongside Theo and the serving girl Ninurta, saw to me. As they fussed and helped me out of my dirty metal shell, I spared a few words for Elenora’s daughter.
“You are well, Theo? They treat you well here?” I asked, arms spread out as they undid the dirty straps of my plate harness.
“Doing just fine, thank you kindly! The food here is really good too!” she answered, smiling at me before wilting slightly. “Though I don’t like having to do the peeling and scrubbing in the kitchens all the time…”
Ninurta shot her an envious look but remained silent.