“How can the answers change, what did you ask of it?” Envy paced across the room, watching Exill repeat the same motion with the rune inscribed bones.
“Divination sees probabilities, not certainties… something must have changed since I asked the question this morning… and the only thing that springs to mind is you, arguing that you would follow me to Virigo.” Exill elaborated further, still confused by what had changed, and what it meant. “I asked the danger of me going to Virigo versus staying in Ark. There is no difference between the two. Both paths are hazardous.”
Suddenly, what had been a light excursion to the countryside, a way to earn extra money had become a lot more ominous. There was a hidden danger out there and nowhere was safe. ‘If that is the case, is it better to stay here, or leave?’ It was a troubling dilemma.
Envy bit her lip, her mind racing, then proposed the path of least uncertainty. “Let’s stay here, I can suspend my delves and we can turtle up in the clinic until we pay our debts.”
Reluctantly, Exill shook his head. He had considered that idea but rejected it because there were other ways to make them default aside from killing him.
“If they can’t get to us, they will attack our ability to pay back the loan. Like setting this clinic on fire for example.” Shaking his head, he gestured outside, “No, we should go to Virigo and put some distance between us and our opponents, then pay back the debt as soon as possible. Only then will we be safe. The only question left is what to do about Tsarra…”
Envy motioned to the door that was still slightly ajar. “Why don’t you ask her, instead of deciding everything yourself?”
Exill opened the door to find Tsarra standing there, a determined expression on her face. “How much did you overhear?” He asked, perhaps a little too coldly.
“Enough to tell you I will be going with you. I’m the only one who can heal you if you get hurt.”
Exill sighed when he saw the resolute features, her lips pursed in fierce determination. He couldn’t leave her here alone, or risk involving Luna in the conspiracy by sending her there. As much as he disliked it, this was the only answer.
He nodded in quiet acquiescence to her demands, “Alright, we’ll need to wake up early to pack extra provisions.” Exill followed Tsarra down the stairs, finally giving Envy the opportunity to bathe alone. Leaning tiredly on the counter, he reached his hand out to Tsarra.
“Form a party with me.”
Exill felt a cocktail of emotions filter through their connection when she accepted his request, one of quiet courage, fear, and shame. He switched her second profession from [Herbalist] lvl 5 to [Wizard] lvl 1 then swiftly dissolved the party, noting her growing embarrassment.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
“I switched your second job to Wizard. You may need to defend yourself out there and this is the best way to do it. I’ll swap it back once we’re safe. Remember never to show your Card to others during this expedition because it is not your registered job.”
“Um, will you teach me how to fight?”
Exill silently considered delegating this task to Envy, then quickly dismissed it. She was a terrible teacher, prone to monosyllabic feedback.
“You can count on me.”
***
The three companions woke up early the next day to buy provisions before the streets became crowded. They walked briskly via side alleyways to the western perimeter gate. Exill had passed through a similar one only a year and a half ago as a penniless refugee.
The perimeter walls were in better shape than they had been before the war. Signs of hasty repair work could be seen where new woodwork had been placed to shore up the earthen ramparts. Outside, a shallow ditch filled with all kinds of filth stunk up the vicinity, buzzing the area with flies. Off to the side in a dusty staging area, Exill spotted a brel drawn cart waiting amidst several freight caravans.
‘Fast carriage my ass. It looks like the Guild arranged the bare minimum.’
If mules were the poor man’s horse, then brels were for the destitute. A common fixture in the poorer areas of Ark, they were renowned for their bad temperament and corrosive faeces, resulting in their entry ban in the Inner City. These duck billed pack animals resembled bulky storks, equipped with powerful reverse jointed legs, and lifespans half that of mules.
Approaching closer, he saw the cart was already occupied by three passengers. A priest, mercenary, and a civilian. Exill hailed the cart driver, a hunched figure with black straggly hair and protruding eyes.
“You be the Witchdoctor, are ye?”
“Yes, and I have two other passengers with me.”
The cart driver extended a greedy palm towards him, “That’ll be an extra 40 Denars then. I only received payment from the Guild for ye.”
Handing the driver four large copper coins, Exill bit back a curse at the unexpected expense. Then he helped the girls up and boarded himself. Exhaling softly, he examined the other travellers while introducing himself, eyes widening in recognition at the mercenary.
“I am Witchdoctor Exill, and these two are my companions Envy and Tsarra. We are travelling to Virigo to be their provisional healer.” He warily eyed the Priest, after all, he hadn’t forgotten his encounter with the Church.
The Priest who appeared to be in his mid-fifties smiled in genuine warmth. “Blessings to the Will-blessed, I am Father Jonas, and this is my escort, Mattan. Do not be deceived by his appearance for he is a kindly soul. We are also on our way to Virigo to provide aid where we can.”
The hulking mercenary with greasy locks grinned at Exill, revealing several missing teeth amidst his unkempt beard, “We’ll be sleeping together like the good ole days.” He said in a deep gravelly voice.
It took a moment for everyone to absorb this statement, shocked by the implication.
“We were… roommates at an Inn.” Exill hastily clarified when he saw Tsarra’s eyes grow wide, but it was too late. A seed of doubt had been planted in her mind. To her, it perfectly explained why he remained celibate despite often sleeping together with the seductive beauty that was Envy.
“I am Coran, a member of Virigo town council. I came here to negotiate with the Healer’s Guild. It is with great pleasure I welcome a Spirit Blessed healer to our humble town, and I hope you will enjoy, and perhaps extend your stay with us.” The well-dressed man gave him a small bow, lips pursed in anticipation.
The cart suddenly jerked forward when the cart driver whipped the brel into motion. The straggly haired man laughed maniacally at the passengers.
“And I am Great Koopra, I will deliver ye to Virigo!”