“He passed the damn Gauntlet, Dane.” Jabez said, his voice a low growl. He stood in front of Lodge Master Eddar’s chair, and with Eddar sitting, Jabez could glare at him eye-to-eye. “What more do you want? Should he recite the Lineage of Masters? Maybe come up with a little dance while he sings The Ballad of the Valiant Vagabond?”
Vash was glad that the cloth that he was using to staunch the blood running from his nose also covered his grin. Eddar was squirming. Clearly, things hadn’t gone to plan. Royce fiddled with his notes, clearly angry with the interference in his Gauntlet. When Corwin had helped him to the observation lounge, Royce and Jabez had been trading off on berating Eddar. Royce was furious that the golems had been tampered with.
“It was a stealth challenge, not a ‘how good are you at not getting flattened’ challenge.” Royce was saying as Vash entered the room. “Overriding the golems with that control rod was foolish and dangerous. You gave them conflicting commands and almost sent them on a rampage through the whole damn Lodge. Thank the gods that Harmony knew the universal shut-down code, or we’d have an even bigger mess on our hands.”
Eddar glanced at Inquisitor Glauch, which set off Jabez. “Oh, are we letting the Inquisition set Guild policies now? I’m sure the Grandmasters will be overjoyed to hear how we let the Inquisition set Guild policies now.
Glauch had bristled, but had remained silent, allowing Eddar to soak up the abuse for actions that he caused. While Corwin had gotten Vash to a chair and supplies to clean him up, Jabez and Royce kept up the pointed back and forth until Eddar finally had to say something.
“It is my opinion that the evaluation could not be conclusive with the last test having gone, unfortunately, awry.” Eddar said, trying to get back some of his authority.
“Gods save me from bureaucrats,” Jabez spat, looking angry enough to break things, starting with the Lodge Master.
Royce gave Eddar a disbelieving look. “Your opinion? Well, good thing you aren’t the Master Delver of this Lodge, isn’t it? Who is that again? Oh, right, it’s me. And in the Master Delver’s opinion, Vash has displayed the skills necessary to become a Wayfarer in the League of Delvers. He’s raw, but nothing that we can’t iron out with experience and training.”
Corwin laughed triumphantly and clapped Vash on the shoulder. The touch shook him unexpectedly, surprising Vash with how much his friend had changed in two years. Corwin was always strong. Working a farm will do that, but he was never this strong.
Glauch shot Corwin a glare of disgust. “So is that how the Wayfarers operate? Your Master renders his verdict on the half-elf’s abilities and you, the servant, just overrule him?”
“He’s not my master,” Royce said, coming to his feet and crossing to Vash. “He just runs the Lodge. Keeps the paperwork in order and the bills paid. For rogues in our Guild, I have the final say here.”
The Inquisitor scoffed. “And this…person, is someone you deem worthy of joining your Guild.”
“Provisionally, yes,” Royce said, reaching into his waistcoat and producing a small bronze medallion. It was dull and tarnished from age and wear. One side bore the device of a black crescent moon within a larger circle, the symbol of Sala, goddess of the lesser moon, lady of hidden things and secret places. On the other was the combination of runes that symbolized the Wayfarers Guild. Royce held the medallion out to Vash. “I can offer you the rank of level one Apprentice. Your master will have to petition the Grandmaster’s Council for you to be instated as a full Guild Member, but this will give you the protection and support of the Guild until then.”
Vash looked down at the medallion. It’s just symbolic. It gets your head off the chopping block until you can find Iona and the others. He took the medallion from Royce. It was surprisingly heavy, as though made of some dense material. Vash slipped the chain over his head and let the medallion hang against his chest.
A thrum from his Core was echoed by the medallion, which gave a slight vibration once it settled against his skin. He felt a blossoming of energy within him, like something was let loose. The throbbing in his nose subsided, and he could already tell that the blood had stopped. Many of his aches and weariness vanished in a cool wave that passed over his body. Vash blinked in surprise.
What the hell was that?
Corwin put a hand on Vash’s shoulder. “Congratulations. Welcome to the Wayfarers.”
“What just happened?” Vash asked, suspicious.
“It’s a…bonus of joining the Guild.” Corwin said, glancing at Glauch meaningfully. “Jabez will tell you all about it later.”
Vash frowned, more secrets, just like in the Eth Mitaan.
“We’re done here.” Jabez said decisively, turning and motioning Vash and Corwin to follow.
“Dammit Jabez, it’s not over and you know it,” Eddar said, frustrated.
“If you’ve got a problem, you can take it up with the Grandmaster’s Council.” Jabez said over one shoulder. “Royce, are we settled?”
The halfling nodded. “Because of that fiasco in the Gauntlet I’m waving my fee. With the Inquisitor so graciously making a donation to observe our little ritual, that gives you a credit with the Salvagers.”
Jabez let out a heavy sigh of relief. “That’s good news. I did not know how I was going to kit the boy out properly. At least we can get him some starting gear.”
“Three-hundred gold for starting gear.” Vash said, bewildered. “You can buy a house for that much.”
“You’re forgetting your indenture to the Guild.” Royce said. “Until you pay off all of your debt, you’ll only get ten percent of any windfall that comes your way through the Guild. So you have a thirty gold credit with the Salvagers Union.”
“Oh.” Vash said bitterly as the reality of his debt sank in. Thirty gold, that’s about three-hundred silver. It’s better than nothing, I suppose.
“Don’t look so glum,” Corwin said, steering Vash to the door. “The Salvagers come across all sorts of interesting gear and the bloodstains usually come out pretty easy.”
----------------------------------------
Vash stuck his finger through a ragged hole in the leather jerkin. He made a face while he wiggled it back and forth.
The gnome that had handed it to him smiled as if nothing were out of place. “Just a bit of mending, and it’s good as new. We sell mending kits, just so you know.”
Vash heaved a sigh and tried on the armor, finding it a little big in the chest and shoulders since it was made for someone with a human-sized frame, but it otherwise fit well. At least this one doesn’t have a gaping bite taken out of the stomach.
Vash, Corwin, and Jabez had been going through the Salvager Yard for the past hour. All sorts of bits and bobs, equipment, trinkets, weapons, and other oddities filled the small warehouse tucked behind the Guild Lodge. The Salvagers Union was technically part of the Guild, but they had very little to do with the actual adventuring side of being a Wayfarer. Salvagers bought looted items that Wayfarers brought back from dungeons and monster lairs, hoping to augment the Guild Fee. As a result, there was a variety of armor and weapons from bandits, cultists, and humanoid monsters. However, all of it was from a dead bandit, cultist, or monster, so there were minor problems, like holes from sword stabbings, burns from magical fire, or bites from angry monsters.
The leather armor Vash was now wearing at least felt like the ones he wore with the Eth Mitaan. It was normal leather, however, possibly given a Therium salt curing to increase its protective value while retaining its flexibility. The holes from where the previous owner had met their demise lined up over Vash’s kidneys.
At least the bugger died quick.
“Ah! That looks marvelous on you, sir!” the gnome said, clapping his hands excitedly. Even shorter than halflings, and with a body type that tended towards a more rounded shape, it was hard to not view gnomes as overgrown children. Especially when you took their eccentric hair colors into account. This gnome, who had introduced himself as Cordy, had thick lavender hair that he wore in a stylish topknot. He also seemed to think he was working at a high end haberdashery from the way he presented items and fawned over the color and the drape.
Vash twisted and stretched a few times, noting the ease of movement. “I suppose it’s better than nothing.”
“Sir, I would note that this item provides an armor rating of 2 on the Gideon Scale. It’s made from lowland bull’s hide, which gives it a bonus rating of +1 against blunt trauma. Fists, clubs, maces, that sort of thing.” Cordy said, making expressive gestures toward the coat.
“But not so great against blades?” Vash said, pointedly.
“Sadly, there must be a trade-off somewhere.” Cordy shrugged, his smile never faltering. “Even using magical enhancements, changing the nature of the base material is quite difficult. So, it is better to choose equipment that helps one mitigate one’s weaknesses, at least when choosing protective gear.”
Vash nodded. He could see the logic in that. The cuirass was a dark brown, nearly black, but with enough color not to stand out and scream ‘I’m a thief, arrest me’, if you wore it in the town square. Also, Vash was far more susceptible to heavy force attacks, like being knocked around by a golem. He had trained to dodge blades or turn them aside. Besides, armor was useful even if it wasn’t all-around protection. “How much?”
“For you, sir? A mere seventy-five silver.” Cordy said pleasantly.
Vash frowned. That was almost a third of his credit. Everything else had been more expensive, or in worse shape.
“Don’t get swindled by that nob,” Jabez said, coming down the aisle with a few items tucked under his arm. “It’s not worth over thirty.”
Cordy gasped in horror. “Master Jabez, I know you aren’t impugning my honesty as a businessman. But, I understand times are lean for you and your apprentices. I could see allowing this out my door for sixty-five.”
Jabez made a face. “Forty, the hide is old and is going to need a Therium conditioning soon.”
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“I’ll have you know I keep my wares in top condition.” Cordy said, eyes dancing. Vash realized, with surprise, that the gnome was enjoying this. “But things do slip through the cracks. So, in the interest of goodwill, I could discount it to sixty.”
“Fifty.” Jabez countered.
“Fifty-five and I’ll throw in mending laces for free.” Cordy responded.
Jabez looked up at Vash questioningly.
Vash shrugged. He guessed it was acceptable.
“That’ll do.” Jabez nodded, then began laying out some other items on a nearby shelf. A pair of vambraces, nicked and scarred, with sweat-stains around the wrists. They were a similar leather to the armor, but with steel plates sewn into them. A thick leather belt with numerous buckles and rings to attach equipment. An assortment of pouches, large and small, good for holding a variety of small items. He held up a bundle wrapped in leather. “I wasn’t sure if you had a preference, but these are the least expensive I could find.”
Vash took the bundle, unwrapping the ties and rolling it out on the shelf. It was a set of thief’s tools, well-worn like everything in the Salvager’s Yard, but well cared for. No chips, and they looked recently oiled. The dwarf has a decent eye.
Nodding, Vash re-rolled the tools. “They’ll do for now.”
Cordy looked over at the selection, nodding in approval. “Those are some superb choices, if I may say so. Ten silver for the vambraces, five for the belt. I’ll let the pouches go for six and the…ahem…trade tools for fifteen. Thirty-six in total.”
“The tools are worth ten,” Vash said, taking the vambraces and buckling them onto his forearms. “And these have seen better days. I wouldn’t go higher than six for the pair. So, twenty-seven is my offer.”
“Could we compromise at thirty?” Cordy asked, voice sounding pained, but eyes sparkling.
“I suppose.” Vash sighed, putting on the belt and securing the pouches in his preferred style. Feeling like my old self again.
“Wonderful!” Cordy beamed. “Now, what else can I get for you?”
“He’ll need a standard Wayfarer’s pack.” Jabez said, then shot the gnome a look. “Standard price, no mark-up.”
Cordy held up his hands defensively. “I know the rules, Master Jabez. I’ve already secured a pack for your apprentice at the approved rate of ten silver.”
Jabez grunted, like he wanted to make a comment but was keeping himself in check. “Boots next.”
“What about weapons?” Vash asked. “My account is dwindling on all these knick-knacks.”
“We’ll get to weapons.” Jabez said. “On the Glory Road a good pair of boots is worth as much as any sword.”
“Corwin mentioned the Glory Road.” Vash said, following Cordy and Jabez to another section of the Salvager’s Yard. “I thought the main road north from here was the Riverside Road?”
“It is.” Jabez said. “It’s a Wayfarer thing, all the roads from Sathsholm here in the south up to Kundaraak way up north, collectively. We call it the Glory Road. Sounds grander than two-thousand miles of blisters and bandits.”
Vash blinked. He knew Wayfarers traveled all over the Grand Alliance, but he didn’t think that they trekked that far. I don’t want to get too far from Sathsholm if I want to find the Eth Mitaan again. I may have to make a run for it sooner rather than later.
“But you don’t walk the whole thing, right?” Vash asked, “You just patrol a section.”
“Every Wayfarer has walked the Road at least once.” Jabez said. “Corwin and I were building up funds before starting the first leg of the journey. You just don’t get the experience down here that you need for the really big jobs.”
Vash pondered this while Jabez and Cordy inspected a variety of boots and haggled over the price. I could end up in Nosvaral or Solaria before I’m done. That’s a long way from here. Better to make a break and lie low out in the countryside. Byar used to talk about other Eth Mitaan upriver near the Shrouded Fens. Maybe I can hook up with them and find any survivors?
“Try these on.” Jabez said, handing Vash a pair of mended boots. The leather had mismatched patches and repairs. Much like the rest of his current equipment, it didn’t look stylish or even coordinate well with the other pieces, but when he slipped them on, the boots fit well and supported his feet far better than the tattered shoes he had been wearing.
Jabez looked him over and gave a brief grunt of approval. “That’ll do.”
“Weapons?” Vash asked.
“Right this way, we have quite a selection.” Cordy said, excitedly.
Jabez made a face, like he was uncomfortable with giving Vash anything more dangerous than a soup spoon. Get used to it, old man, I’m not wandering around unarmed.
The weapons section of the Salvager’s Yard took up most of one corner of the building. Racks of swords, spears, maces, and other implements of death crammed in together. Cordy tried to steer them to a showcase on the outer edge of the section, but Jabez brushed past the shining collection to the barrels of plain steel towards the back.
“I’m not sure you’ll find the quality you’re looking for among those— “ Cordy began.
“These will be fine.” Jabez cut the gnome off, perusing the various weapons in the big barrels labeled ‘Discount’. “What’s your style, boy?”
“I have a name.” Vash muttered, irritably.
“What?”
“You keep calling me ‘boy’ or ‘the boy’.” Vash said. “I have a name.”
Jabez just looked at him. “And?”
“And I’d appreciate it if you used it.”
“All right…Vash, what’s your style?”
“Two-weapon,” Vash said, “Small sword and dagger.”
Jabez started sorting through the barrel, pulling out a few pieces to look over. “Use the small sword for offense or just for blocking?”
“I use it to attack and defend, dagger is mainly for offense, though.”
“Ese’ko anaethi?” Jabez asked, selecting a blade roughly the length of his forearm.
Vash blinked in surprise. “How the hell do you know about that?”
“Kid…Vash, I’ve been walking the Glory Road since before your mother was born. I’ve known plenty of folks from all over. I’ve seen most of the elvish fighting styles, even the ones they don’t like talking about. The Silent Thorn can be pretty nasty in the right circumstances. Makes sense why they focused on the Shadowmeld Talent, since it works best from a place of surprise.” Jabez continued, taking a few other swords out of the barrel, then moving to a basket of daggers. “Might want to study Et’ya ston Anaemo, Willow in the Wind. It’s a complementary form that will work better in open combat.”
Against his will, Vash was intrigued. He had complained about the need for constant stealth when using the Silent Thorn style. Byar had brushed it off. If you’re ever in a stand-up fight. He had said. Then something has gone wrong, and you’d be better off just running.
That strategy had failed him badly in the Duke’s palace. Once he and the other Eth Mitaan had been exposed, they had run, then when they couldn’t run anymore they had been caught and slaughtered. “Is that a form that you know?”
“I’m familiar with the basics.” Jabez said, sorting through daggers. “I know a few Kaeleshi elves up in Vinya-Esain that can give you a better understanding once we get that far. That is, if you’re still planning on being with us.”
“I don’t have a choice, remember?” Vash said. “If I want to keep my head, I’m a Wayfarer from now on.”
“I know the deal that Corwin struck with the Duke.” Jabez said, taking the weapons to a table and laying them out. “I also have been around long enough to spot someone that’s ready to run at the first opportunity.”
Vash said nothing, following in Jabez’s wake.
“You’ve been jumpy since I laid eyes on you.” Jabez continued. “Always looking for the exit. Eyes on the move. If you want to spot a tail, by the way, don’t keep looking over your shoulder. It gives them an opportunity to fall back or change tactics. Use reflective surfaces when you can and your peripheral vision when you change direction.”
“I’m not planning on running.”
“Bullshit.”
“I have enemies in this city, though, and not just the Ducal Guard. A lot of folk would be happy to put a knife in the back of one of the few surviving Eth Mitaan.” Vash said, hoping that explanation would mollify the dwarf.
“Then it’s a good thing we’re heading out in the morning.” Jabez said, turning to face Vash. “Look, I know this situation isn’t anything you wanted. I’m not especially thrilled about it either. But I’m going to need you to get us through this quest from the Duke. Can you give me that much for getting your head out of the noose?”
Vash considered this. It gets me out of the city for a bit. Gets the Duke off my back. I can always ditch these two and head for the Shrouded Fens once we start north. “I can give it a try, but I’m no adventurer.”
“Who is?” Jabez snorted. “Just do your job and try not to get anyone killed. We’ll talk about the adventuring side later. Now pick out your steel and let’s get going.”
Vash took his time looking over the weapons that Jabez had selected. Unsurprisingly, the dwarf had a keen eye for good steel. In the end, Vash picked a small sword that was on the longer side, since he preferred a bit of reach and a heavy dagger. Others would have preferred a smaller, concealable blade, but Vash enjoyed knowing that his dagger would not snap in half at an inopportune moment.
Jabez went off to haggle with Cordy while Vash familiarized himself with his new weapons. Vash stepped through a few of the simpler Silent Thorn katas, getting a feel for the weight and balance of his blades as well as how his new armor and boots impacted movement. The first time, it felt awkward, but he quickly settled into something of a rhythm. It wasn’t ideal, but he could learn to work with these tools.
“That looks fancy.” Corwin said, approaching from one aisle.
“Just a few exercises.” Vash said, sheathing his weapons. “Where have you been?”
“Restocking for Jabez and me.” Corwin said, holding up a net bag of sundries. “Also putting together a Wayfarer’s pack for you.”
Corwin tossed a pack to Vash. Vash caught it in mid-air and was surprised at the weight. Despite its weight, the traveler’s pack balanced well and didn’t feel as heavy as it should.
I hope that’s not because we can’t afford food.
“Packed it myself.” Corwin said proudly. “Jabez says that efficient packing and maintenance of gear are crucial for any Wayfarer on the road.”
Vash tried on the pack. The pack provided a good balance for long travel, but Vash could already feel the straps digging into his shoulders.
“Those clasps on the bottom hook into those rings on your belt,” Corwin explained. “It helps take some of the weight off your shoulders.”
“Huh.” Vash said, hooking the clasps to his belt and instantly feeling some of the weight shifting away from his shoulders. “That’s clever.”
“You’ve got a bedroll, your share of the road rations, mess kit, oilcloth, rope, and a few other useful odds and ends in there.” Corwin said, digging in the other bag. “I also got you this. It’s every Wayfarer’s best friend.”
Corwin pulled out a book with a battered green cover. Vash winced. Reading wasn’t his strong suit. His foster father hadn’t bothered to teach him back in Durron’s Ford, and the Temple cleric wasn’t a fan of educating ‘half-breeds’, as he called children like Vash. He had eventually learned his letters with some help from Corwin and a few others, but hadn’t truly learned to read before becoming a member of the Eth Mitaan. Even now, his reading was slow and he had difficulty with bigger words or dense texts.
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you with anything you can’t figure out.” Corwin said, earnestly. “Just trust me, this book is worth it.”
Vash grimaced, but he took the book from Corwin. Faded, embossed letters on the cover said its title was ‘Gideon’s Guide to Adventure’. The cover even had a bronze Wayfarer’s symbol attached to the front. Vash felt his medallion vibrate as he brought the book close to inspect it. The book vibrated in response. Surprised, Vash almost dropped it.
“What’s the matter?” Corwin asked.
“Nothing,” Vash said. The book and his medallion stopped vibrating after the initial contact. “Must be one of those Wayfarer things you couldn’t tell me about.”
Corwin looked confused. “No…it’s just a book.”
“OK, well, thanks.” Vash said, tucking the book into one of his larger pouches.
“There’s a lot of handy information in there.” Corwin said, even Jabez swears by it.
“I’ll give it a look then.” Vash said, not sure what kind of reaction Corwin was expecting.
They stood in awkward silence while Jabez concluded business with Cordy. If Corwin is expecting things to go back to the way they were in Durron’s Ford, then he might be in for a surprise. Vash thought. A lot has happened since then, big man.
Jabez waved Vash over. “We’ve settled up. To no one’s surprise, we’ve spent your entire credit.”
Cordy ignored the glare that Jabez was giving him and beamed up at Vash. “It’s always such a pleasure to see a new Wayfarer finally kitted out properly. One last thing, just a formality, really.” The gnome took out a small leather-bound notebook, a bronze Wayfarer sigil on the cover. He flipped through the pages, finally finding the page he wanted and made a few quick notes with a pencil that he had tucked behind one ear. “If you’ll just press your medallion to the bottom of the page there, we’ll be all set.”
Vash glanced at Jabez, who gestured for him to go ahead. With a shrug, Vash pulled out his Wayfarer medallion and pressed it lightly to the bottom of the page that Cordy was holding out.
The medallion gave a small shudder. A dark ink splotch appeared beneath the spot where Vash held his medallion. The ink flowed into words beneath the total that Cordy had written.
> Liellovash ‘Vash’ Ballard
> Apprentice Level I, Delver’s League
> Jabez Ironbiter, Master
“Handy, isn’t it?” Corwin said with a grin. “It’s how we keep track of everything in the Guild. Once you take the medallion, it’s soul-bonded to you, impossible to lose.”
Vash looked at the medallion uncertainly. If it keeps track of my records and is soul-bonded to me, then that means it can also be used to find me.
He looked up and met eyes with Jabez. The dwarf gave a small shrug, as if he knew what Vash was thinking and that there wasn’t much he could do about it.
If the Guild could find him, then he couldn’t run. Eventually, they could find him again.
That means I can’t go find the other Eth Mitaan. I can’t go find Iona.
The medallion suddenly felt very heavy around his neck.