The next few days passed uneventfully as Nick settled into a routine with Frederick. He was starting to feel more confident around town and among the eclectic group of townsfolk. He was surprised how many races were represented in the small population of Frellon.

Frederick explained that the majority of homesteads outside of town were owned by humans while the residents of town skewed more diverse. It came down to the classes as with most things on Proelium. The [Farmer] class was more common among humans in the kingdom due to a mix of familial lines and the yearning to live and work on wide swathes of open land.

Frederick made a few short introductions and they ironed out a simple cover story to explain Nick’s presence in town. There weren’t a lot of questions once they mentioned a sad but common story about death and grief. He was posing as the last remaining relative of a close family friend Frederick knew from the time he lived in the capital.

That was how they found ourselves enjoying a few drinks at the tavern after a productive day in Frederick’s workshop. The tavern was surprisingly active in the early evening and the townsfolk were sharing stories and gossiping about the latest news and rumors. Nick found it a peaceful feeling to be able to comfortably share a meal and listen to the other patrons despite the horns, fangs, tusks, and scales on display.

During their second round of beers, a creature with rough skin that looked like worn stone approached. It was around the average height of a human and had friendly facial features including an outstandingly maintained mustache that was impeccably styled. Nick took a moment to [Identify] him and was surprised to see he was a [Merchant].

“Frederick, it is a pleasure to see you. Mind if I join you and your friend for a drink.” the mustached man asked politely.

“Good to see you made it back safely, Callum. This is Nick. A friend visiting from out of town. Callum is part of a trading company that helps negotiate deals for some of the farming collectives and shopkeepers in town. He brings orders from the capital from some of my old contacts that might need some custom work at times as well.” Frederick introduced them smoothly, explaining a bit about Callum’s role in town at the same time.

“It is a pleasure to meet another [Merchant]. We don’t see many making the rounds to Frellon. A shame if you ask me.” Callum said as he settled into a spare chair at our table and twirled his mustache with a finger that was several inches longer than Nick expected.

“I have a new order for you when you get the time.” Callum said as he pulled out a piece of parchment from his coat and placed it on the table before continuing. “There is also news from the front. The Drovlin tribes re-engaged the fortification line to the West of Trolx.”

Nick recalled some of the local politics and recognized the names Callum mentioned. Trolx was one of the two nations currently at war with Repstrom. Drovlin was an isolated barbarian tribe that was known for its brutality. Frederick didn’t have many details as the kingdom did not share a border directly with them but the atrocities reported made it clear the barbarians operated under a different moral code than most civilized races.

“They re-emerged sooner than expected after the last invasion. They must have grown in number faster than the strategist's anticipated.” Frederick replied thoughtfully.

“Indeed. There are rumors of a new campaign in the south to capture new stations from the frontier while Trolx is otherwise occupied. The nobility is anxious to open lands for new estates to reward the successful summer skirmishes. Frellon will be seeing plenty of traffic heading through come springtime.”

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Frederick glanced at Nick at Callum’s mention of a new campaign to the frontier. Nick immediately recognized it as an excellent opportunity to gain experience and discover ways to capitalize on his unique station skill but kept his face neutral.

“There hasn’t been a new frontier campaign in almost a decade. I guess that is overdue as well. There should be plenty of young folks willing to participate. Can’t say I’m thrilled at the prospect of all the traffic we will be getting coming through but can’t be helped I suppose. Any news on if they are hiring mercenary companies?”

Callum chuckled at Frederick’s question.

“So they are. I didn’t take you for a saber rattler these days Fred. Are you going to join a company like the old days?”

“You know me well enough to know the answer to that question. I’m not going anywhere with these old bones and tired hands.”

“Fair enough. But you know the kingdom would be lucky to have you back on the front. What about you Nick, interested in getting involved in the new campaign? I’m sure the kingdom will need plenty of up and coming merchants to handle supply acquisitions or you could join a company like this old timer used to do.”

“Perhaps.” Nick said non committedly as he gave Frederick an intrigued look. Nick noticed Frederick tended to avoid discussing much of his past so it was interesting to hear he was involved with some mercenary companies in the past.

“Don’t give Nick any bad ideas.” Frederick chimed in.

“I would never disgrace myself to a fellow traveler of the roads of trade and suggest something ill advised.” Callum replied with an exaggerated affront before directing another question toward Nick. “What brings you this far south this time of year lad?”

Nick knew he had to be cautious in how much information he revealed considering how easily he could stick his foot in his mouth with a veteran of the kingdom.

“A bit of a break away from things. Taking time to decide what comes next for me and visiting with Frederick to clear my head.” he said plainly.

Callum chuckled in reply. “This sleepy town and time with the old timer certainly creates plenty of quiet days for pondering. Don’t let him fool you though, he misses the days of adventure and danger.”

“Those days are better left in the past for me. I enjoy the quiet life and a visitor every now and again is all I need to be content with my life here.” Frederick added.

“You really have turned into quite the softy Fred. It makes me think about my own retirement someday. I’ll have to find something a little bit more fun than this sleepy hollow though.”

The three patrons soon settled into small talk about the latest gossip from the capital. Nick didn’t have much to add but the new campaign to the south had the gears of his mind turning. He felt it was a great opportunity for him to get first-hand experience and would give him the ability to test the value of his personal station.

Nick ended the evening with a heady buzz from the strong beer and easy conversation. Callum proved to be a wealth of information and he learned a lot about being a [Merchant] from his stories and experiences. It was clear he knew Frederick well and they traded barbs like old friends throughout the night. As they made their way back to Frederick’s cottage Nick wore a big smile and it was the best he felt since he’d arrived in his new world.

Nick knew it was about time to decide on his next steps despite the risks they might bring. The itch to explore more of his new world was hard to scratch in Frellon and it was clear his time with Frederick was dwindling. He had to strike out on his own at some point and despite Frederick’s hospitality he was starting to feel restless. It was coming time to experience more of what Proelium had to offer a champion of Hez.