CHAPTER 3 - I DESERVE AN ACADEMY

Once a week a beautiful Elf lady would fly into a hidden cove on her Griffin to fish in seclusion. Roe had noticed her in his travels. She was his target.

Earlier in the week Roe had seen a Kraken sink a cargo ship on its way to one of the Great Kingdoms near the area of that cove, and after looting the wreckage he searched the ship's ledger and confirmed many passengers travelling under the alias Unnamed Wizard. 'This is perfect.' Roe thought.

Roeg-Hiam the Midnight rose a terrible storm over the sea the day before the Elf lady was scheduled to visit the cove although he made sure the next day the skies were clear. Now his backstory was set. Roe waited until he saw her and her griffin flying in before using Dragon Rule: Transform to make himself look human, but to stop the Gods from noticing him he dismissed the other Dragon Rules. Now no one would be able to tell he was a Dragon.

Other Dragon Lords couldn’t do something like this. In a human form without the Dragon Rules they would be just as fragile as anyone else but considering his absolute knowledge of Mana, greater human Magic in all of its forms was available to him, along with the physical techniques used by warriors. In this world it is called Aura but in his old world it was a myth with many names like Chi or Chakra.

Roe was prepared so he allowed the tide to wash him ashore and waited looking quite miserable and truly pathetic. He didn’t have to wait long. Roe had observed her in the past and knew her to be a kind soul from how she interacted with her Griffin mount.

The Elf lady rushed to his side checking him for life. Roe coughed as she turned him over.

‘I deserve an academy for this performance.’ He thought happily to himself.

She continued her ministrations, at her command spirits of wind, water and energy rushed to bolster his vitality. She was a Sorceress.

Continuing his performance, Roe slowly opened his eyes to see her relieved countenance.

“Thank you.” he rasped. “Who are you, where am I?”

She smiled beatifically at him.

“My name is Laureline, as far as I know this cove has no name but you are in the Dragon Lands just outside the kingdom of Alstroemeria. Hearing what he needed, Roe conveniently passed out.

Laureline quickly packed him up in a warm blanket and created a harness for the Griffin to fly her and Roe back to her cabin in the hills. Roe ‘awoke’ late in the night. Laureline had packed him into her bed and was napping in a chair next to him.

“Mmm.” his quiet groan woke her.

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“How are you feeling?”

Continuing his act, Roe asked for water. Laureline helped steady his shaking hands as he drank.

“Thank you. From how well I am healed you must be some form of Magi. You said your name is Laureline, or was that just a dream?

“No that happened but I didn’t get your name, who are you good sir?”

“Ah, how rude of me I am called Roe. A travelling Wizard working as an Enchanter and Merchant.”

“Well-met Magister Roe. I take it your condition is because of that terrible storm that hit the other day.”

“Indeed Magi Laureline, I got washed overboard after foolishly trying to secure my cargo… I’m afraid I am bereft and cannot repay you yet.”

“There is no need for repayment Magister Roe.”

“I insist Magi Laureline and please just call me Roe.”

“Ok Roe, you just call me Laurel.”

For the next few days Magister Roe regained his strength and began helping out around Laureline’s home. As soon as he was well enough, Laureline promptly reclaimed her bedroom and made up a place for him on the floor of the Den.

Laureline lived alone in an idyllic valley a couple of miles from the sea. Aside from Soccery she practiced Alchemy making a variety of potions. She would also raise sheep using her Sorcerous power to keep them safe, calling upon elemental spirits to drive away predators and to keep her flock from wandering. Monthly she would travel to the coastal town of Babel to sell potions and seasonally she would sell the wool from her flock.

Roe had planned his identity well, enchanters were rare and highly sought after. Early one morning, in his second month in the valley, Roe joined Laurel on her Griffin named Paw and flew into the town of Babel.

The coastal town of Babel wasn't huge but it was a decent size and well placed. As the last human settlement before the Dragon Lands Babel was a melting pot for business. Many intelligent species came there to trade and it was that last place Adventurers could resupply. If it wasn't for the constant threat of monster attacks or if the kingdom was willing to put a larger garrison there, Babel would be thriving.

They landed outside of the town's walls and Laureline sent Paw into the forest to hunt. He would have a good time and she could call him when it was time to leave. This arrangement also let Laurel save on stable fees. While Laureline went to the general store to collect her funds from the last month's potion sales and then her monthly shopping Roe went to the Market square. For 3 bronze you could ply your trade there for the day, Laureline had kindly loaned the ‘flat broke’ Roe the money. Roe found a clear area and sat. He had no wares to sell so this grabbed people's attention. Rolling up his sleeves Roe gestured dramatically. Above his head words made of light appeared.

TRAVELLING WIZARD.

ENCHANTMENTS AND REPAIRS.

FREE CONSULTATIONS.

NO REFUNDS.

Roe was actually quite wealthy by this point but there was no harm in making more and this would solidify his new identity.

At first people were nervous but when the boy from butcher shop came and asked about repair and enchanting his father’s knives Roe's light and airy demeanor as well as his low rates opened a floodgate. All of his past voyeurism *ahem* research, allowed Roe to know how much Enchanting cost and tailor his services to this town. By lunch time the news had spread at the speed of gossip. House wives and farmers came out in droves with all their tools. An enchantment that kept your axe sharp, an enchantment that made your cart lighter than half, these things could usually only be found in the biggest cities.

Shortly afterwards Laureline showed up with a sandwich for him. She then blocked customers while he ate and secured his spot so he could use the bathroom. When Roe started working again the line of patrons had grown even longer, Laureline took over dealing with customers so Roe could focus on his Enchanting, that sped things up significantly.

Laureline was definitely a keeper.

Roe had to promise to stay late once the Adventurers and the town's Guards got in on the action.

He and Laureline didn't leave until the witching hour, tired but far more wealthy.