Inside our room, I was sitting near one of the corners. I was watching my friend, Yon, rest in the bed. It had been some hours after his breathing became stable. This is thanks to the efforts of Iso. I stared at him at the other side of the room, silently watching Yon also.

I remembered how he kept casting a basic healing spell over and over to Yon, hoping that it might make a difference. The first try didn’t change anything much on the wounds but after a few more tries, the wound stop bleeding. Iso continued casting the spell until he was out of mana.

This guy… even though we just met yesterday, he is ready to lend a helping hand to us. Even going so far to help us fight off those mercenaries.

Thinking about it now, Yon and Iso became close during our travels escorting Gihir the merchant. They talk and talk about various topics. I didn’t join their conversation because, back then, Yon and I still don’t trust Iso fully.

Their conversation was about the world Iso came from during the first half of our travels. This topic actually interests me so I listened also. Iso told us about how their world doesn’t have magic but have much more advance technology. Then we were attacked by bandits and got saved by an Ogre.

The latter half of the conversation changed about that Ogre. We were all pretty confuse by it. No normal Ogre would do that kind of stuff. They just attack anyone without discrimination except their own kind. They only follow strength. So, why did it only attack the bandits. Adding more to the confusion is that it was holding a sword, where normally they only use clubs. If my eyes don’t deceive me, it was a magic sword at that.

When we separated with them inside Skydusk, I talked to Yon about Iso. I felt that we could try trusting Iso a little. So, we agreed that if we ever met Iso again, we’ll talk to him and maybe invite him to our party. That was why I spoke in the tavern even though Iso would hear me. I didn’t care about the other customers. They were good friends with them and could trust them.

But I didn’t notice the unfamiliar mercenaries. Then that guy went here when the mercenaries were dead. If I’m not mistaken, that guy, who retrieved the corpses, was Eler Lordwin. Yon and I knew him because we found his wanted poster in an Adventurers’ Guild before we went to Skydusk. What he’ll do with the corpses is anyone’s guess.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

I could explain this all to Iso but when I tried talking to him, he clearly didn’t understand me. So, I decided to wait for Yon to wake up and let him explain it to Iso and maybe become my translator for us to communicate. But for now, we made do with body gestures.

***

Yon then begun to stir. His eyes twitched for a few seconds before they open. He tried to stand but his face went distorted. He winces at the sudden jolt of pain from all his wounds.

“Suktad.” I cautioned him while trying to help him sit in a comfortable position.

Iso noticed that Yon is now awake. He quickly stands and started helping him. He got some water and made Yon drink it.

“Where am I?” Yon asks us, his face showing confusion.

“We’re still in the Inn. The Innkeeper was clearly lying about the rooms.” Iso answered him.

“What happened?” Yon asks again

“Ma yeb rulbkomr(e) wem Eler. Ra geb ra reb eyug.” (Lors)

“What?! Eler Lordwin?! The Vicar?! Are you sure?” Yon was clearly flustered about this information. The assailant is someone strong.

“Mul” I confirmed his fear.

“Now that I think about it, his face is the same as shown in the wanted poster. He has a 40 gold coins bounty, higher than your race.” (Yon)

“Wait, who’s Eler? And what do you mean that Lors’ race has a bounty?” It was now Iso’s turn to be confuse.

“Bud Pif ewenb(i) ib.” I gestured for Yon to explain things, just I have originally planned.

“Well, we saw the face of Eler Lordwin in a wanted poster before. He is known by his title as the [Water Dragon Vicar]. He is a disciple of the Water Dragon, Akuwarshia. At least that is what is written in the wanted poster.” (Yon)

“I see. Then what is it about Lors’ race?” (Iso)

“About that. He is not wanted or a fugitive or a criminal.” Yon stop looking at me, asking if he should continue. I nodded silently then he continued. He then continued explaining about my race’s history, our eventual curse, our persecution, the discrimination, about our race’s bounty, and our ensuing fate.

“That’s tough luck. I’m sorry for not understanding sooner.” Iso apologizes to me. “I thought that you were just a foreigner who doesn’t know how to speak the common language.”

“The uneducated people often thought that as well. I also thought he was a foreigner until I eventually learned the truth. I made the effort to learn their language.” (Yon)

“Bud pif ewenb(i) ek hidegl. Igwemb(i) pif ba ek hekbi.” (Lors)

“Oh, right! Thanks for reminding me. Hey Iso, do you want to join with us together to form an adventuring party? We need at least three people to form one.” (Yon)

“I would gladly join but I have yet to register as an adventurer.” (Iso)

“Then register now!” Yon got too excited, pushing his body even though he isn’t fully recovered, and shake Iso around.

“Ib il ilbid gemb(i) bemf.” I reminded him that it was already dark outside.

“Ah, you’re right. Then tomorrow, let’s head straight towards the guild.” (Yon)

“Tomorrow it is” (Iso)

We all agreed with the plans we made for tomorrow. With that, a new member had joined us. One more trusted friend added.