"First, we get rid of the bandit. Then, we gotta try and find both of the Erikson brothers. I have an idea." Deran spoke out of the side of his mouth to Lyselle before stepping forward to greet the guard at the gate, "Ho the gate! We managed to catch a bandit, was wondering what we should do with him?"

The man at the gate looked at the tied up, half-naked man and shrugged, "I suppose you can take him to the magistrate and see what he says. Reckon it won't be much though, them woods don't have much rules if you get my drift."

Deran sighed, understanding. The starting area was in a neutral zone, so one could effectively go to any kingdom to start out. "Well, this is one of the ones who was behind the mayor's daughter being taken. That might make a difference to the magistrate."

Instantly, the man's demeanor changed to one poised for action, "Wait. This was one of them bandits? Oh, I'll make sure he get's where he was going. You didn't happen to count how many fingers and toes he had on him before, did you?"

"Uh. No... didn't think about it, to be honest." Deran really didn't like where the topic was turning, wanting to just hand in the bandit and get it over with. Luckily, the guard handled it, "Excellent. He looks like he has eight. Maybe seven, if he's bad. I'll make sure he get's where he's going!"

Relationship status with Orin the guard increased to respected!

You have successfully turned in a bandit! Bounty: 1 feather (10xp)

 "Oh. Well, the first step achieved, super fast!" Deran beamed at his companions who rolled their eyes at him. It was getting late, the return trip taking almost half again as long due to the slow pace. It had been almost two full days of walking with a complaining bandit the entire way.

"Good. Now, super fast to the nearest inn for a hot shower and dry bed." Lyselle groused, her hair a matted mess with twigs and leaves sticking out at odd angles. Deran struggled not to laugh at the cute sight.

"Let's get the quest done first. Levels are important, right? Just a little bit longer and then you can relax. I owe you a round!" She grumbled about needing more than one round but followed after him. Gorgath stopped next to the road.

"You know what, I'm gonna head to the inn. Without the bandit here, I don't see much need to traipse around looking for some merchant. You need me, I'll be back "home". See you there." He nodded and walked off, ignoring  Lyselle's mock cry of outrage.

"Fine. Let's just get this over with." She blew yet another errant piece of hair out of her face, too lazy to push it away with her hand. "I'll go grab the one you haven't met yet since I have some idea of his walking patterns. Figuring out how to get him to come with me will be harder."

Deran grinned, "Not at all. Just tell him you're going to lead him to the key to the door. I'm betting he will follow you anywhere at that point." 

"Guess I keep you around for more than just your looks, nofang," She teased over her shoulder, turning down a different path. "I'll meet you in the same place you met the other guy. That's where you should find him anyways, according to the wiki."

 Walking the town at this hour was odd. There were a lot fewer people on the streets, though a few of them recognized him and waved. It hadn't even been a week yet and Deran felt like more people had noticed him here than they ever had in his old life. He had a purpose here, quests to do and people to save.

It took him close to an hour to find the place in the dark, hunting around for familiar landmarks. Finally, the old recessed doorway stood before him, a dim light flickering from beyond. He knocked timidly, with a tired-sounding reply telling him to come in.

 Harvey was sitting in his chair again, a half-empty bottle sitting on the table next to him. At Deran's entrance, he sprang to his feet, "Have you managed to drive off my brother, securing the company to safety? It has been days since we spoke with no word and I've grown weary and worry-stricken. Please, tell me your news."

Deran held up a hand, holding off the torrent of questions, "Hold. I come with some news, with more on the way." He glanced behind him at the door before continuing, "To be honest, I'm surprised she isn't here yet. But no matter. We were gone because I sought out answers at the mine itself, seeking the lost team. Sadly, I found them. Or what remained after the bandit's who were held up in mine went through them like fire through grain." Deran shook his head at the image, curious. Where the hell did that analogy come from?

Harvey sank back into his chair, defeated, "Of course they did. Nothing has gone right with this venture. All that remains is to drive off my brother and seek to hold together the meager pieces we still have of the company. Thank you for the news. Do you have any plan to the rest? I cannot sleep, seeing only our companies demise in my dreams."

A tad bit melodramatic, don't you think? Deran thought to himself before shaking it away. No time for that now, "Actually, your brother is on his way here. Some other news came to light about the mine and it requires you both to be here. My companion was supposed to bring him along, though now I wonder where she ran off to."

"You're bringing him here? Now? For what purpose! You asked to help and now you seek to ruin me! I should have never trusted you, smooth-tongued bastard!" The obviously intoxicated merchant snarled, grabbing the bottle to throw it at him. Pausing, he decided against it, instead, taking a long draw. Wiping his mouth, he finished, "Pox on you, traitor."

His words were punctuated by the door opening, revealing two figures bundled up against the wind, "Sorry it took so long, he was halfway across the city. Good, the other one is here too. Let's get this over with, please?"

Before anyone could begin shouting, Deran called sharply, "Calm down! Listen to me before you jump for each other's throats!" His words weren't enough to completely defuse the situation but the two men looked at him instead of each other.

But words will get you farther skill increased to level 3! (5exp)

 "Now, Harvey. I understand you're mad about your survey team and about the purchase of the mine. Which gets even worse when you realize that the so-called 'mine' is basically just a long tunnel with a small opening and a door that can't be opened. Speaking of said door, it seems to be magical in nature and has your bother enchanted. Enspelled? Something" Deran nodded to the brother who sputtered indignantly but was ignored.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Harvey flashed a glance at his brother before looking back at Deran, "Enspelled? In what manner?"

Deran shrugged, blushing at his lack of game knowledge. He turned to look at Lyselle for help but she just smirked and shrugged, "I don't know what to tell you. In my perspective, the two of them are screaming and throwing things at each other. I've already dodged three vases."

Now that she said something, he suddenly realized he had in fact seen her acting oddly out of the corner of his eye but was too wrapped up to pay attention. Cursing, he turned back to the brothers, "Some kind of spell that makes them act irrationally. The bandit captain was also affected, driving his men away to the point of mutiny. Sounds vaguely similar to you and your brother. I don't know anything about it yet, though I'm sure if you just take your brother to someone who can dispel magic, he will be back to normal."

"Leave off the mine, will you? It's a sound investment that I'm sure will turn a profit if you just give it time! I must go myself and insure what happens next!" The brother declared, standing to make good on his word. The magic was obviously still making him act irrational, looking at the hour and how far away the mine was.

Harvey grabbed his brother tightly by the bicep, "Hold off just a moment, Garvey. The mine will still be there in the morning if you still want to go. It's already night time."

Garvey. Deran rolled his eyes and added, "Plus, you'll be more likely to make it there during the day. Traveling at night is dangerous and foolish. What if you never made it back to the mine?"

Garvey hesitated before nodding reluctantly. He still kept casting glances at the door but sat back down, "True. I'll leave at first light. Just before first light, even!  And I'll run the whole way!"

"Or you can take a horse?" Deran shook his head at the power of the magic, especially at such a distance. He'd have to look into what kind of magic was that powerful and take advantage of it if he could.

"That's a genius thought!" The man replied excitedly. "Smartest man here! I'll grab a horse and make the horse run the whole way!"

"That's not- you know what, nevermind," Deran turned back to the sane brother, "Anyways. You and your brother cool now?" Harvey nodded slowly, unable to hide the look of sorrow cross over his face. "What is it? I figured you'd be happy to be with your brother."

"He spent too much on the mine. A thousand feathers. Which normally wouldn't be too big of a deal but we have debts due and no capital. We might still lose everything. I was going to liquidate his holdings once you drove him off and use that. Now... I'm not sure where we will find the capital. Especially if the mine is as useless as you say." He poured himself another glass with a shrug, offering one to Deran.

"A thousand feathers," he whistled, accepting the glass, "What if I promise to buy it off you. It won't be for a while, obviously. If you're willing to hold it, you can break even. I'll even pay it half again if need be." He winced internally, thinking of how long it would take to raise that much. He had barely seen more than a dozen's worth so far.

"You'd be willing to do that? Do you know what's behind the door?"

"Not yet." Deran's eyes were as flat as his voice, "But I will find out and I'd like it to be on hand when I do. There's something to it, I'm certain."

Harvey's eyes flashed with internal math, "Yes, I can see that. Well, that works splendidly... except for the bills we need this week. Pay a hundred of the feathers in three days time and we'll hold it for you. At cost, no extra."

Deran wanted to jump for joy but turned to Lyselle instead, "Hey, can we raise a hundred feathers in three days?"

Lyselle started, obviously drifting off now whatever was happening on her end had finished, "A hundred? Sure, there's a couple of run and fetch quests around here you can do for a handful each. Between the two of us, I'm sure we can get that easily."

Deran shook the man's hand eagerly, "You sir, have a deal. And cut your brother some slack, his business sense is most likely as good as always. The door makes one act odd."

Harvey looked in Deran's eyes and spoke softly, "I can see that. Are you certain you aren't being affected by it as well, sir? Maybe you shouldn't be so hasty to buy the mine.." 

Deran started at the thought. Was he being affected by the door? Obviously. Did that matter? "I probably am. Even so, I need to keep it close anyways and don't want to see my new friends in a bind. It's a win-win situation, the spell just helps it along without too much thinking." He nodded, shaking the hand firmly. "Now, I gotta get this girl to bed. I will see you gentlemen soon with the money needed.

Deran scooped up the tiny mage in his arms and carried her home. His arms were on fire by the time he got there, trembling from the strain but the past couple of days had really built up is strength and endurance. One of the serving girls who was still up and about took her from him and led her to her bedroom. Deran stretched with a grimace and headed to his own room, falling flat on the bed with a thud. Tomorrow was gonna be just as busy as today.

Just before drifting off, Deran decided to clear through his notifications, unable to sleep with it nagging him.

Quest completed!

A Rift in Trade * (500exp)

From what you've been told, two brother's with hearts destined for trade were currently up in arms with each other, each trying to see his own will done to the company. They have each promised reward to those who aid them in their family struggle!

One of the brothers went shady and bought a mine without his partner's approval. The mine is still an unknown, as the survey team has yet to report back their findings, an odd occurrence according to Harvey Erikson, and so he worries about them and the investment. This has pushed his trust and faith in his brother to the breaking point, tearing their company in two.

Help Harvey unseat his brother and at least bring a normalcy to the company. While not as large, Harvey argues, it will be more stable.

(Optional chain) Discover the disappearance of the survey team to let Harvey find out if the investment has any merit.

You have ventured into the unknown, seeking out the team at the mine. There, you found yet another ruse by bandits, this time the downfall of your quarry. Clearing out the mine left you more questions than answers, though at least you can tell Harvey of the loss. You have even brought back a prisoner to answer for the crimes! (150xp; additional reward)

Possible Chain: The Mending of Trade

Quest Updated!

The Mending of Trade * (250exp)

You were able to piece together the shattered remains of both family and company, keeping the Erikson brothers together. They are grateful to you and look to you with both respect and admiration. Now, they face debts they can't pay. Raise one hundred feathers for a downpayment on the mine with the mysterious door.

Possible rewards: Increased relationship with Erikson Trade; Combined prizes.

Relationship with Erikson Trade increased to Respected!

Quest Received!

What Lurks Behind?

You know something is wrong with the door at the mine. Can you open it and discover just what was shut away back there? Figure out the mystery of the door in the mine or let it fade away in history forever unsolved.

Possible rewards: Unknown

Possible consequences: Unknown

Yep. Tomorrow was gonna be a long one.