She slowly awoke to the sound of crickets and the crackle of fire. Her eyes first noticed the bright light of the nearby campfire. As she awoke from her slumber, she felt the warmth of a sheepskin blanket wrapped around her. Around her, the cold of the night just hovered just outside its warmth.
Sitting up, she continued to observe her surroundings. She sat with her back to a downed log, with a large pond on her right, and a horse tied up to a tree on her left. Finally, across from her sat the man from earlier. He’d taken off his coat and hat. She noticed that he looked very young, maybe 19 or 20. He looked like he’d been on the trail for several months, the way his clothes were dirty, but barely worn.
As she thought about his clothes, she realized she no longer wore her white cloak and bag, only her pants and tunic. She rapidly turned her head, looking for her things.
A cough came from across the campfire.
“Welcome back.” The man said. He held a flask in his hand.
She stared at him. Since she hadn’t been restrained or killed, it was likely the man had good intentions, but it was still too early for her to be entirely comfortable.
“Those minotaur's roughed you up.” The man took a swig from the flask. “I’m no doctor, but it seems that you’re fine, except for a couple scrapes and bruises.”
She continued to stare, completely silent. Without noticing, she pulled up the blanket to above her nose subconsciously, like a shield. His facial expression softened a bit.
“I see you’re an elf. I admit, I was rather curious about your kind, considering they’re rather rare these days.” He prodded. “If I may, what is your name?”
“What’s yours?” She sharply replied.
“James Holiday.” He nodded in greeting.
“...”
“Syllia Beinan.” She pulled the blanket a little tighter. “Holiday..” Her mind wandered, thinking of where she might’ve heard the name.
“It’s not much, but it’s a start.” James smiled. He placed the flask next to his leg. “By the way, you’ve been out for around five hours, it’s nighttime now. I understand if you’d like to sleep.”
With that, he walked away from the fire and sat with his back to the tree. Syllia watched intently as he sat. He never produced any kind of blanket, merely turning his nearby coat backwards and using it to cover his torso. Quickly, she turned her attention elsewhere.
After a quick look around, she noticed her cloak and bag resting by the horse. Neither appeared to have been tampered with physically, although magically was a whole other matter. Somehow, her intuition made her feel safe around the man. Maybe it was because he’d come to her rescue.
She found herself waking up again. Above her was James, kicking around the ashes to make sure there were no remaining embers. She rolled over, then sat up.
“Morning.” He waved. She glared back.
“I’m sorry if you’re used to hearty breakfasts, but I’m afraid I’m not quite supplied enough to offer anything to eat.” James said. He swung his coat around, putting his arms into the sleeves. Syllia stood, walking over to her things. She donned her coat, and went to pick up her bag.
“Miss Beinan, if you don’t mind, where are you traveling?” He asked.
“Currently, my next stop is the town of Duskendale.” She swung the bag over her back. Despite him not speaking, she knew what came next.
As she turned to find her way back the trail, the man called out.
“Excuse me!” He yelled, putting his hat on and walking over.
“Yes?” She turned her head to look at him.
“If it wouldn’t impede, would you like to travel together?”
“Of course.” She let out a sigh. He had been very kind and considerate, plus he hadn’t done anything suspicious yet. “Fine, .”
The two sat atop the man's horse. James was in front, with Syllica sat behind him. The two hadn’t talked much. Syllia didn’t have anything to say, and James knew better than to keep pressuring her with questions. They rode for another hour. Soon, they reached a small village.
The village looked like any other you’d find in a medieval fantasy. The small buildings were wood, stone and thatch. Beside the road was a stable.
He handed the reins to the stableboy and helped Syllica down off the horse. The two walked into the town.
“I’m going to rent a room in the local inn.” Syllia said. With that, she walked towards a larger building, not stopping or slowing for James. He was taller, so he maintained her pace. They walked through the double doors leading inside the inn. Looking around, James took in the place while Syllia went to the front desk.
“Ah. Syllia.” The man behind the desk greeted her. “It’s been a while.”
“Yes it has.” She nodded. “Two rooms please.”
“All yours, I’ll even throw in a discount for an old friend.” The man took out two keys and placed them on the desk. Syllia placed two silver pieces on the desk and took the keys. She walked over and handed one to James.
He turned it over. Engraved in the side was the number 3. As he looked up, he noticed Syllia headed upstairs to the rooms. Quickly, he bolted after her. She used her key to open room 2, then walked in and shut the door behind her. He walked past Syllia’s room to the room next door, with the label “3” on the door. His body instinctively moved to the left of the door. As he opened it, he reached for the weapon on his belt. He held the grip, swinging into the room.
It was empty.
The weapons on his belt resembled Colt 1860 Army Richards Conversion revolvers. They were embellished with orange glowing engravings. James had them for around 4 years now. They were unlike anything the people of this land had seen. It was of magical nature, created by his subconscious. In truth, it was something from another world. One he’d once lived in. They were a small part of the memories of a world he’d since left behind.
Looking out the window of the inn room, he noticed Syllia was outside. From his location, he noticed several thuggish looking men, clearly giving her a hassle. Quickly, he swung open the door and slammed it behind him. He flew downstairs and into the street.
“You know, I always liked elves. Why don’t we-.”
“I’m ok, thanks.” Syllia began to walk past the group of thugs. One of the reached out, grabbing her by the arm.
James stormed across the road. One of the thugs noticed him approaching and stepped up.
“Come to fetch your girlfriend?” He taunted. James continued walking.
The thug held his arm up to stop James. In a flash, James drew his revolver and cocked the hammer. The thug froze in confusion.
“Step out of the way.” James said. “You likely haven’t heard the stories, take my word this will paint your brains on your buddies behind you.”
The thug scoffed. “Like I’d believe that.” He reached behind his back, slowly drawing a knife. James shifted his weight back. The thug made a smug smirk as he saw James begin to retreat. With a swift motion, James gave the man a swift right elbow, knocking him off balance, then pistol whipped him to the floor.
All four other thugs turned to face him. Syllia used the opportunity to free herself from the man and back up towards James. He looked at the four men. As much as he didn’t like the group from their first impression, he didn’t want the reputation of a killer in a town he’d just entered.
“Run on home, and take your friend.” He glared at the group.
Muttering insults and obscenities, the four thugs picked up their friend and sulked off down a nearby street. Turning to Syllia, he spoke up.
“You alright?”
“I can care for myself.” She coldly said.
“Sure.” He said. “Call this earning your trust.”
She sighed, then turned and continued walking down the street. James put his thumb over the hammer and pulled the trigger. He slowly lowered it until it was down, careful to not fire off a round. He turned and followed her.
Curiously, he noticed she walked towards a bookstore. As she entered, he followed her in. As expected, the walls were lined with wooden bookshelves. In the center were another few rows of books. Syllia walked around the store until she found her desired book. Looking over her shoulder, James noticed it was a magical tome. Assuming the rumors were correct, Elves often made good mages, which made her staff from the fight with the minotaurs the previous day make sense.
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Exiting the store, the pair wandered the streets. James felt wary. The thugs from before likely didn’t take his introduction very well. This problem may become worse in the future.
They two entered their separate inn rooms. James drew the curtains. He sat and waited several hours. The feeling of sleep wanted to wash over him. His mind didn’t listen to his body. He waited for a voice or sound. Waited for anything.
“Come on, it’s time to teach him a lesson he’ll remember.”
He heard a faint voice from out front. Quickly, put on his gunbelt, then grabbed his coat and hat. Quietly as he could, he opened the door. Pacing down the hall, he knocked on Syllia’s door. A muffled groan of annoyance came from the other side.
“Guys from before are outside.” He whispered through the door.”
“I know.” Lazily came through the door.
“Be ready to go.”
The door swung open.
“What?” Syllia stood in front of him.
James' face was completely serious. “This isn’t a joke. Remember, this started because of you.”
“I didn’t pick a fight with them.” She groaned.
“Be honest, you were going to. You saw them, they seem like the tenacious type.” James adjusted his hat, tipping it forward. A clutter came from downstairs.
Syllia let out a sigh. “Get in here.” James quickly walked in, Syllia shutting the door behind him. He paced towards the lantern on the opposite side of the room.
“Quickly, get your things ready.” He prepared to snuff out the light. Syllia followed his instructions, donning her cloak and bag. Seeing she was prepared, and a ruckus downstairs, he reached over with one hand and unlatched the window, then snuffed out the light. The room was entirely dark, except for a slim bit of moonlight from the window.
Suddenly, outside, a bright light began to shine through the window.
BLAM
The room James had been staying in exploded. From what he’d seen through the window, he was someone in a dark cloak with embers falling from his hands. A mage.
The sound of someone banging down the door echoed down the hallway and through the walls. James moved to the side of the door and pulled out his knife with his left hand, and one revolver in his right. Slowly, he cocked the hammer.
BANG
BANG
BANG
The door flew open. He saw the thug that’d grabbed Syllia previously start walking through the doorway first, holding a shortsword. He lunged into the thug, getting behind him before the thug could react to his presence. Pulling him across into the darkness, he shoved his blade into the man's neck, dragging it across as he gagged and croaked. Another thug turned into the room, looking towards where his friend had disappeared.
James threw the dying man atop the other. He leaned forward and shoulder checked both of them to the floor. Laying atop the two, he brought his knife down on the live man under the two. Stabbing three or four times, he turned his head. A thug with an axe stood over him, weapon raised.
A blast of light shot through the man. He dropped, rasping on the floor. James turned, looking for the source. Syllia stood there, wielding a silver staff. The final thug stumbled backwards into the hallway. He ran down the stairs. James stood to give chase, but Syllia stopped him.
“Best to remain here.” She looked over at him. “I doubt the mage outside is going to be an easy fight.”
“Fucking mage’s.” James muttered. “No offense.”
“None taken.” Her staff glowed with white light and disappeared. James dragged the bodies outside, then shut the door.
Some time later, the sun had risen, high into the sky. A light rain fell. James donned his hat. Exiting the inn, he noticed Syllia, standing in the window. Pacing towards the exit, James looked up and down the street. He noticed a wood and stone building with a sign reading “BAR”, which he figured was a good place to start looking.
Walking through the door, he looked around. The place was packed with all sorts of characters, from warriors and adventures, to hooded figures and thugs. He took a seat at a table against the wall. Looking around, everyone seemed engrossed in their own conversations.
Then, something caught the corner of his eye. A man in a cloak was staring in his direction. Seated at the table was another person, wearing a similar cloak, although she was clearly younger than the man, no more than 18 if his guess was correct. Finally, another thug sat with them.
“The one that got away.” James muttered. The man in the cloak was staring daggers into him. In turn, James stared back. A barmaid walked over to their table and placed three mugs. The man signaled for her to get closer. She approached, leaning down. He whispered something in her ear.
Promptly, the barmaid turned and calmly walked towards James. His hand, under the table, moved to his hip. Hand on the grip and thumb on the trigger, he prepared to draw.
“Excuse me sir.” The barmaid stopped. “The man at that table has a message.”
“Go on.” James’ hand never left the grip.
She cleared her throat. “ He said to ‘Meet in 3 hours at the abandoned church to the North’.”
He nodded. “Thank you.”
With a bow, the barmaid took her leave.
James stood, as he walked towards the door, he noticed the man and his apprentice staring at him. Exiting the bar, he continued down the street. The rain had turned the dirt to soft mud. It stuck to his boots as he entered the inn. Wiping some of the mud off, he continued upstairs. The innkeeper was still outside the door of his previous room, sobbing at the damage to his nice inn. James sighed, then knocked on the door of Syllia's room.
“It’s me.”
The door creaked opened. Syllia stood to the side, inviting him in.
He took a seat in a chair in the corner of the room. Syllia laid chest down in bed, reading the book she’d purchased the day before.
After a minute of silence, James spoke up.
“The mage from last night seems to wants to finish the job.” He started. “He’s invited me to meet at the old church to the north in three hours, though I have no clue where that is.”
“Hm.” Syllia continued to stare at her book. James could tell she was silently judging him.
“If you don’t mind my asking, how old are you?” James asked earnestly. Syllia closed her book and looked up at him.
“I’m 93.” She said.
“I can’t say I have the experience that comes with your years, but I can tell you think this is a bad idea.” James stated.
She continued to stare at his, dead eyed. “Please. You’re free to do whatever you’d like. But an adventurer like you, even with your small bit of magic power, won’t deal with a mage of his caliber.”
“Interesting, she can sense someone's magical power.” James thought. “Well then, accompany me.”
“I don’t intend to fight your battles.” She gave him the cold shoulder.
“That's not what I want, I merely wish for you to observe.” He pressed. “Maybe, I’ll earn your approval to travel together?”
The two walked up the dirt road. James stared up the road. Above the trees, a steeple peered over the land. He continued to walk.
As they neared the church, he observed the grounds. The church was seated in the woods, with a large clear area in front of it connecting it to the road. On the far end of the clearing, stood the cloaked mage and his apprentice.
“As you said, this is my battle. It’d be best if you waited in the trees.” James said, continuing to approach the clearing.
“Good luck.” Syllia said, walking into the trees. James sighed. He tilted his hat down, and walked into the clearing.
“So. You showed up.” The mage teased. “I didn’t expect someone of such little strength to begin to believe they could challenge me.”
“You should send the kid away.” James slowly, calmly walked into the center of the clearing. “A child shouldn’t be in the care of someone like you, not to mention, should have to watch you die.”
“You’re not very old yourself. Maybe you should run back to your parents, and stop playing adventurer.” The mage followed suit, entering the clearing.
“I’m no adventurer.”
The two stood in the clearing, around 10 yards away from each other. James noticed the girl leaning against a tree. Her face was as smug as her masters. James only hoped she wouldn’t interfere.
“I’ll put you down like a mongrel in the street.” The mage stuck his right arm out. Flames shot up and down from his hand, forming a dark metal staff. He spun it, then placed one end on the ground.
“You’re a daisy if you do.” James muttered. He took off his coat, revealing his gun belt. His hand hovered over the grip of the revolver in the cross draw holster above his left leg.
The two stood. The mage raised his staff, a flame collecting at the top. James waited. From the trees, the mage’s apprentice smirked. Syllia stood tall, her face unmoved. With a flourish, the mage leveled his staff with James.
“Fire B-”
BANG
A shot rang out. The revolver sat level aside James’ hip, smoke drifting out the muzzle and cylinder. The mage’s face was that of shock. He attempted to speak, but was only able to cough blood. The thick, red liquid leaked from the hole in his neck.
The sound of the man choking on his own blood echoed and bounced off the trees. James spun his revolver and slid it back into its holster. He walked towards the man as he crumpled to his knees. A look of pity and boredom swept James’ face.
“You’re no daisy at all.” James looked down on the man.
“aAg- you..” The mage coughed out more blood. James stared into his eyes.
“MASTER!” The apprentice ran forward. She held a wooden staff, pointing it towards James. He quickly drew his revolver and leveled it on the kid.
The apprentice was smart enough to know she’d face the same fate as the cloaked mage. She dropped to her knees, tears welling in her eyes.
“Poser.” James kicked the man onto his back. The kid ran over and clung to the cloaked mage. James walked back to Syllia.
Syllia watched as James kicked the man down, then turned and walked over to her. His expression was blank, completely unreadable, even by her. He picked up his coat from the ground and put it on.
“That enough?” James opened the loading gate and ejected the used round.
“I suppose.” She stood up from leaning against a tree. Dropping the empty cartridge to the ground, James loaded another round in its place and shut the loading gate. He put the revolver back in it’s holster.
The two walked along. Buildings began to appear from the trees as they reached town. They split, Syllia walking to the inn, James walking to the stable. She scaled the stairs, reaching her room. Producing her key, she unlocked the room and walked to her bag, not bothering to close the door.
James took his bow. Removing his hat, he slung his bow across his chest, and placed his gambler’s hat back atop his head. He walked out into the street. Looking left and right, he noticed Syllia standing in front of the inn, looking in his direction. Quickly, he crossed over to her.
“What happened to your horse?” Syllia asked as he neared close enough to hear.
“Sold her.” James held up a small bag. It made a jingling sound as he shook it. “Boy at the stable made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, plus she was getting old.”
“And just how do you plan to get to the next town?” She tilted her head.
“Judging by how I found you, you’re not one opposed to walking.” James stopped on Syllia’s side of the street. “Besides, now we have enough money to feed ourselves for another four months.”
Syllia’s exasperated look dissolved when she heard food. James chuckled, then motioned down the street, out of town.
“After you.”