- 57 -
Shit, which way was the city? Even from up here I cannot spot it. How far did that fast marching merchant go?
He circled higher and was able to spot the city in the distance. There was a days worth of forest and farmland between him.
Drew flew for a half the afternoon in the direction of Rottervale. He was attacked 5 times.
Three times he felt the shadow of a Double Hawk loom over him and dodged out of the way. He was able to escape each of them by flying low through the tops of the trees.Twice he was attacked by feral Spider Melons and he escaped the first one. The second, and much larger one chased him below the canopy and a prolonged battle took place ending with Drew stacking Bane 5 times, blinding the monster, and then kiting it around through the trees until it died. He did not stop to eat opting to hurry on his way and avoid other predators.
Combat results: Feral Spider Melon level 19. 732 exp
Skill Upgrade: [Unarmed Combat] lvl 2
Drew was perched at the top of the tallest tree around looking at the city’s towers on the horizon.
That’s too far for me to make it there before dark, especially if I keep getting attacked every time I turn around. And why am I going back anyways? The guild master sold me like a cheap handbag. I guess Damien and Irael can be relied on, but I would need to keep my head down around the guild.
He checked the darkening sky for predictors before he flew up high enough to get a better look at the city in the distance again.
“Where else would I go?” Drew said to himself.
He flew towards the city with one eye on the sky above him, and the other on the forest below. He had to stay high enough to avoid feral spider melons in the treetops.
I don’t want to find out what night predators roam the evening skies.
He flew on until he spotted a familiar set of fields and two farm buildings.
Oh! That’s the farm we were at this morning. It’s a fine place as any to spend the night. Maybe I can crash in their barn.
When he flew near the fences something tickled the back of his mind and made him veer away.
He circled around and tried again but it happened again.
Huh, that’s weird. It’s not the wind pushing me away, is it the enchantments?
He flew around the perimeter of the property to the gate and flew through the arch easily without issue.
Hah, works like magic, but it has a loophole.
Drew circled the two farm buildings and landed on the house at the peak of the roof.
Laurent and his son were out in the back fields, working hard until it was too dark to see. They were turning over the soil now that the last of their spider melons were all caged up.
The produce growled and foamed at the mouth, may of them chewed at their cages. Drew could see over three dozen cages with 2 or 3 melons packed in each. The farmers were hard at work racing against the fading light and didn’t notice him.
I shouldn’t bother them until they are done. It’s not like a Skurr can farm anyways so I couldn’t be of any help.
An aroma like someone made a fresh pie out of a field of flowers reached his nose from a window below him and he realized how hungry he was.
I could introduce myself to Isabella and see what she is baking.
Drew dropped off the roof and followed the aroma to an open window with steam coming out. He landed on the sill and called out a greeting that got caught in his throat.
“Hello again, we didn’t get intro-“
Isabella stood frozen in the shower hands on her head massaging shampoo into her golden hair. She was naked, and as a bird, Drew’s monocular vision let him quickly take in the whole room, including all her curves.
“Ahhh!” She screamed, covering herself. She screamed again.
“Lightbolt!”
Drew covered his eyes with a wing as the bolt of light knocked him off the bathroom windowsill.
HP: 75%
Debuff: [Blinded] (4:55)
Oh damn, that hurts. Not the treat I meant to find but I’m not complaining.
He activated both of his healing spells and took cover under the deck that wrapped around this side of the house.
“Isabella! What happened?” Laurent and Alder came running.
Isabella came out onto the porch above him. Between the boards, Drew could see she was wrapped only in a towel. He looked away again before he saw too much.
I’ve peeped once today already, I don’t need to make things worse.
“I was washing off and a gallow bird flew in the window! I nearly jumped out of my skin Laurent.” Isabella said.
Laurent looked concerned and pulled up a screen Drew couldn’t see.
“Are the wards down again? The Skurr don’t usually return this often.” Alden asked.
Laurent swiped his screen away a second later.
“Alder, grab your spade and let’s do a sweep of the farmhouse.” He said.
“Wait, wait. It was me.” Drew said as he shuffled out from under the porch.
“I was with Maurice.”
Drew’s speech was coming in two and three word bursts.
“What? Are you the same talking Skurr?" Laurent turned to look at the young Skurr and readied a hoe he was holding. "How do we know you aren't some demon in disguise?"
"I’m Drew. Never met a demon." Drew ducked his head and tried to look sincere. “Scout's honor.”
"I've known many dishonorable men calling themselves scouts." Laurent said. "Where is Maurice now?”
“We were attacked by pixies. They pulled Maurice into the ground.” Drew stammered. “He called them Pixens, little winged fox people."
“Pixens are vicious. We haven’t seen any in weeks. How close to the farm were they? Did they follow you?” Laurent asked.
“I don’t know. I flew for hours.” Drew said. “They had the cart to dismantle.”
Drew coughed out the last words.
"You stay put. I'm going to check the north fence. You came over that way?" Laurent said.
"No, the ward pushed me away.” Drew said. “I came in the gate."
"Laurent, if the enchantments are still up they wouldn't permit a Demon or any greater monster through even the gate." Isabella said.
Drew turned back towards Isabella.
“Sorry to surprise you ma’am” Drew croaked out. “I was looking for help.”
“What a polite young bird.” She said as she calmed down and realized how she was dressed. “Laurent I’ll get dressed and then we can look for signs of any Pixens together.”
“Yes, good idea. Alder, show our little friend here to the barn. Get him set up in Rebel’s old hutch. Keep an eye on him and get him something to eat. He’s had a busy day.” Laurent said.
“Come along. We’ve got a hutch for dad’s old bird hound that passed a year ago. You can use that.” Alder said.
“Thank you, Alden. My name’s Drew by the way.” Drew said as he walked along behind the lanky boy. He had to hop frequently to keep up.
“Alder, not Alden.” The boy said as he led Drew into the second farm building.
This one was larger than the farmhouse by about half. It housed two pack mules with leopard spots and a pair of eyes on stalks. There was a coop off to the side where a flock of beasts lay coiled up for the night. They had wings and legs of a chicken on a snake's body. Parts of their bodies were both feathered and scaled.
Seems like the family collects eggs from these fowl creatures.
“There’s the hutch and Garnt pens. Don’t get too close, they bite. Over here by the office is the coop for our Widgets.”
Drew gave it all a once over while Alder got some straw for the floor. It was spacious for a Skurr, there was room for at least 4 adult Skurr.
But the coop has a latch and it could be locked.
“Thank you. I won’t be staying long.” Drew said.
I’m not getting locked in there.
“Da said to set you you up to stay here. And after this morning I’m going to do exactly as he says for a while.”
Drew shrugged “Where is the key? For the hutch?”
“What? Why?" Alder asked.
"I don't want to be locked up again." Drew said.
"Oh, well, the key is over there in the office.” Alder brought over a small bale of grass and scattered it into the hutch.
Yeah I’m not some farm animal. And I’m not his pet. Although his mother may want a lap bird… no I’ve got to get back to the city.
“Do you want the key?” Alder asked. He had gone to fetch it while Drew was lost in thought.
“Yes thank you.” Drew took the key into his storage ring making Alder exclaim.
“Whoa where did the key go?”
“Hidden with my gold.” Drew said slyly.
“Are you really a Demon then?” Alder asked stepping back.
“No. Just a smart bird. Quests aren’t working out. Going to be a hero someday.” Drew said trying out the title.
“Ha! Me too! You know my parents are retired adventurers. They don’t know it yet but I’m going to be an adventurer and a hero.”
“Hey that’s a great attitude Alder.” Drew said.
Maybe I will stay a day or two, I like this family. And I’m a crow right? I can go wherever I want later.
- 58 -
Drew followed Alder out of the barn, Isabella was on the porch casting light magic that Drew hadn’t seen before. She conjured small orbs of light and sent them off to glow in the fading evening sky. Illuminating the field of grain to the north.
Laurent stood with a small tool box in one hand and a wide sword two thirds his height strapped to his back. He bent to pick up a small buckler and long dagger and handed them to Alder with a few whispered words.
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
"Don't turn your back on the Skurr." He whispered to his son discretely, keeping his eyes on Drew.
“Alright you know the drill son. We need to go check the wards on the north fence. Watch for any sign of Pixens, and if there are any wards shattered or burnt out then report back immediately.” Laurent said standing up. “If they have breached the fence then we need to lock down the barn and house and can go to the city in the morning to hire an enchanter.”
“Sorry, Laurent?” Drew Said. The man stopped in his tracks to turn to look at Drew.
“I can repair enchantments.” Drew said. “Tonight to keep the farm safe.”
“How is that possible? You are a Gallows Bird. Who would teach you enchanting?” Laurent asked.
“Rottervale’s Enchanter, Damien Hornbrush.” Drew replied. “And Ireal Stroonghammer.”
“Well if what you say is true then we can repair any enchantments as we go. Alder, take these mana stones and start over there and work your way anti-clockwise and we can meet at the back of the field.” Laurent said as he handed Alder a small bag.
Drew and Alder set off to confirm that the enchantments on the fence protecting their farm were intact.
"Laurent, what do we do about the merchant? Do we go looking for him?" Isabella asked. "I'm not sure why, but I like this Skurr, Drew. Lets give him a chance to open up."
"We will see." Laurent said.
Drew and Alder didn't find any breaches on their inspection of the north fields. They did swap out a few mana stones that were less than half charged, and Drew showed Alder where a few of the discs would need to be replaced soon.
“We only have a few spares, we should let Da know once we meet up at the back field.” Alder said.
“What’s growing here?” Drew asked. In the cool white light of the orbs, the swaying stalks of grain looked ominous.
“This is Hopper Grass, it’s used in ale and bread all over Ressellia. It’s slow to grow so you almost forget that each stalk can grow multiple ears after they rank up.” Alder replied.
The boy reached over to gently pull open one of the ears he was referring to. To Drew it looked like an ear of corn but the kernels were all wheat and chaff. The ear chirruped softly and moved it’s large spring-like back legs.
It’s like a grasshopper but it’s body is an ear of corn? This world is so wild.
“If you have a field any bigger than this they can ripen and rank up before you know it and swarm over your other fields devouring everything down to the roots.” Alder continued.
“Wow, seems really dangerous.” Drew said.
“Well it can be if you don’t know what you are doing and let too many rank up at once. That’s when they swarm. My Da has meticulous notes from growing these crops for years and we can tell when they are about to ripen. We harvest the Hopper Grass for 2-3 weeks. But the first ones aren’t due for a month at least.”
They turned the corner in the fence and started on the last leg of their inspection. No issues with the fence so far. The land on the other side of the fence was wild fields of weeds and rocks and stumps, with a few trees and larger boulders.
“That your land too?” Drew asked.
“Yes, but we haven’t plowed it yet. It will be a big undertaking. My Da is leaving it fallow for now. I usually have to spend the afternoon breaking rocks or hauling out stumps to keep it from going wild. Even had a mud elemental show up during a rainstorm last year. My Mom struck it down with a single lightning bolt.” Alder said proudly.
“I helped some too son.” Laurent said appearing from behind them with a chuckle. “Your mother wouldn’t have had time to charge up that big of a Lightning Bolt if I hadn’t distracted it.”
“If by distract it, you mean let it beat on you so much that I had to heal you twice then I say thank you.” Isabella said as she caught up to the group.
“All clear on our half of the fence.” Alder said. “Drew says there are a few medallions that will need to be replaced soon but none were damaged or broken.” He handed back the bag of mana stones to his father.
“Show me where, I’ve got a few spares with me we can swap them out now.” Laurent said.
Drew showed Laurent the three medallions that were the most in need of repair and they swapped them out. Isabella and Alder had split off and were in the house preparing dinner so Drew and Laurent had a moment to talk.
“I’m trusting you quite a bit here Drew. I’m not sure why.” Laurent said. “I take my family’s safety very seriously. Any risk or danger is a serious issue. And you are strange and different, which always means danger.” Laurent said as the swapped out the last medallion.
“I’m new here. Two people died recently.” Drew said.
Laurent waited for drew to continue.
“I can leave.” Drew said. “The dark is dangerous.”
Laurent nodded as he replaced a medallion in the wards.
“I want to protect everyone.” Drew said.
Laurent watched Drew for a moment longer until he was sure he wouldn’t interrupt him.
“That’s nice to say but heroics can get you killed. I was an adventurer once. Long enough ago to have challenged the dungeon that gave Rottervale it’s name. I learned that I could not ‘protect everyone’, that’s for bards tales and bedtime stories. I could protect my love, and myself, and now I’ve added this farm and my son to that list. That’s more than enough for me.”
“An adventurer sticks up for others. You survived the fight with the Pixens. Did you do that by protecting Maurice?” Laurent asked.
“I was caged. I couldn’t fight. I would have saved him.” Drew answered angrily, before calming. “Who knows.”
He bought me like I was going to be a puppy in a pet store window. All he knew was that I was smart enough to talk, that was novel enough. He didn't care that I was trying to become an adventurer. He didn't ask anything about me.
“He was a friendly man. He did not show me the respect that your family has." Drew said and choked after the long sentence.
Laurent made a circular gesture with one hand and looked up to the sky.
“I think your heart is in the right place Drew. But you are striking well above your rank. How about you spend the night tonight and we can put you to work in the morning repairing these medallions as payment. You can go anytime after that. Deal?” Laurent said.
New Quest: Helping Hand. Repair 3 medallions and help around the farm. Reward: increased renown with Laurent’s family.
“Deal. Payment for what?” Drew asked.
“Payment for a warm place to sleep and my wife’s cooking. You may want to stay longer once you try it.” Laurent said and gestured towards the house.
-
When Drew and Laurent entered the farmhouse, the meal was set out for 4 already.
They were having fried vegetables, charbroiled Mishrooms and steamed grains.
Quest Complete: Hunger: 25 exp
Quest Complete: Hunger: 25 exp
If this hunger quests responds to the quality and the quantity of the food I eat then this food is amazing.
“Your kitchen is amazing.” Drew said.
“Oh we have built it up over time, it’s nothing too outrageous.” She brushed off the complement.
Everything from the sink, to the walk in icebox, and pantry were enchanted. She had a cutting board that was enchanted to dice anything on it to specific size cubes. She had a stove top that had 4 heating circles on it and one area in the center where you could cook over open flame. It was enchanted to be smokeless.
Their table was set off in an alcove just off the kitchen, with a bench on each long side and a chair at each head. Alder and Drew were seated side by side, and Drew perched on the back of a chair they set out for him.
As the family ate, they talked about their day, and Laurent even told the story of how he met Isabella in full detail.
“I was sure she wouldn’t even join my party, let alone go on a date. She is a fantastic healer and stryker. Her lightning magic is second to none. So she was at the top of everyone’s lists within the guild.” Laurent said.
“What Laurent didn’t know at the time, was that I was already struggling with a secret crush on him. I had seen him around the guild a few times, but he didn’t seem to notice me. Then I saw him save his teammate from a charging drake and he won me over.”
The married couple beamed at each other.
“So Drew,” Isabella asked. “I’ve not spoken with a Gallows Bird in many years. How has one so young as you learned to speak? Alder tells me you are an adventurer?”
“Just smarter than most. I tried a few quests. The guild refused my help.” Drew thought for a moment. “Damien taught me common.” He paused to take a bite of food then continued.
Isabella nodded silently, and Laurent and Alder ate silently while he worked on sharing his story.
“Skurr just eat and collect shiny things.” Drew struggled with the last words and had to take a break.
Skill Upgrade: [Speak Common] Lvl 5.
Alder gave Drew a thumbs up as his glow subsided after the level up.
How are they so nice? They are treating me like a person. I’m not some novelty pet, or side attraction to them.
“I was born with Minor Healing and it allowed me to push my self physically.” Drew said.
Wow I can talk a lot easier now at level 5!
“And I reattached a man’s arm once.” Drew said with a flourish of his wing.
“It wasn’t long before I’d joined up with some rookie adventurers and completed my first guild quests.” Drew said as he picked at the last of his food.
“It wasn’t until I was sold to that merchant that the world lost it’s sheen. I guess I’m at a bit of a crossroads now?” Drew said with a shrug.
“I’m not sure if heading back to Rottervale is the best move.” The table was quiet, and Isabella’s eyes were sad with understanding.
“Sounds like you’ve had a hard time of things Drew. If it’s any consolation, this is what all people go through. You are growing up quickly.” She said.
“Well enough of this sad talk.” Laurent said. “Drew have you heard of a game called Cabal? It’s easy to learn but hard to master.”
“I’ve seen it played a few times. Yes.” Drew replied.
“Then lets play a game I’ll show you the ropes and then you can try your hand, or claw against Alder.” Laurent chuckled awkwardly at the slip up as he stood from the table.
Alder started clearing the table. Drew activated Mage Hand and grabbed his plate and followed him over to the sink. The startled look on Laurent’s face made Drew laugh, which came out as a fit of cawing. Which made Isabella and Alder laugh too.
Drew and Alder played Cabal for 30 minutes and in 3 games Drew still didn’t win once.
My intelligence must be higher than this kid’s right? Or is there a skill that he’s learned that helps him out maneuver me at this stupid game?
Laurent and Isabella sat together on a small couch beside their fireplace sipping some kind of alcoholic beverages, something between an ale with the floral aromatics of a cider. The room was very cozy and warm, and there was a small entry room that lead to the front door just beyond the reach of the firelight.
The sun had fully set now and all three of Lisaria’s moons were in the sky. The world outside the windows was crisp and bright.
I could get used to this.
Laurent lazily checked a screen only he could see then quickly expanded it with both hands.
“Shit. The wards are breached. Arm yourselves they are nearly across the east field.” Laurent shouted as he jumped up.
The family ran to the entry room to don their armor and pick up their weapons. Alder had a set of pressed leather, including a chest piece, vambraces and shin guards, and his long dagger and buckler. Isabella donned a heavy cloak, a necklace carrying a large gem that hung down into her bosom, and she pulled a long staff with a yellow orb in the top from a closet.
“What’s happening??” Drew asked as he equipped his own armor.
Laurent equipped some iron plate armor, fully covering his chest, back, and arms and legs. His large sword materialized over his shoulder.
“The Pixens, they must have followed you.” He said. “They’ve broken through the east field fence. And are heading towards the house.”
Drew followed the family out into the night. The east field was on fire in several places. Ears of Hopper Grass were screaming and popping off in little puffs.
Isabella had already cast 4 glowing orbs of light to illuminate the open space in front of the house. From their glow Drew could see that many of the stalks of Hopper Grass were flying away.
Or rather there were Pixens flying away with the stalks in their claws.
“Stay close. They can have the crops, but we need to keep them away from the buildings.” Laurent said.
From his vantage point above the house, Drew could see that the Pixens were taking what they could and burning the rest.
He could also see two large shapes lumber through the broken fence in the dark. He swooped down to alert Laurent.
“Sir, there are two somethings that also just wandered in. I couldn’t see them well in the dark.” Drew said as his circled down to where Laurent and his family were.
“On it.” Isabella said and she summoned 4 more light orbs and sent them over the chaos to the broken fence. The Pixens fled from the light and seemed to be retreating quickly. Two large Bush Cats were settling in to feast. One was shoulders deep into it’s second stalk of Hopper Grass, and the other was munching on a Pixen. The lights caught their attention and their eyes narrowed.
“Not good, not good, not good.” Laurent said.
He stepped up in front of his family and prepared to charge. Isabella buffed him twice with spell Drew didn’t quite hear, and then he started to approach them slowly.
“I’m with you Laurent. I’ll slow them down with some talismans.” Drew said.
He flew around and behind the beasts and threw his three Mana Drain Talismans in quick secession.
One was immediately smashed by an Bush Cat and the other two started doing their work. But they couldn’t quite get a grip on the Bush Cats, merely slowing them down as they both pulled themselves out of range.
Laurent joined the fray and bashed one Bush Cat back with a tower shield. It staggered and fell near the talismans and their tendrils latched onto its legs pinning it down prone.
Drew circled around and brought out his Chain Lightning wand and zapped a swarm of Pixens that were waiting in the wings. He hit the swarm three times before the rest of them fled.
Drew earned 700 exp from defeating five Pixens, the rest fled.
Yeah, you better run!
Laurent was trading blows with one Bush Cat and deflecting with his shield or dodging the attacks. Drew used his last charge of the wand to stun the Bush Cat and then changed targets and dove in to swipe the eyes of the prone Bush Cat with his claws.
Bane: (0:15)
Skill Upgrade: [Unarmed Combat] lvl 1 converts to [Slash (Claws)] lvl 2 Yes / No.
Yes please!
[Slash (Claws)]: Slashing attacks use 10% less stamina and deal 10% more damage to unarmored targets.
Stamina: 45%
Alder joined his father and they were taking turns leaping in and slashing the stunned beast. Playing it as safe as possible.
Isabella was channeling a large water spell to put out the fires, and seemed to have taken down a dozen Pixens herself.
Drew recharged his wand dropping his Mana down to 30%.
The blinded Bush Cat got up and tried to stumble towards the two farmers, but it staggered, gripping it’s head and fell prone again. The talismans shut down, having done their work.
Hah! It must have a small mana pool. How's that mana headache feel?
The other cat is too far away for the Talismans to grab it.
Drew flew over to help the farmers and used his new Slash skill. He could feel the strike hit with a little more power behind it as the logic of the world made the same attack he’d used a dozens times before do more damage.
[Bane]: (0:30)
The bear reared back and targeted Drew with a swipe, which he only partially dodged. As the Bush Cat’s forearm collided with Drew he latched on and used his mana reinforced claws to grip down through the meat and sinew to the beast’s bone. It roared and flailed it’s arm around, trying to shake the bird loose. Laurent took the chance to swing down with his large sword, taking the beast’s arm off near the shoulder.
Drew rode the arm down to the ground flapping his wings to try and land on top of it.
Man this thing is heavy! Glad it didn’t catch me with it’s claws.
“Get down!” Isabella shouted, and the farmers scattered back. She released a powerful Lightning Bolt and roasted the prone Bush Cat.
Combat Rewards: level 20 Bush Cat - 600 exp.
The remaining one-armed Bush Cat charged at Drew while he was struggling to detach himself from the arm.
Nothing personal Mr. Cat!
Drew hit it twice with his Chain Lightning wand. It sizzled and shuddered on it’s feet but kept loping towards him.
Oh no, I’m still stuck to this severed arm.
Laurent was between him and the Bush Cat the next instant and took the charge on the center of his shield. The man’s feet didn’t move an inch as the Bush Cat hit him like a truck. In one fluid movement, he lifted the shield up deflecting the Cat’s face and body up in a perfect parry. He then spun on his heels to slice the beast’s stomach open.
Blood and guts splattered over everything, Laurent and Drew were soaked and the beast gurgled on the ground as it died.
Combat Rewards: level 24 Bush Cat - 635 exp
Skill upgrade: [Assassins Bane III] - Trait: 20% chance for damage dealt to corporeal targets to inflict one point of [Bane] on your target for 15 seconds. Each point of [Bane] absorbs 1% of the target's HP each second, restoring your HP by 1.
Level Upgrade: Level 9 Crow (Juvenile) - (3366/1900) Yes/No?
“Laurent, what have I told you about slicing open stomachs? It’s such a mess to clean up.” Isabella teased from the sidelines.