- 60 -
The farmer’s cart was loaded to over flowing with caged spider melons, two large Bush Cat pelts, and some extra ironwood that Alder had split last season.
Drew sat on the bench of the cart alongside Isabella and Alder. The boy held the reins of the garnt while his mother read a book. Laurent rode on ahead atop their second garnt.
They had left early that morning after a quick breakfast. Bowls of porridge and jelly on toast with slabs of fried sausage.
The trip back to Rottervale seemed quicker than the one out. The fields and forests sped by. They came over a rise and the city suddenly loomed over the horizon. It looked like a postcard of Vienna or some other alpine city back on earth.
There were groups of adventurers battling Horned Rabbits to the left of the road and another three teams harassing a drake a hundred meters to their right.
Drew recognized Gonnathyn and Gessica amongst the group fighting the drake. Gonnathyn was a was using a bow now, and Gessica was wearing a robe and using a staff typically carried by healers.
They are doing well then. They found a strong party. It’s still a death wish to go looking for trouble. Crafting is going to be the safest bet for me. Even farming is dangerous in this world.
Their cart rolled on towards the gates of the city and joined a short line of other carts waiting to enter.
“Are you sure you won’t come back with us?” Alder asked without taking his eyes off the road.
“I’ve got to get back to the city. I need to gain experience and keep up with my enchanting and crafting. It’s what has kept me alive so far.” Drew replied.
The crafter and mage representatives will give me good quests. I can win them over with some inventions from earth.
He had said as much to Alder when he leveled up the night before.
Level 10 cost me 2300 exp. The next rank is even more.
Rank Upgrade: Level 1 Skurr (Adult) - (1796/5000)
I need 3300 exp to rank up, and I need to level up my crafting before I can make anything from earth. I’ve got these other two blessings and I need to put them to work earning me exp safely.
“The farming life is not for everyone Alder. You have been born into it and do not know anything else. Your father and I were lucky to adapt to it. Many farmers fail within their first years.” Isabella said.
The guard at the gate greeted Laurent and waved him and his family through without checking any of his papers or the cart.
The family pulled up to a market on the eastern side of town that Drew had not visited before. Laurent rode strait to a merchant stall and clasped hands with the woman running it.
“This seems like the time to take my leave.” Drew said. “Thank you for bringing me home safely.”
He tossed the key for the hutch back to Alder, who caught it easily.
“Be safe Drew, no need to grow up so fast. You are safe here within the city walls. Take your time.” Isabella said.
“Don’t be a stranger now, you can come help fish for Luggs, or clear that fallow field anytime.” Alder said.
“I guess this is good bye for now eh Drew?” Laurent said. “You are welcome back anytime. Just stay out of our shower in the future okay kid?”
“It was an honest mistake. I promise,” Drew said as he jumped into the air angling his wings to catch a breeze. “but I don’t regret it! Thank you for you hospitality!”
The family of farmers and the merchant stood near the market stall watching as Drew flew off over the roofs and out of view.
Drew circled above the market to get his bearings. He heard the merchant from the stall turn to the ask Laurent a question.
“Did that Skurr talk? Wait, did you shower with that Skurr? No. Never mind Laurent, I don’t want to know.”
-
This is such a big city and I’ve barely explored any of it.
He followed the wind towards the taller of the two mage towers and his flock’s nesting area.
He spotted Irael outside of her smithy smoking a pipe and he swooped down.
“Hello Irael, long time no see.” Drew said as he landed on the railing outside her smithy.
“Drew! Where have you been? Damien has been worried sick.” She said.
“It’s a long story. He hasn’t really been that worried has he?”
“He’s been by twice this morning just to ask if I saw you. And twice that many times yesterday. Gods, it’s barely mid day!”
“Well then I need to go look for him. Any idea where he would be?” Drew asked.
“I’d wager he’s asking around the guild again.” She said.
I’m not sure if I want to go back there.
New Racial Quest: A Debt Unpaid: Skurr never forget those that have done them a favor, nor those that have wronged them, and their ledgers are always cleared. Obtain 10 gold or an equivalent value from the guild master. Reward: 1000 exp.
Now this just seems wrong. Although he does have it coming. How can this be part of the Skurr’s racial quest lines? We eat, explore, collect shiny things and hold grudges? Is that the race that I am trying to rank up?
“Alright. Once I find him I’d like your help with a project.” Drew said.
“Wait, since you are here I might as well give you this.”
Irael reached into a bag on her tool belt and pulled out a leather collar with flared metal plates on it to protect his neck and back. It was painted and dyed black to match the breast piece Drew already wore.
“I went ahead and kept working on your set of light armor. This here is the mantle. Let me know how it fits.”
Drew equipped the mantle. It was was enchanted to increase agility.
New Item: [Skurr Mantle - Fine] - Increases Agility by 2 points.
Quest Progress: Light Armor Mastery: Equip a full set of light armor. (2/4)
“It’s a perfect fit. Thank you.”
“I started on the Greaves already but I’ve only been working in my spare time. Not really got time to rush this kind of work.” She said quickly.
“She’s been working like a mad woman. Don’t let her fool you, she’s just as happy that you are back again as the grouchy old enchanter is.” One of the dwarven apprentices said before Irael punched him in the face.
He grit his teeth then turned to Drew. “And congrats on the level in Speaking Common. Ye chatter like a true adventurer now.”
“Get back to work, if you have time to gossip then you can clean out the forge!” She yelled.
“Thank you Irael, it really is fantastic. I owe you a day’s worth of enchantments.” Drew said and flew off towards Damien’s workshop.
New Racial Quest: A Debt Unpaid: Skurr never forget those that have done them a favor, nor those that have wronged them, and their ledgers are always cleared. Perform a days work for Irael. 1000 exp
What’s the deal with all these quests popping up? Well at least this one isn’t about revenge.
He flew in through the open door of the enchanter’s workshop and did not see his friend anywhere.
There were several open books on the table and Drew could see that Damien hadn’t touched any of his projects in a while.
Man, he really is going to be at the adventurer’s guild isn’t he? It’s really not the kind of place that I want to be.
They are forcing these kids to fight for their lives and do 1 in 4 die? That's unacceptable. But I bet the guild master thinks it's a reasonable loss. That guy is heartless.
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As soon as he found out I wasn't a familiar, he sold me to a merchant for quick coin.
Drew looked around again and saw a cold breakfast of eggs half eaten.
Maybe the old guy really is worried about me?
Drew left the Enchanter’s workshop and flew to the guild hall. He circled above considering how to get in and out of there without drawing any unwanted attention. There were a dozen or more Skurr loitering about.
New Racial Quest: Skysong requests an audience, she is waiting on the rookery. Accept: Yes/No
Who’s this now? Is she related to Skyclaw?
It only took Drew a minute to reach the rooftop where he was born. He spotted a group of solemn looking Skurr standing in a tight group on the roof and landed nearby. Many of these Skurr were as large as Skyclaw had been, and they watched him with a knowing look that hinted at higher intelligence. He approached cautiously.
“Um hello? Is Skysong here?” Drew asked.
The Skurr in front of him stepped aside ceremoniously. As he passed through their group, a large Skurr stepped into his path and stared down at him.
“Skysong?” Drew asked, but the Skurr snorted and stepped aside revealing an average sized adult Skurr. Her feathers were just as black as any other but their glossy sheen was more purple.
What the heck is going on here?
Skysong is asking to learn the ability [Speak Common]. Would you like to teach it? Yes/No
I don’t see why not. She must be the flock’s new leader right? Could get me some good credibility.
He selected Yes, and Skysong glowed.
Skysong croaked out her first words.
“Thank you.” She said, causing the Skurr around her to caw loudly.
”Happy to help, you or the flock in any way.” Drew said.
”You strong.” Skysong croaked out. “How?”
”I have put my points into Intelligence.” Drew said.
“Intelligence,” she said with a nod to a Skurr beside her. “More.”
What else has helped me survive?
”I learned skills from the adventurers.” Drew said. “They have two skills they teach all their young. Mana Recovery and Stamina Recovery.
Skysong is asking to learn the ability [Mana Recovery]. Would you like to teach it? Yes/No
Skysong is asking to learn the ability [Stamina Recovery]. Would you like to teach it? Yes/No
He selected yes to each of them and Skysong glowed again.
”Yes. Flock. Strong” Skysong coughed.
Quest Complete: Skysong’s Audience. 1500 exp.
Wow, that’s a lot of exp!
Social standing with Skurr of Rottervale Increased to Civil (50%)
Well that’s a good sign.
“My pleasure.” Drew said with a short bow. “How else can I assist the flock?”
“You must go.” She said slowly.
“What?”
New Racial Quest: You have been exiled from the flock. Leave the valley peacefully. Accept Yes/No
“Too strange.” Skysong said. “Danger to flock.”
She coughed from the strain of speaking so much.
What the hell? I just got back. And my Social Standing went up. How does this measurement even work?
“How quickly must I go? I have a few things to do in the city. And I’ll need to pack. And-”
“Leave tonight.” She said and coughed some more.
“Leave valley.” She dismissed Drew with a nod.
Skysong flew away with her entourage and Drew was left standing on the roof alone.
I’m not sure I get it. Why ask for those skills? Why kick me out?
The third moon Miia peeked above the mountains and watched as Drew walked across the roof.
Where will I go?
Drew pecked at one of the clogs in the gutter he didn’t find anything.
Laurent’s family farm is in the valley, so even that’s off limits.
Drew jumped off the roof and rode the breeze down to the fountain. He looked into the pool at the base of the statue. The coins danced in the ripples like stars around the reflection of the moon in the afternoon sky.
Who is she that she can she decide this for me?
He pulled a silver coin out of his gathering ring and tossed it up into one of the statues two dishes where it landed with a splash.
I’ll rank up and challenge her to a duel. I beat Skyclaw I can beat his replacement.
Drew turned and flew out of the courtyard. Nobody looked up from their busy day to see a melancholy Skurr fly overhead.
Then what? Will I be the leader of the flock? I could stay in Rottervale then.
Drew landed on the roof of the guild hall.
The guild master exited the building and crossed the street. Adventurers bowed politely to him and stayed out of his way. Drew watched him head towards the entertainment district.
I don’t want to be the leader of the flock anymore then I would want to be the guild master. So I guess that means I go? I’m not really a bird anyways, why should I live like one?
Drew selected yes and accepted the quest.
“Drew! Is that you up there?” Damien yelled up from the ground. “Drew!”
“Damien!” Drew called down. “I’ve had the wildest couple of days!”
Drew flew down to land on a railing near Damien. The old enchanter nearly hugged him but then stopped himself.
“Drew where have you been? You’ve been gone for days.” Damien asked.
“I was captured and sold to a merchant. I’ll tell you the rest later but there’s bad news.” Drew said.
Damien grimaced but his concern withered on his face.
“Alright. You are safe now. What is it?” Damien asked.
“I’ve been kicked out of the flock, I’ve got to leave the city. I’ve got to leave the valley entirely.”
Damien responded without missing a beat.
“Oh, then I’ll go with you.” Damien said. “I’ve got friends in Valoria. We could leave the valley tomorrow and catch a wagon at the garrison.”
“Wow, you’d really go with me?” Drew asked.
“What else am I going to do? Grow old out here in the frontier? Lets go see the capital. One of my friends in Valoria is an Alchemist and she could teach you about alchemy.” Damien said.
“Great, I’ll grab a few things from my nest and meet you at your place.” Drew said.
Damien watched as Drew flew into the guildhall.
He put his wand back into its loop on his wrist and made a circular gesture and looked up to the sky where two of the three moons were visible, stark white in the afternoon sun.
Drew stood looking at his nest. Or what was left of it. It was a scattered mess of grass and scraps of fabric.
They took anything that was remotely shiny, or could be used for a nest.
But honestly what was I expecting to take? I don’t really have a bag to pack. And I’ve got my fishing rod and everything I need in my inventory.
Vivian crossed the floor of the guildhall and went into the bar area. She was chatting with a handsome adventurer and they ordered a bottle of amber liquid.
Happy and living care free as if she didn't force a guy into captivity at knife point. I'm a hero but anyone who wants to catch me will catch these hands, well claws.
New Racial Quest: A Debt Unpaid: Skurr never forget those that have done them a favor, nor those that have wronged them, and their ledgers are always cleared. Take one precious object from Vivian. 1000 exp
Oh yeah, she’s got a debt unpaid for sure. That stamp will be mine.
Drew snuck down the rafter until he was out of view. He flew down to Vivian’s desk near the back offices and grabbed her stamp, storing it in his ring but the quest didn’t update.
Huh, the way she raves about this stamp you’d think it would count for the quest. What else does she have?
He used Mage Hand to open her desk drawers and within one of the larger drawers he found a satchel. Inside of it was a thin sheet of wood etched and burned with a picture of a much younger Vivian. She was standing with a man dressed as an adventurer who could only be her father.
Oh that should do it, but it’s really too mean.
In the bottom of the bag were twelve throwing knives in a fine leather folder. They had an enchantment that Drew didn’t recognize.
They were also engraved with a mans name: Arthur.
Yeah I can use these.
Drew took all 12 knives into his storage ring and the quest resolved.
Quest Complete: A Dept Unpaid - Vivian - 1000 exp.
He looked back to see that the guildhall was still quiet.
On next to the guild master's debt.
He used one of the throwing knives to pry open the latch on the office door and slipped into the back.
I haven’t been in here since that night I fought that thief.
I wonder what the guild did to wrong her? Did she have a bad history with the guild master too?
He looked through a few cabinets and smashed some jars that were lying around, all he found were health potions, stamina potions, and mana potions. He took ten of each.
My ring is really starting to fill up. Got to find some gold and get out of here before I get caught.
In a trunk behind the desk Drew finally found a bag of gold coins. He took ten and the quest resolved.
Quest Complete: A Debt Unpaid: guild master Roderic - 1000 exp
Might as well fill up the ring with gold coins.
He took 27 more gold coins, to fill up three slots with gold coins. Dropping ten of his stones to make room.
Quest complete: All that Glitters: 35 exp
Quest complete: All that Glitters: 35 exp
He had to remove the stamp from his ring and he flew back out into the guild hall with Vivian’s stamp and his fishing rod in his claws.
Once outside, his next stop was the rooftop where he hatched. Drew landed near the pergola. He tossed the stamp into the closest nest and checked his status sheet for the rank up he knew was waiting for him.
Rank Upgrade Available: Level 1 Skurr (Adult) - (5296/5000)
He selected his Rank Upgrade and he could feel himself shift and change.
Rank Upgrade: Skurr (Adult) - Complete!
All stats + 4
All Attributes + 2
Stat Points Available: 10
Skill Upgrade: [Peck II] lvl 1
Skill upgrade: [Slash (Claws) II] lvl 1
Skill upgrade: [Flight II] lvl 1
Skill upgrade: [Gliding II] lvl 1
Drew grew again. He was almost as tall as Skysong now. But broader in the shoulders, legs and claws. He loosened his leather armor pieces and found that they still fit comfortably at their largest settings.
His lucky necklace and storage ring resized themselves on their own.
His ability to see improved dramatically. Before, he was able to read a storefront sign from two houses away now he could manage the same feat from three houses away. And he could hear with more clarity.
The next biggest difference was his plumage, he lost his gray and black mottled coloring in favor of the crisp black stiff feathers of an adult Skurr.
Oh yeah, looking good! Man, it’s like upgrading from a T-shirt with a print of a tux to the real deal. I bet I just look faster.
Drew inspected his wings and noticed that his sheen was gray where Skysong’s had been purple, and Skyclaw’s had been red.
He spent his ten stat points raising his mana capacity and health pools by 4 points each. And raised his strength and constitution each by 1 point.
“Hey congrats to you my grim friend! Cheers to the rank up!” Drew turned to look at the man leaning out his window waving a glass of ale.
It’s the same guy with the bread!
“Thank you sir! Have a nice day!” Drew said as we opened his new wings and let the wind whip him back into the air. The man looked astonished as Drew took.
Area Quest: Predator Alarm: Defend the nests! A predator has been sighted near the nests. All adult Skurr able to defend the nests are encouraged to respond. 100 exp for helping fend off the attacker. 1500 shared experience for defeating it.
Drew turned and locked eyes with the double hawk. He screeched at it and all four of its wings trembled. Other adult Skurr were taking to the air to join the fight but Drew was already in range.
The wind carried Drew up like a kite above the predator as it aimed for a dive in a last ditch attempt to steal a Skurr chick snack.
Drew used Mage Hand to pelt it with a stone. His aim was spot on and the stone bashed into the double hawk’s forward left wing. Drew was not far behind.
He came barreling down on the hawk and hit it center mass. Drew slashed it with his mana reinforced claws repeatedly and nearly tore the hawk in half.
Combat rewards: Double Hawk level 11 725 exp
Quest Complete: Predator Alarm: 1400 exp
His altitude dropped quickly with the weight of his kill. Drew circled around above the flock in the breeze so the other Skurr could see.
A hero doesn’t care if they are not part of the flock anymore. I'm still going to be the guy that saves lives.
He tore the hawk’s carcass into two and tossed one half down to the roof.
“A debt paid for all you have done for me!” He shouted and soared off towards Damien’s workshop.