Chapter 1 - (Part 4)

Dark storm clouds rolled by in the sky.

Being led by Farris, we made our way down the town’s main street.

Seeing crowds of people rushing about was a new experience to me.With hundreds of new and different faces in our way, we pushed our way through.

“Isn’t this place a little too crowded to be considered a town?”

“It really is. But the governor has already got the go ahead by our feudal lord to expand the city.”

“But it doesn't explain why they looked so rushed though.”

Placing her arms behind her head, she gave a deep sigh.

“Probably because of the upcoming swarm. They’re scared their prospects might go up in flames, so they’re preparing for the worst case right now.”

“Shouldn’t we be figuring out how to protect ourselves too then?”

“No. The city guard and knights provided by our feudal lord should be enough.”

Even if you say so, two hundred soldiers were still not enough toeven stall them.

Noticing I was being quiet, Farris gave me a slight smack on the back.

“Brighten up kid. You’re too young to worry about this. If it helps your nerves, they’ve already conscripted a couple of mages from town to help out.”

“Mages? Like the ones who can shoot lightning and cure diseases?”

Slowing our pace a bit, she turned to me while she bit on her pen tip.

“Yeah sort of. However, mages that specialize in healing arerather quiet rare, and most of the time, they’re already under contract by someone.”

“Oh, I see. You know anyone who can heal my wounds up quick then?”

“Hmm, not any I know of currently in town.”

Hearing this I dropped my shoulders a bit.

“Let’s hurry up so I can get my identification card then.”

“You’re the one who is slowing us down to begin with.” Farris whispered.

***

Fifteen minutes later, we came across the registration office.

It was near the city center, situated in front of a dolphin fountain.

The building was shaped like a courthouse with a spire in the middle.

“We’re here! Stay close so you don’t get any funny ideas you hear!”

“Yeah, Yeah. I hear you Farris. Quiet down before you make a scene at the front door.”

“Then hurry your butt up then.”

Being pulled by Farris, I stepped through the wooden doors, entering the reception lounge.

Looking around, there was quite a few people here, standing in line, waiting for the receptionist to hurry up.

While appraising the length of the line, Farris yelled over to me.

“Over here Dustin!”

Walking over, she had us lined up in the corner, where the line wasn’t as long as the others.

“You’re pretty unlucky Dustin.”

“Hmm? Why’s that?”

“It’s pretty busy here.”

“I can see that. What are they all doing here?”

“From what I can see they’re getting building permits and paying their taxes”

“So what’s so unusual about this then?”

“Because, the city is currently under development. Meaning a lot more people lining up here. Usually it's only around fifty people here at a time.”

After doing a headcount, I was pretty shocked...

“There’s over three hundred people, Farris!”

“I know! I heard these kinds of transactions take a long time though.”

“Great, let’s wait and see…”

Less than ten minutes later we finally arrived in front of the booth.

“Welcome, how may I help you?”

Trying to find the right words to say, Farris interrupted me.

“This lad here would like to get an identification card.”

“Oh and will this be a permanent one or a temporary one.”

“Permanent one please.”

Soon after, the receptionist disappeared into the back, leaving me slightly conflicted.

“What’s wrong Dustin?”

“You guys completely ignored me.”

“Should’ve spoken up then.”

“Hey, I was trying to get the right words ready.”

Smiling devilishly, she retorted.

“Just had to say three words. Not that hard.”

Before I could take a jab back, our host came back.

What perfect timing, I’ll remember this.

“Here you guys go, are you his mother?”

“...”

Slightly chuckling into her palm, she said, “No, I’m not”

“Oh, I’m sorry miss. Are you here to vouch for his character?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Okay, please sign your name and workplace please.”

After she signed the paper, the receptionist finally turned to me.

“Okay, I’m going to need you to fill this paper out for me real quick.”

“Whatever…”

Looking at the document, I filled out the following information:

Identification Papers:

Please fill out the following information.

Name: Dustin

Age as of (Year 347): 16

Appearance: Brown hair. Brown eyes. Medium-Tall height. Slim weight.

Residence: NA (Village was Destroyed)

Birth Parents and Siblings (label if deceased): Lance (deceased), Linda(deceased)

Occupation: Hunter/Advanced Swordsman

Where to contact you in a months’ time: Amber Light’s Infirmary: Ask for Farris.

Where will you be at in the next year?: NA/Capital?

Reasons for ID: Make traveling easier. More employment options.

By paying the 5 silver fee, you will be put into the draft, and during times of war, will receive the average soldiers pay once conscripted. If any information is falsified, you will be held accountable for any fines that may follow.

“Finally, I’m done. Here you go.” I said, placing five silver on the table.

Taking the papers, she said she'll make a copy and went into the back room again. Soon after, Farris nudged me.

“What you want to do after this Dustin?”

“I don’t really know yet. I don’t have much money on me, and I need to get my armor repaired. Maybe stop by a smith or go out and eat?”

“Let’s eat first. I took the day off, giving us a lot of time to explore.”

“That’s nice of you.”

“Don’t worry. I’m getting paid anyway. Consider this an additional service we provide at the clinic.” she smiled cheekily.

“Stop being so smug like that. Or your face is going to stick like that.”

“Can’t help it. <3”

After poking at each other for a while longer, the receptionist finally came back.

“Here you go.” she said, handing me a plastic like card.

“On here sir, should have your age, appearance, and occupation.Then on the back, we have the seal of approval from the finance minister. Any changes here will cost another fee of five silver. Feel free to decorate it as you please. That should be it so have a good day.”

“Uh, thanks?”

“Is there anything else you need?”

“No. No thank you. We’re heading out now. Thanks again.”

“No problem. Hope to see you again.”

Making our way back onto the main street, I turned to Farris.

“Seems like she was in a rush to get me out.”

“Shouldn’t be that surprising Dustin. It’s over crowded in there.I kinda feel bad for them.”

“I don’t really.”

“Why’s that?”

“Cause she ignored me half the time. And then she thought I was just a boy with his mom.”

Laughing to herself, Farris retorted.

“Not my fault that you’re holding a grudge.”

Then we argued for a minute before I decided to change the subject.

“You win. Let’s just get a bite to eat…”

Smiling contently to herself, she spun around saying, “Follow now my child.”

***

By the time we arrived at our destination, the sky started to darken.

The building was a typical house, partially rebuilt so you can dine inside or out on the terrace.

As it started to rain, I signaled for Farris to come in already.

While, walking in through the front door, she spoke up.

“This place is called, The Hog’s Tavern. They serve rather delicious burgers and mead. I especially, like their baby back ribs.”

“Mmm, meat does sound good right now. Let’s hurry and line up,before I pass out from hunger.”

Following Farris, we slowly made our way to the waitress, who was arranging the seating.

“Hello, where would you like to sit today?”

Looking at one another, I decided to speak up for us, “How about a spot at the bar for two.”

Turning around, the waitress asked us to follow.

Walking through the tavern, I noticed most of the guests here were older grizzly men. Most of them looked like they worked outside the city wall,perhaps expanding the city.

The building itself was dimly lit, with a few candles scattered across the tables, and a heavy smell of grilled meat hung stiffly in the air.

Finally, we were seated at the corner of the bar, on wooden stools.

“Our orders are listed up above the bar.”, she said, while pointing to it. “We’ll have another waitress take your orders in a bit. No need to rush.”

Shortly after, Farris and I watched her leave, Farris spoke up.

“What you think of the place, Dustin? Cozy right?”

“Pretty nice, besides all of the sweaty men here.”

Laughing into her hand, she directed her gaze at the menu. Afterwards, I joined her.

Perhaps I should order pork chops, and maybe a side of honeyed mead.

Finally figuring out what she wanted, Farris turned to me.

“You know what you’re ordering yet?

“Yeah. I’ll probably get some pork chops and a cooked potato. Thena side of honeyed mead. What about you?”

“I’m getting baby back ribs, and a glass of water.”

After discussing about some other places in town, our waitress arrived, leaving quickly after we placed our orders.

“She was pretty cute. Right Dustin?”

“Yeah she was, but she isn’t my type.”

With a mischievous grin, she flicked my arm.

“Ow. No need to be violent.”

“Oh, I’m just wondering, what is your type?”

Thinking for a moment, I laughed to myself.

“Differently not older woman.”

Hearing this, she had a sharp glint in her eye, before she pinched my tricep really hard.

“Ow, OW!”

Feeling content in my pain, she proceeded to ask once again.

“Okay, okay. Sheesh, why are you being so touchy.” I said rubbing my arm, “I’m interested in redheads okay.”

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Oh is that it. And here I thought you were being prude.”

“A bit rude, name calling.”

“Ah, hold that thought. Our food is coming.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw our brunette waitress holding a platter with our food.

“We have one serving of ribs for you miss, and some pork chops with a potato for you sir.”

Placing our food down, she continued. “Is there anything else you need?”

“No, looks all good.” I replied.

“Okay, just holler if you need something.”

Turning around, Farris and I dug into our lunch.

Quietly eating, we continued our discussion about places we should visit. Until eventually I brought up the topic of magic.

“Wouldn’t it be nice to use magic, Farris?”

“Yeah, it would. Just requires a good teacher and a year or two of training.”

“You think I could learn magic?”

“Depends on what you’re naturally good at. Warriors generally lack the sense for it. Then you have to find out what class of magic you’re good at.”

“Oh, do you know any then?”

“No, unfortunately. If I did it would be something along the lines of healing, but I’m not compatible with the white arts.”

“Sorry to hear. What are the white arts?”

Taking a drink from her lead cup, she replied.

“It’s a category for magic. White arts are for spells that center around fixing and mending wounds, while the opposite, black arts, are for those that destroy.”

“Then why don’t you try learning some black magic then?”

Looking slightly weary she looked at me.

“My profession is to heal people, not to take lives away. Inshort, I refused to learn any offensive magic. Might sound a bit selfish, but it’ll go against my true nature.”

“Your true nature, huh.”

Silently I looked up to the ceiling, contemplating to myself.

What is my nature? What are the things I value? How do others see me?

Snapping myself back to reality I gulped down the rest of my drink.

“So, Farris. I’m wondering how you see me as?”

“A friend.”

“Oh, I see. Wait no! I mean, how would others see me as? Like personality wise.”

Sitting still, biting on her fork, she thought for a moment.

“Why do ask?”

“It’s just that I really have no direction in life right now. Ijust wanted to see where I stand right now, in others eyes.”

Waiting for a reply, Farris took her fork out, then pointed it atme.

“Well, you’re a good listener and a bit serious. You know how to go with the flow, and you have a bright head on your shoulders. So you’re better than most people.”

Smiling at me, I ended up returning it.

“Thanks for the compliment. I really admire you a lot too. Having that drive to save others and sticking to your own set of morals. It’s something I’m lacking or more say to say, ‘yet to gain’.”

Blushing slightly, with smiling eyes, she chuckled.

“Thanks, Dustin. You sound just like my younger brother. If only he was here to see you.”

“You’re welcome. You about ready to head out then?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s head to the smith then.”

Standing up, we left some silver on the bar for the bartender,before heading out, into the rain.

***

“The rain has really let up since earlier.” I stated.

“Yeah, I’m getting sick of this weather already. Go away you blasted storm.” retorted Farris, shooing away to the sky.

“How much farther until we get there, Farris?”

“It’s just up ahead. A little walk hasn’t killed anyone.”

“Not yet…”

Chattering along a side road, we made our way to the merchant side of town, while we avoided water puddles.

Eventually after twenty minutes, we finally came across a warehouse styled building.

“Wait here, Dustin. I’ll go in first to greet them.”

“Right. I’ll keep watch out here then.” I gloomy said.

“Cheer up! I won’t be gone for long. Just going to say high to an old friend. I might even get you a discount.”

Perking up, I gave a greedy smile.

“Is that so… Make sure to really butter him up Farris.”

“Will do. <3”, she said, disappearing into the building.

Looking around, I tried figuring out the name of the building.Backing up a bit, I saw big iron letters spelling it out.

Max’s and Cecilia's: Armor and Sword... Pretty generic name.

While, admiring the building, I noticed tens of city guards entering and exiting the building. Getting curious about what they were doing,I decided to go ask one.

“Hello?”

Looking around, the guard saw me, and gave me smile.

“Hey there lad. What do you need?”

“I’m wondering if the smithery is always this busy?”

Thinking for a moment, he replied, “It usually is busy, but today the city had made arrangements to outfit the guards in pristine gear.”

“Is it alright to tell me that?”

“Yeah. It’s no secret that we are preparing to subjugate the monster horde soon.”

My face turned slightly pale, until the guard continued.

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll make sure non get past me, so be at ease.”

“Oh, I’m sorry for bothering you. When are you guys heading out?”

“Tomorrow at sunrise. Make sure to not leave the city you hear?” replied the guard, “Don’t want any stragglers to get you.”

Nodding in approval, I noticed Farris waiting for me at the doorway.

Before I could head over, the guard spoke up again.

“By the way my name is Sam. Yours?”

“I’m called Dustin...”

“See you later then Dustin. Don’t want you to keep a pretty lady waiting.”

“You take care too.” I retorted as we went our separate ways.

Walking up to Farris, I noticed her grinning with a goofy expression on her face.

“What?”

“Oh nothing. Just I heard him call me a beautiful woman.”

“Don’t you have a husband?”

“Ah right. He shouldn’t mind.”

Processing this sudden remark, I gave her a shocked expression.

“Stop your gawking, let's go inside. I really buttered Max up for you.”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks partner.” I replied grinning.

***

Entering the lobby, I noticed over a hundred weapons displayed on the walls and many more stacked onto shelves. At the back, I noticed a line of over fifty soldiers getting their gear from a blonde woman.

“Is that Cecilia over there?” I asked.

“Surprised you noticed. Yeah we’re friends by the way, so no funny business.”

“Don’t worry. Older women aren't my type.”

Folding her arms, she gave me a stiff face.

“Is that so?”

“Did I hit a nerve again?” I said cheekily.

“Maybe you don’t need my help then.”

Panicking, I rushed over to her, poking her in the gut.

“Ah. Stop being so flustered. I need your help. Pretty please?”

“All right, only because you said please.”

Unfolding her hands, she had me follow her to one side of the shop, stopping in front of a rack of swords.

“All right look around here, I’ll bring Max over to answer any questions you have.”

Swiftly she left, leaving behind the front counter smiling to Cecilia,then disappearing into the back.

Left alone, I looked in front of me.

Several different swords where displayed on the walls, with duplicates stacked on the shelves.

There I saw straight swords, two handed swords, sabers, short swords, long swords, and rapiers.

Slowly I grasped a long sword similar to the one at my side. Ithad a longer blade than mine, however I couldn’t grasp the grip with both hands. Setting it back down, I went for the next blade.

Next was I took up a straight sword, this time I was able to grasp it with both hands. However, the blade was thicker and weighed more than my liking. Putting it back, I continued to look, passing up multiple swords before making a final decision.

So far the only one that felt right, was the long sword, but it needed a longer handle.

While I was deep in though, Farris came back with Max in tow.

“Yeah this is the lad I spoke about.”

“I see, he does carry himself like a professional. Bit surprising since he’s rather young.”

“It is, but he’s rather mature for his age.”

Looking at me, Max said, “I see you’re a bit conflicted with that longsword you’re staring at.”

“Ah. Yeah, just a bit.” I replied, “I’m wondering if you have something like it, but made with a longer handle.”

Thinking for a moment, he step up to the shelf and picked up the blade.

“Can I see yours at your side then?”

Nodding, I handed my longsword to him, watching as he inspected the blades.

“Yours is pretty battered. Got the metal oxidize from the blood you didn’t wipe off.”

“Yeah, I was injured and couldn’t really get around to taking care of it.”

“I see. However, this blade is finely crafted to suit your needs.Not every day I come across a bastard sword, crafted to suit a kid.”

“Bastard sword?”

Mumbling to himself for a bit, he replied, “A two and a half sword. It’s a longsword built to be two handed. This one here has a lighterblade than others considering it was tailored for you specifically.”

Waiting until he was done inspecting my sword, I walked over to him.

“You think you have something like this?”

“I do, but it’s in the back. Our place doesn’t get that many buyers for swords like these.” he said, “Follow me.”

Briskly, Farris, Max and I made our way to the back of the shop.

Waking through the doorway, I noticed all kinds of armor, ranging from leather to steel and a few sets made out of unknown material.

Watching me look around in awe, Max spoke up, “Farris mentioned you needed your armor repaired.”

“That's correct. I might be tempted to just buy a new set here though.” I laughed.

“How about this. Once you find a sword you like, I’ll throw in an armor of your choice at fifty percent off.”

Hearing this, I walked over checking the price tags before gasping a little bit.

“Fifty percent off is quite generous. But I’ll still be spending at least a gold coin here.”

Shrugging, he continued, “Armor usually doesn't sell often. Most places are around the same price anyway. Just look around till you find something you like.”

Checking around, I looked for something light and durable.

Not having much luck I asked, “Hey Max, you have anything here durable and light?”

Immediately he walked over to a shelf, pulling out a brown bag,brushing off some dust.

Throwing the bag towards me, he said, “Here open this. Bet you’ll like what you find.”

Is it me, or did Farris tell him more about me than I thought?

Opening the duffle bag, I pulled out leathered greaves, gauntlets,and a chest piece that should be able to completely cover my stomach/back. Feeling the inside of the pieces, I felt a cold metallic lining.

Curious at this, I asked, “What is this made out off?”

“Just cured hardened leather with the insides sown with a steeljacket.”

“Must’ve been a pain getting the jacket sown in like this.”

“Just a bit. It’s something my wife and I were working on. It’s more experimental than anything.”

“Means I get a bigger discount then.”

“Tch. One greedy bastard. Alright I’ll knock it down to thirty silver then. It was just gathering dust back here for years anyway.”

“Thanks. I’ll get it.”, I replied.

“Good, now follow me upstairs. I keep the off market stuff there.”

Smiling, to myself, I caught Farris nodding in approval.

Walking up the stairs, I asked, “So how did you and Max meet each other?”

Placing her arms behind her head, she replied, “We met when oneday he showed up at the clinic with half of his hand cut apart. It was really bad, we were planning on amputating it.”

Interrupting her, Max said, “Yeah, but Farris got me in touch with a mage who was in town. After negotiating, Farris knocked down her service fees to three gold.”

Taking control of the conversation again, Farris remarked, “You’re lucky it was me. Others at the infirmary wouldn’t go so far.”

“That’s why I’m so thankful, that I can still make weapons for a living. I’m even helping by lending a hand with that lad back there.”

Noticing he was blushing, Farris retorted, “Stop pretending to bea hard ass. You’re blushing right now.”

“No I’m not.” he said hurriedly.

“Don’t mind him Dustin. He is like a giant teddy bear underneath that beard of his.”

Looking between Farris, and the giant of a man, I nodded saying, “It’s okay. He’s a rather sociable guy.”

Grinning then laughing, Farris continued walking, opening up a door for us.

“The sword you’re looking for is over here.”

Being lead inside by Max, I caught my eye on all sorts of tools,and tubs filled with parts. In one tub, had all sorts of handles, while another was filled with pommels. On the walls were naked swords dangling, waiting to be fitted with a guard. In the center of the room, was a table with engraving tools.

“What you think of Cecilia’s workshop?” questioned Max.

“Cecilia’s?”

“Yep. I’m the one who smelts everything, while she fits them all together, due to being more dexterous.”

Performing a double take of the room, I gave a conceited smile.

“It’s rather impressive. I would have assumed it would have been a disorganized place, if you told me before hand.”

Laughing heartily, he gave me a smack on the shoulders.

“Alright lad. Now tell me your budget.”

Thinking of how much I have, I opened my coin pouch.

One, Two….18 gold pieces, 80 silver, and 120 bronze coins. All the money my parents had saved.

Looking back up I replied, “Two gold when excluding the armor.Make sure it’s from a material an experience swordsman would use.”

“Quite a bit for a sword, but I’ll see what I can find.”

Gradually he went out on the prowl, looking through crates until he found what he was looking for.

“Found a sword right up your alley.’

Coming over to me, he held out a metallic blue sword.

Wondering what it was made out of, I asked, “This sword is kind ofodd.”

Laughing to himself, he retorted, “Of course it is boy. It haseleven metal for its core, while the blade is an alloy of mythril and steel.Should weigh about the same as yours, but much harder.”

“Pretty expensive materials it’s made out of.” Farris whispered into my ear.

“But two gold is quite a bit Farris. Is it going to be worth it?”

“Might be if he throws in a good, handle, pommel and guard, of the same material.”

“Ai, Farris. Don’t get him any funny ideas you hear. Steel would work just as fine for that and is cheaper.”

“He does have a point Farris. So how much you charging for it?”

Grunting to himself, he said, “A gold and 40 silver. Take it or leave it.”

Looking for some negotiation help I looked over to my side.

“Farris?”

Grinning, she walked over to Max.

“How about you drop it to a gold and 10 silver? Consider it a discount when we buy that armor of yours.”

“Tch. The lowest I’ll go is a gold and 30 silver.”

Beckoning me over, Farris said, “Shake his hand now Dustin. Don’t really want to pressure him more than this.”

Agreeing to her request I shook his hand, handing him two gold and 20 silver.

“Thanks for the coin. You can watch as I get it all assembled.”

Taking the naked bastard sword, he went rummaging through the crates, pulling out a steel guard and pommel. Then in another, he pulled out a metal braided handle.

Now walking over to the craftsman's bench, he took out a wooden mallet before banging everything together.

While we waited, Farris offered to introduce me to a local inn,before nightfall. Agreeing to her request, we schedule to get together again when she's off this weekend. Making her promise to show me a place to work at,was all I could schedule before Max came over with my newly crafted sword.

“Here you go. You can leave your old sword here if you no longer need it. I’ll compensate you”

Listening to him, I handed over my old sword.

“How about your old leather armor too?”

Questioning him for a moment, I handed it over too, before I changed into my new set of gear.

Seeing me content with my new stuff, Farris coughed.

“Max, where’s the compensation at?”

“Ah sorry. Here you guys go.”

Max reached into his pocket pulling out 40 silver.

“10 silver for the sword, and 30 for your torn armor.” he said,placing it in my hand.

Before I could react, Farris reached over taking ten for herself.

“Hey.”

“What Dustin? Just getting compensated for helping you out.” she chuckled.

Staring holes into her, I gave up arguing with her.

It’s true she did get me a discount. If only she was less mischievous.

After thinking to myself, I was lead back down the stairs and to the entrance. There I waited for Farris and Max to get done talking.

Ten minutes later, Farris and I were back on the streets,observing the sky.

“Dustin, it looks like the sky is starting to clear up.”

Looking in the same direction, I replied, “True. Hopefully tomorrow would look a bit better.”

“I really hope so too.”

Quietly we made our way down the streets as the peaking sun started to dip below the horizon.

***

Approaching the inn, Farris gave me the rundown of the local places I should visit. Like where to buy medicine, good places to eat, andwhere the local merchants are at.

Once she was done talking, we arrived in front of a three story building. Above the doorway had the name, “Owl’s Inn”. Without entering, we could hear laughter and singing coming from within.

Confused, I questioned Farris, “Isn’t this supposed to be an inn? Not some tavern?”

Smiling to herself she gestured me forward.

“Don’t be so picky. Come in already.”

Mumbling to myself, I reluctantly followed.

Upon entering the building, I was shoved from the side by a drunk.

“Watch where you're go.....”

However, he puked on the ground before he could finish.

In reaction, a gigantic woman came rushing out in an apron,glaring daggers at the drunk.

“Oi you bastard. How dare you puke in here!”

Replying to her the drunk said, “Not... fault. This kid...ran in….Me.”

“Hold your damn tongue. You slobbering everywhere you drunk. You can’t even make proper sentences.”

Before he could say anything else, the muscular woman picked him up by his collar and threw him out side.

“Stay outside until you sober up.”

Then turning to me then Farris, she let out a grin.

“So Farris you finally found yourself a man aye? Kinda young don’t you think?”

“It’s not like that Brenda. I’m just showing him to an inn so he could rest.” she replied, sharply.

Still grinning she turned to me, “You sure you don't fancy her?”

“I don’t like older woman, like you for an example.” I said curly.

Laughing heartily, she slapped me on my shoulders.

“A bit shy aren’t we. So should I book a room for two?”

Pinching her forehead, Farris looked at Brenda saying, “No, justone. I need to head back to the clinic soon.”

“Don’t be so lousy. We’ve been friends for a long time. Stay and tell me all about your ‘little friend”

“Maybe next time, when you’re not being so weird.”

From there, they started going at it, where Brenda would poke at Farris continuously. Being slightly ignored, but amazed at Farris being on the defensive. I started to grow a slight fondness for the hyper intensive innkeeper.

Finally running out of steam, Farris decided to high tail it out

of here.

“I’m heading back now Dustin.”

“Yeah I hear you. See you later now.”

Waving goodbye to both Brenda and I, she walked out.

Turning to me, Brenda said, “Don’t mind her honey. She takes jab sat me from time to time too. Just getting under her skin is such a refreshing feeling.”

Nodding, I agreed.

After wiping up the floor, she guided me to the receptionist table.

“How long are you staying? It’s 12 copper a night, 19 including food.”

“I’ll pay upfront for a week then, including food.”

Pulling out my change, I handed her the correct amount.

“Good. I’ll give you some information then. Do you want to hear?”

“Sure go ahead.”

“A little birdie told me that tomorrow, soldiers and medical personnel will be heading out to the monster horde and will fight them half a days away.”

Running the information in my head for a bit, I spoke up.

“And that would include Farris too then. Why are you telling me this?”

“Just thought you guys were so chummy together, that you would like to know.”

“Thanks, wished she told me herself.”

“She’s more secretive than she lets on to be. Anyway your room number is 56 and here’s the key.”

Giving her thanks, I made my way up the stairs and to my bedroom.

After unlocking the door, I went ahead and checked my bed for any mites.

“Looks all clear.” I whispered to myself.

Taking off all my armor, then resting my sword against the wall, I snubbed out the candles, before laying still in my bed.

While laying down, my own memories came pouring in. From the time I was taught the sword to when my brother died and now to when my parents died.

With a few tears in my eyes, I wish nobody else goes through what I did.

I’ll see if I could go with Farris tomorrow. Just in case anything happens.

With that final thought, my mind slipped its way into slumber.

***