Chapter 30 - The Riding (Special, 2nd Arc)

===>Blair’s New Job<===

It seemed that the alleys had grown darker and more silent over the past week, and the atmosphere became tense. A conflict was growing within the city, but there was nothing that he could put a finger on.

Ever since he helped to recover a certain parcel from the brigands he couldn’t complain about a lack of requests for his assistance, but lately something was off, his customers, mostly merchants, grew increasingly scared and desperate, though there weren’t any incidents during the jobs thus far. Not knowing what exactly was happening made him feel uneasy, but he was sure that something was afoul.

Blair traversed the back streets, making sure to avoid piles of filth and garbage, he rarely used the alleys, but today he didn’t want to be spotted. Soon, he arrived at an alley near his destination and took a peek on the main street.

-” Damn, another one… “ He muttered under his breath, when he spotted a glimpse of white tabard in the crowd. -” What’s with those guys? “ He complained quietly, while waiting for a Watcher to pass. -” They seem to have tripled the patrols recently. “

Blair wasn’t sure what the Watchers were looking for, but the Temple of Light, to which Watchers belonged, did a lot of bold moves recently. His latest bodyguard job, to escort a merchant-priest out of the city, seemed especially meaningful as even a member of the Temple of Prosperity packed his stuff and left.

-’ ...and he seemed especially jumpy near those guys. ‘ Blair thought as his gaze followed the Watcher.

-” ...join unto the blessed task to bring about the prosperity… “ A priest in a white robe, with burning sun embroidered on the chest, preached in front of the Adventurer’s Guild. -” … you who were chosen to receive the gift of the gods… “

-” Quite shameless to be preaching about prosperity while driving merchant-priests out of the city. “ Blair muttered in distaste, he liked the situation less and less, especially with Sun’s, as he called the clergy from the Temple of Light, blatantly preaching and recruiting at every street corner.

Trying his best to ignore the priest Blair passed the street and went inside the Adventurer’s Guild. The main room, which usually bursted with people, was almost empty. It was mostly due to the late hour, though lately adventurer’s seemed to visit the place less and less. -’ Considering that most of the tasks on the first floor are borderline scam and adding to it the Sun’s preaching I can’t blame them. ‘ He smirked as he headed for the counter, where a black haired receptionist sat with bored expression on her face.

-” Hello, I have a contract meeting… “ He started, but received an impassive glance in return. -’ ...on a third floor. “ The last remark finally gotten the receptionist’s attention, as she suddenly stood up, flustered.

-” Ah, you must be mister Blair. Nice to meet you. “  She bowed quickly. -” We didn’t expect you to actually arrive. Please follow me. “ Still flustered, she went from behind the counter and led him to the stairs.

-’ Can’t blame her for being surprised, third floor is rather special. ‘ He thought as he followed the receptionist. When he was passing the second floor lobby he took a peek inside, but he didn’t spot Baleg’s overwhelming form. His companion took some sort of request and disappeared few days ago, there was no sign of him since. Blair quickly banished the thought about his disappearing companion and focused on the task at hand.

Somebody sent him a strange job offer, no details were supplied thus far, apart from the need for absolute confidentiality, but the meeting was set on the third floor. It was enough to spark Blair’s curiosity and to at least listen to the request. Considering the recent situation Blair didn’t find the need for secrecy strange, still, that didn’t explain why they had to meet on the third floor, which served no apparent purpose apart from being expensive.

The receptionist stopped before a thick door and turned to Blair. -” Please take your time, when you are done you may leave through one of the staircases inside. “ She said as she opened the door. -” Afterwards you should be able to leave the building unnoticed. “

-” Thank you. “ Blair noded briskly and entered through the door, which receptionist closed behind him. He could hear a loud rumbling of the lock.

Blair was a bit surprised as he glanced around the circular room, it was wooden and plain, illuminated by an unadorned chandelier full of candles. The furniture was plain, simple and bulky, consisting of a massive table surrounded with thick chairs. The big fireplace, coupled with several banners hanging from a high ceiling and red tablecloth embroidered with gold, somehow gave both cosy and dignified feeling to the room.

-” I am glad that you have decided to accept my invitation… “ A tall, sharp featured man stood up. His dark hair was gathered into a low ponytail and his dark, piercing eyes seemed to project an aura of intimidating confidence as he spoke in a modulated voice. -” ...I am Athmael, and there’s a certain information that I need. “

-” They call me Blair, and there seems to be some misunderstanding... “ Blair responded slowly to buy time, as the man looked like he could handle himself in a fight, moreover his sharp and precise movements made Blair uneasy. -’ Damn, he looks like an elite, what does he want with me? ‘ Blair stifled the doubts and continued evenly. -” ...as I am mostly working as a bodyguard and, Maester Athmael, you don’t look like you are in need of such services. “

Blair observed the man in front of him, noticing his plain, but well-fitted leather armour. -’ Certainly made on a special order. ‘ His gaze travelled to the man’s sword, which was as plain as the armor, but Blair wasn’t fooled, the blade spoke volumes. -’ The handle isn’t straight, bending slightly, the blade seems to thicken at the end, but only slightly. Likely a variation on a scimitar, but slimmer, straighter and longer… one edged and made for cutting and fencing… wait, its more of a cross between a rapier and katana, with cutting strength compensated with additional weight! ‘

-” I heard that you are quite resourceful and skilled, I must admit that you certainly live up to your reputation. “ Athmael spoke casually, but a tang of steel in the voice sent Blair a clear message that he was found out. -” That’s why I want to hire you, I need somebody that won’t disappear easily. “

-” How… “ Blair started and suddenly fell silent as he realized his mistake.

-” Oh, so you are an adventurer? “ To Blair’s dismay Athmael instantly pieced the details together. -” That’s even better. “ Athmael suddenly became focused and deadly serious. -” Anyway, I need to know who’s backing Barstein and you seem like a perfect person for the task… “ Blair was angry at himself for letting himself be found as an adventurer, but, before he could voice his protest to the proposition, Athmael reached underneath the table. -” ...and I am willing to pay a good price for your services. “

Blair’s protest froze on his lips as a fat purse was thrown on the table, he knew from experience that there must have been at least fifty coins inside. If it was silver it would amount to more than five golds, but somehow, he had a feeling that the purse wasn’t filled with silver.

-” That seems rather generous… too generous. “ Blair spoke cautiously, the offer seemed too good to be true.

-” Call it a hazard pay. “ Athmael looked at Blair calmly, but there was a tension in his voice. -” City’s unstable recently, and I have a grudge with Barstein. “

Blair’s interest was piqued. -” Could you elaborate? “

-” Barstein’s a pompous and incompetent fool... “ Athmael’s voice grew a bit louder and a dangerous tone appeared in it. -” …that could even fail at tracking a marked criminal, and, afterwards, all the blame got shifted to me. Somebody’s pulling his strings and I want to know who… “

Blair felt a chill in face of cool hatred emanating from his employer. He didn’t know all the facts, but somehow he felt a tinge of connection with a dangerous man. -” I will accept, tell me all the details that you can… “

===>POV End<===

Waking after a good night’s sleep is a wonderful thing, all the more when one is no longer starving. Without opening my eyes I stretched lazily, enjoying the softness of a bedroll under my back. Lazily, I turned to lay on the side and languished in a miraculous feeling of just being there, rested and satiated.

-” Sleepy Mistresss… “ The shrill voice unnecessarily stretched the syllables in a mocking call. -” ...the sun is shining and it’s time to waaaake up… “ The book suddenly yelled out in a deep and rough voice. -” ...and take me to the damn city! I haven’t agreed to the deal to just stand guard in some godforsaken forest! Move your back, you lazy Mistress! “

I didn’t want to get up, but Culdreth’s borderline insults quickly forced me to choose between rising, so he shuts up, or ripping the damn book to shreds, which ultimately had the same effect.

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I sighed and rolled on my back. -” Could you give me a break, yesterday I was on a verge of dying… “ I complained idly to buy more free time.

-” Hmph, mortal body sure is inconveni… “ The book started haughtily, but suddenly stopped and continued in a serious tone. -” Wait a minute! For a starved rat from yesterday you sure as hell look way too well… how can it be so, Mistress? “ I was ready to pounce at the book for the rat remark, but I didn’t want to ruin the situation, since he obviously forgot to add a moniker to the Mistress title.

-” Well, being chosen by the gods has its benefits, like fast recovery, not that a bodiless book would understand… “ I responded in a playful voice and gotten my revenge for the rat remark. -’ I guess being an adventurer sure is convenient… ‘ A hopeful thought passed through my head, followed by a strange need to check out my looks in the mirror.

-” Ey, that’s only a temporary situation! “ Culdreth responded angrily, which brought a satisfied smile to my face. -” …and when I recover my material form you shall wet yourself in awe! “ He spoke strongly, but the last remark ruined it for me. -” You tiny Mistress! “

-” Ahahaha… “ I wasn’t sure how to respond to the book’s crude words so I bursted out in laughter.

-” Ey! Why are you laughing?! “ Book asked in an uncertain voice.

-” Sorry, sorry. “ I spoke while still laughing. -” I just couldn’t take it anymore… “ Seeing Culdreth’s oddly hesitant silence I decided to went through with the joke to stop him from further hitting into a prude side. -” That sounded like you had a dimensional problem, is halberd your weapon of choice? “ I curled into a ball trying to stifle my giggles. -” Your sword’s too little for you? “

-” Ugh! “ Culdreth exclaimed. -” Don’t think I will stay like that forever… “

He started, but I had already an interjection planned out. -” Oh, yes, its only a temporary situation after all… “ I spoke out calmly and neatly worked into his sentence. -” ... what’s a century or two for a mighty book! “

-” Argh! “ Culdreth bursted out in anger. -” You… you… you… “ Surprisingly enough. he seem to have ran out of roundabout insults. -” I am not speaking to you, you insufferable Mistress! “

-’ I guess there’s that. ‘ I smiled in satisfaction and languished in my hard earned, free time.

Though the exchange already woken me up and soon, I rose up, urged by a gnawing hunger. -’ Adventurer’s bodies seem to recover in a blink of an eye, though not without a sustenance... Still, I guess that’s a way to keep the bedridden players from swarming the company offices with complaints… ‘

Opening a travelling bread seemed similar to breaking a coconut, but I decided that a tasty and fresh interior was well worth it. Quickly, I placed two traveling breads inside my beginner’s pouch, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that some hateful gaze was resting on me while I was doing that.

-” What? “ I asked Culdreth, but he didn’t deign to respond.

Soon I was faced with a conundrum. -’ Hmm, what should I do with the horses… ‘ I pondered the issue. -’ They are probably stolen, so when I am close to the city there’s a chance they might be identified by some marking system… ‘

-’ ... Still, a good horse is worth a lot… ‘ I tried my best to find something that outweighed the risks. -’ Even a bad one has a considerable value… ‘

-’ Argh, damn it. I will just ride part of the way and leave it near the city. ‘ I anguished over the necessity, but I just couldn’t find a marginally safe way to risk having a stolen horse… not when I also had a murderer’s mark. -” Gotta avoid trouble… “ I sighed and started packing.

Brigands had a lot of supplies, but little things of value. -’ I could appreciate some jewelry… or nice clothes… ‘ I sighed while settling for a leather hat and improvised linen scarf, for which I used a piece of brown cloth.

-’ The rest should be easy… ‘ I released other horses, since misfortune surely would befall me if I ruthlessly left them bound, and I led the remaining horse out of a thicket. -’ ...right? ‘ I thought doubtfully as my gaze wandered over the animal.

I had watched enough movies to put a saddle on properly, but that didn’t change the fact that the beast was taller than I was. -’ And I never rode horse. ‘ I swallowed hard.

-” You seem to be giddy with anticipation, Mistress. “ Culdreth exclaimed snidely and made a remark that really riled me up. -”You find the horses fancy? “

Vehemently, I thrown the book to the ground and stepped on it. -” Did I hit a sore spot, longing Mistress. “ Culdreth seemed unaffected by what happened, so I bent down and looked at him directly, to show him that I mean business.

-” One more dirty remark and you are landing in the void for an afternoon… “ I said intransigently with a low voice. -” ...or more, depending on the remark. Am I clear? “

After a moment of uncertain silence Culdreth responded in a stifled voice. -” Perfectly, Mistress. “

Angrily, I bent down and picked up the book and then placed it into a saddlebag. -” Ey, take me out, I can’t see anything of interest from here! “ The book complained instantly.

-” Shut up, be grateful that I settled for a regular bag. “ I responded angrily and focused on the horse. Luckily, it seemed that the one I chose was rather calm as it haven’t done anything through the whole exchange, just bent down and grazed lazily.

I pursed my lips with determination and reached for the saddlehorn. Simultaneously, I jumped while pulling myself up, and I found myself on the saddle with a surprising ease. I thanked the powers beyond that the horse didn’t use the moment while I was horizontally lying on the saddle to bolt. After minor corrections I managed to sit correctly and started fiddling with the stirrups to adjust their length.

Finally satisfied I grabbed and shook the reins. -” Yi. “ A gasp escaped me when when horse suddenly bursted forward into gallop, almost throwing me off. With desperate effort I fell forward and grabbed the mane, trying my best to stay in the saddle.

-’ Riding the damn thing is not as easy as they claim! ‘ I exclaimed in my thoughts as my body was shaken violently by the racing beast. Somehow I freed one hand and pulled on the reins with all my might.

Horse reacted in an instant, suddenly slowing down and kicking violently. Momentum sent me over the horses head in a wide arc that perfectly showcased grass covered ground rushing to meet me. Reacting on instinct, I twisted as I hit the ground, somehow landing on my feet and rapidly tumbling to the side. After several maddening turns I lost a lot of momentum and managed to kick the ground to break the tumble and raise to my feet.

In a rush of the while I felt really elated by the landing, but soon a dark cloud of hatred stifled the miraculous feeling as I spotted the horse, which was pacing away. -” Oh, no, you wouldn’t dare! “ I muttered with deadly intent, as I was not going to be stranded running after a stupid horse.

Without thinking I extended a hand and concentrated. A rush of power sizzled through my body and turned into glowing aura around my fingers. Instantly I released coalesced power which exploded into a forked zigzag of electricity that struck the horse down.

-” Iiiiiii! “ With a maudling complaint the horse fell down and started twitching on the ground.

Quickly, I approached the beast and found out, to my surprise, that it was relatively unhurt. I pondered the happenstance. -’ Hmm, I guess the mana wasn’t concentrated enough to turn into lightning, so it was more like an electrical zap… ‘

I took care of the horse, which become surprisingly docile, and cleaned it up, as it was somewhat dirty due to twitching in an aftermath of an electrical shock.

Afterwards, I managed to peacefully continue on my journey to the city.

===============

Hey~, Author's here~

My board of advisors, you can consider them a PR guys, came to me and said that for public image it will be better if I start releasing on the scheduled. Since they seem to know what they are doing most of the time, and they had a proof for it, I decided to go with the idea.

I wasn't sure on release schedule, but after much debating I decided to release chapters of TFE every other monday, to make sure that they aren't rushed and subpar. If I will manage to grow some reserves I might release more than one chapter at a time, but we shall see bout that.

Still I hope you will continue to like and follow my story.

Cheers,

Mea

PS Head researcher for the advisory board was Owlbear General, so he will be scape goat and you may blame him for the new release schedule if you want to :P

Cheers,

Mea, The PR Overlord

NEXT CHAPTE: Chapter 31 - The Travelling

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