Chapter 6

Tyriel gave them a minute to absorb his revelation, “Tell you what I’m going to go take a bath, while I’m doing that all of you decide if you want to stay with me now that you know or go back to your warren. If the first one, then come up with ways you will be beneficial to me, if the latter I will try and get you back no strings attached.” They just kept staring at him, so he got up and went into the bathroom and activated the water gem to fill the tub.

As he touched the crystal he felt his core tug at it causing him to jerk his hand back, he looked at it then used his senses to watch his core as he put his hand back to the crystal. As his hand touched the surface his core lit up and he could definitely feel it try to draw the mana from the crystal, willing it not to, he went ahead and activated the crystal. He would look into it later but he knew for sure he didn’t want to be responsible for damaging the crystal.

While the tub filled he went to get a change of clothes to get into when he was done, gazing over at the group he saw them animatedly talking to each other in hushed words. Not wanting to look like he was spying he hurried with his retrieval and went back to the bath. When he got there the tub was near to the top so he deactivated the blue crystal and switched to the orange. The same experience happened again but he just persevered and turned off the crystal once the water was heated.

Getting undressed then slipping into the water he closed his eyes and gave a contented sigh as he was enveloped by the hot water. For the first time since arriving here in this world, he felt himself relaxing all the stress leaving his body. “We decided we would become your bonded in hopes of finding more of your race or helping you sire more.” hearing T’raim’s voice right next to his ear made him shoot up splashing water all over, he even might have squeaked like a girl a little bit.

Calming down he turned to T’raim, telling him they could discuss it when he got done and that if they were ready to pull the bell cord and go ahead and eat while they were waiting. To which he responded they could but he would still have to get out of his bath as they would not give the food to them since they thought they were pets. “Fine, I’ll get out when they get here okay, now get out!”

Tyriel scrubbed himself down then washed his clothes, getting done about the time a knock came at the door. Walking over in his pants and a towel draped over his shoulder he opened the door to find three people holding trays of food and drinks. He stepped aside allowing them to come in and set down the trays on the big table. He gave each of them a copper knut, then grabbing the last one leaving asked him if he knew how to drain the water from the tub. The man responded by telling him that it would do it by itself once it sensed no one in the tub after a couple of minutes then left, sure enough, when he went back in all the dirty water was gone.

Laying out his clothes to dry, he then got fully dressed then went to join the others at the table. He found them hungrily devouring pieces of meat as he sat down and grabbed his own plate. The way they were going at it they mustn’t have eaten for a while, so he just started in on his own meal waiting to talk to them after it was done.

With a loud burp T’raim leaned back in his chair sporting a little potbelly, Looking over at Tyriel he patted his belly, “Thank you great one we were terribly famished. That bastard hadn’t fed us for three days just gave us water with some blood mixed in.” Tyriel looked at the rest of them “Well you won't have to worry about that again. So you want to bond with me, what does that entail, and what benefits come from it?”

“Well, we would benefit from it by being able to source your mana pool and affinities giving us several abilities. You would benefit by being able to draw on us like batteries, at first it would only be mana but in time as it grows you could get life energy from us to heal rapidly plus add our souls to yours when you attempt to ward off attacks to your soul.”

That interested him quite a bit they basically increase all his power pools, which could be a game-changer in any confrontation. T’raim kept going seeing him taking an interest “Plus we are all miners but besides that me, K’siss, and S’tor can be porters for you while Sk’irre could be a mage once she connects with your affinities and K’rick is a priest librarian who can act as your advisor on the gods and other intellectual items you might need.”

Tyriel stopped him “Wait why do you only get those after, you can’t access them now?” K’rick stepped in “No, only to a lesser degree. Our true potential can not be obtained till we are bonded with someone like you. That is how Typhon made us, to be more powerful as a unit but weaker apart. For a true symbiosis, both parties must benefit from the partnership.”

Tyriel sat thinking then looked over at all of them, “Okay here’s what we are going to do, you tell me what we need to do in order to do the bond. Then I need to go sell some stuff and get better equipment, while doing that I will need to decide if I’m going to continue with the caravan or if we part ways with them now. I guess that will depend if Kraim will let me travel with all of you in tow. Also no more great one my name is Tyriel.”

Sighing he had them explain what they needed to do, which turned out not all that much, each of them along with him had to put some blood in a bowl then while they all took a drink of the blood K’rick would intone a prayer to Typhon to join them at which point I should get a prompt asking him if he accepted their service. He wasn’t totally happy about it but in for a dime in for a dollar!

They performed the ceremony with him receiving the prompt which he acknowledged, each of them was enveloped by a bright red light then all of a sudden Tyriel knew exactly where they were and how they felt. Right now they felt excited and happy which he could also see as they jumped around celebrating.

K’rick and T’raim were hugging each other when K’rick turned to him “This feels wonderful I have never felt this much energy before, I can access old memories that were closed to us for ages. What level are you?” Tyriel laughed with them “I don’t have a level yet I still need to get more experience to level up. I think I’m about halfway there.” He didn’t see them all stop and stare at him again as he head turned to get his boots “Speaking of which. I was supposed to get some xp from a quest to find civilization but it still hasn't awarded me any. Do you know what’s up with that?” With that, he was turning back to head to a chair to put his boots on when he saw them staring at him again. “What?”

“You have no level yet? But it feels like you have a large mana pool and your core is awakened we can see it pulsing like a small sun.” K’rick was waving his hands walking in a circle while he was talking, “How is this possible, the bond shouldn’t have gone through if you have no level yet.” Tyriel explained to them everything that happened to him from when he arrived till finding them, they stared at him the whole time till he was done then four of them all turned to stare at K’rick “Well explain Ole’high one of Typhon” T’raim sarcastically stated.

“That must be it! You must be a chosen of Typhon. that's how you got the race and why you have been having all this luck. He’s bending the rules to give you the best possible chance to survive and repopulate his children. And if you're blessed that makes us blessed too, meaning he arranged for us to be caught and brought here to cross paths with you.”

With that, the other four were back to jumping around and chanting chosen over and over again, till he told them to stop they had things to do. K’rick told him that unless he really needed to go to Telenburg it would be better to stay here and get some supplies then they could go with him back to salvage the wreck and also earn some experience along the way.

He looked at them skeptically, asking how exactly were the five of them going to help him haul all the salvage back here to sell. T’raim smiled at him went, then grabbing Tyriels pack T'raim went over to his bed touched it, then with a soft pop it disappeared, then T’raim waved his hand mystically making the bed reappeared with another soft pop. K’rick laughed at Tyriel’s expression and took pity on him by explaining, they were blessed by Typhon with space affinity which allowed them to have a dimensional space they could store things in. They use to only have a three by three cubed space that didn’t hold much but now with their bond to him they each had a thirty x thirty cubed space that could hold things without worrying about weight. If it would fit in the space it was gone till they called it forth.

That was definitely worth a lot right there Tyriel thought, he would only have to find something small that could hold just them allowing for faster travel there than the slow large wagons, he would look at getting a small cart with a horse later. For now, he was going to find a place to sell the jewelry he scavenged to get some funds, then he would get some gear and stop by to tell Kraim he wasn’t going to Telenburg after all.

He told them to stay in the room and not let anyone in, though K’rick said he and T’raim should go with him in case he needed advice on what to get or needed help carrying. At first, he was going to say no, then thought it would happen eventually he would need to get used to them being with him, so best to go ahead and get it over now. They headed downstairs so he could ask the innkeeper where he might find a place that would buy his loot.

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There was a man there this time introducing himself as Harold, he was very helpful in giving an address to a shop only a couple of blocks away with a clothing store right next door. Thanking him they headed out with Tyriel feeling invigorated to see the town that would be his new home for a while.

As they walked he asked them what they thought about getting some help with everything, they both told him it was a bad idea unless he wanted them to learn his secrets. T’raim said however he could buy some indentured then use the contract to order them not to reveal anything they learn, Tyriel said he wasn’t sure about indenturing anyone as it was close to slavery which was a big taboo in his old world. K’rick added he could buy them then offer them a better contract that would give them a chance at actually paying their debts thus earning their freedom. By offering them fair wages along with fair interest on their debt he would be treating them totally differently than the larger population.

He was still going over it in his head when they arrived at the shop, it was a nice stone building with a picture of a jeweled ring over the door with the word TAYLOR'S on it. Walking in he spotted a gnome sitting behind the glass counter showcasing various rings, pins, and necklaces, when the gnome saw them he put up a hand “Sorry sir no pets allowed in here they have to stay outside if you wish to shop here.”

Tyriel stopped and pointed beside the door “Stay don’t move.” K’rick and T’raim looked at him then stalked over to the door and plopped down with their arms crossed glaring at him. When he turned to go back to the counter he heard a woof come from them, ignoring them he asked the gnome if they purchased jewelry as well as sale it. He said they did and had an appraiser who could look at his items right here in front of him and give a fair price.

Awesome he thought and told the gnome he would like to do that, the gnome nodded asking him to wait then went through a door coming back with an older dwarf. They shook hands and exchanged names with the dwarf's being Thrain after which he asked to see what Tyriel had to sell. He pulled out all five rings plus the jeweled pendant to which the dwarf whistled appreciably, picking it up first to look at with a jewelers Monocle then the rings.

He told him the pendant was the true treasure here so he would give him 1 ducat for each ring and 4 ducats for the pendant. If he was fine with that offer they would give him a slip of paper he could redeem at the bank as they didn’t carry that much here. Tyriel was stunned he just made what the average person would in 24 years, the dwarf assured him that was the best that could be offered thinking his stunned expression was due to the offer. Tyriel apologized and said the offer was just fine it was just more than he expected, then expressed his thanks for dealing with him fairly.

Thrain accepted the explanation then went to a back room coming back with a slip of glowing paper, handing it to Tyriel he gave him directions to the bank along with what he had to do to redeem it. Thanking him again he left the shop collecting the still pouting kobolds and walked over to the clothing store.

He asked the kobolds if they needed any outfits for the journey with them responding just some robes and cloaks they didn’t need pants as they wouldn’t work with their tails. This time he as they walked in he asked if it was okay for them to come in as he wanted to buy outfits for them too. The lady said it would be no problem they were used to dressing up the noble's pets, just pick out what he wanted and they would fit it for them. The ladies kept cooing over the kobolds as they fit the robes, they were mesmerized by how well behaved and exotic they were, the two kobolds ate it all up.

He ended up getting each kobold three robes and a cloak while he got himself five better quality outfits, three for in town and two for traveling out in the wilds. He made the kobolds carry all the packages while they headed back to the caravan market to find Kraim and inform him of Tyriels decision to stay. Then they would head to the bank and back to the inn to finish out the day.

When they arrived back where Kraim had his wagons parked, Tyriel saw Kasric with the elves taking down the tent and packing everything back into the wagons. Kasric waved at him when she spotted him then gave a quizzical look at the kobolds. “Well look at you, bring you to a civilized area and you buy fancy clothes and pets. You looking at being a noble?” Tyriel chuckled at her “Not quite. But my fortune did change and I came by to tell Kraim I’m going to stay here instead of going on to Telenburg. Is he around?” She had a frown on her face “Sorry to hear that. He’s back behind that third wagon there, but I warn you he doesn’t give back refunds.” that last was given softly as she leaned closer to him.

“That’s okay I wasn’t going to ask for one, just wanted him to know so you weren’t waiting on me in the morning.” she nodded “Well good luck then, me and the boys will miss you they were hoping to get to spar with you later and teach you more about dungeons, maybe we’ll cross paths again.” with that she patted him on the head and went back to helping the elves. Tyriel started to walk away then stopped and turned back to her, “Hey Kasric! If I could get you and the Lupins out of your debt would you be willing to work a deal with me that would be beneficial to all of us?”

She just stared at him then shook herself “How good did your fortune change? You know how much we owe and how we hate working for him so if this is you kidding it's in poor taste and hurtful.” Tyriel quickly held his hands up in a calming gesture “I’m not kidding, I can't promise it will work but I have an idea to offer to Kraim, if he takes it you could come with me. I just wanted to know if all of you would want to before I offered.” she blinked for a few seconds, looked over at the elves then back to him “Make him your offer if he takes it we will go if not just leave don’t stop back here we will know already.” she then went back over to the elves.

T’raim tapped him on his leg when he looked down “What’s your offer and why them?” “You mentioned buying indentures instead of adventurers to help. Kasric and her crew were dungeon divers before they became indentured servants, plus they know about me already so if I can get them it works out to our benefit. They both nodded, then they headed over to find Kraim.

They found Kraim looking through a crate while Garris waited to load it into the wagon, seeing Tyriel he finished with what he was doing then motioned for the lupin to load it. Turning to Tyriel he also gave a quizzical look at him and the kobolds, “What brings you by here? Kasric said you were going to the inn.” Tyriel nodded “ I did. I came by to let you know I wasn’t going on to Telenburg but staying here, and no I do not want a refund I’m happy with our arrangement.” Kraim had started to protest but stopped when he heard the last. “Well thank you for understanding. Others would try and get some money back. If that’s all then I bid you fair fortunes and a goodnight.”

Tyriel put up a hand to stall him “Speaking of fortunes I do have a proposition for you if you will hear it?” Kraim paused then nodded his head for him to go on “My fortune has been good and I would like to make you an offer for Kasric and the Lupins. I have a choice for you first I will pay five ducats now and two ducats a month for the next five months giving you a five ducat profit from what they owe, or I can give you three ducats now and five percent of all profit we bring out of dungeons from now on starting six months after I purchase them so we can train together. Would you be interested in either one?”

Kraim looked shocked “You have that kind of money?” Tyriel showed him his slip of paper “You can see right here I have a banknote to redeem that will more than cover it.” Kraim took the note then handed it back. “How did you manage that?” Tyriel shook his head “That I won't tell you. It just proves I can make the money, so are you interested in either deal?”

Kraim pondered for a while then “I would require that you make a dungeon run at least twice a month or pay me two ducats if you don’t make the runs or make no profit that month. If you agree to that then we have a deal otherwise I’m not interested.” Tyriel played like he was thinking about it then told him he agreed to the terms. Shortly a contract appeared in front of him, making sure it was what they had discussed he told him he would need to go by the bank before he could give him the money.

Kraim gave him another note telling him to have the teller put it in Kraim's account when he cashed his note after the money was deposited the contract would award him the contracts for the crew. Hearing this Tyriel accepted the contract then with a flash the deal was sealed. Tyriel bid Kraim farewell and wished him luck for the future, then he went to find Kasric.

Seeing him walk up her ears pricked up towards him, “He did it really?” Tyriel nodded “I’m going to the bank now once I deposit his money you will see your ownership change when that happens grab the guys plus all your gear then come to the inn. How many rooms do you need?” she was so stunned that she didn’t answer him till he touched her arm, startled she looked lost at first then shook “Yeah right umm rooms. Let's see if I remember you can get a room for all of them to stay in and then get me just an average one that should do for now.” she said that last part with a sideways look at him “No I’m not making you sleep in my room that is not how this is going to go so relax.” Tyriel animatedly waved his hands in a negative gesture, that was the last thing he needed to have in his head to deal with right now,

She chuckled then told him they would be there, thanking him again then going off to find the Lupins and tell them the good news. Tyriel and the kobolds made their way to the bank making it just before they closed for the day. He waited in line while they shut the doors behind him, till he finally made it up to a pretty female human teller.

“Hello, sir! How may I help you today?” Tyriel put both papers on the counter “I need to set up an account for me then redeem this first note while putting three ducats in this other account to finish a business transaction.” She looked down at the papers and seeing the amount looked flustered “Right away my lord please forgive my manners. What name should go on the account?” Tyriel tried to ease her mind, “It’s okay! No apology is necessary. The name will be Tyriel.” she nodded “Of what house milord?” Tyriel stopped he was about to say he wasn’t a lord, but it might be better if they perceive him as such so what house should he choose.

Looking down he saw the kobolds then a name came to him “House Drache” she dutifully recorded everything then went away and came back with a ring. “Here is your account ring milord and all your transactions will be completed when you don the ring then activate it. Starting tomorrow morning you will be able to make purchases or make banknotes with it. Do you require anything else milord?”

Slipping the ring on and sending a little mana to it there was another flash and then a prompt {You have five debt contracts: Kasric, Rory, Phoebus, Cerble, Garris. All terms have been transferred to you from the previous owner} he smiled “No !" he coughed " No. I believe everything went very nicely thank you and good night!”