“The outpost is called Abatu,” Michael mentioned. The two of them had made good headway to the outpost, the sun showing it was late in the afternoon. Stanley had felt it was much later than that, but he said nothing.
“I’m not sure if he’s still around, I haven’t been in over a year, but the leader of Abatu calls himself Paulek. He’s been out here in the Land of Solitude for decades now and he has a bunch of outposts, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t here.”
“How does he own all these outposts? Isn’t it difficult to operate one?”
“As far as I know, it’s like a vast interconnected organism. Word spreads faster than anywhere else, so if something happens to one outpost, the rest find out in a matter of a day or two. Paulek’s got a lot of influence around these parts, so having his blessing is imperative.”
“Have you met him?”
“Who, Paulek? Oh, sure. Just ‘cause he has a lot of influence, doesn’t mean he’s a legend or some mystical figure. I believe I’ve met him five times over the years, and once you meet him once he never forgets you.”
Michael continued heading eastward with Stanley behind him. The craters around them became less apparent, with multiple signs of glass-sand popping up around them. Ashen Ravens echoed their voices through the landscape, which had become less and less desolate as the hours went by. Patches of grass became bigger, and running water made a few appearances throughout the landscape, though sand still predominately thrived.
Another hour passed, and in the distance Stanley saw a small structure looming over the horizon. As he got closer, he could distinguish the finer details of the building. It was not one structure, but rather multiple ones that were surrounded by a tall wooden wall. A large gate opened to show the inside, which appeared to have a few tents and one or two bigger buildings. A tall tower rose above everything else, the only one to reach a height taller than that of the walls.
Next to the gate were two muscular men, each wearing similar tattered clothing. They wore black boots and each had a scruffy chin and scars up their arms. Above the gate read a large sign. Abatu—The Central Trading Hub.
“State your business,” The left guard stated sticking his right hand out. In his left, he held a large gun which positioned itself on his shoulder.
“We’re here to trade with Paulek,” Michael stated promptly.
The guards looked at each other and then back at Michael. “Who are you? How do you know Paulek?”
“Let’s say I’m a regular. I’ve met him in Joest and in Meik. We arranged a third meeting for today, you should have been notified.”
The guards looked at each other once again. Stanley was confused as well. Notified? How could he have notified them?
“We’ve never seen you here before,” The right guard now spoke. He wore similar clothing to the left guard but held a significantly bigger gun, taking up both of his hands. His left eye had a scar running through it. “We’ll ask again. Who are you?”
Stanley attempted to grab Michael’s shoulder but before he could do that, Michael shifted his gaze to the left guard. In a commanding, soft voice, he spoke once again. “I am Michael Hickhox, and you were notified of my arrival.”
The left guard stared at Michael for a moment. His eyes dilated before he seemed to put a name to a face. Turning to the right guard, he spoke again. “I was mistaken, I was notified of his arrival. I forgot to mention it to you.”
“You know him?” The right guard questioned.
“I don’t, no, but Paulek must.” The left guard turned to the two of them and invited them inside the outpost. “Come, I’ll show you around Abatu.” Michael and Stanley followed the guard inside, his large figure moving with force.
The inside of Abatu was simple. In the center was a large open area where traders were talking amongst each other. Along the walls were tents and shops that seemed to be there for a long time, each having a shopkeeper who shouted prices at the passing crowd. In one of the corners of the outpost was a wooden building which seemed to run below the ground, and in the other was another building that had only one floor. Far from the three of them was the tall tower that Stanley had seen from afar, its winding and crooked look rising high above the ground.
“This is the central square,” the guard began gesturing around them. “This is where most of the traders do their business, as you can see. That small building over there is where news from other outposts come in, no need for you folk to worry about that. That tower over there is where you’ll be meeting Paulek tomorrow, and-”
“Tomorrow?!” Michael exclaimed, pulling the guard aside. “We need to meet with him today. Tomorrow isn’t an option.”
“Mr. Hickhox,” the guard said in a condescending voice, “tomorrow is the only option. Paulek is out right now and is meeting nobody. I apologize, but there is nothing more I can do. Until your meeting time, we’ll have you a room at the outpost inn. Understand?”
Michael looked at Stanley and then back at the guard. “Fine. Show us to the inn.”
The guard agreed and took them to one of the wooden buildings in the corner of the settlement. Inside was a room with a front desk and several benches strewn about the room. Off to the side was a unattended bar with several bottles of liquor lined against the wall. The guard went to the front desk and spoke with the lady there for a moment before returning to Michael and Stanley. “Your room is three floors down, second door on the right. Your meeting with Paulek is at first sun tomorrow morning. Be at the tower there before then or you will miss it. Sleep well.” The guard waved farewell to the front desk lady before exiting the building and returning to the gate.
Michael sighed and waved Stanley along to the stairs, leading them down the three flights as instructed and to the second door on the right. Inside was a small room with two small beds and a lantern hanging from the ceiling. A small table stood in the back corner, and the room smelled of rot and feet.
“You said you’ve been here before, why’d you need the tour?” Stanley sat on one of the beds and tested its feel. It was hard.
“It’s been well over a year, I’d be surprised if there was anyone that remembers me from then. People don’t stay in one place long enough to remember anyone else. They remember their clients and that’s about it. Other traders or merchants aren’t nearly as important to remember, because we’re all out for one thing: money.”
“Still, I’m amazed you found the time to notify the guards of our arrival, how’d you do that?”
Michael shrugged. “It’s unimportant. What’s important is that we have a meeting with Paulek to get his protection along the line to Reinbose. From here’s it’s a three day trek to Greenwood.”
Stanley nodded.
Michael sat in his bed and reached into his satchel, pulling out a book. “If you want to see the outpost, it’s probably best you do it now. I’ll be here when you come back.”
Stanley nodded again, standing up and exiting the small room. When he reached the surface, the sky had gotten pinker, showing the sun was reaching the horizon. The traders had decreased in number, and the shopkeepers began to pack their things up. The noise had decreased as well, as people reached their final agreements, and began to head to the inn where the bar was now attended. The tower sat idly by, quietly watching over the outpost.
Stanley went to a few of the shopkeepers who kept their wares out to ask them about the settlement. They’d all either ignored him or told him to buy, none answering his questions. The tents closed their doors, and the small wooden building across the way was as unpopulated as ever.
As the sky grew darker, he noticed the two guards step inside the outpost and slam shut the large gate doors. They spoke a few words with each other before heading to the inn.
Stanley followed and returned to the inn where the inside now held several traders and merchants drinking away. Some carried on their deals and trades while others talked about the news around the Land of Solitude. Music played by volunteers that kept the scene lively and entertained several merchants who sat around them and sung along. Stanley went to the front desk lady, a different one than before.
“What’s going on here? Is everyone from outside the settlement?”
The clerk smiled at him. “Of course. There’s very few who live here for more than three months, every night they come here to forget everything and enjoy a drink or two.”
“How do they pay for the drinks?” Stanley questioned.
“They get special currency only used by Paulek outposts whenever they trade with us,” the clerk said with a smile.
Stanley thanked the clerk and began heading for the stairs but was stopped by the sounds of cheering and shouting much louder than before. Everyone in the inn turned their attention to the musicians where a bard had come out. After hearing for some requests, the bard picked up a lute from against the wall, tuned it for a moment, and then begun singing.
“In the Land of Solitude, where silence reigns supreme,
A tale unfolds of war and might, like a long-forgotten dream.
Reinbose and Einrich clashed, their nations torn apart,
Yet legends whisper of heroes, etched within each heart.
“Amidst the raging tempest, where swords clashed and rang,
A band of fifty-seven, their valor undeterred, they sang.
The Men of Gordon, warriors bold, stood against the tide,
With strength and unwavering courage, they fought side by side.
“Oh, Land of Solitude, where hope is but a dream,
Whispers of forgotten battles echo through the stream.
Amidst the chaos and despair, one story stands tall,
The legendary Men of Gordon, who heeded destiny's call.
“Through the darkest nights of war, their spirits burned like fire,
They faced the harshest trials, their hearts filled with desire.
A beacon of hope in a land so torn asunder,
Their deeds of bravery and valor thunder.
“No foe could break their line, no army could prevail,
The Men of Gordon fought with fervor, their foes began to quail.
With each swing of their blades, they pushed back the foe,
Their unwavering resolve becoming a legend to bestow.
“Though time may fade their memory, their legacy lives on,
The Men of Gordon, a symbol of courage, never to be gone.
In the Land of Solitude, their story is told,
Of heroes who fought valiantly, their spirits forever bold.
“So let their names be sung, and their valor be known,
The Men of Gordon, whose legend forever has grown.
In the annals of history, their triumphs remain,
A testament to bravery, in a land once torn by pain.”
His voice was serene and flowed through the air. Throughout the song, the inn was quiet. No other instruments accompanied the bard as he sung his tale, none needed to. Each word was meticulously placed one after the other as a story was strung. The bard’s blonde hair waved as his head nodded back and forth, as if singing to everyone. Some whispered the words along with him, while others swayed to the tune.
Stanley listened to the tale until its completion. When the bard finished, everyone who’d been sitting stood up and cheered. Drinks and liquor flew as the bard was smothered in applause.
“Quite the singer, huh?” Stanley hadn’t noticed, but during the song a large man had stood to his side. Looking over, he noticed the guard that showed them around as he cheered for the bard.
“Yeah, I’d never thought a voice that nice would be out here.”
The guard finished clapping and turned to Stanley. “You’d be surprised. There’s many like him out there, but I think he’s one of the best. He travels all around the Land of Solitude, does these shows in the inns sometimes, gets paid a whole lot in food and shelter. You’re Mr. Hickhox’s companion, yes? Let me buy you a drink.”
Stanley tried to decline his offer, but before he could the guard was already halfway to the bar. He had no choice but to follow. When he reached the bar, he sat down at the barstool next to the large figure, a drink already in front of him.
“How’s Einrich this time of year?” The guard asked, slamming down his half-finished drink.
“Einrich?” Stanley thought for a moment before remembering Michael’s words. “Not sure, I’ve never been.”
The guard laughed. “Sure you have! That accent is about as thick as I’ve ever seen. You gotta try harder if you’re to trick anyone into thinking you’re not from there. I get it, though. You want to forget where you came from. It’s the same with everyone. Nobody comes here lookin’ to talk about the past. Some of us aren’t afraid to talk about where we hail from, others never mention it. Apologies for my irreverence.”
“It’s alright. Are you someone who doesn’t mind saying where they’re from?”
“Oh, sure. I’m from Wargia, one of the northern states. It’s best known for its mountain range that spans the entire country. Early in the Northern War, it was said that Reinbose wanted the resources within the mountains, but I guess its changed to the resources in Rivercrest. The country is occupied by the empire last I heard, and the mountains make it damn near impossible to overtake, so I’ve got no worries for it regarding the war.”
Stanley thought about the servant in Antonov’s mansion. He, too, had been from Wargia. He wondered if he’d been alright since his departure. He took a sip of the drink he’d been given and nearly spat it out. It had a bitter taste and burned his throat. Not wanting to be rude he swallowed it against his will.
“I came here about 2 years ago, I’d been promised by Paulek that I could find work and shelter here, so I’m about one of ten who stays here year-round.”
“And do you like it here?”
“Sure. It keeps me busy, let’s me see all kinds of folk. You and Michael are no exception. People like you are what keeps me here.”
“Why’d you leave Wargia?”
The guard thought for a moment. The blonde bard had begun another song and had made the inn go quiet once again. When he finished speaking, he spoke in a quieter tone, to match the room. “In Wargia, because of the Empire’s rule, the entire country is ruled by a governor selected by the empire. The noble class and those in the political sphere must align with the governor’s every decision or the ultimate punishment could be put in place. My father worked in the political sphere and worked very closely with the governor, so I grew up in a very political household.
“My father and the governor grew close together and each had children around my age, so an arranged marriage was pretty much set in stone. She was very nice and very beautiful, and honestly, if I’d met her in any other circumstance I might’ve fallen in love. But I knew the circumstances of the marriage, so when it was announced that I’d be marrying her, I felt like a tool to my father to gain political influence. I was still attracted to my fiancé, so I pleaded with her to come with me and flee the country, either east to Rivercrest or west to Balcesteria, neither of which was under imperial rule. Unfortunately, she did not feel the same as I did and was going to turn me in the next day for deserting the country. So I ran. Came to the place I didn’t even mention to her—the Land of Solitude. I knew if I’d gone to Balcesteria or Rivercrest I’d’ve been found, so I came here. Eventually, I found an outpost, made myself known, met Paulek and the rest is history.”
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Stanley looked at his cup, he said nothing, waiting for the guard to continue.
“Everyone’s got similar stories to mine. Some committed crimes and others wanted freedom from oppression. Regardless of the reasoning, I think it’s pretty cool how we can come together like this and enjoy a song or three.”
The blonde bard finished his second song and applause roared throughout the inn once again.
Stanley broke his silence. “That song, the one about the Men of Gordon, is it true?”
“What about it?”
“Well, I was under the impression that they never existed, but that song talks about them as if they were real.”
The guard looked at the bard, who thanked the applauding audience. “I think that each person has a different opinion about them. Whether or not they existed, whether or not they still exist, whether or not they were killed, everyone seems to think something about it. Me? I think they aren’t more than just a legend. Probably some tale that was thought up to instill morale in soldiers. Even if they did exist, they’d probably be dead by now, considering they’d be over a hundred years old!” The guard laughed. “Songs sung by bards are meant to be just that—songs. They’re stories strung together for the sake of entertainment. If you analyze every little detail about them, you won’t find any enjoyment in them. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
The guard finished his drink and stepped away from the counter. He slammed some metal objects onto the bar and bid farewell to Stanley before exiting the inn.
Stanley took another bitter sip of his drink before putting it down. He thanked the bartender and stepped away from the bar, heading to the stairs. The bard had put his lute down and stepped away from the stage, allowing another group to take his place. As Stanley reached the stairs he slowly began heading down.
He eventually reached the third floor and entered the second door on the right. Michael was still there, reading his book. When Stanley entered, Michael looked up and gave a slight smile. Stanley sat on his bed, not able to hear what went on upstairs.
“How’s it upstairs?” Michael asked, closing his book.
“Loud,” Stanley said, “but the bard did play a good tune.”
“What about?”
“The Men of Gordon.”
Ah. Michael put his book into his satchel and set it on the small table in the corner. He returned to his bed and laid down on it. “I can’t drink like that anymore.”
Stanley turned around to face him.
“I used to drink with ‘em all the time. It’s good for networking. Getting to know other merchants, they give you better deals when you have a history with them. I can’t do that anymore.”
“Why not?”
“I may not look it, Stanley, but I’m old. I can hold my own in battle, but my age doesn’t allow me to do many things. Drinking being one of ‘em.”
Stanley was baffled. Michael easily looked his age, if not just a little older. For him to claim that he was much older made him scoff. “I was talking with the guard from earlier, he mentioned that he was from Wargia. You ever been there?”
“Me? No. I don’t get out much. The Land of Solitude has everything I could ever need. No reason for me to go to places I’ve never been, you know?”
“But you’re going to Reinbose.”
“If it’s for business, it’s different. If someone like you came through Reinbose to get to Wargia, then I’d have an excuse to go.” Michael sat up. “Moreover, I’m curious about you. You’ve seen what it’s like out here—the kinds of people, the way they live—have you any second thoughts about going to Reinbose?”
Stanley thought for a moment. Before he could conceive an answer, Michael resumed.
“I’m by no means saying we stop our mission now. I’m still taking you to Reinbose, and you’re still going to help me when we reach Greenwood. What I mean is, if I were to say to you ‘You need to stay here’, how would you react?”
Stanley chuckled. “‘You need to stay here’? I’d think you were trying to kidnap me! In all seriousness, I’d seriously consider it, but I’d probably still decline. Yes, I’ve seen what the people are like and how the way of life is out here, and while it is better than what I had back in Einrich, I can’t say for certain that I’d be able to live out here, much less survive on my own.”
Michael thought for a moment. “You’re right. You can’t know until you do it.” He stood and blew out the candle inside the lantern, casting darkness in the room. In the darkness, Michael spoke once more. “I personally believe you could survive. If it’s worth anything, if you decide to get bored of Reinbose in a year or two, I’m sure you’d be welcomed out here.”
Stanley nodded. He laid down on his bed and closed his eyes, anticipating his discussion with Paulek the next day.
* * *
Stanley woke up to the sounds of Michael lighting the lantern above them. The room illuminated and he fought his drowsiness as he exited his bed. Michael left the room before him, saying he needed to speak with the guards once more. Stanley woke himself up, got his things, and shortly afterward followed Michael upstairs.
When Stanley reached the surface, he noticed several merchants asleep on various benches. Employees cleaned the floor as a clerk cleaned glasses behind the bar. He stepped outside and breathed in the moist morning air. The dirt beneath him was damp as it appeared to have rained the night before.
The sky was still dim as the sun had yet to rise above the horizon, and shopkeepers were beginning to set up their wares while hungover merchants stumbled to the inn for a glass of water. Across the outpost was Michael talking to an extremely tall man who, after exchanging a few words, led him to the tower. Stanley walked over to the two of them, who paid him no attention and continued their discussion in a language Stanley couldn’t understand.
When the two finished their discussion, Michael turned to Stanley.
“He will lead us to where we’ll be meeting Paulek.”
The tall man, who stood over a foot above Stanley’s head, stepped inside the tower before returning with two more men. The two men took Stanley and Michael’s names and led them up several floors in the tower to a small room with a balcony and a few chairs. In the center of the room was a small coffee table, and at the back of the room had a very large chair with black leather cushioning.
One of the men who led them there spoke a few words to Michael before shutting the door. The two men stood guard next to the door they entered as Michael took a seat in one of the smaller chairs. After looking around the room once more, Stanley took a seat in the chair next to him.
The two sat silently next to one another for a moment before the doors swung open with a loud sound. Michael immediately stood and Stanley did the same shortly after. He turned to the door to see who’d entered, and it was the last thing he expected.
A huge, tall, fat man walked in through the doors, having to crouch beneath them. He wore a navy blue suit and a purple tie. His face was angular and his hair was pulled out of his eyes. He had a handkerchief in his breast pocket with clovers on it, and used it to wipe his face. The man stomped over to the chair and sat. Michael stepped out to the center of the room and sat on his knees, looking over to Stanley for him to do the same. When Stanley knelt, the fat man spoke.
“Mikey!! How good it is to see you!” The man spoke in a high-pitched, feminine tone, completely opposite of what Stanley expected. He waved his arms around while he spoke before returning to a natural pose as he rested his head on his hand. The man turned to Stanley. “I see you brought a companion, this isn’t like you Mikey.”
“We’re just here to do a simple deal and then get outta your hair,” Michael said, respectfully.
“Ah! Must we really part so quickly, Mikey? I think we are long overdue for a chat, wouldn’t you say?” The large man turned to Stanley. “Whom might you be, companion of Michael Hickhox?”
“He’s Stanley,” Michael said before Stanley could. “We can catch up another day, but we need to-”
“The boy can speak for himself, Mikey! And you two needn’t kneel before me, I’m not the emperor of Einrich after all. Please, you can stand.” With those few words, Michael stood. Stanley, doing so after him. “Stanley, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Paulek, though I’m sure Michael has told you many things about me.”
Stanley nodded.
“You know, Stanley, Mikey and I go waaaayyy back. We’ve met only a handful of times, but it feels as if we’re the best of friends. Wouldn’t you say so, Mikey?”
“I would,” Michael responded quickly. “And I promise I’ll be back in a week’s time, and we can exchange information then, but for now we need to go.”
Paulek shifted his position in his chair. “A week’s time, huh? You’ve broken that promise many times, Mikey, what’s to say you won’t do the same yet again?”
“I have something to wager this time, Paulek. We’ve come here to strike a deal.”
“Pray tell, what deal might this be?”
“We need full protection along the trail to Greenwood in Reinbose. In exchange, we offer the Veil of Whispers.” Michael pulled the veil out from his satchel and offered it to Paulek.
The fat man squinted and shifted his gaze to the guards at the opposite side of the room and back to Michael. “Greenwood. You two are heading to Greenwood. Mikey, now I’m not an expert on you, nor are you of me. But I think we both know that I’m not buying that. You have never needed my protection much less to get to Reinbose of all places. Why now-” Before Paulek could finish his question, he shifted his gaze to Stanley and seemed to answer his question himself. “I see. Stanley here is the one heading to Greenwood and you are his escort. Am I right, Stanley?”
Stanley nodded.
Paulek’s fist slammed on the arm of the chair. “Use your words, boy. It is you heading to Reinbose, yes?”
“Yes. It is me.” Stanley quickly responded to his question. Michael shot a glare at him before shifting back to Paulek.
Paulek seemed to have noticed this shift in gaze, as he smirked and looked to the guards, nodding at them. After a moment, the doors swung open again and a muscular man stood beside Paulek.
“Stanley, this is Joshua. Joshua is a highly trained ex-military Sergeant who was once the leader of his own battalion in the Reinbose military. I won’t need any payment of any sort if you simply decide to switch your escort and allow Joshua to take you to Reinbose. Not a bad deal, yes?”
Stanley looked at Joshua and back at Paulek. He knew this would be a good deal, but he didn’t want to go against Michael. Taking little time to think about the deal, he gave his answer. “Apologies, Paulek, but I’ve made a deal with Michael already, I wouldn’t be able to fulfill that agreement if I chose to travel with Joshua. Thank you for your offer, though.”
Paulek thought about Stanley’s words for a moment, before turning to Joshua and sending him away. Once Joshua had left the room, Paulek turned to Michael once again. “Listen, Mikey, the Veil of Whispers is a very powerful negotiation tool, but I need something more.”
Michael stepped forward, his face visibly angry. “Paulek, is this veil not enough?! It’s just protection we’re looking for, what else could you possibly want?”
“Information,” Paulek said with a smile. “I wish to exchange information.”
Michael thought about his offer for a moment. Stanley glanced back and forth between the two. Paulek had complete control of the discussion, and Michael had gone right under his thumb. Michael looked at the ground and gritted his teeth before looking back up at Paulek. “Fine. I won’t give you too much but I’ll tell you what I can-”
“Not with you, Mikey. I wish to talk to Stanley.” Paulek looked at Stanley and bore a devilish grin. “Is that not so difficult?”
Michael looked at Stanley before turning back to Paulek. “No. You can talk with me all you want, but Stanley is off-limits.”
“Then our deal is falling through.”
Michael took a step back, putting him in line with Stanley, and looked for a response.
“Fine.” Stanley stepped in front of Michael and agreed to Paulek’s offer. “I won’t tell you much, but I’ll have a conversation with you.”
“Oh, goody!” Paulek exclaimed. “Mikey, it seems you lost this battle. Now, don’t be spying on us, now. Go back to your room in the inn, and don’t think about coming back. I’ll take the veil from you, and that will be the end of it.”
Michael hesitated but stepped forward and handed Paulek the veil. He turned around and began heading for the door, glaring at Stanley the whole way through. When the doors shut, Stanley felt the room shift, as if Paulek’s presence was increased.
Paulek was the first to break the silence. “Good riddance, if I’m to say. So, Stanley, how are you enjoying the Land of Solitude? Is it everything you wished for and more?”
“I guess. I’m just trying to get to Reinbose.”
“A fair answer, I do say so myself. It’s not the greatest place on Alcrest, but it’s home.” Paulek stood and waved the two guards out of the room. “Stanley, do you know how long I’ve been out here?”
Stanley shrugged.
“Longer than you’ve been alive, that’s certain. Long enough to know many things about the people here. I’m sure you’ve heard from Michael, but information is currency out here.”
Stanley nodded.
Paulek chuckled. “You needn’t be so uptight, Stanley. I’m not here to probe information out of you, that was merely a choice of words to make Michael a little ticked off. I’m simply here to have a discussion with you. I promise my information gathered from you won’t be of any importance, no matter what you tell me.” Paulek walked over to the balcony doors and turned to Stanley. “Stanley, would you join me outside?”
Stanley took up his offer and stepped outside. The air was silent and the sun had begun to peak over the horizon, casting large shadows on the growing merchant crowd.
“Stanley, I must ask, where in Einrich are you from?”
Stanley was taken aback. “I’m not from Einrich, I’m from Arlington.”
“You say you’re from Arlington, but your voice tells me otherwise. I’m sure I’m not the first to tell you this, no?”
Stanley swallowed his frustration. “Heldenstadt, the capital.”
“I see. How’s your father been? It’s been many years since I’ve had the pleasure of talking with him.”
“You know my father?”
“Of course I know your father. I’ve met just about everyone who’s been into or out of the Land of Solitude. Not that anyone could forget George Wilson, of course.”
“Wilson? Sorry, my last name is Freeman, not Wilson. You must be thinking of someone else.”
Paulek looked at him for a moment, before turning back to the crowd. “Apologies for the mistake. I saw your eyes and thought you must’ve been his son. He had a certain determination in his eyes, a fire that never extinguished. A man many looked up to. I’m sure the same could be said for you.”
Stanley looked at him.
“Regardless, I’ve pulled you aside not to berate you with questions about a possible connection between the two of us, but to warn you.”
“Warn me?”
“Yes.” Paulek’s voice lost it’s femininity and deepened. “Now, Stanley, I want you to listen very closely. I don’t mind giving you this information, on account of reminding me of George. Michael Hickhox is a very dangerous man, and someone you should be very careful of.”
Stanley stepped back. “You’re still trying to get me to split from him? I told you, I’ve made a deal with him and I’m not wavering from that.”
“I’m not trying to split you two up. By all means, go ahead and complete the deal, but I only offer you this warning after years of crossing paths with him. Michael is a man who never works with someone, let alone travel with them across the entire Land of Solitude for a simple deal. I’m sure he offered you his escorting in exchange for a ‘favor’ when you reach your destination. Am I right?”
Stanley did not answer.
“Michael has extraordinary capabilities. Powers, if you wish to call them. Michael is able to manipulate the mind, control people to his will. Haven’t you noticed it yourself? The moment he stepped out of the room, his entire control over the room ha dissipated, and you relaxed, whether you realized it or not.”
“That’s ridiculous, if Michael could ‘manipulate the mind’ as you say, he would’ve already done so to me.”
Paulek sighed and pointed his hand out to the crowd. “Stanley, I want you to look out onto that crowd and tell me what you see.”
Stanley looked at the crowd below, which had grown in size as merchants began striking deals once again, as if yesterday had never ended. “There’s merchants, shopkeepers, and guards down there. They’re either doing their job or trying to sell something.”
“Good. That’s a very good surface level analyzation of the scene. Now, Stanley, I want you to look at that man down there.” Paulek pointed to a merchant discussing a deal with another merchant down below. He wore a blue jacket and a red scarf. His face was round and friendly and his body was welcoming. “What is he looking for?”
Stanley was confused by his question. “He’s looking for a deal. He’s trying to sell that man something in exchange for something else.”
“Yes, you’re right, but not entirely. What does he want out of that exchange? What is his goal entirely?”
Stanley looked a the man with greater focus. His mouth and hands moved with grace, but his eyes told something different. “He’s looking to sell something for an overvalued price in order to take advantage of someone who doesn’t know better?”
Paulek jumped in the air, though not by much. “Bingo! That was exactly what I wanted you to say. That man is known around these parts as someone who takes advantage of new merchants. He lures them in with grandiose promises, and though he might not always catch his prey, when he does, he squeezes every ounce of them.”
“What does this have to do with Michael?”
“Michael is nearly identical to this man. Haven’t you thought about why he’s traveling with you? I can see it myself, there is something within you. Something that simple words cannot even begin to explain. Because of whatever is in you, Michael is unable to control you, just as he’s unable to control me. He’s fascinated by you, and because of that, he’s traveled with you all this way to study you and see what makes you crack. He wants, just like that merchant, for you to be taken advantage of through his little ‘favor’.”
Stanley stood in silence.
“The Land of Solitude works very differently than any other place on Alcrest. Nobody travels alone. Michael is the only exception. Even for a merchant, to control Clerud with nothing but himself is a freak of nature.”
“What makes you think I’m not under his control right now?”
“The fact you’re responding to me at all means you aren’t. Michael is very intelligent, and if he was able to control you, he would’ve told you not to speak to me, but here you are.” Paulek shifted his body to turn towards Stanley. “Michael is very powerful, and all I am trying to do is issue you a warning. Do you understand?”
Stanley didn’t respond.
“I’d like to offer you another deal, one that you needn’t reply or respond to right this moment. After you leave this outpost, you might ‘forget’ something back here, requiring you two to return. Should you two return, my guards will apprehend him, and Joshua will escort you free of charge to Greenwood, no strings attached.”
Stanley stared at him, blankly.
“The point I’m trying to drive across is to be careful of his ‘favor’. I’ve no idea what he’s trying to gain from you, or what his goal is when he reaches Greenwood, but it can’t be good. Just consider my offer, that’s all I ask.”
Stanley nodded.
“Well, that’s enough of the serious talk.” Paulek’s voice returned to its original tone. “Shall we head inside?”
Stanley followed Paulek back inside as the large man took his spot back in the large chair, fitting perfectly.
“Stanley, I’ve talked your ear off enough, and I did promise Mikey an ‘exchange’ of information. Are there any questions you have for me?”
Stanley thought for a moment. There were so many things he could ask him, but there was one that he wanted to know the most. “What do you think of the Men of Gordon?”
Paulek grew a look of confusion. “What do I think of them?”
“I was told they never existed, and that everyone has different thoughts about them—about whether they were real or not I mean. So, I want to know your thoughts.”
Paulek chuckled. “I don’t know who told you they weren’t real because they most certainly were. They existed one hundred years ago and were all but extinguished. I don’t know whether or not they were all killed, but I know a good many of them were if not all.”
“What makes you think that.”
“I don’t think it, I know it. I’ve been here long enough to hear many things, Stanley, and the Men of Gordon are a great topic of discussion. The way I know of it, they created this Land of Solitude, and keep the large countries out of it, even today. As far as I know, however, they are not active, which causes me to worry for the stability of this land.”
Stanley cocked his head to the side.
“What I mean, Stanley, is that this land is both the freest and the most vulnerable land out there. Both Reinbose and Einrich are too afraid of entering this land due to the threat of the Men of Gordon, which is why they’ve taken to the northern countries for their little war. But I’m sure you see where the error arises.”
Stanley thought for a moment. “Should both countries realize there isn’t anyone to protect the Land of Solitude from each other, they’ll issue war directly upon one another.”
“Exactly. Part of me thinks both countries realize that the Men of Gordon are gone, but neither wants to make the first move. The Chancellor of the empire and the President of the republic are playing a large game of chess, wherein many lives are at stake depending on the winner.”
“What happens if one of them begins a conquest across the land?”
“There’s nothing petty merchants and bandits can stop. All we can do is huddle under powerful men like me. The idea of the Men of Gordon is all that is protecting the freedom of this land, and is probably what will end it forever.”
“Will you stay here if that happens?”
Paulek sighed and shrugged. “Hard to say. I operate many outposts, and they aren’t exactly as powerful as this one. I suspect I will have to make an allegiance with one of the superpowers in hopes of saving not only my life but the lives of those whom I’ve given shelter to. Though I’m not so powerful anymore, I must do what I can. The land we walk upon is becoming more and more unstable as the days pass.”
“You said they were killed, the Men of Gordon I mean, what makes you say that?”
“That, I can’t tell you. You will have to take my word on it, that they were indeed slaughtered by one of their own, and that he, the killer, is still alive.”
Stanley was taken aback. “Even if it happened decades ago? How could he survive that long?”
“That is another thing I cannot disclose. You will find your answers in due time. Of that, I am certain. I don’t want to be the one to tell you, is all.”
“One last thing,” Stanley puffed his chest and drew a deep breath. “Why are you helping me? What do you stand to gain?”
Paulek smiled. “I stand to gain nothing. I’m not in it to help you, specifically, it could be anyone standing in your place right now and I’d say the same things I told you. I’m merely working against Michael Hickhox. You and I are not on the same side, even if you take my offer up. I’m sure you could’ve come up with that answer on your own. Michael is someone I would protect anyone from, and that is why I ‘helped’ you today. It’s as simple as that.”