Chuck followed the directions Liss gave and drove toward the alchemy guild. There were still a lot of people on the streets and they gawked and pointed as he went by. The capital was more crowded than he expected. There was also more variety, with some that looked like giant bats, Minotaurs with huge horns, and lizards with horns and wings which could only be described as dragon people. Those are only the ones he caught glimpses of, he was sure there were more. It took a while but they arrived at the guild. By then he had to turn on his one headlight to see better. The streets did have some kind of magical lamps placed every so often but they weren’t very bright. It was easily twice the size of Axtol’s guild building and was made of stone instead of bricks. It had more decorations too from what he could see from his pickup’s light. Liss directed him to a building next door which seemed to be another warehouse. He got out and yawned, it had been another long day.

Chuck was escorted inside the guild and shown to his room. Liss told him a meal would be brought to him momentarily so he washed up while he waited. The room was larger and fancier than the apprentice room he stayed in before. It didn’t take long before Liss was back with his food. “The guild master will see you tomorrow. Do you need anything else?” Liss asked politely. “No, I think I’m just going to eat and go to bed. Thanks again for the room and meal.” Chuck replied. Liss bowed deeply and left. The food was very good and he soon finished and crawled into bed. The next morning he wandered out of his room and found the dining hall. The few people eating breakfast looked at him wide eyed and whispered to each other. Chuck smiled uncomfortably and sat down to eat. After he was done, Liss found him and told him the guild master was ready to see him.

Chuck followed Liss to the top floor. It seemed guild masters liked the penthouse suite. He was led into an extravagant office and greeted by a well dressed dragon person. “Hello otherworlder, it is a pleasure to have you at our guild. Alz has told me a lot about you. My name is Kizx.” The guild master said, standing up from the desk. Kizx’s leathery wings were folded behind the dragons back and the scales were a golden color. Chuck had to look up again as Kizx was at least 7 feet tall. Chuck was in awe that he was in the presence of an actual dragon person. It made him wonder if there were actual dragons in this world too. “Yes, thank you for having me. You can just call me Chuck. Your guild is quite impressive and I’ve enjoyed working with Alz. I’ve been looking forward to visiting the capital.” Chuck said, bowing his head.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“We have all been wanting to see your pickup as you call it ever since Alz described it. This is the first time in our records that an otherworlder has brought back so much from their own world. It is quite the opportunity.” Kizx said, sitting back down and motioning for Chuck to take a seat. “Alz reported the gasoline that they were able to replicate is also very fascinating.” Kizx continued. “Yes, I’m still amazed they were able to make it so quickly. In my world it is used as a fuel for engines. I can give you a sample before I leave and give you a tour of my pickup. I already told Alz, but it catches fire very easily so please be careful.” Chuck said, sitting down. He was already aware that Alz had kept some of the gasoline for further experimentation. “Thank you, we will certainly take you up on your offer. Now, I hear you are also interested in meeting shape shifters. Do you have a certain job you want them to accomplish?” Kizx asked curiously, leaning back in his chair.

Chuck was a little embarrassed to just say out loud that he was looking for a possible girlfriend. “Um, as you can see I look quite a bit different from the people of this world, so I was kind of hoping a shape shifter could turn into something that was more to my liking and live together with me.” Chuck explained sheepishly, blushing slightly. Kizx laughed out loud and pounded his desk. “Ha, ha, ha, yes I see, I see. That is certainly possible if you meet the right one. Shape shifters are a strange breed and there is no telling what will catch their fancy.” Kizx said still chuckling. “Of all the possibilities, I didn’t think it would be to find a mate. It does make sense though.” Kizx continued, looking Chuck over. “Does that mean you know one?” Chuck asked, trying to ignore the laughter. “Ah, yes. I’ve known a few over the years. I can see if one will meet with you. Being from another world, I think you stand a good chance.” Kizx replied. It sounded to Chuck like he might be able to see a shape shifter sooner than he thought.