Wyn stirred. The darkness that enveloped him was gradually lightening, like light filtering in from the morning sun past your eyelids after a long night’s sleep. Wyn opened his eyes and realized that was exactly what happened. He was lying in an unfamiliar bed wrapped in a simple white sheet.
“Good, you’re awake,” a woman’s voice said. It was familiar but Wyn couldn’t place a name to it. What he could sense, though, was a familiar scent of sandalwood that reminded him of home. Specifically the happiness, of what little was there.
Wyn turned his head and saw the attractive woman give him an even more attractive smile. She was straightening the sheets on the bed beside him.
“Not that I was worried,” the woman continued. “But they’ve been asking to see you the moment you woke up. They’re a bit obnoxious, if I’m being honest.”
Wyn laughed. He abruptly stopped himself, expecting pain in his stomach to flare. But nothing happened. He lifted his sheet to find he was wearing a fresh undershirt and simple brown pants, neither of which fit him well. But his stomach was completely fine. It looked as though nothing had happened.
He relaxed further back into the bed, relief washing over him like hot water in a private bath.
“Your body healed fine,” the woman continued. “If that’s what you’re wondering about.”
“It was, yes. But I seem to be as good as new.”
“Physically, sure.”
Wyn turned his head towards her. “What do you mean?”
The woman pulled up a chair and sat in it. She gently set her hands on her lap and took a deep breath. Her hair fell nearly to her waist, dark and curly. It was beautiful.
“Magic can heal the body extremely well. Within reason, of course. It can’t regenerate missing limbs or organs, but tier three healing spells can reattach them if applied fast enough. But that’s just our bodies. Our memories of what happened, our mental strength… those are far different and can’t be addressed with healing.”
“That’s still better than any natural healing or non-tower magical healing I’ve heard of. And obviously my stomach is better for it.”
The woman laughed. It was sweet and melodic like a soft song. Wyn felt heat rush to his face at the sound.
“I’m glad your stomach is alright. How’s your head? Not the outside. That looks just fine. The inside, I mean.”
Wyn blanched. Her comment caught him off guard and he stammered out a response. “Umm, it’s good. I think.”
“You think?”
Wyn smiled awkwardly. He was confidently not making a good impression. “I’ve dealt with far worse than this. Mentally, I mean. I’ll be alright.”
The woman furrowed her eyebrows. “You have? I’m sorry. That sounds like a hard life.”
“You can say that.”
“Maybe you’ll have to tell me about it sometime.”
Wyn’s face grew hot again. He was fairly sure if he were any redder he’d look like a tomato.
“I’d like that,” Wyn finally said. “But I don’t even know your name.”
“Christine,” the woman said, flashing a smile. “Come find me sometime between all that climbing.”
“Of course,” Wyn said, still stammering. He tried to sit up more in his bed but Christine stood first, then gently touched his shoulder.
“Stay and rest,” Christine said. “Take it while you can. I’ll go get your friends.”
Wyn only nodded, unsure of what else to say. As she walked away, he mentally slapped himself. Through all of his experiences, all of his time at war with battle-hardened soldiers, higher ranked officials, and even nobles, now was the time he lost his ability to think clearly? He’d been with women before, like most soldiers. But never one who he was so smitten with. Was that the difference?
Before Wyn could think about her further, he heard several pairs of footsteps stomping down the medical wing. When he looked, he couldn’t help but smile. His entire group rushed over, each one carrying a different expression. But still, they were here, and that was comforting enough.
Tasha got to him first and threw herself onto him in a hug. The move startled him but didn’t hurt. It was just awkward that he was half lying down.
“I’m so glad you’re alive,” Tasha said, still hugging him.
“Me, too,” Wyn replied.
Tasha let go of him and punched him in the arm. “And that’s for telling Cedric to use a spell on you, you idiot! Don’t you ever do something as reckless and foolish as that again!”
Wyn’s eyes went wide at Tasha’s outburst. He never once saw her act or speak like that before, and it was jarring. “I’m… sorry. But it was the only move I saw at the time. I’m glad it worked out, though.”
“Me, too,” Cedric said. “I was hoping I wouldn’t be the one to kill you after you saved my life. That would be… most unfortunate.”
“To say the least,” John said. “But it’s good to see you awake. No offense, but I’m much happier to be on this side of that bed.”
Wyn laughed. He pulled the sheet down and fully sat up, crossing his legs in the bed. He was happy to be rid of that sheet. It wasn’t needed right now, and hopefully wouldn’t be for a long, long time.
“Wyn,” Cal said. He stood towards the back of the group several feet away. When Wyn looked at him he averted his eyes, obviously avoiding his gaze. “I… well… I messed up. That was so awful of me. I’m the reason you’re even here.”
“No you’re not, Cal,” Wyn said. “Don’t say that. Lionel and those other two are the reason. They’re the enemies, not you.”
“But if I had done better. Been better. Actually moved, then…”
Wyn took a deep breath. Cal was trying to apologize, and Wyn could still sense something from his past that explained his actions. There’d be a time to discuss it, but it didn’t feel like now. “Then who knows,” Wyn said. “But I’m alive. And I’m okay. Really.”
“Being okay would’ve been you walking out of that floor rather than us dragging you,” Marcy said. “It’s not fun to keep doing that.”
Wyn looked at the Ranger. Something about her overly confident demeanor didn’t set well with him. It was a long time coming, but he needed to be her leader. And, he told himself, maybe this was the right time for Cal to hear it, too.
“I understand,” Wyn said. “You’re right. But to be blunt, it would’ve ended differently if you and Cal would’ve fought alongside us right away. The fight would’ve been over much sooner.”
“Don’t say that, Wyn,” Tasha said. “That’s not fair.”
“Fair?” Wyn asked. “Of course it isn’t fair. Do you think I wanted to be in the position to even ask Cedric to use a spell on me? I wanted us to work together to finish them off. Lionel could’ve been handled easier and without me risking my life.”
“We all don’t have your war experience,” Marcy said. “I wanted to kill Lionel just as much as the rest of you, but watching that woman cough up her own blood was sickening. Fighting people isn’t the same as fighting monsters.”
“But defeating an enemy in order to protect yourself and your allies is the same,” Wyn said. “I know the anger you felt after Lionel betrayed us and stabbed John. The feeling of wanting him dead. Did you not think it would come down to them dying or us? You know killing is brutal. But whether that enemy is a monster or a person, if they’re attacking us, they need to be stopped.”
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Marcy shook her head. “Easier said than done. But for what it’s worth, I really am sorry. And I know you’re right.”
“Me, too,” Cal said. He stepped forward and set down two large sacks at the foot of Wyn’s bed. They landed with a thud and shook his bed. “Which is why I brought you these.”
“What are these?” Wyn asked. He pulled the top of one of the sacks towards him and gawked at the contents. “Cal?”
“It’s all of my earnings since I’ve been in your group,” Cal said. “I sold the items I earned and added them to the pile. I just… I can’t take it. To me it’s tainted. But you said you needed money to pay off your family’s debt. Hopefully this will help.”
Wyn looked back at the sack. There had to be thousands of coins in there based on the size and weight. There was no way Cal earned that much with them, even after selling his items. He had to have added more from his own wealth.
“Consider it my parting gift,” Cal finished.
The others all whipped their heads towards Cal, Wyn included. They each questioned him at the same time, their words drowning each other out as their volume rose.
“Shh!” Came a hushed voice from across the wing. The group instantly quieted.
“What do you mean a parting gift?” Wyn asked.
Cal raised his head, finally meeting Wyn’s eyes. “I can’t stay here anymore. I thought I could keep going but… I can’t. I’ve let you down too many times and this last time could have cost you your life. I won’t let that happen again.”
“It was your brother, wasn’t it?” Wyn asked. “He died here. Didn’t he?”
Cal slowly nodded. “The entire reason I chose my class progression was to protect him. It was his dream to be a Climber, after all. Not mine. When I failed, I gave it up, but came back as a Mapper to try and help others. I realized now that that was a foolish thing to do. I’m not ready to be here. I need time to think and figure some things out.”
Tasha reached out a hand and placed it on the man’s shoulder. No one else moved or said anything, unsure of how to respond.
Wyn understood. He couldn’t imagine the death of his sister, especially if that death came at his own failure. After losing so many of his soldiers he was in an awful mental place, as well. The only thing that brought him back was his sister and the determination to protect her and keep her safe.
“I’m sorry it came to this,” Wyn said. “Truly. You’re a great ally and an even better person. If you ever feel ready, please come back and see us.”
“Or write, at least, if you don’t,” Tasha said. “It would weigh terribly on my conscience if I didn’t know you were okay.”
Cal smiled a true smile for the first time in what felt like ages. “I’ll do that. Thank you.”
“But this really does help,” Wyn said, pulling the sacks of coins closer to him. “If you’re serious about giving them to me.”
“As serious as I’ll ever be,” Cal said.
Wyn nodded. “Thank you. I’ll add it to my stash back in my apartment. Maybe you can hold onto them for me until then?”
Cal reached down and plucked the sacks from the bed easily, placing them back into his backpack. “Sure thing.”
“Now for some good news,” John said.
“You mean me living wasn’t good news enough?” Wyn asked.
The group laughed.
“Not entirely,” John said, sitting on the bed. “According to our parchment, even though Lionel killed the floor boss we technically still completed the floor. So we get to go to the fifth floor and upgrade our class!”
Wyn felt excitement rise in his chest. Despite everything they had gone through, knowing they were rewarded appropriately was more than a relief. It was a lifeline. Climbing into the second tier meant better rewards and more coins. Which meant he could start gathering more funds to pay off his debt sooner. The difficulty spiked up, too, but with their class upgrade they could handle it. He was confident of that. The only problem was what would his class advancement be?
“Congratulations,” Marcy said, patting Wyn on the shoulder. “Soon you’ll be on our level.”
“I wonder what upgrades a Ruby Magician has?” Cedric asked. “I’m very curious to find out.”
“I was wondering the exact same thing,” Wyn said. “How about we go tonight and see? We can grab dinner and then head inside.”
John clapped his hands together. Immediately another “shh” came from across the room, louder this time.
John recoiled. “Sorry,” he said in a whisper. “That sounds like a great plan!”
“Then I’ll meet you all in an hour,” Wyn said. “Let me get my things here and sign out.”
The group talked for a few more minutes before parting. Wyn took the time to lay back down and reflect. Despite nearly dying, he had done it. They had finished the first tier and dealt with Lionel. And with a spare week, too. Now he just needed to upgrade his class, take stock of his gear, and see about sending some money to The Assembly to start payments for his debt.
Wyn closed his eyes, enjoying the gentle warmth of the sun through the open window beside his bed. He felt more alive now than he had even as a soldier. Maybe this was where he was supposed to be in life, climbing the tower instead of out at war. All in all, he was feeling good about his current position.
“Wyn!” A voice called, hushed but firm. A woman slowly walked over from across the room.
It took Wyn a few seconds but he recognized her almost immediately. She was the Climber who helped the group that lost a member. A veteran, like Marcy and Cedric.
“Lucy?” Wyn asked. “What are you doing here?”
Lucy smiled softly and pulled a chair close to Wyn’s bed. “Checking on the group. Wouldn’t have guessed to find your name on the roster, and then I came to find out that you’re the one who helped me back in the tower. Small world, this place. I’m glad you’re okay.”
Wyn relaxed into the bed. “Thanks to my group. We all finished the fourth floor and had an… unexpected encounter.”
“So I’ve heard! But I really am glad you’re safe. I shouldn’t be surprised based on how you and your group helped me out, but still. Thank you.”
Wyn smiled and nodded. “It was an easy decision. Think nothing of it.”
“Well, those Climbers won’t be back in Alistair any time soon. They’re healing fine but I gave them a good and proper scolding. They need some serious training.”
Wyn chuckled. “Along with some life lessons.”
Lucy smiled. “Very true.”
There was a silent pause where neither of them spoke. Wyn felt awkward tension rise and suddenly wished for the rest of his group to come back and save him from forced conversation.
“You know,” Lucy finally said, “I was a bit surprised to see your name on the book when I came here. All the talk out front was how there was a Ruby Magician climbing and now recovering, and I was a bit slow connecting the dots that it was you.”
Wyn took a deep breath and forced a smile. He was not in the mood to try and defend himself or his class. Not today.
Before he could speak, Lucy rushed her next words. “I’m sorry, Wyn. But I’ve actually been looking for you for a different reason than just helping me in the tower.” She looked around and checked to see if anyone was listening.
Wyn hesitated. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but… I’m here to update you about your debt.” Her voice was softer, not wanting the sound to carry too far. No one was close enough to hear, but she still took the precaution.
Wyn froze. Multiple thoughts ran through his head at once. How did she know about his debt? Was something wrong back home? Was Arabelle in trouble? What did his father do now?
Lucy saw his pause and took advantage. “I know. Doesn’t make sense, right? But me and you, we’re not so different. And we have a… mutual friend, so to speak. So you can consider me an ally. I hope.”
Wyn shook off his hesitation as anger rose within him. “A mutual friend? Let me guess. You mean -”
“Don’t,” Lucy said, cutting him off. “Not here. But yes.”
Wyn narrowed his eyes. “Okay, then. But what’s the update?”
Lucy chuckled. “Straight to business. I respect that.” She pulled her chair closer to him and leaned towards him, speaking only in a whisper. “Your father begged for a reduction recently. On his knees, crying, hands-clasped type begging. It wasn’t a good look from what I was told. He asked to spare his life but they didn’t take kindly to that. Instead, they took a few fingers. I’m so sorry, Wyn.”
Wyn felt his heart thump in his throat. He summoned every ounce of will he had to compose himself and speak clearly. “I don’t care what happens to him. What does that mean for me? And my sister?”
Lucy leaned back, her face covered in shocked horror. Whatever she expected of his response, it certainly wasn’t that. “Did you not just hear what I said?”
“Of course I did. But if you’re here telling me this, it means there’s more to it. Are they coming for me next? What is it?”
Lucy swallowed hard. “No, not like that. The amount went up. You need to pay 9000 crowns by the month’s end as a show of good faith. You helped me out so I’m helping you out - I convinced them to take a bit less. They were demanding 10,000 at first, but after hearing you saved me they realized your potential.”
Wyn nodded absentmindedly. Lucy obviously had a contact in Alestead if word travelled that fast. Someone with influence. But if she was able to vouch for him, then she really was an ally. Or at least sympathetic to his cause.
“Meet me at the festival,” Lucy continued. “I’ll be sure your coins are taken appropriately.” She reached into a pocket in her tunic and pulled out a small piece of paper. On one side was the unmistakable signature of The Assembly, the same seal that was used to mark the letter he received personally.
Wyn understood her intent. She was showing she wasn’t lying and that she could be trusted. Though he didn’t trust her at all. Reluctantly, he only nodded in agreement. Lucy seemed to relax at his acquiescence.
“Thank you,” she said. “Moving forward, I’ll be your direct contact. But as long as you make the payments each month there shouldn’t be an issue.”
Wyn couldn’t suppress a laugh. “We’ll see about that. Rest assured, you’ll get your money.”
“It’s not my money. Like I said, I’m like you. I want nothing to do with their organization.”
Wyn pointed at the paper Lucy tucked away. “That says otherwise. Like I said, I’ll pay up. But you aren’t like me. Not at all.”
Lucy smiled as a pained look crossed her face. “Fair enough. I hope that you’ll see differently soon. But please take care. And, truly, thanks again for saving me.” She got up and left, sparing one last sad glance at Wyn.
Wyn took the time to settle himself. Large, deep breaths and squeezing and relaxing his fists helped calm his raging anger but it wasn’t enough. Lucy showed her true colors. Even if she said she wasn’t a part of The Assembly, she directly involved with them. For better or worse, that made her an enemy. He knew he needed to take care to watch his back.
But, there was still the matter of his debt. 9000 gold crowns. In four days. The amount and short timeframe made Wyn’s head swim. He had quite a bit of gold saved up but nothing to that amount. He’d need to sell some items and desperately hope he was able to scavenge whatever amount he could. Cal’s generous gift couldn’t have come at a better time, unfortunately.
Wyn threw the sheet off himself, gathered his items, and stormed out of the wing. His group was excited about their class upgrade and a small part of him was too, but only a small part. Right now, all he could think about was killing any monster that got in the way of potentially hurting his sister. Whether that monster was human or not.