60

“Are you going to pay so you can heal people here? Diadra asked as they approached the town hall building, which was large indeed. The first floor was made from large off white or grayish stone blocks. The second and third floors were made of a smaller, red brick. “Wow! That building has a lot of windows!”

“Yeah, it does,” Kenric agreed. I’ve seen castles with less glass. This building looks positively ancient in comparison to the others. “And yes, I’ll pay for the license. Arnie Hawthorne offered too good of a deal on stabling and lot rent not to heal his arthritis.”

“Why not just heal him without the license?” Diadra asked. “You didn’t have one before, did you?”

“Because that could get me in trouble with the city at the very least and perhaps with the kingdom too. Besides, if I get thrown in a cell, there won’t be anyone to take care of you,” Kenric answered. “And I didn’t know I needed a license. I had assumed Nathaniel, the merchant I had been traveling with, had all the paperwork. I guess others thought the same.”

“Yeah, let’s not get in trouble,” Diadra said, taking his hand in both hers. “I don’t want to be alone again.”

“I’m here for you,” Kenric replied. Diadra feeling alone even while living with her kin wasn’t something I had thought about before, though I should have. Heavens know I felt alone at her age. “Hopefully the license will be worth the cost.”

*

“Healer Mender?” an older woman with very dark skin, gray hair, and brown eyes asked.

“Yes ma’am,” Kenric answered, standing up. Diadra stood as well.

“I’m Magistrate Regina Ardmore,” the woman said. “Step into my office and we can discuss the reasons for your visit.”

“Thank you,” Kenric said. He and Diadra followed the magistrate into her office and sat in the offered chairs in front of her desk.

“Now, I see on your application that you are a healer,” the magistrate said, looking up from the application he had filled out earlier. Kenric nodded. “Can you prove that?”

“Will I get in trouble for healing without a license?” Kenric retorted.

“No,” Regina laughed.

“In that case,” Kenric said. He pulled a small knife from his inventory and sliced his left index finger. The knife disappeared back into his inventory as he showed the bleeding cut to the magistrate. She nodded. He cast Lesser Heal on the cut and then Cleanse. Kenric turned his finger so she could see his healed finger.

“Impressive,” Magistrate Ardmore said. “Most healers I’ve met would have had to cast some sort of diagnostic spell, waited to recover some mana, cast the heal, waited, and then cast the cleaning spell.”

“Thank you. My trainers back in Mountain City insisted on my learning and training to heal myself before others since the body you know best is your own,” Kenric said.

“Mountain City in Knox’s Empire?” Regina asked.

“Yes.”

“You’ve traveled quite far east to practice your trade,” she said. Kenric explained about the caravan and their parting of ways, including how he and Diadra came together. “That doesn’t surprise me. That cabal has been flexing their muscles of late.”

“Why hasn’t anyone stopped them if you’re aware of them this far east?” Kenric asked.

“Politics,” Regina answered with a shrug. “And our clinics are long standing and owned by fairly powerful families.”

“Figures,” Kenric muttered. Regina smiled and shrugged. “Is it just the city that requires a healing license or is it the whole kingdom?”

“The kingdom,” Magistrate Ardmore answered. “You’ve been lucky not to get caught so far and I’ll consider the past the past.”

“Thank you,” Kenric said. She nodded her head. “How much is the license?”

“The yearly license fee is 50 silvers, or you pay 500 silvers for a permanent license,” Regina answered.

The price is steep, but the permanent license makes much more sense to buy, especially if I stay in Carolina for years. But if we leave Carolina in a year or two, it’s wasted coin, Kenric thought. He glanced at Diadra, who had been very quiet since entering the town hall. I suppose I could stay here a decade or so while she grows up. The people are the same as in Augusta or Knox’s lands. Besides, I should be able to make that much silver back and then some in a few weeks.

“I’ll take the permanent license,” Kenric announced.

“I thought you might,” Regina said with a glance at Diadra. He saw the knowing look on the old woman’s face. She counted the coins after Kenric placed them on her desk. She then pulled a round disc and an engraving tool from a drawer. The magistrate showed him the disc. “The front side has the red cross or X symbol that clinics use. On the other side will have your name, my name, and a drop of each of our blood. I’ll enchant the disc so guards, magistrates, and other officials will be able to tell your license is in good stead.”

“I noticed you said clinics, not healers. Do not all healers use the same symbol?” Kenric said.

“No. Some prefer not to advertise or are in service to a noble,” Regina replied.

Kenric nodded. Diadra smiled as she watched the magistrate fill out the information and enchant the disc after Kenric and Regina each gave a drop of blood. Kenric healed and Cleansed both wounds. The silver disappeared into Regina’s desk.

“Thank you,” Kenric said, handing the disc to Diadra so she could examine it.

“You’re welcome,” Magistrate Ardmore said. “This also means you are now considered a citizen of the Carolina Kingdom.”

“That doesn’t mean I’ll be subject to any press gangs or other ‘voluntary’ service, does it?” Kenric asked as Diadra gave him the disc back. It disappeared into his inventory.

“No,” Regina laughed. “Healers are exempt from such service and paid for their work even in times of war. But it does mean you can buy property and will of course be expected to pay property tax if you do.”

“Of course,” Kenric muttered. “And the adoption?”

Diadra sat up straighter.

“There is usually a fee for that, but your situation is more akin to… ownership since she was signed over to you as payment for services rendered,” Regina replied. “So, are you sure you want to formally adopt the girl?”

“I’m sure,” Kenric answered, giving Diadra a fond smile. Diadra returned the smile.

“In that case, and since she wasn’t in an orphanage, I can wave the adoption fee since this doesn’t cost the kingdom anything,” Regina said. She pulled a scroll from another desk drawer. “What sort of adoption will this be?”

“What about it, kitten?” Kenric asked. “Do you want to be my niece, little sister, or…”

“Daughter!” Diadra exclaimed, cutting him off.

“Guess that answers that question,” Regina laughed. She filled out the paperwork and turned it around so Kenric could sign it. He then helped Diadra write her name. The magistrate dried and sealed the document with another enchantment. “Congratulations to you, Healer Mender and your new daughter, Diadra Mender.”

61

“Why did you ask for an older healer… pa?” Diadra asked after they exited the town hall building.

“Because I have some questions that I need a more experienced healer’s opinion on,” Kenric answered. “And you can call me pa, dad, father, or Kenric if you want.”

Diadra nodded and wiped at her eyes. “Okay… pa.”

“That’s going to take some getting used to, isn’t it?” Kenric asked. Diadra nodded. “Right. The magistrate said her sister’s clinic was two blocks on our right.”

“Okay papa.”

“Papa? Aren’t you a bit old to be using that word?” Kenric asked, glancing at his daughter. I can’t believe I adopted her! What was I thinking? That I wanted to make her happy. Hopefully I don’t screw this up. Diadra grinned at him. “Oh, so calling me papa is payback for the slight teasing of your height?”

“Papa! How could you even think that?” Diadra said. Her grin threatened to split her face.

“That’s alright, Miss Minder. I can take it,” Kenric replied. Her grin became a full-blown smile. He pulled her into a side hug.

*

“Welcome to Samaritan Clinic. I’ll be with you in just a second,” the woman behind the counter said without looking up from what she was doing. She had a smile on her face that Diadra returned when the receptionist looked up. The woman’s smile slipped when she focused on them.

Figures. This area is filled with big houses and fancy shops, Kenric thought. Diadra’s and my clothing show we’re not as well to do as the folk that normally visit this clinic.

Diadra’s smile faded. She glanced up at him as the woman behind the counter said, “Perhaps you would be better served by Old Salem Clinic.”

“I’m here to see Healer Ardmore,” Kenric said as he spotted a guard moving towards them. He placed an envelope on the counter. “My name is Kenric Mender and Magistrate Ardmore recommended her sister to me.”

“I see,” the receptionist said, waving the guard away. She picked up the envelope. “Let me see if Healer Ardmore is available.”

Kenric nodded. The receptionist rushed away as the guard settled a few feet from them.

“They’re not friendly people here, are they?” Diadra asked.

“No, sweetie, it appears they’re not,” Kenric answered.

“Why?”

“Silver most likely.”

“Does money count that much?” Diadra asked.

“To some people,” Kenric replied. “Have you noticed that the buildings here are large and the shops fancy?”

“The people are dressed up too,” Diadra added as she nodded her head. “She looked at his clothing and then her outfit. “Our clothes don’t match theirs.”

“True,” Kenric said. “My clothing is sturdy, comfortable, and a step above what most people wear.”

“Mine isn’t,” Diadra sadly said. She then quirked a grin and lifted the helm of her skirt to show off her ankle boots. “Except for my boots.”

“Yes, your boots are well made. So are your new sandals and knee-high boots,” Kenric replied. “We’ll get you some new clothing while we’re here.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“Yes, it is,” Kenric retorted. “You deserve it, and I’ve promised you that I would.”

She hugged him again. “Thanks papa.”

“Healer Mender, Healer Ardmore will see you now,” the receptionist said as she appeared in a doorway to their left. “If you’ll follow me?”

“Certainly,” Kenric answered. Diadra giggled, making the receptionist frown slightly before forcing her smile back into place. I hate that fake smile, and I loathe being called Healer Mender. And unlike my daughter, this woman seems to dumb to know that she is calling me healer twice.

*

“Healer Ardmore, this is Healer Mender,” the receptionist said, introducing the two healers. Diadra pouted at not being introduced.

“It is a pleasure to meet you Healer Ardmore,” Kenric said. Healer Ardmore looks quite a bit older than her sister. “Allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Diadra.”

“It’s nice to meet you, my lady,” Diadra said. She curtsied.

“It’s nice to meet you both as well,” Healer Ardmore replied with a smile on her face. “You don’t have to curtsey child, I’m not a noble.”

Diadra returned the smile and shrugged.

“Do you need anything else, ma’am?” the receptionist asked.

“No Stephanie. You may return to the front desk,” the healer answered. The younger woman nodded and disappeared through the doorway.

“Ma’am, is there someplace I can sit and practice my letters?” Diadra asked.

“You can use my desk while your father and I chat over here,” the older healer answered, gesturing to some chairs in front of a fireplace. She smiled at Diadra as the girl walked over to the desk. “You’re teaching her to read?”

“Yes,” Kenric answered as the two of them took seats in the chairs. “Education is important.”

“But your adopted daughter is a peasant orphan according to my sister’s letter of introduction.”

“Doesn’t matter Healer Ardmore. Diadra deserves whatever advantages I can provide her and that includes an education.”

“Interesting,” the senior healer said. “You may call me Natasha.”

“Thank you, Natasha. You may call me Kenric.”

“You’re welcome, Kenric. Why don’t you brief me on your concerns,” Natasha said. Kenric spent several minutes going over his concerns about Diadra’s recovery, the healing spells’ possible side effects, and his oath. “That’s an interesting hypothesis.”

“Have you ever read or heard anything like that before?”

“Not even once in my 50 plus years of healing and studying. From the research I’ve read, elves are a little less emotional than humans. Most likely because most are more left hemisphere dominate than humans or dwarves.”

“Which means they’re generally more logical than humans and dwarves,” Kenric concluded. Natasha nodded. “Diadra is smart, clever, and emotional though.”

“Most likely she is one of the elves that are right hemisphere dominate,” Natasha said with a shrug. “Personally, I think that would be a good thing if it’s true. I’ve met several elves that are… cold, if you know what I mean.”

“I suppose,” Kenric agreed. “I just want her happy.”

“And loved?”

“I…”

“Don’t give me that,” the senor healer said. “I can tell you love the girl, and she loves you as well even if neither of you are ready nor willing to admit it.”

“Is that some skill?”

“No. That’s experience and good old female intuition,” Natasha laughed. Kenric nodded and smiled to concede her point. “If you want some advice?”

“Please.”

“Don’t worry about why you two get along and care for each other so much so quickly. The truth is that it doesn’t matter. Sometimes life just throws people together when they need each other.”

Kenric took a deep breath. “I can do that.”

“Good,” Natasha said. “Can she sense mana, and have you thought about teaching her to heal?”

“I think she can. When I healed her feet, she said something about it being ticklish,” Kenric answered. “But my oath.”

Natasha said the oath from memory. “Is that the same oath you took?”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“Yes.”

“Where does it say that you can’t teach others, especially your children?”

“It doesn’t. But my instructors said it would be a long time before I was ready to pass my knowledge.”

“That’s hogwash!” Natasha exclaimed. Kenric laughed. “Teach her if she wants to learn and is willing to take the oath.”

“I’ll think about it while I teach Diadra her basic education,” Kenric replied. “Thank you for the advice.”

“Good,” Natasha said with a nod. “Is there anything else I can assist you with?”

“Perhaps. You wouldn’t happen to know a bookseller that has basic education books, do you?” Kenric asked. “And a quality seamstress that isn’t too expensive?”

62

“Welcome to Church Street Apparel. I’m Theresa Church and this is my husband Thomas,” the dwarven woman behind the counter said as Kenric and Diadra entered the shop. “How can we help you?”

They’re the first human and dwarf couple I’ve seen in a long time.

“I’m Kenric Mender and this is my daughter, Diadra. She needs new clothing,” Kenric answered. “I’ve been assured your shop makes quality clothing.”

“We do,” Thomas stated. “Mender? You’re a healer?”

“Yes,” Kenric answered.

“Licensed?” Thomas asked. Kenric nodded and showed his new disc to the other man. I should see if I can get this mounted to a chain. It would make a decent amulet. “Would you be interested in trading your skills for some clothing?”

“Yes, depending on the deal we come to,” Kenric replied. My skills are valuable, as are their wares, especially if the quality is good.

“Thomas…” Theresa said.

“No Tea. You need an examination and possible healing,” Thomas told his wife. “Think of the baby.”

She sighed and nodded. Now that they had mentioned it and he was paying more attention to them, Kenric could see the swell of her stomach.

“Let’s get you measured Miss Mender,” Theresa said. Thomas stepped around the counter with a measuring tape. Diadra shrank away from the tailor.

“Apologies,” Kenric said. “Diadra has been through a lot and doesn’t trust men easily.”

Thomas nodded his understanding and stepped back as his wife frowned.

“Sherry!” Theresa called out.

“Yes ma’am?” a girl three or four years older than Diadra asked, stepping out of a doorway that Kenric assumed led to the back of the shop.

“Be a dear and measure Miss Mender please,” Theresa said. Sherry nodded and took out a measuring tape and stepped around the counter.

“Sherry is our apprentice,” Thomas informed Kenric and Diadra. He smiled fondly at the dwarven girl. “She’ll be ready to become a journeyman in a year and a half or so.”

“Congratulations,” Diadra said.

“Thanks,” Sherry replied.

“Diadra, I’m going to step over here to talk to the Churches,” Kenric said. Diadra nodded and started to listen to Sherry.

“Your… daughter is full elf while you’re human,” Theresa stated.

“Yes,” Kenric agreed. I’ll be glad to never have to explain this again. Seeing the expression on their faces, he gave them a summary of his and Diadra’s meeting and relationship. He glanced over at Diadra and saw she and the apprentice were looking at dresses.

“That’s quite the story,” Thomas said. “It’s good you’re trying to do right by the girl.”

“She’s not going to be a girl much longer,” Theresa said.

“I have at least three years,” Kenric replied. “Hopefully, five or more.”

The married couple laughed.

“Do you still want to visit the coast?” Theresa asked.

“Don’t rightly know. It’s an option but it’ll all depend on where the road takes us,” Kenric answered. He glanced back towards Diadra when he heard her giggle. Sherry was showing her something with her back turned toward the counter.

“Ah. Mr Mender, you don’t want to know what Sherry is showing Diadra right now,” Theresa informed him.

“Uh… sure,” Kenric replied.

“Settling down would be best for her,” Thomas said, ignoring his wife’s comment as well as Kenric’s reply.

“Probably,” Kenric agreed. He shook himself and cast Analyze on Theresa. “But lets make sure you and your baby are fine.”

“What about our negotiations?” Thomas asked.

“Let’s make sure everything is fine first,” Kenric replied.

*

“Papa, I can’t believe you got me three new dresses, three skirts, a pair of britches, and four shirts,” Diadra said as they entered the wagon.

“You needed the clothing, and the Churches were very happy to trade my services for some of that clothing even if all I healed were a few aches and pains,” Kenric replied. “Their baby is developing well, and she and her mother are both healthy.”

“So, peace of mind that the baby is fine is that important?” Diadra asked.

“Yes,” Kenric answered. “Oh. You did get some small clothes, didn’t you? I remember Theresa saying something about them while we were settling the bill.”

“Yes,” Diadra answered shyly.

“Are you alright? You’re blushing.”

“I’m fine!” Diadra quickly replied.

“Come on my little one. Spit it out.”

“Sherry had convinced me to get something she called panties instead of bloomers. They’re a lot smaller. I’ll show you if you want to see.”

“No! No, that’s alright,” Kenric replied. “If you’re comfortable wearing them, that’s all that matters.”

“I do like them. The panties are comfortable and very soft. They just show more skin than I’m used to,” Diadra explained.

“That’s quite alright,” Kenric said. “As long as you’re happy with them.”

“Okay.”

“Now, let’s get started on these new books I got you,” Kenric said, changing the subject.

“Sure,” Diadra happily agreed.

63

Huh. It seems this lot isn’t just part of the stable yard, but a small market square, Kenric thought as he watched a small four wagon caravan set up in the spots near his vardo through the window over the sink. I should have asked the stablemaster about that yesterday evening when I healed him, his three stableboys, and extended our stay for a week.

“What are you looking at papa?” Diadra asked. Kenric turned and saw the huge grin on her face. He mock scowled at her, and she laughed.

That’s music to my ears, Kenric thought. “It looks like this isn’t just part of the stable yard, but a small market square. There’s a caravan setting up in a few of the other spots.”

“Maybe they have something good for sale or need a healer… dad,” Diadra replied.

“Perhaps. And I can deal with dad better than papa. Being called papa makes me feel old,” Kenric said.

“But you are old!” Diadra joked before laughing.

“I see you’re trying to make me feel bad already,” Kenric said.

“Never!” Diadra exclaimed. “And I know you’re joking too.”

“Yep,” Kenric agreed. “I’m going to step out to see what these guys are offering and check up on Jack and Jill. Want to come?”

“Yes!” Diadra answered, putting away her paper, introductory reading book, and his pen.

I need to get her a pen of her own. And that reminds me of something Kenric mused. “I just thought of something. Come here and let’s see if I can add you to the safe.”

“What safe?”

“This one,” Kenric said, showing her where the hidden safe was. “I’ll need a drop of your blood.”

Her eyes widened. “Why?”

“Because the safe bonds to people by blood,” Kenric answered. “I’m not sure if this will work, but let’s try it.”

“What’s in the safe that I would need to get into it for?”

“Some silver and the title for Jack, Jill, and the vardo.”

“But I wouldn’t need that. You’re here.”

“True. But I’d rather you have access,” Kenric replied. Plus, it shows that you have ownership if anything happens to me.

“Alright, if you’re sure,” Diadra said. Kenric nodded and she gave him her left hand. He pricked her index finger and then his. They touched the safe handle. He healed them both.

Bound Blood Locked Safe. This safe is bound to Kenric Mender. Would you like to transfer ownership or add Diadra Mender as an authorized user?

“Add Diadra as a user,” Kenric answered. He reached in and pulled out the title. “Sweetie, can I borrow my pen for a moment.”

“Yes,” Diadra replied, handing him the pen. He added her name to the paperwork and signed it.

“Write your name beside where I just signed mine,” Kenric instructed, handing her the pen back. She did as he said. Kenric smiled. “There! Now you’re part owner of the wagon and mules.”

“Dad! You didn’t have to do that.”

“Of course I did,” Kenric replied, placing the title back into the safe along with some more silver. He locked the safe and closed the cabinet. Diadra helped him up and then hugged him. Kenric returned the hug. “Right. Let’s see what the new neighbors have in stock.”

“And see if they need healings after checking on Jack and Jill?” Diadra asked.

“That too,” Kenric agreed.

*

“I’m Hasan Wilshire and this is my wife, Kamala,” the merchant said by way of introduction. “It’s always nice to meet new potential customers.”

“Kenric Mender and this is my daughter, Diadra,” Kenric replied. The men shook hands. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

“Pardon me for asking, but is your daughter part or full elf?” Kamala asked.

“Full,” Kenric answered. The two gave him a look. Here we go again. “What sort of wares do you offer?”

“Fabric, blankets, quilts, towels, and the like,” Hasan answered. He glanced at Diadra. “And you?”

“I’m a healer,” Kenric replied, gesturing to the sign he had placed next to his wagon. “Do you normally park in this little market square?”

“No. We got bumped from our normal market square,” Kamala answered as Hasan and others started setting out their wares. “We may need your services. What do you charge?”

Kenric told her his basic prices and hours. He noticed Diadra wandering back and forth between the merchants’ wagons looking at their merchandise. She perked up when she spotted a stuffed animal.

“And does your… daughter help with your services?” Hasan asked.

“No. Though she has hinted at wanting to help with record keeping and accounting once I finish teaching her enough,” Kenric answered. The merchant and his wife looked chagrined.

“Dad!” Diadra called. “Come look at this.”

“What did you find?” Kenric asked. Kamala followed him over to the display Diadra was in front of.

“These blankets are softer and feel sturdier than those in the wagon do,” Diadra said once Kenric and the merchant arrived.

“You have a good eye,” Kamala said. Diadra smiled at the praise and glanced at the stuffed animal that was at the next display. It’s a bear. “These are some of our best works.”

“This quilt is very nice, but it’s not quite as nice as the one Mrs. Eaton gave me,” Diadra added, glancing at the bear again. Kenric felt the light blue blanket and quilt.

“How much for a set of blankets, the quilt, and the stuffed bear?” Kenric asked.

“Hmmm. I’ll sell them for 250 silvers,” Kamala answered.

“How about a trade of my services for the blankets, quilt, and bear?” Kenric countered. “I won’t haggle that way.”

“Done,” Hasan called out as his wife smiled and nodded her agreement.

*

“You didn’t have to buy me the stuffed bear,” Diadra said as they carried their new purchases into the wagon. “Or the other stuff.”

“I know. But you wanted it,” Kenric replied. “If that bear will make you happy, then it makes me happy. And we can use the blankets and quilt.”

“Thank you!” Diadra said, hugging him.

“You’re welcome sweetie,” Kenric said, returning the hug and kissing the top of her head. “Let’s eat an early lunch so I can start doing those examinations and healings I owe the Wilshire’s and their crew.”

“Alright,” Diadra replied, placing the bear on the bed. “Can I work on my letters and watch you from the porch?”

“Sure.”

64

“Things have been pretty slow, huh?” Diadra asked, looking up from her book.

“Yeah, they have,” Kenric agreed. They were sitting on newly bought camp stools beside the vardo. She was using a large tray with collapsible legs as a portable desk. At least I think it’s a tray. It could be a portable desk. I didn’t ask the merchant since Diadra said it would do nicely. “The city has a few clinics and healers sworn to the few nobles here.”

Diadra looked around. “You’ve still made enough to pay for everything you’ve bought and then some over the last three days.”

“True,” Kenric agreed. “And we’ve made that. You’ve helped.”

“But dad, I’ve only written names, what was wrong with them, what you healed, and how much they paid in this notebook,” Diadra said, lifting her educational book and tapping the notebook under it. “And you’ve helped with that by spelling out almost all of the names and words.”

“That’s still a major help, kitten. Record keeping is important, and it’s excellent practice for you.”

“You didn’t do this before.”

“I wasn’t bound by any laws before either,” Kenric countered with a grin on his face. “I only had to adhere to my oath.”

“Yeah,” Diadra replied with a shrug. She smiled and turned back to her book.

“How’s your reading going?”

“Slow. Reading is hard.”

“Just wait until you start reading bigger words.”

“Like arthritis?” Diadra asked, grinning at him.

“Exactly!”

She laughed and he smiled. Four people walked up. Kenric glanced at them. Adventurers.

“Are you the traveling healer?” one of the two men in the group asked. The blonde fellow was a little taller and more muscular than Kenric was.

Women probably think he’s handsome too, Kenric mused after taking in the man’s size. “I am. Name’s Kenric Mender.”

“Sabre,” the man replied like his name should be known, with a smile on his face. The smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“Just Sabre?” Kenric asked, trying not to laugh. The other, even larger male adventurer growled as Sabre’s smile slipped from his face.

“Easy Mace,” Sabre said, lifting a hand. “If Mender here has been traveling, he most likely hasn’t heard of us and introductions are in order.”

“True,” Mace muttered.

“This big fellow is Mace,” Sabre said, with an unfriendly smile back on his face. “These two dear ladies are Kestros and Skane. We’re adventurers, if you didn’t know already.”

“Dad, I’m going inside,” Diadra announced. Kenric turned to look and saw she had already stowed her stuff in her inventory, including the camp stool.

“Alright sweetie,” Kenric replied.

“I’d like to get inside,” Mace murmured, grabbing his crotch as his eyes followed Diadra as she climbed up onto the porch. Kenric glared at the large man and readied Somnus after casting Overlapping Ward over the vardo twice. “How much Mender?”

“She is lovely, but not what we’re here for Mace,” Skane said.

“My daughter isn’t for sale,” Kenric said, getting to his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist.

“Here we go again,” muttered Kestros.

“Any man would defend his daughter, but think about your oath, Mender,” Sabre said, holding up both his hands and stepping in front of his companion. “We’re here to offer you a business proposition.”

“And what’s that?” Kenric asked as Mace took a step bac at the urging of the two female adventurers.

“To accompany us into the Old Town dungeon,” Sabre said. “You’ll get a fifth of the loot provided we all make it out alive. Any special or rare items found will be offered to whoever wants the item at a discount if we don’t sell them to merchants first.”

“No thanks,” Kenric replied.

“Perhaps you didn’t hear my generous terms,” Sabre said.

“I heard you and I’m not interested,” Kenric replied. “Go find a different healer.”

Sabre grabbed Kenric’s shoulder as he put his camp stool into his inventory and turned to walk to the vardo. Kenric jerked away. He heard a blade being unsheathed.

“Starting trouble again, Sabre?” a stern sounding woman asked. Kenric heard the blade being sheathed again.

“Captain Tabor! It’s good to see you again,” Sabre quickly said.

“You didn’t answer my question,” the woman said as Kenric turned to see who had intervened. She has a pretty face.

“Not starting trouble at all,” Sabre said with a frown on his face. “We were just trying to offer Mender here a lucrative deal.”

“He said he’s not interested. Why don’t you move along?” the captain said. Her squad fanned out behind her. “Now.”

That guard with the limp needs healing, Kenric thought as the adventurers started walking away. Mace stopped and started to say something but didn’t as the captain stared him down. He turned and left.

“Thank you, captain,” Kenric said. “Does your guard need a healing?”

“Aye, she does, and you’re welcome,” Captain Tabor replied. Kenric nodded and pulled his camp stool back out.

“Take a seat,” Kenric said as he gestured to the injured guard to take a seat. Diadra stuck her head out of the wagon. “I’ll examine your injury, and we’ll go from there.”

“More bookkeeping, dad?” Diadra asked as the guard nodded her agreement.

“Yes, sweetie,” Kenric answered. He turned his attention to the guard and cast Analyze. “What’s your name?”

“Holly. Holly Seward,” the guard answered. Diadra sat on the driver’s seat and wrote the name and injury as Kenric helped her spell out the words. The guard is cute too.

“How much will you charge?” Captain Tabor asked to heal Holly fully?”

“Let’s say… 50 silvers. No make that 35 since you helped me with a problem,” Kenric answered.

“I was told you were cheaper than our clinics, but that is low,” Captain Tabor said with a laugh. She paid Kenric before he could change his mind. Kenric noticed that Diadra wrote the amount down without being told to and smiled.

“Guard Seward has a cracked patella,” Kenric announced as he dismissed the notice. “She shouldn’t have been walking.”

“Happened while we were patrolling outside the wall,” the captain said.

That explains why she came to me besides the cheap price. I was the closest healer, Kenric thought as he spelled out patella for Diadra. He focused his intent and cast Greater Heal on the guard.

*

“Want some advice?” Captain Tabor asked after making sure her guard was recovered enough to walk.

“Sure,” Kenric replied.

“Find a different lot closer to the main markets or a guard barracks.”

“You’re expecting I’ll have more trouble with the adventurers.”

“Yes. Sabre and his crew are troublemakers,” the captain said. “And you’re alone with just your daughter.”

“True,” Kenric agreed. Guess it’s time to move along and perhaps leave the city. It’s also time to hire some guards or mercs, but I’ll need more silver for that. “Captain, you wouldn’t happen to know of such an available spot, would you?”

“Why yes. Yes, I do,” Captain Tabor answered with a grin. “It even includes stabling.”

“Diadra,” Kenric called. “Let’s get Jack and Jill. We’re going to follow the good captain here to a new lot.”

65

“Mar… Mart… Martin?” Diadra said uncertainly, reading the old sign out loud. The sign was hanging over the old blacktop road their new lot was beside.

“Very good,” Kenric replied, praising the girl. “Can you read the rest?”

“Lu… Lut…” Diadra read. She shook her head in frustration. “That’s too much for me.”

“Good effort,” Kenric stated, giving her a smile. “That word is another name, Luther.”

“Luther,” Diadra repeated. She then moved to the rest word. “Ki… King.”

“Yes.”

“That’s an easy one,” she said with a smile. Kenric nodded. “J… r?”

“When you see just a j and an r beside each other like that, it’s pronounced junior,” Kenric explained.

“That doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Diadra complained.

“Perhaps, but it’s the way our language works,” Kenric replied. “Going to finish?”

“Yes,” Diadra answered, nodding her head. “D…r.”

“Well done,” Kenric praised. “That one can be a little confusing as it can mean two different things.”

“Really?”

“Uh huh. In this case the Dr is short for drive, which is what the ancients used to call some of the roads.”

“That’s stupid. Why not just call a road a road?”

“Beats me. People are strange and evidently have always been that way,” Kenric replied. Diadra giggled.

“What’s the other meaning Dr can have?”

“Doctor if my history lessons were correct.”

“What’s a doctor?”

“A healer of sorts that didn’t have magic according to some of the books I’ve read,” Kenric answered.

“So, this sign is from the ancients?” Diadra asked.

“Yeah.”

“How did it survive all this time?”

“I don’t honestly know sweetie. Magic of some sort would be my best guess,” Kenric answered.

“You don’t have any of those books, do you, dad?”

“Afraid not kitten,” Kenric replied. “We’ll get you some history books if you want them once you can read better.”

“Magic and healing books too?” Diadra asked with a hopeful look on her face.

“Those are hard to find and expensive. Odds are something like that will have to come from a big city or be specially ordered,” Kenric answered. “But we’ll see what we can do. I’ll also let you read my herbal books if you want to.”

“I’d love to read them and will work hard on my lessons,” Diadra replied. Her stomach rumbled, making her blush. Kenric just smiled. “What do you want for supper?”

“Want to try the tavern across the road?” Kenric asked, pointing at the building in question. “The captain had said they have good food.”

“You mean drive,” Diadra jested.

“Reckon I do,” Kenric laughed. “Want me to join me there and eat with others or do you want me to get something, and we eat it here?”

“I can just cook something,” Diadra offered.

“True, but you shouldn’t have to cook all the time even if you don’t mind doing so,” Kenric said. “Besides, we can afford it.”

I really don’t want Diadra to feel she is more of a servant or cook than anything else. Perhaps I should make it clearer that I care for and value her more than I have.

“It’s cheaper if I cook,” Diadra pointed out. “We can save the silver for other things.”

“True,” Kenric agreed. “But the guards had told me there was this baked bread with sauce on it that was amazing. I think I want to try it.”

“Hmmm. That could be good,” Diadra admitted.

“You want to wait here?”

“Yes. I’ll study while you’re gone.”

“Alright. I’ll be back as quickly as possible. Lock the vardo’s door,” Kenric said.

“Always,” Diadra replied as she walked to the wagon.

*

“Mender!” a voice called out. Kenric turned in the direction the voice came from and saw Captain Tabor’s squad sitting at a couple of tables. Holly Seward waved him over. He walked over. “Have a drink with us!”

Kenric glanced at the mugs and bottles on the table. He felt the desire to have a drink, especially as a few of the guards raised their cups. Coming over here was a bad idea. I haven’t felt the desire to drink this badly in months. One drink wouldn’t hurt, would it?

“I…”

“Come on, healer. One drink won’t kill you!” another guard said.

What would Diadra think if I gave in and came home drunk? Or if I didn’t come home at all? Kenric thought. I can’t do that to her or myself. I’ve come too far to go back to drinking.

“No, thank you,” Kenric said, shaking his head. “I just came here to order that baked bread you guys told me about.”

“Eh, come on. You can have a beer while waiting for it to cook,” a third guard said. It’s all women encouraging me. Perhaps they want more than just to share a drink.

“No thank you. Diadra is waiting for me to help her with her lessons,” Kenric said. Seeing they were about to say something else, he added, “Besides, I’ve had an issue with spirits in the past. I’d rather not start drinking again.”

“Fair enough,” Holly said, cutting off one of her squad mates. “Have a nice night.”

“You too,” Kenric said before turning and heading over to the bar to order a meal.

*

“Dad, this saucy bread is amazing!” Diadra exclaimed. She took a bite of the other one he had gotten her. “This one with cheese is even better!”

The two small bread loaves were round and about six inches in diameter. The outside was built up almost like a bowl with the sauce, herbs, and cheese in the middle.

“You’re right, sweetie. They’re both very tasty with the cheese adding even more to it,” Kenric said after trying his two.

“I want to learn how to make these,” Diadra said. “Do you think the tavern’s cook would share the secret?”

“I don’t know. We can ask tomorrow and maybe trade a healing for the knowledge,” Kenric replied. Diadra smiled.

“Thanks dad,” she said before attacking her meal again. He smiled and resumed eating his own meal.