Warmth enveloped her. It had been a long time since she had felt warmth. All she remembered was cold stone and dark rooms. Cold metal cutting her flesh, and cold hands always touching her, but now she found warmth. She pressed herself deeper into it and buried her face into the hard substance. She could hear a steady beating, and it soothed her. Slowly, she opened her eyes, and the morning light caused her to flinch.

Where am I? Slowly, the fey girl looked up at the face of the man holding her. He held her tight, and she wormed her way deeper into him. Despite looking rough, with his stubbly face and hard jaw, he had kind eyes that had pulled her out of the darkness. The warmth of his body invited her to snuggle up closer, and she felt safe in his strong arms.

She couldn’t help but smile at the memory of last night. Everyone needs a little hope in their life. She rubbed her cheek against his chest. Hope, my name is Hope.

“Are you comfortable?”

Hope jumped and she looked to the woman staring at them. Despite being in her undergarments, she looked imposing with her hands on her hips, and the sneer painting her face. The blue horns and tail gave her away as being nonhuman. Hope shivered as the woman’s hard gaze lingered on her, and she tried burying herself deeper into the man’s hold.

“Don’t ignore me!” the woman growled. Hope turned away and closed her eyes tightly. “You have some nerve.”

“G-go away,” Hope squeaked, “I-I’m sleeping.”

“You’re awake!”

“No, I’m not!”

“Yes, you are!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“Enough you two,” The man stirred underneath her, and his hand gently petted her head. Hope leaned into his touch, “Did you sleep well Hope?”

“Y-yes, but I’m still sleepy,” Hope said.

“Master, you were supposed to sleep with me!” The woman’s whining brought a smile to Hope’s lips.

“I’m sorry Ralia,” the man said, “I had to take care of Hope last night and ended up falling asleep here. Please forgive me.”

Ralia sighed, “Fine, I can’t blame you for that,” she said, “But I expect you to remedy that tonight.”

“I understand,” he said, “Now go get dressed so we can have breakfast.”

Nathaniel gently spooned the eggs into Hope’s mouth. She let out a delighted hum as she chewed, and then opened her mouth waiting for the next bite. Cymella and the maids giggled as they watched him feed the girl sitting on his lap. Their eyes fluttered rapidly and their breathing a bit fast and shallow. Ralia, however, was letting out a soft growl as she shoveled the food into her mouth.

“Is something interesting?” Nathaniel said looking at the women.

“You’re exuding a strong paternal aura,” Cymella said with a sultry smile, “It’s quite alluring.”

Ralia bent the fork in her hand, and a maid quickly replaced it. The bent fork was thrown onto a tray with the others she had bent.

“Quit breaking the silverware Ralia,” Nathaniel said with a sigh, “I’m sorry about her.”

“It’s fine,” Cymella said, “If anything I’m quite enjoying the little drama playing out in front of me.” The maids laughed along with her.

“I’m more surprised at how quickly the fey girl turned around,” Pomran said with a laugh, “She looks like a completely different person.”

“I’m not,” Cymella smiled warmly, “So what are your plans for today?”

“I need to go to the Guild and see if there are any healers willing to move to Treante,” Nathaniel said wiping off Hope’s face, “After that, I’ll do some shopping and then relax,” he turned to Ralia, “I’ll want you to come with me, and wear your armor. The last thing I need is to be attacked by a Guild thug.”

Ralia perked up, “Gladly master,”

“What about me?” Hope said giving him puppy eyes.

“You’ll need to stay here Hope,” Nathaniel said petting her, “I don’t want you getting caught up in this. Not until I keep my promise.”

Hope pouted, “All right,”

“Don’t worry Nathaniel, we’ll take care of her.” Cymella said.

Nathaniel stared up at the three-story building. The first floor was made entirely of stone with the second and third floors made of wood. A large stone archway was the main entrance to the Guildhall. The inside reminded him of a mall. The prominent craftsmen had dedicated storefronts where they made and sold their wares while others resorted to selling their product from stalls. Nathaniel noticed the severe glares pointed in his direction.

“Let’s get to the alchemy branch and then get out,” Nathaniel said, “I don’t want to be here longer than necessary.”

Ralia nodded and followed him deeper into the hall. The hall split into a four-way intersection with a large fountain in the middle. They continued wandering around until they found the right storefront. It wasn’t what he expected.

Multiple rows of chairs were evenly spaced out in the main lobby, and a large front desk was manned by a bored looking receptionist. A single wooden door led to the main office’s back rooms. A few patrons were sitting in chairs, waiting patiently for their turn. However, a raggedy looking man was shouting at the receptionist.

“Please, I need to renew my license!” the man said tearing out his hair.

The receptionist gave him a polite smile, “I’m sorry sir, but I can’t do that,” she said, “Your license is currently on hold until you pay the penalty fee.”

“How am I supposed to do that,” the man slammed his fist on the desk, “I need to work to earn money, but I can’t work without my license!”

“I’m sorry sir, but that’s for you to figure out,” the receptionist smiled, “Have a nice day.”

The man screamed and ran out of the office. “And I thought Mother could be brutal,” Ralia scoffed.

Nathaniel approached the desk, “I’m here representing the village of Treante,” he said, “I’d like to file a request to have a healer move to our village.”

“I’m sorry sir, but we aren’t taking such requests at the moment,”

“Why,”

The receptionist smiled, “Due to the war, all available healers are at the front lines,” she said, “The only ones that remain are incapable of moving.” [Lie]

“But won’t they be there for a few months,” Nathaniel said, “Won’t those healers be able to take the requests?”

“They will, but to keep the requests from getting out of hand we are no longer taking requests. I’m sorry,”

Nathaniel sighed but turned around and left. “Damn bureaucracy is everywhere,”

“What do you mean?” Ralia said.

“The Guild’s curating the requests,” Nathaniel looked around, “Chances are they’re accepting requests to give to their favorites, then they’ll start taking requests for the remaining healers.”

“So, it’s all about control,” Ralia said.

“It’s underhanded but effective,” Nathaniel said passing the fountain, “After all, everyone wants a better life, and the Guild’s doing everything it can to exploit it.”

“Then how can we get a healer?”

“We’ll have to hope that Pomran will find a healer for us,” Nathaniel said, “The Guild doesn’t have control over the slave trade. Maybe we’ll get lucky and can contract a healer.”

Nathaniel’s [Intuition] marked his vision that he was being watched, but it marked the individual as someone above him. He looked up and an elderly man in fine robes and cap was looking down at him. The man stroked his white beard as he glared down at Nathaniel. Nathaniel just waved at him as he left.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

A few days had past and Nathaniel was sitting at a desk with Hope on his knee. He was scribbling down some designs for her new limbs. This is going to take a lot of resources. Hope stared at the drawing in fascination.

“Are these going to be my new arms and legs,” Hope said.

“This is just a rough draft,” Nathaniel said petting her head, “I’ll finalize the designs once we’re back home.”

“Then you may be of some use,” Ralia said smirking at her.

“I’ll be of more use than you!” Hope said, “I’ll be able to cook, clean, and tend to master. Unlike you.”

Nathaniel could see the veins bulging in Ralia’s forehead, “I’d like to see you try brat,”

“Enough, both of you,” Nathaniel said, “If you two don’t behave, I’ll have you both sit on the couch hugging each other, and you won’t be allowed to move until I say so.”

“But she started it,” Hope gave him the biggest puppy eyes he’d ever seen.

“True, but you were egging her on too,” Nathaniel chuckled, “So, you’re equally to blame.”

Hope pouted in his lap while trying to cross her arms. It was strangely cute. A knock came from the door and Pomran entered.

“I come bringing good news,” Pomran said.

“A healer?”

“Not quite,” Pomran scratched at his thin moustache, “He’s actually a surgeon, but he does have some skills in [Alchemy] and [Medicine]. I’d thought I’d let you know first before I set up him up in the slave market.”

“Thanks,” Nathaniel said, “Let’s go check him out.”

“I want to come!” Hope said.

“Me too!” Ralia cleared her throat, “As your bodyguard.”

Pomran laughed, “Aren’t you loved,”

Pomran led him through the manor and into a sitting room. Nathaniel took in the unnaturally thin man sitting on a couch staring at his shaking hands. His stringy grey and brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Thick bags hung under his grey eyes. He noticed them enter and his eyes widened at Ralia and Hope, but he shook the shock away and bowed.

"Master Elias, this is Master Light,” Pomran said, “He’s looking to make a contract with a healer.”

Nathaniel shifted Hope in his grip, and held out his hand, “A pleasure to meet you sir,”

Elias stared at the hand then shook it, “A pleasure as well,” he said, “I do have some skills dedicated to healing, but nothing…that could restore missing limbs.”

Hope shifted in Nathaniel’s grip, and he gently comforted her, “I understand,” Nathaniel said sitting down, “Only advance rank healers and priests can do that. Honestly, I’m looking for a healer on behalf of my village. Since the Guild won’t help, I’m looking to find a work-around.”

“I see,” Elias laughed nervously, “Truthfully, I’m a member of the Guild, but they revoked my license. That’s why I’m doing this.”

“Why’d they revoke your license?”

“I didn’t report to Castle Warnmier,” Elias scratched his head, “I tried to get permission, but they wouldn’t grant it, and now, I have to pay the penalty fine before I can start practicing again.”

“Why didn’t you go to Castle Warnmier?” Pomran said.

“I’m taking care of my niece,” Elias said, “I’m the only family she has left, and due to her condition, I didn’t feel comfortable moving her so far away.”

“What’s wrong with your niece?” Nathaniel said.

“She’s…blind,” Elias sighed heavily, “It happened a few years ago when bandits attacked the village my sister's family was living in. When the priests brought her to me, I promised I would take care of her as my own, but now I’m forced to do this.”

“Will she be alright traveling then?”

Elias shrugged, “I don’t have much choice now. I need to earn money to take care of her.”

“Well, we’d gladly take you,” Nathaniel said with a smile.

“Thank you, sir,” Elias turned to Pomran, “So, how do we proceed from here?”

Pomran pulled out a scroll, “It’s quite simple,” he said, “The two of you will negotiate the terms of the contract. Those that you both agree to will be written down. The contract then will be sealed in blood and magic. Should either of you break the contract, then a penalty condition will be extracted from the perpetrator.”

“I want to start with that,” Elias said, “Should anyone in the village break the contract, then I will expect the village to pay my fee to the Guild.”

“How much do you owe,” Nathaniel nodded.

“Three hundred gold,”

Ralia scoffed, “That’s ridiculous master!”

“I understand,” Nathaniel said, “Should anyone in the village break the contract, then I’ll pay the fee for you. As for our end, should you break the contact, you’ll be expected to remain in the village and provided your services for a discounted rate of fifty percent for…ten years.”

“Agreed,” Pomran wrote down the conditions.

The two went back-and-forth until they finalized the contract. In exchange for his services at a rate that the village could afford, Elias would move to Treante. To aid him with the move, the village would give Elias one year before needing to pay taxes and help build a house for him and his niece. Once that was finished, both men signed the contract and stamped a thumbprint in blood at the bottom.

Pomran signed his name at the bottom, “Congratulations gentlemen, the contract is finalized,” he said, “As of this moment, master Elias is now a member of Treante village. Take good care of him.”

“I didn’t think my life would turn out like this,” Elias said with a sad chuckle, “What should I do with my belongings and property here?”

“That’s up to you,” Pomran said, “If you’re in dire need to sell it off, the Quarmane Trading Company will gladly take inventory and sell it off on your behalf, for a twenty-percent cut.”

“That’ll have to do,” Elias sighed.

“I’ll purchase another cart and drebin for you,” Nathaniel said, “That way you can take what you’ll need to Treante.”

Elias bowed, “Thank you sir,”

“Can you be ready in three days,” Nathaniel smiled, “Now that my business is pretty much done, I’d like to return home as soon as possible.”

“Yes, it can be done,”

Nathaniel finished strapping down the last of his goods into the wagon. Hope was safely secured in the back, snuggled in between two rolls of cloth. Ralia stood at the ready keeping her eyes out for trouble. Elias was finishing up with his cart. He still looked a little haggard, but there was a small smile on his lips.

There was a young girl sitting on the wagon bench of Elias’ cart. Her brown hair flowed down her back with her bangs braided along her temple. She wore a simple yellow dress, and a white cloth wrapped around her eyes.

Nathaniel walked over, “Is everything secured?”

“Yes…master Light,” Elias said with a shaky laugh.

“Just call me Nathaniel,” he said, “Despite the contract, you’re joining us as a new member, so I hope you come to think of me as a neighbor.”

“Of course, my apologies,”

“Thank you for helping us out, sir,” the girl said with a small bow.

“Don’t mention sweetheart,” Nathaniel laughed, “Honestly, I’m grateful your uncle is willing to move. I’m Nathaniel Light.”

“Daisy Maplewood,”

“Glad to meet you,” Nathaniel turned to Elias, “When we get to back, I’d like to introduce you to the headsman. He might come off as a bit harsh, but he’ll understand once I let him know what happened at the Guild,” He leaned closer to Elias, “Keep your eyes open. I don’t think anything will happen, but we have had issues with bandits.”

“Bandits!” Daisy held herself shaking.

“No need to worry sweetie,” Nathaniel said trying to comfort her, “My friend Ralia will keep us safe. She’s a level thirty-one fighter, so they won’t even stand a chance.”

“If you say so,” Nathaniel gave Elias an apologetic look.

“He’s right Daisy,” Elias said stroking her back, “She’s quite the sight to behold.”

“She must be… truly beautiful,” Daisy gave them a sad smile.

“Are we ready to go master!” Ralia waved at him.

Elias nodded and Nathaniel headed back, “We are,” he said jumping onto the wagon, “Keep your eyes out, and try to stick close to both wagons. We’re relying on you to handle any trouble.”

“Don’t make the master look bad!” Hope called from the back of the wagon.

“At least I’m able to do something, you little…” Nathaniel cut her off with a glare.

Nathaniel cracked the reins and the wagons started moving. They’re journey through the town was uneventful. Mostly small groups watching from the side streets, but none having the courage to fight against Ralia, and soon they were out on the dirt road back to Treante.

Nathaniel kept his eyes out for any trouble, thanks to [Intuition] he couldn’t see any signs of traps waiting for them. Due to the narrow road, they couldn’t run the wagons next to each other, so instead, Nathaniel took the lead with Elias closely behind. Ralia sat in the back of Nathaniel’s wagon with her spear at the ready.

“Master,” Ralia called out. Her eyes swiveled to both sides of the road.

“I see them,” Nathaniel said activating his shield, “Four to the left and six on the right. The armor should make you fast enough to handle all of them, but I’ll be ready just in case.”

“Excellent,” Ralia jumped off the wagon, “[Dragon Lance]” Golden light surrounded her spear as she threw it. Screams soon followed, and Ralia ran into the brush.

“Get down!” Nathaniel called out as he drew his sword.

Nathaniel brought his shield up as an arrow flew towards him, but it struck the shield. Three bolts of lightning shot into the left side of the brush, and he heard the terrible screams of the bandits. The fourth one emerged, his left arm completely black and charred, and he charged towards Nathaniel with a primal scream. A flash of blue flew, and the bandit was struck down by Ralia’s spear. Before the body hit the ground, Ralia recalled her spear. She stepped out of the brush, her armor stained with blood.

“Is that all of them?” Elias said peeking out.

“It is,” Nathaniel said, “Excellent work Ralia.”

Ralia’s tail thumped the ground, “A pleasure master,” she said, “I’m glad I finally got to quench my gear in blood. After all, it’s unsightly to have armor and weapons that haven’t tasted the glory of combat.”

“Right,” Nathaniel gave her a confused smile, “You can clean yourself up while we travel.”

They arrived in Treante shortly before evening. Several of the villagers noticed them down the road, and Elias gave them a nervous smile and a wave. The villagers smiled back with a wave of their own. The gossiping housewives already gathered around each other. Nathaniel pulled his cart over in front of Barin’s house. The headsman rushed out soon afterwards.

“Archons, please tell me he’s a healer!” Barin said.

“What’s wrong?” Nathaniel said jumping down.

“It’s my wife, she started feeling ill a few days ago,” Barin wiped down his forehead, “Now, she’s looking awful.”

“Let me take a look at her,” Elias said, jumping down, “Nathaniel, can you take care of Daisy.”

“Of course,” Nathaniel said, “Ralia, take care of Hope,” he walked over to the wagon and gently grabbed Daisy’s hand, “I’m right here.”

Daisy smiled as she leaned down and grabbed Nathaniel’s shoulder. He then placed an arm underneath her legs and held onto her back as he slid her off. Daisy started laughing as he held her.

“Is this what it feels like to be a princess,” she said.

“Maybe, but I think you need to find yourself another prince,” Nathaniel laughed, “You’re a bit too young for me.”

“That’s fine, I’m not attracted to old men,”

“Old, I’m only thirty,”

“Isn’t that old?” Daisy said with a confused smile, “Uncle is thirty-two, and my father would have been thirty-one.”

“Just keep digging that knife in deeper why don’t you,” Nathaniel chuckled as he put her down. He led her into the headsman’s house and sat her at the table. Elias soon came out of the back room, “How bad is it?”

“I don’t think it’s anything too serious,” Elias said, “Once I get setup, I can start making medicine to help her.”

“Good, I’m just glad the Guild finally did something,” Barin said with an exhausted smile.

“They didn’t Barin,” Nathaniel said with a sigh, “They wouldn’t take any requests, so I ended up contracting him through the slave market.”

“What,”

Nathaniel handed him the contract, “It’s not the best, but I feel the conditions are fair for both parties.”

Barin read the contract, “Damn fucking Guild!” he said, but then noticed Daisy sitting at the table, “I’m sorry,” After a few moments he looked to Nathaniel, “You’re right it’s not the best, but I’m not going to turn away a good healer because I don’t like how he got here. I’ll talk with our carpenters to get you a house and shop put together.”

“I can help too,” Nathaniel said.

Elias looked at him in surprise, “But I thought you’re a blacksmith.”

“There’s more to Light than one might expect,” Barin shook his head, “Almost like he’s hiding something.”

“I’m just a simple blacksmith,” Nathaniel gave them a polite smile.

“And I’m the Lady Oracle,” Barin scoffed turning to Elias, “Welcome to Treante, master Elias. We’re glad to have you.”