1.12

Swirls of dust danced in the early golden rays of sun in Sharampf’s room. Sharampf sat alone in her room, her harness on a desk, and a bunch of papers on her bed.

The papers on her bed were rejection letters from the four great academies across Gamerrah. Each falling apart from wear and tear, never folded the same way. They each bore the symbol of their respected academies, but each shared an uncanny uniform way in their writing.

Sharampf closed her eyes and breathed in the comfortable coziness, only to be haunted by visions of charred corpses and scorched stone walls.

Sharampf’s eyes shot open. Overcome with a swirling dizziness, Sharampf dry retched and knew from experience she’d be sick for the rest of the day.

Sharampf wasn’t at all surprised to see Fenrick as he ran up and down the stairs.

“Good morning, Fenrick. Getting in a little morning fitness?”

“Helps me keep up with you young ones.” Fenrick made it to the top and turned to jog back down.

“What’s happening with Hank?” Sharampf asked.

“Under house arrest until he can be fixed.” Fenrick continued to run up and down the stairs as he talked.

“Wow, that’s very forgiving of everyone. Is there any way we can help?”

“Honestly, I’m surprised they didn’t lynch him. There’s a bubbling tension ready to explode in this town. I did tell Bob we’d help.”

“How?”

“Killing the one that made the symbol.”

“Finding them might be hard, hey?” Fenrick nodded and Sharampf headed downstairs.

The fantastic aromas coming from the kitchen did a great job at elating Sharampf’s gurgling unrest. She smiled as she saw Mamzo eating some soup. Ellie stood near the kitchen door and would sneak a peek every time it opened.

“You best stay out of their way kiddo,” growled Mamzo. “Come, eat some grub.” He slapped the table next to him, Ellie sat with a bang next to him, and Scibbs ran down her arm and sat on the table.

“Morning Sharampf,” said Mamzo.

“Good morning, Mamzo. Good morning, Eleanor. What are you two up to today?” Sharampf sat down opposite the two of them.

“First, I’m gonna teach her how to use that dagger that Bodwyn gave her.” Mamzo grinned as Eleanor pulled the dagger out and stabbed at the empty space next to her.

“Don’t let Glayda catch you doing that,” Mamzo chuckled.

“Do you have to teach her violence?” Sharampf raised an eyebrow.

“Yep. You’ve seen only a glimpse at just how dangerous the world can be. She needs to be able to defend herself.” Sharampf frowned and held her hands up as if in surrender.

“Then Mister Mamzo here sa-” started Ellie.

“It’s just Mamzo.”

“Mamzo said he was gonna teach me how to fish and prepare it to eat.” Eleanor continued to stab at the air.

“Good, that’s a handy skill to have. I knew someone that could fight with a fishing rod once.” Sharampf put her hand up for the waiter and asked for some mushrooms, onions and potatoes cooked in garlic.

“Whoa, is that possible Mamzo?” Eleanor stabbed the table with the dagger and whirled around to Mamzo in bewildered excitement.

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“Ellie, don’t go stabbing the furniture, or I’ll put you to work,” called Glayda.

“Sorry.” Her eager demeanour deflated.

“Anything can be a handy tool when used properly. I knew someone that fought with an umbrella. I could probably teach you how to fight with a fishing rod if you’d like. Come on, let’s go.” Mamzo got up and left.

Ellie ran around the table and embraced Sharampf in a hug; “Have fun,” Sharampf whispered. Ellie then ran out after Mamzo.

“You could’ve woken me up,” Bodwyn’s groggy voice floated across the room. He toddled over and sat down next to Sharampf. His head cracked onto the table.

“After the state you were in last night, we figured you should have a rest.” Sharampf ordered him a coffee and some chilli stew.

“Well, I appreciate the kindness. So, what are we planning on doing today? And the next. And the next while, really.” Bodwyn picked up the coffee and took a long slurp.

“Are we all sticking together?” Fenrick sat down at the table and Tad followed in behind.

“Sure. We work well together, and we’re all broke. Sharampf and I already made a deal, you in?” Bodwyn looked to Fenrick with heavy eyes.

“I don’t think you’ll need me, you’re both good at what you do. And, neither of you two had to give any money, I gave more than enough.”

“Like, a crazy amount. Why would you give that much? How did you get that much?” Bodwyn dug into his chilli, but his eyes never left Fenrick. “We definitely need you. You’re really good at fighting.”

“And talking to people,” chimed Sharampf.

“It was my retirement money. I’m retired, officially.” Fenrick ordered his own meal.

“Still a lot,” said Bodwyn.

“I’m quite a bit older than you both, I’ve been at my job for a long time. I also did a lot of things on the side in my spare time. Lots of rich people want bodyguards.”

“But if that was your retirement money, and now its all gone. What are you gonna do?” A queasy look came over Bodwyn as a spicy burp escaped his mouth.

“We could always become an adventuring group,” said Sharampf. “Lots of potential money there. Quests, missions, bounties, explore some ruins. Find hidden riches.”

“It can also be incredibly dangerous,” said Fenrick.

“But the money,” whined Bodwyn.

“All honestly earned.” Fenrick glared at Bodwyn as an elderly man shuffled behind the cheeky leporid.

“Of course. There isn’t any other way. Look at Thera, Rakesh and Dislo. Just one of many famous and powerful adventuring groups. They’ve made so much money.” Bodwyn returned the few coins he’d lifted from the elderly man.

“Well known and respected heroes too,” said Sharampf. “All of Gamerrah would eventually see my inventions. And I’d be helping people too. With friends.” Sharampf looked with hopeful earnest at the other two. She even popped her head back to look at Tad.

“I guess you could say we’re friends,” said Fenrick. Tad lifted her head for Sharampf to give her chin a little scratch.

“Yeah, okay. I suppose we are.” Bodwyn’s words dragged as he spoke.

“I guess we find our first thing to earn money as an adventuring group?” said Sharampf. The excitement in Sharampf’s voice was palpable. She honestly couldn’t remember the last time she had friends.

“Should probably be something simple at first. I mean we can fight, but we’re down Mamzo and I’m not too keen on being swarmed by amanitas again either. Screw those little guys,” said Bodwyn.

“So, its officially decided, we’re going to become an adventuring group?” asked Sharampf. Fevered excitement flowed from her.

“Tad and I will join you, right girl?” Fenrick looked at Tad, who nodded.

“Permanently?” asked Sharampf.

“For now.”

“What do we do? How can we start making money?” The excitement in Bodwyn’s voice matched Sharampf’s energy.

“Let’s see if there are any jobs about town.” Fenrick twirled his moustache.

“Like, odd jobs? Not cleaning someone’s house, are we?” Bodwyn asked. A moody scowl flashed across his face.

“What? No. Tasks. Anyone in town may want anything done they feel they can’t do themselves. We complete the task, and hopefully get paid.”

“Let’s get started today then. We’re gonna need the money.” Bodwyn’s hands writhed together like snakes as he spoke.

“Let’s go find a billboard then.” At that, Sharampf got up from the table and walked to her room to get her harness.

As she closed her bedroom door behind her, she flopped face down onto her bed, smiling. It felt like she had something to do. A sense of direction, and that made her happy. She put on her harness and walked back downstairs.

“Hey, you three. You know that meal and those drinks weren’t free. How do you intend to pay me?” Glayda stood in the doorway of the kitchen.

“Is she joking?” Sharampf asked quietly.

“I don’t know,” muttered Bodwyn under his breath.

“Sorry Glayda, we’re all bled dry,” said Fenrick.

“How’s about this. This morning will be added to a tab, at half price. If you can pay it back by the end of the day, before going to bed, I won’t charge ya full price.”

“That sounds like a fair deal to me, what do you two think?” Fenrick was amused at the contorted looks of confusion mixed with frustration on the faces of his new friends. “You’ll have your money tonight, for this morning, and whatever we need tonight. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Glayda smiled and walked back into the kitchen.

“I don’t know if I like her,” said Bodwyn.

“Come on, lets go find some jobs.” Fenrick walked out of The Cracked Cauldron with Tad close on his heels.

“Would such a small town even have many jobs that pay?” asked Sharampf.

“Haven’t a clue,” replied Bodwyn. The two of them followed Fenrick and Tad.