1.13

Despite the previous day’s events, aside from the damaged buildings, one could easily think nothing had happened in the quiet town of Cobbleson. Though if one knew where to look, the underlying scars could be easily seen.

“A lot of people are looking at us,” said Sharampf.

“We did save the town after all.” Bodwyn replied.

The town hall was the largest, and fanciest building in Cobbleson. Unlike the hobbled together look of bundled materials like the rest of the town, the town hall was made of smooth timber and stone and was two stories in height.

A small noticeboard covered in various papers was stuck to the wall next to the large wooden double-doors of the town hall.

“Looks like there’s a few jobs on here.” Bodwyn rushed ahead and perused the various job-postings. “Someone wants help tidying up their garden. Lazy or what?”

“If you look closer, they’ve got a sprite problem. Tricky little buggers, those things are. They make an awful mess of things.” Fenrick now looked at the board too.

“Doesn’t sound too exciting. What about this one? Help needed in finding a rare ingredient for a potion. Most likely going to be in the forest. Will pay well. What do you think Sharampf?” Bodwyn asked.

“I dunno. I’m not particularly keen to go back into the forest. How much will it pay?”

“Three silver per unit. Doesn’t say anything on a limit.” Bodwyn flashed a giant grin and rubbed his hands together.

“That sounds exciting to you?” Sharampf asked.

“This has the potential for the biggest payout. Like I said, no limit mentioned.”

“But it does say rare ingredient, which would mean it’s hard to find. May end up being a huge waste of time,” said Sharampf.

“Who cares how we get the money? We need to pay Glayda back tonight. And this one might make things expensive.” Fenrick poked his thumb at Bodwyn.

“But how exciting can shooing away a couple of sprites really be?” asked Bodwyn.

“I’m guessing you’ve never met any?” asked Fenrick, eyebrow raised.

“Nope. Just some waylaid fairies, right? Can’t be too hard.” Bodwyn raised an eyebrow as well and looked right back at Fenrick.

“Nasty things with various magical capabilities. They can make you forget who you are or teleport you miles away from where you were. I knew a guy that got turned into a chicken for a month.”

“Could be fun. What’s it paying?”

“Twelve gold pieces. That’s four each, easily paying the tab that we owe Glayda and giving us some left over.” Sharampf tightened her harness and was ready to walk in a random direction.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“What are you doing?” Fenrick asked.

“What do you mean? Obviously, I’m going to find the people that gave this job so we can fulfill it.”

“But you don’t know where they live, and they didn’t give a name. There’s a way to go about these things, let me show you.” Fenrick signed his name with a pen that magically appeared in his hand. “Now sign both of your names too.” They did as they were told.

Their names glowed red hot, and the parchment fizzled in a shower of sparks.

“A contract,” Sharampf mused.

“Simple magic. Lets the creator know the job has been taken and the names of the ones doing the task.”

“You know a lot,” said Bodwyn.

“I’m a lot older, I’ve done this kind of stuff before.”

“But how does it help us in knowing where to go?” Bodwyn looked all around him with fevered excitement.

Fenrick pulled out a wooden box and held it out for the two of them to see. It contained an intricate looking compass, with a green arrow pointing in a direction.

“That’s neat, but what if you take on more than one job?” asked Bodwyn. Fenrick pointed to the inside of the lid where a tiny piece of leather was stitched into the lid.

“The names of those that give the contract appear in the order that you’ve signed them here. Appearing and disappearing, showing the next. Tap the one you want and that will be the one that appears on the compass.” A warm feeling of nostalgia washed over Fenrick.

“But what if someone takes on a contract, and they don’t have a compass like this?” Bodwyn asked.

“I don’t actually know; I’ve always had this. It’s provided by Dawn’s Ledge when you join the army. Maybe we should ask a random person some time and see what they say?” Fenrick started off in the direction of the green arrow.

“I don’t care that much. Let’s get going so we can make our money as quickly as possible and maybe squeeze in another job before sundown.” Bodwyn made to walk off but Fenrick and Sharampf didn’t follow.

“We may as well choose another job while we’re here. Stops us from having to double back only to go out again. Saves time, more money.” Sharampf perused the billboard, her hand cradled her chin as she thought long and hard.

“I think this one will do.” She grabbed the piece of parchment, signed her name to it and brought it over for the other two.

“What is it?” Bodwyn asked.

“This person wants help moving some heavy rocks in their garden. Says they are too old to do it themselves and nobody is helping,” explained Sharampf.

“How much does it pay?” Bodwyn still hadn’t looked at the paper.

“Just read it for yourself.” Fenrick thrust the paper at Bodwyn in a huff.

“Did you ever hear the story of Ghazwan the Great ever moving a pile of rocks, because I sure haven’t.” Bodwyn handed the parchment back without signing.

“Its easy money and a quick job. There’s nothing wrong with taking on a job like this.” Sharampf handed the parchment back.

“They won’t write songs about us moving rocks,” said Bodwyn.

“Need I remind you, Bodwyn, we are completely broke. Unless you sell some of that jewellery you’re wearing, taking on jobs is all we’ve got. The pixies may take us some time, moving some rocks will be easy. May as well make some extra money. Money, we don’t have.” Fenrick and Bodwyn were surprised at Sharampf’s gruff bluntness.

“I’m not selling any of these.” Bodwyn hid his necklace under his shirt and ran his fingers over the countless chains. He patted his ears to count his earrings. “I’m sorry. Money and fame excite me.”

“And it takes time to get there,” said Sharampf.

“Why are you so eager to be rich and famous anyway? To be a hero?” Fenrick asked.

“Because having more money can make things a lot easier. Being famous is just a sweet part of the deal. Don’t you judge me.” An accusatory tone weaved its way through Bodwyn’s voice.

“I was just asking a question. We’re now adventuring together, may as well get to know each other.” Doubt crept into Fenrick’s mind about their future.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. The rock job sounds cool but let’s go stop these pixies. Hopefully this job can be a little on the exciting side.”

“We’ve had a fair bit of excitement already, don’t you think?” Sharampf looked to Fenrick as she asked this. He rolled his eyes and dropped into step behind them.

“Never,” said Bodwyn. They made their way to their first official job as an adventuring party.