Chapter 2:

It is widely accepted that Men and Vaccavi do not mix. On the one hand you have a race of beings who want nothing but currency, pleasure, and excess. And On the other hand you have a race of powerful matriarchal females who live almost opposite lifestyle.  So when a man and a Vaccavi are seen together -though they may or may not be in any form of relationship- it is often a sight to behold. Doubly so when both are armed to the teeth.

Materall’s tales of the adericta. Page 476.

The inside of a drake’s mouth was about as repulsive as things came. Rotten meat liked to stick in between the uglier back teeth and linger there for days on end creating an unbearable stench. But the smell was not the worst part. Having said teeth only inches from your face, was. But for Ernal Komenar, it was an occupational hazard and, as far as he knew, it was also to be the highlight of his day.

One of his arms was pinned under the creature’s clawed foot while his other was was reaching up to push the mess of jagged teeth and rancid breath as far away from him as was possible. Luckily the other set of claws were blocked by a thick fence post so it couldn’t slash his defenseless flank. He yelled through gritted teeth at his companion. “Fioa, a little help if you would.” It was a few straining moment before his salvation in the form of a chain wrapped itself around the drake’s neck and tightened, painfully so, from what he saw.

“No face for you today.” Fioa said while pulling hard and yanking it free of Ernal. It ravenously clawed in the air and hiss-screeched as it was pulled back to a cage where Fioa tossed it im as easily as if Enral were handling a small dog. The beast scraped on the dirt floor to gain traction then flung itself on at her with all its might only to come face first into a solid wooden door, just freshly closed. She locked it with the key she was given then walked away and closed a set of barn doors where seven others like it were being kept.

“Are you alright?” She asked standing over him. “Did it manage to get bite?”

No pain immediately showed itself, which was good. His fingers all worked and both eyes had vision. Maybe a scratch. Maybe a good poke aswell but nothing too terrible. “Nothing worse than what that Vampyr women did back in Häder. And she wasn’t trying to kill me.” He half coughed the last words as the dust settled in his mouth. He opened and closed his stiffened hands and stretched his wrists a bit before reaching up for Fioa’s help.  Instead of taking the hand the seven and a half foot she-beast reached down and grabbed him by the protective leather vest he wore and hauled him up with an unfairly small amount of effort.

“This is good then. We get to keep full pay?”She dusted him off with her massive hands and fixed his vest like a mother would, their ill dressed child.

He grunted as she brushed the dirt and dust out of his lengthy black hair which inconveniently had come undone mid fight and got is his face. “It looks like we will, and the good doctor will go hungry tonight while we stuff ourselves.” He dusted off his pants then turned to his current short time employer.  “But speaking of pay.” He slowly counted seven on his fingers and then eight as he confirmed that the large red male was not moving. Fioa’s T-shaped hestatax was planted firmly into it’s head which meant that there was no possibility other than death. “That’s all eight. Just as you asked. Unless of course there are more elsewhere.”

The employer, an aging man with a red beard and sunken eyes, wore old leather armor badly in need of some repair; and held a solid round shield in one hand and a slightly crooked spear in the other. He had a look of shocked surprise on his face as if he had never seen such great acts of strength and bravery before; which judging by most people here in Mirigas, he probably hadn’t.

Ernal furled his brows while holding his smile as he got close. “I would appreciate it if removed that look from your face. I don’t like it when people gawk. Especially when the work is as messy as what you just saw.”

The drake farmer dropped the look hesitantly. “You’ll have to excuse me. You barely started ten minutes ago and...well...it takes me hours with all the boys in town helping whenever they get out. Didn’t think you two could do it, to be honest. But I guess that’s what i get for doubting your she-beast there.” He retrieved a bag and pulled a large pouch from it. “Here.” He handed Ernal the common currency that took the form small ingot shaped bars made of varying different materials depending on value. “There should be about one-hundred and fifty units in there. Three sapphire and ten silver and the rest in bronze. And here’s a steel for not making a bloody mess of the poor fellow.”

The bars were heavy in Ernal’s hand due to his muscles getting tired from wrestling with the animals, but he none the less loved the feel of it. A good day-or in this case, ten minutes- of hard, dangerous work always ended in a great sense of fulfillment when the money hit the hand. “Well, good of you to consider that.” He threw his thumb back at Fioa.“Though I think it fair that she should get the praise for that part.”

“Oh.” The drake farmer raised a hand out and bowed his head in what the locals considered non verbal thanks. Fioa replied by putting her right fist to her left shoulder in a form of salute. “Well I hope you two enjoy yourselves. Don’t spend it all at the cockle. ol’ Dannyur dropped the prices again since you helped him clear the fields of those ratlings.”

And the fruits of labor pay off again. “Well that’s good. Fioa, you hear that? You can order more than usual for our last meal.”

She perked up at the sound of the words and gave a happy grunt.

The farmer gave a puzzled look. “Your last? Are you going somewhere?”

“Indeed we are; and the destination lies north of your little town.”

“Are you sure? I mean, there would be plenty of folk who’d give you a bed around here. As much as you have helped us all, there is plenty to go around for you and her.”

Enral waved it off with no visible hesitation. But to his mind the offer was more attractive than some women he had slept with, and some of them were renowned for their looks. “It’s a good offer. But we have bigger ambitions than this.” He gestured to everything around him. “I hope you understand.

The farmer raised his hands in fake surrender. “Oh, my son had the same idea. Ran off to follow his dream of becoming one of those Arcaenon, leaving me here to tend to the beasts. But if you do find your dreams out of reach, i’ve got a spare bed or two lying around. And there should be plantey of work since things like to go sideways around here.” He gave a toothy smile through his beard.

  “Well judging by the young men around here, it will probably happen the moment I step away.” He laughed and the leathery faced farmer did the same. “Good luck to you in your eh...work…”He reached a hand out to shake and the farmer replied in kind.

“And good luck to you on your travels. I hope the your ambitions are as sensible as you are.”

Enral held his grin while glancing about then remembered something about the red male. “One more thing, old one.”

“Yes. What do you need?”

“Fioa. Hand me the satchel.” The Vaccavi reached behind her back and pulled out the small satchel she kept strapped there. She tossed it and it was caught a second later. Ernal opened it to reveal a thick stack of crumpled yellow paper. He began flipping through all the wanted signs, job requests, kill orders, and descriptions.

“Well you two keep yourselves busy, don’t you?”

“Very.” He said while searching. “Lets see. Dead...dead...found it... should be gone...bastard nearly took my eye…” He held the last syllable then stopped once he found one with a red wax seal on it. “Here we go. Let’s see, Red scales, black angular horns, large scar on the right side of the muzzle, and currently in a matting rampage.” He mumbled the words to himself to the confusion of the farmer. “Just to be sure. That male is a wild one right?” The man nodded. “Can we have it’s head then?”

The drake farmer blinked. “Well uh, sure. Just drain the blood down by the creak. Don’t want those four eyed carrions flying about.”

“Good. Fioa.” He gestured to her and she pulled out a long serrated knife from her now reattached belt and walked towards the carcass.

…

About an hour later, Ernal was lying in the back of a sturdy wooden cart with the head of the large red drake which was covered in some rags. Two birds with one stone. Always a good thing. He lifted up the cloth again to make sure it was still there despite his knowledge that it was. He dropped it then peered out the back to the dirt road and narrow trees behind him as he reminisced on how he had gotten here.

It all started with his exile from Theros. A nasty affair which he did not, under most circumstances, care to remember. Fioa joined him on his trip across the sea of the endless to Mirigas; or as the the sailors called it, ‘The First world’, and landed at the port city of Ganan Taras then took a long journey on foot to the west. They wondered then, flailing about the back roads and insignificant villages trying to survive. Lost in an Alien world full of aggressive furry creatures and terrible windless weather that always wanted to cook him in his clothes.

They carried on like that till they found a small town that was willing to house them for a night. To repay them for their kindness they both agreed to do demolish a small house that was too dangerous to live in. Fioa took it more as a challenge than a job and brought it down in less than an hours to the surprise of everyone who was watching. After getting payed for it and packing some much better food and clothing into their newly acquired cart,which Fioa named Bel’thock, they decided to head northwest to where more towns were supposed to be, and found the great Ardurian way that was said to carry them to Aston Taras.

It was slow travel up the the length of stone highway since Fioa decided she was going to pull the cart instead of going broke by getting a pack mule; and despite the massive strides she took, Vaccavi speed was much slower than most other options. But it didn’t matter much, the towns became so close together as they went farther north that they could almost wave from one town’s highest building to a person in the highest of another’s. That meant that there was a lot of work and they did almost everything they would dare lower themselves to. Months went by and the two of them had done a list of things that was too long to keep track of, most of which were to boring to even care for. But he and his Vaccavi none the less survived. Able to feed themselves and always having a roof. Much better than most he thought.

But the popularity he had been experiencing lately had not come from a hard day tiling up the soil or bringing down a house. It was a small flame at first and the match was lit In a small town called Taran Taran. There they did the locals a favor and ridded them of some ruffians, who in turn came back days later in much greater numbers demanding that he and Fioa be ‘brought to justice’. Suffice to say that His skill with his halberd earned him a week of food and a nice place to stay. The next town asked pretty much the same; local gang, stealing, raping, bullying. And again his halberd earned them some luxury. As bloody as it was, he didn’t mind. It was the most exhilarating thing he had done in months after all, and by all the gods both dark and ordered, Mirigas was boring.

But playing with fire was also fun so when his reputation for violence reached higher levels he reveled in the release of all his tensions; Fioa as well though sometimes too much. Both of them were fighters by heart and recently fighters by trade. Not the worst life. And it made the local white blades jealous.

But as good as it all was he had greater ambitions. Farther north on the great Vandasul plains lies the great city of Aston Taras. The city of guilds and the city of legends or so he heard. In two weeks time he hand an appointment with a certain guild of a certain profession one that would satisfy him for life. One, like he always dreamed of, that was for the best and only the best: The Adericta.

"You are quiet." Fioa broke the thoughtful silence. "Something wrong?"

"Oh it’s nothing. Just a little blue headed is all." The cart came to a stop. She turned in the leather harness she used to pull the cart with and looked him up and down.

"Your head is same color as before."

Ernal chuckled. "It is an expression, Fioa. Means my mind is lost to the sky."

She Furled her brows.

He arched his back to look at her and sighed. "I’m reminiscing on the past few months. Having deep thoughts." He relaxed and let out a breath of air. "I thought I told you about taking everything literally.

She shrugged and the cart started moving again. "Isk gathus dran geallock." She replied in her native language of Salthazad; which he knew some of since both he and she had to learn each other languages when they first met. This she said, "I hate metaphors very much.” or possibly "I hate goats in trees" Being a sensible man he decided that the former was correct.

He tried to reply in kind. "Ido huk  honduak…eh…mortoo iln…if you are going to live among humans, you need to learn how to speak without saying your exact meaning."

She scoffed at his words. "What is point of speak if not meaning?"

"If I had the answer I would tell you. But I don’t. Maybe ask one of your sisters."

She didn’t reply and continued to say nothing else from there onward. The Vaccavi were not known for their great conversations or their skill in small talk. Doubly so for Fioa who was even worse at it than her more civilized sisters. But it was a good thing to have a companion who won’t argue about meaning and life. It meant that she wouldn’t do something or not do something out of principle and always be there if he needed her. Not the best companion but a good one. And one he would have over many others.

It was while longer that they rode on in silence. People occasionally passed by  them and some even stopped to pay respects for any number of reasons, even if he didn’t know them. On one occasion a portly woman tossed a fresh loaf of bread into the cart in thanks for some task he could not remember doing, then took off humming. The loaf smelled of cinnamon, an unfamiliar spice to him. He took one bite, broke it in half and gave one to Fioa which was devoured second later. She’s hugary. And here i thought we were going to have some extra money. Why do Vaccavi have to have two stomachs? Ernal was waiting to get back to the Splintered Cockle to eat so he he tucked his half in a bag and looked back

After the sound of munching died down enough for him to be able to think he started to wonder about the trip. How much food would they need if they skipped every town between Tian and Aston? Fioa needed about three times as he did; but she could, and has, caught and eaten local game raw so that was partially covered. If they ate tonight and left just soon after they could arrive a day earlier than they had planned. If what he had heard of Aston Taras was true, it was a big city. ’The city of guilds’ they call it, and there were both physical and metaphorical mazes all throughout it buildings as one wizened man had told them. An extra day to explore would be nice

“What do you say Fioa. Should we leave tonight or tomorrow morning?”

She turned her head. “Did you not tell the Farmer that you would leave tomorrow? It would not be good to deceive.”

“It’s not deception. It’s weighing possibilities. If we leave tonight we can make Aston by next Thundas.A good once around of the city would be in our favor. All the peoples tell us how big it is. Besides, I don’t think it would hurt anyone. The sooner we get there the sooner we can get into that guild.”

“Why in such rush. You Try and keep schedule again. I not tell you that your schedule is held by no other. There is no rush.” She strode onwards for a few moments slowly tilting her head to either side. Her hair -like all Vaccavi’s- was not actual hair like other beings had. Each strand was thick, about as wide as a porcupine’s quill, and had a smooth leathery texture to it. It was colored a deep dark grey and At the right distance it all looked like a mess of short painted ropes. “If we leave in mourning...or...in the morning…” She corrected her western speech. “You may have chance to sleep with the one Aneth again.”

Ernals eyes shot open for a second. “Oh right. Her.” ‘Her’ was one of three local young ladies who, despite his reputation for leaving unannounced, practically begged Ernal to marry them. Aneth was particularly persistent in her pursuits to the point that she gave herself to him for two nights in a row. As a man he could not say no, and her being an Ilthini made the prospect even harder to deny. But she was a fine young women nonetheless. Talented in instruments and singing, a great sense of right and the determination to become better. She had more value to her than most pretty faces he had met. “Well that’s a fine reason to. But what about you? It sounds like you want to stay as well and I doubt a good night with another Ilthini harlot is your idea for sticking around.”

She made a sound that was the offspring of a hiss and scoff. “Disgusting.” She whispered while she shook her head to clear some unwanted image. “No, The keeper of the Cockle has Baugha wing soup at the end of week. Tonight is that day, and I must eat much of it before I go anywhere. As well, Tola wants a Rematch.”

A smile cracked across Ernal’s face. From what he knew there were only two ways to motivate a Vaccavi. Food and Fight. The former of which is consumed in sickening quantities and the latter done at the drop of a hat. “Hopefully old Dannyur has enough. Though have you ever thought about limiting yourself?"

The front of the cart suddenly dropped causing Ernal’s gut to follow suit. “No.” The Vaccavi said as she unhooked the harness. “We are here.”

Lifting himself up, he could see that they had reached the southern edge of Tian Taran. The first building that met them was the ‘The Splintered Cockle’ which was the building that acted as the smalls towns inn, bar, and meeting place. Around it were the barber’s shop, and ‘Ladeeth’s Luxury Silks.’Each of the three set themselves apart from one another; with Barber’s colorful walls to the the cockles clean wooden panels to, Ladeeth’s beautifully dark blacks and blues. Down the street a ways was the rest of the town. Building of roughly the same shape all having some purpose or another. A butcher, a tailor, a tanner; a smith, a carver and a temple devoted to all the gods, both dark and ordered. Indeed the town had everything one could ask for, and some more on the side.

The front door of the Cockle was themed after the little shelled creature had several of them carved into it the two swinging doors that led inside. Ironically enough none were splintered.

There was a bang as Fioa hammered a spike into center of the wheel to keep it from rolling and/or being stolen. She did the same on the other side. “Should we take drake head first?” She asked as she drove a third spike into the ground which was attached to a chain that was hooked to the cart.

“I think we should. The local white blades have preven their desire to outdo us.” He glanced around looking for any of the armed peacekeepers, but only found a few having a chat outside a cobblers store. “So I’ll go and get the Causter and you bring the head around the side. Wouldn’t want someone else to get any ideas.” Ernal straightened his lengthy, plain grey shirt then fixed his hair before taking the steps to the Cockle. Tola, the bouncer and the town’s only resident Vaccavi, Was sitting outside on a large wooden chair, carving a pole into a various bead like shapes. She completely ignored him when she caught wind of Fioa and the two Vaccavi had a stare down so hateful that he could feel it burning like a fire behind him. He blew an amused puff of air and shook his head. I give them thirty seconds. He opened the right door and nearly hit a local man who was leaving. He apologised and it was gracefully refused. The man passed and Ernal entered.

What greeted him on the other side was exactly what he expected; the sound of music and chatter, the smell of alcohol and Dosul weed, and the low light that kept the room in a low, calm atmosphere. The smoke that billowed from the men’s pipes clung to the air like a translucent fog that  fought with the beautiful music being played for space. Square tables were laid out around with eight chairs per. From what Ernal could see every single one was occupied by someone or another. A full crowd and a happy one. From what he had seen in his months traveling this land, Thundas evening was meant to be, and always was a good evening.

However Ernal had instincts that were so ingrained into him as to be carved into his bone. They called for him to search for potential enemies and possible dangers among the crowd and refused to let him move another inch until he did so. With eyes trained to spot the most minute detail he scanned and found little. Men, women, a few vampyr, some children and Aneth playing her song; all smiling faces except for a few grim growling old men. All the windows were in place; the evening sun shining through the wooden blinds. The great fire place bellowed it’s heat to warm the bellies a dog and two cats

His subconscious satisfied he took one graceful step in and proceeded to walk around the around the edge of the room to avoid attention from both friend or imagined foe. He didint want to have a rotting drake head outside too long so he gave token greetings to anyone who did happen to notice him. When he arrived at the bar Ernal widened his eyes to how smooth the surface was. It was almost reflective with how polished the seal on it was and he ran his finger of the surface enjoying the feeling. He picked one of the bar stools and sat. “Evening Keeper.” He said to the old man who was bent under the counter grabbing something.

"And good evening to you to master Ernie."

Ernal cracked an embarrassed smile. "The ladies got you saying it now? Whatever happened to ’master Komenar?’

The old man returned the smile. "Ernie, Ernal, I’ll call you what is ever convenient, and as of now it’s Ernie. But you came here for something to eat. Wrestling drakes would probably put a right good hunger in you, no doubt. What will ya have?" He put the cup down he was drying down and rang a small bell."

Ernal humored the thought for a few second then threw up a hand."I’ll have…whatever. Surprise me. I’d also have the right to hear my proper name; then top it all off with that Thava juice you people love so much." A small red haired human boy came from a set of swinging doors that led to the kitchen.

"Get this man a plate of venison and the chaggon platter. And get the baugha wings ready as well." He leaned in towards ernal. "I’m willing to bet your she-beast is hungry."

He thought on how she devoured the bread, then nodded. "Take one look at her, and youll know how much. I’ll warn you now, she ravenous. Tell your assistants to wear gloves when they deliver."

Dannyur’s smile grew wider. "I’ll be sure to. Is there anything else. You’ll not be paying so order all you like."

Ernal raised a hand. "You don’t have too. I have enough…"

"No, I haven’t paid you for clearing the fields and this is how I’m going to do it. I’ll feed you and your bottomless pit until you’re sick." He held his hand up when Ernal tried to speak again. "I insist."

For a second Ernal considered retorting again, stating that it was too much for one man to give to another and far, far to expensive to feed them both . But a Therosi man always took what was insisted upon them. "Very well keeper do as you please.”

"I’ll do just that. Anything else?"

"Yes. I’m looking for the Causter. I solved your town’s drake problem while solving all the farmer’s problems down south. Someone needs to tell those people that there are others things to farm besides Drakes, Panthids, and Carackals.

"Theres a reason that we always greet the farmers down south with the words ‘Good evening to blithering idiot.’ But who am I to tell someone what to live off of? Anways the dear Causter...uh... He’s over there with Mistress Laadeth, Talking about something or other." He pointed to a table not far from the small stage where Aneth was playing her wondrous music. The mistress rebelliously had a dress that revealed her shoulders which was contrary to what little Ernal knew of clothing standards for Vampyr. The smooth grey skin was very eye catching and it did well to gain the full attention of the Causter.

"Would it be rude if I interrupted them?" Ernal asked. “I took the head of old red, as you called him and it is waiting for someone who can pay me to see it.”

"I see. Well you won’t have to do it yourself hold on." He rang the bell again and another boy came out, this one older, and approached. "Logen, go grab another drink for our dear causter and tell him that Ernal here wishes to speak to him." The boy accepted, as if he had a choice, and grabbed an already prepared pewter cup and ran out of the bar and made his way through the crowd.

While Logen was away, Ernal listened to Aneth’s music and silently ogled at her beauty. She was Ilthini so it was not surprising that she was the most beautiful being in the room, it was her races most well known trait next to the tail. Aneth herself was pretty standard as Ilthini women went however; dark hair, almost as black as night, smooth as the silk dress she wore and let loose as a sign of her availability. The music she played now was a beautiful harmony that matched her own looks nigh perfectly. It was full of long notes that slurred into a slightly faster chorus that ended with a glorious rise in octave before fluttering down low to go another verse. The instrument, a Thintalchord, gave off enchanting drones that did well to enhance every note she played. All gracious, and all mesmerizing the song ended on a long held note that gently faded into the distance leaving a peaceful quiet in it’s wake. It was very well played and the crowd agreed, most who were not paying attention at first payed attention now and the applause broke out from everyone except of table of Therosi men and the grim, growling old men he saw earlier.

It was at this point that Logen decided to finally go and get the Causter, weaving in and out of the tables under the cover of the applause. Ernal was impressed. The boy knew when there was good and bad timing and what better time to tell someone news then when everyone was in a good mood. The Causter shifted in his seat when the boy delivered the message then sent him off. He was joined by the Vampyress in waving at Ernal. He waved back and Jamen excused himself  from the table then made his way through to the counter.

AS normal as it may have been to anyone else something was off about the Causter. He and Ernal had a relationship that tended towards ‘tolerating aquiennices’ that kept away from arguing or fighting with one another by their need to not ruin other people’s days. They didn’t hate each other but the Causter’s yellow toothed was not his usual greetings.

Ernal returned the gesture with a tentative smile of his own. Maybe he wanted to bury any hatchets before one of them decided the other was worth the scorn. So he turned in the seat to avoid any more attention. A set of skills, kicked into motion by his instincts, had him follow the Causter with only his ears using his memory of each table to keep an accurate location of him. He passed one where some older men were playing cards, then another table where a sorted group were having a chat about something involving gneep wool, then another  where the six rugged Therosi men were sitting. Tattooed On each of their necks was a solid black star circled with a dotted line marking them distinctly.

Ernal froze. Black stars. His instincts immediately took ahold of his muscles. He reached around behind him and took his long knife, sheath and all, and placed it on the counter near the edge closest to him. He was lucky they didn’t notice him when he walked the room was too small to slip past them a second time unnoticed, and even if they didn’t notice him someone could and would call him out. Chances were they knew his name as well. Six, Well that makes it even doesn’t it. Weather it did or not was dependent on how smart they were.

"Ernal." The Causter nearly yelled the name, thought thankfully Aneth was playing a particularly loud start to another song.’ "Oh. Didn’t scare you did I?" He said with uncomfortable friendliness.

"No. Just surprised me. I was lost in thought."

"Well It’s good to hear that you have them. But before we go any further I’ll buy you a drink. I heard you were helping the southern farmers with their livestock today, you must be thoroughly tired, thirsty, and sick of animals." He raised a finger to Dannyur. “A drink for my friend here.”

"Already taken care of, Causter." Dannyur placed a cup on the counter. "Thava juice, don’t drink it all at once before eating anything. It’s advice no one should learn the hard way.”

His hearing shifted back to the table of black stars, so Ernal hardly noticed to old man and his words. "Thanks." He finally said before taking a swig of the tangy drink that burned his tongue the moment it touched. But Delicious as it was, he didn’t have time to savor it. He cursed himself for not noticing the tatoos earlier.

"Good on you, Dannyur. A good drink for a good thundas dinner. But, uh, Master Ernie, You wanted to speak with me?  My conversation with the Mistress is on hold, and I dare to say that her patience is not what mine is." The greasy haired man quickly sat on a bar tool as best he could with his small stature. "Let me guess, you accepted Aneth’s proposal and you’re asking me to begin preparations for the ceremony."

So we are those kinds of friends now? You must be drunk you fat bastard. But my Therosi friends are not which means they are waiting for me. "Eh, No. Though it is good news, but unfortunately bad news is it’s companion."

"Oh? Go on."

"I solved your drake problem. The big red one. Found him at one of the drake farms down south a ways. The farmer said he broke in, impregnated the female, and stuck around like he owned the place."

The Causter gave a quick chuckle"Reminds me of my brother. Did I ever tell you how he died. He uh…well…um. I can’t remember...huh... but he used to be like that. Handsome bastard... Oh, yeah he died while..." The Causter caught a look of Ernal’s legendary Gla Dernear, his stunning look of indifference that radiated the feeling in an almost visible fog. At the sight the Causter immediately halted his story and silently apologized. Friends he may be trying to be, but Enral was not in the mood nor did he have the time to hear a story of a man he never met. for a long winded "Uh…never mind. My brother was not an interesting man anyways. Eh, You probably want your pay for the beast.”

“Fioa has the head outside for you to see. Her and Tola are probably fighting as of now so wait a few minutes.”

The Casuter’s lip twitched at the words as if he was excited by the prospect, not amused decided, excited. “Oh. Well i’ll take your word for it. Here. He reached into the deep blue over robe that was for use in worship, and pulled out a large sack that clinked when it hit the counter. “Three-hundred and twenty-five units in bars. Just as we agreed. A job well, well done i say. But,uh, what is the goods new’s companion?

Behind him , Ernal made out words spoken in his native tongue. ‘Tonight’ ‘Told us he was here’ and ‘should arrive’ were key words that only solidified the outcome of the next few minutes. The bad news Causter, is that tonight there will be blood spilled on these fine wooden floors. "I’m leaving tomorrow morning."

The Causter blinked with a look of near terror. "Eh…Well…whatever for? There is plenty for you to do around here, lots of work. And lots of people who need your skills."

"There are. But I think if your young men follow my example they will find the courage to do it themselves. ‘Best to raise them hard’ My father would tell me.”

"Indeed, indeed. But what lies outside of our town that is better than what you have here?"

Enral risked a glance behind hind him to get a look of the six men, then disguised it as one towards Aneth when the Causter gave a curious grunt.

Avoid keeping Aneth or anyone from any crossfire. One of them has to have a ranged weapon. Throwing knives, dart pipe, maybe a wrist bow hidden under that one’s long sleeves.

"Her for example. Very little better than her, and she begs you marry her. What’s more, I’ve heard that your she beast is equally in love with Dannyur’s cooking. Have you asked her for her opinion on leaving? Knowing her kind she’d probably fight to stay. For the love of the gods.  Work, women, and food, all handed to you. No sane man would or could turn that down.”

“Nor I, Casuter. But both me and Fioa have set our eyes of the city of guilds since we landed on the first world’s shores. We’ve been invited there by our own ambitions, and we are not ones to let them down.

The Causter put his hand to his forehead. "You’re going to Aston Taras?" He scoffed. "Of all teh places. What makes you think there is anything for you in that city? Nothing if you ask anyone who has been there.  Better beings have waltzed in there with fortune and fame only to come out broke and untouchable.”

It seems you are in not in a hurry to get back to your mistress. Am I that important that you are about to beg me to stay? Or is there something more you want out of our conversation?

“I myself had ambitions there, only to find myself a tiny Causter her in Tian Taran not five years later. I would not wish that anonymity upon you. You can do much better. Return your native lands and become a gladiator, go to the lands of the Vaccavi and learn their fighting ways. Hells, even go to Nocturne and impress yourself upon the Vampyr then get a statue carved in your image. But do not go and join the throng of failure that lies within that city. Do you hear me?"

He barely did. The Causter cogent rant was second to the black stars who had started arguing about who should ask about the Butcher of Gyandon and which one of them spoke the best west-speech. They call me that all the way out here? The largest of them said he would do it. "Of course, Causter. My ears are very good." And he tapped his earlobe

"Then please look at me when I’m speaking to you, I’m trying to help you get a grip on reality."

"And I appreciate it. But my mind has been set long before you and i met."

The Causter sucked on his teeth then grimaced at a thought. "Then, my dear boy, what is your plan? Because you are going to need one. That city eats the unprepared for breakfast, lunch, mid-lunch, and dinner."

The boy who had retrieved Jamen before walked passed, and Ernal tapped him on the shoulder. "Could you do another favor for me? I need you to take this and give it to the savage looking Vaccavi outside. She won’t bite, don’t worry." He subtlety placed a note in his hand as well as a bronze bar. "Make it quick. And I’ll give you a silver one."

"Yes sir." The boy pattered on out of the room.

Causter Jamen watched him as he exited out the door then turned to Ernal, an expectant look on his face.

Shaking his head, Ernal reached for the paper satchel and thumbed to the last page on the left. With a crackle he whipped it out and placed it on the counter.

"What’s this?"

"My plan."

It took a moment for Jamen to put on some glasses and roll his eyes over the text. Then he read it aloud. "Come all those who wield a blade and are called great. Come all, the warrior who has fought many a battle, and stands a legend among their people. Come all great and power arcanon and arcanea who mastery of the void is…" And he mumbled on with the message. Ernal took the time to sneak a glance behind him and refresh his mental image of the room.

Everything is the same, except one black star is missing. By the fireplace, twiddling with a decoration. Possibly waiting for someone to ask. Modnk! Looked too long.

Aneth has none of them distracted, poor taste in music. Younger man, closest to me looks out of place and took weak to fight. Caught stealing most likely, but he must have stolen something expensive to get exiled. Next to him, man with a bad face, most likely caught a sword to it. Long sleeves looks more professional, eyes like a hawk, though he can’t see his terrible sense of color. Next to him, defiantly from northern Theros, that beard gives him away. Another young man after him. Wild eyed and ready to kill in a second. Great. No visible weapons which mean they’re covered by their coats. Nothing too big but I hidden my halberd on my person before though i doubt they could do the same.

Jamen put down the paper, and gave a sigh. "I guess this sounds like one of  the guilds which i guess is a good start. Nothing to violent I hope. It sounds like these people want the best though. You sure you have what they’re asking for?

Ernal nodded. "Basket fulls."

"Well, from the stories I’ve heard, you might just. Though I wonder what guild would ask for such high quality peoples. Let’s see…Jorseph Mawlock. Is that the old iron general from the Sambidiras? The conqueror of Nithell or some such.

"From what I know, yes."

"Ah. But Which guild is he commanding at such a late stage in his life, Nithell was razed well over sixty years ago. Hmm." He began rubbing his chin.

The front door opened again. It wasn’t Fioa as he hoped but it was the boy he sent; detectable by his telltale pitter patter as he half ran. If Fioa got the note he wouldn’t know until she acted.

Alright, Stage is set. Actors are in place, at least they should be. And the lights are off. All we need now if for our lead to take the front and start the show. But which one of those men will brave the crowd. "Are you Alright Causter? You look pale."

Jamen’s face had turned white, and his eyes were wide. "The Adericta…"He whispered. "The Adericta…You want to join the Adericta?"

"Ad-er-ik-ta? Is that how you pronounce it. I always thought it was Ad-erk-ta." He completely ignored the fear the Causter was emanating.

"Do…"Jamen choked on the word.  "Do you even know, what this guild is…does!?"

"Oh. I think they are…’A slayers guild that deals in the death and destruction of all thing monstrous,’ To quote an old acquaintance."

"Your acquaintance, is very correct. Monster Slayers, Specializing in the biggest and meanest of them all."

"And this makes your afraid?"

"For your life Ernal. The so aptly named ’Adericta Trial’ is the only way of getting in, and it if by far the most diabolical thing to ask a man or any being to suffer through. Even men like you with so much skill die in droves attempting it."

"Hmm. Does this holy man lack faith?"

"No, This ’holy man’ does not. But he does have a firm grip on the way of things."

"And how are…"A Therosi Accented west speech caused Ernal’s head to twitch so that his ear could catch it better.

"Old man, I look for man like me, dark skin, dark hair, and possible tattoo on his body somewhere, like this…Have you seen him?"

Modnk!

"Oh, you’re thinking of Ernal Komenar. Yeah he’s over there. I would wait though, he’s having dinner and a chat with the Causter."

The Causter blinked quickly. "Ernal. My dear boy are you paying attention?

He nodded" Of course. Keep going, Aneth’s tune is just too good. So What are the way of things? "

"Well, since you ask. The fact is, that there are no more beings left capable of completing the trial. It’s been ten years and seven separate renditions since the last time anyone stepped foot in their guild hall as a new member. two-hundred and eighty six beings have passed through this town on their way to Aston, claiming that they will be the next one’s to conquer it. Two hundred and Eighty six, Ernal!  Each and every one of them went and are now dead. Their names are written on a plaque on the side of the Ardurian way. Warning others of the death that awaits.

With what little attention Ernal could give to the Causter his words still found some purchase. Doubt crawled up the back of his head like a little spider. If there was anything he hated more than his father’s lectures, it was being an example of failure. And if nearly three hundred of ‘the best’ tried to do it, what did that make him in the eyes of others. But he noticed something as well that he didn’t earlier. The Causter was acting; poorly. Ernal didn’t notice it but the concern that the man was trying convey was fake. I knew you never liked me. Working for your own self image by playing the nice man around me. And here i thought you wanted to be real friends. But the time for doubt, and his relationships with a man he despised was pushed forward an hour or two. As of now, Enral had to add five names to another plaque in far away land: one reserved for men like them and like him.

Now lets draw back the curtains. Without looking Ernal got an idea of who was where by the sound of their boots. They had gotten up and spread out around the room. Hard heels, good quality but too loud for anyone with a sense of subtlety. He cast an eye back to see if Fioa was anywhere close. Very little light coming through the blinds of the third window, that’s her outside... And exactly where she needs to be. Long sleeves had positioned himself by the far edge of that window and held his hand ready to pull at his sleeve, on doubly to ready a wrist bow. Why am i always right? The Northman was still at the table, and sword-scar was coming up to the counter. The big man went and stood by the door, pretending to look out the window. The young killer was coming up behind sword scar, his hand hidden inside his jacket. And the causter, the poor Causter, was still going on about the Adericta.

Subdeltey. I never get a chance to have it with Fioa. Causter, Aneth, Dannyur… “I’m sorry you have to see this.”

“Eh...What? Aah!”

Ernal felt the air from sword-scar’s passing then immediately kicked the stool out from under himself as a distraction, and unsheathed his long knife mid motion. A swift swing of his arm and the blade went hilt deep into Sword-Scar’s chest, dead center on his heart. Still got it. The young killer had drawn his own long knife and was coming forward swifter than Ernal had anticipated. When he whirled around he could see the twisted smile on the young man’s face and had to continue his whirl to dodge or get cut in the process of going for his throat

A scream, high pitched and full a terror, broke the atmosphere of the room like a fallen vase, crushing the beautiful flowers of peace, and happiness in an instant. Shouts soon followed as Ernal had to back off from another rapid strike that missed his face by inch. Killer was quick in his attacks and he had Ernal on his heel which was not good. Kill or Disarm? The question from his training sounded in his mind. You run he’ll catch, you fight you put your back to the other enemy.  He had one choice: get reckless. It was the only way to beat something this well planned at a moment’s notice.

Taking the idea to heart he took his free hand a dashed forward with it, aiming for killer’s gut. As he thought killer’s nife made contact with his shoulder, cutting a nasty gash. It hurt but that fact that Ernal’s punch made the young man fold over his fist meant that he had hurt him worse.

Just as the killer went down without breath, there came click then a twang. On on instinct Ernal dove, and allowed the killer to fall face first into the ground. A small bolt thudded into the counter a second later and Ernal flashed a look to long-sleeves, who did indeed have a wrist bow; finely crafted and quickly reloaded. So Ernal dashed away from the bar and into the crowd who had begun to panic. He hated taking the chance of one of them getting hit but he needed to get to a relatively safe place for but a single moment.

“Whoa.”

“Hey!”

“Ernal, what’s…” Another bolt flew through the air and hit a young man in the shoulder, sending him forward on top of another. A woman gave a horrified scream at the sight and the young man did the same in pain.

At the table where the group of men were playing cards the man with the smallest pile of money dropped his two cards and flipped the table, sending drink, bars, and and cards spilling over the floor. Good cover. He went for it and rolled behind as another bolt cracked against a stone pillar set into the wall.

“Ernal.” One of the men at the table frantically called. “They trying to kill you?”

He arrived with a small trickle of sweat running down his face. “No ,we are just playing a game of tickle tag.” He leaned around the table and almost got a fourth bolt to the face.

He sighed. Longsleeves was still at the window which meant Fioa had not done anything yet. He found out the hard way that she was like an attack dog, only going in when she is told. He never knew why but he dumped the concern immediately and made the tweeting call of a Half-hatted bal wing.Between him and Fioa it meant “Window, right side.’ Not two seconds later, the sound of breaking wood hit his ears and he peered around to see Longsleeves being pulled screaming through the window. It was good, but immediately went back to bad when the northman pulled out two hatchets, while killer eyes recovered from his gut punch: barley. “All of you need to stay low and avoid me and the other Therosi men. This is my fight. Not yours”

The shocked and confused men nodded hesitantly, and one of them grabbed a women and hauled her behind the table to the vacant spot Ernal just made.

Killer was scrambling through the mess of people and Ernal was going to meet him halfway. The patrons cleared the way for him and in the mess some some ran straight into the northman, unintentionally slowing him down. A moment later Ernal and killer met with the later dashing with his knife point first. Ernal juked to the right and grabbed the armed hand and pulled it with him. A hard twist and the knife fell to the floor; then a head butt sent killer reeling which he followed up with slash across the neck. It made contact but didn’t go as deep as he wanted, only nicking the skin and cutting deeper along the shoulder. He didn’t have to finish him as a hatchet grazed his shoulder and sank into killer’s chest, sending him back on the a table where he crushed plates and cups. And my luck holds.

He threw himself to the right then kicked himself left to avoid another axe.

The northman had taken off his leather duster to reveal a belt full of hatchets, six including the ones thrown already. He gave a rotten smile and took two more. He threw them immediately while Ernal was in the open.

Not wanting to waste time, Ernal dodged one hatchet then followed the second while it flew. A shift in his position caused it to miss and he grabbed it as it bounced off of a table. He slid over the same surfaced for cover then dove out and with much more precision that the northman, threw it and sunk the axe in to the bearded face. His body fell to the floor with a heavy thump.

Alright easier that i thought. One more… The ground next to Ernal’s feet suddenly combusted into red flame. It had been a while since anything had spontaneously combusted this close to him but the memories and training kicked in. He leaped away while the spot where he stood also flash red fire for a few seconds.

The young sick looking black star was up on a table with, fire burning in his hand. An Arcanon? He’s far too young.  “S-S-Stand still. It w-will be over quickly.” The boy grimaced as he formed another flaming ball in his hand and tossed it with less accuracy than the northman. The poor table he hit immediately went up in flames and stayed that way. The boy had a good amount of power but it already took it’s tole on his body. The next flame took a while longer to form and the boy had gotten a bloody nose and his skin was much paler than when he had started.

Ernal surged forward and grabbed the boy by the heels and pulled his leg out from under him. He fell and hit the table and gave an innocent moan of pain. Just a child barely even thirteen. But a dangerous one. No wonder he was exiled. The fire in the boy’s hand went out and the residual smell of arcanite energy permeated the air. A quick glance showed that the big man at the door was still there with a smile on his face. It looked like he was waiting for Ernal to finish.  Dramatic much?

Ernal turned back to the boy“Now what are you doing so far away from your mother?” He talked to the boy with a stern voice. “You should be in school learning how to use this help your poor family.” He slapped the boy with the back of his hands. “Now when i go kill your friend over there i want you to leave and find a good school that will help you with this.” The boy nodded in terror. “Good now stay down for a minute.”

Folloiwng his words Ernal turned with knife in hand to have a quick stare down with the big man.

The boss raised his hands to applaud him. “Very…”

“Don’t you dare clap in my face.”

The man gave a toothy grin. “What they say is true. The butcher Gyandon is a man of skill. Someone to be respected and feared. Such is to be a glorious kill.” He unsheathed a sword from under his duster went into a well rehearsed two handed flame stance

A glorious kill? Those words were overly dramatic but they were part of an urban legend back home. This meant that the man before Ernal was either the Garrote of Somundok, a famed killer, and one of the most dangerous men to ever tread the earth. Or a copy cat who thought he could do the same. Either way the Garrote had no idea Fioa had come through the door and was standing right behind him shushing the sacred patrons as she tip toed- as best as she ever could- up behind the want-to-be killer. He was a big man, as the stories may or may not have made him to be, but Fioa was bigger; and as dangerous as he may have been, well, there was no comparison to a savage Vaccavi. So Ernal just dropped his stance and shrugged his shoulders.

Witty. I need something witty. “Life is full of Disappointments, Garrote. And it is fate who decides when they arrive. But today, like most days, fate stays it’s hand on me.” It seemed that the sense of drama had caught him as well. It was the most he could do to end this horrible thing on a good note; And while not his best words he was working on it.

Garrote sneered in confusion. “No talk, fight m…” Without even a second of hesitation or her own words of drama Fioa’s four finger hand gripped his shoulder and yanked him back, slamming him into the wall adjacent to the door. He bounced off of it with a crack, and his face formed into a permanent look of horror as his broken head hit the ground just after his body.

Fioa, always the oblivious, looked at the wall and pushed on it with a look of surprise. “Wall is strong.”

Ernal was surprised as well; Fioa’s tossed victims usually went through the unfortunate sections of walls that she chose to throw them through. The fact that this one still stood was a feat of construction rarely seen. But that was not important, the feeling of a hundred or so sets of eyes looking at his back, was.

He turned and as he expected the inn patrons were all scattered about, wide eyed with confusion or terror. Children were peeping from behind tables and holding close to their mothers, young men tried their best to hold straight faces like it had not scared them, and at one table the grim growley men still firmly sat as if the whole episode was a simple nuisance. The fight itself could be followed along a trail of misplaced chairs, bodies, and an assortment of spilled items. The boy who had gotten shot was on his butt, whimpering while holding his shoulder. The flipped table had its original occupants peaking out from behind and the axes from the northman were scattered about with most of them stuck to whatever surface the inaccurate bastard did not aim at. A grim scene to be sure, and one of his making, but it was all made worse by the deafening awkward silence that filled the room.

Before the questions started to come in volleys Ernal took the time to take control of the wild situation before it had the inkling to buck him off. “So,uh. Do you want an apology or an explanation?”

It was another long silence before Dannyur spoke. He was peeking up from behind the counter , a look of horror on his face. “B-B-Both w-would be good Ernal. Both indeed.” He had managed to get blood from sword-scar on his face and shoulders.

“Ernal! My love.” Aneth had lifted herself from the floor and pushed her way through to crowd to come and embrace him. “My love, Are you alright?” She held him out in front of her and looked him up and down. “By the gods. You’re bleeding.” She put her hand to her mouth and almost gagged, making him feel bad for some reason. “Thats a lot of blood.”

Ernal looked to the culprit cut on his shoulder and it was indeed bleeding...a lot. Now It had run down his left arm and it dripped from his fingertips. “That is much deeper that I thought.” He put his hands to it and checked for dirt or rust bits. “Dannyur you have a needle and thread? He got me good.”

The old man came up from hiding behind the counter and looked around to make sure there was nothing left to shoot at him. His eyes went wide when he saw the gash. “Of course. Here let me get you something to clean that.”

One of the men in the crowd raised his hand a little. “Uh, Ernal, you can fell that right. My uncle had a gash like that and he was crying like a baby, and here you are like it’s fly.”

Aneth  reached around for something. “Her let me get you a cloth, wipe that all up.” When she couldn’t find something she looked to rip a piece of her dress off.”

“No, dont. It’s fine. Fioa.” He stuck a hand to her and from one of her many belt pouches she produced a clean white cloth. He wiped away the blood and Aneth had to avert her sea green eyes away. “Yes, i can feel it. Very painful. Very.” He lied. It did hurt but compared to normal humans it was more a scratch in terms of pain. The sinews were already working ever so slowly to reattach themselve ands in a few hours there be nothing but a scar. Perks of being a Gunruldi human.

He looked to Fioa while he wiped and she just looked on as if nothing happened. You could always tell when she liked a fight, she would be breathing heavy or eyeing her deadly work. Now she had a pretty good Gla Denear herself. She was still hungry so that would explain it.

“Here, take my chair.” Someone came over with and set it for him to sit. He took it and sat as they wanted him to. Dannyur finally got the needle and thread then came over.

“Hold still. Ill be right quick.” And he went to work. Did it well too.

Another random person from the crowd spoke.“So how about that explanation there Ernal. There a good reason four men are lying dead on the floor i took so long to wax.”

“How about an explanation for why all your ladies and children are still in here with them.” Ernal retorted. “Not something for them to be seeing.”

The door opened again and Tola came in with dirt all over her leather clothing, and what looked like a mark from a good wallop across the face. It Seemed the two had their fight already, which was not surprising to Ernal or anyone who understood Vaccavi as much as he did. “The man makes a good point. All women and children should leave.” And she moved out of the doorway then gestured out.

As they left Aneth held tighter to Ernal’s uncut arm. “I’ll stay with him. He’s in pain.”

“Well by Ertos’ sword, he doesn’t act like it. Tola, you stay here and make sure this riff raff get cleaned up, don’t want them stinking. Anyways Ernal, Go ahead.”

He looked around at the bearded and unbearded faces that remained and gave himself a moment or two to come up with a lie. These men were ‘riff raff’ yes but they were not the norm. They were Men whose most recent goal in life was to spend every waking moment it trying kill him specifically; and gods knew there were many, many more out there. He wondered what these poor townsfolk would believe though. That they were Bandits; Or an old gang he ran with? Thinking that an old gang would cause them to lose trust, He went with bandits. “Not too long ago me and Fioa were traveling north on the Ardurian. We came across a town called Taran Taran, if you’d believe it.”

“I do. Used to go there for gneep wool.”

“Huh. Anyways, when we arrived the townsfolk were willing enough to take us in for the night and gave us free rooms if they helped their Causter clear the worship house’s basement of ratlings...Which reminds me, you should be hiring professional exterminators. Anyways after we mounted the heads of nearly fiteen of the creatures heads on spikes, the grateful people of Taran Taran asked us if we would mind hunting larger prey. Low and behold ‘larger prey’ meant beings, humans specifically.” Some of the crowd look around at each other, some knowing where this was going; especially Aneth whose eyes were getting wider with every word. “They told us that these men were troublesome, Doing the common things that men of their ilk would do. So something simple. Kill ruffians. So we did.” and he threw his thumb back to Fioa to emphasis ‘we’. “But things did not go as simply as one might think. We were sleeping one night when a bunch of them came to the inn demanding free drink and beds. Without telling me the bartender gave them a challenge. If they could remove the man and the Vaccavi that took up their last available rooms, they could have them.”

“Ooo. Brazen bastard if i ever heard of one.”

“Indeed. So there comes three knocks on my door. Three loud ones, aggressive ones. My instincts kicked in and I was ready for them when they started to kick their way in. They came in,and suffice to say…” He gestured around at the bodies of the black stars. “It didn’t last very long and it reached a new level of unpretty. Simultaneously,  Fioa enjoyed her favorite pastime of throwing people through walls. And guess who had to fix holes. Me. Because the people of Taran Taran did not have have a hammer made for Vaccavi laying around.”

“Wow.” Aneth clutched tighter to his shoulder when she glanced at Fioa. “Are you two in danger like that often?”

“Before then, no. Afterwards, as you can see, yes. We soon found out that these ruffians were one part of a much larger organization of….villainy...so to say. They had division for thievery , murder, larceny, extortion and the like. We killed members of the first part, you see. So They came again three nights later, looking for us directly. They burned a house and kidnapped a few women and held them hostage demanding that i come out to receive my justice.”

Danyur paused his work. “These people sound very dangerous Ernal. They wouldnt happen to be the Riskin Smuggler company would they? Should we bury the bodies out of town? I trust your skill but i don’t trust your ability to be everywhere.”

The men murmured again.“I got some pigs we can feed them too. They won’t leave a bit of them left.”

“How about a fire? Say we townsfolk did the deed when they messed with our women.”

“That’s disgusting you two. “Aneth yelled. “I think we should throw them into the river let the bodies flow downstream where they will never be found.” Ernal shook his head at that. “Do you have a better idea my love?”

“I do. The best way to throw off any suspicion is the make it look like something that wasn’t me or you did it. Since i have had to hunt no less than five male drakes this month, i would suggest you find one more and feed the bodies to it. Then make a campsite not too far away that looks used. Spatter some blood, disturb the tents, make it look good.”

“That’s...a little complicated.”

“But it will keep you safe.”

“Huh. Well anyways, continue with your story.”

Ernal went to then paused for a second. He had been telling, for the most part, the truth. He only replaced names and dates. It was a group of black stars who wanted the room and a larger group who came to kill him three days later. Whether he did it on purpose or on natural instinct from his long ago training he didn’t know, but it was working. “So They took the women to their hideout, And we arrived not soon after  in dramatic fashion to free them and kill their captors. In in the words of the Galliacs finest emperor; Vordoo, Vandul, Vasul. I came; I saw; I conquered.”He tried to put dramatic flair but his arms were currently both occupied.

Some of the men in the crowd had questioning looks. “Just the two of you? Against how many?”

Ernal leaned his head back to Fioa seeing if she remembered. “Thirteen.” She said without an ounce of pride.

“I don’t buy that for one second.” a man in blue silks said “Those kind of odds are not won against. It’s not possible.”

“You’ve never seen him fight until a few moments ago, how would you know? He also got a Vaccavi with him to, doesn’t surprise me.”

“Quiet!” Aneth yelled again. “So what of the kidnapped ladies. Were they hurt at all?”

“Eh, no. But they were thankful for my efforts as most would be. Very thankful. Not soon after, in the evening light, I arrived to my room that night and found three grateful maidens waiting for me and well, Vandul, Vasul, Vordoo.” the people who got the joke first all laughed. Ernal Thought it was good as well and joined them. Aneth was no so amused and tried to hold a stern face that had a smile mere moments from coming through. It was adorable.

The needle pierced his skin one last time as Dannyur finished the sewing and stood up. “Not my best work. But it will hold. Tola would you please find a place to take the bodies till we get a hold of Godul to have his drakes do their business with them. I’ll go get a mop. I think the rest of you should go comfort your families. They just saw men being killed. I also need space to clean.” He began to berate  his two assistants for hiding in the kitchen and his roars died off as he closed the door behind him to go to the back room.

Satisfied with the work  Ernal’s got up. Aneth still clung tightly to his arm, supporting him unnecessarily. He let her stay there and let her think that she was doing something to comfort him, it’s all he could do. He had to leave either tonight or tomorrow and either way he was going to break her heart. He didn’t want to. She was a kind young Ilthini deserving of a lot more on her music skills alone. But ever the debating man he weighed some options in his head and An idea came to him. But he his thought were broken by the crowd.

“Before we go tell our wives about what you told us.” A man Ernal’s senior by five years spoke. “I have to know. You cleared the fields of ratlings without hesitation and did it in an hour. Then you go a hunt all the local beasts causing us trouble and bring their heads on silver platters to us. Then you go and kill five men with all the ease your she-beast had with throwing the last one.” He stammered a few syllables. “How do you do it?”

It took him a second. He had to think on how he actually cleared the field. He did it, for the most part, without thinking. “When you have the skills i do you have a tendency to cast fear aside for proper thought. It took me years and years of hard work and pushing every last muscle in both my body and my mind. It’s not easy, not even for a Vaccavi.

“Is there any place where i can learn them. The skills to get rid of fear.”

“Not if you plan on using them casually. I can tell you where i got mine but There isn’t enough time in the coming night to regale you with the details. And in the morning i will not be here.”

The murmur picked up with a concerned tone. Some of the men had looks of fear. Aneth more so. “You’re not going to be here? Why?” Her Oyras, black ring around the Irises if Ilthini eyes that both betrayed their mood and allowed them to physically see the moods of others, began to pulse quickly.

“This is actually something i wanted to announce in more pleasant settings. But... Im leaving for Aston Taras in the morning.” He raised a hand expecting a uproar, but it didn’t come. The men just shrugged and gave faces that said, ‘eh not so bad’.

“Will you be coming back to visit?

“Well have work if you need it.”

“But why you headed up there?”

“He’s going…” The Causter had to fight his way to his feet. He had a wild look about him like he had lost something precious to him. It was strange, like he had just resigned himself to something he didn’t like. “He’s going to throw his life away in that wretched arena trying to join those blasted Adericta folk. He going to die trying to do something no one has done in years.”

The crowd lightened even further at his words. “Dont be so pessimistic Causter, im sure this young man will do just fine. He’s got what it take, no doubt about it.”

“Never anyone to complete it in years? We’ve never seen a person like Ernal and his she-beast.”

“Wait a second.” The Casuter got up holding his back. “You’re encouraging him? He’s going to his death.”

“Casuter.” Ernal raised his voice. He had enough of him. “I’ll not hear anymore of your fears.”

Jamen didn’t say another word. He picked up his hat from his table and walked to the door, hunched and saddened. He passed behind Ernal who stopped him with his arm. Fioa unfolded hers and took a step forward.

In a whisper Ernal spoke. “And next time you play the part of the distraction, do a better job of it. And get that tattoo off the back of your neck.” That got him a hateful gaze from the man as he let him go.

“Nine hells take you.” And the wizened old black star left.

“Ernal.” Aneth nearly cried as she let go of him. “I thought you loved me?”

“I do. What makes you think I would I wouldn’t?”

“You’re going to leave me here. Abandon me. Leave me to suffer a lesser man. You can’t.” Her tailed swished quickly with anxiety. “You promised me we’d be together. And the past few week with you have been addicting to say the least. You can’t leave me to suffer without you?”

“I don’t know what your are complaining about.”

Aneth raised her eyes now on the verge of tears.

“You’re coming with me.”

She gasped, the men gasped, and Fioa nearly roared her disapproval.