Summary: For ordinary people, the road is anything but special. It is just an ordinary place that connected many places. They travel on it to get to their next destination. The road itself is not their main concern. It is their destination that matter most. Whatever and whichever road it is, as long as they got to their destination, it really doesn’t matter. But for a coachman, it is anything but simple. As they make their livelihood on the road, it has become more than just a simple place that connects one point to another. For them, it is a place that connects stories. It is a place that connects ideas. It is a place that connects people. It is a place that connects life itself. It is their main concern in their entire life. It is their gateway to the strange and magnificent fate itself. The same goes for Zin, a young freelance coachman. For every road he drives his wagon on, he will find new stories. Some to tell the other when he is among others encircling a bonfire. While some he will keep inside his own heart. Genre: Adventure , Fantasy , Slice of Life A/N: Once again, this is just an idea that came across my mind. As you might know, I have already posted this on RoyalRoad. But as I re-read my work, I found it somewhat unsatisfied. So, here you go. Just for reminder, this might not be a fixed series as I have already have my hand full with Marked Soul and Behind the Masked Villain series. Just like the two series, I really hope that I can have some input for this. Please give me your honest one, be it for the grammar, the character, the pace, and so on. Settings: World akin to a wild west era but with fantasy aspect,.filled with multitude of races. Table of Contents Chapter 1 "Unexpected Trip" Chapter 2 "The Twin" Chapter 3 "Reconciliation" Chapter 4 "Return Trip" Chapter 5 "Partners" [Prologue End]
Chapter 1 “Unexpected Trip” “Please watch your step, ma’am.” I said to the passenger as I opened the door to my coach. “It’s quite slippery.” “Why thank you, young man.” A small giggle came out of the middle age woman as she took my hand and slowly descended the stair out of the wagon. Appearance wise, she is not that bad. Although I could say that a little less make-up would be better for her. “It’s my pleasure, ma’am.” I gave her a smile. “Ah, there you go.” I let her hand go as she stepped off the stair and finally placed her feet onto the paved road that will lead into her mansion. “I’ll ask the servants to take the luggage. They’ll know what to do with them.” “Certainly, ma’am.” “Well, I guess this is good bye for now, young man.” Once again, a small giggle came after her words. “Our ride was quite pleasant.” “It is an honor to hear your compliment, ma’am.” I bowed my head to her. “I look forward for what other story you will tell me when I ride with you again, young coachman.” “I will certainly prepare a good story next time, ma’am.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “What a long day...” I let out a sigh after finally getting out of the mansion of that noblewoman. That last job sounded simple at first. It is a simple escort mission from the abbey located outside of the town wall onto her mansion inside the town. Sounded simple, right? Wrong! Here’s the thing. The woman is apparently a merchant of exotic trinket. An antique merchant, you might say. She goes all around the place to look for unique and interesting piece of item that she will either sell to a noble family or auction it for the public to buy. Still sounds fine, right? You won’t think like that if you know what her latest item is. The current item is a trinket that releases a certain invisible wave that attract wild beast. It will attract surrounding wild beast to the trinket. Within an area of five meters, any wild beast will rushed toward this trinket and charged blindly into it without minding anything. That is a very troublesome effect, if you ask me. Although powerful, the effect can be stopped if it is put into a special box. The problem is that the box itself is too big and a too heavy for a simple coach to bring. So to bring it by a regular coach, it will take a serious amount of security and also an iron will to drive away from a group of chasing wild beast. For the security part, the woman had brought along a team of four veteran hunters and trappers. They deal with various wild beast and game animal on a daily basis. So they certainly know what to do in times of need. And then, unfortunately, responsibility to drive those people landed onto me, the coachman. “Sheesh...no wonder the pay is so high.” I recalled the horror of driving my coach away from the growling and roaring beast behind me. And the worst part of it is that I only realized the danger when we were half-way out of the forest. I should have known that a simple order will never need a group of heavily armed veteran professional like those four. “Ugh...better be careful next time...or it might be my last.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Hey, Zin! Here’s the pay for yer job!” A loud voice came onto my ears as I approached the guild’s counter. In front of me stood a woman who is slightly older than me. I mean, she probably is since I don’t know her real age. All I know is she has that older sister feeling to it. But…how do I say it? Sometimes she gave the feeling of an older brother since her way of speaking is rather crude. That is quite a waste since her rather above average looks and also her carefully maintained shoulder length light auburn hair could made her into a splendid woman, if not for her way of speaking. But that is just my opinion. As you might know, people have different taste. All in all, she is a very likeable person. “...Thanks, Ms. Ellent.” “Hey, ya can just call me Ell, ya know? Just like everyone else.” “...Hehe, got it. Ms. Ell.” “Sheesh, suits yerself.” She then put a brown pouch on top of the counter. Judging from the loud sound of clinking, the amount inside is quite a lot. I couldn’t help but made a grin at that. “Zin, yer expression loosened up too much.” “E-Eh?” I shook my head as to recompose myself. “Hehehe, sorry, Ms. Ell.” “I wouldn’t blame ya. Dis is some money ya got. Are ya smuggling weapon or some illegal stuff, Zin?” “W-Woah! There’s no way I’ll do something like that.” “Hahaha! Ya got dat right, Zin!” She laughed rather loudly. “Dat kind of stuff is not for the likes of Zin.” “Of course! Well, is there anything else for me, Ms. Ell?” “Hmm, let’s see.” She then flipped the stack of paper behind the counter. Her eyebrows furrowed while she does that. “Hmm...nope! Not a single thing.” Together with that statement she shook her head. “Ah, I see. Well I’ll leave my coach and the horse here a usual then.” “Oh yeah, since yer free today, why don’t cha look at the fair today?” “You mean...the slave fair?” “Wow der! Don’t give me dat look, Zin. With dat much money, ya might want to invest, ya know? Since our line of work is pretty dangerous, ya might want to invest in some more muscles.” “Oh that’s right.” I have seen some of the coachmen bringing a couple of guard. So some of those are slave? “Well...I’m not–“ “Ya don’t really like the slave business, right?” Ms. Ellent completed my words. “Well, don’t cha think I know dat?” “Then why suggesting?” “The latest job was mighty dangerous, right?” Ugh, she knew. “Now, now, no need to give me dat look, Zin. I’m just speculating, but turned out I’m right.” Ugh, she trapped me. Great. “With yer pay, not enough to hire guards, but enough to buy some slave to give some protection. Ya got dat?” “Err...yes.” “Now think about that. Very carefully. Go now! Don’t dilly dally here!” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Uwaaah...so crowded.” I let out a small gasp after I arrived at the fair. Personally, I don’t really feel comfortable with slavery. I can tell you that. Unable to do anything and becoming someone’s property. Isn’t that the lowest state one can get into? From a person to an object? Ugh, I hate that. I don’t want to be one and I don’t want to know someone I know become one either. Thankfully, the current law in this country is getting much better for the slaves. From being treated to a mere object, they are now required to be treated as a precious and important object. It means that the owner must take care of it properly and the slaves can give complaint to the official if they are treated more than they are entitled too. But, still, they are treated like an object. “...If I have enough money...and power...” I muttered that while looking at the number of people walking into and out of the fair ground. Someone like me could only dream of doing that. I guess what Ms. Ell said is right. For the past couple of days, the number of job that turned up in the watering house has been riskier than before. From escorting people out of the city into the nearby village to delivering package to the port city, the jobs have become much more dangerous. I’ve also heard some report that a few coachmen have either been killed or missing in their recent job. That led to some of my colleague offering their service to the noble family to become their private coachman. Of course the risk is much smaller, but the pay. Well, the pay is not exactly the problem. The pay is…hmm…rather average while still on the high side. But the amount of work is certainly far from fair. They will work us like slave, if not worse. That’s why I still keep my status as a free coachman. After thinking like that, what Ms. Ell said to me is very correct. I really need to keep myself safe and the most logical way for me at the moment is to buy a slave. Either a magic caster or a fighter slave. I wonder how much they will cost. Although the pay from the previous job is a lot, it is not a lot to be splurged on. I still have to think about my living cost. I then looked around the fair and hop from one stall to another. They showed a lot of ‘merchandise’ for people to see. From various age to various race. Although most are human, I still managed to see some elves, dwarf, beastman, even dragonewt. The buyers also varied. I can see some aristocrat and also merchant. In short, this fair is so very very crowded. “Hey you!” Eh? Who? “You! The coachman!” What? Oh, right. I’m still wearing my usual outfit for my job which consists of a white shirt and brown pants, hidden by my heavy and long overcoat. To top it off, a worn out flat top hat that had the emblem of this town coachmen guild, the Flame Horse. A uniform fitting for a coachman. “Hey! You deaf or something!” “Y-Yes?” I looked to the source of the voice and found a short man with a plump build and also a long and thick moustache that decorated his face. He was standing near me. I guess I didn’t realize that as I was looking around the fair in awe. “You’re late! Deliver this crate to the port right away!” “E-Eh? B-But I’m no–“ “There’s no time to talk!” He then grabbed my hand and started pulling me. “We have no time!” “B-But w-wait!” “No waiting!” After that, I was forcefully led to a nearby wagon and then placed into the coach sit without being given any chance to say anything. On the back of it I could see a pair of crate that is sealed shut. “So here is the plan. You get to the port town, Metze, and dump this crate on a nearby lake there.” “L-Like I said there’s seem to be–“ “Got it? Good! Off you go then! Hyah!” He then slapped the horse of the wagon which made them start to ride away, forcing me to steer it away from danger. “W-W-Wait a minute!” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- T-That man is crazy! And these horses are too! I have been trying to stop them but they keep on galloping like mad straight out of the town. They have even almost trampled a guard or two along the way. It really took all of my ability just to make them run on the proper road. Ugh, I hope they don’t know who I am or I can’t show my face in the town anymore. Okay, that’s not right. Let alone coming back to this town, please let me get out of this job alive! “Calm down boys! I said calm down!” Why can’t I stop these damn beasts?! They kept running like there’s no tomorrow. It is as if they were in some sort of trance or under the effect of some kind of drug. Wait…no…it can’t be. I tied the reins to the edge of my seat and then tried to stand up. I know that it is a very dangerous action, but I have to make sure for my next move. With so much shaking and rocking, it is a very difficult task. Thankfully, my experience in riding has taught me quite well how to balance myself. “W-Woah!!” The wagon suddenly jumped and I was almost thrown out of the wagon. The only reason I was still on the wagon was that I managed to cling onto the edge of the coach seat at the last minute. So much for my experience. Getting cocky is going to be the death of me. But still, I really need to make sure. Slowly I crawled onto the edge of the wagon and then look at the spot where that man slapped the horse. “...Oh, really now? He did that? Seriously?” I let out a sigh as I finally noticed the abnormality on the horse. On the spot where that man landed his hand I could see a small circle with some kind of writing on it. It is a magic enchantment. And the effect of that enchantment is inducing a certain state of mind to the animal. That state is ‘Frenzy’ and ‘Panic’. I’ve seen it on one of my recent job when I have to drive the coach to a group of hunter that want to exterminate a nearby monster nest. One of those hunters put the same spell on to one of the captured beast and then releasing it into the nest, making a riot inside the nest so that they can subdue the monster inside the nest much easier. The thing is, I don’t know how to remove the enchantment! And to make matter worse, I need to do it fast since the wagon is heading onto a river fast. I could try to steer the horse, but I doubt that will be enough to avoid disaster. With little time, I looked around to see what I can use. Sadly, the only thing in the wagon is the two crates. Wait! They didn’t even give me any food or water!? That damn man! Are you thinking of killing me!? All of a sudden the sound of the horses’ neigh came into my ears. After looking to the front again, I couldn’t help but widened my eyes and letting my mouth slacked open. The river is only a few minutes away from us. I immediately took the reins and steered them the best I can do with as much force I can muster. Thankfully, the horses managed to steer away from running straight into the river. Unfortunately, they went straight onto a fallen tree. “You’ve got to be kidding me!!!” I pulled the reins as hard as I could and fortunately the horses followed my command. They turned sideways avoided hitting the fallen trunk. “Eh? Clink?” It seems my relief was short-lived as I heard a sudden clinking sound. I looked at the source in horror as I realized it came from the part that connected the two horses to the wagon. I immediately released the reins in fear of being carried by the two out of control horses. “N-No! No! No!” My shouted came out as the wagon showed no sign of stopping its ride onto the tree. I jumped onto the back of the wagon in hope of saving myself. The next thing I heard is the sound of crashing and I felt my body lifted onto the air. The last thing that ran in my mind before darkness enveloped me is a wish that I wished to give that man a sharp and hard blow to the head for all of this. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Ugh...my head...” As I slowly regained my consciousness, I felt a throbbing pain from my head. It took some time to finally open my eyes completely. “...Great...I’m bleeding.” I said that after I confirmed the condition of my head with my hand, which is also injured slightly. Thankfully, the bleeding is not bad as it seems to be just a shallow cut. “S-Slowly there...” I managed to stand up and looked at the carnage in front of me. “Sheer luck...Sheer luck I tell you.” I muttered that as I saw the remains of the wagon that crashed into the tree. The coach’s sit is, as expected, totally wrecked. I shudder at the thought of how I will end up if I didn’t move onto the back of the wagon. “O-Oh yeah! The crates!” As soon as I remembered that my eyes fell onto a pair of crate that has fallen onto the ground. It seems that the impact had thrown not only me out of the wagon, but also the crates. “What’s inside, I wonder?” I guess trash, right? Since that man wanted me to throw them onto the river. But...does it have to be so far away? Strangely suspicious. Driven by my curiosity, I walked toward the crates that were thrown out of the wagon. At first, it looked very common. Nothing special. Just your everyday wooden crate. But at closer inspection, I noticed that there was a small enchantment on it. Or at least what left of it. The impact of being thrown had broken the enchantment on it. So I guess whatever effect it has is gone with the wind, “...Ugh...” H-H-Huh?! D-Did I just hear someone’s voice just now? D-Don’t tell me... I looked at one of the crate and saw a small opening on one of its side. I put my hand in to that small opening and tried my best to pry it open. At first, it was not moving. But after a few nudge, it started to cracked open. With a loud crack, the top of the side of the crate opened completely, enabling me to see the content of the crate. At that, I couldn’t help but let out a gasp, shocked at what I see. “A g-g-girl!?”
Chapter 2 “The Twin” “Y-You’re kidding, right?” I stepped away from the crates as I realized the content of the crates. My first thought is to get her out of the cramped crate. I then proceeded to pull the girl into the open. It was a slow and difficult task as I’m afraid of injuring her. After a few moments, I managed to get her completely out of the crate. Her clothes were too thin that I was able to see right on to her skin. N-No, it’s not because I want to see it, okay! I then took off my overcoat and then put it on the ground. After placing her on top of the overcoat, I closed the overcoat so that she is covered completely by it. Besides, I was too sweaty to wear it after that difficult task. Suddenly, I remembered that there is another crate. Remembering that, I ran toward it almost immediately. “H-Hang in there!” I shouted with a faint hope that I’m not too late. Just as the previous one, crack started to appear on the sides. The only difference is that the crack is still too small for me to insert my hand. I couldn’t bash it open even if I wanted too. Not that I’m not strong enough. Well, that is one of the reasons. But the main reason is that I might injure the content, which I’m afraid, would be another person. Racking my brain for the fastest and safest way, my sight landed on a piece of wood that is sticking from the broken wagon. It seems to be a part of its railing. The size is small enough to fit into the small opening. “Got to try!” I ran toward the wreckage and then grabbed the object. It is stuck because of the metal fitting embedded on it. It won’t budge at all. I cursed under my breath, but refused to stop trying. I yanked it several times while kicking it until the part where the fitting holds onto broke in half, releasing the wood. “W-Woah!!!” Due to using too much force, I fell backward while still holding he piece of wood. Not minding the pain, a small smile crept onto my face as I successfully gain the tool I needed. With the wood in hand, I walked onto the unopened crate. Slowly positioning the wood onto the small opening, I carefully use the wood as a lever. If I put too much force onto it, I risked breaking the wood and making the task almost impossible. If I put too little, then I might never open the crate and risking whoever inside it dying. “S-Slowly now...Got it!” I shouted as a creaking sound came together with the sight of the side of the crate being forced open. With the hard part done, I opened the crate completely. Just as I expected, another person is inside the crate. I pull the person out of the crate slowly and lifted her carefully. I then laid that person next to the girl. I opened the overcoat and then moved the girl slightly on to the right side of the coat. I then placed the other one next to her. Although it is not big enough, I still managed to cover them slightly after putting them a bit closer. I then closed the overcoat again, as best as I could. “Please don’t die...please don’t die...” I muttered that several times as I look at the two. I felt slightly relieved as each of their chest showed movement. But I’m still worried. I need to make fire. Although it is still quite bright, the night is approaching fast. If by night I don’t have any fire, it might spell the end for all of us. The cold out here is unbearable even if I wear my overcoat. I could go to the nearby settlement to get some help. But I don’t want to leave them alone to search for help. It is the same as killing them. I reached onto my pocket and pulled out my trusty knife. I examined it slightly and found it is still fine and usable. The next thing I do is pulled out my necklace that I always kept hidden under my shirt. The centerpiece is just a simple circular metal with a small stone in the middle. It looked simple since its main use is not for accessory, but to make fire. They are a piece of fire steel and a round flint. This is my only hope at the moment. “F-F-Finally!” With sweaty forehead, I felt relieved as I looked at the burning pile of wood in front of me. Since this trip is an unplanned one, I am very ill prepared and it took me much longer than usual to prepare a camp fire. To make matter worse, the only thing I managed to find for food is a handful of berry from a nearby bush that I placed inside of my hat and a squirrel which I found near the place I collected some branch and twig. I skinned it and roast the meat after skewering it with a branch just like that. It’s much better than nothing, I guess. I hope those two will wake up soon. I touched the girl’s skin slightly and felt the heat from the fire had taken effect. Although still shallow, her breathing is quite normal. Or as normal as I know. I’m no doctor. But at least she looked fine. I hope. My sight then moved onto the next person. Actually, is this person a girl or a boy? He...she...Uhm...let’s say that I think that this person is a boy, okay? With that short hair and also, I’m sorry, body that somehow lacked any curve, I find it much easier to see him as a boy than as a girl. But I might be wrong, so let’s not say it out loud in case I’m wrong. That will be disastrous. Trust me, I know. Not that I’ve experienced it, but I’ve seen the poor sod that had experienced it. I...don’t want to talk about it. The boy is also in the same pitiful condition as the girl. His body is cold and his face pale. Unlike the girl, his clothes are a bit thicker, but still seemed to be not enough. It still failed to cover his thin and somewhat malnourished looking limbs. The only thing that still looks fine is his hair. His hair, although a bit unkempt, still retained its pristine look. Now that you mention it, his hair and the girl’s hair looked somewhat similar. They have the same cherry red color that looked somewhat in contrast with their slightly tanned skin. In fact, after I look at them for quite some time, they have identical face. Are they twins? Maybe that is the case. Since their hair style is different, it will be much easier to differentiate later on. I looked to the sky and I could see that it has darkened quite a bit. A sigh came out of my mouth as I realized that. I was supposed to have a nice relaxing time after that crazy job I had with that antique merchant. And I was supposed to buy a slave to help me with my work. Not ‘working’ for someone as a delivery guy. “...D-Delivery...Ugh!” I felt my stomach cramped and queasiness struck as I recalled what his order was. He asked...no, ordered me to dump these crates to a lake near Metze. So...I was asked to...k-k-kill these two!? “N-No...No...Urgh!!” I ran toward a nearby tree and poured the content of my stomach onto the ground near it. I vomited at the thought of me killing someone. I...almost becomes a murderer. I...almost...kill these two. “Urrrghh!!” Once again I emptied the content of my stomach, which at that point is already empty. The only thing that came out was my stomach acid which made my whole mouth felt utterly disgusting. “W-Water...” I ran toward the nearby river and scoop out some water to rinse my mouth. I also splash some of it on my face. As I looked at my reflection, I saw my terrible expression. My eyes were red. Snots ran from my nose and tears from my eyes. My brown hair disheveled. I looked very terrible indeed. It is a look that suits a terrible person that almost robs someone of their life. “O-Oh no...Uarrgghhh!!” I vomited again. Just like before, nothing came out. Only sour tasting liquid. But I could do nothing as my stomach cramped up and forcing me to let out anything that is still present in my stomach. I scoop another handful of water to rinse and also to drink some of it. Although slightly refreshed, the guilt of almost killing those two remained in the back of my heart. “Those two...Oh no!” As I remembered them, I ran back toward them in fear of any danger that might come to them. Just as I was close enough, I felt relieved that the two were still sleeping and nothing happened. But then a small movement could be seen near the boy’s head. I made my eyes squint to see it better since there was not enough light at the moment. I let out a gasp as I recognized that shape. It’s a snake! I don’t know whether it is poisonous or not. But, still, it is dangerous. And to make matter worse, it kept slithering onto the direction of the boy. “S-Stop!!” I shouted in hope that it will startle the snake. And thankfully, it did! The snake stopped momentarily. “Chance!!” As I was only a few steps away from him, I leaped with my hand already gripping my knife. I landed next to the boy with my knife aimed at the snake. Tch! I missed! The snake managed to dodge in the last minute and let my knife stabbed onto the soft ground. Sneaky creature, it is. But I’m not giving up just yet! I pulled it in one swift motion and then stabbed the snake that hissed at me. “Gotcha!” It hit the area near its head. It opened its mouth but I don’t give it any second to react since I lifted my feet and then stepped on its head, making a disgusting crunching sound. Danger avoided. “Eh?” I then noticed a slight rustling from near me. I looked at the source and found it came from the girl. Is she waking up? Good, good! I felt a smile appeared on my face as the feeling of relieve came into my mind. I then stepped next to her and looked at her. “H-Hey, are you okay?” I know that is a dumb question, but I had to ask. “...Uuu...” After letting out a quiet groan, her eyes snapped open and a pair of hazel colored eyes stared at me. My first impression is that they are very pretty. I could feel my heart beats a bit harder as those pair of beautiful eyes looked at me. Combined with her lustrous hair, she really is very pretty. I guarantee that most man will have their breath taken away after looking at her. “Please rest easy, there’s no one that–GUWWWAAAHHH!!!” All of a sudden a sharp pain hit my chest and I was thrown backward. My body rolled over the ground and landed roughly a few steps away from my previous location. “...Ow, ow, ow! W-What happened?” “YOU BASTARDDD!!!!” “E-Eh?” A loud scream erupted near me. I looked toward the source and I faced an enraged girl. Her beautiful hazel colored eyes has turned to a reddish golden. Instead of beautiful, I felt danger and fear from looking at them. “W-W-Wait a minu–“ “DAMN YOU!!!” “GUAARRGGHHH!!!” She jumped straight at me and landed her feet at my stomach. The pain was so much that I instinctively curled up my body with my hand covering the place where it hurts. How can such slender legs carry so much force? It is so absurd! “Y-YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID, BASTARD!!” “W-What did I–“ I couldn’t finish my sentence as my eyes stared at the object at her hand. I then moved my hand and noticed that I no longer holding my knife. “N-No...please...” I saw a slight glint of murderous intent from her. That made me tried to get away but the pain held me back. All I can do is crawled back. “DIE!” “N-No! H-Have mercy!” I could only plead to her as she walked closer and closer to me. But her eyes showed not an ounce of mercy for me. It seems that whatever I say to her will not change my fate. “DIE!!” She then jumped toward me and then stabbed me right on the shoulder. “AAARRGGGHHHH!!!” The searing hot pain made me scream in agony. I have been injured quite some time in the past as my job is anything but safe. But this is the first time I had someone stabbed me. “S-Stop...” I tried to stop her hand but the effect of the previous blows had made lost too much energy. To made matter worse, I still felt tired after my previous forced trip. “DIE! DIE! DIE!” “GUARGH! S-Stop, pl–ARGGHHH!!” After pulling the bloodied knife from my wound without mercy, she pushed it again onto my other shoulder. Another pain attacked me while the previous one is still fresh in my mind. “DIE!!!” “N-No-AAARRGGH!” She then jabbed my chest, giving me yet another impressive amount of pain. After that point, I couldn’t feel any more pain. As I tasted iron in my mouth, my whole body felt cold and my vision darkened. I could see the girl showed no sign of stopping anytime soon. She kept stabbing me over and over again. Ah...I couldn’t feel my hand. I also couldn’t hear too well. Maybe I lost too much blood. Strange. How can I be this calm? Maybe...I feel that this is my punishment? For trying to kill them?...Yeah...I deserve this, right? As I looked at that girl in front of me that is still keep stabbing me, I felt that she earned the right to do that to me. Even if I didn’t hurt them...I still tried to kill them. Oh...it’s really getting dark now..Hahaha...To be killed by my own knife. Pathetic. Oh yes...I hope I can say one more thing to my executioner. Really now...isn’t this supposed to be the first thing I have to say?...I’m so...stu...pid... “...P...le...a...se...for...gi...ve...m...e...”
Since it seems alright, I'll review here, please note I don't have much experience with this. First of all grammatically and speechwise I think this is well written, expressive and comprehensible. Even with only two chapters I feel like having gotten a grasp of the protagonist's character traits and the general atmossphere of the story. The mc seems well defined, has matching reactions and thoughts, pretty realistic I'd say. The flow of the story feels smooth and natural, no scene overly detailed or too hasty. Good tension building too. Maybe just some more details on the mc's sourroundings and sidecharacters/worldbuilding, but that's something for future chapters. Overall I think it's a good story opening, at least I got easily immersed and of course would love to read more of this. Best regards~
Thank you for the review! I'll update this at least to the 5th chapter. Once again, thank you. I really appreciate it.
Chapter 3 “Reconciliation” “…W…up…” Huh? I could…hear someone’s voice? “…ake…p…” But…I couldn’t…understand any of it. I guess…since I’m dead, right? I was executed by the one I almost killed. Fitting, if I may say so myself. “Hey…say something!” “…E-Eh?” I…can hear it? Impossible! I’m dead! I wouldn’t be able to! But…my hand…I can…feel it? I felt my finger twitched at my attempt of moving it. “H-He’s moving!” A sudden feminine voice entered my mind. Was it the same voice as before? I tried to open my eyes, but it was a task much difficult than I anticipated. After a few moments, I am finally able to open mine completely. What greeted me is the vast dark sky. I could only see some flickering light on some part of it. “Hey…can you…hear me?” Oh, the voice from before. I turned my head to see the speaker. “Oh, it seems he can! Lin, it went well!” The speaker seems to be the boy from before. He showed a very happy expression as she looked at me. What is he talking about? What went well? “…I suppose…” Oh, another one? It seems to be from behind the boy. My eyes then shifted to the figure behind him. “…Y-You…” “See, he’s fine. Now can y–“ “AAAAHHHHH!!!!” I jumped away from my position. It is as if my strength come running back to me. Together with that, I distanced myself as fast as I could. But unfortunately, my unsteady legs could only do so much that I stumbled on my own feet. I tripped and fell forward. “W-Wait a minute! S-Slow down!” “N-No, p-p-please f-f-forgive me!” I crawled back while shielding my head. The reason? The one that stood behind that boy is none other than my executioner! No matter what I thought, my own body felt the fear and instinctively tried to distance away from the threat. “D-D-Don’t hurt me! I b-b-b-beg you! P-P-P-Please!” “N-N-No, we won’t’ hurt you!” The boy, with a concerned and worried face, approached me with his hand stretched toward me. “C-Calm down, please!” “W-Waaa! I-I’m sorry!!! D-Don’t hurt me! Please!” Although I wanted to get away, my lower body refused to move any longer due to the memory of fear and pain. I could feel tears welled up on the edge of my eyes as I beg for my life. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” “No, no, no. We don’t’ want to hurt you! Calm down, please.” “Please! D-Don’t hurt m–“ “SHUT UP!!” “Hiii!!!” I felt my face paled even more at that sudden raised voice. “Please don’t kill me…I beg you…” I could only plead in a quiet voice. “Lin!” “E-Eh? S-Sorry, Ris, I..j-just…” “Look at what you’ve done!” From the gap of my arms, I opened my eyes slightly and saw the boy scolded the girl from before. “You scared him again!” “I…I j-just…” A small and weak voice came from her. This somehow soothed me as it seemed that the boy had some kind of control over her. “S-She didn’t mean anything, o-okay?” He smiled at me. It was a forced smile. “S-So, don’t be afraid, okay?” “…O-Okay?” I opened my arms and looked at him. Unlike before, he looked a bit better. I felt a bit relieved, but I still put up my guard. It is still far too soon to feel relax. “A-Are you sure…y-you won’t hurt me again?” “No!” I pulled my body away as he shouted at me. “I-I’m sorry! I don’t mean to shout. So…calm down? Please?” Now he was the one pleading. “…Okay…” I then relaxed my stance. Slightly. “Huh?” Just after that that I finally realized that I felt no pain whatsoever. As I traced my shoulder where the knife was stabbed before, I found not a single wound. Although there are still some holes and bloodstains on my shirt, my whole body felt absolutely fine. I moved to my chest and found the same condition. “H-How?” “Oh, I used recovery magic.” The boy answered me. “I’m glad I made it just in time.” “R-Really?” I looked at my body again and found only blood soaked spot but not a single wound. I was utterly impressed that she could do a very powerful magic. “T-Thank you. I’m very grateful…for saving my life.” I gave him my thanks as I lowered my head at him. “A-Ah, there’s no need to do that. After all…” He glanced at the girl behind him. Immediately after that, the girl averted her eyes from him. “It is our fault. I’m just glad that I made it in time. If not…” His gaze at my chest felt saddened and concerned. Ah, I know. “…I would die, right?” He nodded reluctantly at my word. “Well…as long as I’m not, I’m content.” I flashed him another weak smile. “Even if I did…I…probably deserve it…” “…What… do you mean?” The boy’s eyes felt somewhat painful. I know that this might get me into trouble, but…I have to come out clean, right? “I…almost murder the two of you…So I–GUUH!!” “I KNEW IT!!!” The girl immediately jumped to me and pounced at me. “YOU’RE THE ONE!!!” “L-Lin! Stop!” The boy grabbed the girl’s shoulder, trying to pull her away from me. “He’s not!” “WHY DO YOU PROTECT HIM, RIS!!!” Her shout reminded me the same scene from before. She really did kill me. “HE PROBABLY WORKED FOR HIM!” “LIN! STOP!!” He tore her away and slapped her. The loud sound echoed in the night. That made the girl widened her eyes. I also widened my eyes as I was confused at what happened. “I…believe him to be innocent.” With a trembling shoulder and voice the boy shouted at her. “Let him explain…then…we decide.” “*cough*…t-thank you…” “I’m sorry, but…you better start explaining.” With his back facing me, the boy gave his order. I could only nod and start my story. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “…And…there you have it.” I finished my story and looked at the two. Their expression certainly showed a very mixed one. The boy seemed to be relieved to hear that I really didn’t want to kill them in the first place. While the girl…I...can’t really tell. She looked somewhat…suspicious of me. A very logical and understandable reaction. “So…yeah, that’s the whole story. I’m not so sure what you guys have went through, but I guess it was very terrible.” “…Terrible… is an understatement.” “I agree. It is…much more than that.” As the two replied to my statement, they showed the same troubled expression. Looking at them, I could do nothing but scratched the back of my head awkwardly. The mood is anything but cheerful. It was so gloomy and dark that I thought that the night had lost its moon. “Well…uhm…for now, let’s eat, shall we?” I tried to break the heavy mood. “I know that I only prepare very little since…I’m not exactly prepared for this trip, but please enjoy what meager food we have.” I gave my best smile, which I must say felt very fake even for me. And just as I expected, the two’s expression seemed to have become uncomfortable. I felt my spirit dropped too. “Ah…err…I’m sorry.” I ended up lowering my head after apologizing to them. I guess I really should read the mood better. “N-No, please lift your head. It’s not that.” The boy waved his hand in front of him with a slightly flustered face. “It’s just that…” “Just?” “…We…already…” The girl paused for a bit after starting to talk. “…We…already ate them.” “Oh, so you already ate them? Ah…” Is that all, I thought it was– “All…” “…Excuse me?” “We…already ate… all of them…” The girl, while averting her face from me, finally told the real reason. “All?” “The berries…” “And…the meat…” “Ah…all…” It seems I will fast tonight. Wonderful. Just wonderful. “Well…uhm…that’s understandable. From what you’ve gone through, you must be hungry. Hahaha…” I let out a wry laugh. I still hope that they left something for me. But…I guess that is a very faint hope. “I’m really sorry, Mr…err…” Looking at the boy wore a troubled expression, I realized something. I have forgotten something important. “Oh, yes, yes. Introduction.” I’m so stupid. “I’m Zinorzo, a coachman of Flame Horse Guild. Pleasure to meet you.” I bowed my head after I said my name. “A-Ah, I’m Rishilda,” said the boy while pointing at himself, “and this is my twin sister.” “Lindisa. And for the record, she’s a girl.” A girl? What did she mean by–The boy!? He is a she!? Oh wow! “L-Lin! You don’t need to say that! I’m sure Mr. Zinorzo already knew that I’m a–“ “Please forgive me!!!” “E-Eh?” “I mistook you for a boy! I’m very sorry! Please don’t be angry!” “See?” The one called Lindisa said to her with a rather satisfied smirk. “We have been through this so many times, Ris.” “Ugh, that…kind of hurt to hear.” “I’m really sorry!!” “N-No, t-that’s okay! Really!” The bo–I mean the short haired girl waved at me who was still apologizing for mistaking her for a boy. As I mentioned before, I don’t want to experience the wrath of the woman mistaken for a man. I would die! For sure! “Just as Lin said, it…happens quite often.” “Always.” The other quickly corrected her. “Not often, always.” “Okay! Okay! I get it!” She shouted to her sister. “It al…al…” “Always.” “It al-always happens.” With her confession done, her eyes were casted down and her face reddened. “Ugh…hate it.” Although I could hear that, I decided to ignore that. Don’t wake the sleeping dragon, they say. “So…don’t mind it, Mr. Zinorzo.” “Ah, call me Zin, if you don’t mind. I know my name is a mouthful, so it’s easier to call me Zin like everyone else.” “Okay, Mr. Zin. Then call me Ris and her Lin. Just as yours, I know that, our name is a bit on the long side. That’s fine with you, right Lin?” “As long as you are. I don’t really mind.” “Okay, Ms. Lin and Ms. Ris.” “Uhm…just Lin and Ris, please. “ She said that with a bit of flustered face. “That kind of…made me feel old.” “O-Oh, okay. Please do the same for me too.” I kind of got taken aback hearing her asking that right away. Is Ris the type that is able to get close to someone quickly? I then shifted my eyes at Lin that stayed behind her and found that she was glaring at me. “I-Is there something on my face?” “…No…” After that, she averted her eyes from me altogether. “Don’t worry…It’s nothing.” And it seems that her twin is the opposite of her. Quite fitting, actually. I mean, it is best that each of them can complement each other’s trait, right? “O-Oh, okay. Uhm…since it is already quite late, you two can get some sleep for now. I mean, I don’t know what your plan is, but I think it is better that you rest your body. You’ll need it for whatever your next plan is.” After I said that, the two of them looked at each other. Although I don’t really know their story, their body need to rest after going through what I might imagined to be the worst ordeal one can get. “And don’t worry, I’ll stand watch for anything.” I then moved onto the camp fire and noticed that what they said is indeed true. My hat that was supposed to be filled with some berries had been emptied completely. The sticks that had parts of the grilled squirrel had also been cleaned. After letting out a soft sigh, I took my hat and dusted it off before putting it on. My eyes then suddenly landed on a certain object near the camp fire. I smiled as I realized what that was. “Are you…going to be fine?” I was a bit startled by the sudden voice behind me. I shook my head to regain my calm. “I mean…we can–“ “Nope, don’t even suggest taking a turn.” I cut Ris’ words. “You guys have been through a lot. You will need to rest not only your body, but also your mind. And…” I looked at Lin who stared at me. “You can keep that knife at the moment if you still doubt me.” “I d-d-don’t doubt you!” Yeah, your expression and action told me otherwise. I felt nothing but murderous intent from you. Well, maybe not only that. But, most of it is. “I m-mean, I’m just…” “Lin…you…” “No, no, no.” I waved my hand at them. “It is, once again, very understandable. If that can make you rest much better, do take it by all means.” “…” It seemed that my words were spot on. Her silence was like a confirmation for me. Although Ris looked to be a bit disappointed at her twin’s opinion, she didn’t voice her mind. I guess she realized deep inside her mind that believing and trusting a stranger she have just met is not exactly a wise move. But I am happy that she tried to believe me. Oh, and also healed me back to live. Very grateful for that. “Then…is it really all right?” Although she didn’t question her twin’s view of me, she still concerned, eh? Quite a nice girl she is. At that, I gave my most honest smile I could show. “Please don’t’ worry. I am used to do that in my job. Just make sure to sleep closer to the fire so that I can get to you right away in case something does happen.” I then took the snake carcass and some of the sticks that were left near the fire. “Ris…come on.” Lin quickly grabbed her by the shoulder before she says anything else. She looked at me while her twin sister hesitated to get to sleep. Thankfully, she chose to follow her sister. After the two took my overcoat closer to the fire, the two finally sleep. As their steady breathing could be heard, I felt somewhat relieved. Once again, I couldn’t really imagine what they have gone through. I will hear their story later, if they want to tell me theirs for that matter. If not, I won’t even complain. “Ah, the night is still long, eh?” I then look at the snake carcass. Even if it looked far from appetizing, my hungry stomach made it look quite delicious. All I have to do is to skin it and then gut it. And then I can have my supper for the day. “…Hmm….Eh?” Where’s my knife? Ah…right. Damn it!
Made my day! Thank you~ I'm really looking forward to every new chapter. will also check out your other works.
Just the words an addict longs to hear...hehe. I gotta ask though, are the chapters edited or the same as those on rll? Because if they are the latter just putting up a link is fine I think, to save you the trouble of posting it whole.
They are edited. I fix a bit here and there after re-reading it more. But the story line still remains the same.
Chapter 4 “Return Trip” “Finally…morning.” I stood up after I threw some more wood into the weakening fire. Since the air is still cold, I need to maintain the fire until we are ready to move. After rubbing my eyes a bit, I glanced at the remains of last night supper, which I have to say was prepared very difficult due to the absence of any tool. Because of that, my late night cooking session left out a…very messy leftover. That was the most I could do with only a sharpened stone I found near me. I looked at the two and they were still asleep. I find it very difficult to wake them up, but I need to do it if we want to return to the town. Thankfully, we are not far from the main road. But we are still a bit far from the town. I don’t want to camp outside again without any proper preparation like that again. And I think the girls could use a proper meal and rest to regain their strength. “Uhm…hello?” I walked toward them and found the scene of the two sleeping together very adorable. I don’t know how old they are. Chances are they are around my age. But I could be wrong. Just as wrong as when I thought Ris is a boy. Thankfully they are covered by my large overcoat, preventing me from seeing something I shouldn’t. “Girls…wake up. It’s morning.” No reaction. Sheesh. This is a hard job. I guess voice alone is not enough, eh? With that in mind, I crouched down near them and reached onto their shoulder. “Hey, wake up. It’s morning.” I shook their shoulder gently, avoiding startling them in the process. “Lin, Ris, come on. Wake up. It’s already mo–WOOOAAAHHH!!!” My body stiffened as an object was pushed onto my neck after a slight swishing sound. “W-W-Wait a minute! I-It’s me! Zin! Zin!” “…H-Huh? O-Oh…” Lin who was pushing the tip of the knife onto the surface of my skin blinked a few times. “Z-Zin?” “Y-Yes, it’s me, Zin!” My response came out stuttering as I felt the cold steel on my skin. “M-Ms. L-Lin, c-can you…please…” “H-Huh? O-Oh, s-sorry about that.” She retracted the knife from my neck. I let out a breath of relieve. This girl really is dangerous! Scary! “What is it?” asked Lin as she rubbed her eyes and let out a small yawn. If not for her previous dangerous act, I will say that her yawn looked quite cute. But then again…no, better not say it. Zin, value your life. “…It’s morning.” So you were not full awake yet? And yet you can react like that even in a half-awake state? Scary! Very scary! “Huh?...” She looked around and noticed the light that slowly filled the whole area. “O-Oh, r-right. Let me wake Ris up.” “…Okay. I’ll be there.” I then moved away from the two, not wanting to be in any possible danger. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Oh my…what a terrible thing to happen.” “It is a miracle that you are save, lad.” “I couldn’t agree more, sir. It was…such a scary thing to see.” I shook my head several times after saying that. “But…is it really all right for us to ride your wagon there, sir? I know that I was the one that ask…but it just felt…” “No, no, no! Not a single word, young man!” The middle-aged woman that sat next to the middle-aged man quickly cut my words. “We will help you even if you didn’t ask us in the first place.” “It is an honor to be able to help someone in trouble, lad. Listen to the fair lady beside me.” “Why you, calling me a fair lady~” A short giggle came from the middle-aged woman. “You and your sweet words.” “I might be old, but my flame of love for you is still raging on inside me! For me, you are and will always be a fair lady!” A loud laughter came from the man as he proclaimed his love for his dear wife. As the two went into their own world, I could only let a wry smile. Can you at least mind the time and place, please? “Young man, just sit back there and accompany those sisters of yours. I’m sure that they will be bored just by themselves.” “Thank you, ma’am. Once again let me thank you for your assistance.” I lowered my head to them. “Got it, lad.” The man then gave me thumbs up. “Take it easy, lad, or you might stress out your sister too.” “Okay, sir.” I then moved onto the rear most part of the wagon where my two ‘sisters’ remained. “Sisters?” Lin questioned me with a low voice as I get near them with a bit of a frown as she asked that. “It is easier to explain.” I sat near them. “Avoid making things complicated or we might have to walk back to the town.” “I’m impressed, Zin. You don’t look like to be the clever type.” Uwaaah, Lin really is a blunt girl. And from the looks Ris gave her, it seemed that she didn’t really approve her opinion. Or at least in voicing her opinion out loud. “Well…although a bit unhappy at that compliment, let me thank you for the compliment.” “You’re welcome.” “When you have met a lot of people, you will learn to read the situation and make the best of every situation.” I then leaned back onto the railing. “I guarantee that.” “Hmm…is that so?” “It is so. I can assure you. But enough about me, I want to know what you will do next,” I said as I gestured toward them. “I will not ask you about your back story or anything. But I want to know what you want to do after we arrived at the town.” “For now, I think we will–“ “Wait.” Lin tapped her sister shoulder, stopping her from continuing. “Why do you want to know?” “…Hmm…you’re right. I guess I should give my reason, yes?” Lin nodded while Ris looked at me with a rather mixed expression. “I guess…I’m just curious. And I want to help…if possible.” “Why? Why help us?” “You aren’t one who trust people easily, aren’t you, Lin?” I grinned at her, which earned me a sharp glare from her. “That’s not bad attitude at all. Really…not a bad one at all…Really…not bad at all.” Damn…bad memories resurfaced in my mind. “Zin?” “H-Hah? O-Oh, yes. The question.” I let out an awkward laugh. It seemed that that my momentary slip of mind has reflected on my face. “My reason for helping you…I guess because I feel slightly responsible for almost…you know.” I decided not to say ‘it’ out loud. “And I just feel like helping you.” “…” Lin just looked at me in silence. From her gaze, I could somehow felt that she is anything but convinced. Ris glance moved several times from me and Lin. After a while, she just looked at her sister. I guess something bad had happened in the past that made her find it hard to trust someone. Moreover, trusting a stranger like me that almost endanger her and her sister. “Still don’t want to believe me, I see.” I let out a small groan as I scratched the back of my head. At first Lin tried to argue about that, but she backed down immediately. “Then how about this? Do you know the name of the town we’re heading to at the moment?” “T-Town? Uhm…” Lin closed her eyes and stayed silence for a while. After that, she opened her eyes and looked at her twin. “Ris?” “I…don’t know.” “As expected.” Lin pouted, but I ignored it and I let out a cough before starting my explanation. “The town we’re heading is called Vilinda. Ever heard of it?” “…No.” “Well, it is a small town that serves as a travel town between the port city of Metze on the west and the inland cities on the east. It also serves as a merchant town that collected a lot of commodities the surrounding villages and settlements produced that will be bought and delivered to Metze for export or to the inland cities for domestic consumption. It is a small yet crowded city due to its role in the trading route.” “Ah…okay.” “You can get a lot of merchandise a lot cheaper compare to when it already reached the big cities. Exotic fruits, gems, and rare metal ores that came from the dwarfen-managed mountains outside the forest are the three major commodities in the town. Because of the two of the three commodities from before, metalworking is another important industry of the town. You can get metal wares and also small weapons made for a much cheaper price. And if you patron one of those dwarf blacksmith often, you can get a bit better stuff than just the ordinary craftsmanship level of your everyday blacksmith.” “Wow…you know a lot.” I smiled at Ris’ compliment. “That is because I lived there.” “So? Your point is?” The unconvinced Lin asked. “My point is this. As a travel town that also served as a merchant town, it is a dangerous place for newcomer. Without proper knowledge of the town, you will be an easy prey for the many scumbags in there. If you got it easy, you will only lose your money. If a bit more unfortunate, you’ll become a slave. The worst is either raped or, as one might expect, murdered.” I paused to see the reaction they gave. Ris’ face paled and Lin clenched into a tight fist. It seems they have seen my point. “While you’re there, allow me to be your guide. I don’t know if you have any friend there. But you can consider me as one.” “How can we trust you?” Lin immediately threw that question. This time, Ris looked at me without showing a single sign of disagreeing with her twin. “If what you said is true, then you might be one of those people for all we know. How can be so sure that we can trust you?” “Before I give my answer, let me make it clear first that whatever I say will not be worth anything if you don’t give me chance. That is a fact because I can’t read your mind and neither of you, or at least that’s what I guess.” Because if they can, then they can see that I have no ill will. “But if you want to know, I can give several reasons.” “And those are?” “I didn’t abandon you when I found you on the wagon. I also didn’t abandon you when the two of you asleep there. Both are easy for me to do, but I choose not to.” I paused for a while to sort my emotion. I felt…quite terrible. It was as if I tried to put some kind of guilt into their mind. Honestly, it felt sickeningly terrible for me. But since I felt some kind obligation to make amend for my mistake, I have to do what I can for now. I just hope that in the near future, I can make those two trust me honestly. “And if that is not enough, my last argument is on the object on your hand, Lin.” “Huh? The knife?” She pulled out the knife. “That is a memento from a very important person that sacrifice everything to let me live. Its value is… as same as my life.” “E-Eh?” The two widened their eyes at my statement. “This knife?” “Y-You’re lying!” “IT’S NOT A LIE!” I raised my voice and also hit the wagon’s side. I was surprised by my own action and immediately looked at the owner of the wagon. I felt relieved that they didn’t seem to notice my outburst. Or maybe they pretended not to. If that is the case, I’m grateful for that. As the two girls in front of me looked at me with a slightly shocked expression, I lowered my head. “S-Sorry. It’s not a lie. It is…not something that I can even think of lying.” “…Then…why are you lending it to me so easily?” Lin, clearly still tried to stay firm to her opinion, asked that with a bit of hesitation. “…I entrusted that as a sign that I trust you. You might have…killed me, but you brought me back. I am grateful for that. As a sign of my gratitude and trust, I entrusted my most precious tool to you. And also the chance to kill me again if you still view me as a threat.” I let out a heavy sigh before continuing. “I want that knife back after we get into town. But! I will not ask it back before I buy you a replacement.” For a few moments, the girls just looked at each other without saying anything. From their looks, I could guess that they are in the middle of considering my offer. I am actually a bit hurt that they didn’t immediately accept it. But that pain quickly gone away as I realized that after what they’ve gone through, the need of being extra careful for everything is a must. “I know that it is hard to believe a stranger’s words.” “…Zin…” “You don’t have to look at me that way, Ris. I’m sure that is for the best.” I looked around to check for our estimated position. “Judging from what I remembered about this place, we still have some time before arriving at our destination. Take your time and talk it out with each other. In the mean time I’ll take a short nap.” I then lowered my hat to the point that it covered my eyes and I descended to the land of dream, leaving the two girls alone with their thought. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “This will be where we part way, lad.” “I am grateful to you, sir. I’ll pay it someday.” “No worry, lad. To help others in trouble is a must.” The man let out wide smile as he said that. “Ain’t that right, darling?” “Yes, that’s right. We’ll be seeing you later then, young man.” The woman next to her also flashed him a wide smile. “Take care of your sister and be careful next time.” After that exchange, we part way near the entrance as they said that they will go to the marketplace. I don’t want to go there together with Lin and Ris in fear of their identity being discovered by the slaver. “So…where are we going now?” Ris who stood near Lin asked me. “Before we look for any kind of clue whatsoever, it’s to the clothing stall.” I looked at them and then at me. “A pair of girl in thin clothing and a boy with a blood-stained shirt is a sight that will attract too much attention. Especially since the two of you are still sharing a single overcoat.” “But…we don’t have any money.” “Check the left pocket in the overcoat. Throw what’s inside to me.” Ris reached into it and pulled out the pouch and threw in to me. I undo the string and looked inside it. I guess…it is enough. It will be reduced a lot but it is a necessity. “I’ll pay it. And don’t even thinking of rejecting it. I know a cheap place too. Come on, it’s this way.” Not wanting to waste any more time, I walked to the direction a bit away from the center of the town. I didn’t bother looking back as I already heard their slow footsteps following me. I looked at the sky and noticed that we will still have time before that stall close. After that, it will probably information gathering regarding the slaver. I hope that I can get some without hurting myself. “How long did you think it will be closed down, buddy?” “Probably for quite some time. A month or so. The incident is a terrible one.” “Geh! That’s bad. And I was hoping to get some slaves for the shop.” W-Wait a minute!? What did I just hear? I looked back and saw that I was not the only person surprised by what I’ve heard from a pair of passerby. The twin looked at me as if asking me for the next action I will do. I then walked toward them and called them. “E-Excuse me, sir!” “Hmm? What is it?” The two men stopped and turned around toward me. “I’m sorry for bothering you, but I couldn’t help but heard the two of you talking about some incident, is that right?” “Oh, yes, that’s right.” “May I know the place of that incident is?” “Oh, you don’t know? It is the slave fair.” W-What!? “They said a big fire struck a tent or two, burning most of the place down to ashes.” Are you kidding me!?
Chapter 5 “Partners” “I’m back.” “Welcome back, Zin.” “How was it? Any news?” “Well…first, don’t get your hopes up, okay?” As soon as I entered the watering house which also serves as the guild’s main house, I was greeted by my two new…companions…I guess? They said that although they still feel the need to be cautious, they will take their chance in believing me, which had made me quite happy. After picking a seat on their table, I quickly relayed the information I had gather from around the town. Just as the two men said to me the other day, a terrible fire had burned down the fair. The death toll is…quite a lot. Most of them are the slavers and their slaves. And with a relatively high amount of victim came from the slave traders, the fair had been stopped for the time being. In my curiosity, I stopped by the stall of the man that forced me to do his dirty job. To my surprise, it had suffered quite an amount of damage. His tent has been burnt down completely and I could only see a few number of cages still remained. Of course, the occupant has been evacuated. Alive or not, I would not know. I asked one of the guards that is guarding there about the fate of the owner of the place, saying that I am one of his previous customer that still have some business with him. With a rather troubled expression, he then showed me the owner. Or at least, what’s left of him. I could still recognize the remains of his moustache, but his entire body has been burnt off for good. Judging from his terrible condition, he seemed to be near the worst part of the incident. “…The only lead we have…gone.” While saying that, Lin’s fist tightened so much that her knuckle started to become white slightly. “Just our luck.” I could see her shoulder is trembling slightly. “Calm down, Lin.” Ris put her hand on her sister’s clenched hand. “Even if we have him, I doubt that he has any useful information for us.” “…I hate to admit it…but…,” Lin closed her eyes and let out a low groan, “you’re right.” “I guess…we have a lot to do before we can go back…If we still have a home to go back too.” The two became silent after Ris said that last statement. The mood around us grew heavy and I was at lost to what to say. Once again, I don’t know how terrible their previous life has been so I don’t know what to say to them. I could say something like ‘Don’t worry, it’s gonna be okay’ or ‘Cheer up, you’ll do just fine’ to them. But those sound quite insensitive and out place for me. Because of that, I could only join their silence. “Heyya!” A tap on my shoulder made me turned around. “What did ye do to them, Zin?” “W-What?! I didn’t do anything!” Why are you accusing me like that, Ms. Ell? Oh, right…I seem to be the bad guy here no matter how you look at it, eh? “I swear I didn’t do anything!” “Really? Hey!” Ms. Ell loud voice snapped the two back into reality. “Did Zin do anything bad to ye?” “W-What? N-No, he didn’t!” Ris quickly rejected that statement. “In fact he helped us a lot.” “Hmm? Really? Ye, with the long hair! Is dat true?” “Y-Yes, it’s true.” Certainly didn’t expect to be called like that, Lin reply came out a bit as stutter. “Well…if dis guy did anything bad to ye, call me, ye got dat?” The two could only nod at her pressuring cheerfulness. “Oh, forgot. Introduction. The name’s Ellent, a receptionist and also overseer of dis guild. Call me Ell just like everyone else.” “A-Ah, I’m Rishilda and this is my twin sister, Lindisa. It is nice to meet you.” Both Ris and Lin gave a short bow to her. “Oh, mighty mannerly girl the two of ye! Ye a pair of newcomer, I see. Well, ask Zin for a tour or two.” She then tapped me on my shoulder again. “Be sure to take care of them, Zin.” “G-Got it, Ms. Ell.” “Again with the Ms. business.” She shook her head. “Well, suites yerself. Oh, some new request has come. I’ve posted it on the usual place. See ya!” After she left, I looked at the two and they still have their gazes locked onto Ms. Ell. I let out a cough to get their attention. “Well, she is a not a bad character. A bit pushy and all, but a very good and caring person.” “Ah, yes. I could see that.” Ris smiled at me. “Seems to be a very dependable person.” “Quite strong looking too.” Lin gave her comment while still have her gaze locked onto her again. “I could learn a thing or two from her.” “Really now? Well, speaking of a job, I have another proposal to you.” At first, the two looked at each other and then they looked at me. “Okay, what is it?” “It’s this. Have I told you about why I was at the slave fair?” They shook their head. “Well, it is because I was planning to buy a slave or two to help me with my job. You do remember what my job is, right?” “A coachman, right?” I nodded. “Does a coachman usually use slave?” “Well, in a regular job, no. But recently, the number of job that came up has been pretty dangerous. Some of my colleagues had been a victim of bandit or wild beast attack.” “So you are buying them as guards?” I nodded again. “Is this your proposal for us? To work for you?” “Not…exactly.” Lin really has a sharp tongue. “Not ‘for me’ but ‘with me’. I’m not hiring you, but teaming up with you. We will split the pay evenly.” “But Lin is the only that can fight. I on the other hand…” “That is not right.” I shook my head at Ris’ comment. “You can use heal, right? And you can use some other magic, I presumed?” She nodded. “Then it is a very welcome ability in our situation. As my job often forced us to work in a rather unexpected situation and condition, the assistance of magic is a very welcome help.” “Why–“ “Why am I asking you, right?” I cut Lin’s words, already expecting that from her. “I need more power. My money is only enough to buy a slave or two, which I had to say I’m not quite fond off in the first place. The thought of slavery is…something I quite hate. But as they say, beggar can’t be chooser.” “So the next thing you came up is to ask us, right?” “Correct. Besides, instead of hiring someone I don’t know, I rather have someone I know, right? And to make matter worse, the cost of hiring guard is quite high. What do you think?” “Hmm…your offer is not a bad one, Zin.” Lin said that while tapping the table. “But…we have no gear.” “I’ll take care of that. Take it as my down payment and recruitment fee. Tell me what you need and I’ll buy it for you. Although, most of them will be cheap stuff since my money is not much. That also includes your clothes since you can’t exactly do this kind of job wearing that simple dress.” “That is a good offer.” Ris looked at her sister. “What do you say, Lin.” “I think that–“ “Ah, one more thing.” I cut Lin’s words, which earned me a sharp glare from her. Again. This might become a bad habit. “By doing this job, besides earning money, you might come across interesting information.” The two immediately showed their interest at my statement, especially Lin. “The road is a mine for information since we will come across with many travellers. Not all of them are true, that’s to be sure. But by going from places to places, chances are we will get much more information than just staying in one place, so we can–” “Deal!” Lin quickly grabbed my hand, not letting me finish my explanation. “We’ll do it!” “Agreed!” Ris took my other hand. “We’ll do it.” “O-Oh, o-okay.” I was surprised to see both of them showed their enthusiasm. “When can we start?” Lin looked at me with her pair of hazel colored eyes. She then got up from her seat and leaned her body forward. “Tell me!” “R-R-Right now?” I then pulled my hand from theirs and let out a cough to recompose myself. “But first, we need to equip you girls.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Are ye sure, Zin?” “Sure as I can be, Ms. Ell.” “Well, suits yerself.” She then wrote her signature on the order sheet that I pulled out of the job board. “Done! Be careful out there, ye hear me?” “Got it, Ms. Ell.” After finishing the administration stuff with Ms. Ell, I went to the back of the watering hole to get my horse. As opened the stable door, my eyes quickly moved onto a certain spot. “How you doing, Altent buddy?” I greet my horse and he let out a neigh as soon as he heard my voice. “Ready for a job there, buddy?” Another neigh came. “Great! Let’s go!” I untied the reins and led him to a nearby building that looked like large shed. When I set my foot there, a loud voice came from the inside of the building. I then opened the large shed’s door. As the door opened, the light came to illuminate the dark interior and a figure lifted his head toward me. “Oh, Zin!” “Old man Gylan, aren’t you working too hard?” I smirked as I greeted a rather large and hardy looking man that was on top of the wagon. “You’re going to break your back one of these days if you work too hard.” “Shut it, boy! I know my limit! What do you need, boy?” “Ah, here you go.” I gave him the order sheet from Ms. Ell. “Prepare it like usual.” “Hmm….let’s see. Okay, okay… got it. Come here, Altent, let old Gylan take care of you for your next trip.” A loud neigh came from the horse as he heard that. “I’ll bring him out together with the wagon, boy. Just wait for it patiently.” “Okay, Old man Gylan.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Old man Gylan really is an expert at his stuff. Altent has been fitted very perfectly for the trip. And since our next job is mainly consists of goods delivery, he choose a slightly bigger wagon than usual, completed with a cover on top. I only hope that Altent will be able to pull the weight. As I put my supplies for the trip onto the wagon, I felt a tap on my shoulder. As I turned back, I saw my two companions. “Well…what do you think?” Ris said to me as she made a pose with her new outfit. Just as she asked, I got her a simple frilly shirt and a pair of sturdy brown pants and also a pair of boots. She also asked for me to get her a belt that can have some pouches and satchel since she will be in charge of our healing. Continuous use of healing magic will drain her energy too much so she will combine it with medicine and potion that will either be made by her or bought along the way. I also got her a thick vest and a coat for protection against the cold, but at the moment she left the coat on her hand. Although I don’t want to say it, her outfit made her looks more boyish than before. Better keep it to myself or she will get upset. Oh, I could also see the dagger I bought her clung nicely on her waist besides the other stuff. I figured that she will still need to have some sort of weapon in emergency. She could also use that to harvest herb along the journey. A tool and a weapon at the same time. “Fitting and professional. Nice!” I gave her a thumb up. “Are we riding that?” From behind her, her twin sister Lindisa looked at the wagon. Just like her sister, she also requested the same outfit as hers. But instead of frilly shirts, she asked for a simpler one that can make it easy for her to move around. And she also asked for some kind of armors since she will fight close-ranged. With the amount of money I have in hand, I could only afford some simple leather chest plate and leather gloves. She let out a sigh after I said that to her. The most pricy part of her gear is her weapons. I got her a long sabre and a short dagger, which cost almost half of her entire outfit. I remembered how my hand trembled before giving out the amount of coin the merchant asked me for the equipment. I also got her a coat too. Even if I’ve spend a lot, I will not left out the necessary gear since we are going to get into the cold night almost every day. “Yeah, we’re riding that.” I then hoped onto the coach’s sit in the front. “Are you done packing?” “Yup.” Ris showed me her bag that is probably filled with our supply. “And also the water?” “Right here.” This time it’s Lin that showed me her bag. I have to say, the two really looks professional. Although their gear is a bit on the cheap side, I’m glad that they are fitting for them. The gallant looking fighter Lindisa and the gentle looking mage Rishilda. “Get those on the back and we’ll ride straight away.” The sound of stuff being load onto the wagon could be heard from the back. “Is there anything else?” “Nope, that’s all.” Ris then hoped onto the back of the wagon. I glanced at her and saw her helping Lin hoped onto it. “We’re ready.” “Nice! This will be a long ride before we get onto out first stop. I hope you girls are ready!” “Just get on already!” “Sheesh, okay, okay.” I couldn’t help but let out a small smile after hearing Lin’s annoyed voice. She really isn’t the patience type. “Oh, one more thing! Come here for a second.” I beckoned the two to get near me. After they were near me, I reached onto their hand. “This is our first job together. Let’s work hard together!” “Yes, we will!” “O-O-O-kay.” Unlike Ris who shook my hand with a smile on her face, Lin averted her eyes from me with a slight blush on her cheeks. These two really are an interesting pair of sister. “Well, let’s go then. Hyah!!!” The sound of Altent’s hooves marked the start of our journey together.
Sorry for taking so long, but I was pretty busy these days. So here's my impression: Again I have to say the pace is suitable, the story progresses nicely and doesn't fail to keep interest. The characters get decent exposure and don't behave unreasonable. If anything zin seems rather carefree shaking the person who stabbed him. would be funny if that would make for some snarky remarks later on though. What needs improvement? Well, I believe giving more details on the appaerance of the places and sidechars the mc visits would enrich the story. Like, what does the town look like? zin's horse? the shed and guild house? who is old man gylan (to the mc)? what about the weather, scents and sounds in the sourounding? especially places the mc is familiar with need descriptions, best with some "small/special" details. Of course there's no need to go full tolkien here, it also isn't needed for every situation. but more would definitely give a more livid feeling to the reader. Finally there are some miscellaneous vocabulary mistakes, but no obstructions when reading. With that said, I stand by my first statement: Imo these 5 chapters are well written and the story has good if not great Potential. Hats off to you, shad12ow. I think you are doing a fine job and are gifted with a talent for story telling. Thank you for the read.
Thank you for the review! I really appreciate it. Well, I have nothing else to say except that I will try my best with the next chapters. Do read the next chapters too, hehehe... Once again thank you for reading it and also to give me a review!