CHAT GETS POINT TOO

prompted by elsewhere

New chapter
Sometimes you have to look at the face of God and shrug.


I walked out into the forest clearing. Rain sloshed past my bare feet, and mud flowed under my feet. I closed my eyes and tilted my head to absorb as many pelts as possible onto my skin in true baptism. Thunder crackled in the air, piercing my thoughts.


I stumbled around, the bottle careening in my hand, barely under my grasp. I turned my eyes toward the tree stump in the center of the clearing. I was having a merry time with my friends out at the tavern, wiling the week away. We were drinking, dancing, and jesting regarding the prior happenings. One of my companions had a fleeting dalliance with an ogress, which was a point of banter, including mimicry, noises, and gestures. My time, fortunately, was much less interesting between the failed blessings and retaliatory binges, but I have had my share of barbs in the past. As much as I did regret my more recent decisions, the cloth waits for no one, and my renewed vows of chastity limited my impropriety. But fate will pry anyone out of and into wherever it wishes.


As expected, my night got cut short with a migraine, instructing me to come out here. She led me through the dusky streets, past the outer gates, and up this hill. She could always speak to me directly, but that may be demanding too much of a Deity. She brought me out here in the middle of the rain. I knew with the amount of rain, my clothing would not be able to escape the scent of mildew for weeks. I might need an entirely new wardrobe. If she requested my presence at this hour, the least she could do was tell me why.


Divine magnetism drew me toward the center of the clearing, where an unforeseen tree appeared, surrounded by bundles of scorched grass. This tree exuded from roots that braided into a hefty wooden trunk before splaying out upward into branches. However, unlike any other tree, this one held no leaves or other signs of foliage; each branch was decorated with a kaleidoscope of flame, beating the dark and cold of the weather. The tree held firm with the fire from above.


But there was only one way to answer my question. I clasped my hands together and closed my eyes again.


I felt waves of flame ripple through my blonde hair and dance over the chainmail against my skin. Lightning sliced the night and seared the stump in front of me in a dazzling array of light and heat w,, which almost knocked me clear off my feet. I gathered myself in feigned repose.


“What do you even want?!” I said. The divine flame expanded, dropping me to my knees, before shrinking once more. The rain continued to drum against my back, but never seemed to dissipate the flame. I sneered at the thought of having to play this game again. I planted my hands together and closed my eyes.


“Goddess Hestia, I beseech Thee,” I said between gritted teeth. Realizing this, I dropped to my knees in an attempt at humility. “Please draw to me as I draw near to you.”


“Yes, my child!” an invisible voice rang through my thoughts. “I Am Here!” For once, He was punctual. Her Presence warmed up every aspect of my body despite the cold and damp exterior. My soul flamed from the divine hearth within.


I lifted myself off the ground and raised my face toward the simmering sky. My hair slapped against my face,e, flinging droplets of mud with it.


“I pray for a sign,” I said, physically recoiling under my skin. “I pray to know how best I may serve You and the Kingdom!” My eyes were clenched shut, as were my hands.


The rain continued to patter, but I could not even hear it. The air held a stillness; no creeping insects, no raging from above, no rustling wind. Silent and pure. The only sound was the crackling of the flaming stump in front of me.


After a heavy silence, my mind flowed with the revelations. The ravaging echoes of her voice charred every crevice of my brain with her instructions.


“You must seek out the Green Wizard!” The voice beckoned to me. My mind saw a wooden table with a man seated across me, face imperceptible between a verdant cloak and enveloping beard. The man held a rounded flask filled with clear liquid, which he churned in his palm before presenting it in my direction. The vision faded, and my mouth curled in a glower.


I heard of the Green Wizard, but I quite frankly knew little about him. He seemed to exist amongst the trees and would pop into random towns from time to time to assist the populace. I could not tell much more than that, even with all my travels. I did not even know what type of magic he practiced, but I assumed Druidic. And Gods-only-knew if he would even receive me graciously or hex me to ribbons.


“What business do I have with him?” I asked. “I had never met him, and I would not even know what he looked like.” I couldn't see his face even within the vision.


“Travel to Elspeth and your questions will be answered!” My thoughts raced again with this pathetic excuse for spiritual guidance I was receiving.


“But what—— “


“DO NOT QUESTION ME!” I heard the audible boom punctuated by a flash of worsening blaze in the tree before me, with roaring thunder.


“Whatever you say,” I slunk back toward the town and most specifically the tavern. “I will go at once! Just let me have one drink first!”


“NOW!” His voice rang, punctuated by a crack of lightning. I dropped my bottle into the moist mud.


“Fine,” I said. “I was headed that way anyway.


Almost at once, the rain subsided and the crackling thunder ceased. I lifted myself back onto my feet, clearing my mind of any distractions.


I guess I had a job to do.
My emerald cloak was hanging over the top of my chair with the fireplace flicker cascading behind. I sat with my cup of tea, carefully studying the bag before me with all the copper coins splayed out. Thirty-six copper was a disappointing day’s wages and perhaps even the lowest I had seen this harvest. I scratched my chin and considered my options.


The farmhouse held much history in its crevices between the desolation of moth and rust, the scuffs of use, and the memories of the family that had dwelt within. The rotten and worn trees surrounding the cabin scratched the windows in vain, as the ghosts of the once-famed orchard. Wisps hung in the night air through the holes in the ancient wooden walls of the ramshackle farm where I made my abode; the moist heat of the nightly rain compensated for the otherwise harsh chill. I heard the sounds of owls and the chirps of various critters through this lost insulation. The breeze blew through the broken walls and sifted through the molded curtains. Some portraits hung with the withered remnants of the people who once lived here. The walls and ceiling creaked under the weight of both time and the elements. This farm had been abandoned for decades at the very least, but it made for a nice home during the early summer; however, the second the heat started to disappear from this area, I would have to as well, unfortunately.


I fingered the trigger of my crossbow and aimed at the far wall without firing to put my mind at ease as I pondered. Maybe they caught on to me. Maybe people had less need for magic solutions. Maybe the creeping famine was scaring off the populace. I had only been here a handful of months, so it would be hard to tell, and quite frankly, I would likely not last here much longer. Especially with how the weather was turning.


Felix jumped onto my lap and purred expectantly. His grey fur glimmered in the moonlight; his eyes peered up at me. I stroked my free hand against his scruff. He straightened his neck and front paws in a long stretch to lightly dangle off my lap before curling into a ball and closing his eyes.


It was an interesting feeling; the amount of love I had for this feline. Since the day I rescued him out of that ravine, I should’ve known we were meant for this life. His soft purring always soothed the worst aches of my soul. He deserved the entire world, and I would give it to him if he needed it.


“Of course, buddy,” I said. “We won’t be here very long.” I almost chuckled when I realized that that was the first sentence I said since I left town, and that it was completely in response to nothing. I stopped myself when I realized how dank and quiet the farmhouse was otherwise. The only other noises between the howling wind and rain outside, along with the fireplace crackling against the lumber therein.


I stared down at the tea set in front of me. One cast-iron pot with three adjoining cups. I filled all three of them despite being the only one drinking any tea, especially in this cottage with only Felix. I would not dare let Felix have a sip; fortunately knew better.


I could not even tell why I would do so much work for no reward, especially since I was bound to just throw out the extra tea. Maybe hoping that some weary traveler would stop here. Maybe waiting for the guards to catch on to my wiles and follow me. Maybe inviting whatever Fey or dangers lived in this forest. Anything was better than this mind-numbing silence.


Now, I greatly appreciate the solitude, especially with the lack of social complications. I have learned from an early age that trusting people is a dangerous endeavor. My parents had abandoned me in the woods when I was but a child. I had to fight and scrape for every last shilling I had, picking up any number of odd jobs and choosing less savory employment for the mere taste of bread. In reality, this quaint, well-worn cottage had much more in common with me. We both thought we held love, but were quickly left behind. We both had seen the worst that people had to offer, but did ultimately find each other. We both held moth-ridden holes in our framework and moldy edges that should have otherwise been properly maintained… if we were loved. This cabin was the kindred spirit I craved; I just feignly hoped it would speak back to me. But we, for the moment, needed each other. The cottage needed someone within, and I needed a working roof and walls. Nevertheless, I almost resented the hastening reality that I would need to leave it behind.


Yet tonight, for some reason, the cottage felt more hollow, and the coin on my table felt emptier. Felix was gleefully purring in my lap, and as much as I loved him, he could not bear to hear about what I would do when this seasonal work came to a close, or where we would go, or even what interesting characters I had met earlier today. While he was the only one I could trust these days, he could only do so much. And quite frankly, as much as I wished otherwise, I could only say the same about the cottage we used as temporary lodging.


I did keep my crossbow on my person and armed; you never know what manner of dangerous persons or creatures may be lining up out in the forest. Any number of guards could be looking for me. Or religious sects seeking to cull my name from the earth. Or disappointed customers from the town. However, tonight I held half a mind to just let them inside if even for a simple cup of tea.
Today was the day when my life would end and begin at the same time.


The hallowed halls of the sanctuary echoed with each metal clang of my steel boots. My cape ruffled with my steps. My brothers stood at the end of each aisle wearing their red cloaks with their faces barely visible. The chants of our brethren filled the sanctified chamber, lifting to the heavens outside. The only light emanating was from the candles near the front of the sanctuary behind Anders, the Ordained Leader of Our Holy Order of the Forgotten Son. He stood in our order’s regalia with the crest plated into the breastplate of his armor. His arms were lined with chainmail. His legs were hunched within his steel boots. His burgundy cape was streaming down his form to his feet. The only part of him not covered by metal was his gleaming face, which even in the darkness shone with Our Majesty’s splendor. Spread over his arms was a cloth cover bearing all of my hopes and dreams.


I dropped one knee on the steps in front of Anders. He took a step toward me. The chanting grew louder as my brethren exited the aisles of the sanctuary to each stand behind me.


“For centuries, our nation has been plagued by an abominable scourge!” Anders began. “Witches, wizards, and sorcerers roam the streets without abandon, luring children to their heretical ways and making the world a more dangerous place to live!” Vile hissing erupted from the gathered souls near me, and I had to grit my teeth to keep from grinding them at the mention. “Of course, worst of all, they serve to draw impressionable souls away from the One True God!” His gaze softened as he glanced through the crowd. “But fortunately, all of the Brethren of Our Holy Order fight to fix that!” The gathering cheered again.


“Karlath!” he bellowed. I had to try not to st, but I had to marvel at him.


He was everything I wished I was. The tip of his nose glistened in the candlelight. His quaffed blond hair was barely visible, but his toothy grin was all the more noticeable. He was truly the visage that Our Majesty wished for us to fight for. My crimson skin and horns definitely could not hold a candle to the ethereal beauty this Nordic man held. I know little of my parents,e, but I do know that my father took pity on me as a child and welcomed me into his home and church. I was eternally grateful for his kindness in allowing someone with my deformities to be here. Only God would know where I would be otherwise.


Of course, I had to join the Holy Order. I needed to prove to Our Majesty that He truly did not make an error with me. I would have been purged from the very earth until new life was breathed into my bones. The very least I could do was show my devotion.


“You have proven yourself to be a Devoted Son to the Holy Order of the One True God!” He continued. This was met with cheers from my assembled Brethren. “It is with great honor and grave responsibility that Our Gracious Lord is granting you this privilege!” He raised the cloth-covered item over my head. In a sweeping sweep, he lifted off the cover to reveal my future.


The broadsword glimmered even in the dim candlelight. Holy energy rode along both edges of the blade before joining at the tip with divine emanations flickering through the otherwise empty atmosphere. I bowed my head and eagerly held both my palms out in front of me. Anders held the broadsword toward my hands before releasing it into my grasp.


Metal sliced the air as he unsheathed his weapon. Anders lifted his sword into the air majestically. His form was lithe and crisp as he cut through the air, much like everything else he had done.


“In the name of the divine powers, we bestow upon you the honor of knighthood.” He tapped each of my shoulders with the flat of his blade in an informal knighting ceremony. “Arise, Sir Karlath, Defender of Light!” I stood maintaining the blade over my outstretched palms. “May your blade help us cleanse the world of all unrighteousness! Purify your sword with the blood of the heretics!” In response, every sword within the chamber was unsheathed and lifted in the air at this point, along with a symphony of cheers. I gripped the hilt and lifted my new accouterment to join them. While amidst the chanting and congratulations, I could only hold eyes for Ander, whose lips curled in a soft smile,, l but his posture held no other trace of emotion, unlike all of our brothers around. Brothers Joshua and Caleb jostled my shoulders lightly in their excitement for my joining, but my eyes never left Anders' gaze. Once the commotion died down, he continued with his words.


“Now, as an official Knight of Our Holy Order of the Forgotten Son, there is an Inquisition most urgent for thee!” Anders said, looking into my eyes. His smile dissipated, and his gaze narrowed. “Elspeth has been harboring a known heretic who goes by the moniker “THE GREEN WIZARD!” My brethren booed at the sound of the name. “The One True God requests that you cleanse this scourge from the land! Wash your blade in his blood and send this vermin back from the depths he came!” Brother Caleb let out a singular jovial hoot at this. “Then, the One True God and Our Majesty will reward you handsomely both in this life and in this hereafter! Where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal!”


“Amen!” The huddled brothers cheered before everyone placed their hands on me, feeding me their spiritual strength for this coming sojourn. We all bowed our heads as Anders led us in a closing prayer before we headed out.
I stomped through the wilderness, my pant legs becoming soiled in the underbrush. Rain splattered against my auburn hair and dribbled down my face. I fastened to the handles of my satchel before I maneuvered through the rootwork and shrubs.


I could not handle dealing with my mother anymore. I had completely exhausted myself from doing laundry, cleaning the floors, and cooking for all of these years. And most importantly, having nothing to show for it. No money, gainful employment, or even gratitude. And absolutely no idea who my father is. She would not tell me and lost all of my trust. All I have is this damned amulet. I touched the crystal attached to the chain around my nneckwhich gave a jade glow amidst the dark forest. My father was a celestial, and this was all he could bother to leave me.


How dare she disrespect me like that? He was my father, and I deserved to know who he was. Especially with all that I had to put up with for these decades under her thumb. She was very fortunate that I did not kill her where she stood for how she treated me.


But not anymore. Now, I was finally free. All I needed was myself. No parents, no Gods, no chores, no governments, nothing.


This was all I had in this forest. This was all I NEEDED in this forest. Surrounded by nature, which was the only thing to truly cared about me. Anytime I would crumple as an exhausted mess surrounded by dust, a slight breeze would come to support me. Or if I had worked my fingers bloody scrubbing the floors, suddenly a splash of rainwater would help wash the floors. Mother Nature was my only true parent, and I was informally transitioning over to her guardianship. Apart from that, I was all alone. But I was never truly alone. Unfortunately, this time, that was in more ways than one.


Then I caught a glimpse of the shadowy figures emerging. They had been watching me this whole time. My breath quickened when I realized how rancorous my steps must have been. My mind was so consumed by my rage that I did not even see these individuals. I paused my walking, but they only crept closer until they were a few feet away.


Multiple masked figures appeared essentially out of nowhere. Some slid out of the trees, slick with the summer rain. Others crept out of the shrubbery of the forest floor underneath us. Other people seemed to just appear almost magically. Before long, I was surrounded by about 10 masked individuals in their various leather armor pieces. This must be the Emerald Enclave.


There was very little I truly understood about the Emerald Enclave. I just knew they were an organization mainly of Drui, much like my elf who challenged the powers that,t be specifically regarding the environment. Many authority figureswouldd catchterroristsy experience, authority figures were never the most trustworthy, especially these days. I should have guessed that they would find me in a matter of time as another wayward soul.


“What business do we have together?!” I demanded. I reached into my satchel and fingered the hilt of my dagger. My vision twitched with how fast my heart was beating. We were all on the same side, but I never knew what they were truly thinkinwish wish they would just attack me and get it over it. In hindsight, that would have been a much better alternative. The next minute held only the pitter-patter of the rain as the background for the tension.


Before long, one member stepped forward. The others gazed with eyes hidden in dark masks further hidden by the weather. The one coming forward was a woman slightly shorter than I but otherwise very unassuming. In a physical fight, I could probably win against her, but her colleagues were another story. My fingers twitched against my dagger. If I had to, I could slash at her and then run as fast as I could. Though I was not sure how well that option was. Then, her voice emanated from behind her thick mask.


“We request only that you deliver a message.” She said in a silk voice muffled by her disguise. In her hand was an ornate scroll sealed in verdant ink, which she lifted in my direction. “To the Green Wizard.” She said, handing me the scroll.


All I knew about the Green Wizard was that he worked in nature magic and mainly lived in the woods. But not much other information was available on him. He did seem to have a lot of what I wanted to be: he was a Druid who served no God or King and “speaks for the trees” as the legends say. It would not surprise me that he was on the Enclave’s radar, but why would they need me to send anything to him, and where would I even find him?


“What kind of message is this?” I asked. I wish I had anything to back up my consternation, but I knew better.


“That is only for us to know.” She said curtly. She must have felt emboldened by her company here.


Part of me wanted to argue and tell them I was not their messenger. But the numbers of the crowd around me suggested I should think otherwise.


I picked up the scroll from her hands and placed it into my satchel. I did catch a glance at the formal green seal from their official headquarters.


“You will find him in Elspeth!” She said. She then wordlessly turned around and meandered off with the rest of her posse. I almost wanted to follow them and find out where they were going, but I have lived in the wilderness long enough to know that that was a poor decision.


Before long, I was alone again, contemplating my life along the forest floor. I then started to make my way to Elspeth.
The servants were able to bring about the last of my baggage down the staircase toward the front door. My extensive wardrobe had been placed into the 15 bags lined along my marble floor. Mother stood across from me at the end of the stairs in her draperies made of the most expensive Elven silks money could buy. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her handmaiden tried fastidiously dabbing them with a tissue.


“How could you do this to me, Son?” She said between so, bs with her chest heaving under the weight of her grief. “And how could you leave the house in those rags?”


“Mother, I must go to learn,” I said, adjusting my glasses. I wore my boarding uniform to maintain my illusion. “The school is a meday ’sys’ travel from here; I will be a simple message spell away.”


“That was never the point!” She argued. “What do you need to learn that we could not teach you?!”


I sighed and showed my hands emanating dark energy. The dark energy was also exuding from my eyes and mouth, which I had learned to ignore, but it was more likely habituation.


Father stood in the center of the bifurcated staircase and eyed me disapprovingly but said nothing. What else is new?


“I want to grow and learn beyond what the Crowe family can give me,” I said, crossing my fingers behind my back. Our family had an extensive history, specifically regarding the mystic arts, but I could not find any history of anyone with my particular condition or any idea how to go about fixing it.


“Xander!” She said, again sobbing. “Please stay with your family!” As much as I love her, she could be so melodramatic at times


“Mother, I must do this,” I said, stepping closer to her. She offered me her free hands, which I clutched. “Please understand. I will message you every day, but I need to leave the nest.”


“Please do message,” she said. “Otherwise, I WILL show up and drag you back!” She lightly punched against my chest to punctuate her statement. She pursed her lips to stifle any further tears, and when she collected herself enough, she continued. “Also, remember you can always change your mind.” She gripped both of my hands with her own and held them over her heart. “We will always accept you with open arms.”


At this statement, Father hurried away in a huff. And nothing of value was lost.


“Of course, Mother!” I said. “I love you!” She would be the one person I would miss more than anything. She was the one person who was always in my corner, even if she did not fully understand everything.


“I love yo,u too!” She said. “Remember: No matter how big you become, you will always be my son!” She then almost collapsed into another stream of tears before collecting herself again.


We embraced in a tight goodbye. She held me at arm’s length for a couple of minutes while she stared at me with eyes glistening from tears. Then, she allowed me to take my leave.


I motioned for the footmen who opened the door and escorted me outside into the carriage, shielded from the pounding rain outside.


The footmen carried my suitcases over to the carriage, where the coachman was already seated and prepared. I stepped into the back of the carriage and took my seat.


“Why did you lie to her?” He asked me when I had my seat. “She would understand.” Not to sound out of touch, but I completely forgot that he had to know where I was going.


“She might understand, nd but Father never would,” I said. “Just to make sure, you do have the directions, correct?” I had to confirm. Did not want to end up at a boarding school by accident.


“Yes, we are set to go to Elspeth,” he answered. “I do not believe they have any schools there.” He did not understand.


“No,” I said. “But they do have the Green Wizard supposedly.” It almost felt like I was speaking to a toddler. What did I have to teach him next: how to count? The alphabet?


“What do you want from him?” He asked. He never tried to make eye contact with me. He wouldn’t dare, but he certainly was nosy.


The answer to that question should be obvious to anyone who has even seen me. I feel like it should be insanely noticeable to anyone. I don’t know of anyone else in the family with constant black magic tracing out of their every orifice. I don’t know of anyone else who can’t avoid being the center of attention in any crowd. I don’t know of anyone else in the family who lost multiple childhood friends purely due to the fears of other parents. And the fact that no one seemed to notice my suffering made it all the worse. Not even Mother, as much as I love her, could truly see me.


“Answers,” I said. I was referring to this condition I seemed to be born with, but I did not want to give too much information at the time. I knew this trip was too long for me to be so curt with the person taking me there, but he also did work for me. He just needed to get me to the destination, and the less he knew, the better. I just had a feeling that any unmonitored word would hit Father’s ears and that would be the complete end of my freedom.


The footmen tapped against the back of the carriage to indicate their job was complete. Then, with the crack of a whip and the jostling of hooves against cobblestone, we were off.


I tried to ward off my more distressing thoughts, but this one in particular kept resurfacing. If I could not find a solution even with my family’s immense resources, there may truly be only one solution. This may potentially be the first or last day of my life.
“Princess, quickly!” Nestor urged me onward. His beaten leather glove grasped my scaly wrist beneath my manicured scaly palm and pulled me out of my bedchamber. My twisted bun unfurled in the resulting breeze; the only item in my reach was the copper lyre my father had gifted me, which I carried behind me. My satin gown flapped in the wind behind me as we raced down the smoke-filled halls.


“Where are we going?” I asked. His grip on my wrist tightened ever so slightly. I had to peer up to see his face, which was stern and icy, aimed directly in front of us. A complete bear of a human man, Nestor stood about one whole cubit higher than I with a shoulder-width almost as monstrous. Regardless of his size, he served a greater master: my dad. “I demand answers!”


“Princess, you’re in danger!” He said, not missing a beat or a step. “And I am trying to save you. I will tell you when we get to safety!” Almost on cue, the unmistakable boom of a faraway explosive followed his statement. That was as good an answer as any.


We passed by portraits of the prior rulers before my father. Paintings depicting the likenesses of the human or dwarven royal families who dwelt in these halls flashed through my vision as I struggled to stay upright and maintain my feet underneath me before my arm could be ripped off. In the spare seconds when my head was on straight, I remembered the Ravening War that led to our occupancy here as the first Dragonborn royalty. This brought targets on each of our backs, and it seemed like now someone was hoping to aim.


Now, I grew up in this palace. I remember spending suppers in the dining hall across from my parents. I remember arranging decor for every festive occasion with my mom. I remember spending hours in the various rooms here between combat and musical training with general education.


However, at the moment, this massive palace became a minefield, fitted with covered in smoke and soot. Every decoration was an obstacle or a hiding space for dangerous entities. Every corner possibly held a lurking assassin. Even the gaudy golden staircase only contrasted with its current utility.


“Aughh!” A halfling in black leather leaped from one of the open doors in the hallway. He wielded a saber in his right hand, which hovered above his form, blade facing me. He glared at me and rushed in my direction. Without ever turning, Nestor darted a dagger toward hhimhich lodged into his abdomen and caused the assassin to collapse.


A couple of human assassins managed to swing on ropes through two of our windows before crashing into the sidewall in front of us. Before they could gather themselves amidst the broken glass, Nestor dragged me down a diverting hallway.


Fortunately, we met no further trouble on our way out of the castle, but the smoke persisted a,,s did the thundering of armaments from outside. We ran out of the main palace doors and down the front steps. One of the palace carriages raced to greet us.


Nestor helped me inside before following him. He sat across from me and brushed some sweat from his chiseled brow. His face and chest were completely covered in soot and ash. With his baldness, the only noticeable parts of him at the moment were his eyes and teeth. His iron breastplate covered his mail hauberk, both darkened by the flames outside the castle. He folded his glove-laden hands in his lap and gave a heavy sigh.


The carriage automatically rushed off toward Gods-only-know where with the sound of a whip and the heavy stomping of horses. The trampling steps rattled the carriage and upset my stomach despite it being both empty and in knots. But that was truly the last thing on my mind.


“Nestor, can you please tell me what’s going on?” I asked. He exhaled as deeply as he possibly could.


“Some people are out to kill your father.” He stated, not even daring to meet my gaze. He rubbed the bridge of his nose before crinkling it. He then tossed something around in his mouth before leaning out of a carriage window and spitting red liquid outside. “You were their next target. We needed to get you out of there.”


A distant boom from an explosive came from behind me. I turned around just to see billowing smoke emanating from my home. The light of flames licked through whatever I could make out through the trees. I turned back around to Nestor.


“What did you say?!” I said. “What’s happening to my father?!” My heart climbed up to my throat thinking about the possibilities.


“I don’t know.” He said curtly. He peered into my eyes. “People were planning to kill him.”


“What do you mean, you don’t know? He’s the King! This is your job.”


“You are my job,” he answered. “Your safety is my priority.”


“So he’s dead?!”


“Again, I don’t know,” he responded, almost exasperated. “He isn’t my responsibility. You are. I took an oath.”


I almost wanted to scream. I settled for squeezing the hem of my dress. My vision started to blur as my eyes started to well. Tears began to roll down my cheeks. He sheepishly handed me a soot-covered handkerchief, for which I grunted in thanks.


“I took an oath.” He muttered more to himself than to me while staring out the window at the rolling hills. I joined him in staring out the window as we left the city and our homes. There was so much on my mind that I was actively avoiding including the possible deaths of my entire family.


Most urgently, at the present moment, I realized that Nestor did indeed swear an oath to protect me at the risk of even his life. However, now, with the castle potentially compromised, I did not know how far that extended.


And now I was completely alone with him, with no idea where exactly I was going, and having no way out.
New chapter
The town square was bustling with activity, from the pie shop delivering the latest wares to the butcher demonstrating his freshest carvings. Naturally, most townsfolk were gathering to handle most of their business or socialize. The mist of the dusky atmosphere protected the people from the sun and harsh rain. The Noonday was all the more typical for the mid-harvest season.


My fine elven boots sloshed against the marsh soil, leading me to forcibly unglue them before taking another step. I had hoped the weather would discourage such a crowd, but I misjudged how small and lacking this town must have been. Multiple eyes and careful whispers surrounded me as I maneuvered my way through the crowd. It was hard being inconspicuous with the shadows streaming out of my ears and mouth. I lowered my woven cloak over my eyes, though I doubt it helped.


I stomped toward the wooden stall near the center of the square. The words “GREEN’S’ GOODS” were emblazoned on the top plank. The man standing at it carried a long, greying beard and a warmth in his hazel eyes. He was draped in an emerald fur coat stretching down to his feet. His hands and face were the only parts of him that were visible, and both were marked with wrinkles and discoloration from the sun. This must have been the Legendary Green Wizard that I have heard so much about. My disappointment is palpable.


His wares included various bottles of potions, blue, red, and violet. There was a bundle of lilac without the petals and what looked to be thyme. Green fog was emanating in immense quantities from a bubbling cauldron on the table behind him, which held a wooden ladle along its inner edge. I guess people would buy anything. The irony of my presence here was not lost on me.


“I-” I said, trying to engage.


“Good afternoon, sir,” I heard a sing-song voice, but I did not even see where it came from. I turned to my left to the redhead who held his attention and gaze. Her auburn hair was strewn in delicate curls hovering over her ears and flowing down her back. She has freckles lining her pale cheeks. Her hazel eyes held an ethereal gaze. She was almost incandescent in the inescapable shade of the dusky weather. I could not blame anyone for paying attention to her. However, her bearskin tunic was not befitting the rest of her and held the mildew and stench of the forest. Fucking druids. “I would like something for a headache.”


“Good afternoon, madam,” the wizard said. His massive beard lifted in an invisible smile. “I may have just the natural remedy for this.” The way he emphasized that word with a tilt of his face and a wink. I almost gagged. “But I must know, as any good doctor, when did this start?”


“It must have started while I was out in the forest,” she responded. She turned her gaze toward the sky almost wistfully. “I think I might be allergic, which would not work for me.” She gestured to her outfit. He nodded and pressed his lips together, knowingly. It took every ounce of my restraint to stab the throat.


“Ahh,” he said. He gingerly picked up a clear vial of amber liquid with a stray leaf therein, presumably for garnish. He swirled the via, leading to foaming near the top. “Take one drop twice daily for 5 days.” She accepted his offering. “That should clear it up.” He held out his hand. “Will be 5 copper pieces, please.”


She reached somewhere in her outfit (I would not even want to imagine) and slid him the coin in question. I shuddered at the thought of how moist it must be between the humid weather and… everything else. She left as if on cue.


“Hello, I—— I tried to interject again.


“Hello, I am in search of something to help me with back pain.” his gaze shifted toward the voice to my right, skipping me completely. I turned and saw no one until I tilted my gaze down to the blonde halfling with her chin barely hovering over the wooden stand. She wore some light metal armor with a yellow blouse and long sleeves underneath. Her back held a wooden shield with an amber gemstone at the center. She did smell faintly of alcohol. “Wearing this armor constantly has done wonders for my joints, as you can imagine.”


“But of course, madam.” He said. “I have just the thing.” He turned around toward an assortment of potions and medicines he held off display before plucking one out. It was a spherical bottle holding a completely translucent liquid; it almost looked like water. He handed her the bottle before holding out an open palm. “Three coppers please.” She obliged with the mentioned coin before heading off herself.


“Hello,” I said, trying not to bellow. He abruptly shifted just his face in my direction.


“Hello, sir,” he turned to me with his beard shifting to a more neutral position. My gaze stiffened at my brazenness. “How may I be of assistance?”


“I journeyed far to speak with you, specifically in private if possible.”


“Well,” he gestured to his shop. “I have other priorities at the moment. Maybe some other time.” He tapped on the bar near me twice before turning to assist someone else.


“Please!” I demanded. “It is most urgent!” He begrudgingly turned back to my general direction.
“May I ask what this is regarding?” he asked again, just turning his face in my direction with the rest of him facing his next customer.


“I am a member of the Crowe family in the Highlands.” His brow furrowed in response. “I wish for further information regarding my lineage.” I held my palms over my face and fanned them out to mimic the streams of mystic energy. He sighed.


“I know some information regarding your family,” he said. He pointed toward one of the nearby buildings with the epitaph ‘LEN’S TAVERN’. “Please allow me to finish my occupation here and meet me there for a drink, and I will happily share what I know.”


“I understand,” I said, flowing out into the crowd. I gripped my hood tighter around my head, hoping to be even more inconspicuous. I then turned to make my way toward the tavern and await him. Unfortunately, I was not leaving quickly enough.


“BEGONE, VILE WIZARD!” A booming voice echoed through the crowd. Near the entry point of the town was a hulking tiefling in an almost complete set of red steel armor, wielding a sword covered in red flames. He then precariously thrust his flaming sword in the direction of the wizard. He stood at least four cubits in length and was adorned in dutiful steel armor beyond what even the Kingdom had available. In the darkness, I could see more of him beyond his scarlet skin and azure eyes. Before long, his longsword flew through the crowd toward the Green Wizard, who narrowly avoided impalement by ducking.


The sword found purchase in the backboard of the wizard’s stand and set the wood ablaze. The all-powerful wizard cowered from the flames. Then, he raced off, abandoning his wares before vanishing in a puff of blue smoke.


With his quarry now gone, the tiefling raised his arm, and the sword obediently lifted out of the wood and glided back toward him with flames still intact. The people around screamed and ambled off, multiple pushes to my chest and back as they hurried past me. On the other hand, I was not prepared to let some ne’er-do-well get in my way.


“Who are you?!” The ethereal red-haired woman from earlier stepped amidst the chaos of the frightened masses. She drew a massive spear out of God's.


“What are you doing?!” The halfling also stepped from the crowd, bracing her wooden shield in front of her body. I stood silently and allowed the dark energy to coalesce around my hands.


“With that coward gone, I must decline this joust!” The tiefling said, putting his sword back into his sheath. “But you heretics will have your day!” He crossed his arms over his chest.


“Excuse me?!” the halfling said, lowering her shield slightly. “I am a devout cleric of Hestia!”


“Witch!” he said, arms still crossed. “My battle is not with you! The One True Lord will judge you and your false goddess Himself! I merely need to extinguish a green flame.”


The tiefling snarled in disgust before spitting on the ground. He then turned around and walked back down the road outside of town.


The cleric pondered following him, but then flapped her palm dismissively in his direction. She then sauntered off toward the tavern. I did not fully understand how Hestial dogma worked, but I doubt this was it. The druid shook her head.


“He is going to keep trying to kill the Green Wizard!” she said. “We have to do something!”


“What would we do?” I said. “The wizard is not even here, and none of us know where he would have gone.”


“Someone in this town has to know something,” she said.


“Worry not,” the halfling said, hastily pointing to the tavern. “I am on a mission to find him.” She was heading toward the establishment with LEN’S TAVERN emblazoned out front.


“He was planning to meet with me there anyway,” I said. “He may still honor this appointment.” The druid turned to me and grunted while I shrugged,d, and we followed suit down to the tavern.


________________________________________
Business at LEN’S TAVERN was certainly not booming. The soul in the building was the barkeep, apart from the three of us. There were about ten wooden tables with 4 wooden chairs each. The ambiance was maintained with mere candles placed at each window. There was one long bar stand the length of almost the entire back wall, with the bartender (presumably Len) behind.


The halfling cleric practically lunged at the bar stand with a speed I did not know she would be capable of with her inebriation.


“Three pints of your finest lager, my good sir,” she demanded from the barkeep. He was a dwarf with graying hair, a slight mustache under his bulbous nose, and a dampened apron overlying his distended abdomen. He glared at the halfling for a second before obediently disappearing off his stool behind the bar.


“Nothing for me,” the druid said, raising a palm in protest.


“Who said anything about you?” the halfling sneered. The druid rolled her eyes but stayed quiet.


Len returned to the stool again and gave the halfling her pints. He then accepted his payment before the halfling took her seat at one of the farther tables. She then slammed them down with a frothy effusion before imbibing.


“We have a very strict policy against loitering!” Len turned toward the two of us. “Either buy something or leave.”


“Could I bother you for some milk?” the druid said, taking a seat on one of the stools at the bar. He nodded at her before turning to me.


“I actually would like some information, and I can even pay you handsomely for it,” I said and regretted it almost instantly. The druid glanced at me. The dwarf considered, scratching his chin.


“Hmmm, at least buy a drink and sit down,” he said. “And I’ll see what I can do.”


“I’ll have some wine, then,” I said before taking a seat next to the druid. She looked at me for a good amount of time before starting.


“I do not believe I ever got your name,” she said. “I am Rhodopis.” I wondered why she did not provide a surname, but I did


“I am Xander Crowe,” I eked the words out while wincing. I doubt our family was popular in this region, but this was my first time being out on my own. I did not think there was any use in lying here, but I have been wrong before.


“Never heard of you,” she said, turning back to face forward. My eyes teared and my teeth started to grind each other when she said that. We sat both facing forward for a few seconds.


“Well, my family is very important in another region of this country,” I said. Part of me was kicking myself for being so forthcoming with a stranger, but the deed was done at this point. Also, I needed to make my family proud. “So what brings you to the Green Wizard? I have not seen you cough.” Her eyes narrowed at me.


“It happens when I go out in the forest,” she said. “I heard the Wizard was capable of fixing it.” She turned to face forward again. “Only time will tell.” We sat again in silence while I mulled over what I would say next. But of course, I did not believe her.


“What information would you like?” the barkeep said, bringing the lady her milk. “That will be five gold!” He held his hand out to her, and she gave him the payment.


“I would like some information on the Green Wizard,” I said.


“Does he not have a stand outside?” the barkeep said with an unreadable expression. “Why not just ask him?” He uncorked a bottle of red wine before pouring me a chalice. “Ten gold please.” He held out a palm in my direction. I reached into my pouch and gave him his coin. I swirled the chalice before taking a sip of my wine. I almost gagged at how putrid that swill was; a far cry from the imported beverages my family had shipped in. But I stomached it out of politeness for his assistance and information.


“Did you not hear the commotion outside?” Rhodopis interjected. She gestured toward the front door that we all came in through. “Some tiefling zealot tried to kill him!”


“When did this happen?” Len asked.


“Just now,” I said. “Right outside your tavern!”


“Hmmm,” he pondered. “I did not hear anything.”


“The Green Wizard disappeared, and we would like to know where he could have gone,” I said. Len, again, scratched his chin in pensive consideration.


“The Green Wizard is notoriously secretive,” he said. “He seems to appear when he wants and leaves as easily.”


“You must know something!” Rhodopis said, rising out of her chair. Her eyes were watering, and her hands were pressed against the bartop with her arms fully outstretched. “The tiefling may strike again!”


“I believe he has a place on the outskirts of the city,” he said, gesturing toward the road leading out of the city. “I believe he lives in a tower about a half-day trek from here. But that is just a rumor for all I know.”


“Oh no!” Rhodopis bolted out of her stool. “The tiefling went in that direction! The Green Wizard is in danger!” She then raced out of the tavern, abandoning her milk and slamming the tavern door behind her. I also did not wish for the Wizard to do it, but certainly not to that extent. I almost turned to join her before Len grabbed my wrist. I tried to break free, but his grip was iron.


“Just need to settle the matter of my coin,” Len said through clenched teeth. I glanced at him, hoping to catch a smile, but none was found. His arms were wider than my thighsdespite his size, and he was well-braced on the barstool. I huffed before reaching back into my pouch.


“How much would you like?” I asked.