by Eden Redd
Onka looked up with bright, yellow eyes. “They are experts on many deities and religions. When you do decide on a time to meet, may I come as well?”
Kavan smiled. “Of course. I can’t do this without my guide present.”
The goblin stepped closer and hugged Kavan around his waist, her head just reaching his chest. “Thank you.”
Kavan hugged the goblin to him.
The warmth between them glowed against their senses. Kavan enjoyed her touch.
Onka closed her eyes and took a quick inhale. She pulled back her head and looked up with a wide smile.
“I can smell Zellee on you,” the goblin grinned.
“I gave her a gift and she… um,” Kavan trailed off.
The goblin nodded. “She’s beautiful. I’m glad you both are getting closer. What about Lorta?”
A small nervous energy swirled in Kavan’s stomach. “I was planning to stop by her farm and help her out, so we can get to know each other. I think I will have a date with Zellee in a few nights as well.”
“You’re finally starting to fit in,” Onka said before breaking her hug.
Kavan shrugged. “All of this getting to know each other is going to get very complicated.”
Onka looked up with a wicked gleam in her eyes. “It’s easier if you don’t think about it too much. Follow your urges.”
“Don’t you mean my heart?” Kavan chuckled.
Onka kept her wide smile. “It’s all the same. Just follow it.”
The goblin took his hand and tugged it. “Come on. While everyone is in the middle of town, we can go get a drink from the Shouting Troll.”
Kavan followed the goblin as she pulled him along. “I thought I saw Kazko and Rujin at the town center. No one will be there.”
Onka let out a cackling laugh. “If I know Kazko and Rujin, they would have left in disgust. They’re probably at the Shouting Troll and pissed off. I’m sure they’re complaining about the possibility of a new restaurant opening.
“It’s the perfect time to get some misery loves company drinks!” Onka skipped.
Kavan walked along with the skipping goblin. He pushed away everything and simply focused on Onka.
A lot of things will have to wait for now and I could really use a drink.
The dragonkin and goblin marched down the street and made their way to West Street, the sun shining overhead with brilliant light.
***
The last rays of sunlight filled the sky. Reddish clouds floated across a pinkish sky. The band of yellow sunlight glowed along the western horizon, ready to end its cycle and allow night to envelope the land.
Kavan stood with his spear in hand. It was fully extended and he held it before him. Focus and concentration filled his eyes as a small breeze washed over him.
Arms and legs tensed before the dragonkin began whirling and stabbing his spear into the air before him. Body turning, he moved and shifted the angles of the spear for defense. He then thrust with power, the mithril tip stabbing out as if to cut the very air.
The effects of the many drinks still swirled within his body. Kavan was relaxed and not relaxed at the same time. A quick memory filled his thoughts, of spending a few hours with Onka, Rujin, and Kazko. Onka was right, when they arrived, the troll brothers were in the tavern, drinking and carrying on about how idiotic it was for a complete stranger to come to town and declare another restaurant. There were many other jobs and shops needed and they growled at the possibility of losing some gold over it.
When the brothers saw Kavan and Onka, their inebriated anger turned into welcoming smiles. They called the two in, Kazko demanding to know what drinks they wanted. By the time Onka and Kavan sat with Rujin, drinks were shoved into their faces. What followed next was Kavan spending a lot of time watching the brothers complain and carry on. Onka often joined in with a quick “Yeah!” before taking a drink. It only fueled the brother’s disdain for what was happening to the town.
After a few more drinks, the two brothers were practically hugging Kavan, saying he is the best dragonkin and no newcomer was going to take that away. They also promised, if the blue scaled dragonkin committed any crimes, the brothers would be there to help Kavan enforce the law by any means necessary.
Kavan found himself smiling into his drink as Rujin and Kazko mentioned taking a blood oath. Onka raised her drink and drunkenly told them to get a dagger. All four of them would take the oath. Kazko was up and moving for the bar when Kavan called out to him and asked him to bring more drinks instead. They could talk about the blood oath when they were sober.
The troll wilted a little and gathered some more drinks. When he came back, he was all smiles, forgetting all about the blood oath.
Kavan watched as the two trolls and Onka began to slow. Words and gazes grew sloppy and the three of them managed to simply fall into grunts and nods. Kavan had held back, drinking some, but not overdoing it. When Rujin’s head fell forward onto the table, causing it to shudder and Kazko leaned back in his chair, his head back and mouth open, the party was over.
Onka complained with a drunken lisp, wanting to keep going. When she fell out of her chair, Kavan caught her. The dragonkin held her up as she looked at him with half-closed eyes and gave him a burp at point-blank range.
Kavan gathered the drunken goblin into his arms, cradling her to his chest. He left the tavern and began walking with the goblin in his arms.
It didn’t take long to get her back to her home. Onka tried to get her wits together. She struggled in Kavan’s arms and he put her down. She mumbled a few words, kissed his stomach, spun around and stepped into her home. The door slammed shut and Kavan stood, listening. He could hear her clumsily make her way up the stairs and another door slammed shut.
Knowing that she was home safe, he turned and made his way home.
The dragonkin moved with new skill, grace, and power. The spear felt good in his hands as he swung it around. Memories of his training lesson with Brom clouded his thoughts and he pushed himself harder. An internal heat glowed deep within, chasing away the alcohol in his system. Before long, Kavan was spinning, thrusting, jumping, and sliding.
It's so odd how I can get better at something without any formal training.
“All training follows basic principles. The more you use or practice something, the better you become. There is a point where you may hit a limitation or wall. That is where a book, teacher, or inspiration can help you reach a higher level or degree.
Kavan swung his body and stabbed out his spear. “It does get harder to reach the higher degrees. So far, if you think about it, it’s been kind of easy,” Kavan whispered.
“I don’t think Brom’s method of training was easy.”
Kavan nodded, spun his spear and stabbed the blunt end into the ground. “But he may have opened the door to make it easier.”
Kavan let go of his spear, it still sticking straight up from the ground. He took a few steps away and knelt down onto the grass. The dragonkin turned onto his back and laid down, his arms and legs out. Slitted eyes stared up at the dark, pinkish sky. The gentle twinkle of stars began to shine as the sun sank lower to the horizon.
“It’s not the same sky. The constellations are different,” Kavan whispered.
“You’re correct. How did you know?”
“I used to stargaze with my parents. It was hard to see anything from the city, but when we went camping, we brought a telescope. We always managed to make time to map out the stars with the time of year and season. At the time, a lot of friends found it boring, but I didn’t.
“I still remember those times like they were yesterday. You could taste the air and feel the whole universe around you. They say you feel like a speck in the grand scheme of the universe. I never felt that way. I felt like I was a spark that would one day turn into a star. My place in the universe was an unlikely chance in an infinity of chances. I didn’t wink out. I became real in a dream.”
Kavan stared at the darkening sky whe
n tiny lights floated into his gaze. The dragonkin smiled and lifted a scaled hand. He reached for one of the floating lights. It was a blending of green and yellow light. A light landed on his finger and wings fluttered from an insect.
“This realm has fireflies,” Kavan whispered as to not disturb the insect.
“There are numerous creatures similar to Earth’s biome here on Voldor.”
“Maybe Earth isn’t so special after all,” Kavan whispered and closed his eyes.
Mana flowed through the dragonkin’s body. He channeled a point of mana, but didn’t direct it. The energy tingled along his entire body. He drank in the evening scent and the scents of insects and animals on the breeze. The firm hold of gravity wrapped around his entire form.
Kavan opened his eyes and looked at the firefly on his finger. It stayed where it was, it’s abdomen flashing with subdued light.
Kavan channeled another point of mana and relaxed. Energies flowed into each other and he opened himself to the world around him.
In the darkness of his mind, two orbs glowed. One was orange and red, like fire. The other was a deep crimson, like blood. A spark bloomed next to them and blazed into an emerald green orb. It floated in the darkness and moved to the other two orbs. When it blazed as bright as the deep crimson one, an alert filled Kavan’s gaze.
You have unlocked the Life Mana Sphere! You have gained 1 degree in the Life Sphere.
You have gained 1 mana. You now have 7 points in mana.
Kavan smiled as the firefly moved along his finger with almost excited energy. The dragonkin slowly sat up and looked around him as the last rays of sunlight disappeared from the horizon. Several simple flowers rose up and bloomed, as if to signify Kavan’s connection to the life sphere.
Kavan glanced at the small, blooming flowers before turning his gaze to his outstretched finger and the firefly glowing.
“I hope your night is going well?” Kavan asked the firefly.
The firefly moved around his finger.
Kavan chuckled to himself. “Yes, I know you're looking for a mate. You don’t have to be with me. Enjoy your night and I hope you find who you’re looking for.”
The firefly’s wings fluttered and it took off.
“Did you just speak to a firefly?”
Kavan kept his smile. “Less speak and more like felt. I can still feel the moment of magic from gaining the life sphere. It’s beginning to fade away. I may have to use mana if I want to communicate with any kind of creature, I think.”
“I’ll add the information to my records.”
Kavan nodded. “I think I need something to eat.”
The dragonkin slowly rose to his feet. He stepped over to his spear, took hold and a screech touched the evening air.
Kavan pulled up his spear and held it at the ready. Senses spread out as he stood with tense muscles.
Was that the same screech from that night in town?
“I can’t confirm. It was too far away,” Viz said.
Kavan held his spear tight as he glanced around. Another sound touched the air in the distance. Kavan turned his attention to the south, birds flying into the darkening sky. Another roar erupted before it instantly went silent.
“I cannot discern what beast or animal is making that sound. I’m sorry Kavan.”
Kavan listened as the air grew silent again. The tingling magic along his body faded away, but the knowledge of what he heard remained.
“That last one was the death rattle of something big. There is still a monster problem here. I’m going to have to talk to the mayor about it in the morning.”
Kavan stared out, looking for a hint of anything that may have made those noises. He only saw the celestial twinkle of stars in the night sky and felt the gentle breeze from the ocean.
Fifteen
Kavan slowly woke to the sounds of heavy knocking. The whispers of dreams curled away as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. Legs swung over the side of the comfortable bed and he stood up. The dragonkin rushed to his pile of clothes on the floor and proceeded to get dressed.
Mind and body racing, Kavan finished getting dressed and darted to the stairs. He charged down to the first floor, and practically slid to the front door. Another knock echoed through the living room as Kavan took hold of the doorknob, turned and opened it.
A goblin stood at the entrance. Oak’s face was all business as he nodded to the dragonkin. Behind him and on the road, a wide wagon waited with a pile of furniture and Durzol standing beside it. The orc waved to Kavan and he waved back before turning his attention to the goblin standing before him.
“Good morning, Lord Cynder. I have your delivery. Durzol offered to help unload it to your home,” Oaks said plainly.
Kavan nodded and smiled. “Good morning indeed. Thank you.”
Time slipped by as Kavan, Oaks, and Durzol offloaded the furniture and brought it inside. They worked quickly, putting everything in its place. Kavan and Durzol lifted the medium-sized dresser and brought it upstairs. They placed it in Kavan’s bedroom and shifted it into place. Afterwards, they made their way down to Oaks moving the couch over so it aligned perfectly in place with the living room.
“There. It should be close enough to the hearth, but not too close so a spark will set it aflame. The small table fits before it,” Oaks explained.
“I bow to your expertise,” Kavan nodded and bowed at the hip. “Thank you.”
Oaks gave Kavan a small smile before turning and walking toward the door.
Durzol clamped his big green hand on Kavan’s shoulder. “The farm is beginning to look lived in. I heard you took on a taur. Their milk is prized in town and many of the kingdoms.”
Kavan smiled. “I have one now. I may take on more, once I understand how it all works.”
Kavan gave the orc a smirk. “News travels fast in Moonvale.”
Durzol let out a laugh. “It sure does. Not to worry, it’s often good news.”
“What does the town think about the new dragonkin, Drayke?”
Durzol nodded. “It was obvious he was trying to win everyone over with that display. I would simply remember, he tried to buy everyone with food. You actually have fought for the town. There is a big difference between the two.”
“What does your father think?”
The orc smiled. “He won’t turn away anyone new to the town or their gold, but he knows to keep an eye on them and their actions. Two dragonkin on the edge of civilization will help the town grow, but if Drayke doesn’t fit in with our ways and community, he won’t enjoy his stay here.”
“Good to know,” Kavan smiled.
Durzol changed the subject, “What are your plans for the day?”
“I was thinking of helping Lorta on her farm. She says she sometimes needs help and I thought I would be neighborly and assist her.”
Durzol grinned. “And that is why many in town like and respect you.”
Kavan nodded. “And what are you doing today?”
“I have to help push Oak’s wagon back to his shop. After that, I have a big order of metal utensils for Drayke’s new restaurant. He’s looking to open it in a few days and he’s throwing coin at everyone right now.”
Kavan smiled. “I’ll help you push the wagon back to town. It’s on my way anyway.”
Durzol nodded. “Let’s be on our way.”
Kavan picked up his leather armor by the door and put it on. He picked up his spear and sheathed it along his back. The orc and dragonkin made their way out, Oaks standing by the wagon and simply taking in the beautiful morning.
It didn’t take long to push the wagon back into town. The trio made their way up South Street, reached the town center and turned onto East Street. The wagon moved along until they reached Sturdy Planks. Kavan and Durzol pushed the wagon down a side alley and parked it. Oaks said his thanks before disappearing into his shop.
Kavan and Durzol made their way back to the town center, the two friends clasping each other’s forearm, giving it a shake an
d parting ways.
Kavan watched the orc walk away and felt he was finally starting to make friends. He then turned and walked along West Street.
After a dozen steps, Kavan noticed the mayor standing by a boarded-up shop, counting gold coins in his hands. Past him, Rujin stood in front of the Blue Lantern and Kazko stood in front of the Shouting Troll. The two brothers eyed the boarded-up shop the mayor stood by with annoyed scowls.
Kavan approached the mayor and Kogan looked up with a smile.
“Greetings, Magistrate Cynder. I hope you’re enjoying your morning?”
Kavan smiled. “I am. What brings you here?”
The mayor pocketed the stack of coins and turned to the boarded-up place beside him. “Lord Ash and I have discussed it at length and thought West Street would work well to create a new dining experience. Lord Ash is currently inside, investigating the property and scribbling down notes. He is very much in a rush to open his restaurant in a few days. He brought many things with him and is having a few others in town supply the rest.”
“Does the restaurant have a name?”
Durzol shook his head. “If there is, he hasn’t told anyone yet. He did mention how he wanted to surprise the town at its grand opening. Considering how quickly he wants everything to be completed, the grand opening should be soon.”
The older orc let out a small exhale in contemplation. “All of this will simply help our little town grow. If people in Loduss are discussing things about Moonvale, it’s only a matter of time before we start having tourists, and eventually, new residents.
“We are on the cusp of grandeur and we have you to thank.”
Kavan shook his head. “I haven’t done much. I’m just trying to make a living.”
Mayor Sunaxe let out a hearty laugh. “My boy, don’t sell yourself short. You have brought luck and a new vitality to our town. I haven’t seen so many residents excited at each new day since you arrived. Many have mentioned that they sleep better knowing you’re here, protecting our town. Even Shegga has said one or two nice things about you.”