“As you wish,” Obel said, stepping out of the room and shutting the door behind her.
Once Obel was gone, Becky tapped Kuro’s shoulder. “Why don’t we speak to the staff?”
“It will be easier if they think you work through me. They will hesitate to try to get information from you, at least until Skyfall tells them to,” Kuro replied.
“Fair enough,” Becky said with a smile. “Now, where were you planning on taking us until dinner?”
“I thought you might like to see some of the crafters in town,” Kuro said. “Leatherworkers, smiths, and such.”
“That would work out well. It’ll let us see stuff outside the usual common store items,” Alvin said.
“Leather first?” Becky asked. “We can take the bits of hide we have and see if they’d like to buy them. Maybe trade them, since cow hide isn’t from here and might have a higher value for its rarity.”
“Sounds good,” Alvin nodded. “Kuro, you are our guide. We’re in your capable hands.”
Kuro licked her lips. Meeting his eyes, she managed a small smile, “I will not fail.”
“I doubt you will ever fail your Matriarch,” Alvin replied. He opened the door. “Ladies, after you.”
Kuro stopped just outside the inn, facing the six guards that stood there. “Might I help you?”
“We’re here about the demons,” the one with an extra insignia on her uniform replied, stepping a pace forward. “We’ve had multiple complaints about them.”
“All they’ve done is come into town with Champion Skyfall and take a room here at the inn,” Kuro replied.
“They’re inciting panic in the citizens,” the guard replied.
Alvin glanced around and saw a number of people watching them furtively from nearby buildings. “Do your people always panic over things that are a little different?”
The guard leader glared at him. “Mind your place, male.”
Smile coming to his lips, Alvin was about to reply when Becky spoke up, “He knows his place, which is superior to yours. We are guests of Champion Skyfall, travelers from the other side of the Gate. If he asked for your head— or body— I’m certain that he would have it once Skyfall was informed.”
The leader stepped back from the forcefulness and certainty in Becky’s voice. “Are you threatening a member of the Queen’s Guard?” Her hand dropped to the blade at her side, and the five with her also touched their weapons.
Kuro spoke up quickly, “Sergeant, don’t do that. These two single handedly routed the King’s army. They have no qualms about killing anyone who gets in their way. Champion Skyfall is in negotiations to have them supply us with their weapons.”
The Sergeant looked from a slightly panicked Kuro to the easy smiles of the two behind her. “They aren’t even armed…” the Sergeant began, but trailed off as Alvin suddenly had the Type 56 aimed at her head.
“We’re always armed. Our weapons are different, and just because you don’t see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there.”
“That…”
“Is something like a crossbow, but faster firing and much more deadly,” Kuro finished for the Sergeant, who was puzzled by weapon.
“Where are you going?” the Sergeant finally said, backing up further and removing her hand from her blade.
“I’m taking them to see the local crafters, as their world does things differently than ours.”
“We will accompany you,” the Sergeant said suddenly, “to ensure that the citizens feel safe with you walking the streets.”
“Fine,” Alvin said as the rifle vanished. “But if your hand touches metal again, I swear by my pretty floral bonnet, I will end you.”
Becky snickered. “You’re not wearing a bonnet.”
“It loses something if I say, ‘by my black baseball cap,’” Alvin said.
The guards had all backed further away from the group, keeping their hands well away from the hilts of their swords. The Sergeant eyed the two of them, clearly wondering if they were insane.
Kuro looked back at the couple. “Are you ready to see the crafters?”
Chapter Eleven
Once Alvin was done shifting things from the Humvee to the Mustang, he locked up the car and slung a duffel over his shoulder. “Sorry for the delay. We’re good to go.”
The Sergeant stood there, dumbfounded from watching him put far more weapons and armor into the bag than should have fit. She motioned to her squad with a nod, who quickly fell in behind her. “We are ready.”
“Kuro, you’re our guide,” Alvin said.
Numerous eyes followed them as they walked through the town, people looking out of windows or doorways to see the two demons being trailed by a group of guards. Alvin kept a smirk on his face, giving an Elf or two a friendly nod as they passed and sending them scurrying away.
Kuro stopped outside a shop that had leather boots, saddles, and other items on display in the window. “This is Tooled Leather, the only leatherworker of quality goods in town,” Kuro said as she led them inside.
The inside of the shop smelled like leather and oil, and Becky took a deep breath. “I always love the smell of leather.”
“I know,” Alvin chuckled.
The man behind the counter had midnight skin and pale grey eyes. “Welcome to Tooled Leather. How might we help you?” His voice trembled slightly as he looked at the two behind Kuro, but he didn’t react otherwise.
“The two with me are guests of Champion Skyfall, and wished to speak with your mistress about leather goods,” Kuro explained.
“A moment, please,” the Elf said, stepping behind a curtain that separated the front room from the back.
“He’s the darkest Elf we’ve seen yet,” Alvin murmured to Becky.
“It shows his blood is purer toward the Queen’s side,” Kuro said softly.
“While you being lighter skinned is not viewed favorably?” Becky asked.
“Light skin is from the King’s side,” Kuro replied, “as I explained before, Matriarch.”
The curtain was brushed aside as the man came back out, followed by a female with the same complexion. “I’m Olmera Smoothskinner, and this is my shop. How might I help you?”
“The two behind me are from the other side of the Gate and guests of Champion Skyfall. They wished to speak with you about your goods and leatherworking. Would you have the time and a room to do so?” Kuro asked with a pleasant smile.
“Champion Skyfall… may I assume they are safe and mean me no harm?” Olmera asked with a raised eyebrow.
“We’re not exactly the safest people, but we promise you and your shop no harm,” Becky said.
Olmera’s eyes opened wide. “I didn’t know you spoke our language. My apologies.”
“It’s fine,” Alvin chuckled. “We’re used to surprising people.”
Olmera’s eyes flickered from Becky to Alvin. “I see. Give me a moment or two and I will be glad to speak with you.”
“Of course,” Becky replied, and stepped over to look at some of the goods on display.
It was a little over ten minutes before Olmera came back to the room. “If you will follow me?”
Kuro, Becky, and Alvin followed the owner into the back. The Sergeant started to follow, but the male Elf stood in her way. “She has not invited the guard into her home,” he said simply.
“She needs me for protection; there is no saying what the demons might do to her,” the Sergeant hissed softly.
“I shall not move unless I am told to by my wife,” he replied. “The laws are clear about when the guard is and is not allowed into a home uninvited.”
Glaring at the man blocking her, the Sergeant stepped back. “I see. We will remain nearby. Do call if they kill her. Maybe we can get back in time to help.”
“Of course,” he said, resuming his position behind the counter as the guards filed out of the shop.
Alvin had been the last one through the curtains, and had paused to hear the conversation. He caught up
to the others as Becky followed Kuro into a room.
The room was simply decorated and contained several pieces of leatherwork in different phases of production. Four chairs were arranged around a table, which held some glasses and a bottle, along with plates of bite sized food.
“Welcome into my home and workshop,” Olmera said, taking a seat. “Please, feel at home. I feel that this is an auspicious day; I doubt many others are going to be as welcoming as I am.”
“Why is that?” Alvin asked as they took the other seats.
“You are speaking,” Olmera smiled. “Many hold to older views: that men should be distrusted and if they are given any leeway, they will try to overthrow the Queen.”
“You don’t?” Becky asked.
Smiling as she opened the bottle and began pour dark wine for each of them, Olmera shook her head. “No, though it did take my husband to help me see otherwise. I know of a few others who feel the same as I do, but many still hold true to the old beliefs. That isn’t what you came to see me about, though. You came about leather, and I happen to be quite versed on the subject.”
Alvin snickered. “If all the work we saw is yours, then you’re underselling your talents.”
“You are kind,” Olmera replied with a smile as she sat back with her wine.
“I apologize for him; he isn’t good at socializing,” Becky said. “I’m Gothy and he is Hero. Thank you for inviting us in. May we call you Olmera? Our world is much more informal than I think this one is.”
“I am fine with being addressed as Olmera,” their hostess said after a sip of wine. “What parts of my craft are you interested in?”
“Most of it,” Becky answered. “We know almost nothing about it and I was wondering what it’s like.”
“That is a good question,” Olmera said slowly. “Last week, I would have explained a number of things at length. Leather selection, shaping and forming the leather, stitching, tooling… I could go on. But over the last few days, things have changed and I’m still trying to understand them.”
Exchanging a glance, Alvin and Becky sipped their wine. The flavor was blueberries and blackberries more than anything else, rich but not too sweet. Alvin sat forward after a moment. “I think I understand. The old process suddenly doesn’t work, and you’re learning the new system. Right?”
“Exactly,” Olmera said, sitting forward to daintily pick up a piece of fruit. “Can you tell me what might have caused all my years of craftsmanship to change as it has?”
“Us,” Alvin said simply. “We stepped through the Gate, and in doing so, it seems your world has started to undergo a change to bring it in line with our world.”
“I see,” Olmera murmured. “So it isn’t just me experiencing difficulties, but all of my peers?”
“Everything about this world is changing,” Becky said. “I like you, so we’ll clue you in first. Think of a book open before you, with a listing of all of your physical abilities in numerical fashion.”
Olmera looked skeptical for a moment, then set her glass down. Her eyes focused on something right in front of her and she gasped. “What… what is this?”
“That’s your character screen,” Becky said calmly. “This is a good representation of what your world is changing into. Every one of those numbers reflects some aspect of you; the rest of it shows your skills and more. Is your leatherworking listed there?”
“It is,” Olmera said slowly, her eyes scanning as she read the information being presented to her. “It seems I have to choose a specialty.”
Alvin’s lips pursed. “Forcing the crafters to specialize, huh guys? Olmera, think about opening up the leatherworking section. What does it say?”
Olmera’s eyes moved steadily as she read the page. “It tells me crafting is divided into armor, traveling gear, and household goods. Why must I choose? Why can’t I continue making all of these as I’ve done?”
“The whims of those who control the worlds,” Alvin said. “It might not stop you from crafting the other two types, it might just give you bonuses to the path you choose.”
Olmera picked her glass up while looking at her screen. She took a long drink and frowned. “My tack is what I’m best known for,” she murmured as she set the empty glass aside. “I have received a quality upgrade to all items crafted in that category. All of my pieces will now be viewed as common… I craft better than merely common pieces.” She sounded affronted, frowning at what she read.
“Does it say anything else?” Becky asked.
“I can choose five patterns to become skilled at,” Olmera murmured, her eyes tracking again. “Saddles of all kinds, bags, so many others.” Chewing her lip, Olmera focused for a moment. “There is a flashing screen smaller than the others, asking if I wish to advance my skill in this specialization.”
“If you agree, it will probably boost your quality of gear made in that specialization and maybe let you pick more than five patterns,” Alvin said, picking up a bit of cheese to nibble on.
“All of my travel gear is now of uncommon quality at the minimum, and I can choose twenty patterns to specialize further in,” Olmera said. “Is there a way to close this book?”
“Wish it away,” Becky replied, sitting back in her seat.
Olmera blinked, focusing on them. “That is… strange.”
“That’s just the start of it,” Alvin sighed. “I really wish I could’ve let Jarvis do this for me.”
“I’ll do it, Hero,” Becky said, refilling Olmera’s glass and her own. “I have a favor to ask, if that’s okay, Olmera. Would you be willing to help some of the more open minded understand what we’re going to discuss with you?”
Olmera studied Becky for a long moment before smiling. “I will indeed, Gothy.”
“Okay, let’s talk experience,” Becky said, and began to explain the ways one could grow in the new system.
By the time Olmera asked them to stop, the sun was high in the sky. “I need time to understand what you’ve told me.”
“We still have other shops to visit,” Alvin said, getting to his feet. “Thank you for the refreshments, and the chance to learn with you.”
“I can’t say it’s my pleasure considering what I’ve lost, but I thank you for helping me grow into this new world,” Olmera replied.
Olmera led them out, where they found Olmera’s husband, visibly pale and staring fixedly at a stone-faced female Elf wearing resplendent leather armor. “She is busy with guests, Captain—” he was saying as they came into the room.
“What is the problem?” Olmera asked frostily.
The Captain looked past her to the trio behind her. “You three are to come with me, for causing a public incident.”
Alvin’s eyes found the Sergeant standing behind the Captain. She smirked as she met his eyes. Feeling the feral smile forming on his own face, Alvin stepped past Olmera and her husband to advance on the Captain. “You and what army?”
Stepping back at the menace in Alvin’s voice, the Captain was caught off guard. “You are the ones who own the carriages parked at the inn?”
“Yes. And…?” Alvin said, stepping into the Captain’s personal space again, his eyes flat. “Your subordinate was already told who we are and who we’re with. Our vehicles are safely parked, and we have business in town.”
Stepping back again, the Captain’s hand went to her sword. “You will stop—”
Alvin shook his head. “Or what, Captain?”
Kuro was suddenly between them. “Please stop, Al. The Captain has been given bad information by the Sergeant, I do not doubt.”
“Halfbreed,” the Sergeant spat at her.
“Captain, did your Sergeant tell you that these two are personal guests of Champion Skyfall, and possibly on their way to see the Queen?” Kuro asked.
The Captain blanched. “Skyfall and the Queen?”
“Indeed. They brought Champion Skyfall back from the Gate, where they routed the King’s army by themselves, in those carriages you spoke of,”
Kuro pressed.
“She… neglected to inform me,” the Captain said, stepping toward the door. “If you will excuse us, I need to speak with my subordinate. Sergeant, outside, right now!”
Olmera let out a sigh of relief as the guards left. “I thought there was going to be bloodshed.”
“Damned close,” Becky sighed as she put her pistol away. “Hero, why did you do that?”
“Not about to let someone in uniform try to break laws just because they think they can… and the Sergeant smirked at me. It pushed my buttons.”
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