by V. A. Lewis
"Me?" I cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes, you." Gennady stood up, and began pacing back and forth the room. "What are you going to do now? Your mother was one of the most wanted people in the entire world. She was regarded as a danger to any single Saint. If a group of Inquisitors were to have somehow run into her, their orders were to avoid engaging and to simply report on her location. The Mercenaries Guild had a bounty starting at a hundred gold just on getting any verifiable information on her. A thousand gold for her location. And 10,000 gold for her head.
"And that was just the Mercenaries Guild. In Vitae alone, the various countries would have equaled at least that much. And the Holy Xan Empire itself had a hundred thousand gold bounty for the person who would kill the Fiend."
I felt a breath get caught in my throat. A hundred thousand gold? For my mom? "B-but why?" I managed to ask the question.
"For her crimes," Gennady said softly, and cut me off before I could protest. "I’m sorry, I know you don’t want to hear this, but your mother committed many terrible deeds. Perhaps not always personally, but she was one of the core leaders of the Shadow’s Evangelium. They once destroyed an entire city— Xantioch— razing it to the ground and slaughtering all of its inhabitants. From what I’ve heard, there were no survivors."
I wanted to deny it; I wanted to tell the Dwarf that he was wrong. Yet I remembered how my mom avoided talking of her past— how she spoke little of the Shadow’s Evangelium, and pushed me against learning magic. It… made sense.
Even if my mom did not directly participate in such acts, she must have been responsible somehow. Why else would she hide it from me? Why else would she have gone into hiding? I stayed quiet, and Gennady noticed this.
He cleared his throat. "I’m sure your mother was not like this when you knew her, Aria. And there are some other things which made the bounty on her head jump even higher than it should be— inconsequential things like violating Holy Law and trespassing on Holy Lands— but it is true the Shadow’s Evangelium committed grave sins. I don’t know how exaggerated they are since most of it happened when I was still a young lad, however there is some truth to it. And from that truth, you should know you are in danger. The Church will come for you, it is only a matter of time."
My brows arched darkly over my eyes. I felt a sense of dread, trepidation of what was to come. It was a warning, but it almost felt like a prophecy. I knew the Holy Xan Empire would eventually come after me— they would not be satisfied with just killing my mom once they found out I could do magic. Even a Saint— one of their righteous heroes of justice— watched idly by as his friend struck out to kill me for casting a single spell.
Gennady continued.
"I know you say you’re not with the Dark Crusaders, and maybe it’s for the same reason why your mother went into hiding instead of joining the group, but I have to recommend that practicality should hold priority over any moral obligation you feel you might have in this situation. If you want, I know a few members I could introduce you to."
"Not happening," I said, sighing. I looked up at the ceiling as Gennady tilted his head to the side.
"Why not—"
"I already tried joining them, Gennady. It didn’t work out." I clenched my fists into a ball for a moment, then loosed my grip. "It never works out," I whispered, feeling a sense of depression I had not felt since my time as a slave.
I was not sure if Gennady heard the second part of what I said, but he quieted for a while; neither of us spoke, as the clock on the wall ticked a minute away.
"Aria," the Dwarf said, finally breaking the silence. "I only just met you, but I can tell, you’re a good lass. Maybe a bit paranoid, however I know it must be for good reason. I don’t believe I can, in good faith, allow you to just die. So I have a suggestion."
"A suggestion?"
"I told you I’m from the Taw Kingdom, right? Well I’m actually not just an ordinary Dwarf from there, although I probably implied as much. I am an inventor, and I used to be their head Scientist. Until I got replaced by that damned fool from the Holy Xan Empire."
I jerked, head snapping to look at him. "You are— uh, I mean, you were?"
"Yes I was. Is that so surprising?" Gennady asked, folding his arms.
"No! I mean, you said you’re good at Tinkering and I believed you. It’s just that…" I trailed off.
"Just what?" The Dwarf’s eyes bore into me, compelling me to explain myself.
"I thought you might’ve been some kind of exiled Dwarf, you know? Like kicked out from your country because of some disagreement with the King?"
"Hah," he snorted. "Good one! But the King begged me not to go. Adilet gave me another position— he said it would pay well. I left anyway. I did not want to deal with that Human."
"Bertrand?" I asked, remembering him mention that name before.
Gennady shook his head. "It does not matter. What matters now is that my Kingdom would take you in. We may be… allied with the Holy Xan Empire. And we are plagued by the Dark Crusaders constantly whisking away our Goblin population and turning them into thieves and thugs for their own use. But I believe that the Taw Kingdom would be willing to accept you if I spoke to the right people."
"I… heard," I said, glad that Felix was not lying to me and luring me into a trap. "You guys provide asylum to the enemies of the Holy Xan Empire, right?"
"To most of them. The ones that we think would piss ‘em off. Y’know, we even had a division of spellcasters once. Heretics that either practiced magic for their own benefit or were part of the Dark Crusaders whom we arrested, and were given the chance to earn their freedom. The Church threw such a hissy fit, it was hilarious. Too bad it didn’t work out."
"Why didn’t it work out?" I asked. "Did you guys cede to the Holy Xan Empire’s demands?"
"No. They all died during an incident. A disaster." Gennady’s tone became significantly more somber. "And everyone’s been too scared to join it ever since. They’d rather spend a few years rotting in the dungeon before being set free, than risk their lives."
I decided not to press the issue, since it did not look like he was going to talk more about it anyways; I asked another question instead.
"Why do this for me? We only just met, Gennady. How do you know I’m ‘good’, as you said?"
"Other than the fact that you went out of your way to wipe out an entire horde of Abominations when you could have very easily have not done anything about it, and avoided getting discovered for your magic?" The Dwarf placed a hand on my shoulder, and smiled. "You also saved my life. When that Amalgam came up at me and I froze up, you protected me. So I owe you one."
"But I nearly killed you," I said, cringing at the thought.
"Hm, you did try. And you would have succeeded very easily, if you did not give me that entire monologue telling me how much you did not want to do it. Tell me now: do you really think you would have gone through with it?" Gennady asked, staring into my eyes, and I into his.
This was the first time I noticed, but Gennady had a kindly way of looking at people. He might have been loud, and slightly too intimate with people he just met, but he was a good man. His hazel green eyes had a glint to it which spoke of his intelligence, yet one would assume from his personality that he was nothing more than a rough brute; there was a depth to him, just like there was a depth to everyone else, which I found piquing my curiosity.
I hesitated.
Clearly he thought I would have changed my mind in the last second even if he did not show me he could cast magic— that was the answer he already had in his head. Yet, I found myself doubting that; perhaps I was cynical, or perhaps I did not know myself as well as I thought I did, but I did not have as much faith in myself as he seemed to have.
Gennady, however, seemed to take my lack of a response as a confirmation. "Exactly," he said, stepping away from me.
"Are you really going to be bringing me to Taw?" I asked, gesturing at a book on the table. "Don’t you have to complete your b
estiary or something? I don’t want to trouble you, Gennady. I’ll accept maybe just a written letter of recommendation? Or a list of people I could speak with."
I did not know why I tried to reject his help; this was a chance— an opportunity that most others would never get. I just felt… uncertain. I did not know why I did, but something unsettled me. Not the man himself— as said, I thought he was interesting.
But Gennady just waved his hand dismissively.
"I don’t know how far a simple letter could take you, Aria. And you don’t have to be concerned about me. I was planning to return soon, since most of my bestiary is complete. Plus, I’m sure the King would like to hear how I’d rank the Abominations. The Holy Xan Empire only provided descriptions, but never what their abilities would be. And from what I’ve seen so far, it seems they either gave us bad information, or outdated information. There should not have been an Atrocity here. Oh, and speaking of…"
The Dwarf pulled out a small pouch full of gold coins, and gave it to me.
"This is for you. The reward for the extermination of the Abominations."
"This?" I rapidly closed and opened my eyes. "This is a lot of gold!"
"I told the Hunters Guild that there were a lot more Abominations than they estimated, and about the Atrocity. So that they’ll be on higher alert throughout the continent. This can’t just be an isolated incident."
"Wait, how did you explain how you wiped them all out?" I asked, still staring at the heavy pouch of gold sitting on the palm of my hands. Is it glittering? I’m pretty sure it’s glittering!
"I just told them I used this," Gennady said, pointing at the bazooka-cannon looking weapon he showed me yesterday. "They don’t know that it doesn’t work, but they know about my background, so they just assumed I was telling the truth. They’re sending people to confirm that the Abominations are gone, but this is the initial payment. If they find that we’re telling the truth, they’ll probably pay us a lot more gold in the future, and we can collect it in any of the big Hunters Guild branches if we can’t just wait here for them to check."
I opened my mouth to speak, but Gennady just shot me a wink.
"Don’t worry, I already took my cut."
It looked up at the Dwarf, then back down to the gold coins. It really was a lot of gold. Almost a hundred. More than I had held in my entire life.
Slowly, I brought my hands forward, whilst bowing my head, offering half the gold to Gennady. The man just blinked.
"What are you doing, lass. I told you—"
"This is a bribe," I said, looking back up. "For you to keep my secret and bring me to Taw."
"What are you even saying?" the Dwarf asked, perplexed at my sudden offer.
"You told me yesterday, didn’t you? Most people would accept bribes and stay quiet. Well half of this is for you to stay quiet, and the other is payment for you to escort me to Taw. You’re a Hunter, right? There are Monsters along the way, and I can’t protect myself," I said, pushing the pouch to the man’s chest. "That’s our contract. An official one— we’ll get it signed under the guild."
"Can’t protect—" Gennady sputtered. "Lass, are you even listening to yourself? You’re a Hunter! Of course you—"
"I’m not a Hunter," I said, cutting him off. "Aria is a Hunter, but not me. I’m just a regular little girl. Someone who needs protection. So will you accept my offer? Do you think the terms of the agreement are fair?"
Gennady furrowed his brow, not out of irritation, but more out of bewilderment. "Personally, I think this contract is skewed in my favor quite significantly. But if you’re trying to give me free money, then I guess I’ll take it. Could probably buy a few Superior mana crystals with this."
I smiled. "Thank you," I said, suddenly feeling better about myself.
"Hah, no worries, lass. Or, do I call you ‘little Missus’ now?"
I paused, not sure of what to say. After a moment’s deliberation, I decided to say it anyways.
"My name is Melas, not ‘little Missus’. I’d prefer it if you call me by my appropriate name," I said, emphasizing the last part to distinguish between myself and ‘Aria’. Although we really were just the same person.
"Alright then, Melas," Gennady said, slapping me on the back. I glared at him, rubbing at my back as he pointed a thumb at himself and grinned. "I’ll be bringing you to the Taw Kingdom safe and sound, don’t you worry about it!"
And unlike before, I was less worried now. I was not sure why he was helping me, but I knew for sure that he had a reason to keep his promise now. I was still uncomfortable, but more reassured.
Chapter 18: Tinkering
"Is there no better way to do this?"
"Sorry, lass. But there’s no space otherwise," Gennady said, shaking his head. "You just have to deal with it, unless you want to hire a carriage?"
"No," I sighed. "That’d be expensive, and I don’t like spending money unnecessarily if there’s a cheaper alternative."
The Dwarven man shrugged uncaringly. "Either way works fine for me. Just make sure you hold on tight onto that hat of yours. Don’t want it to fly off in the middle of the ride."
I nodded curtly, and followed after Gennady as he got on his bike. It was a three wheeled bike, with two front wheels for steering and a single back wheel right underneath the engine; the seat was rather long and at an angle— it seemed to be designed to allow the driver to lean back slightly for comfort. There was also a small storage area at the back, above the engine, with straps to secure any baggage from falling off.
...and that’s where I’m sitting.
I could not sit with Gennady because of how the seat was made— inclined downwards from the back; if I tried sitting there, I would have been pushing down on the Dwarf, which would have impeded his ability to safely drive the vehicle. I did not want to die in a freak car accident that could have been easily avoided, so Gennady suggested that I sat on the place where he usually stored his mountain sized bag, and held onto it to keep myself from falling.
Luckily for myself and the bag, there was enough space and rope for the both of us to share. The only reason this worked was because of how large the bike was: with a length of over seven feet and three feet at its widest, I found myself tied around the waist and seated next to a big brown bag. At least I’ve got a seatbelt.
"Are you sure you’re fine with this?" Gennady asked one last time, as he turned to face me from where he was seated. "This wouldn’t have been a problem if I had a sidecar. Maybe we could make an improvised one before we leave. They don’t sell any here."
"I’m fine," I said after a moment of considering his offer. "It’ll just be a few days' travel, right?"
"Less than a week for sure, unless we get caught up in something. And I doubt anything will happen," he said reassuringly.
I simply stared back at the Dwarf.
Blinking, Gennady asked, "...what?"
"It’s nothing," I said, shaking my head. If I don’t acknowledge my bad luck, it doesn’t exist… right? I tried very hard to will good luck into existence through thoughts alone, however something told me it did not work. "Let’s just go."
"Aight. Hold on tight to your things— I’ll try to drive slower and speed up over time so you’ll get used to it."
The bike’s engine revved as the Dwarf pressed his foot down on the pedal; white plumes began puffing out from the back, covering my face, and eliciting a few coughs from me.
"Oh, and don’t mind that. It won’t be an issue once we get going," Gennady said, looking back at me one last time.
I waved one hand frantically in the air, trying to disperse the unending stream of steam. "Just"— I coughed— "go!"
He grunted in affirmation, and we were off. The mana powered bike drove away from Locke. The small city slowly disappeared in the distance, further obscured by the trail of white vapor we were leaving behind. This is probably bad for the environment.
As Gennady had said, we were traveling at a moderate pace: the wind was gent
ly blowing against my clothes, my purple pointed hat fluttering on my head. I grasped onto it, slightly worried that it would be stolen by the breeze, although I highly doubted that would actually happen.
"So," I called out to Gennady, much louder than I should have. "How does this thing work?"
"Sacred piss, lass!" The Dwarf brought a hand up to his ear. "I can hear you just fine, you don’t need to yell!"
"Oops, sorry." I overestimated the force of the headwind; I had expected this to be like riding in a convertible with its top down, but this was no different than talking to someone while you were both riding a bicycle. I repeated myself. "Uh, how does the bike—"
"I heard you the first time," he snorted.
"Oh, of course."
Gennady sighed, quite audibly to my ears if I might add, which was a testament to how loud I must have been when I shouted at him. "It uses mana just like almost everything else in this world. However, unlike most guns which simply creates pure mana energy, it uses it to generate motion."
I raised an eyebrow. "But this,"— I gestured at the white gas being emitted from the bike— "it’s steam, no?"
"Yeah, what of it?"
"Most mana tech don’t release steam, do they?" I asked, slightly confused.
"They don't, although many of them still radiate excess energy— that’s why you see smoke coming out of the barrel of a gun after you fire it," Gennady explained. "But in the case of this bike, it was an experiment. I realized it would be more economical to power something through raw, liquid mana. Taking in inspiration from the Gnomes, I created a pseudo steam engine— except instead of burning some fuel source, I simply have to convert the mana into the gas. It’s much more efficient this way."
"Wait, why is that cheaper? I asked, frowning. "And why steam?"
"Don’t ya know anything about how much mana crystals cost, lass?"