Suited for Luck

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Ayla looked away, her cheeks heating slightly, “Not how you think.”

  “She has schooling and experience in money management,” Doc said, saving her. “That, and Goodman was the one holding her debt.”

  “I apologize,” Fiala said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ayla.”

  “Ayla, this is Fiala. She’s special to me.”

  A knock on the door announced Posy, who came in and took their drink order, then told them it would be five minutes for food. Doc asked her to bring a drink for Lia, too, since she should be back in time for dinner.

  “Of course, sir,” Posy said primly.

  “Kid of one of the… staff?” Ayla started to ask before finishing lamely.

  “The cook’s,” Doc replied. “She’s a good kid.”

  “Ah. Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend,” Ayla said quickly.

  Doc nodded, realizing his tone had gotten clipped in his reply. “It’s fine.”

  Conversation was practically dead after that point until dinner arrived. Daf and Posy brought the food in and were about to leave when Lia came into the room. Lia’s smile was bright when she thanked Daf, then took her seat to Doc’s left.

  “All done?” Doc asked.

  “Yes. I look forward to seeing his face,” Lia said with a small vicious smile on her lips.

  “Oh, Lia, these are Rangvald and Ayla,” Doc said, belatedly introducing them.

  “I’ve met them both before,” Lia said. “It is good to see you both, even if I’m confused as to why Goodman’s secretary is here.”

  “I’m not indebted to Goodman anymore,” Ayla replied. “I’m officially employed by Doc now.”

  Lia raised an eyebrow, “Oh?” Doc gave a quick explanation and Lia laughed. “That’s going to stick in his craw. Tomorrow might be even more exciting than I had anticipated.”

  “Let’s hope it’s not too exciting,” Doc said as he picked up his fork, “but we’ll talk after dinner.”

  The others were happy to agree, as dinner smelled amazing. Daf had prepared the standard mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits, and some blanched mixed vegetables, but the star of the show was the thick-cut steaks. They had been seared on the outside and seasoned with fresh garlic. Doc’s mouth practically watered as he cut into the steak and the blast of pepper and garlic seasoning made his nose itch, but he didn’t hesitate to pop the first bite into his mouth. He was surprised by the underlying sweetness to the meat and the way it almost melted on his tongue.

  “Oh, she used her special marinade on it,” Lia smiled. “Maybe one of these days, she’ll tell me what she uses in it.”

  “I hope so,” Doc said once he could speak. “It’d be a damned shame if this recipe was lost.”

  “I agree,” Lia replied.

  The others all added their agreement after tasting their own steak.

  ~*~*~

  With dinner done, Doc gave them a brief summary of what he’d been doing all day. Lia wore a knowing smile as he talked, Rangvald looked intrigued, and Ayla looked annoyed. “That’s everyone we can count on right now. I need those contracts tomorrow, Ayla. Just take them over and get them signed for me.”

  “I’ll be working on them all night,” Ayla said tightly. “At least the language is mostly the same for all of them.”

  “Didn’t expect to be working so hard right away?” Lia asked.

  “No, though I’m grateful it’s honest work and not…” Ayla trailed off and looked away.

  “He’s an odious toad,” Lia said simply. “I’m glad Doc is going to be causing him trouble.”

  “Not as much as I am,” Ayla said pointedly.

  “I have arranged for some items to be taken out to the mine so I can work on that project you wanted done, Doc,” Rangvald said. “That way, I can do what you asked and be there to do my job.”

  “Do as you need to. No rush on it right now.”

  “If you’ll all excuse me, I need to get started on those contracts,” Ayla said, getting to her feet. “Doc, do you want to see the final contracts?”

  “I trust you,” Doc said.

  Ayla paused, just looking at him, before she blushed and opened the door. “Alright. Thank you.”

  Fiala smirked at her back, but kept her mouth shut.

  Rangvald got up and stretched, “Thank you for dinner. My compliments to your cook, Madam.”

  “I’ll pass it along,” Lia smiled. “I have one question for you, if you don’t mind. The mine... will it last?”

  “We dug out only a small sliver of the mythrium,” Rangvald said with a chuckle. “It was just the tip of the iceberg. Both Goodman and Suez will be pulling their hair out to try to stop us. The elders have already sent for more of our fellows. We’ll be ready for them.”

  Lia laughed, “I see. Goodnight.”

  With Rangvald gone, Lia leaned back in her chair and looked pensive. “Doc, you were right. Things are likely to get bloody, maybe sooner than you had feared. Are you set on this road?”

  “Yes. Luck has given me a task and I will not turn from it. Moreover, I bought the building beside this one. I want to combine them and expand the Lily, if you’re willing.”

  Lia was about to respond when Posy bolted into the room. “Madam, Mr. Brand is here and demanding to see you.”

  Lia’s smile was cold as she rose to her feet with a silken grace. “He is? Where is he now?”

  “In your office, Madam.”

  “Doc, will you come with me?” Lia asked.

  “Sure.”

  “Fiala, if you will have Cassia pour a shot for every worker but herself? I want her to have them ready to be handed out in a few minutes.”

  “Of course, Madam.”

  “Thank you. Doc, please follow me.”

  Doc followed Lia down the hall and through the door at the end of it. He was surprised to find himself in a bedroom. There was only a single candle lit, but with his improved eyesight, he was able to see a few things he probably shouldn’t.

  Lia took his wrist, “Sorry for the lack of light. Follow me.” She moved with grace and avoided the footstool pulled out a few inches from the foot of the dressing table by memory. Doc let her lead him, wondering how mad she’d be if she knew he’d seen her undergarments.

  She opened the door in the room that led to her study. Doc blinked against the sudden light as he followed her, shutting the door behind him. Brand was sitting behind Lia’s desk and stopped looking over a thick book to fix Lia with a cold look and Doc with open disdain.

  “A tournament is going on and instead of doing your duty to care for the guests, you’re back here seeing this vagabond?” Brand’s voice was as cold as his gaze. “After all I’ve done for you, this is how you repay me?”

  Lia faced him with an equally cold gaze, but didn’t speak in her defense. Doc stepped away, going to the chair by the side table and taking a seat. He helped himself to the wine that was on the table.

  “Do you mind?” Brand snapped. “I have business to conduct.”

  “No, I don’t mind. Go ahead,” Doc said as he poured two glasses. “Lia, did you want one? I know you must be looking forward to it.”

  Lia’s gaze darted to him, her lips creasing briefly upward before settling back into a neutral mask. “I would prefer something from my private stock. That is no doubt the best the bar had to offer, but it isn’t up to my taste.”

  “Get out,” Brand snarled at Doc.

  “I will when the owner tells me to,” Doc said, picking up the glass and taking a sip. “It’s not bad, but you have better, Lia?”

  “Yes. Please excuse me for a moment, Doc. I do need to discuss things with Brand.”

  Brand had gone white and silent at Doc’s casual dismissal of him, but now he went purple and rounded on Lia. Hands slapping the desk as he rose to his feet, Brand was nearly hyperventilating as he spoke, “Things to discuss? In another two months, this building will be mine. I’m looking forward to throwing you out on your elven ass! Goodman’s already offered to pay
me ten times its price.”

  Lia smiled coldly as she stepped forward a single pace. “Has he? Did you accept?”

  “Of course I did! I’m closing down the mine and leaving this gods’ forsaken pit.”

  “Well, you just need to pack, then,” Lia smiled as she pulled out a parchment and tossed it onto the desk.

  Brand glared at her before picking it up and reading it. His ruddy face paled again, and he blinked at her over the top of the page. “H-how?”

  “May I introduce my new partner?” Lia snickered. “Doc, say hello to the most useless businessman I’ve ever known.”

  “Have a good trip,” Doc said casually.

  “But he doesn’t have that kind of money.”

  “Really?” Doc asked, looking confused. “How would you know that?”

  “Goodman assured me that—”

  “Get out,” Lia said softly, but forcefully enough to cut him off. “You are banned from my business. Grange will be informed tomorrow.”

  Brand just stared at her before his lip curled back. “Useless elven whore! Do you think—?”

  Lia’s arm shot out fast, the sound of wood meeting flesh echoing in the room. Brand staggered back a step, almost tripping over the chair he had been sitting in earlier. His hand held his cheek where the red mark from Lia’s fan was now visible.

  “I am not a whore. I’ve never been a whore. My girls will no longer be whores. Now. Get. Out.” The last three words were said clearly, distinctly, and with menace.

  Brand gaped like a landed fish for a moment before he snatched the parchment she had shown him and stormed towards the door. Doc was sorely tempted to trip the pompous ass— he knew it wouldn’t take much because the man used a cane to walk, but he didn’t.

  “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out,” Doc said, raising his glass of wine to Brand.

  Cold eyes glared at Doc, who smiled back. “Goodman will see to you.”

  “I’m sure he’ll try.”

  Lia took a deep breath once Brand was gone. “That felt good. We need to go announce the change to the establishment.”

  Doc set the glass down and got to his feet. “Are you going to lay all the men off?”

  “No. Dillon and Joey have agreed to stay on as extra hands and security. I’ll be paying the others a separation bonus so they shouldn’t hold it against me.”

  “Well, Madam?” Doc offered, motioning to the door.

  “No, the title dies tonight. I’ll never wear that cursed name again.”

  “Shall we, Lia?” Doc asked.

  “Yes.”

  Doc preceded her into the bar, where a number of people were looking towards the swing doors. Lia followed him out, but she stayed behind the bar. Cassia gave them a smile and began to hand out glasses to every staff member, including Posy, but Doc could see that it wasn’t the same as what the others got.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” Doc shouted, getting everyone’s attention, “Lia has something to say.”

  Everyone gave Lia their attention and she gave the room a bright smile. “Tonight, the Lily has returned to its owner.”

  The staff all erupted in cheers, minus Westin, who looked sour.

  Lia held up a hand and they stopped cheering. “Tonight, the ladies are no longer whores. They might entertain you for money, but this establishment is going to be a gambling house. As such, at least one table will always be open starting at eleven tomorrow.”

  This time, a good amount of the patrons joined in on the cheering.

  Lia gave them a moment before she raised her hand again to gain silence. When the room finally calmed down, she continued, “One last thing: my new partner is funding the expansion of the Lily. We’ll be growing over the next year and hope you’ll all be joining us and understanding as things change. In celebration, all food and drinks are half off for the next hour.”

  Doc smiled, glad she accepted his proposal. He’d been a bit worried about his plan, not having discussed it with her ahead of time. He stepped closer to the bar as those not still playing in the tournament rushed forward to take advantage of the sale.

  “We’ll need to sign some paperwork tomorrow,” Doc told her.

  “I’m aware,” Lia smiled. “I’m glad to shed the title of Madam.”

  “I’ll just call you by your given name of Lia, then.”

  “Oh, Lia is my shortened name,” Lia smiled. “My given name is Lillianna.”

  Doc just blinked at her and swore he heard Lilly’s gentle laughter echoing lightly in his ears.

  Character Sheet

  Doc Holyday- 42

  Half-Breed Elf/Dwarf

  Voice of Luck

  Energy: 20

  Vitality: 20

  Health: 15

  Faith: 17 (67)

  Racial Bonuses:

  Natural affinity to nature magic, improved reflexes, keen hearing and sight, resistance to poisons, improved vitality, night vision, natural affinity to metal crafts

  Goddess Gifts:

  All In, Stand Down, Missed Me, Healing Hands, Cleansing, Energy Reserves

  Author’s Note

  Please consider leaving a review for the book, feedback is imperative for an indie author. If you don’t want to review it then think about leaving a comment or even just a quick message. Remember, positive feedback is always welcome.

  If you want to keep up on the latest updates, or the one stop shop for all the links, my website is the best place for that. Remember to subscribe to the mailing list to know when I publish a new book, and you get an exclusive short when you sign up.

  http://schinhofenbooks.com/

  Other places you can keep up to date on me and my works:

  https://www.patreon.com/DJSchinhofen

  https://twitter.com/DJSchinhofen

  Fan group on Facebook for Daniel Schinhofen

  https://schinhofenbooks.blogspot.com/

  If you LOVE LitRPG, then check out these pages full of awesome LITRPG goodness. You can interact with authors like me and many more. Find banter, good times and a lot of likeminded people.

  https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/

  https://www.facebook.com/groups/haremlit/

  A big thank you to my editors, Samantha Bishop, and Sarinia Phelps. Also props to Geno Ferrarini, and Sean Hickinbotham for being my Alpha Readers. I’d be remiss if I didn’t include my beta readers, in no particular order: Zee ~*~ Ian McAdams ~*~ Arthur Cuelho ~*~ Scott Brown ~*~ Dame ~*~ A.J. Bishop ~*~ Kevin Kollman ~*~ Jay Taylor ~*~ Justin Johanson ~*~ Kenneth Darlin ~*~ Christina Norton ~*~ Sawyer Aubrey ~*~ Aoife Grimm ~*~ Shane Bird ~*~ Tanner Lovelace ~*~ Tim? ~*~ Brian O ~*~ Version93.

  The cover for Voice of Luck is brought to you by Anthony Bishop, a very talented artist. You can find him at https://grimmhelm.artstation.com/

  A big thanks to my Patreon supporters who have gone above and beyond in their support:

  Matthew Malkin ~*~ John Johnson ~*~ Ryan Frank ~*~ Chase G Harstad ~*~ Alarinnise ~*~ Red Phoenix ~*~ Curtis Allen Sayles ~*~ Dragonkain ~*~ Thebadtank ~*~ Joshua Graybill ~*~ Magnus Gammal ~*~ Sonicblackfox ~*~ Spenser Jefferson ~*~ Kenneth Darlin ~*~ Robert Shofner ~*~ Brett Hudson ~*~ Pheonixblue ~*~ Nathan Gofroth ~*~ Grimmhelm ~*~ J. Patrick Walker ~*~ Tristitan ~*~ John Curtis ~*~ Ryan Luttiger ~*~ Terry Wood-Davies ~*~ Kevnin McKinney ~*~ Otis Coley ~*~ Jack Ling ~*~ Michael Erwin ~*~ Derek Morgan ~*~ travis btmb ~*~ Kyle Gravelle ~*~ Dedalus Inventor ~*~ Matthew Parikka ~*~ Winston Smith ~*~ chanh pham ~*~ IntheRaccon ~*~ Allen Burger ~*~ Chioke Nelson ~*~ Eli Page ~*~ Brad Shultz ~*~ Dwayne Bullock ~*~ Paul mallon ~*~ Michael Browningkoelper ~*~ Chistropher B. ~*~ Chace Corso ~*~ Michael Jackson ~*~ Alexander Rodriguez ~*~ Susanne Lofböm ~*~ James Domec ~*~ Jason Broderick ~*~ Tara C Mulkey ~*~ Stephen juba ~*~ Matthias Meilahn ~*~ Mike Durie ~*~ T3iain ~*~ Brian Biggers ~*~ No0neSpecial ~*~ Arthur Cuelho ~*~ Ronald C Abitz ~*~ Kori Prins ~*~ Dwinald Lint III ~*~ Eric Hontz ~*~ Charles Demarest ~*~ Dameon Cornish ~*~ Patrick Glass ~*~ Theodore Ursa ~*~ Top Cat 269 ~*~ Caleb Bear ~*~ Michael Moneymaker
~*~ Blake Cawthon ~*~ Tanner Lovelace ~*~Abraham Madsen ~*~ Samantha Kelling ~*~ Masta Matna ~*~ Brian O. ~*~ Jeffrey Buchanan ~*~ Cody Carter ~*~ Korbin Wilson ~*~ Travis Hilliard ~*~ David Florish ~*~ Kevin Harris ~*~ Kevin Kollman ~*~ Logan Cochrane ~*~ Jeff Ford ~*~ Tristan ~*~ Adam Billingham ~*~ William Merrick ~*~ MrNyxt ~*~ SpartanGER ~*~ Joshua Morris ~*~ subVersion ~*~ Damien Osborne ~*~ Brandon Haag ~*~ Kenneth Steinagel ~*~ J.G. Patton ~*~ Matthew ~*~ Timithy klesick ~*~ Bob ~*~ Jeff Morris ~*~ Robert howden ~*~ Jason Bryant ~*~ David Hoerner ~*~ Gregory Lamberta ~*~ Tim Nielsen ~*~ Tetsu-nil ~*~ tishane mcfarlane ~*~ Jose Caudillo ~*~ Cody Givan ~*~ Shannon Dinger ~*~ tyller james ~*~ Robert Michael Barfield ~*~ Khamla Khongloth ~*~ Daniel Block ~*~ Jeremy Cox ~*~ Jon Bryant ~*~ Edward P Warmouth.