by Pirateaba
“Oh?”
Briefly, I explain to Octavia what happened. The stitched girl’s eyes widen.
“That’s terrible! Of course I’ve got a healing potion. The girl needs it! Here, I’ll give you a discount. Garia can pay me back.”
She reaches for a potion, but I stop her.
“Garia said she couldn’t afford one. She’s not rich, so she could probably afford only a few silver coins’ worth.”
Octavia frowns.
“That’s…not really enough. I suppose I could give her something weak, but if she’s running she’ll need a strong one.”
“Right, so give me a healing potion that’s only a few silver coins. Here’s the payment.”
I place a gold coin and four silver coins down on the counter. Octavia’s eyebrows shoot up and she stares at me.
“Ah.”
“Got a problem?”
She hesitates, and then pushes the coins back towards me.
“Keep it. Garia’s a good kid, and she’s been a long-time customer of mine. I’d hate to see her get hurt—more than she already is, I mean.”
That surprises me, but Octavia takes a yellow potion off the shelf and puts it on the counter.
“This one should be worth only a few silver coins. And best yet, she can use it sparingly if the wound isn’t deep. Tell her I’ve got more in the shop. Tell the other Runners, too!”
“I will. Um. Thanks.”
Awkwardly, I take the potion. Octavia smiles at me.
“Now, is that all? As you can see, I’m still in the middle of testing and creating some of the things you asked for, but I’ve got some if you need them.”
I hesitate, then nod. I might as well. I’m not due to head back to Erin’s inn for a few more days, but better safe than sorry. Garia’s just illustrated that point.
“I’ll take whatever you’ve got ready. How many did you manage to complete?”
Octavia turns and moves to a small crate, talking as she opens the lid and shows me what’s within.
“The pepper spray potion is ready, although I didn’t come up with a way to spray it like you asked just yet. But you can still hurl it. I’ve got two bags done, and two more bottles for you.”
She hands me some bags with the drawstrings tightly closed. They’re supposed to be special cloths that won’t let anything through, but I make sure the knots are tight before I put them in my pack.
Octavia places a warning hand on my arm before she gives me the two other potions.
“Careful with these. I had to buy enchanted glass for both. There’s a cork on the top—pull it out and the glass will weaken so you can smash the bottles if you want. But be careful. Break it anywhere near you and—”
“I’ll be careful. You’ll keep working on the other two?”
“Of course! When you come back I’ll have multiples of each. And then we can talk about another deal, perhaps? I’d love to work on any more projects, if you’ve got the coin.”
“I should, when I get back.”
I store all the potions in my pack, carefully wrapping them in the blanket I bring for long runs. I nod at Octavia.
“I’ve got to get back to Garia. I’ll see you—”
“—Later. You Runners are always busy. Come back soon, and with more coin!”
I leave the shop and jog down the street. That was an exciting few minutes, but the most important thing is that I’ve got a potion. With that in mind, I double-time it back to the Runner’s Guild and nearly run into another Runner coming in.
“Sorry.”
“My fault. You first.”
He grins at me, and I nod and walk inside. I haven’t seen him before, but then maybe he’s from further away. I find Garia and the others more or less where I’ve left them, only now Garia’s got food and drink in front of her and a blanket on her shoulder.
Fals looks over as I walk towards him. He raises his eyes.
“Ryoka, where have you been?”
“Getting something. Here.”
I take the potion out and put it on the table in front of Garia. She goes wide-eyed at the sight of the glowing mixture.
“Free of charge. Octavia’s compliments. She says she’ll give a discount to any Runner who wants a healing potion.”
The other Runners murmur appreciatively, and I feel more than one hand slap me on the back. Well, maybe Octavia will get some business from this after all. Probably as she intended.
That thought’s unworthy of her. She gave me the potion for Garia’s sake. She might have known it would engender goodwill, but that’s just good business sense along with a kind heart.
Garia stares at the potion and then up at me. She turns red again.
“I can’t—this looks expensive. I can’t take this. I’ll pay you—her back.”
“It’s a gift. Take it and use it.”
“But—”
Fals nudges Garia gently and winks quickly at me. For once I’m grateful he’s here.
“Listen to Ryoka, Garia. Octavia knows she can get us buying her potions if she can prove she’s got quality. Besides, you need something for emergencies like today.”
He pauses and snaps his fingers lightly.
“I’ve got a spare wand with a single cast of [Slow] enchanted in it. It won’t stop arrows, but it should let you get away from any group of bandits next time. You can come by my room later and pick it up.”
The other Runners like that notion. One offers a stamina potion, and another tells Garia he’s got a dagger she can have. The good mood lasts right up until I hear the high-pitched voice from just opposite me.
“Some of us make enough money to provide for ourselves. We don’t need to bother other Runners.”
I look up. Now, why couldn’t the bandits have attacked Persua? She sniffs at both me and Garia. Her eyes flick towards Fals, and then shoot daggers at Garia.
“What’s the big deal? Garia got away with only a little scratch. If she were faster, she wouldn’t have been caught at all.”
I’m no expert, but even I know that was the wrong thing to say. A lot of Runners glare, but to my disgust, some seem to agree with Persua. Bastards.
“Anyways, Garia should pay Ryoka—I’m sorry, I mean Octavia back for the potion. We all earn enough, don’t we? At least, I do.”
Garia’s face is a tomato, and my chest is too tight. My hand clenches. Can I punch her? She’s not too far away. I could turn her stupid face into a paste before anyone could stop me.
But—no, damn it. I can’t do that. I loosen my hands and force myself to smile at Persua. She wants to use words? I can do words.
“Oh, really? How much do you earn, Persua? I’m curious. Do you earn a few silver coins each day or are they all copper? I earn quite a lot. Want to compare numbers?”
Persua’s sallow* face goes slack, and then she gives me a look of pure, unrefined hatred.
*Still not sure that’s the right word.
“At least I don’t run off whenever I please. I’m a dedicated Runner to the Guild, not some aimless drifter.”
That was weak. I open my mouth to retort, and Fals breaks in. He glares at both of us from Garia’s side.
“Persua. Ryoka. Not the time.”
She tosses her hair and I close my mouth, ashamed. Damn it. That was catty. I should know better, but Persua—
I’ve never had girls in high school run me over with a wagon. Just try to push me down the stairs. Persua’s on a whole new level. But Fals is right.
He waits until he’s sure we’re not going to start anything, and then turns back to Garia. He talks to her soothingly.
“We’ll ask the Watch to put a few patrols on the roads. What happened to the ones who jumped you, Garia?”
She shudders, and begins to speak, but someone cuts her off. A tall guy steps forwards and raises his voice.
“They’re all dead. I’ve reported the incident to the local Watch.”
Everyone looks at him. Garia opens her mouth and gapes, and I r
ealize I’m standing right next to the guy who I saw outside the Runner’s Guild.
The tall Runner who I saw entering the Guild nods to the other Runners. He looks with interest at Garia’s head and speaks to her.
“Good to see you didn’t get too badly hurt, Miss Runner. I was worried, but you got away before I could look for you.”
Garia’s eyes widen, and she tries to get to her feet. Fals stops her, but Garia points her finger at the newcomer.
“You—you’re the one who saved me!”
He’s not quite as handsome as Fals is – someone broke his nose once, and it was never set quite right. But he’s got something the other Runners don’t, and that’s a presence. He looks like some of the athletes you see in the Olympics and in sports—someone with enough self-confidence in what they do that it shows in everything they do.
Fals smiles at the new Runner, and gets up to extend a hand.
“You saved Garia on the road? Thank you, from me and everyone in the Guild.”
“Think nothing of it.”
The stranger returns Fals’ handshake and smiles in reply. His eyes flick towards me, and then at the other Runners.
“It’s a good Guild you’ve got here. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Valceif Godfrey. I’m a Courier from First Landing. I’ve come down this way to do a delivery to the city of Liscor.”
He nods at the stunned room.
“Pleased to meet you all.”
—-
“I can’t stay. I’ve got an important delivery to make.”
That was the first thing Valceif said after the uproar had died down enough for him to be heard. He balanced on the balls of his feet, looking from Fals to the map on the wall.
“In truth, I’d like to have been on the road an hour ago, but I had to take care of those bandits and deal with the local Watch. And…I’m lost.”
He stands in the center of the room as if he’s used to the looks of amazement he’s getting. I’m the one who’s not used to it. The other Runners, both City Runners and Street Runners, are treating this guy as if he’s some kind of rock star. Even Fals looks amazed.
“It’s great to meet you. I’ve only seen two Couriers before, and never this far south. My name is Fals. I’m sorry the guilds didn’t notify us you were coming down this way, ah, Valceif.”
“Call me Val. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Fals.”
“Can we get you anything? You must be tired. Again, if we knew you were coming…”
Valceif shakes his head.
“I haven’t stopped running since I passed Invrisil. Unless you’ve got a mage in your guild, I’m not surprised you haven’t heard I was coming this way.”
A mage in a Runner’s Guild? I could see how that would be helpful, but that speaks to a far larger guild than the small one here. And did he say he came from Invrisil? Isn’t that the city six hundred miles north of here?
Fals’ looks like he can’t believe it either, but Val just smiles.
“I’m fine. Truly. I wouldn’t have stopped, but I’ve never come this far south and the snow makes it hard to tell where I’m headed. If you could point me to one of the main roads, I’d be grateful.”
“But we’d love to talk to you. If it’s not an imposition—I know a lot of Runners aspire to be a Courier one day. Could you spare an hour from your journey to rest?”
Again, the Courier declines.
“My delivery’s a priority. I can’t stop even to chat. Apologies, but I’ll be coming back up this way. There will be plenty of time then.”
Fals nods immediately. I wonder what’s so important that a Courier wouldn’t even be allowed to stop to rest.
“We can have a Runner show you to the spot. We also have a map if you need one—”
“A Runner is fine. Preferably someone fast?”
Fals nods. Flustered, he looks around. Well, this seems like a good opportunity. I raise my voice and step forwards.
“I’m heading down that way myself. Mind if I join you?”
The other Runners look at me, and Val glances questioningly at Fals. He nods, relieved.
“Ryoka is the fastest City Runner in the region. She can take you to the road fastest.”
“Well then, if it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to move out soon. Is that okay with you?”
He raises an eyebrow at me, challengingly. I think I almost like this guy. He’s confident, not just cocky. He reminds me of other athletes I’ve met.
“Give me five minutes. If that’s not too long?”
Fals looks like he’s going to inhale his tongue, but Val grins broadly.
“Five minutes is fine. I’ll be here.”
I nod and move towards the counter. The receptionist is staring at Vals behind it, but she jumps and looks at me as I cough.
“I still need my payment.”
“What? Oh! Of course! Just let me—”
It takes her slightly longer than five minutes to get me my coin, mainly because her hands are shaking so bad. But eventually I have my money and I secure my pack as I tighten my shoes.
Vals nods at me and extricates himself from the crowd of Runners.
“Ready to go?”
“Follow me.”
He turns and nods at the room.
“Runners, Miss Garia. It was a pleasure to meet you all.”
“Thank you for saving—”
Oops. The door closes behind me and Val. We’re already out the door. I glance at him. He’s a Courier? I wonder how fast he is.
As if he’s reading my mind, Val glances at my feet and then at the open street.
“Slippery road. If you want to take it slow, I’ll match your pace. Just point me in the right direction and I’ll be on my way.”
“I have business in Liscor too. I might join you.”
“You’re welcome to.”
If you can. Neither he or I need to hear the unspoken words. I grit my teeth. My body’s tired, but this is a challenge. This is a race. Me against a Courier. Time to see how high the bar is.
“Let’s go. Try to keep up.”
I don’t break into a sprint right away. Unless you’re running a race that’s a terrible idea. But I do set a fast pace through the city.
Val keeps pace effortlessly with me, and I can tell he’s watching me as I run. I know because I’m doing the same.
“You have good form. It’s nice to see someone else who knows how to run.”
He says that, but that’s my line. When I first came to this world, I thought no one else knew how to run properly. Even Fals tends to waste a bit of motion in his movements, and most of the Runners don’t have good posture or form.
But Val runs like any athlete on the track. Short stride, center of gravity light, stepping with the fore and middle of his foot rather than landing on his heels. He and I both run as if we’re falling forwards, bodies relaxed, feet flashing across the frozen ground.
The city disappears behind us and I decide it’s time to test how fast this guy really is. I move into my fast run, the speed I run at in a marathon. Val doesn’t even blink as he speeds up.
Huh. Okay…
I move faster. I’m at a dead-run now, racing speed. He stays right next to me, not even blinking. So I sprint. I push into the ground and take off. My feet might be hampered by these damn shoes, but even with them I can go terrifically fast.
The world blurs around me and becomes a tunnel. I strike the frozen earth with my feet as fast as possible, leaving a flurry of powdery snow as I dash ahead. That should do it. That should—
Val runs right next to me, legs flashing through the snow, grinning. Not mockingly; not even in challenge. He’s enjoying the run, and he’s right next to me as I run as fast as I ever have.
You’ve got to be—
“You don’t have any Skills, or Classes, do you? That you can run this fast is truly impressive.”
Val shouts that over the rushing wind. I can’t even spare the effort to look at him—I’m putting
everything I have into the run. But I hear his voice, not even out of breath. I feel like I’m gasping for air over here.
“That’s what the pinched-face girl in your Guild told me. She doesn’t seem to like you.”
Persua? In five minutes—she talked?—what a bitch.
Can’t even think. I try to increase speed, but Val doesn’t even look strained.
“I don’t want to hurt your pride, but I do have a job to do. You’re quick, but I need to get to Liscor by tonight at the latest. So—pardon me.”
He runs a tiny bit faster, so he can nod back at me. Then he says two words.
“[Double Step].”
The world is a blur around me, but Val was like the center of a focused lens. Since he and I are keeping the same pace, it’s like we’re the only two people in a world of blurred colors. But when he speaks, he suddenly blurs forwards.
I can’t believe it. But suddenly, Val is taking two steps for every one of mine. His feet aren’t just blurring on the ground—I can barely see his legs moving. He accelerates forwards, running twice as fast as I do.
In seconds, he’s a hundred meters ahead of me. It’s like I’m standing still while he’s running. That’s how fast he’s moving.
The blur of motion that is the Courier accelerates to the main road, and then seems to pause. Suddenly the blur reverses direction and Val appears by my side, effortlessly keeping pace with me.
“I’ll see you in Liscor! I’m looking for some strange person who plays chess there. I’m told a Drake [Tactician] is the best player in the city. After I locate him we can have a drink or two.”
I can’t do anything else but nod. Val grins, and raises two fingers to his forehead. He accelerates, and then he’s moving faster than I am, faster than any human from my world has ever moved. He dashes down the snowy road, kicking up massive spays of snow into the air.
In less than a minute, he’s pulled so far ahead of me he’s a speck in the distance. I lose sight of him shortly after that.
I slow down and stop sprinting. My shoes slide a bit on packed snow, and I feel my feet rubbing at the leather and chafing horribly. I probably already have a blister or two, but that doesn’t concern me at the moment.
My heart is beating out of my chest. The cold air burns my lungs. I feel my body trying to recover as my legs scream in agony. I stare down the empty road, and say one word.