Origins: A Deepwoods Book - a Collection of Deepwoods Short Stories (Deepwoods Series 0)

by Honor Raconteur

  “Pleasure.” Tran grinned and tried to look friendly. It must have worked, as she smiled back at him, although it was a little timid. “Deepwoods is your guild?”

  “Yes, that’s right. Um, you said you wanted information?”

  “I do.” Looking up at the sky, Tran judged he had only a few hours of sunlight left. “But let’s walk and talk. I’ll take you home.”

  Sylvie didn’t seem entirely comfortable about this idea, but even she realized that trying to fight off one man was better than running into another group of them. And he, at least, hadn’t tried to do anything to her yet. Giving him her tentative trust, she ducked her head in agreement. “This way.”

  Tran fell into step with her, subtly studying her as she moved back onto the main street. She was dressed well, clothes not necessarily new but they were clean and in good repair. He’d never heard of the Deepwoods guild, but it must be a decent one if their members could dress like this.

  “What is it you need to know?” Sylvie asked.

  “Ah, I’m looking for work as an enforcer. Do you know of any guilds that have an opening? I’d like one that’s either an escorting guild or trade guild.”

  She blinked up at him, startled. “You’re looking for an escorting guild to be an enforcer for? Now that’s a coincidence. My guild is a—”

  “SYLVIE!”

  They stopped dead at this hail. Sylvie seemed relieved, so whoever it was, she knew him well. Tran studied the man coming toward them, eyebrows climbing. The man was a giant, at least as large as he himself was. But this was no Teheranian—with that ice blond hair and fair skin, he had to be Wynngaardian. And was that an iron right hand he had?

  Tran had no chance to ask questions as between one heartbeat and the next, the blond stranger was on him. The first punch was entirely unexpected, and Tran felt the pain of it explode in his stomach. It actually sent him a full step backwards, the force of it was so strong. He hadn’t encountered another fighter like this in years.

  A familiar thrill of adrenaline shot up his spine and he felt his pulse quicken. Finally, a real fight to be had!

  “Wait, Wolf—” Sylvie started, sounding dismayed.

  Neither man really noticed her. Tran was already putting his guard up, and the next time that deadly punch came his direction, he blocked it, caught it, and sent the blond reeling backwards.

  “Wolf, he wasn’t—” Sylvie’s words were lost as they went for each other once again.

  Tran found it hard to parry all of the attacks flying in his direction. He was just as glad that neither of them had room to draw the swords at their hips, as their fists alone were capable of dealing serious damage. He was a beat too late in guarding his face and that deadly iron hand grazed his chin, making his head snap back.

  Blinking, a little dazed, Tran moved on instinct and ducked low, leg snapping out to catch the other man in the gut. It didn’t quite connect, but it made his opponent leap back to avoid the kick, which gave him some breathing room.

  “STOP RIGHT NOW!”

  Both men stopped dead and looked at Sylvie in surprise. Tran had honestly forgotten about her. The expression on the blond’s face made him think he’d done the same.

  Panting under the force of her shout, Sylvie put both hands on her hips and glared up at the blond. “Wolf, will you stop jumping to conclusions? This man did not attack me, he rescued me. In fact, he was very kindly escorting me home.”

  “Oh.” The man called Wolf looked a little sheepish.

  Tran eased back up to his full height, not sure if he needed to still be on guard or not. The ferocity of their exchange only a moment before made him think that this man, whoever he was, had real fighting experience. Tran hadn’t encountered that kind of bloodlust before except for the one time he’d run into a dark guild. This was not someone he would take lightly.

  Sylvie seemed to think that the fight was over, however, as she relaxed and made civil introductions. “Tran Amar, be you known to Erik Wolfinsky. He’s the enforcer in my guild. Wolf, this is Tran Amar. He’s looking for a guild to join.”

  Tran held out a hand, which Wolf grudgingly clasped. “Sorry for before,” he said, the voice surprisingly smooth from a man that large. “Sylvie’s known to attract trouble when she goes out.” Letting go, Wolf gave her a meaningful stare. “Which she is now forbidden from doing.”

  “I just wanted to get some potatoes,” Sylvie complained, throwing her hands into the air.

  “If you step outside of the Hall, you take me.” Wolf gave her a look that didn’t leave any room open for argument.

  Since she had already gotten into trouble, and had been saved by Tran, she really didn’t have any ground to stand on. Sighing in resignation, she let her shoulders slump. “Yes, I understand. Master Amar, I’m sorry about this. You’ve now gotten into two fights because of me.”

  “Two?” Wolf muttered, perplexed.

  Sylvie ignored him and continued, “Why don’t you go back with us?” She sweetened the invitation with a particularly winsome smile. “You can stay at the Hall for tonight. You wanted an introduction to a good guildmaster, right? Well, ours is the best in the city.”

  “Is that right.” Tran glanced at Wolf and, no surprise, found the man scowling. But a good enforcer wouldn’t react any other way. The enforcers should always be the last to trust a stranger, especially in their own Hall. Partially to rib the man, partially because he had no other place to go, Tran gave a shrug. “I accept.”

  “Good!” Having gotten her way, Sylvie spun on her toes and led off.

  Wolf kept in step with him as they followed her. Tran didn’t find this behavior surprising and patiently put up with it. But while they walked, he might as well get some more information. “So, this guild of yours, what type is it?”

  “Escorting,” Sylvie responded over her shoulder.

  Oh? That’s why she was surprised earlier. “Are there many escorting guilds in the city?”

  “I think we’re the only one.”

  “We are,” Wolf confirmed.

  “But we have a Pathmaker, that’s why.”

  A Pathmaker? Now it made perfect sense why they were an escorting guild. But if they were the only one, then trying to find another escorting guild was not an option here. Maybe they had a position available? Tran’s eyes cut to the side to look at Wolf. Although being in a guild with him might not be the best situation.

  “We’re a small guild,” Sylvie continued, volunteering information. “There are only six of us. It’s new, too. It’s only been in business a little over two years. I’ve been with them now for about three months. I wasn’t jesting, earlier, about our guildmaster being the best in the city. Siobhan Maley is her name, and I’ve never seen another like her.”

  A woman guildmaster? While not unheard of, it was somewhat rare.

  “Here we are.” Sylvie pushed open a heavyset door made of wood and waltzed inside.

  Tran got a better look as he stepped through. Two story building made of stone and wood, the construction of it sound and in good repair. The place was clean, too, and had a feeling of warmth and welcome. He liked it instantly.

  A redheaded woman looked up at their entrance. She was striking, in a different way than Sylvie, with clear green eyes and fair skin. “Sylvie!” she greeted, a definite accent audible. “Wolf, welcome back. I see we have a guest?”

  “I was in a bit of trouble earlier, and he rescued me,” Sylvie explained. “This is Tran Amar.”

  The redhead—Tran assumed this to be the guildmaster—stood, and he realized with a start that she was unusually tall. The top of her head would reach his chin easily. She extended a hand, and he took it, finding her grip pleasantly firm. “Pleasure.”

  “Pleasure is mine, Tran Amar,” she returned. “I’m Siobhan Maley, Guildmaster of Deepwoods. Welcome, and thank you for protecting one of mine.” Concern tightened her eyes and she canted her head, getting a better look at his face. “You’re injured.”

  His jaw
throbbed under the reminder and he couldn’t quite conceal a sour glance at the man that had hurt him. “Somewhat.”

  The woman was sharp—Siobhan’s eyes went back and forth between them. “Wait, Wolf hurt you?!”

  “I didn’t know he was protecting Sylvie at first,” Wolf responded defensively.

  Siobhan rolled her eyes expansively toward the ceiling, hands splaying out as if she were saying a silent prayer. “Wolf. Just once, can you try asking first and beating up people after getting the answer?”

  “I’ll do that next time,” Wolf drawled.

  “Mercy preserve us, that’s what you said last time,” a ginger-haired man said wryly from the table. From the way he chuckled, Wolf’s behavior was not strange or unprecedented.

  “Beirly, get me the kit,” Siobhan requested. She barely got the words out before the ginger-haired man was moving. “Well, Master Tran, I’m sorry you were hurt by one of mine while defending someone else from my guild. To help make up for that, why don’t you stay for dinner?”

  “He’s actually new to the city and looking for work,” Sylvie put in. “I promised him he could stay here tonight?” The question was in a more uncertain tone.

  “Of course, of course,” Siobhan said. Putting a hand on the back of his arm, she encouraged him to come in further. “Come, sit. Let me tend to that jaw. Are you hurt anywhere else?”

  “A few scrapes and bruises, nothing to be concerned about,” he assured her, warmed by the kindness and hospitality he was receiving. The chairs seemed a mite small for a man of his size, but when he sat in one, it held him. Relaxing, he turned his head more to the side so the guildmaster could get a better look at it.

  “How did this happen?” Siobhan asked in concern.

  Obligingly, he and Sylvie took turns telling the story. Wolf, he noticed, did not say a word but stayed well within reach of the group. He had perched himself on the edge of the table, legs crossed at the ankle, appearing totally at ease. Tran wasn’t fooled. That man could explode into action in a split second and was poised to do just that, if Tran proved untrustworthy. Personal feelings aside, he could acknowledge the Wynngaardian as an excellent fighter and a good enforcer.

  Siobhan heard them out patiently, only stopping Tran long enough to clean the wound on his chin and put some salve on it. When they finished, she said, “Then thanks are in definite order. Master Tran, I will do what I can to repay you. Now, you said that you’re new to the city and looking for work. Work as an enforcer or guard?”

  It was the obvious conclusion to come to. No one saw Tran and thought of him as intelligent. With three long braids reaching to his waist, the scars on his visible skin, and his massive build, he resembled a thug. It took time before people realized there was more to him. “Yes, Guildmaster.”

  Sylvie had a sardonic smile on her face as she piped up. “Siobhan, he said that he’s actually looking for a guild to join. In fact, he wants to join an escorting guild as an enforcer.”

  “Does he now.” Siobhan put her chin on both hands and leaned forward over the table’s surface, looking at him squarely. “Master Tran, you realize that this guild is an escorting guild?”

  “Sylvie tells me it’s the only one in the city,” he confirmed. He wasn’t quite sure how to react in this situation. Did Sylvie bring this up to somehow recommend him for joining? “Are you, ah, looking for another enforcer?”

  Wolf made a strangled noise in the back of his throat.

  “I am,” Siobhan admitted bluntly. Her head cocked, acknowledging that she heard Wolf’s protest, but was choosing to ignore it. “The more enforcers I have, the better. I’m especially intrigued by you, Tran Amar. There aren’t many men that can fight Wolf and come out intact.”

  Yes, he bet that was the case. Deciding to test the waters slightly, he crossed his arms over his chest and riposted, “As for that, Guildmaster, there aren’t many men that can fight me and come out alright.”

  Siobhan’s eyes went wide and then she threw back her head and laughed outright. “Is that so! Tran Amar, I think I like you.”

  “Siobhan!” Wolf growled at her.

  She waved him down irritably. “Oh, don’t get your pants in a twist. How many men would act as he did? Coming immediately to Sylvie’s rescue is one thing, and offering her an escort home another. To top it off, he’s got the skills to fight you. You expect me to pass him up? Not likely.”

  “You know nothing about him!” Wolf protested, no longer in his relaxed stance, but coming to loom over her.

  Far from being intimidated, she leaned back in her chair and met his eyes with a challenging stare. “And how much did I know about you, when we first met?”

  For some reason, that stopped Wolf cold. He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it again without a single sound escaping. Heaving out an irritated groan, he went back to his perch and slumped against the table.

  Tran sensed quite the story there. He’d have to get it later, though, as he recognized this was not the time. Instead, he drew his bag into his lap and fished out the letters. “I do have recommendation letters from my last three employers, if you’d like to see them?”

  “I would,” Siobhan agreed, holding out her hand for them. Taking all three, she unfolded each with a practiced snap of the wrist and then read through them with astonishing speed. Tran was still not used to writing, as his people didn’t believe in it, and it had taken him years to learn to read and write. He still struggled with it a little. To see her read three letters in five minutes was impressive.

  “They speak highly of you,” she commented, folding them back up. “In fact, the only complaint they had was that you like to brawl too much.”

  Tran shrugged. He had no defense to that.

  “Well, I already have one brawler in the guild.” Siobhan didn’t look at Wolf, but they both knew who she was referring to. “I don’t think another will break me. But let’s do this: Tran, why don’t you stay here on a trial basis? I can’t hire an enforcer that can’t work with Wolf. Prove to me that you can protect this guild and work well with him during the winter. If you can do that, I’ll offer you a permanent position.”

  It was a generous offer. At the very least, it would carry Tran through the winter. So without hesitation, he extended a hand. “Deal.”

  Siobhan took it, her grip firm, smile satisfied. “Good. Sylvie, show him the empty rooms and let him choose one. Tran, welcome to Deepwoods.”

  Chapter Two

  Tran was of the mind that getting up late in the day wasted precious daylight hours. He rose early, no matter where he was, and trained first thing. In this guild, they had a small training yard in the back, a bare space that gave him privacy and a few wooden posts to beat on. It wasn’t much, but he was used to nothing but an empty field while on escorting duty, so it was better than the usual.

  When he wandered out that morning, he found that he wasn’t the only one to train this early. The other enforcer, Man Fei Lei, had beaten him there.

  He’d met the other man the night before and hadn’t quite known what to think of him. It was extremely rare to meet someone from Saoleord. Well, he said man, but really Fei looked more like a boy to him. If he had actually hit his twenties, Tran would be very surprised. He was small, almost dainty, with slick black hair and almond shaped eyes set in pale skin. When Siobhan had introduced him as an enforcer, Tran had almost laughed in disbelief.

  Now, watching the boy train, he was glad he hadn’t.

  Fei gripped a sword with both hands and moved like lightning, weaving in and out of the morning sunlight with such speed that it looked like his shadow was constantly trying to catch up with him. Shadow-fighting. That was what it was called, right? Tran had heard of this before. It was impressive to watch. This was a fighter that depended on speed and technique to overpower his opponent. Was he strong? Tran had no doubt of that, not after watching this display, but it wasn’t brute force he used to win.

  Fei did one more arcing slice through the air a
nd then stopped abruptly, barely breathing hard, before bowing to an invisible opponent and re-sheathing his sword. He was in profile to Tran and without looking, he greeted quietly, “You rise early.”

  “As do you,” Tran responded. So, he’d been noticed, but still Fei finished his form before speaking? Such was the behavior of a true master. It made him respond formally: “I learned much from watching you. I am grateful.”

  He didn’t smile, but the Saoleordian’s expression softened into a more content expression. “You are welcome. Siobhan-ajie told me that you are a strong fighter, like our Wolf-ren. If we are to work well together, I must see how you fight myself. Would you care to spar?”

  Part of this offer was no doubt curiosity but Tran had to admit it was a valid point. They needed to know how the other moved to be able to partner up well in a fight. “Of course. Weapons, no weapons?”

  “No weapons,” Fei denied, already taking his sword off and setting it aside. “For now. We have a job to take on tomorrow and cannot risk injury.”

  A wise precaution. Tran stretched his arms above his head, then twisted his waist back and forth, limbering up some as he stepped into the center of the yard. Fei patiently waited for him to finish before falling into a fighting stance, arms up in a defensive position. Tran settled himself into a wide stance as well, arms raised, and grinned at him. “Back to the ground decides the winner?”

  “Agreed.” Fei launched himself forward, front foot flying out.

  Tran barely dodged. He’d expected that flying attack, and he still barely dodged. This kid could certainly move. Stepping half back, he tilted his torso back, barely dodging again, then deflected a series of strikes with his palms. The impact was strong enough to make tremors run down his arms. Man Fei Lei was small, yes, but not weak. Not in any sense of the word.

  A grin stretched from ear to ear, Tran stopped defending and started attacking. It took time to see the pattern, the rhythm of the fight, but he eventually felt like he had a tenuous grasp on it. Enough to respond in kind, at least. They were almost equal in force, certainly equal when it came to fighting ability, and if there was anything lacking, it was experience. Fei did not know how to brawl like Tran did, that was obvious in his fighting style, and it was that lack that would be his downfall.