Aphrodite's Acolyte

by J. E. Spatafore

  Fidel launched the bottom of his staff upwards fast and hard, slamming into the human's groin, forcing him back a few inches. Then came the fury. Fidel engaged fast and hard, slamming the other end of his staff into the human's head, drawing a line of blood. He dropped down to a crouch as the human swung again with this sword, the swooshing sound of the blade barely inches from Fidel's head could be heard.

  Fidel jabbed his staff into the barbarian's kneecap, convincing the human to let out a yelp and bringing him down to one knee. Fidel's staff then twirled and knocked into the human's wrist, forcing him to drop his sword. With a flick of his wrist, the staff made contact with the side of the warrior's face and another twist slammed the wood-grained steel staff directly into the warrior's nose, obviously breaking it as blood spilled forth. The human looked up at Fidel with a defeated look and fell face first into the dirt. Fidel glanced to the next opponent. He turned to his left and saw his opportunity. He dropped low.

  The second victim came from Cap's side of the triangle, this time a dwarf with the same idea as the human. The dwarf pressed in and Cap parried the overhead chop, offering up a sidelong slash as a counter. The dwarf put his axe up to block the blond-haired elf's sidelong slash. Fidel pushed with all his might while coming back to his feet, aiming his staff at the dwarf's chin and connecting so violently the dwarf's head looked like it would be torn from his shoulders. Cap finished the dwarf with a stab to the gut, spilling his life force before him.

  As Fidel and Cap continued to parry the blows of their attackers, they glanced back in Abby's direction to see if she needed help. Abby appeared right at home in the chaotic scene, her face was cold and her dance was enchanting. Her daggers moved fast and precise, quickly cutting down any who got close. In fact, the enemies in front of Abby were visibly moving away, toward Cap and Fidel instead, apparently thinking their chances were better with the men.

  Cap shouted into the legion of foes, blocking an incoming stab by the human rival before him. “Seriously? You guys are afraid of a girl?!”

  Abby, having more time due to the lack of competition, tossed more vials over her head. The vials landed dozens of feet in front of the men. The vials broke, releasing a green mist which made the foes appear to stop and fall to the ground, apparently paralyzing them.

  Abby called out, a little sarcastically, “Fidel, call upon your powers to make a path you mighty wizard you!” Within a heartbeat, Abby spun around Fidel and placed herself in front of him, taking his place against the oncoming victims of her twin bladed fury.

  Fidel grinned widely and worked his magic. Fireballs started erupting from his palms, being thrown in every possible direction. Silvery dwarves, elves, and humans flew from their feet from the impact. Those who were not thrown started to run away as their gear erupted in biting flames ready to consume them.

  The trio started to run through the emblazoned path of fire to retreat, several score of the gray perpetrators following suit. The companions reached the edge of the trees to a clearing. They quickly realized the clearing was a road and headed north as fast as their feet could carry them. The silvery minions continued to pursue keeping pace. Arrows soared over their heads, the whizzing sounds indicating the small spears were barely missing.

  A few arrows hit Fidel, clanking harmlessly off the magical protections. In the distance, they saw a flag hoisted high on a pole. The trio looked at one another and pushed harder, hoping a salvation was ahead of them.

  Arrows soared in more fiercely, the first rounds striking home but bouncing harmlessly off the trio as Fidel's protections were still in place. The transparent mist surrounding Cap's form finally gave way and an arrow slammed hard into his right shoulder, toppling him to the ground. Abby and Fidel stopped, immediately taking up arms to defend their felled companion. Fidel launched lightning bolts into the thick silver mass of pursuers as Abby tossed vial after vial on the road before them.

  Cap called out, “Fidel, fire in the air!”

  Fidel reflexively complied, sending a ball of fire into the air, seemingly without a target to strike. Fidel and Abby both looked to Cap, a look of confusion on their faces. Cap looked to the road behind Abby and Fidel and then turned back to the duo, nodding his head in approval.

  Fidel turned around, still launching bolts of electricity at the gray army, glancing over his shoulder. He noticed the flag in the distance was bouncing rapidly and growing closer. He recognized the flag. It was a coat of arms. Blue and red in color, with a depiction of a man slamming his fist into the ground. Fidel nodded back at Cap, a large smile growing on his face.

  The mounted regiment of Harlow's Hovel made quick work of the foot bound gray army. Horses whinnied and sneered as blades came down from up high, slicing the adversaries down. As the mounted saviors of Harlow's Hovel chopped down the regiments of Pravas Medeis' army, Fidel pulled the arrow from Cap's shoulder and applied a vial of Abby's salve. Once the slaughter was over with, the Captain of the guard presented himself before the trio.

  The black-skinned captain dropped down from his horse and extended his hand. “Captain Sizod at your service. Fidel Austempes, I presume?”

  Fidel took the captain's hand. “Well met Captain! You presume correctly." Fidel pointed out his allies as he said their names. "Capi Advor and Abigail Lapillus at your service as well. Thank you for saving our hides! We surely would have been doomed if not for your timely arrival.”

  Captain Sizod nodded his head in affirmation at the claim. He smiled, “It's always a pleasure to battle for the greater good of the land.”

  Fidel and the captain stood in the road, discussing the events of the morning and the implications of the ambush. The captain and his guard escorted the group back to their camp to collect their belongings. They collected a few prisoners to interrogate along the way. Captain Sizod explained to Fidel how Lord Ias sent him and this regiment to aid Fidel any way they could. He further informed that a legion from Lord Fineal was also en route to take up arms with the wicked sorceress.

  Fidel explained that the trio was going to head to Marisali before meeting up against the necromancer. Sizod said his group will be heading northeast and will camp out, awaiting the arrival of the trio. Sizod shook hands with the trio and commanded his group to depart. Fidel, Abby, and Cap jumped on their mounts and headed to the east, slightly due south, to the town of Marisali.

  After a few days of uneventful and fast riding through the remainder of Aphrodite's Woodlands, the trio broke through the forest canopy and rode hard into the eastern plains. A few hours later, they saw the four spires which marked the large city of Marisali.

  As they approached the city barrier, walls standing at least four tall humans high, Fidel thought of the single spire of Harlow's Hovel. He couldn't help but think how small Harlow's Hovel was when compared to this vast city. The city's fortifications were larger than he could ever imagine, seeming to stretch miles on all sides. The stronghold sat on the eastern plains of Mirater with its eastern border hugging the immense and deep blue ocean.

  The trio entered the city on horseback, Fidel's eyes widening at the huge layout of the complex. The salty sea air filled his nostrils. The city was not as organized as Puldechra, and seemed to consist of a lower class citizenry. Shanty homes were found everywhere and the classes of the city were very well-defined, with the higher class being closer to the city's center. The city center hosted a large black palace, its onyx walls appearing black as night even in the mid-day sun.

  “Remember, Fidel, I am not the most welcome here.” Abby reminded him. Cap turned a questioning eyebrow up at the remark, forcing Abby to tell the story of her scar.

  When Abby finished, Cap commented, “Judging by the looks of this place, I doubt the memory is as lasting as your...” Cap couldn't find the words so he just spit it out, “...face.” He quickly pointed out the many shady beings in just about every alleyway they passed.

  Abby smiled, both at Cap's comment, and at the fact that she recognized a couple of those dar
k clothed figures. “Law enforcement is very selective here. Just don't steal from the palace, or the wife of one of the aristocrats, and they will overlook your crime.”

  It was Fidel's turn to look confused, not understanding how such a huge city could survive with such lawlessness. As they continued their tour of the City of Chaos, Fidel couldn't help but feel out of his element. For the first time in his life, he questioned the morals of the goodly races he has come to know and love. He remained quiet for the rest of the tour, letting Abby take the lead in this uncomfortable realm.

  Abby led the group to a store specializing in alchemy. The men accompanied her inside. She demonstrated her healing salve to the shopkeeper. He immediately demanded to buy a large bottle of the super-powerful healing agent. Abby walked away from the store with a shockingly full coin purse as she traded half of her mixture to the owner. She gave Fidel forty percent as his father provided all the ingredients. She then gave Cap ten percent stating, “You lack tact and are rather clueless, but you're good with a bow and still welcome!” Cap thanked her without even considering the underlying insult, anxiously counting his newfound wealth. Fidel and Abby chuckled.

  The Marisali vagabonds continued on their tour until they found an inn located near the palace. Abby rented three rooms for the night and the group made their way to their respective abodes, agreeing to meet up for supper after cleaning themselves. The group met downstairs and enjoyed a warm meal and ample drink.

  Abby couldn't help but notice how quiet and uncomfortable Fidel was in this city. “What is troubling you, Fidel? You're usually a lot more merry.”

  Fidel shrugged. “I don't know. I don't know if it's the semi-anarchist lifestyle in which the people of this large and well established city survive. Or if there's something else that....” Before Fidel could finish his sentence, a rowdy dwarf crashed into his back, knocking him from his chair. The tavern immediately exploded into a full on brawl as patrons smashed each other with chairs and bottles, seemingly without care or concern of who they attacked.

  Fidel heard Cap yell, “Come Fidel! It's Ludus Rixor!” Fidel watched as Cap buried his fist into a drunken human a few inches taller than himself. Fidel shook his head at the chaotic scene and lamented the lack of justice and purity before him. He started to rise up, but the world immediately went black as a boot of an unknown attacker landed squarely on the side of his face, knocking him to the ground.

  A few minutes later, Fidel felt the cold splash of water being thrown on his face. Abby stood over him and held her arm out, offering him assistance to his feet. He accepted and was on his feet within a heartbeat. The scene was still full of pandemonium and Fidel couldn't help but feel his anger swell. He held up his hands, intending to launch some magic into the fray.

  Abby knocked his hands down and looked him sharply in the eyes, “No Fidel, no weapons. That's the rule.” Fidel looked at her incredulously. Abby grabbed Fidel's hand and led him up the stairs, to the balcony to watch the chaos from above. She explained the “rules” to him. “You can only use what is available. Bottles, tables, chairs, etc. Only what the bar provides.”

  Fidel looked blankly at Abby as she laughed. “So you've never been in a bar like this I see! You are safe up here. In fact, any person is safe on the balcony or outside the door. Watch the chaos unfold. You view this as lawlessness. This is normal for almost every bar situated on the coasts of Mirater. I'll fill you in later but, for now, I need to go let out some steam and bust a few heads! Just stay here and watch!” Abby then straightened Fidel's robe, looked into his bewildered face and winked, then darted off down the stairs to join the hectic scene sprawled out before him.

  Fidel stood on the balcony, watching as Cap took a bottle to the back of his head, only to jump up and put a fist through his attacker. Abby squared off against a man twice her width and a few inches taller. The man knocked her down with a single blow to the face, only for her to jump back up and kick him in the groin, then slam both her fists into his face at the same time. Fidel just watched as his friends were exchanging carnal blows with everyone. He watched as bottles smashed into heads, tables crashed over backs, fighters slammed into walls, and punches and kicks flew about freely. He felt sick.

  Almost an hour had passed and the fight was finally calming down. The patrons of the bar were so tired they couldn't toss anymore blows. The fights reduced to simple slugging matches where each rival took a turn, trying to drop each other. When only a few patrons remained standing, the barkeep rang a bell and all the fighting stopped. The customers of the bar sat down in their spots, breathing heavy, thoroughly exhausted, and bleeding profusely.

  The barkeep moved to a shield on the wall behind him. He hit the shield with a hammer and the clanking sound echoed throughout the room. A mist poured out of the shield, forming a thicker and thicker fog in the room until the fog was so dense, Fidel could not see the scene below. Fidel panicked and rushed downstairs to retrieve his friends.

  As he entered the fog, he felt a stinging pain in his jaw where the blindsided kick landed earlier. He reached up and felt the lump that formed on his face shrink in size until nothingness, taking the pain with it. He stood at the bottom of the stairs, perplexed at the situation.

  A short time later, Abby and Cap walked toward him laughing and smiling. Where Abby once had a swollen eye, there was none. Where Cap had blood running from an open wound, there was none. Cap and Abby raised their hands to wave at Fidel. Fidel attempted to wave back but felt all the blood in his head abandon him, taking his consciousness. The last thing he saw was Cap and Abby running toward him as he fainted hard to the floor.

  Fidel woke later, sitting at the table he was eating at before the dwarf came crashing in on him. He noticed his belt was holding him upright. Abby and Cap sat across from him, smiling and sharing their fighting tales from the past hour. Each of them interjected with compliments and advice for the “next time”.

  Fidel cleared his throat and Cap put down his mug. Cap reached over and gave Fidel a drink and asked if he was okay to sit on his own. Fidel, still a little dazed, nodded his head and Cap released the belt. Abby shook her head, quietly chuckling at Fidel.

  She chortled, “Well Fidel, now you know what they mean by Ludus Rixor.”

  Cap and Abby both chuckled and slammed their mugs together in a toast. Fidel sat in silence, looking around the bar and noticing there were no signs of a fight within. He reached down and grabbed his mug, downing his mead as quickly as possible. He didn't say another word for the rest of the night. He figured he had a lot more to learn in this world and observation was probably best for him at this point.

  The night went on for a few more hours, Cap sharing many of his tours of duty and how a couple of them involved the town of Marisali. Abby shared stories of many of her thefts in the city, the old days as she referred to them. Fidel could see in Abby's eyes that she regretted her crimes. When the trio was ready for bed, they headed to their respective rooms, wishing each other sweet dreams and good rest for the journey ahead. Fidel entered his room, locked the door, and plopped himself on the bed. Sleep found him quickly.

  Chapter VIII

  A Curse Removed

  The next morning came quickly. The trio, all having a good night's sleep, joined for breakfast to plan their forthcoming assault on Pravas' compound. They magically linked with Lord Fineal and Methvas, who had Lord Ias on the magical line. Abby drew the approaches of the Puldechran and Hovel armies on the map and they all worked out a time for the assault, three nights from this very evening.

  The plans were all set and the trio decided to spend their day seeing the sights of the apparently lawless Marisali. Fidel preferred to stay in the room and depart that evening but Cap and Abby outvoted him, telling him he would enjoy the city if he gave it a chance.

  As the trinity of travelers roamed the streets of Marisali, Abby looked to Fidel. “Fidel, this city has heart. While you're used to more lawful places like Harlow's Hovel, Puldechra, and Marides to the no
rth, Marisali has more individual freedoms. With those freedoms come more responsibilities and ultimately, the citizens form brotherhoods. People who take from others, much as what I once was, form guilds where the members protect each other. Priests form convents. Guards form garrisons. Mages form leagues. And warriors form unions.”

  Abby pointed out the various buildings representing the brotherhoods as she explained. “You're used to a centralized government with an absolute rule. Marisali does have a centralized government, but it surely isn't an absolute rule. The people here rule each other.” She paused and noticed Fidel was picking up on the difference. “Unfortunately, this methodology does create an appearance of lawlessness, but I have witnessed attacks on the city and, when called upon, even the thieves guilds join in any war against tyranny from outside forces, and they always seem to win. It is very different.”

  Fidel took in Abby's words and watched the people of the town, looking for signs of the truth in her words. He witnessed a small boy, no more than ten years old, stealing a piece of bread from a merchant's cart, and running off. The merchant quickly caught up to the child and dragged him to the cart, crying all the way. Fidel's stomach turned and he was ready to jump in and offer to pay the merchant.

  As the merchant was about to beat the child with a belt, a brown armored man approached. A symbol adorned the sleeve of his leather armor, the same symbol seen on the child's sleeve, a circular symbol of a hand holding a goblet. The merchant's belt made contact with the child's behind twice before the brown armored man caught the merchant's arm. The merchant and the man engaged in a short discussion, some money exchanged hands, the merchant handed the bread to the armored man, and the boy and his savior started walking toward Fidel and his companions. Fidel could hear the exchange between the man and the child as they walked by.