“Hey, I wouldn’t steer you wrong,” the lad assured him. “I just thought I’d let you know. Take it or leave it as you will. If you’re interested, Charka can usually be found at The Dented Helm, a hangout for fighter types located near the Guild.”
“I suppose it can’t hurt to check it out,” stated Jaikus. Then to the lad he said, “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Turning back to his friends, they began talking in hushed tones.
Jaikus rose to his feet and told Reneeke, “Let’s head over to The Dented Helm.”
Two men stood conversing near the entrance. Both were obviously fighters of the Guild. One had twin blades strapped to his back while the other had a mace hanging from his belt. Both gave the two wannabe adventures a cursory glance. Bobbing their heads in greeting, Jaikus and Reneeke walked past without a word and entered The Dented Helm.
It turned out to be a rather large tavern with two floors of sleeping areas above the drinking area. Raucous laughter could be heard coming from within. Hanging on a rusty old chain attached to a beam near the entrance was an old war helm. Its left side was completely caved in.
It was a busy night and there wasn’t an empty table left to be had in the common room. A bard was setting up on the small stage in the far corner and no less than three barmaids worked their way through the tables delivering mugs of ale and platters of food.
Jaikus scanned the sea of faces. “Which one is Charka?”
“I don’t know,” replied Reneeke. Flagging down one of the barmaids, a comely lass with long flowing auburn hair and a well rounded figure, he waited until she drew near then said, “My friend and I would like to buy a drink for Charka. You wouldn’t know what he favors would you?”
“He usually drinks the Black Syderkult.”
“Black Syderkult?”
“It’s brewed locally from a plant grown on the edge of the Swamp. I’ve never tried it but have heard it could knock a troll back a step or two.”
“Very well then.” Pulling two coppers from his pouch, he handed them to the barmaid. “Will this do?”
She shook her head. “No. Two more.”
Producing another two, he gave them to her.
“I’ll get it to him right away.”
“Thank you.”
As she walked away Jaikus asked, “What did you do that for? We don’t have many coins left you know.”
“Just wait.” He kept an eye on the door through which the barmaid had disappeared. Then when she reappeared with a tall flagon on her tray, he directed Jaikus’ gaze toward her. “Look there.” They watched as she crossed the common room and set the flagon before a large bear of a man. Clad in skins with a beard as full as a tree in spring, the man looked questioning to the girl. Then, when she pointed over to where Jaikus and Reneeke waited, Reneeke said, “We have found Charka.”
The big man waved for them to come over and join him. When they reached his table, he said, “Many thanks, lads. I do appreciate a flagon of the ‘kult.”
“Our pleasure.”
Charka’s two comrades, one a woman as thin as a rail and dressed in a green gown, and the other a fighter dressed in leathers with a simple looking sword hanging at his hip, nodded greeting as well.
“Please, sit,” Charka offered.
“Thank you, the common room seems a bit full this evening.” Taking a seat, Jaikus gave the big man a grin. Reneeke took the seat next to his.
“Now, what do you want?” Charka eyed the two newcomers from behind the flagon as he took another drink.
“We understand you may be in need of a couple Springers,” explained Jaikus.
The big man looked surprised. “And you are volunteering your services in that capacity?”
“Absolutely,” Jaikus replied.
“We wish to join the Guild, and it appears this may be the only way.”
“Well, it’s true we do prefer to have a Springer or two, though the last one didn’t work out so well.”
“Oh?”
The woman sitting beside Charka nodded. “He didn’t make it.”
“Well, let me put your minds at ease. My friend and I are no strangers to the sword and we would be a great asset to have along.”
“Do you have supplies and equipment to last a fortnight in the Swamp?” When he saw how their faces turned crestfallen, he knew they hadn’t. “You’ll need to get some.”
Jaikus was about to reply, but was forestalled by Reneeke, who said, “We spent all but a few coppers to just get here and in purchasing our swords.” Jaikus flashed him an annoyed look.
“Not a problem. Do you know where The Dirt Road is?” asked the man dressed in leathers.
“Aren’t all the roads in Reakla dirt?” asked Jaikus.
“No, it’s a chandler’s shop called The Dirt Road. Bella sells travel supplies and equipment. His place is near the Swamp Wall just off Keota Plaza. If in the morning you are still serious about accompanying us as Springers, seek him out and tell him Charka sent you and that you need the ‘regular’ supplies. You tell him that, and he’ll set you up with everything you need.”
“But, we won’t be able to afford it,” stated Reneeke.
“Don’t worry, it’ll come out of your share of the commission.”
“What is our share?” asked Jaikus, very interested now that the possibility of receiving gold or treasure was mentioned.
“Five percent, and a like share of any treasure we may come across and bring back. That’s standard for Springers.”
“If we do this, would we be allowed to join the Guild?” asked Jaikus.
Charka nodded. “I shall put your names forward upon our return, provided you acquit yourselves honorably and abide by the contract.”
Jaikus nodded.
“Very well then. We leave at noon tomorrow. Meet us in front of the Guild an hour before. Make sure you stop by Bella’s first and have your equipment with you.”
“Yes, sir,” responded Jaikus. “We will do that.” Coming to his feet, he motioned for Reneeke to do the same.
Reneeke bobbed his head and mumbled, “Thank you.”
“See you tomorrow,” the woman said. The man in leathers merely eyed them and remained silent.
“That you will,” affirmed Jaikus.
Then turning from the table, he and Reneeke headed for the door. Once outside, Jaikus was practically jumping up and down in his excitement. “An Adventure, Rene! We’re going on an Adventure!” Meeting his friend’s gaze, he added, “And after we return, we’ll be in the Guild. Isn’t that great?”
“Yeah, sure,” replied Reneeke as he followed his friend back to their room at Inn of the Silver Spoon. Though if the truth be told, he had been kind of hoping their bid to get into the Guild would have fallen through. For some reason, he thought life on the farm may be much preferable than what they were about to embark upon.
Chapter Three
The following morning before the sun was barely above the horizon, Jaikus and Reneeke were on their way to find The Dirt Road and acquire the equipment needed for the impending journey.
Jaikus had hardly been able to sleep through the night, so excited was he at the prospect of embarking upon an Adventure with real adventurers. Reneeke, on the other hand, had slept the night away.
It was easy enough to find Keota Plaza, it comprised the open area before the gate leading to the Swamp. The wall had been built some time after The Troll Invasion; mostly to keep the trolls and other creatures of the Swamp from wandering into town and creating a ruckus, but also in part to stem the settling of the Swamp.
Newcomers to Reakla who staked a claim within the Swamp often came up missing a short time afterward. There were more than trolls inhabiting the Swamp, though trolls were by and large the most common creatures encountered. So the wall was built.
It stood over fifteen feet high with a platform running along the inner lip where members of the City Guard patrolled to keep watch for any creatures that may wander too close. When one wa
s spotted, they notified the Guild who then sent out some of its members to either kill, or more preferably, capture the creature and bring it back to the Guild’s pens beneath its grounds.
Though the plaza was bordered by many shops, it was a simple matter to find The Dirt Road. Within, they discovered Bella who had to be one of the tallest people either of them ever met. Standing easily a head and a half taller than Reneeke, the man practically towered over both of them. Either he was a tall human or a small giant, which, was hard to tell. He looked every bit the human, though around the eyes he had a slightly different build. Later they would discover he was half-ice giant and half-human. How such a thing came to be was something Bella had never fully explained to anyone.
“Ah, welcome sirs,” boomed a voice as deep as the deepest cave.
“We are…that is, Charka said to tell you we need the ‘regular’ supplies. Do you know what he meant?” stammered Jaikus. Being in the presence of such a tall person made him feel small, and slightly unnerved him.
“Ah, yes. If you will but wait for a moment, I shall gather your items.”
“Thank you,” said Reneeke.
They watched as Bella accumulated a pile of goods upon the counter. Ropes, blankets, bedrolls, two sacks bulging with dried beef and hardtack, as well as a dozen other items useful for camping in the open. He also added two bundles of six torches each. When the tall man placed two large, finely woven mesh nets upon the stack, Reneeke asked him about them.
“They keep the bugs off of you at night,” explained Bella. “The Swamp is full of little nasties that come out once the sun goes down.”
Once the items had been accumulated, he glanced at Charka’s newest companions. “I take it you will also need packs sufficiently large to carry all this?”
Jaikus nodded. “If you please.”
Bella shrugged and produced two large backpacks, laying them atop the pile. “There you go.”
“Don’t we need to sign something?” asked Reneeke.
“No. Charka will take care of it next time he comes in.”
They each came to the counter and took a backpack and began filling it. Not completely familiar with that particular style of backpack, Bella had to instruct them in the proper placing of items so as to get it all to fit. Some were intended to attach to the outside such as the bedroll and blanket, once they were rolled to the proper size.
“You tell Charka that if he comes across any Pyra Stones, that I have a buyer and will give him two golds each.”
“We’ll do that,” agreed Jaikus. With pack now fully loaded, he slung it on his back. Reneeke did the same.
“You boys take care of yourselves,” cautioned the Chandler as the two left his shop.
“This is heavy,” groaned Jaikus.
“It’s not that bad. I’m sure you will get used to it.”
Making their way through the streets, they reached the Guild a couple hours before the appointed time when they were to meet Charka. They moved down from the entrance a ways so as not to be in the way while they waited.
After removing their packs and leaning them against the side of the Guild, they sat on the ground beside them. “Wonder what a Pyra Stone is?” asked Reneeke after they were settled.
“I don’t know,” replied Jaikus. “Who cares?”
“Do you think maybe they have something to do with magic?”
“Quite likely, Rene.”
An hour went by and Jaikus was growing impatient for the arrival of Charka and the Adventure to begin. Unable to simply sit and wait any longer, he started pacing back and forth.
“Relax,” said his friend. “They will be here when they do.”
“I know, Rene. I just hate having to wait. I want to get going!”
Reneeke shook his head and sighed. For as long as he had known Jaikus, his friend had always been impatient. When he wanted something, he wanted it right then.
During his pacing, Jaikus’ attention continued roving up and down the street passing before the Guild for any sign of Charka. So engrossed was he in scanning the people passing on the street, that when a voice, seeming to come out of the very air before him boomed, “Watch where you are going, you lout!” he jumped back in startlement.
Glancing around, he sought the source of the deep, thunderous voice.
“Down here,” rumbled a voice as deep as the mountains.
His initial shock quickly gave way to humor when he discovered the owner of the voice to be no more than half a foot in height.
Looking for all the world like a miniature human male dressed in armor with a mace that couldn’t have been more than two inches in length hanging from its tiny belt, the little guy stood glaring up at Jaikus with hands on hips.
“What the heck are you?” Jaikus chuckled.
Not bothering to reply, the little guy instead demanded, “Step aside.”
“Hey Rene,” Jaikus said, ignoring the miniature human, “get a look at this.”
As Rene got to his feet and began to walk over, Jaikus turned back to the little guy with an amused grin and saw that all six inches of the miniature man was now at eye level. Seeming to hover in the air, face red with anger, the little guy pulled back his arm and struck Jaikus right between the eyes.
The blow hit him like a ton of bricks and Jaikus was knocked backward off his feet. Sailing through the air, he came to land flat on his back in a cloud of dust several feet away.
Reneeke drew his sword to come to his friend’s aid.
“I wouldn’t do that, lad.” Charka and his two companions from the night before were approaching from down the street. The man with Charka led three mules loaded with supplies and equipment.
“But he attacked Jaikus!”
As the little man stalked off toward the entrance to the Adventurer’s Guild, Charka shook his head. “If Lord Teritus had seriously meant to attack your friend, he’d be dead. As it was, he was only annoyed.”
The little guy turned his gaze upon Charka who nodded his head respectfully. “Milord.”
“Who is he?” asked Reneeke.
“Someone you don’t want to mess with,” Charka’s lady companion replied. The other man with them merely nodded agreement.
Glancing to where Jaikus was slowly regaining consciousness, Charka said, “So, you two were serious about signing on as Springers?”
“Yes, sir,” said Reneeke.
“We have already been to The Dirt Road and have our supplies.”
“Excellent.”
Lending his friend a hand, Reneeke helped Jaikus to his feet.
Taking in the man who wore the same leathers as the night before only today had a longsword and shield, and the woman now in a dark blue gown, Jaikus asked, “Is this your Troupe?”
“You bet,” affirmed Charka. Gesturing to the lady, he said, “Lady Kate, a magic user of terrible power.”
The woman gave them a small smile and bowed her head slightly.
Reneeke grinned back. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“And the sour looking individual next to her is Seward, fighter of modest accomplishments.”
“Modest? Humph!” The man scowled at Charka who only grinned.
“So what’s the mission?” asked Jaikus.
“We’ll tell you that once we’re in the Swamp,” replied Charka. “After we take care of some business here, we’ll meet our patron in Keota Plaza near the gate.”
Jaikus looked at the Troupe leader with skepticism. “What business?”
“Before we begin, you and your friend must sign contracts stating that you are coming along as Springers. It’s standard practice. That way when we return, I can put you forward for Guild membership.”
Reneeke looked to Jaikus. “What do we have to lose?”
“Exactly. Where do we sign?”
Going to one of his mules, Charka pulled out a piece of parchment covered with writing. At the bottom were five lines. “Just sign your names on one of those and I’ll do the same. Then Seward will take
it in to the Guild Clerk and we can be on our way.” Producing a quill and small vial of ink, he offered them to Jaikus.
After only giving the parchment a very cursory examination, Jaikus readily signed his name. Then giving the quill to Reneeke, he waited while his friend gave the contract a more thorough once over.
…duties of a Springer as set forth in Guild Bylaw Twelve…
…mutual pact of defense and rescue…
…proper burial if body is recovered…
“Proper burial?” he asked, glancing up from the contract.
“It simply means that we won’t leave you to rot in the Swamp if we can help it.”
“Why would you not be able to help it?” asked Jaikus.
“Situations where you are eaten, or dragged to the bottom of the Swamp. Such occurrences make it difficult to recover the body for burial.”
“Just sign it,” urged Jaikus.
Not seeing anything indicating life long servitude or extended indebtedness, he signed.
Charka took the parchment, signed, and then handed it to Seward. “We’ll meet you at the gate.” Seward merely nodded. Then as he headed for the Guild’s entrance, Charka had them grab their packs and follow him to Keota Plaza.
A man waited for them there, the reins of his packhorse held in hand. Rather nondescript, and one who would easily blend into a crowd, Charka introduced him as Hymal the Apothecary. Hymal took in the two newcomers with a raised eyebrow.
“More Springers?” he asked. “After the last time I thought you had given up on them.”
Charka shrugged. “I was, but they volunteered.”
“To be Springers?” Hymal shook his head.
Jaikus frowned as he followed their discourse. What was wrong with being Springers?
“Good to see you again, Lady Kate.”
“A pleasure, Master Hymal.”
“I don’t see Seward…”
“He’s at the Guild taking care of their Springer contract,” explained Charka. “He should be along shortly.”
They waited another ten minutes for Seward to arrive, during which Jaikus and Reneeke exchanged questioning glances, wondering just what they may have gotten themselves into. When Seward finally arrived, he and Hymal exchanged silent nods, then Charka announced it was time to go.
Jaikus and Reneeke Join the Guild Page 4