Tali brushed the floor of the shop while idly musing.
This job isn’t too bad. I’ve certainly had worse.
She glanced around, seeing one or two adventurers browsing. Tali let out a barely audible sigh.
It’s nice seeing people like that. I just wish I could be like them.
She grabbed a bag of rubbish from behind the counter, Geoff nodding as she took it out back.
Putting the rubbish into the alley, she picked up a stray barrel lid and a broken broom handle.
Maybe if I keep training with these, I could try?
No, that was silly. But it was fun.
She took a few mock swings with the broom, holding the lid like a shield.
Best go back in. Otherwise the owner might get mad.
Making her way back inside, she saw the men standing at the counter, a sword pointed at the owner.
Oh gods. Please don’t notice me.
She quietly ducked behind a counter, trying to stay hidden.
A man walked in, not paying attention to what was happening, and stopped to look at the table in front of her.
Please don’t draw attention to me.
“Hello, shopkeep, what is the price of these items?” he said, then looked up.
One of the men now had a sword pointed at him.
Did he just notice me?
“Don’t you even think of going for that sword, boy. I’ll gut you like a fish if you try.”
The man slowly raised his hands to suggest surrender, showing his palms. His hand glowed, and with a loud bang, the bandit pointing the sword was thrown across the room.
Tali ducked further at the sound.
What was that? I should do something.
The others scrambled in shock. Trying to grab a sword off a shelf, Tali scrambled to swing it, but it caught and slipped from her hand.
Damn it. Why am I so clumsy?
The man quickly darted toward the other two, Geoff now cowering behind the desk.
One bandit swung wildly, the blade coming fast. Tali ducked, trying to stay hidden while watching.
Gods, this is a nightmare.
The man appeared behind the counter and swung hard with his sheathed sword, striking one bandit in the back of the head. The bandit went limp and collapsed.
Another bandit rushed toward Tali.
No. Damn it. Should I bite him?
The man vaulted the counter as the bandit grabbed her.
He placed a hand on the bandit’s shoulder, pulled him away, and smiled. His hand sparked. The bandit shook violently before hitting the ground.
I’m relieved, but that was horrifying.
The man stood for a moment, looking smug. Tali and Geoff slowly rose from their hiding places.
“Thank you so much,” Geoff said. “I assume you’re an adventurer and not also here to rob us?”
He is dangerous… he could be worse than those men.
“Yes, I’m an adventurer. You’re welcome,” the man said proudly.
I wish I could have done more.
She stepped out from behind the table.
“Thank you. I just wish I could’ve helped more,” she said quietly.
He turned to her, his eyes passing over her without lingering.
“You’re welcome. I’m sure you did your best.”
I could have done something useful though.
“I’d love to be an adventurer like you, but… I’m clumsy,” she added.
“If you want to be one, go do it. It’s what I did.”
Is it really that simple? Just go for it?
“Tali, can you begin tidying?” Geoff said. “We still need to make sales today.”
She bowed and began cleaning. The man stayed a bit longer, collecting items from the bandits, then left.
She looked at the bandits on the floor.
He left the swords. I should hide one. Otherwise Geoff will just sell them.
She tucked one away in the alley. Soon after, guards arrived and hauled the bandits off.
He didn’t kill them. Most would have.
As closing time approached, Geoff counted coins behind the till.
“Well, considering we were nearly robbed, we did okay today.”
Tali stood in front of him, shaking slightly. She took a deep breath.
“Thank you for this job. I’m sorry to do this.”
She paused, then straightened.
“This was my last day. I’m going to be an adventurer.”
A smile spread across her face.
Geoff frowned and put a few coins into a bag.
“I don’t think it’s a smart choice, but I can’t stop you.”
He handed her the bag.
“Your pay for the week so far. Good luck.”
He didn’t even try to stop me. I guess I’m replaceable.
Tali retrieved the sword from the alley, stopped by her inn, and slept for the night.
Getting out of bed, Tali stretched and put on her cheap armour.
This armour barely fit, but these past few weeks of training had been worth it.
She made her way to the guild, waving at Milan, who smiled back.
Tali met Reorn in the courtyard.
“Training again? You are here every day. It is quite impressive,” he said with a smile.
Tali blushed. “Well yeah, to get better practice is the only way, right?”
Reorn nodded. “Yes, you’re right there.”
She trained swings and blocks for several hours, falling more than she liked thanks to the ill-fitting armour.
Reorn tilted his head. “You may need to take some quests to get better fitting armour.”
Well yeah, but wouldn’t falling over get me killed.
“If I see one that’s suitable, I will take it.”
Reorn thought for a moment.
“Well, there is a simple caravan guarding one headed to the capital.”
Well, some travel might be good, and if I don’t like it I can come back.
Tali overheard some other adventurers.
“Did you hear that ashen guy killed the Minotaur in the dungeon?”
“Seriously? That guy is insane… I’m sure he’ll get himself killed.”
Tali sheathed her sword. “Thanks, Reorn. I will ask Milan about it.”
Reorn and Milan are nice to me, but sometimes their smiles felt… careful.
Going back inside, Tali approached the desk.
“I’ll take the caravan guard quest for tomorrow, please?”
Milan looked up and smiled. “Sure, I’ll grab you the information right away.”
After taking it, Tali returned to her room for the night.
Tomorrow I leave Dawnstead…I think i’m excited.
A few days of caravan travel later, they were approaching another checkpoint.
Tali sat in the back when they hit a bump in the road, knocking her sword onto the caravan floor.
Oh damn, I’ll find that soon.
The carriage came to a stop as the sound of boots approached.
Just a few more of these, then we get to the capital.
She heard the men outside talking loudly.
“You will pay the fee before you pass here.”
“But we didn’t have to pay at the other checkpoints?” the merchant protested.
Is this some kind of tax?
“Look, don’t argue. Just do as you’re told,” the man said sharply.
In the distance, she couldn’t quite hear what another man said, but the guards replied loudly.
Who else is outside? If we don’t move soon, I’ll check.
“Just waiting for these to pay the tax to pass. You’ll be next, don’t worry.”
As the guards stepped away, Tali only caught fragments of the exchange.
“Surrounding me?”
“Don’t play around.”
“You’re not actually guards?”
“Get him, boys!”
Wait, what’s going on? I’ll check.
A loud crackling sound echoed. Peering through a crack, she saw a man shaking violently.
She jumped back and scrambled for her sword.
It must be under the seat… come on…
She heard an unnerving squelching sound.
Several loud explosions shook the caravan.
Oh my gods, it sounds crazy out there… but I can’t not do anything again.
The solid whack of metal on metal rang out.
A scream, then another explosion, followed by one off to the side.
Tali heard boots squelching toward the caravan.
I can’t find my sword… this pan will do. I’ll surprise them.
She took a deep breath and jumped out of the wagon, landing a solid hit with the pan on the man’s head.
Please say I hit the right guy.
She dropped the pan as she saw her sword poking through the caravan cover.
Tali grabbed it and pointed it at the man on the floor.
I think that’s the guy from the shop.
Later, after introductions and awkward thanks, she lay on her bedroll.
Well, that stew was tough to stomach. But he was an odd one.
She rolled onto her side.
He talks to me like any other person.
I know it’s not possible, but it’s like race doesn’t matter to him.
They travelled together until they reached the capital, then took separate rooms at the inn.
Waking up early, Tali got ready and rushed downstairs.
Entering the main hall of the inn, she walked up to the bar.
I should grab Bryan some stew. He’s being nice and training me…
Least I can do is grab him breakfast.
She grabbed the food and waited at a table for him to join.
They focused on eating.
He is odd for a human. Like Nekari, he seems very food focused.
We don’t speak at meals until after eating. It feels like home.
She hummed a little while eating.
Once they finished, they headed to the sewers to train.
After killing rats and ants for a few hours, Bryan raised his hand.
“Tali, should we call it a day?”
I need to train more.
I’m still too low level, and when he’s here, I seem to train easier.
“Erm… could we keep going a bit longer? I need to train more.”
He shrugged. “Sure, I guess. Very persistent.”
If I train more, I won’t be a burden. Real adventurers aren’t burdens.
They trained for a few more hours before Bryan said they had to rest.
Back in her room, Tali lay on her bed.
Training went well, and fighting that lizard was crazy.
But I actually helped… I feel proud, I think.
She sat up and dangled her legs.
The part I still don’t understand… why did he defend me like that with the noble Delongprey?
He must realise the danger he put himself in for a demi.
She stood and paced for a while.
He even helped that red-haired girl… does he just like putting himself in danger, or is it girls?
Later, sitting in her room, she looked at herself in the mirror.
Glad I have fitting armour now… but Bryan got that fancy mirror for me too.
I don’t think he has a good grip on money.
Sitting down at a table, she was joined by Mirelle, Zarethia, Bryan, and Len.
They ate together, Tali and Bryan sharing a grin as Mirelle tried to scold them for talking with food in their mouths.
“If you don’t want me to talk with food in my mouth, don’t talk to me while I eat?”
Mirelle huffed. “Or you could talk between eating like a civilised person.”
Len stuffed food into his mouth. “No. Bryan is right. This is better.”
Mirelle scowled and walked over to the bar.
I’m quite liking these people. They’re funny.
They all treat me like a person…
A while later, they made their way through the streets as celebrations continued.
Going to meet the king is making me so nervous… more than that giant beast.
Nobles do not like demis.
Tali held onto Bryan’s arm and looked up at him. She sighed softly.
He steps between mean people and me… I feel safe with these people.
They passed through several gates until they reached the elegant castle.
Wow… this king must have so much money. The floor probably costs more than my old village.
A herald stepped forward and announced in a booming voice:
“His Lord and Majesty, King Renard Caelth, mighty ruler of the Caelthorn Kingdom, welcomes you, great heroes!”
I can’t really focus. The stares from these nobles are really unnerving.
“Heroes, you have done this city a great service with the demon attack and the gate incident.”
Noticing Bryan standing, Tali stood too.
They’re smiling like shopkeepers selling you something broken.
There was a low but audible gasp from the nobles.
A slight hint of anger crossed the king’s face.
Wait… I missed that?
“My liege,” Bryan added.
“Lord Delongprey told me of your actions and recommended you for the most important quest we could offer.”
A man stepped up beside him, smiling widely.
Oh no… why is he here? This feels wrong…
Tali edged closer to Bryan, silent but visibly concerned.
“We wish for you to travel north into the Demon Lands and kill the Demon Lord, ending this war before it escalates.”
I feel like I should tell Bryan he’s up to no good.
Tali began to whisper, “Bryan.” He quietly hushed her.
Holding onto his arm, she stayed quiet.
That was silly… I’m sure he knows. I’ve not seen him miss things before.
The king and Bryan agreed on the quest details.
Yeah… Bryan seems confident. He must know and expect this.
The nobles began clapping loudly before the king raised a hand and silenced them.
“Good. We will await your triumphant return.”
The king turned and returned to his seat as clapping resumed and horns sounded again.
Oh gods… it’s still so loud. Why those instruments?
They carried on and were joined by a man named Calder as they walked.
Mirelle spoke. “Why did you accept like that?”
A smile crossed Bryan’s face. “Thirty platinum is a lot of money. Isn’t this what we adventurers live for?”
She sighed audibly. “I have warned you several times. Nothing is straightforward with nobles.”
Yeah… he definitely sounds confident. I won’t mention it.
“You worry far too much. Just think, after this you can open your clinic.”
She grumbled in approval.
Bryan turned to Tali. “What was up with you, by the way?”
Tali looked uneasy for a moment, then her ears perked up and she skipped over, playfully holding onto his arm.
“Don’t worry. I’m sure I was just being silly.”
He’s led us this far. No doubting now.
“Was the attention a bit much for you?” he asked, tilting his head.
With a half smile, she replied, “Yeah. That was part of it.”
He gently patted her head. “Don’t worry. We’ve got this. Then we can each do whatever we want.”
Aww… I do like that. It feels nice.
On the road to the Demon Lands, after two fights, they made camp.
Mirelle and Tali sat by the fire making a large stew for dinner.
Zarethia moved over onto the same log as Bryan and got very close.
Hmm, she’s getting quite close to him…
She started running her nails gently up his chest, her head pointed down.
Tali stopped mixing the stew for a moment.
Why is she doing that… she should stop…
Mirelle waved to Tali. “What are you doing? We have food to finish.”
“Sorry,” Tali said awkwardly, carrying on stirring as Mirelle added vegetables.
He gently took her hand and pushed it away.
Hmm. Good…
Tali stirred and started serving food into bowls.
“Fine, be boring.”
Zarethia got up and sat down on another log, beginning to read.
I don’t see why that bothered me, though it is food time.
Tali started handing out food to each person, and they ate quietly.
After fighting through the gate and courtyard, they were talking outside the throne room.
“So, Calder, how did you get that bite in your shoulder?” Bryan asked.
Calder drank another potion. “Well, I was wrestling one of the beasts and it got me.”
Tali interrupted. “That’s not the funny part. He smothered a demon with it.”
It was pretty funny…
Len said, “Ok, so if we run into trouble, we have no fear, as he will just smother it.”
They all chuckled while tending to themselves.
I think I know why that Zarethia thing bothered me…
Once the laughter subsided, Calder pulled out a cloth and smiled while he polished his shield.
I think I might love Bryan… should I tell him?
Tali walked over and stood near Bryan, shifting awkwardly.
“Everything ok?”
No… now is not the time for that…
Tali opened her mouth, then closed it again for a moment before speaking.
“After this, I’m looking forward to more of that garlic stew.”
She took a deep inhale.
I will just tell him after we win this fight.
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End of Volume One
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