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Rogues Paid Gold: Riffraff and Runaways Ch. 15
Riffraff and Runaways is the first in (hopefully) a number of book-length stories in what I am calling "Rogues Paid Gold". It is a fantasy story taking place in a world that I have been working to develop for several years. I hope you enjoy it and are interested in going through the journey along with the characters.
Things are still in the drafting phase right now. This is by no means the final form of the chapter. Critique is more than welcome.
Other comments such as what worked and what you enjoyed are also a big help to the development of this project.
Chapter 1 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/47108770/
Chapter 2 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/48752162/
Chapter 3 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/49597363/
Chapter 4 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/52304327/
Chapter 5 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/53094343/
Chapter 6 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/54478623/
Chapter 7 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/54478880/
Chapter 8 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/56095422/
Chapter 9 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/56757393/
Chapter 10 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/57532738/
Chapter 11 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/59333072/
Chapter 12 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/60390741/
Chapter 13 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/62118422/
Chapter 14: can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/63156739/
Chapter 15
They’re Master Works All
Amber’s empty stomach barked complaints while she passed by the final few shops on the mercantile area’s left side. No blacksmith. She sent a groan skyward before starting her begrudging march back. She sneered at the apothecaries peddling their poultices and physicks, stands advertising fabrics and dyes, and a shop displaying pointless baubles posing as children’s playthings. What use did she have for such useless chag?
Her stomach growled again. Cade and Syrus probably sat in a tavern with the young ones silencing their guts with a cheap yet satisfying meal. Meanwhile, she trekked on, starving and sweating in the rising heat. Should she just concede and join the others? The fox scowled. Imagining Cade’s smug face was all she needed to do to banish all thoughts of returning.
At last, a building more cottage than shop loomed at the very end of the market’s righthand side. Sequestered away from the others by ample space, it rested near the city’s walls. Smoke billowed from a girthy chimney, and a painted sign hung from the eaves. A hammer and anvil. A blacksmith? Scampering up to the building, Amber shoved through the hustling bodies that threatened to batter her small frame about like frothing ocean waves. Once at the door, she shoved it open as if she lived there.
A massive dog sporting thick white and brown fur sat behind a counter near the back wall, looking up from an interrupted meal of roasted fowl. The savory scent wafted into Amber’s nostrils, tantalizing her stomach. She eyed the shopkeeper’s meal, saliva pooling in her mouth until the dog’s deep and playful voice snapped her from the scent-induced intoxication.
“Hoho, you’re not shy about eyeing my food, are you? Care for some, perchance?”
Amber slurped up the drool that snuck out from between her closed lips.
“Already ate. But if yer offerin’, not gonna spit in yer face by sayin’ no.”
The dog chuckled before motioning her over, the muscles in his arms rolling like boulders beneath his fur. Amber approached the counter with casual steps, casting aside her blade in favor of the bird’s leg offered to her. Sinking her teeth into the meat, she tore away at it without a word of gratitude. Even devoid of spices and seasoning, the flesh blessed her tongue, and she soon gnawed at the bone, scraping away at any further scraps she could acquire.
Her rapturous mood dissipated upon noticing the dog’s attention on the stump serving as a poor excuse for her right arm. Growling at him, she clenched her teeth around the bone so hard it nearly snapped.
“What ya gawkin’ at? Mind yer eyes before I tear ‘em out.”
“You’re a vicious ball of blaze, aren’t you? Sorry for staring. Just didn’t expect to come across a kindred soul.”
The dog stood from his seat and lumbered out from behind the counter. His simple attire, a long brown cloth folded and tied to cover his loins, allowed full view of his powerful build. Wide pectorals showed proudly in the open as did a large, round gut carrying the same solid appearance as the rest of his body. He turned around, and Amber furrowed a puzzled brow. No tail.
He didn’t linger. He soon returned to his seat, scratching behind one of his drooping ears while taking some meat into his jowled jaws.
“Take it from one who knows, miss. The deep forests of Fjordren are a dangerous place, especially for young ones who don’t mind their mothers like me. Lots of predators would’ve loved to have snagged the rest, ohohoho.” He pointed at Amber’s missing arm “Sorry for prying, but you look like the kind of scrapper who would carry that as a souvenir after some great crossing of blades.”
The fox flicked an ear. “Ya could say that.”
“Bet I should’ve seen what you did to that other guy, eh?”
Amber looked at the floor. Silence lingered in the air before she uttered a lamenting, “Yes.”
“Sorry to bring up old wounds.” The dog smiled at his own wordplay. “Talking of blades, that sword of yours looks like it’s seen fairer weather. Allow me to finish my breakfast, and I’ll see what I can do about finding you a replacement. Of course, I’ll be able to get to that sooner if I had some help with it.”
He held out the second leg to Amber who threw a suspicious glare his way.
“Go ahead. I don’t mind.” He patted his large stomach, chuckling. “As you can see, I could go with sacrificing some meals.”
“If yer gonna force me to.” Amber took the offering, filling her stomach once more. “Name’s Amber. Not ‘miss’. Got that? Don’t call me that chag again.”
“Hoho, Amber it is, then. You can call me Byron.”
“Didn’t ask, but alright.”
The two spent the next few moments sharing both meal and company. Byron’s eyes went wide when Amber explained the reason for her blade’s current state.
“Ha! I knew you were a ferocious one. Imagine that. Fighting Kajo and not only surviving but besting him? You and your mates must be an impressive bunch.”
“They’re just lucky they ‘ave me ‘round ta carry their sorry tails.”
Byron stood, abandoning the plate now carrying only bones and residual scraps. “Too bad your lovely sword had to pay such a price. But fortunately, you’ve stumbled into Byron’s. Not to boast, but my smithing is quite revered here in Aridesca.”
“Oh, and what makes ya so special?” Despite her harsh tone, Amber did not hold back a teasing smile.
“Follow me. I’ll show you.”
Byron escorted her to a door in the back, allowing Amber to step through first. The fox’s mouth hung open, her vision blessed with aisles and aisles of assorted steel and iron. Racing past displays of longswords hanging against the wall and spears set up in racks at the front, she set her sights on the awe-inspiring handiwork in the back. Broadswords, greatswords, and claymores, all masterfully crafted with careful and intricate design, hung like trophies along the back wall, their huge blades glistening proudly. Colossal axes, halberds and polearms stood like trees in their racks, sporting massive and imposing blades on staffs that would have towered over Cade and Syrus. Far different from the front display of shared designs common as the Aridescan sand, each of these claimed their own blade as beautifully unique as they were deadly.
“They’re so…big.”
“Figured those would interest you.” Byron walked up from behind, joining her in her admiration. “One look at that beauty of yours told me you share my affection for heavy steel. Not many in Fantasia appreciate such arms, I’m afraid, but they’re a passion of mine. Pity they don’t sell often. Hoho, but then, only giants like me would be able to carry them, eh?”
“I…love them.”
“Oho, but those aren’t what makes me special. This is.”
Byron walked to the side and retrieved a giant iron war hammer hanging in its own display. Coated in a deep black sheen with both handle and head carved out to appear like volcanic rock, the colossal weapon fit the blacksmith’s grip as if made solely for him. A vicious pick adorned the head on one side, connecting to the handle before giving way to a huge blunt cube baring spiked teeth along the outermost side. Crisscrossing veins of red ran along the onyx crags, standing out against the hammer’s dark coloration.
“My greatest pride. The first weapon I successfully crafted with a smithing technique I stumbled upon when scouring old texts from Madra Gaiza.”
He gave the handle a swift crank below the head, and the veins blazed with fire along the cracks of the hammer’s head. A small stream of flame vented from the center amidst the iron teeth before being snuffed out as quickly as it was birthed by another crank of the handle.
“Magic infusion,” he said, returning the weapon to its home. “Just take some Leechstone gorged with magic and smelt it with the metal. High ranking soldiers often pester me for babies like these. Among the magically inept, such weapons must make them feel like the Cantors themselves.”
Amber set her sword aside to take hold of the pole of one of the mighty halberds, running her fingers along its great length.
“Won’t lie,” she said, giving Byron a side glance. “Ya got talent. Got any other talents, or this all ya come with? Maybe got somethin’ else big ya wanna show off?”
Byron erupted into laughter. “I might have a bit of something else. The forge is this way. Follow me, and I’ll show you what I’ve been working on.”
Though crowded, the tavern in which Cade and his companions found themselves in offered a calming atmosphere. The interactions between patrons followed a far more civilized model than the rowdy and volatile atmosphere of Outland establishments. Quiet chattering mixed with the soothing falsetto voice of the tavern’s bard singing the adulations of Aridescan war heroes long passed while playing gentle twanging notes from his lute.
Various aromas wafted around the room from dishes carried by servers who moved effectively among the seats to deliver their offerings of food. Once making their way to Cade’s table, a trio of workers set down plates carrying a large roll of bread hollowed out in the center to accommodate a concoction of savory-smelling stew broth, carrots, celery, and tender meat. Beside each lay two thick cuts of deep yellow cheese.
Cade dug into his remaining coin pouch, taking out a few of the gold-colored pieces and handing them to the servers as they took their leave with a nod of gratitude. He then removed two of the higher valued coins and slid them over to Gabe. The young deer stared at the shimmering objects, shifting his eyes between them and the weasel.
“You mean this is mine?”
“Of course,” Cade said, taking a wet piece of meat between his claws and bringing it near his cheek. Vlakas lunged his neck out from within his cloak, grabbing the food in his mouth before retreating to tear at the stringy flesh.
“You’re part of Rogues Paid Gold now, aren’t you? Every member gets a cut.”
“That’s not fair,” Elysia said. “I want one, too.”
“Fair as it gets, I’m afraid. We’re simply your escorts. Once you’re home, we can speak with your family about you joining the guild proper.”
“Speaking of that,” Syrus said, handing Kairi a piece of the roll he had broken off. “What’s the plan? No doubt you’ve already conjured one up without giving me privilege of hearing it.”
“We first need to find Amber, wherever she’s found herself at. Should get you some proper arrows, now that I think about it. Then a quick flight to Jahrrko, claim more of the bounty, and be on our way to deliver Elysia back to The Greyai.”
Syrus bolted up, toppling his chair and sending a thud ringing off the tavern walls along with Kairi’s shrieks. “The Greyai? You didn’t tell me she lived in Fjordren.”
“Oh. Uh, didn’t I?” Cade grinned sheepishly, darting his eyes around the vicinity. All chatter and music lay at rest, his table claiming the attention of everyone in the room. “Just a light tiff between mates,” he said to the crowd. “Nothing to concern yourselves with. Carry on.”
“That’s vital information, Cade.” Syrus kept his voice low. “My face is posted up in every tavern there.”
“You’re not leaving, are you, Mr. Syrus?”
Elysia clasped his hand and sent a pleading stare up at him. Sighing, the wolf righted his chair before slumping into it.
“I owe Cade my service for life. No choice but to stay.”
“Don’t get your head mired down with worry,” Cade said. “I’m sure the Fjordren authorities won’t recognize you now that your hair looks fit to nest birds.”
“Surely you couldn’t have done anything to have Fjordren against you,” Gabe said. “Right? I’ve been around you for a bit now, and you don’t seem the type to me.”
The wolf closed his eyes. “You’re right in half that regard. Fjordren authorities think I murdered my previous charge. We were ambushed by a hidden foe. The guards came late in response to find him dead and my daggers drawn and bloodied.”
He glanced at Elysia, melancholic green eyes betraying his stoic mask. “I’d sooner die than let that be repeated. You have my word. I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe.”
The mouse hopped from her seat, and embraced Syrus. Attempting to remedy the soured mood, Gabe soon offered up his talents by working his fingers against his lyre. He began reciting a humorous Aridescan folksong about a fictional peasant blamed for everyone’s misfortune be it plague, loss, or slight inconvenience. A multitude of tavern visitors, finding themselves ensnared in the young deer’s performance, laughed and clapped their hands in tempo to the upbeat rhythm, transitioning to eruptive applause at end. With spirits lifted anew, Cade and his companions returned to their food while the tavern’s bard resumed his own song after a haughty clearing of his throat.
Once finished, the group took their leave, making their way past the multitude of tables. Cade paused beside one occupied by a guild discussing matters amongst themselves. When they paused to give him an inquisitive eye, he placed a small stack of coins onto the table with a confident clack. Sliding the offering across, he watched the occupants follow its movement like a predator stalking its hapless prey.
“There’s a wagon with some Pakra outside the front gates. Could you be gracious enough to ensure their homecoming for me? Just head straight out the gates with them and you’ll soon come across a shelter fit to burst with the beasts. Can’t miss it. Many thanks.”
He strode off, smiling to himself once the clinking of coins reached his ear.
Joining with his guild outside the tavern, he worked against the teeming throng occupying the city square. Focusing on the fiery tail inside the Waypoint Glass, he followed its direction, inadvertently knocking shoulders with more than a couple random figures while tracking Amber. Heeding its guidance, they soon arrived at the large cottage-shaped establishment displaying the blacksmith insignia. Entering the interior yielded no sign of Amber, only a massive dog who lumbered toward him with hand outstretched.
“Welcome. What brings you to Byron’s today, friend?”
Cade grasped the shopkeeper’s hand in greeting, trying not to gawk at his hand vanishing inside the strong grip. “By any chance, has a small, one-armed fox stopped in to buy a replacement sword?
Byron’s jovial demeanor fell, hardening into a glare while threatening teeth revealed themselves from within raised gums. He loomed over Cade, pressing his bulk against him so that the fur on his rotund abdomen brushed against the tip of Cade’s nose.
“So, you’re the one responsible for shattering that lovely blade. Count yourself lucky I don’t snap your body like a dried branch.”
“Now, now.” Cade cleared his throat to chase away the small tremor in his voice. “I don’t know what Amber told you, but there’s no need for violence.”
Byron’s brown eyes blazed behind a mask of black fur before softening. His jowls pulled upward into a smile, and he belted out booming laughter that forced Cade to cover his ears.
“Ohohoho! Apologies, friend. Only tugging your tail. All in good fun, eh? Seas and skies, if only I were a mirror so you could’ve seen yourself.”
Cade gave the dog a grin. “No worries, mate. Like you said, all in good fun.”
Byron wiped moisture from his eye before motioning with his large hand for Cade and the others to follow, taking them to the door leading to the weapon display room. “Your fox is through here, examining my wares. I’m sure she’ll find something just as worthy for her, if not more so, than the one before.”
Elysia stood, mouth open, once through the door. Spinning around, she tried to take in the sheer number of armaments all at once. Cade strode past the longswords, admiring their blades and covetously toying with the pommel of his own. They located Amber in the back, standing in front of the colossal blades presented on their wall mounts. Her large ears turned to catch the sound of paws hitting against the floor right before her head followed.
“Ack, I was just gettin’ comfortable havin’ time away from yer mite-bitten face.”
“Have you settled on one yet?” Cade asked.
“Yer fur’s not gonna run off without ya. Byron’s got so many beautiful babies ‘ere it’s hard ta decide.”
She moved her hand along the displays, casting judgement as she walked past sword after sword. Too short. Too fancy. Too thin. Her hand stopped in front of one boasting a wide, black, single-edged steel blade. Slightly longer than her previous weapon, the blade extended straight out before curving slightly along the final third of its length. Beneath the cruciform crossguard, the grip rippled as if a serpent tightly clutched it within its coils.
Amber pointed at the display. “There. Not as wide as my last one, but it’ll do.”
Byron lumbered over and removed the sword from its place. “It will serve you well, I’m sure. Fifty thousand Gold, and it’s yours.”
“Fifty thousand?” Syrus scoffed, approaching the dog and inspecting the sword. “That blade can’t hold much quality, then. A sword like that would easily go for at least thrice that amount.”
Amber turned on him. “Ain’t no way Byron’s work ain’t the finest there is. Ya blind?
“Easy there,” Byron said. “Normally, wolf, you would be correct. I would ask for a lot more, but I’ll consider the bulk of that already paid for through your friend’s wonderful company.”
Incredulity twisted Cade’s face while his gaze flitted from fox to dog several times over. “Amber?”
“Folks walking into my shop are always: ‘Byron forge this’, ‘Byron forge that’, ‘Byron sell me a weapon’. Afterwards, their tails are out that door without much more from their mouths. Nice to have someone stop in and offer good chat.”
“Amber?”
“Close yer gob before flies nest in it.” Amber brushed past Cade, fetching the coin pouch fastened to her waist. Fiddling with the drawstrings, she grunted while attempting to loosen them with her teeth. Once opening it, she wedged the pouch between her side and arm stump, painstakingly picking out the required coins and cursing every time one slipped from her grasp. Once finished, she offered them to Byron who then handed her the sword. Holding the blade aloft, she tested its weight with her wrist before nodding and resting the blunt edge against her shoulder.
“Don’t be a stranger, now,” Byron said to her. “If you ever pass near Theosis again, stop by, and we can enjoy each other some more.” The giant dog winked, and Amber simply nodded and turned her head away as if studying the collections of battle tools once more.
“Here’s a thought.” Cade strode up to Byron, a hand placed confidently on his hip. “Rather than wait around for her return, why not join us so you two can revel in each other as much as you like? A fellow with a mind for the forge such as yourself would no doubt prove invaluable to the guild I’m putting together. You already seem to have Amber’s approval, and I assure you, friend, that’s no trivial feat. What do you say?”
Byron’s thunderous laughter met his outstretched hand. “Bold offer, but Amber already told me about your little project. I can’t just pack up everything I have, abandon my business, to follow some ragtag hopefuls. You think I stay sweating my loins off in Aridesca for my own pleasure? Hoho, no. With soldiers hungering for anything of even slight magical capacity, this is the most profitable location.
“But abandon that dejected face of yours. Finish your guild. Get yourself some prestige and ask me again. Prove defeating Kajo was more than just a fluke. Maybe I could be tempted to accept if you can make it worth my while.”
Cade shrugged. “Worth a shot, I suppose. Come on Syrus. Let’s see if we can’t acquire you some arrows.”
With a swirl of his cloak, Cade lead the others away. Amber followed in the back with a proud swagger until reaching the door leading out of the display room. She stopped. For a moment, something tugged within her. Should she look back? Gift Byron with one final glance? Blowing a quick burst of air from her nostrils, she jettisoned with it the unwelcome weed of sentiment attempting to take root. Forcing her paw to lift, she stepped through the doorway.
Things are still in the drafting phase right now. This is by no means the final form of the chapter. Critique is more than welcome.
Other comments such as what worked and what you enjoyed are also a big help to the development of this project.
Chapter 1 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/47108770/
Chapter 2 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/48752162/
Chapter 3 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/49597363/
Chapter 4 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/52304327/
Chapter 5 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/53094343/
Chapter 6 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/54478623/
Chapter 7 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/54478880/
Chapter 8 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/56095422/
Chapter 9 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/56757393/
Chapter 10 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/57532738/
Chapter 11 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/59333072/
Chapter 12 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/60390741/
Chapter 13 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/62118422/
Chapter 14: can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/63156739/
Chapter 15
They’re Master Works All
Amber’s empty stomach barked complaints while she passed by the final few shops on the mercantile area’s left side. No blacksmith. She sent a groan skyward before starting her begrudging march back. She sneered at the apothecaries peddling their poultices and physicks, stands advertising fabrics and dyes, and a shop displaying pointless baubles posing as children’s playthings. What use did she have for such useless chag?
Her stomach growled again. Cade and Syrus probably sat in a tavern with the young ones silencing their guts with a cheap yet satisfying meal. Meanwhile, she trekked on, starving and sweating in the rising heat. Should she just concede and join the others? The fox scowled. Imagining Cade’s smug face was all she needed to do to banish all thoughts of returning.
At last, a building more cottage than shop loomed at the very end of the market’s righthand side. Sequestered away from the others by ample space, it rested near the city’s walls. Smoke billowed from a girthy chimney, and a painted sign hung from the eaves. A hammer and anvil. A blacksmith? Scampering up to the building, Amber shoved through the hustling bodies that threatened to batter her small frame about like frothing ocean waves. Once at the door, she shoved it open as if she lived there.
A massive dog sporting thick white and brown fur sat behind a counter near the back wall, looking up from an interrupted meal of roasted fowl. The savory scent wafted into Amber’s nostrils, tantalizing her stomach. She eyed the shopkeeper’s meal, saliva pooling in her mouth until the dog’s deep and playful voice snapped her from the scent-induced intoxication.
“Hoho, you’re not shy about eyeing my food, are you? Care for some, perchance?”
Amber slurped up the drool that snuck out from between her closed lips.
“Already ate. But if yer offerin’, not gonna spit in yer face by sayin’ no.”
The dog chuckled before motioning her over, the muscles in his arms rolling like boulders beneath his fur. Amber approached the counter with casual steps, casting aside her blade in favor of the bird’s leg offered to her. Sinking her teeth into the meat, she tore away at it without a word of gratitude. Even devoid of spices and seasoning, the flesh blessed her tongue, and she soon gnawed at the bone, scraping away at any further scraps she could acquire.
Her rapturous mood dissipated upon noticing the dog’s attention on the stump serving as a poor excuse for her right arm. Growling at him, she clenched her teeth around the bone so hard it nearly snapped.
“What ya gawkin’ at? Mind yer eyes before I tear ‘em out.”
“You’re a vicious ball of blaze, aren’t you? Sorry for staring. Just didn’t expect to come across a kindred soul.”
The dog stood from his seat and lumbered out from behind the counter. His simple attire, a long brown cloth folded and tied to cover his loins, allowed full view of his powerful build. Wide pectorals showed proudly in the open as did a large, round gut carrying the same solid appearance as the rest of his body. He turned around, and Amber furrowed a puzzled brow. No tail.
He didn’t linger. He soon returned to his seat, scratching behind one of his drooping ears while taking some meat into his jowled jaws.
“Take it from one who knows, miss. The deep forests of Fjordren are a dangerous place, especially for young ones who don’t mind their mothers like me. Lots of predators would’ve loved to have snagged the rest, ohohoho.” He pointed at Amber’s missing arm “Sorry for prying, but you look like the kind of scrapper who would carry that as a souvenir after some great crossing of blades.”
The fox flicked an ear. “Ya could say that.”
“Bet I should’ve seen what you did to that other guy, eh?”
Amber looked at the floor. Silence lingered in the air before she uttered a lamenting, “Yes.”
“Sorry to bring up old wounds.” The dog smiled at his own wordplay. “Talking of blades, that sword of yours looks like it’s seen fairer weather. Allow me to finish my breakfast, and I’ll see what I can do about finding you a replacement. Of course, I’ll be able to get to that sooner if I had some help with it.”
He held out the second leg to Amber who threw a suspicious glare his way.
“Go ahead. I don’t mind.” He patted his large stomach, chuckling. “As you can see, I could go with sacrificing some meals.”
“If yer gonna force me to.” Amber took the offering, filling her stomach once more. “Name’s Amber. Not ‘miss’. Got that? Don’t call me that chag again.”
“Hoho, Amber it is, then. You can call me Byron.”
“Didn’t ask, but alright.”
The two spent the next few moments sharing both meal and company. Byron’s eyes went wide when Amber explained the reason for her blade’s current state.
“Ha! I knew you were a ferocious one. Imagine that. Fighting Kajo and not only surviving but besting him? You and your mates must be an impressive bunch.”
“They’re just lucky they ‘ave me ‘round ta carry their sorry tails.”
Byron stood, abandoning the plate now carrying only bones and residual scraps. “Too bad your lovely sword had to pay such a price. But fortunately, you’ve stumbled into Byron’s. Not to boast, but my smithing is quite revered here in Aridesca.”
“Oh, and what makes ya so special?” Despite her harsh tone, Amber did not hold back a teasing smile.
“Follow me. I’ll show you.”
Byron escorted her to a door in the back, allowing Amber to step through first. The fox’s mouth hung open, her vision blessed with aisles and aisles of assorted steel and iron. Racing past displays of longswords hanging against the wall and spears set up in racks at the front, she set her sights on the awe-inspiring handiwork in the back. Broadswords, greatswords, and claymores, all masterfully crafted with careful and intricate design, hung like trophies along the back wall, their huge blades glistening proudly. Colossal axes, halberds and polearms stood like trees in their racks, sporting massive and imposing blades on staffs that would have towered over Cade and Syrus. Far different from the front display of shared designs common as the Aridescan sand, each of these claimed their own blade as beautifully unique as they were deadly.
“They’re so…big.”
“Figured those would interest you.” Byron walked up from behind, joining her in her admiration. “One look at that beauty of yours told me you share my affection for heavy steel. Not many in Fantasia appreciate such arms, I’m afraid, but they’re a passion of mine. Pity they don’t sell often. Hoho, but then, only giants like me would be able to carry them, eh?”
“I…love them.”
“Oho, but those aren’t what makes me special. This is.”
Byron walked to the side and retrieved a giant iron war hammer hanging in its own display. Coated in a deep black sheen with both handle and head carved out to appear like volcanic rock, the colossal weapon fit the blacksmith’s grip as if made solely for him. A vicious pick adorned the head on one side, connecting to the handle before giving way to a huge blunt cube baring spiked teeth along the outermost side. Crisscrossing veins of red ran along the onyx crags, standing out against the hammer’s dark coloration.
“My greatest pride. The first weapon I successfully crafted with a smithing technique I stumbled upon when scouring old texts from Madra Gaiza.”
He gave the handle a swift crank below the head, and the veins blazed with fire along the cracks of the hammer’s head. A small stream of flame vented from the center amidst the iron teeth before being snuffed out as quickly as it was birthed by another crank of the handle.
“Magic infusion,” he said, returning the weapon to its home. “Just take some Leechstone gorged with magic and smelt it with the metal. High ranking soldiers often pester me for babies like these. Among the magically inept, such weapons must make them feel like the Cantors themselves.”
Amber set her sword aside to take hold of the pole of one of the mighty halberds, running her fingers along its great length.
“Won’t lie,” she said, giving Byron a side glance. “Ya got talent. Got any other talents, or this all ya come with? Maybe got somethin’ else big ya wanna show off?”
Byron erupted into laughter. “I might have a bit of something else. The forge is this way. Follow me, and I’ll show you what I’ve been working on.”
Though crowded, the tavern in which Cade and his companions found themselves in offered a calming atmosphere. The interactions between patrons followed a far more civilized model than the rowdy and volatile atmosphere of Outland establishments. Quiet chattering mixed with the soothing falsetto voice of the tavern’s bard singing the adulations of Aridescan war heroes long passed while playing gentle twanging notes from his lute.
Various aromas wafted around the room from dishes carried by servers who moved effectively among the seats to deliver their offerings of food. Once making their way to Cade’s table, a trio of workers set down plates carrying a large roll of bread hollowed out in the center to accommodate a concoction of savory-smelling stew broth, carrots, celery, and tender meat. Beside each lay two thick cuts of deep yellow cheese.
Cade dug into his remaining coin pouch, taking out a few of the gold-colored pieces and handing them to the servers as they took their leave with a nod of gratitude. He then removed two of the higher valued coins and slid them over to Gabe. The young deer stared at the shimmering objects, shifting his eyes between them and the weasel.
“You mean this is mine?”
“Of course,” Cade said, taking a wet piece of meat between his claws and bringing it near his cheek. Vlakas lunged his neck out from within his cloak, grabbing the food in his mouth before retreating to tear at the stringy flesh.
“You’re part of Rogues Paid Gold now, aren’t you? Every member gets a cut.”
“That’s not fair,” Elysia said. “I want one, too.”
“Fair as it gets, I’m afraid. We’re simply your escorts. Once you’re home, we can speak with your family about you joining the guild proper.”
“Speaking of that,” Syrus said, handing Kairi a piece of the roll he had broken off. “What’s the plan? No doubt you’ve already conjured one up without giving me privilege of hearing it.”
“We first need to find Amber, wherever she’s found herself at. Should get you some proper arrows, now that I think about it. Then a quick flight to Jahrrko, claim more of the bounty, and be on our way to deliver Elysia back to The Greyai.”
Syrus bolted up, toppling his chair and sending a thud ringing off the tavern walls along with Kairi’s shrieks. “The Greyai? You didn’t tell me she lived in Fjordren.”
“Oh. Uh, didn’t I?” Cade grinned sheepishly, darting his eyes around the vicinity. All chatter and music lay at rest, his table claiming the attention of everyone in the room. “Just a light tiff between mates,” he said to the crowd. “Nothing to concern yourselves with. Carry on.”
“That’s vital information, Cade.” Syrus kept his voice low. “My face is posted up in every tavern there.”
“You’re not leaving, are you, Mr. Syrus?”
Elysia clasped his hand and sent a pleading stare up at him. Sighing, the wolf righted his chair before slumping into it.
“I owe Cade my service for life. No choice but to stay.”
“Don’t get your head mired down with worry,” Cade said. “I’m sure the Fjordren authorities won’t recognize you now that your hair looks fit to nest birds.”
“Surely you couldn’t have done anything to have Fjordren against you,” Gabe said. “Right? I’ve been around you for a bit now, and you don’t seem the type to me.”
The wolf closed his eyes. “You’re right in half that regard. Fjordren authorities think I murdered my previous charge. We were ambushed by a hidden foe. The guards came late in response to find him dead and my daggers drawn and bloodied.”
He glanced at Elysia, melancholic green eyes betraying his stoic mask. “I’d sooner die than let that be repeated. You have my word. I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe.”
The mouse hopped from her seat, and embraced Syrus. Attempting to remedy the soured mood, Gabe soon offered up his talents by working his fingers against his lyre. He began reciting a humorous Aridescan folksong about a fictional peasant blamed for everyone’s misfortune be it plague, loss, or slight inconvenience. A multitude of tavern visitors, finding themselves ensnared in the young deer’s performance, laughed and clapped their hands in tempo to the upbeat rhythm, transitioning to eruptive applause at end. With spirits lifted anew, Cade and his companions returned to their food while the tavern’s bard resumed his own song after a haughty clearing of his throat.
Once finished, the group took their leave, making their way past the multitude of tables. Cade paused beside one occupied by a guild discussing matters amongst themselves. When they paused to give him an inquisitive eye, he placed a small stack of coins onto the table with a confident clack. Sliding the offering across, he watched the occupants follow its movement like a predator stalking its hapless prey.
“There’s a wagon with some Pakra outside the front gates. Could you be gracious enough to ensure their homecoming for me? Just head straight out the gates with them and you’ll soon come across a shelter fit to burst with the beasts. Can’t miss it. Many thanks.”
He strode off, smiling to himself once the clinking of coins reached his ear.
Joining with his guild outside the tavern, he worked against the teeming throng occupying the city square. Focusing on the fiery tail inside the Waypoint Glass, he followed its direction, inadvertently knocking shoulders with more than a couple random figures while tracking Amber. Heeding its guidance, they soon arrived at the large cottage-shaped establishment displaying the blacksmith insignia. Entering the interior yielded no sign of Amber, only a massive dog who lumbered toward him with hand outstretched.
“Welcome. What brings you to Byron’s today, friend?”
Cade grasped the shopkeeper’s hand in greeting, trying not to gawk at his hand vanishing inside the strong grip. “By any chance, has a small, one-armed fox stopped in to buy a replacement sword?
Byron’s jovial demeanor fell, hardening into a glare while threatening teeth revealed themselves from within raised gums. He loomed over Cade, pressing his bulk against him so that the fur on his rotund abdomen brushed against the tip of Cade’s nose.
“So, you’re the one responsible for shattering that lovely blade. Count yourself lucky I don’t snap your body like a dried branch.”
“Now, now.” Cade cleared his throat to chase away the small tremor in his voice. “I don’t know what Amber told you, but there’s no need for violence.”
Byron’s brown eyes blazed behind a mask of black fur before softening. His jowls pulled upward into a smile, and he belted out booming laughter that forced Cade to cover his ears.
“Ohohoho! Apologies, friend. Only tugging your tail. All in good fun, eh? Seas and skies, if only I were a mirror so you could’ve seen yourself.”
Cade gave the dog a grin. “No worries, mate. Like you said, all in good fun.”
Byron wiped moisture from his eye before motioning with his large hand for Cade and the others to follow, taking them to the door leading to the weapon display room. “Your fox is through here, examining my wares. I’m sure she’ll find something just as worthy for her, if not more so, than the one before.”
Elysia stood, mouth open, once through the door. Spinning around, she tried to take in the sheer number of armaments all at once. Cade strode past the longswords, admiring their blades and covetously toying with the pommel of his own. They located Amber in the back, standing in front of the colossal blades presented on their wall mounts. Her large ears turned to catch the sound of paws hitting against the floor right before her head followed.
“Ack, I was just gettin’ comfortable havin’ time away from yer mite-bitten face.”
“Have you settled on one yet?” Cade asked.
“Yer fur’s not gonna run off without ya. Byron’s got so many beautiful babies ‘ere it’s hard ta decide.”
She moved her hand along the displays, casting judgement as she walked past sword after sword. Too short. Too fancy. Too thin. Her hand stopped in front of one boasting a wide, black, single-edged steel blade. Slightly longer than her previous weapon, the blade extended straight out before curving slightly along the final third of its length. Beneath the cruciform crossguard, the grip rippled as if a serpent tightly clutched it within its coils.
Amber pointed at the display. “There. Not as wide as my last one, but it’ll do.”
Byron lumbered over and removed the sword from its place. “It will serve you well, I’m sure. Fifty thousand Gold, and it’s yours.”
“Fifty thousand?” Syrus scoffed, approaching the dog and inspecting the sword. “That blade can’t hold much quality, then. A sword like that would easily go for at least thrice that amount.”
Amber turned on him. “Ain’t no way Byron’s work ain’t the finest there is. Ya blind?
“Easy there,” Byron said. “Normally, wolf, you would be correct. I would ask for a lot more, but I’ll consider the bulk of that already paid for through your friend’s wonderful company.”
Incredulity twisted Cade’s face while his gaze flitted from fox to dog several times over. “Amber?”
“Folks walking into my shop are always: ‘Byron forge this’, ‘Byron forge that’, ‘Byron sell me a weapon’. Afterwards, their tails are out that door without much more from their mouths. Nice to have someone stop in and offer good chat.”
“Amber?”
“Close yer gob before flies nest in it.” Amber brushed past Cade, fetching the coin pouch fastened to her waist. Fiddling with the drawstrings, she grunted while attempting to loosen them with her teeth. Once opening it, she wedged the pouch between her side and arm stump, painstakingly picking out the required coins and cursing every time one slipped from her grasp. Once finished, she offered them to Byron who then handed her the sword. Holding the blade aloft, she tested its weight with her wrist before nodding and resting the blunt edge against her shoulder.
“Don’t be a stranger, now,” Byron said to her. “If you ever pass near Theosis again, stop by, and we can enjoy each other some more.” The giant dog winked, and Amber simply nodded and turned her head away as if studying the collections of battle tools once more.
“Here’s a thought.” Cade strode up to Byron, a hand placed confidently on his hip. “Rather than wait around for her return, why not join us so you two can revel in each other as much as you like? A fellow with a mind for the forge such as yourself would no doubt prove invaluable to the guild I’m putting together. You already seem to have Amber’s approval, and I assure you, friend, that’s no trivial feat. What do you say?”
Byron’s thunderous laughter met his outstretched hand. “Bold offer, but Amber already told me about your little project. I can’t just pack up everything I have, abandon my business, to follow some ragtag hopefuls. You think I stay sweating my loins off in Aridesca for my own pleasure? Hoho, no. With soldiers hungering for anything of even slight magical capacity, this is the most profitable location.
“But abandon that dejected face of yours. Finish your guild. Get yourself some prestige and ask me again. Prove defeating Kajo was more than just a fluke. Maybe I could be tempted to accept if you can make it worth my while.”
Cade shrugged. “Worth a shot, I suppose. Come on Syrus. Let’s see if we can’t acquire you some arrows.”
With a swirl of his cloak, Cade lead the others away. Amber followed in the back with a proud swagger until reaching the door leading out of the display room. She stopped. For a moment, something tugged within her. Should she look back? Gift Byron with one final glance? Blowing a quick burst of air from her nostrils, she jettisoned with it the unwelcome weed of sentiment attempting to take root. Forcing her paw to lift, she stepped through the doorway.
Category Story / Fantasy
Species Unspecified / Any
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File Size 27.7 kB
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