Chapter 6: A Short Break (Revised)


    The sound of dry heaving made itself known as it filled the ears of those traveling, apanied by the hiss of organic material being dissolved and corroded. An odorless dark red liquid fell onto the grass and instantly caused it to wilt. It was the poison from the previous night that Ira''s body was forcing out.


    Are you sure youre ok? Amy stared at Ira with a disturbed expression.


    In fact, everyone silently looked at him in shock, except for Captain Avery, who seemed to be unaffected. After the attack, the seven Knights found out they were drugged and captured by the traitors and were angry with their own ipetence. The legless Knight Robert was kept alive by Captain Avery for some unknown purpose, he was tied to her horse, his face covered with a bup sack and his mouth gagged. The vige children were shaken from the attack, although they wanted adventure and risk, the reality was way different from expectations. Other than Ira and Captain Avery, everyone seemed to be a little sullen.


    I think that was the- Ira leaned over and vomited more poison before he continued, Last of it. Ira gave Amy a carefree smile.


    Iras whole appearance was pretty terrible, his clothes were tattered, he was covered in dried blood, but surprisingly his wounds were more or less gone. Captain Avery walked towards Ira and handed him a sk and a rag, the intention was obvious. Ira wordlessly epted with a grin. Under the gazes of everyone, he ripped off his ragged shirt and began to pour the contents of the sk on himself, after he used the rag to wipe the blood away. Eventually, Ira wiped away most of the blood before handing the sk and rag back to Captain Avery.


    Thanks, Ira said cheerfully.


    Captain Avery nodded before continuing to walk.


    "When did they get so close?" Someone whispered.


    Many Knights observed Ira closer. Now that his upper body was cleaned of blood, his muscles could be seen. Most of the people in the group stared at Ira weirdly. Eyes were filled with confusion, praise, envy, embarrassment, and astonishment. This sixteen-year-old youth was skinny, yet every muscle was clearly defined and brought out a feeling of durability. It was as if Ira did rigorous training for his whole life. A few vige boys around the same age felt jealous, their bodies were average at best, though they couldnt be med, peaceful vige life wasnt a good environment for getting stronger. Amy was the only exception, as she began spear training a few years ago, and instinctively picked it up, her own physique was better than most of the vige boys.


    So are all of you going to keep staring? Ira asked aloud.


    Everyone looked away shamefully, though he would still get an asional nce. Amy was among those who sent a few nces towards him which didn''t escape rk''s notice.


    Ira, I have an extra shirt, if you want it. rk pulled a shirt out his bag and brought it over to Ira.


    Ira nced at the shirt and then chuckled, rkThats an ugly shirt. An incredibly ugly shirt.


    A few others were listening to the interaction and couldn''t help but to make a few stifledughs.


    Uhhahaha.rkughed awkwardly, he knew his vige clothes were of poor quality, but the reason he felt awkward was that he was currently wearing the same exact shirt.


    There is a town just ahead. Captain Avery spoke loudly, causing everyone to look ahead.


    Indeed there was a town, the atmosphere was lively as people roamed the streets. Arge sign hung above the entrance which read "Colmar". Captain Avery showed her identification to the gatekeepers and led the group into the town. Under her instruction, the Knights went to buy a sizable carriage, and the vigers were allowed to walk around for a few hours, the injured Robert was temporarily left under the watch of the town guards. Captain Avery took Ira to a clothing store and Amy decided to tag along, even though she didnt have much money, rk trailed behind them even though he had no money, he wanted to ask his grandfather for some, but he couldn''t drum up the courage.


    Wee! Let me know if I can help you. An old woman greeted the four as they walked in.She looked at Ira strangely, but noticed Captain Avery''s military uniform and put all other thoughts to the back of her mind.


    I need clothes for the boy with me and also I need my jacket to be fixed within a few hours.Captain Avery said before removing her jacket and handing it to the woman.


    The jacket is no problem. Does your friend have any clothing preferences?The woman politely asked. Captain Avery didn''t even need to think before answering.


    Anything ck.


    You know me so well. Iraughed in a jokingly. In truth, Ira did have a preference toward the color ck. Just seeing it helped remind him of his time in the Void.


    And would the other two be interested in anything? The shopkeeper looked towards Amy and rk.


    Could you find me something easy to move around in? Amy spoke up.


    No problem, youngdy. And the young man?The shopkeeper asked politely.


    Uhrk scratched his head.


    Noticing rks hesitation Captain Avery spoke.There should be a cksmith around, find me some ck boots that are good forbat.


    She handed rk a wad of money and then dismissed him, rk could only helplessly leave the store.


    The storekeeper took Captain Averys coat into a back room and emerged with two baskets full of clothes. One basket held only ck clothes and the other held a variety of colored clothes. Captain Avery sorted through the basket of ck clothes, and pulled out a long sleeve ck shirt and ck pants, tossing them to Ira, who then disappeared behind a changing curtain. Amy looked on feeling a tinge of jealousy, both she and Captain Avery met Ira around the same time, and yet she seemed to understand Ira more than anyone even though his behavior was a mystery. Added to the fact that Captain Avery was very beautiful and beyond talented with a sword, Amy couldn''t help but envy her.


    Avender color would work best with your green eyes. The shopkeeper said enthusiastically as she handed a few purple shirts to Amy.


    Thank you. Amy took the shirts and went behind another changing curtain. While Captain Avery found a chair to sit in and waited.


    ..


    Seventy Gre.


    The shopkeeper said smilingly. Captain Avery pulled out a bill, which read 100, stamped with a reflective bear emblem.


    A printed currency would''ve been frowned upon at one point in time, but through a mix of alchemy, magic, and abination of minerals, the Kingdom''s bills were reactive to light. Discerning a counterfeit bill from a real one wasn''t very difficult, and those caught counterfeiting bills would lose a hand, so cases of fake bills were basically non-existent.


    Keep the change. Captain Avery said as she put on her newly stitched military jacket.


    Thank you, Miss. The shopkeeper said happily.


    Thank you, Captain Avery, Amy said before making a small bow towards Captain Avery, who nodded in response. Amy felt grateful due to Captain Avery paying for her clothes, but Avery didn''t mind it. After all her family had more money than they could possibly spend.


    As they left Ira and Amy exchanged nces. Ira was wearing a fitting ck shirt and ck pants. Amy was wearing a short sleeve purple shirt, tan pants, and her brown leather boots from the vige.


    Looking good, Amy!


    Ira smiled, giving Amy a thumbs up.


    Amy put her head down and slightly blushed, and noticing Ira finally said her name. rk met up with them outside the store and gave the boots to Ira. Ira put them on and kicked a few times.


    Thanks. Ira smiled cheerfully turning to Captain Avery who made a barely detectable grin in response


    Try not to lose next time. Captain Avery tacked on slyly. Iras eye twitched but he kept his smile.


    .


    The group reassembled and piled into a carriage. The destination was Rothenberg, one of the major cities that housed a teleportation array straight to the Capital. The journey was unobstructed and proceeded quickly. After a week of traveling, Rothenburg was a half day away and Captain Avery began prepping the vige kids for the academy in the Capital.


    Listen up, other than Ira and Amy, you all have basic potential. Youll be treated as students and be given the very minimum amount of education and training, those who show potential will be given ess to more academic resources and training. Noble families will attempt to recruit those who show talent, and while the offers may seem attractive, there are many dangers you could face. epting one offer over another may offend the second party, and the possibility of being killed because of this isnt low, and then, of course, you may be put in between rivaling factions and be brought into conflict whether you''re willing or not. I would advise you to exercise caution, if you arent prepared for the danger, the Kingdom or the Temples are the safer bets, but the benefits can becking and arent up for negotiation. My family is also recruiting and the benefits are much better than most other houses, but the requirements to join are beyond strict, and the number of people plotting against us is numerous. Captain Avery exined seriously.


    The vige kids felt excitement and fear at Captain Averys words. Although they took her words seriously, whether they would listen or not was hard to say. These viges youths were more prone to temptation because of their inexperience and naivet.


    Ira sat in the carriage with his eyes closed, seemingly unconcerned with the Academy or the Capital.


    Will you be joining Captain Avery or going to the Academy? rk asked Ira curiously. Amy and Captain Avery also listened in on the conversation.


    Neither, Well be parting ways at the Capital, Ira said uninterestedly without even opening his eyes. Amy looked disappointed, seeing as she has yet to repay Ira for saving her, twice. Captain Avery on the other hand, had a look of contemtion.


    Though you wont be joining my family, I hope we can continue to assist one another. Captain Avery said before waiting for Ira''s response.


    Sure, were friends arent we? Ira opened his eyes and looked at Captain Avery with a carefree smile.


    Captain Avery was taken off guard but answered anyway. We are, arent we? She smiled at Ira beforeughing at the thought of it. It could be said that she had no actual friends, not that she wanted any in first ce.


    The whole group was stunned when they heard Captain Averys pure and sereneugh, it gave one a sense offort. The Knights were stunned even more because none of them had ever witnessed their Captainugh or smile so brightly, and Captain Avery seemed too cold for friends. A and she went back to her indifferent attitude, with a faint trace of a grin. Ira chuckled before closing his eyes again.


    ..