《Unlicensed Practitioner》


 Murky Thoughts and a big Sucker

    Robert walked along an empty road with no particular destination.  The wind pressed his thin shirt against his medium frame and whipped the trailing ends of straps of his backpack like twin tails of a hunted beast.  The light from the setting sun shone on a world of concrete and glass that seemed to press in and loom over the lone figure of Robert trudging along.


    Robert was not comfortable in the city.  He moved here for the sole reason of attending a particular school, but that reason was over and done.  The last day closing and leaving him without a sense of direction.


    Things were so much easier in books and shows.  The protagonist travels the world in search of the MacGuffin and along the way meets a great partner or even group of partners.  After various adventures or misadventures finds a happy ending.


    Smiling wryly to himself or perhaps at himself, he stepped out into the crosswalk.  Crossing the street he noticed an odd smell and a warm breeze that seemed to be blowing out of the alley to his left.  A loud buzzing sound drew his attention and he decided he might as well take a look into the alley.  Just as he reached the mouth of the alleyway a large mosquito flew out.


    ¡°What the hell?¡±  Robert backpedalled fiercely in order to dodge the 2 meter long wings of the insect.


    The mosquito¡¯s bloated belly swayed as it turned towards him.  Large eyes glinting menacingly it darted towards him.  Robert dodged and stumbled into the alley suddenly sliding on slick swampy ground.  Looking behind him he saw the insect reorienting on him with the concrete buildings and asphalt behind it, but the mosquito seemed framed by a quickly diminishing heat haze.  Suddenly it was gone and a dark muddy cave wall took its place.


    On the muddy ground nearby was a gaunt body of a man that appeared drained of blood.  The body wore denim pants and a leather coat over what looked like a chain mail shirt.  A red light blinked on large black and gold bracelet that encircled the corpse¡¯s left arm.


    ¡°Zaab Steho Senota¡± said a monotone voice.


    Robert did not notice the voice.  Stunned, he looked around at the swamp cave and the glowing fungus clinging to the walls.


    ¡°Where the hell am I?¡±


    ¡°Fewee!¡± A strange sound fills the cave with an exclamatory sound.  Startled, Robert noticed that the light on the corpse¡¯s bracelet was blinking yellow and blue in a rhythmic pattern.


    ¡°User-interface restarted.  Language selection changed and dictionaries reloaded.¡±  The dispassionate voice stated.


    ¡°Please equip bridge deck to continue.¡± A green light blinked in a steady rhythm from the device on the withered limb.  With a click it slid off the corpse and lay blinking on the ground.


    Robert stared at the bracelet for a minute before shaking his head and moving towards the daylight streaming from the cave entrance.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°I am either crazy, dreaming, or this is another world.¡±  Robert muttered as he stared at the land outside the cave.  A dark green river oozed through trees with large red leaves.  A dark brown bullfrog the size of a St. Bernard sat croaking on the shoreline.  A cobblestone road wended a path through the forest to his left and thorny scrub brush lined the path.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll take a look around the cave, no that I hold much hope for a gateway suddenly appearing again.¡± Robert searched the cave and only found some squirming eggs floating in a muddy pool, the body, and the still blinking ¡°bracelet.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not going to make it very far in my current outfit.¡±


    With a sigh Robert started stripping the corpse.  The pockets of the leather jacket contained several coins.  The collar was stiff with dried blood.  Robert felt queasy looking at the wound in the area of the shoulder that was not covered by the jacket and chain mail.  The chain mail was light and he considered taking it, but decided against it in the long run.  Beneath the chain mail was a surprise.  Under the chainmail was a vest of some type of material that looked an awful lot like Kevlar.


    After a few more minutes of debate Robert finally decided the thorny brush outside the cave necessitated the denim pants.  With his fingers crossed he pulled down the pants.


    ¡°Thank god he¡¯s wearing underwear.¡± Leaving the boxer shorts on the still warm corpse he realized that he never removed its shoes.  Black leather riding boots caked with mud proved to be more challenging to remove, but the corpse was recent and still relatively pliable.  Looking down at his soft walking shoes Robert sighed.


    ¡°Well with that swamp boots would be better¡­¡± he thought unlacing his shoes and trying to pull on the boots.  His toes hit something hard near the toe of the boot.  With a sigh he pulled it back off only to realize that something was hidden there.  A wad of cloth and more coins were wedged in the toes of both boots.  Apparently the former owner had small feet.  The boots fit nearly perfectly once he removed the hidden cache of coins and what appeared to be some type of paper currency.


    In the end the pants were too loose, the boots vest and coat fit fairly well.  But even loose the pants were sturdier when compared to his.  The coins and bills gave him some peace of mind, but there was still one more thing with which he had to deal.


    Finally, Robert reached down and picked up the bracelet-like device.  It felt warm and it felt like it was emanating the heat in a manner similar to a phone or tablet.


    ¡°Well maybe it¡¯ll be of some use.¡± Robert muttered.


    ¡°Please equip bridge deck to continue.¡± replied the device.


    ¡°Yeah right.¡± Robert said as he stuffed the thing in his backpack.

 Of spiders and merchants

    "I certainly can''t stay here." He looked around the cave one more time as he left.  "I know I should be more concerned with how I got here, but that needs to wait.  I don''t know for certain that the bug killed him and sitting here wondering what''s going on sure isn''t going to help me if something else shows up."


    Robert left the cave and searched the muddy surroundings.  There was the cobblestone path to the left of the cave, but on further inspection it was only a segment of road and sank into murky water after a short stretch in either direction, becoming nothing more than a rough rectangular patch of stonework.  Noting several footprints in the mud coming down a small rise he picked his way along the impromptu path.  He stopped about halfway up to carefully check what was over it.  What he found was a deeply rutted road meandering through the trees.  Here and there were wider patches of cobblestones as if it had once been a well maintained artery.


    "Well, let''s see what''s down this road.  But which way?"  To his left the road appeared to run lower closer to the swamp with parts containing pooled water.  The road to his right ascended a hill.


    Sskritch.  Sskritch.


    Robert turned back to his left to identify the source of the noise.  A large reptile with dark grey-green scales and wicked curved teeth was lumbering across a patch of ruined cobbles.  Its scaled tail dragging across the stones made the sound.  A bright red tongue darted out and with a burst of speed it darted into the trees.  A bleating noise came from the shadows.  The reptile appeared back out of the trees desperately trying to get across the road; however something unseen dragged it by its tail back into the trees.  After a load rattling hiss and a few more seconds of struggle quiet returned to the area.


    "So, up the hill.  Definitely, up the hill."  Robert said as he turned to his right and stumbled over something in the brush by the side of the road.


    "Ouch! What the hell was that!?"


    A small stone statue had fallen from a pedestal.  Robert had only stumbled against the pedestal, but the statue was caked in mud and the vines twisted around the curve of its waist showing that the fall it had suffered was not due to Robert.  The form of a young woman merged with the body of a spider.  The white marble of the torso still gleamed under the mud and vines, while the contrasting obsidian spider abdomen and legs seemed to be pristine.


    "Actually, it''s quite pretty in a way."


    Robert had always enjoyed sculpture and held those with the ability to make such works in high esteem.  He had tried his hand at wood carving and found that he lacked the proper sense of perspective.  Despite the distinct danger in the area he decided to quickly remove the vines and brushed off the statue settling it back onto the pedestal.  After taking a moment to look around to make sure nothing was creeping up on him, he then cleared some of the brush to make certain nobody else would stumble over it.  While clearing the brush he found a corked bottle containing a clear liquid.  The bottle was half buried in the ground next to the pedestal.


    "Well, it''s not like anyone''s going to drink it."


    Working the rotting cork out to open the bottle he used the contents to thoroughly wash away the remaining dirt from the statue.


    "Okay little lady.  Not sure if you are a mile marker or a warning sign, but I need to get going."  He sketched a lighthearted bow towards the statue and with a wave set off up the hill.


    (This action is misread,"He already bathed and cleaned my body thouroughly" WHAT!?)


    Robert soon found that climbing the hill took more effort than initially expected.  The sun was higher in the sky and the near noonday heat mixed with the humidity and his exertion was starting to make the layered clothing weigh heavily on his frame.  Reaching the crest of the hill he noticed a relatively straight branch of wood on the shoulder of the road.  Feeling that it might be useful to test any muddy patches or streams for depth he picked it up and began using it as a hiking staff.


    Beyond the hill the road appeared to be in better shape.  The places missing cobblestones were far fewer than back near the swamp.  Looking behind him he could make out the sluggish green river flowing through the swamp and large insects buzzing around the canopy.


    Ahead of him was open grass land.  Here and there patches of forest grew speckling the green plain with darker green blotches.  It appeared that the land had been cultivated in the past and was now returning to a more natural state.  A few miles in the distance he could see one of those patches of forest hiding the further progress of the road.  Beyond the forest more hills blocked his view.


    The most noteworthy thing was near the area where the road met the forest.  A cluster of carts and humanoid figures were moving slowly along the road away from him.  The carts were being pulled by something large, possibly oxen or horses; at the current distance it was hard to be certain.  Robert decided he would approach the group slowly and see whether he could learn anything about them from a reasonable distance.


    "I need to be on my guard.  I don''t know anything about this place, but I don''t have the leisure to sit and worry about it.  This is not a dream and I am going to need to eat eventually.  Hopefully I can approach then and learn something without appearing weak and clueless."


    After an hour of walking along the road Robert could finally hear the creaking of the wagon and people talking ahead.  Slowing his pace he came around a bend in the road.  After a few more minutes he slowed his pace and could hear the wagons and footsteps slowing to a stop.  He could now see the group and they appeared to be human with two teams of oxen pulling large wooden wagons covered with canvas.  The wagons were reminiscent of the Conestoga wagons he had seen in museums.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The group had come to a stop at the edge of the forest, though now that he was closer he could tell that the forest was actually abandoned orchards, the trees growing in neatly defined lines, trunks in rows like soldiers.  Large clusters of fruit made the branches droop down and some of the people were moving away from the road to gather the fruit, as the trees closer to the road appeared to have been picked clean over time by past travelers.


    A man with a spear, presumably a guard, immediately came to full attention once he noticed Robert.  The guard called out in a gruff voice, but Robert could only guess at the meaning of his words, but given the circumstances, he was likely saying something along the lines of, "Halt, stand and declare yourself!"


    Robert stopped and raised his hands in front of his chest, then pointed towards his mouth and ear then shook his head.


    "I don''t speak that language.  Do you understand me?"


    The guard seeming to understand the situation turned and called out to the wagons behind him.  Soon a tall jolly looking man in fur lined coat emerged from the leading wagon and walked towards Robert while smiling.


    "Hello there.  Can you understand me?"


    "Yes I can.  You know English?"


    "Not sure what that is, but I assume it is the language you are speaking, so no I don''t speak it."  Pointing towards a blue and white bangle on his arm, "This bracelet lets me converse in any language.  It¡¯s an absolute necessity for a merchant like me."


    "That is quite useful." agreed Robert.


    Looking towards the guard, "You there, put that thing down."


    Shrugging the guard placed the butt of the spear back on the ground, but his eyes never really left Robert.


    "I am Melisandro, Arturio Melisandro, a travelling merchant, headed to the town of Stillwall.  You don''t look like a bandit or a shill, would you like to join us for our afternoon rest.  There is plenty of fruit here, all free of charge." he chuckled and winked.


    "I think that sounds good.  My throat is getting a bit dry from the dust of the road.  I''ll try to keep out of the way."  Robert was surprised at how easily the Melisandro made the assumption that he posed no threat, but it worked out to Robert¡¯s benefit, so he was not going to question it further.


    ¡°Are you headed to Stillwall as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±


    ¡°Well stop by my shop, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find something of interest.¡±  The merchant said as he turned towards the wagons.


    ¡°Oh, not sure how familiar you are with the Galen fruit.  Make sure you don¡¯t eat the orange ones.¡± With those parting words Melisandro disappeared back into the wagon.


    ¡°I guess he¡¯s used to travelers.¡±


    Wanting to avoid questioning looks from the guards Robert moved off to the side and took a few of the ripe apple-like fruit from the trees.  The skin of the fruit was mottled red and green.  The flesh and juice was not very sweet, but not sour.  The fruit served well at rehydrating him and filling his stomach.  Hopefully eating it would not have any ill effects due to the difference in worlds, but he figured he had to eat sooner or later, so better sooner than later.


    Robert observed the group milling about and preparing to head off again.  There were three boys in their teens watering the oxen and checking the wagons and equipment.  These were likely the merchant¡¯s employees or apprentices.  Besides the merchant there were six more men, likely guards, ranging in age from their early twenties to much older.  Try as he might he could not recognize the language or any similarities to those with which he was familiar.


    "Ten men and no women, well this seems like a rather medieval setting, so no real surprise I guess.  The language barrier is going to be a problem though.  I hoped that by some luck they spoke something similar to English or a romance language, because then at least I would maybe muddle through somehow.  Heck, I guess I could have even pieced something together from Japanese if I had to, I''ve watched enough subbed anime, but I guess I''ll have to try that thing out after all."  He muttered, thinking of the bracelet he had gotten from the corpse.


    The wagons and men began to move down the road again.  The merchant waved at Robert with a smile as the group began to lumber away.


    "Damn, well I guess I''ll try the bracelet later.  For now I better try to keep up with them.  At least that way if anything shows up like that mosquito or the lizard maybe I can improve my survivability through numbers."  Robert thought. "Though actually, I think I am more concerned about whatever ate the lizard."


    As he shouldered his bag Robert noticed a large spider, presumably a jumper, creeping along the ground nearby.  Tossing the core of the fruit on the ground near the spider, Robert said, "Here you go; this should attract some flies for you."


    Walking off after the merchant''s caravan, Robert failed to see the spider waving a leg in farewell.

 The forest of the past and present

    Robert set off at a steady pace down the road.  He followed the merchant caravan at a distance.  Occasionally he would catch sight of the mercenaries acting as rearguard. The trees of the overgrown orchard soon gave way to a forest of oak, elm, and other varieties he did not recognize.


    When he was younger Robert spent the majority of his free time in the woods  His grandfather had taught him basic survival skills, such as  how to make a fire without matches, building a shelter, tying assorted knots, and even hunting using a split-tip gig.  His grandmother taught him archery and how to field dress a kill.


    In the summer he would take long walks through the woods behind his grandparents¡¯ house. There he practiced walking without making noise in order to better watch and stalk the wildlife. His grandfather did not teach him that skill.  No, he had learned that from her.


    Rose.  Her name fit her perfectly.  Her red hair wild as she snuck through the trees.  They had met by chance during his wanderings.  She claimed to be the queen of the forest glaring down at him from the superior height that many eleven year old girls gained over their male contemporaries.


    For three years they would meet in the woods as if it were another world.  They played and made up stories about the animals and about the ancient old oak tree that grew deep in the woods.  She swore she had seen the dryad with long lush green hair tending to that old monarch of the forest. She was home schooled and she would often be waiting for him to get home.  She would sit perched like royalty on the big granite boulder at the edge of the woods feeding the squirrels with acorns she had gathered on the way from the big old house on the hill in which she lived with her mother.


    She taught him how to fight with sticks, though usually they were branches of appropriate length they found in the woods.  She claimed she learned eskrima, a form of martial arts, from her uncle who lived in the Philippines.  She taught Robert everything she knew from the fencing moves to hand-to-hand combat.  The basic moves included grappling, which was something they rarely practiced once they became more aware of each other as members of the opposite sex.


    As the years passed Robert grew to be taller than her.  She started calling him her giant knight, though really 6¡¯3¡± hardly qualified for that moniker.  He would have to dodge low hanging branches under which she passed with ease.  On sunny days when they ran silently through the trees her bright red hair glowed in the sunlight that made its way through the forest canopy.  The world was alive and bright and to him it grew brighter when she was nearby.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°This brings back too many memories.  She would have loved this place.¡±


    The ache of her loss was still with him.  The last day he saw her she was lying in the hospital bed pale and silent.  Fifteen was too young to die.


    ¡°Who cares where I am?  She¡¯s not there anymore.  She¡¯s gone.  So what if I¡¯m in some strange place.  Every place is strange without her.¡±


    A scream broke him out of his reverie.  He had slowed his pace while lost in his memories.  Breaking into a silent run he moved quickly forward and around a bend in a slight valley within the trees the mercenaries were fighting a group of scruffy men.  A large man stood in the middle of the road directing the fight.  The rusted chain mail shirt on his torso rattled as he bellowed orders.  Completely oblivious to Robert he drew back his bow string taking aim at the merchant.


    Robert contemplated for only a second.  Firmly grasping the staff in his hand he darted up behind the bandit leader and swung the stick down.  The strike was sufficient and the leader collapsed to the ground.


    Dodging to the left as one of the other bandits noticed him, Robert swung again.  This time the targeted bandit¡¯s dagger spun out of his hand.  Robert followed up with a kick to his solar plexus.  The bandit collapsed to his knees.  With a second kick to the chin the bandit went down.


    Seeing their leader and his lieutenant unconscious the bandits broke and tried to run.  They were scurrying down the road.  Two of them stopped and drew bows trying to provide cover for the retreat.


    The merchant ran over and grabbed the Bandit leaders bow from the road.


    "Hurry the arrows!"


    Robert wrenched the quarrel free from the bandit''s side.


    "Here!" Robert tossed the quarrel to the merchant.


    It took the merchant two quick shots to get familiar with the weapon, the arrows falling short of their marks.  The next three shots felled the bandits furthest from the caravan.  Within moments the fight was over and the bandits defeated.


    The caravan guards moved through the bandits slitting the throats of the injured and tying up the unconscious leader and lieutenant.