《Adventures in Vareland》


 Recruit

    "Do you wonder what happens after one gets chosen?", I asked my father. "Do you think it will be me today?"


    My father hushed me and stared into the crowd, his mind definitely thinking of something deep. Meanwhile, I scanned the square, searching for my friends.


    And there, I saw Timothy. And Edward. And Argon.


    "Hey! Come here!", I shouted but the voice of the crowd was too big. All of a sudden, the crowd became silent. My friends heard my voice but their parents wouldn''t leave their hands.


    My mother patted my head, signalling me to be silent.


    This is my only chance. It''s now or never. I heard that once you turn 13, they would not choose us. My birthday is in few days, I can''t go with them the next year.


    I freed my hand from my father''s grasp, making my way to the front row. There, I saw them. Tall men with black cloaks. There were at least ten of them, I couldn''t see more as the night had begun.


    Starting before all of them was the chief, or theHollow Lordas the villagers say. He was taller than all of them, and as far as I can remember, he was the only one who would talk during our annual Square meeting.


    As usual, he made his speech, pretty boring if you ask me. He was stating the rules and whatever, I couldn''t care less. After a long time, he finished his speech and gave our village chief a large chest, full of resources. What were those resources? Who knows, they won''t tell me, because I''m a "child".


    Then, it was the annual living nightmare of all the parents. TheHollow Lordwould choose a child to take with them, to train that child, and make him aHollow.


    I never understood why they would not choose a teenager or even, a young adult. But my mind was not thinking straight, all I wanted was to be chosen this year. I even trained with my uncles at the edge of the forest.


    Oh, those were the days, after returning from my classes, I would run to the edge of the forest. The uncles would give me sweets, from the Mrig island, or so they would say. I wouldn''t know. No one could leave the island.


    Those sweets were the only thing I knew came in the chest.


    Finally, theLordpointed his finger and began scanning through the crowd. As his speed slowed down, my heart rushed.


    I closed my eyes in fear of rejection. Suddenly, the crowd began their noise. Someone behind pushed me, making me almost fall down.


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    I wanted to use the swear words my uncles taught me but I shouldn''t say those while theHollowsare here. I looked forward. Seeing the finger point at me made my heart skip a beat.


    I ran towards them, without making myself look like a fool. I stood beside theHollow Lordhimself. He was very tall, much taller than my father and more taller than even the tallest person in the village. he was as tall as the half giants we heard in those "scary" stories.


    I could see the murmur disappear as I heard the cries of my parents. My mother was wailing, sitting on the grass, my father hugged her as he was trying to hold his tears.


    All I could do was wave my hand towards my father. He couldn''t wave his hand back but his hand raised a little. I couldn''t bear the tears of my parents but I couldn''t cry in front of theLordhimself. What would he think of me? Would he drop me if he saw that I was a crybaby?


    The otherHollowsinstructed the villagers to leave, my parents were the last to leave. They wanted to run to me and hug me but they were scared of theHollows.


    I began walking behind theLord, the otherHollowssurrounding me and him. I quickly glanced back at my parents, my mother looking back at me while my father grabbed her hand, trying to stop her from reaching me.


    We began walking towards the forest. I could finally see where theHollows''tower was. All my life, I tried finding the tower, with my friends, with my uncles, and even with the village chief''s grandson one day. That was cool. But here I was, the reality happening, and I was hoping that it would not be a dream.


    After walking for more than half an hour, we were there. We had been going left and right at a random order. My legs were tired but the excitement was still screaming within me.


    I was disappointed in seeing the tower. It seemed old, and there were moss everywhere. The whole area smelled like wild mushrooms.


    Why would theHollowslive in such a poor and dirty place? My home was better looking, even though we were not rich.


    The main door slid left, opening like I had never seen before. After all theHollowswere in, they began removing their cloaks.


    I was again disappointed. They were not like any mythical creatures as the village rumours told. They looked like normal humans, just tall and rough looking. TheLordtoo removed his cloak but he had not removed his mask. The mask was more scary than the cloaks. His mask made it seem like he was headless.


    But how could his head look invisible? The others'' masks were similar but not as real looking like theLord''s.The Lord asked, "What is your name, boy?"


    His voice was rough, almost scary. "Alfred Steele, sir"


    "Alfred? Now, you are aHollow, boy. You are not Alfred until you pass our tests" He moved towards me, making me flinch. He approached me, a mask on his hand.


    As he put the mask on my face, my mask gripped itself to my mask. But I felt no pain. Rather, I felt dizzy and I was light headed.


    I almost felt asleep. I shook my head till my brain hurt. I looked at theLord,his face watching me.


    "You are officially recruited,Hollow one",one of the men spoke to me. I could barely see his face, my eyes heavy. Before knowing, I passed out.


    I woke up, the mask still on my face, with my body covered in the same black cloak as them. Finally, I am one of them now.

 Mrig Shipping Guild

    4 Years Later,


    The sea was bigger than what I imagined.


    My eyes traced for its ends, but it crossed the horizon in every direction. I had seen it in the books, but words could never capture what I am seeing right now. The books didn''t depict that the sea would reflect the sky like a giant mirror.


    I pulled a piece of paper from my pocket. "Get into the port as a worker. Join the Shipping Guild. We will tell you when to go to the mainland."


    I couldn''t see how I left Khanjar island, my home. It''s been 4 years since I saw my parents. My mother''s tears are still clear in my mind. All these years I lived in and around the tower, working hard. Finally, I got a chance to leave.


    I pulled my hood lower, stepping aside as a group of dockworkers walked past me. Their barrels were big but their bellies were bigger. They were the fattest people I have ever seen in my life.


    As I neared the docks, the smell of rotten fish and damp wood hit my nose. No amount of training could stop me from flinching to this. I made my way to a group of dockworkers. I had to find a job.


    A guy stood leaning to the pole. His scars looked like a blade''s cut. His mouth moved slowly as he chewed on something. His gaze shifted to me, scanning me up and down. But his face turned away quickly.


    Am I that ugly? What is wrong with guy? I walked away from him, moving towards a younger guy. He seemed... approachable. His hands were lean and his posture was slouched.


    "I want to sign up", my enthusiasm overtaking my composure. "I can start with any work you give me."


    His face turned, facing me. Dirt over his face and clothes too light for the cold wind. His large dark circles made his face a few shades darker.


    "Think you can just walk up and join?", his voice too weak to continue.


    "I can work", I grabbed the piece of paper inside my pocket. "Steady hands, and a will."


    "Whatever", he pointed his finger to what seemed like an office of some sort. "Go there and fill the form."


    I rushed towards the office. "Thank you", my voice barely audible to him.


    One Month Later


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    "Faster, boy. Before the tide kills us all!"


    The mop slipped from my hand, alongside me. I laid on the floor, my handing burning and my back stiff. This is not what I expected at all. I thought I would learn how to sail a ship, and learn how to fight pirates. But no, everyday, I am some ship''s mop boy.


    "I said faster, not sleep!"


    I clenched my teeth and stood up. I thought of anything useful I heard in this time. Just cruel jokes and rude insults. Swearing like a sailor was true, at least, not like my adventure.


    "Boy, get below and help unload the cargo. Go!"


    I ran towards the stairs, leaving the mop as it was. The below was thicker, and warmer. But the smell was so much worse. Moldy wood and smelly fish, with nasty sailors whose mortal enemies seemed to be taking a bath.


    After what seemed to be eternity, the ship finally stopped. I walked up the stairs, able to see land after so much time.


    So, this is Vareland. It is a dream come true but sadly, no cleaners could leave the ship. The strong sailors went to small boats to shift the cargo to the port.


    I didn''t know the name of this town. It surely was not one of the cities, the only places whose names were known to someone from Khanjar.


    Oft-times, I would eavesdrop. Just to know about the locations and other things which would be obvious to the sea-people.


    I went to my bed, more like rags stitched together. As I slept, all the muscles in my body ached. Wish I could heal myself right now. But the Lord had strict order on magic use. Life or death situations only. This is life or death to me.


    As we were returning, I overheard some senior sailors. "More coins to the Guild. Less for us!", one sailor was angry.


    "What can we do? We should vouch for a union like those in Pahuch", the other trying to calm him down.


    Pahunch, finally a place I know. As per the books, it is the second largest city after the capital. I wish I could get on a ship to Pahuch.


    Few months later


    The first time I used magic here was by mistake. A fight had broken out on the docks. A drunk jumped at me, with a knife on his hand. He had the intend to kill. I moved, before anyone could react. I reached behind his back and threw him to the water.


    The last I saw of that drunk was the surprise on his face. Thankfully, no one believed his tale. But I had been getting a few stares, more than usual, after that incident.


    A few of the men had started acting very kind of me since that day. I have been getting promoted pretty quickly for a newbie. In a few months, I moved up to logistics.


    The job was easy, you just had to make sure that the cargo was safe and not damaged. No more running from the pirates with no help. The sailors would fight to save me.


    Then came the big offer.


    "Boy, I want you to supervise the dried food barrels to Neopur", my supervisor announced. His smiling face seemed rather intimidating. "Why is your smile so creepy?", I asked, realizing too late of what I just did.


    "You won''t get a second chance. I see my son in you", his hand patted my head. "I wish he was as diligent as you."


    I made my way to the big ship. The ship was bigger than any other ship in the whole shipyard. But not the largest I had ever seen.


    Everything was smooth sailing in that ship, literally. The sailors were polite, the captain was very friendly. They were not from the Guild of Mrig. They were from Neopur port.


    From what I had heard, this ship belonged to a noble. A rich landlord who owned acres and acres of farmlands near Neopur. Harish was his name.

 The Harish House

    I thought I knew cities.


    Those are the places with busy and endless streets. Big buildings with people everywhere.


    But nobody told me about the smell. Not just the smelly men here, but also the elegant fragrances, smell of who knows what things are inside many of these never ending rows of shops.


    Salt. Smoke. Spice. Too much of everything.


    The docks looked like they had sunken a little by the weight of all of the cargo as well as the ships. Men were shouting, carrying goods around, mostly by hand. Seagulls were the scavengers, fighting over anything that looked good enough for them. Also, covering this whole place with their poop.


    All right, no time for chitchat. Gotta work. I began counting and inspecting the barrels. One, two, three, four...


    The work was boring but at least, I got to visit Neopur. Finally, I can visit the actual city instead of just scanning from the edge of the docks.


    The work was as boring as ever but the sailors were so friendly. They were so cooperative with me through the whole sail. Did you know, majority of the youngest sailors in the ships of nobles were girls? They were even younger than me, sixteen, fifteen.


    But I don''t look my age. Many sailors said, I looked twenty-one. The highest was twenty-six.


    Harish was of the Dory House. He is one of the richest family in Neopur. I went near to two sailors seemingly talking about the noble.


    "Let''s get out before Harish gets here", the fat one was quick in his words.


    "Lord Harish. If his men find out that you are disrespecting him, this will be your last day", the small one was quick to stop him.


    "Whatever", the fat one mocked. "He may not remain a lord for a long time. Heard that his wife killed a noble from Razki."


    He continued, in a much smaller voice. "People say she works for the Crows."


    Hearing this, the small guy dragged the bigger guy away from possible eavesdropping. Who are the Crows? Or are the crows sentient birds here? Surely, it''s the first.


    Sometimes, there is an itch inside me, to use magic. I don''t know why, it doesn''t soothe until I cast a spell, any spell works. So, I just heal my small scars.


    But today was different. This itch was stronger than any itch during my time in the Guild. It was like the days before, when I was in the tower.


    A crowd started gathering around our ship. I joined them. The guy beside me jumped in surprise. "What the hell, man! When did you come here?"


    Stupid me. I used magic to leap to the crowd, the second time. I should be careful.


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    Our captain was there. "Everyone! You all have time till dusk to reach the ship. Till then, do what you want. Just don''t cause any trouble."


    That was good to hear. I made my way towards the shops near the docks. There, I heard a voice calling me from one of the alleys.


    "Alfred...Alfred...", the voice delicate but with a manly voice. Following the voice, I reached the alley. There, a man with black cloak was waiting for me.


    The shopkeepers didn''t seem to acknowledge the presence of this person. Just standing near him caused the itchiness in my skin, making me want to tear my skin off.


    I was stupid to fall into this trap. I was ready to use my spells. Before I could do that, the man took off his hood. He was the Hollow Lord.


    "Abandon the Guild. Real work awaits"


    I should ask no questions and have no hesitation. A Hollow follows.


    Making my way behind him, I walked past multiple alleyways, narrow paths, and wide roads. We went past men who didn''t dare look twice. Our stop was at a small abandoned house. The wood was barely alive after the fierce fire which seemed to have almost burned this place to the ground.


    I wonder what is keeping it up.


    Its walls covered in painted sigils-some I recognized, most of them faded. The Ashen Pact were the ones to burn this down.


    Those guys would even burn their mothers alive if paid well.


    Inside, he showed me a parchment, sealed in black wax.


    "A bounty", he said.


    I took it. His eyes ordered me to not open them yet. Those eyes were studying me, like a smith inspecting a new blade.


    "Disappear", he walked towards a narrow window. "Show me what we made of you."


    Then, he was gone.


    I took a long breath. Tearing the wax with the knife beside me, there was a face with a name.


    "Maun" Sola


    Reward: 5,200 silvers


    Wanted Alive


    I turned the poster. Behind, the reason for bounty was written.


    Wanted for assassination of Zafar Kleist.


    She is a ''Maun Gayak'' member.


    How to recognize ''Maun Gayak'': They don''t have tongues.


    The house was easy to find. There were even signs on the main road to show the Harish House. But the house was quiet.


    But there was no firelight or any murmur of the servants. This is wrong quiet. Seemed like something had already happened.


    There were no guards, quite unlike any nobles in the books. Beofre stepping in, I peaked through the open gate, acting as a bystander.


    There were no servants whispering any secrets they thought no one could hear. Strange.


    But this house is magnificent. High walls with sturdy iron gates. Heavy stone with beautiful architecture, unlike anything I had ever seen. The glasses were stained. This place is history itself. Maybe cruel and unfair history but they got their fair share.


    I stepped inside.


    The smell was different inside the house. A little bit of blood, and mostly of wine, I think. Never tasted one.


    Burned candles and perfumes started to grow strong on my nose, making me loose my focus. Those feminine smells are what I long for.


    The house was a mess, maybe a party just ended.


    The floors were shiny, almost mirror-like. The lanterns were each worth more than a normal person''s life. Paintings on the wall were boring though. Stupid modern art. These artists just draw anything.


    Finally, I saw something worth noticing. A broken glass on the stairs. A wine glass. Someone was careless.


    I went up the stairs. A large hallway followed, larger than the one on the ground floor. One door was open.


    This is it. She must be inside.


    I was true. Peeking inside, I saw a king-sized bed. Someone wanted to be the queen, it seems.


    The curtains seemed expensive. A desk for the Lord to work on. A typical mirror and fireplace. And her. She stood near the far window, me outside of her sight.


    Dark loose hair. A blue silk robe, with silver linings. But she seemed calm.


    If the bounty poster is already out, why is no one behind her yet? And where is Lord Harish? Why isn''t he here to protect her? Or is he going to betray her?


    "Posters are out, it seems", her voice barely audible. Her head turned to me. "How much is the reward?"

 First Bounty

    "What''s it to you?", I made my way towards her.


    She paused, her eyes flickering. She squinted her eyes in irritation and faced the window.


    "I am not one of those Tongueless", she sighed as she stepped away from the window.


    Scanning the room, there was no tool for her defence. No weapons, no tools, no blades under her sleeves, nothing. If she was a fighter, she is not one now.


    "Who hired you?" her voice louder than before but not by much.


    Before I could do anything, she continued, "Must have been the Kleists or those Black Helms. You a king-licker?" Her stance became bolder, with her hands turning to a fist.


    "I am independent", I was ready to cast any spell. As soon as she turned towards me, I leaped forward.


    "You''re fast", her voice not being able to hide her fright. "The way you move. The way you talk. I''m so..."


    Before she could continue, my hands were on her neck. Is she trying to trap me? What''s with this changed attitude?


    "Impressed...I like that...", were her last words before I cracked her wind pipe. The crushing of someone''s neck was the first time for me. But it was satisfying. My fingers dug inside her neck, tearing her skin.


    She stood lifeless, her feet afloat. Her eyes were locked to mine. Blood started to drool from her mouth. Such a pretty life lost.


    "I''m sorry."


    I lifted her and carried her as I searched for any big weapon. In the kitchen, I found a big cleaver.


    Just as the Lord taught me, one big slash. And it was done. Her body was in two parts, a pool of blood enlarging rapidly between her head and her body.


    It was not so scary as I thought. I packed her head inside the big container beside the cleaver. The smell of chicken was still fresh.


    Going outside was as easy as coming inside. Why is it so easy?


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    I thought I saw someone looking at me coming outside. But I saw no eyes. Even the street was empty right outside the house.


    I ran past the crowd, nobody seemed to be paying attention to the big container and the smell within. Are the people in the cities this careless? Or they just don''t have time to pay attention to their surroundings?


    Reaching the burned house was easier than I thought. There, a guy was waiting but he was not the Lord. He was a noble perhaps. His robes seemed to stand out inside the house. Like a doll in the mud.


    His stance was slouched, eyes heavy. His belly showed his wealth while his cane showed his power. That was of premium wood, from Khanjar.


    "She''s dead?" he moved towards me, his pace slow.


    "Lord Harish?" I thought of the only possible noble who could be here.


    "You are smart", he stood beside me. He pulled out a big case and gave it to me.


    The case was heavier than what it looked. I put both the container and the case on the floor. Opening the case showed me gold bars, so many of them.


    "This can retire any life in Neopur and beyond. Take it and go", his hands nearing the container.


    I stopped his hand. "You will not be taking that. I have a mission."


    His face turned red, more red than what I thought was humanly possible. His fingers crooked and his eyes facing mine. He wanted to say something but didn''t.


    "Take it and go!", his shout was deafening.


    I didn''t want to kill two nobles on my first day in Neopur. But the Hollow Lord would be disappointed with me for cooperating with Lord Harish.


    This is it. The time to use my stronger spells. I began memorizing the words. They were of a strange language, a language dead long ago.


    "Bhulza!", I hit his chest with my palm.


    He fell and rolled like a ball. That was funny. Before he could stand, I took both the container and the case and ran away.


    I ran and ran. I ran till dusk, going from places to places. I think that I have seen the whole city today. Finally, I stopped at a farmland, not far from the city. Putting the container down, I fell to the ground. My grip was strong on the case.


    I felt a man was standing behind me. I jumped up and threw my fist at him. Before I could even see what was happening, a fist met my belly. The shock wave threw me at least ten feet away. My guts were destroyed. I was in so much pain. But I could not give up so easily.


    Balancing my stance, I saw a figure. The sun was in my eyes. I could not figure out the silhouette. His hands reached the case.


    I tried to move but my body was locked. My torso was frozen along with my legs. I tried to escape. Acting like a madman, just moving my hands.


    "Lord Harish has perished", the voice was familiar but I was not paying much attention. I just wanted to be out of pain.


    "Not by magic, but by palm. Ribs", his hands pointed to where his ribs would be but the sun was strong on my eyes, nearly blinding me.


    His hands picked up the case and threw it. I moved my head to see where it landed but my locked body didn''t help.


    "Hollows don''t work for money", his silhouette became visible. The sun had set, the darkness comforting my eyes.


    "Lord?", all I could mutter before losing consciousness.

 Im a Bounty Hunter?

    "House Kleist. Rakt Muskan. Kill all.


    Kleist... Rakt... Kill.


    House...Muskan...all."


    These were the words I heard before waking up to cawing. Crows everywhere. Their cries sharp, and painful. But, their cries helped me pull out of my death. At least I thought I was dying.


    I don''t remember what happened after I fainted. The Lord was whispering words in my ear. Kleist. Rakt Muskan. I have to kill them all. I think that''s it.


    A cold wind brushed against my skin, the distant smoke of fire making my nose hairs burn. My fingers were trembling, twitching as I had no energy. I couldn''t stand. I was just laying on the road. With eyes open.


    The sky was grey. Dried leaves flying by. I could not figure out where I was. There was a distant noise. I knew a settlement was nearby.


    A shadow stood still near me.


    "You alive?"


    The voice had a hint of kindness. I turned by head, seeing a blurry man crouching near me. His clothes were ragged, beaten by his adventure.


    I saw his dark brown eyes as my vision cleared. His eyes were scanning me, figuring me out. His hand was resting on his dagger. His stubble was uneven, with a small scar on his neck.


    "Where?..." I couldn''t continue, my dry throat aching.


    "Middle of nowhere", he stood up. "Saw you lying like a corpse. Turns out, I''m your saviour of the day."


    He forwarded his hand to me, barely within my arm''s range. As I stood up, my legs shaking, I asked his name.


    "Steve. Steve Lowe. You?"


    "Alfred."


    Before I could state my full name, he asked me. "No wounds on you, no blood. Just dirt. You a beggar?" His face was hoping not to hear a yes.


    "Nope."


    "That''s rare." He scanned the area. "Most folk are beggars who had taken a hit to their head." He pointed his dagger to his temple. "Turns out, you are stupid."


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    "I need to go to Neopur. You know the way?" My questions brought a laughter to his stern face.


    "Neopur? Fuck off. You have no money. And, we are very far inland. In a..." He stopped momentarily, hoping to see a response. "...random town."


    "I need money. Quick job I can get?", my face a little sad at the thought of being lost in unknown lands.


    "I need an extra pair of hands. Can you swing a blade?" He pulled out a short sword from his backpack.


    I nodded and caught the sword he tossed to me. My swings were satisfactory to me.


    Steve turned and gestured down the trail. The dirt path stretched forward, hidden by small hills nearby. "There''s a town nearby. Hmm..." He thought for a while. " I can''t remember the name. There must be bounty posters at the tavern though." His brow frowned.


    "Can you take a bounty? First job, we''ll take easy."


    I nodded, a smile growing on my face.


    ----


    The town was dirty and looked like any urban settlement. Lots of people, lots of small houses and shops. Edges covered with farmhouses.


    We passed a farmer, pushing his large cart of hay. His old age catching up with all the hard work. A group of children chased each other near a well. That''s risky.


    Near the blacksmith''s, young men were waiting. All looked ready for their adventure.


    The square was busy. Many merchants calling out their products. Fresh bread, dried fish, cloths. The scent of roasted meat grew stronger as we passed the busy square.


    The tavern looked bigger, towering over the neighbouring houses.


    "Not bad, huh?" Steve said, glancing around. "I never knew there was a town this big around these places."


    The tavern''s sign swayed, carried by the breeze. I could not focus on my surroundings as my belly growled. The smell of food overpowered my nose.


    Before I could pull the door open, Steve tugged me. "Posters", he pointed to the board near the tavern''s sign.


    Dozens of papers were nailed to the board, most of them faded and tattered. Some were fresh.


    Steve''s eyes began scanning the papers. "Look at the fresh ones", his hand patting me to look at the board.


    Steve tapped at a paper. "There. Look at this."


    The paper was fresh, the ink dark and bold. A sketch of a woman stared at me-free hair and a smirk.


    Lissandra


    Reward: 17,000 silvers


    Wanted Dead or Alive


    I turned the poster, knowing there would be information behind.


    Wanted for assassination of The Crown''s slaves.


    She is a "Crow''s Covenant" member.


    Known to have fled to Sewon.


    "Wait. This town''s Sewon. She must be near here. And her bounty is very high for a slave killer", Steve looked at me with eagerness in his eyes.


    "Who are the Crow''s Covenants?", I asked. I knew who they were, scum killers in the capital.


    "They kill for money. Only in Razki though. They are not known to kill outside the capital", his voice was faint, almost as if he didn''t want people to hear him.


    "She may have been long gone from here", my face worrying.


    "Nah, this poster is fresh. Looks like it''s today''s", Steve said.


    "I''m hungry, though. Let''s go to the tavern", my stomach growled at the end of my sentence.


    "Okay, but I have just enough for bread and water", he began counting his bronze coins. His coins were few. I got worried as the coins counted to less than what I would expect for the cost of ''enough bread''.


    I entered the tavern, Steve right behind me.

 Sewon Tavern

    The tavern was dim. The smell of beer and fresh bread got stronger as my eyes searched for the roasted meat. I knew Steve couldn''t afford it. But who am I to judge? I don''t have any money.


    The beams stained black, covered in lantern soot. The floor was creaky. A long counter covered the rear of the tavern. A broad shouldered keeper stood there, cleaning the mugs. The rag looked dirtier than any mug.


    The patrons filled the room. Some looked like farmers, dust and hay straws on their cloths. Some seemed to be travellers, their cloaks dirty. Some were playing dice, a few more happier than the others.


    A bard was playing flute, barely audible from all the noise.


    Steve turned towards a table of three. Their boots had dried mud and one had a sword beside him. "Caravan guards. They''ll know what''s up."


    He didn''t wait for my response before strolling toward them. Pulling a chair beside them, he took a seat. His arms leaned against the back seat. I watched for a while, then stood right behind Steve.


    The men were eyeing us, wary of our intentions. The man with the sword asked us, "What do you want, friend?"


    "Just to talk", Steve was not bothered. "I think you know where someone might be."


    That man scoffed, "We don''t snitch. We are guards."


    "I never said you were", Steve pulled out a coin from his pockets and put it on the table. Pinching the piece of silver between his fingers, he continued, "Just travellers asking about other travellers. Hope you don''t mind."


    The men looked at each other. Their eyes seemed to be talking a language of mutual understanding. The guy in the middle broke the silence. "Well, speak. But we can''t be sure that we have seen whom you are searching for."


    Steve slid the coin around his fingers in the table. "Lissandra. Found in this town, maybe yesterday. Evil woman. Troublemaker." Steve''s eyes were locked in mine. "Alfred and I must find her."


    The man in the middle talked again. "This town sees a lot of troublemakers. But if you are searching for a woman... If she was here yesterday..."


    The guy with the sword picked up the coin and put it on his pocket. The other guy who was silent all along spoke. "A merchant heading to Neopur got looted yesterday. Just outside the farmlands, near to the village north. Should''ve taken security from us. But... the guards did see a woman alone heading to the woods nearby. Didn''t look like she was the looter but it''s strange seeing a woman, alone, walking to the woods other than to collect wood."


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    Steve raised his eyebrows. "Was she Lissandra?" He showed them the poster, carefully hiding the bounty amount.


    The man shook his head. "We weren''t there. The guards are from other guild. We only know what we hear."


    Steve glanced at me, then back to the man. I was already sitting in a chair, not quite far from the table. Steve''s legs were stomping ground heavily. "Was there anything the guards, or the merchants, saw? Anything?"


    The guy with the sword seemed to be frustrated. "For one silver, I think that''s enough." The other guy waved his hand at Steve to move him away. "Nothing other than a few crows'' feathers in her footsteps."


    Steve stood up and stood beside me. "You know what that means?"


    I shook my head. "No"


    "The Crow''s Covenants leave messages behind." Steve crouched beside me, his hand patting my back. "If someone in the faction wants to find allies or rivals, they leave crows'' feathers behind."


    So, was Lissandra finding her allies or challenging her enemies?


    I ginned, "Only one way to find out."


    We quickly snacked on some bread and some beer. We had just enough drinks to not get drunk. On our way out, the Sun was higher in the sky, making the cobblestone road hot.


    The crowd at the market area was rather calm than the morning. Merchants were sitting in their shops and not too many people were roaming on the streets.


    As we crossed the town, Steve turned to me. "Ever killed anyone?"


    I remembered the dead body at the Harish House. "Yep. Hell of a thing."


    Steve looked at me with enthusiasm. "Don''t worry. I have had enough kills for the both of us."


    The landscape stretched to small, rolling hills. Fields covered the hills, crops of all sorts. Farmers were working in the distance, most of them caring to the animals. Few working on the fields. Cows and buffaloes were all over the area, their cries echoing throughout.


    As Steve and I headed north, the area got quieter. There were no farmers around us any more. The forest started getting thicker. The overgrown grass made the trail almost disappear.


    "You work alone? All missions?" I asked, breaking the long silence.


    "Mostly", Steve admitted. "Keeps me alive longer."


    "Then, why ask for my help?"


    He shrugged. "Something about you. It tells me you¡¯re not ordinary. Besides, four hands better than two."


    I glanced at my waist¡ªno sword. No weapons at all.


    Steve laughed at me, pointing his finger towards my empty waist. "Let''s say, you give you that blade I showed you earlier. Let''s say we catch her, dead or alive. Let''s say we get the bounty and divide it equally. Let''s say..."


    "Get to the point", I was getting impatient.


    "What if we get bounties on our heads. The Crows will hunt us, surely. You ready for that?"


    "Yeah. There is no reward without risk. Besides, this money will get me to Neopur. You should come with me."


    "I think I''ll pass. I''ll head to Razki. I''ve my unfinished business there", his voice suddenly turned serious near the end of his sentence.


    The village was finally visible as we neared the end of the forest.