Cursed Explorer of the Arcana

“So do we just walk up to them and say hi?” Val whispers as we walk down the dirt road toward a caravan of carts and a colorful mix of mounts.

It took us about an hour to find our way out of the woods and discovering even the most basic sign of civilization, namely the road, didn’t go any faster. We were in luck with the caravan though. I don’t know who they are, where they're headed or what’s their purpose but once we caught sight of the four carts resting by the roadside I knew things would progress smoothly.

By our standards. If things went without a hiccup… now that’d be the actual surprise.

“Just act naturally, let me do the talking, and try not to growl.” My instructions are as basic as they can get and yet I still don’t have my hopes up.

We don’t need company per se, but I don’t actually have anything to identify myself with so hopefully we can get a free ride through the gates. Not to mention I’m at a loss where the nearest city might be.

Valka seems to be in a fair mood but if I had to guess she’s in pain and it’s only a matter of time before the venom spreads to vital organs, from there… We must hurry.

Our approach is noticed long before we’re even in hearing distance and a small welcoming party assembles to realy their stance. One elderly beastman, a ram judging by his sizeable horns, a woman not much younger as age begins to suck the color from her hair, and lastly, a man wearing what I could hardly call armor. Likely a member of their hired arms.

“Welcome travelers.” That ‘travelers’ sounded a bit questioning. “What can we do for you?” The woman is the one opening the discussion. Although she looks to be about as old as Martha I bet the old hag back in Granhall has about twice as many years behind her as this one.

A quick glance behind the trio reveals the reason behind their stop in the middle of nowhere. And possibly our key to gaining their favor. The lands past the forest are somewhat hilly, albeit largely flat, covered sparsely by a few lonely trees and bushes. This means in most cases a carriage would have no problem going around and an unexpected obstacle, except if said obstacle were to ambush the caravan.

A landslide, a minor one that could hardly kill a person considering the gentle slope and thick foliage, yet the possible damage to let’s say a cart stuffed with valuable wares in case the last two wheels slipped off the road… Quite a devastating blow, such a tragedy.

“We were just out hunting when my…” I get myself into the act. “My servant got sick after a chaotic night against a pack of Ardent Wolves.”

I just made up those beasts on the spot but pulling up Valka’s sleeve is more than enough to convince the adults. The way they recoil at the site of a wound this small… they’re soft. That could come in handy.

“I must admit we’re slightly lost.” I look embarrassed, or at least try to. My ears just refuse to play along, they never followed my commands and likely never will.

“Oh, your poor things.” The woman’s emotional barrier breaks first, of course it does, and she offers her aid immediately. Almost. “To care about your slave this much… what a kind little lady you are. If only we weren’t in such peril I’d be delighted to help, however…”

I see where this is going, she used Identify and decided to shoot her shot. Cunning, as expected from a merchant. Also, this is so cliche. Like, what’s going to happen next, one of the secretive cloaked travelers holed up in a cart turns out to be a foreign prince on the run or something… Hah, as if.

Please don’t.

“I must admit we’re in a hurry but a few minutes sounds like something we can spare.” I flash a professional smile and tap into my earth magic to prove my point.

“And I can assure you we’ll travel with utmost haste to make up the lost time due to this little fiasco.” The woman mirrors my grin, sealing our deal. “I hope you can do what you were hired for with the help gracefully offered by our useful new guests.” The woman now turns to the man likely in charge of their security.

We wordlessly follow the man who doesn’t seem too pleased with our company, not that I care, and this proves to be the perfect opportunity to scout what we’re dealing with. There seem to be about nine merchants and other clerks, twelve civilians, likely just travelers tagging along for safety, and seven combatants. Four Warriors, one Mage, and two Rangers.

A solid setup but a quick glance is enough to reveal the measly training these shoddy mercenaries received. No secure perimeter, a seemingly random formation, and gear that might as well have been dug out of the trash.

The Fist taught us to not look down on ordinary city guards just because their priorities lie elsewhere and that common Valerian soldiers aren’t that dangerous individually but pose a serious threat as a coherent unit. Laymen like these… yeah they probably weren’t worth mentioning.

[Warrior lvl ???]

As expected but maybe…

“Val, can you see his-”

“146.” She answers, her mind probably running the same rounds as mine.

Oh and also…that’s pathetic. Man you’re at least twice my age and got only this far, have some pride. It’s clear the merchants were stingy when they allocated the budget to hiring the muscle and it came to bite them back spectacularly. We’re finally in luck.

“It’s safe to say you already tried pulling it back up with the rest of the beasts, right?” I try assessing what we’re working with because returning without a solution would be highly embarrassing.

“The ground is loose and we fear the front axel might break. The merchants loaded the cart till it creaked, as usual.”

So the incompetence is shared and the mercenaries are not the only ones to blame. This is tricky. Moving both the ground and the carriage resting one is beyond my scope of abilities.

“I might have an idea but it’ll take time.” I finally came up with a simple yet bothersome solution. “I’ll need all your Warriors.”

***

It takes a good few minutes to compact the loose dirt both beneath the cart and further down the slope where I form a platform for all those with enough Might to earn their pay. The next step is to attach a pair of the heavier Bearoxes to provide the actual muscle and lastly to let the earth below the wagon flatten.

A ramp, a steep one to allow the front wheel some support and set things into motion. Needless to say, the brunt of the work was left to the beasts and brave brutes who totally knew what they signed up for but a success is a success in my book.

“Are you out of your mind?” The man whose name I’ll never bother to learn but clearly leads this ragtag group of third-rate combatants storms at me after our successful operation. “What if that overloaded piece of shit ran us over and squashed us on the way down. Your slave is one thing but you can’t play with others’ lives like-”

“A wonderful job.” The woman, likely their employer interjects raising her voice.

Resolving heated situations must be one of her specialties because I almost reached boiling point really fast there. So what if they fail to accomplish even this much, I was prepared to drag Valka out of danger’s path all along and then blame everything on those fools.

“There’s a spot on the last car if you’re feeling tired after the wonderful work, the rest will have to walk. Regrettably, we’re loaded to the brim and can’t spare any more space. These tough times…” The woman instantly loses sympathy points with me but it’s too late to argue about that.

We need their guidance more than anything.

Valka finally rejoins me and just a glance is enough to see she worked hard for… nothing, there’s no reward.

“I thought you were tougher.” I taunt her and covertly use some water magic to cool and dry her skin. “To break a sweat after only this much…” She looks like shit, worse than after any of our fights. Almost as if she didn’t sleep all night and fought monsters of nightmares constantly.

“You could’ve warned me, you know?” She throws a nasty look, not that it works. “Anyway, I’m fine, really. Just hop on and we can- Owe.”

Her yelp is my doing. Simply flicking her side where the skin is rotting proves to be enough to make her grimace. It’s hard to believe her words when she endured the badger ravaging her shoulders better than a simple flick.

“You go and rest. If you collapse noone will carry your heavy ass.” I huff and walk after our not-so-beneficial benefactor.

“No, and I’m not-”

“That was an order!” I make her shut up while maintaining the image of master and slave.

I don’t use the contract, there’s no need to and I’d rather walk aimlessly for a day than suppress her will again. Thankfully she’s smart and or exhausted enough to comply, even though she slept through the entire night. Her body doesn’t lie but I hate that her mouth refuses to be honest with me.

“You’re awfully considerate with your slave, lassie, and surprisingly witty for a hunter.” In the end, it's the old lady who finds me, calling out from the driver’s seat of a carriage and tapping a spot right next to her.

I can’t believe someone can be this cheeky at her age. Merchants are just a whole other breed.

“I’m Elyssia.” I start the introduction, or rather the ruthless bargaining because that’s the only language servants of the coin understand.

“Oh my, how boorish of me.” She continues to play her little games. “My humble name is Fiona Falks, the pleasure is mine.” She smiles gently yet my only reaction is my eyes going wide.

Wait, two names… isn’t that? No, we are not in Valeria, the law of names is not in effect here. I think.

“Well then, now that we’ve got that behind our back…” The carriage lurches and we finally depart. “I know why you’re on the run.” Fiona quietly adds.

Her comment makes my blood run cold and my hands tighten as the first thing that runs through my mind is eliminating this mostly defenseless old lady. Even the thought of going that far frightens me but her words are no less concerning. If she reports us… if the Turan army were to catch us now…

“It’s obvious by how you treat that girl.” A haughty huff of the old lady shatters all my paths of thought in a second.

“I think you misunderstand, we were just out hunting and the poison-”

“Oh dear calm your nerves, you’re not the first one to stand up for their servant.” A mirthful chuckle blows away my panic. “I was just like you back then.”

What? I don’t understand anything.

Sure they’re after Valka but it’s not like I helped her because of the kindness of my heart. I didn’t even know her and even now I barely do… Is this old hag delirious?

“But seeing your badge would clear up any misunderstanding, don’t you think little hunter?” She has me cornered and I don’t think we can make a quick escape.

The merchants’ hired security is horrendous but they outnumber us, outlevel us and Valka is hardly combat-capable. Reluctantly I fish out the bronze emblem with the stag on it and show it to the old lady. But the last step is missing.

Then as if answering my wish the intricate piece of metal begins to emit a gentle radiance. It’s the real thing, or at least I’m almost entirely sure it is except for the simple fact that I didn’t pump any mana into the emblem.

“I’ve been in the business of deception far longer than all your years combined, Elyssia.” Fiona gently puts a hand on my shoulder. “But I like you and what you stand for. You’re not the first one to escape with their slave to save them from the mandatory draft and neither was I. The meatgrinder up north at the Elder Line is merciless, I understand your decision.”

What is she babbling about? I’ve heard about the eternal war against the unrelenting horde of beasts gushing from the ancient forest of titanic proportions but we have nothing to do with it. Okay, maybe the other slaves I saw fighting for their lives when I picked up Valka were destined for that fate, not her though.

Fiona seems to assume she comprehends our situation thoroughly, clueless about our actual goal and that might come in handy. This happens when otherwise smart people overestimate their intelligence, they make unlucky fools of themselves.

“I just couldn’t let her…” I whisper pitifully and it works.

“Do you have the contract?” The old lady inquires and I nod. “Money?” This time I’m a little more reluctant to give her the answer.

“Some.” The last thing I want is for someone to rob me.

“If Valeria is your destination then you choose right and traveling the edge of the forest is plausible for two powerful kids such as yourselves. A noble house if I’m not wrong?”

Me, a noble… I can see why she’d assume that. I’m pretty, talented, and just basically well above my peers in any category. A true elite scion.

“No need to answer that, the less I know the better if they by any chance catch me.” Fiona quickly adds. “I can help you get inside the city but the rest is up to you. But I must tell you, our destination isn’t exactly the most accommodating.” She tells me as if this entire conversation was just business.

“That’s fine.” I mutter, not really used to unconditional kindness before adding. “Why?”

“Under the previous Battle King, Turan was strained and the wall fell at least once a year but at least we still had hope and something to fight for, a reason to protect these lands.” Her voice is tired and weighted down by the years. “If the cost of protecting this country, protecting humanity as they preach, is marching the younger generation to their death… then I’m not sure it's something worth defending.”

That sounds extremely depressing. Thank the Gods I wasn’t born in this shithole of a country and ended up with the Fist instead of becoming a child soldier basically. With that said the training back in Granhall didn’t feel all that different from exactly that, child soldierng. Except for the fact that we didn’t need to risk our lives even once and the training sessions were even a little fun.

Eh, some people enjoy murdering so it’s all a matter of perspective.

“So you want to help us because…” I’m still trying my best to understand her motives.

“Because I feel like it.” She winks. “And that’s all the justification I need.”

True that.

***

“Papers and identifications!” The guard barks when it’s finally our turn.

The road wasn’t all that long and unlike back home there wasn’t an endless queue waiting to gain access to the city. And that’s understandable after observing the state of the settlement. Thin cracks here and there on the stone meant to protect the citizens, guards in shady gear and bellies too big to hide behind their armor, and an overall lack of will to live.

I’d be surprised if we can find a healer here.

The merchants and local forces go through the lengthy process of discussing paperwork and cargo, something they both handle with experienced proficiency before moving on to the tagalongs.

“Identification and proof of ownership!” It’s finally my turn with Valka standing meekly behind my back like an obedient puppet except with brown hair for a change.

Fiona turned out to be an adept user of the light element, able to play with the lighting and colors even if large-scale illusions were beyond her capabilities. Shining hunter’s emblem, check, slave contract, check, and lastly, a plausible reason for visit, namely the massive rotting wounds on Valka, check.

I feel my heart beating in my throat throughout the entire procedure and whenever the eyes of the guards fall on us but it all turns out well. Until they check the bag that is.

“A knife, junk metal, a trophy, coins, supplies, an emergency potion, and…” They meticulously rummage through my bag before pulling out the fist-sized Hadron crystal. “Care to explain?”

This is bad. I was so hung up on how we’d get past the gate that I never considered the amount of treasures our bag holds. About three gold coins which is more than a respected craftsman’s weekly pay, a sizeable Hadron crystal that’s worth about four times the money we have, a gift from a Lord of the Forest, and lastly another gift, this time from possibly a God… We sure didn’t play things small.

“The goblins, my lady.” Valka whispers into my ear, playing her role splendidly.

Her idea quickly forms into a believable story in my head, sprinkled with plenty of lies and some creativity. “Speak only when spoken to!” I talk to the poor girl behind me barely standing straight before turning my eyes back to the guards. “We eradicated a goblin village and what you’re holding is most of our spoils along with some of the coin.”

My restrained attitude is no more. This is no different than actual live combat where the enemy will exploit every weakness you show mercilessly. Confidence is the greatest shield.

“The two of you, an entire goblin village?” The guard chuckles, already checking our funds, his eyes gleaming with greed.

“So you think we stole it? You expect anyone that wealthy to get robbed by two young girls?” Sarcasm oozes from my voice and not without a reason.

“We might never know,” The one holding our money shrugs. “However, mana stones of this size are subject to tariffs upon entry, you know. Something this precious moving into our city can not be overlooked.” He pulls one of our few gleaming golden bits out from the already thin pouch and pockets it without a hint of shame in his eyes.

I know he’s bullshitting and we basically just got robbed but there’s nothing I can do. Corruption is a common thing and raising my voice will not solve anything. Quite the contrary really, it will only draw more trouble.

“I think everything is in order.” The guards finally nod, not even trying to hide their satisfied grins. “Welcome to Solermo and have a pleasant stay.”

“Come on, we’re almost there.” I nudge the delirious Valka to move. “Can you walk?”

“I’m fine.” And she still refuses to admit how dire her situation is.

Sure we have a health potion with us but I’m almost certain it’d do precious little against something that not even a dedicated healing Skill could restore.

Once past the gate, it takes only seconds to find Fiona again, busy organizing whatever merchants do when arriving in a city yet not too busy to let us leave without saying goodbye.

“Forty silver.” She casually names a price.

“Excuse me?” I try to act normally but my nerves are already at breaking point.

“I’m a merchant, my dear. My Skills, my life, and my mentality all revolve around an exchange of value. You received my much-needed help, now be graceful and show your appreciation. It really can’t mean much to someone with such treasure in your possession.” Her words sound like a voice of reason yet somehow I feel a well-veiled threat behind the polite argument.

And that’s when my eyes catch a certain picture plastered on the wall right by the gate. A picture of a girl, a short description below, and words present on all the posters marking their purpose.

WANTED

It’s Valka and the reward for bringing her to the authorities is fifteen Abyss damned gold coins. That’s a sum of money nobody could resist and it looks like I’m not the only one who connected the dots.

Forty is pretty cheap actually, not that I know the rates of human trafficking.

“Of course, thanks for the ride.” I hand over a bribe for the second time in less than a minute before getting as far away from those people as possible.

Vultures. How could I ever believe someone would offer us their help without any ulterior motives… We lost about half of our money and earned nothing in exchange other than the basic human right of visiting a city. Okay, we legally shouldn’t have been able to get past the checkpoint and considering the trouble we avoided the price of one and a half gold is cheap, but sill.

How naive of me… Not to mention the lenghts I'm willing to go for this idiot. She has a special spot in my heart I can't deny it.

“Let’s find you a healer as fast as possible so we can leave this shithole.” I call out to Valka but receive no response.

I’ve kept marching toward the town center ever since leaving the damn heartless sharks behind, too angry and disappointed with the world to look back but now… Val is a good few dozen paces behind me, knocked out cold on the ground in the middle of the street.

“Shit.”