Vexx grimaced. And then I’d been expelled. It wasn’t a pleasant thought, and he cast it aside as he strode outward into Cloudbury, uncertain of his exact destination. I’ve spent too much time in the past. It’s time I made a new future for myself.
He strode past a couple horsemen, perhaps on patrol along the periphery of the Lifeless Hills, a region he remembered to be quite dangerous. Vexx nodded at a family of farmers, who greeted him politely in return, likely returning to their farmstead after selling their wares at the town market. I always thought I’d be a mage, but now, I’m worse off than even those farmers. What am I supposed to do now? I thought my father could at least give me some advice or provide me with lodging while I figured things out, but...
Vexx grumbled to himself as he strode down the dirt road that bisected Cloudbury. First, they kick me out of the academy, and now this? He rummaged through the sack, feeling the varying weights of metal pieces within. A paltry sum, but more than enough to get him well and truly drunk. It’s been ages since I’ve been back. Where should I go?
A blacksmith paused between heavy blows on the forge and glanced over.
“Excuse me, stranger, but where’s the nearest bar?”
“Just down the road,” the bare-chested man said, gesturing with a pair of tongs. He squinted at Vexx. “Wait, aren’t you that White boy?”
Vexx grimaced. “Thanks for the directions,” he muttered, quickening his pace. He could see the bar now: a low, squat structure of timber with a wide, rickety door. Beside it swung a bulletin board on a stand, currently empty of bounties. He pushed his way inside and was almost overwhelmed by the clamoring of drunk patrons from within.
Bottles clanked as adventurers celebrated their earnings for the day, their raucous laughter and the cloying stench of dungeon rot told Vexx everything he needed to know about them. At the table beside them, an orc was furiously playing five finger fillet on his own, enthusiastically plunging the stained blade of a small knife into the splintered top of the table.
Vexx strolled past an unconscious sorcerer to where a young elf woman was pleading with the unimpressed barkeep.
“Just one quest,” she said, leaning close. The candlelight danced over her tanned skin, the elf’s skimpy armor leaving very little to the imagination.
Vexx couldn’t help but give her an appreciative once over as he sidled closer to the bar. Not so bad for an elf. Light on armor for an adventurer, though.
The barkeep shook his head as he polished a mug. “I don’t know if you’re up to it…Kaylin, did you say your name was? That shortbow there seems pretty shoddy. Do you know how to use it?”
“Do I?”
The elf perked up and reached for the shortbow strapped to her back, but in her haste, the end of her bow caught on the stool beside her and she stumbled back. She turned and tripped, crashing unceremoniously into Vexx’s arms. He stood there for a moment with his arms draped awkwardly around her, watching as a pretty blush suffused her cheeks.
“Um…hello.”
Vexx smiled despite himself. “Hello.”
A clang broke the uncomfortable silence as the barkeep set the clean mug down. “Oh, I didn’t realize you two were together,” the barkeep said. Kaylin began to stammer a denial, but by some impulse, Vexx’s hand shot out and covered her mouth.
“That’s right,” he said with a smile. “Vexx White, dungeoneer for hire.”
“Well, I do have a two person job,” the barkeep said thoughtfully as Vexx released the elf woman, who scowled in silence as she got to her feet. “But I doubt you’ll like it.” He tilted his head. “Ya ever tangled with goblins?”
4
Dungeoneers
Vexx’s heart pounded, and it wasn’t just from being next to the attractive elf, who was now brushing her flaxen hair aside and muttering something unintelligible.
Of course, why didn’t I think about it before? I could become a dungeoneer for real, just like Dred Wyrm! I have nothing keeping me from it anymore, and I could use the money. Besides…I’ve learned a few tricks over the years.
Vexx snapped his fingers, a puff of flame hovering in place above his outstretched palm. “Goblins? Goblins are easy,” Vexx said with a derisive snort. He hadn’t fought goblins before. Truth be told, he’d only seen them once or twice, but they didn’t seem like they’d be much trouble. Vexx had trained hard at the academy, excelling in the darker arts since he was ‘a bit too much of a natural talent,’ as he had heard his teachers mutter amongst themselves.
“Well, it’s really only one goblin,” the barkeep said slowly. “But he’s a quick little bastard.”
Vexx frowned. “You know him?”
“We’re not exactly on friendly terms. He’s been killing my sheep. I spotted him finally, leaving my farm for a dugout. I figure the two of you could flush him out,” he said, glancing back at the elf. “Think you can handle that, missy?”
“Of course!” she exclaimed with a broad smile, her green eyes glimmering in the glow of the tavern’s candles. “My name’s Kaylin Lulynn, and I was the best shot in my village! We’ll do it, no problem,” she said happily as she turned to look at Vexx, nearly knocking the mug out of the barkeep’s hands. “Hey, do you think—”
But Vexx was already frowning, the excitement draining away. “One goblin? You’ve got to be kidding me. That’s far below my—”
The elf tugged on his sleeve and gave him a pleading look. “Don’t say that, Vexx! Sure, it’ll be easy, but…do it for me? Will you?”
“Uh…yeah, sure,” Vexx stammered, and the elf let go with a smile.
The barkeeper frowned at them, smoothing down his salt and pepper mustache. “I’m really not sure about you two. You,” he said, pointing an accusing mug at Vexx, “are wearing the most peculiar pajamas I’ve ever seen. And you,” he continued, ignoring Vexx’s protests about Academy Initiate clothing, “must be the clumsiest elf I’ve ever met. I thought you elves were supposed to be nimble and graceful or something.”
“Eheh, well…I’m very lucky…” Kaylin stammered, looking down. She sniffed. “Decently charismatic,” she added, wiping away a tear.
He gave her another dubious look and shook his head. “Listen, I don’t think the two of you are up for the job. Hell, you can barely stay on your feet, elf girl. I’m not going to send you to your deaths.”
Vexx felt a surge of sympathy well up in him and he approached the bar. He pulled out his coin purse and slammed it on the counter. “There’s ten silver pieces in there, old man. In two days, we will come back with proof that we’ve killed the goblin, and we’ll take fifteen pieces in return. If we don’t make it back, then it won’t make a difference to you. What do you say?”
“Old man, am I?” the barkeep muttered, clasping a hairy hand around the coin purse. “The name’s Pollander. You know, you could learn a thing or two about charisma from your friend here, boy. Still, it’s an acceptable enough deal. Bring me the fiend’s ear and I’ll get you your fifteen pieces. And, why not, I’ll sweeten it up with a mug of ale for you both.” Pollander took the coin purse along with him, moving behind the bar. “Might be the last ones you get,” he muttered, just barely audible over the controlled chaos of the tavern interior.