The Hero’s Right Hand

My abilities could set the wrong thing ablaze and cause a catastrophe. Every pyromancer was aware of the possibility. It still surprised me that the first time I experienced something like the Balur collapsing it wasn’t my fault. Obviously I had blood on my hands but that was different than toppling a whole city. As we waited in the forest, the scent of fire dissipated. I could feel the cool breeze around me. It was nothing new yet felt refreshing after everything we’d been through.

Everyone was slowly recovering from their breakdowns. The marines immediately started dismantling the stone arch that held the portal we came through. According to Captain Julian, another portal could be created as long as it stood. Everyone needed an outlet for their rage and Balurian ruins were a perfect target. Meanwhile, Vofric used the last of his mana to heal anyone who’d gotten hurt during our fall.

“Even if the portal’s gone, won’t the elves come after us?” a marine asked.

Another chimed in. “Yeah, aren’t we wanted now?”

“Unlikely,” Aisha answered. “Even other elf enclaves even had trouble contacting the Balurians. They’re secretive… and too proud for their own good. They had every advantage against us and still lost. If word got out, they’d be admitting we proved their very ideology wrong.”

“If you ask me, they cared more about mistreating half-breeds than their own city.” I added.

“Exactly, so it’s up to us what we tell people.” Aisha turned to Captain Julian and said, “The people most likely to be questioned are your crew. I trust you know what to say.”

The captain nodded. “Aye. First we have to find a settlement. Lakelet, I assume you recognize the area.”

Officer Lakelet sighed. “Of course, I do.”

They rose from where they were sitting and dusted off while gesturing for us. The crew grabbed the few things they had and followed the officer. After trekking through the illusory forest, this was nothing. Avant happily jumped on leaves to hear them crunch underfoot. Loose berries along the trail became a quick snack. Watching the cub saunter calmed me. Eventually we stepped out of the thicket onto a developed path. The wide paved road invited us to follow towards a massive metropolis in the distance. A giant structure in the distance immediately identified the location. I looked towards Aisha knowing she’d dreamt of one day visiting the capital of the Tepran continent.

“Dawncaster!” she sighed happily. “We can get info without relying on anyone. Might even be able to rest for a while.”

“It’ll be a good place to restock our lost supplies,” I said.

“We need to get in first,” Captain Julian interjected.

She nodded towards the main gate of the city with a massive line of carriages and vehicles awaiting entry. Guards clad in silver armor inspected each one before letting them pass. Their chestplates were engraved with a sun and blue lines bursting outward. Different symbols on marked pauldrons identified their ranks. Atop their heads, ridge helmets with enchantments concealed the guards’ faces. Only one of them wore a cape in the same shade of blue as the sun’s rays. A guard captain needed to be easily identified and our own Captain Julian led us directly to them.

“There’s blood on your garb, Stormclaw,” the guard captain said.

“Ain’t there always, Rusty?” Captain Julian replied.

“How’d you know it was — My voice.” Rusty laughed heartily. “Last time you said blood stains were the sign of adventure. But what brings you to these parts?”

Captain Julian sighed heavily. “We had some problems on our last voyage. Why else would we be at the main gate?”

“Sorry to hear that. I don’t have a problem letting you in but what about them?” Rusty asked and nodded towards Aisha. “That one looks familiar.”

Captain Julian waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t mind ‘em. We had similar goals and these fine adventurers assisted us. Mind looking the other way on searching them? They ain’t even got supplies right now.”

The guard captain looked us over then nodded. “If anyone asks, Captain Telos wasn’t the one who helped you. And keep an eye on your familiar.”

“Understood, sir.” Aisha replied. “Thank you.”

I looked at Avant and whispered, “Stay close.”

All the information I’d learned about Dawncaster didn’t do it justice. I knew it was broken into districts but no one bothered to mention that each was the size of a town. From afar I could see buildings that put the Neves guard tower to shame. The most impressive was a castle located at the center of the city. For it to be in such an open area, it had to be heavily guarded. According to Captain Julian, the marine base and docks were located on the far side of the Dawncaster.

“We’ll part ways with ya here,” she said while turning towards our group. “A compatriot of mine was adamant no one approach the Balur Sea. I’d like to have a word with him.”

“Should we be worried about being branded criminals?” I asked.

“No. As Aisha said, Balurians are secretive. Forget other elves — no one had seen them in over 500 years. And aside from our little party, here no one is aware we sailed for Balur. I’ll handle any leaked information.” Captain Julian held out her hand towards Aisha. “You’ve got a journey to get back on track.”

Aisha nodded and shook the captain’s hand. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. If you’re ever in need of a ship, send for us.”

The marines said their goodbyes and left us in the middle of the road with our bloody armor.

“We look suspicious,” Aisha said. “A change of clothes would do us good.”

“With what coin?” I asked.

Sariel grunted. “Adventurers come through the city often. It is common for them to have stained clothes for a day.”

“So, we have a day to get clean clothes. Again, with what coin?” I insisted.

During the conversation Vofric was silently looking at all the surrounding streets. One grabbed his attention and I swear he hopped with joy.

He waved us over and said, “We needn’t worry about that. Follow me.”

Vofric weaved through side streets with expertise. It was clear he’d visited Dawncaster in the past. Some citizens noticed us but paid no mind to the dried blood on our garments. Aside from the discoloration, the blood wasn’t much of an issue. Within a day it would become pungent. That was likely when others would find us suspicious.

The districts were not separated by anything distinct. I kept track of our location with signs that hung from poles along the streets. The main gate had entered Ashborne and Vofric led us into Bamborough. Buildings were no longer built close together and the roads were lined with stalls. Stores had bombastic decorations inviting customers to enter. Merchants yelled about sales ending within the day and how we wouldn’t want to miss them. I was enamored and even Aisha couldn’t hide her excitement. This was nothing like Neves. But Sariel kept us on track so we could keep pace with Vofric who ignored the enticing products.

We arrived at a street with bigger stores and brighter lights. Banners along the sides called it “Greycastle Market”. It was packed with people bumping shoulders to reach their destinations. I quickly picked up Avant and pushed through the crowd to stay close to Vofric. His size made him especially hard to keep track of. Thankfully, he stopped upon reaching the center of the street. A low rock wall surrounded smaller merchant stalls standing in a large circle. An opening between two at the back led to the door of a three story building.

Unlike the rest of the bustling street, a line waited to enter the miniature market. The rock wall kept them orderly but what kept them in place was a young human at the entrance. Even without a weapon he exuded a powerful aura that I couldn’t place. But it could have been my imagination as he was friendly and chatted with customers waiting to enter. Vofric approached slowly while staring at the teenager with a wide grin.

“Sorry, you’ll have to get to the back-” the guard said as he turned to us. Aisha caught his eye but he hesitated as we were further away than he expected. After a brief pause the boy looked down to see the dwarf between us. “Uncle Vof?!” 

“You’ve grown quite a bit, Albert,” Vofric replied and put his arms out for a hug.

Albert had an average build but easily lifted the armor clad paladin. “I’ve been taller than you since I was seven!”

Vofric chuckled as he returned to the ground. “Apologies, then. I haven’t returned since you were a toddler.”

“Don’t worry about it, Mom and Mama will be happy to see you! And I assume your party?”

Vofric nodded.

Albert turned towards the crowd and shouted, “Rolan, come take over. We have a guest.”

A man slightly older than Albert bumped fists with him as they swapped positions. The teen led us towards the large shop behind the stalls. Shelves were lined with potions, tools; really anything an adventurer could need. Well made packs and tents were being thoroughly examined by greenhorns. Another wall was relegated to jewelry and other accessories. Many were for show but some were locked in a glass display case and exuded a distinct magical energy. Wooden figures were spread out on any number of shelves which people were enamored with. A sign on the wall mentioned commissioning a figure of choice.

I pointed it out to Aisha and whispered jokingly, “We could get some of us.”

“Later!” Aisha replied back seriously. I realized she was fighting to keep her excitement at bay.

“Mom, look who’s here!” Albert yelled to a human woman who was stowing gold in a safe.

“Blood,” she muttered as she turned to see us. A dagger strapped to her leg was almost in her grasp. But upon seeing us, she relaxed. “Vofric? What a surprise, old man. Thought you’d retired.”

“Circumstances demanded otherwise,” he replied. “May we talk elsewhere, Mia?”

“Of course.”
Mia said something inaudible to a nearby employee and led us to the back. We passed by a room filled with tools used for crafting equipment. It was likely everything in the store was handmade. No opportunity arose to ask as we arrived at a locked door. It led upstairs to the second floor of the building; the first floor of the shopowners’ home.

“Before I let you up, just confirm who you are to Vofric,” Mia said. “I’m guessing Al’s working on an assumption or Vofric’s word. I want to be sure.”

“We’re Vofric’s adventuring party, ma’am,” Aisha answered.

Mia nodded. “Good enough.”

As I entered Mia’s home, the scent of meat and soup washed away my concerns. For a brief second I felt like Balur was just a bad dream. But blood on my hands quickly brought me back to reality. 

“Dinner’s not ready yet, hun. What brought you up early?” a woman asked. Large horns protruded from her head. Silky black hair was brained around them leaving her eyes clear. Deep red skin almost matched the color of the dried marks on our clothes. A slender tail waved slowly behind her.

Mia smirked. “Louise, there’s an old man here. Wanted to have a word with us.”

Before even turning Louise was beaming. “Vofric! How are you? What brings you here? Is that blood? Did you get hurt? Are you adventuring again? Who are your friends?”

Vofric held up his hands and calmly replied, “I’ll explain everything. May we sit?”

Mia led us further inside and covered some chairs for us. She and Albert sat on the other side of the table as Louise fussed over snacks. Vofric explained who Aisha was and how we met him. Wolden’s cult and why he left. Then he checked with Aisha if he could continue and she agreed.

“How much can I tell them?” Vofric asked.

Aisha hesitated and said, “They don’t seem to be strangers to you.”

“They are as close to family as I have left”

“I leave it to you, then.”

The dwarf went on to explain how we sailed to Balur and the dangers we faced. What we did to escape and how the elves reacted. Finally, how we arrived at Dawncaster before parting with the Vethyean marines.

I hadn’t realized how much had already happened but Mia’s quiet contemplation made it clear. Albert was in awe and stared at our party with wonderment. The one to break the silence was Louise as she entered the room while skillfully carrying two trays of snacks and tea.

“It makes sense the chosen one could bring you out of retirement after you were so adamant about it,” she said. Without looking away from Vofric, she held out a snack for Avant. He wiggled out of my grasp and into hers. She pet him softly then turned to Aisha and continued, “The rumors of Balur didn’t paint them in a good light. And it sounds like you’re not too much at fault for their downfall so don’t let it weigh on you. “

The way she spoke calmed Aisha’s nerves. She’d been sitting upright, on edge, but relaxed ever so slightly.

“Sariel, was it? Why are you still with them? Balur was your original goal,” Louise pointed out. “If you simply need a change of clothes, we can provide it.”

Sariel slowly looked at our group then focused on Aisha. “Balur did not provide the information I sought. But I could not have reached it, nor escaped, without your party. I am not sure where to go next for answers but I would like to find them while traveling alongside you.”

It was as though Aisha had forgotten what Sariel said when she first joined us.

“What about after you get your answers? What if our quest is incomplete?” Aisha asked.

“I will stay. If you’ll have me,” Sariel replied readily.

Aisha smiled and nodded towards me, “What do you think?”

I pretended to contemplate but knew our party wouldn’t be the same without the soft spoken elf.

“I was going to ask for her to stay if she wanted to leave,” I admitted then turned to Sariel. “You keep saying ‘your’ but it’s our party. That includes you.”

Sariel smiled for a second before returning to her stoic demeanor. “Wonderful.”

“Wonderful,” Louise said with a beaming smile. “Mia, what would you like to do?”

Mia eyed our group over and said, “The Balur situation ain’t a problem. Not to mention, how much we owe old Vofric. We’ve got extra room in this place so feel free to take a room or two. Louise has already taken a liking to little Avant there.” Mia looked out the back window and continued, “We’ve got a business to run so whatever help we provide has to be lawful. And I gotta ask you not to lead trouble back here.” She turned to Aisha and me. “You two got your first taste of the real world. People won’t jump to help you just cuz you’re the chosen one, okay? You have to show them you’re worth believing in. Don’t just blindly trust folks either. Balur should’ve put a chip on that shoulder. Don’t forget it.”

“We’ve realized that for some time,” Aisha replied. I nodded.

“Good. Vofric seems to believe in you so we’ll do the same. Feel free to use Al here if you need. Kid’s got a knack for finding things and you’ve got a lot of searching to do before continuing your quest.”

“I’m not sure where to start,” Aisha admitted. “Dawncaster is massive.”

“Don’t worry about it for tonight. Enjoy a meal and rest. We’ll get you some clothes for your stay and get your armor fixed up,” Louise replied.

Aisha shook her head. “You letting us stay is more than enough.”

“Nonsense! We have means to help you, so let us. Consider it repayment for Vofric’s help.”

Our leader looked at the dwarf. Even I expected him to protest but it looked like he knew there was no point.

“What did he do?” I asked.

Mia sighed, clearly having explained enough for a lifetime. “We ran into some trouble back when Al was a toddler and we were just traveling merchants. Vofric saved our lives, got us to Dawncaster. We wouldn’t be where we are now if not for him and Adrian,.”

I furrowed my brow. “Who’s Adrian?”

“Adrian Greycastle was Al’s grandfather. Circumstances brought us together and he accepted us as his own,” Louise explained. “This market, this home, wouldn’t exist without his help. Let us pay it forward to you.”

The conversation continued into the night through tea and dinner. Avant roamed the halls with Louise doting on him. Al talked Vofric’s ear off about different things around town that had changed since his last visit. Mia went back to the shop to assist the last shift. Surprisingly, Sariel joined her to learn about the market. I was too exhausted after everything that happened and retired to my room. Aisha joined me shortly after in clothes she’d borrowed from our generous hosts.

“You look like a mom,” I joked.

“Shut up, Kargon. I know,” she replied while laying down.

I joined her and asked, “What’s on your mind?”

“A lot. Don’t immediately trust people. Not everyone will help us. Be smart. Be cautious. Don’t immediately trust people…”

As if in a trance, she continuously repeated herself. I listened for a few seconds and searched for words to comfort her.

“Don’t change too much,” I said. “We have a better understanding now so we can assess a situation correctly.”

“What if we repeat the same mistakes as yesterday? Or the day before?”

“Up until now, every mistake we’ve made was different than the last. We learn and improve but that doesn’t mean we need to fundamentally change.”

Aisha scoffed. “You’re saying we’ll make more mistakes.”

“Yes,” I replied. “But they’ll be less severe. We’ll recover faster. And we’ll get further in our journey each time.”

“Spoken like a true monk.” Aisha chuckled. “Thanks.”

“Of course, Hero.”