Walking through the town’s streets the following day, SJ felt as though there was uncertainty about everything after the dryad’s death. The usually loud and boisterous vendors seemed quieter. After waking, she had completed her daily training regime and decided it was a sparring day. She still had not progressed in her martial arts and could not advance her kata until she sought training. Following Gary’s directions towards the barracks, she went around the side.
There was a fenced-in area made from wood standing fifteen feet high, and across the tops, metal shards had been placed, making it impossible to climb over without taking damage. It had to be the jail yard looking at it. Just beyond the yard was a small fenced-in compound. It had training dummies with crudely drawn faces and archery targets set up. It reminded SJ of medieval England scenes and the trip to Warwick Castle, where they had put on a show.
There were at least twenty training in the compound, whether with bow and arrow, crossbow or various melee weapons. Some guards were sparring with wooden swords; their movements were swift and precise, and the dwarf overseeing the sparring guards shouted praise or chastised for poor form, whichever was deserved. There were grunts and groans and the rhythmic thud of wood on wood.
Across behind the yard, SJ could see a stable area. It was the first she had seen since being in town, and several horses were being tended to. Spotting a ratkin, she thought it looked like Little Stuart but couldn’t be sure.
Several small rings with a sandy floor were off to one side of the compound. As SJ approached, she spotted Lorna’s bright orange hair. The large, powerful woman grabbed an orc and, tilting her shoulder into him, sent him up and flying over her shoulder. He landed with an audible grunt on his back on the sand.
“I have told you many times, stop leaving yourself open for a throw,” Lorna snarled at the orc as he picked himself up.
SJ walked towards the ring. She got several looks from others training but paid them no attention. On reaching the ring, she stood listening to Lorna instructing the six guards being put through their paces.
“I want you all to complete three forms before you finish for the morning. And I mean three full forms.” Lorna barked at them. Audible groans escaped the trainee’s lips. Turning from the ring Lorna saw SJ.
“Hello. Can I help you?” Lorna asked.
It was the first time SJ had seen her face, and she was beautiful. Her orange flowing hair looked like flames surrounding her face. She stood tall with a straight back, towering over SJ, and looked exceedingly strong.
SJ cleared her throat, feeling a little intimidated by the woman. “Hi. Gary directed me to speak to you about training.”
“Ah, the fae monk.”
“Yes. SJ. Nice to meet you.”
Lorna stepped forward, holding out her hand and smiling at SJ. It was a disarming smile, and SJ knew that behind it was a strength she could not challenge. Not yet, at least. SJ took her hand, and Lorna gently squeezed it. SJ tried not to flinch under the pressure, feeling her hand weakly in the woman’s grip.
“I am Lorna. We do not often get trainees, especially in martial arts. Most would go and see Brother Wilbert, especially considering you are a monk.”
“I had heard he was full and could not take any more trainees currently.”
“Well, then, I need to know a little about you and your current skills if I am going to train you.”
“I currently have Level 3 kata.”
“At least you have something to start with. I will put you through your paces and see whether you wish to continue training with me. If you do, I ask that you donate to the Guards Retirement Fund. I don’t need to be paid for my time, as the town pays me.”
“That sounds great. When would you like to start.”
“Now. First, I would like to see the kata form you have. Do you have something to change into? That dress will get ruined very quickly.”
“Don’t worry about the dress. It will be fine.” SJ smiled.
Lorna raised an eyebrow in response, “If you say so, don’t blame me if it gets torn.”
“It won’t, don’t worry.”
“Kata then?”
Lorna was not wasting any time, and SJ was shown to one of the training rings and immediately got underway performing her katas. She had already completed them first thing, and they were so natural to her again now, smoothly moving from one step to the next. Lorna watched in silence until she had finished.
“Very unusual style. I have not seen that before. Where did you start training?”
“I trained as a young girl and have not done it for a long time.”
“The form is very defensive. There are strikes, but it is not an offensive style. Here, we train in a form known as Amar Ti. It is the most common of the styles and offers a much more offensive stance and approach. It is all about incapacitating and finishing the enemy quickly. Particularly good for open combat situations.”
“I am happy to learn something new.”
“Good. We will start with the basics and see how you get on.”
The morning passed quickly, with SJ being shown the basic stages of new katas. Once she was happy with the new forms, she had the dexterity to perform the moves with fluidity. SJ was impressed with Lorna and her instruction. She guided with precision and expertise and instructed SJ to emphasise mental discipline and resilience.
By the time the training ground broke for lunch, SJ had mastered the first two new kata forms. It was much more aggressive, and Lorna had shown her the basic moves. It was all based on power and strike rate, and SJ was excited by its potential. She sat and joined the guards for a bowl of stew and water before returning to the training ring. She was already feeling the burn in her muscles and wasn’t sure if she could keep this up all day.
The afternoon session was gruelling. It was no longer just the katas’ forms but strength training. Her dexterity was fine, but to gain the power that Lorna showed with her moves, she may have to invest some of her points in constitution to prevent the pain from the strikes she performed. She joined the other trainees for part of the session as Lorna took them through different kicks and punches, and by the time the training ended, she was thoroughly exhausted.
SJ could not remember a time in her life when she had completed so much physical exercise in one day.
“Will you be back tomorrow?” Lorna asked, smiling at SJ as they began to leave the training ground.
“Tomorrow?” SJ asked, surprised.
“We train most days with rest days as needed to develop and grow quickly, which I am guessing you aim to train hard and fast.”
Letting out a groan as she flexed her shoulders, she turned to Lorna, smiling weakly. “If I can move in the morning.”
“You need some Dryac.”
“What is Dryac?”
“It’s a cream. You rub it on your sore muscles, and it soothes them. Works wonders.”
“Where can I get some?”
“There is a healer near the town square. A gnoll called Grewlas runs the shop. He is an alchemist by trade but specialises in healing tonics and lotions. The best in town. His prices can be steep, but I would pay for his Dryac any day of the week compared to many others. Few specialise in specific areas regarding alchemy, and he has them down to a fine art.”
“I will look into it. How do I go about donating to the fund?”
“If you see Captain Broadaxe, he is in charge of the retirement fund.”
“Great. I will try and catch him tomorrow. Thanks for today; although knackered, I did enjoy it.”
Dave had been quiet most of the day and spoke once they walked away. “She is good.”
“Good?”
“Her level is quite low, but her dedication to her art has meant that she is way beyond what you would expect.”
“What level is she?”
“Level 17.”
“That high? I never realised.”
“The skill she shows in martial arts is what I would expect for someone in their thirties.”
“Oh. That is impressive, then.”
“Very. I think she has been away from the region to level at some point but returned as she won’t gain experience around here now to progress. That has not stopped her dedication to her skill, though.”
“It is good to know she is that proficient.” SJ was pleased with the revelation that she was being trained by someone knowledgeable. “I think I will see Fizzlewick before seeing if I can get some Dryac and then a bath and bed.”
It didn’t take long to reach the tailor’s shop, and the sign again showed ‘Closed’.
“I wonder where he is?” SJ frowned.
“We could go and buy cloth somewhere else?”
“I suppose, but I need the recipes as well.”
“We better wait then.”
A question had been bugging SJ for some time, and she needed to know the answer. “Dave.”
“Yes.”
“Why can’t I identify more people and increase my Identification skills faster?”
“You could identify more people if you wanted. It is just frowned upon.”
“Why?”
“Most won’t know you are doing it, but anyone with the skill or sometimes even a high enough wisdom can pick up on it being done to them. Many who do, class it as invading their privacy.”
“Bob inspected me.”
“That’s a little different. Bob did pre-warn you he was going to do something, and would you try and stop a level 88 Blue dragon doing what it wanted to do?”
“Fair point. I wish I could level it faster, though. Each level has benefits, but I can’t start branching into other skills until it levels higher.”
“You could always ask people if they mind. I am sure many won’t, but just be prepared that some may take offence to it. That means that it can impact your reputation. I know I mentioned that there were only six levels. There are only six positive levels. There are also negative levels.”
“Oh. You mentioned them but never detailed them.”
“Similar steps as to the positive side. Neutral, Mistrusted, Against, Disliked, Hated, Detested.”
“Can I set levels?”
“I am not sure. I have never known a Legionnaire do it before,” surprise was etched in his voice.
“If people could, to me, I would have thought I could do it back?”
Silence.
“Nope. Impossible. It would be classed as playing the system. Theoretically, you could set everyone to revered and try manipulating the system by those people, then amend their status towards you and play the system. Only Amathereans are allowed to, and it is not a whimsical decision. It comes purely through interaction.”
“That is a shame.”
“I agree, but unfortunately, we can do nothing about that. Although another worthy attempt at finding another loophole.” Dave said cheerily. “I do like how your brain works on occasion. Not very often, I might add, but definitely on occasion.”
SJ folded her arms defensively, shaking her head, as they walked through town back to the inn. As she approached the town square, she could hear shouting and screams.
“What’s going on?” SJ said.
“No idea,” Dave replied.
SJ broke into a jog to find out what the issue was. As she entered the square where all the vendor stalls were, she suddenly had to jump backwards as a wagon being pulled by two horses clattered past on the cobbles. The square was chaotic. The careering wagon had hit three stalls, and no one was driving. The horses looked spooked, snorting and flaring their nostrils as they circled around the square. Vendors and customers alike were getting out of its way.
A female dryad ran out of the inn as the out-of-control wagon swung past. SJ watched as the dryad threw her hands before her, pointing at the wagon and horses. The instance she did, the horses began to react, slowing down and, within a short distance, had come to a stop. Still shying and snorting. The dryad walked towards them with her hand held out and gently placed her hand on the neck of the first she reached. It immediately calmed, its breathing easing and its stomping stopping. She then repeated the exercise with the other.
SJ was amazed at the spectacle.
“Druids. Hmmph,” Dave said.
“The control she has over them is amazing,” SJ whispered.
“I suppose it wasn’t too bad,” Dave said grumpily.
“What do you have against druids?”
“Fluffy nature lovers. I prefer death and glory.”
“Hopefully not in that order!” SJ replied.
“As long as it’s not your death, then yes.”
“You are a little psychotic, aren’t you?”
“My latest personality test came out as having psychopathic tendencies, so I can’t argue.”
SJ shook her head, not replying, wondering what questions he had been asked to get that answer as an AI, never mind why an AI would even complete a personality test.
The wagon owner approached the dryad, SJ, too far away to hear what was said, although, by the way, the gnome dropped his head; he had been scolded. Continuing towards the inn, the vendors and affected people were glaring, and some were shouting at the gnome. The dryad stood there watching with a slight smile on her lips. Now that the horses were calmed, she turned and walked back towards the inn, arriving at the door at the same time as SJ did.
The dryad had long dark brown hair and was very pretty. She wore a beautiful pale-yellow dress that fitted her perfectly and matching coloured jewellery around her wrists and neck. A large gem hung on the necklace. SJ thought it might be amber or similar.
“Sorry,” the dryad said as she let SJ enter before her.
“Thanks. Impressive work with the horses.”
“In my trade, it helps.”
“What trade is that?”
“I am the local wagonista.”
“Wagonista? What is one of those?”
“Oh, you must be new,” she replied, smiling. “I own and run the local wagon merchants. We provide most of the wagons and carts in town, and having to work with horses is a must.”
“I see,” SJ replied, surprised.
As they entered, SJ suddenly noticed a movement from the corner of her eye and turned to see a shape on the dryad’s shoulder. Something was moving, hidden under her long brown hair. The dryad walked to a table where she sat at a plate with half-eaten food. Having left it to go and stop the antics in the square.
Walking to the bar, SJ kept watching the dryad, wondering what the movement was. As she watched, the dryad picked up what looked similar to a pine nut and lifted it towards her shoulder. Two small furry little paws appeared and grabbed it before disappearing again.
“What the hell was that?” SJ whispered.
“What?” Dave asked, confused.
“There is something on her shoulder.”
“Ohhhh. She has a familiar.”
SJ knew what familiars were. “I wonder what it is?”
“Go and ask.”
“A little bit rude to just walk up and ask, ‘Hey. I don’t know your name, but what’s that thing sitting on your shoulder?’.”
“Hey, SJ,” Fhyliss said, getting her attention.
“Hi, Fhyliss. Can I please get a coffee? Do you also have anything light food-wise today?”
“I will check the menu, although Floretta can whip you up something if you wish.”
“I would like just a salad if possible?”
“Sure, no problem. I will go ask.”
A few moments later, with a large mug of coffee and confirmation of a salad being made, SJ stood staring at the dryad.
“I have to ask,” SJ whispered.
Walking over to where the dryad was sitting, she waited for her to notice her standing there.
“Can I help?”
“I am wondering how much a cart and horse costs?”
The dryad’s eyes lit up. “Please take a seat,” she offered her hand to an empty chair, smiling. SJ sat down. “It all depends on what you are after in your cart, to be honest. Do you just want an in-town runaround or something more long-distance related?”
SJ hadn’t been expecting a response like that and, within minutes, was tied into visiting the wagonistas to see what they had on offer. She had agreed to go the next day after training. The dryad had finished eating and stood to leave, “When you get down tomorrow, just ask for Katiyanna.”
“Ok. I am SJ. I will see you tomorrow.”
The dryad left, leaving SJ alone now, rubbing her head, baffled by how the conversation had just turned. She had been getting excited talking about the carts and wagons, picking up on the passion from the dryad, and had completely forgotten about the familiar and to ask about it.
“I think you better leave your gold in your room tomorrow,” Dave said.
“Why?” she whispered.
“If you go there with gold, you won’t return with it. She had you drawn in on every word.”
SJ frowned, unable to deny that the conversation had entranced her. “I did get a little excited.”
“That dryad is very good at her job by all accounts. Wagonista salespeople are renowned for being good. She is very good, though, and must have a high charisma for her charm to be so strong.”
“I was charmed?”
“No. Not magically, but yes, you were charmed by her.”
SJ was tired, a little uncertain about the conversation, and sore from the training. She had forgotten to visit the healers for the Dryac that Lorna had mentioned. Fhyliss brought over a large plate full of all kinds of salad; SJ thanked Fhyliss, picked up the plate, and headed to her room.
“You do know you are supposed to be going to see Setu and Margu this evening?” Dave asked.
SJ had completely forgotten, wishing she had not confirmed an exact date.
“Thanks, Dave. I had forgotten. I better get ready.” SJ sighed. All she wanted to do was get a bath and go to bed, but she knew she had to keep her promise.
