Surda, 11th day of Ichigatsu, year 2314
Morning chirps in the treetops opened their wings and took flight with chorused flapping that woke Thon from his sleep. He noticed his head was resting on his bag and not Vyz. She and most of the women were no in camp. Only two of them were by the fire minding the pot on it. A cool breeze blew up the mountain, carrying jovial voices from below.
"Good morning, Mr Thon. Katiya told everyone to let you rest. They're down by a stream bathing," one of the women greeted.
"Call me Thon. What are your names?" he asked.
"Helda Crow, I'm from Zign," one answered.
"I'm Pheobi Euphrates," the other answered.
They were young girls just entering their womanhood. In each of the seven races, children unlock their magic at the beginning of puberty. For humans, this is from 12 or 13 years of age. Only one in one thousand unfortunately do not receive the ability to use magic after puberty. These individuals face discrimination equal to that of slaves. The girls returned their focus to the breakfast they were making, at the same time the rest of the women returned, giggling and chatting amongst themselves.
Each one of them gave Thon a courteous bow as they passed him. After a goodnight's rest and bath, they had reclaimed their feminine glamour lost during their time in the dungeon. All of them vibrant and alluring, no younger than fifteen and none older that twenty-five. It would not be shocking if a number of them had a fiancé or husband already. Katiya's long fiery locks danced in the breeze. Neena's trained adventurer's body shone when it could the morning light at a certain angle.
"Morning Thon!" the pair greeted.
He waved back at them and turned his attention to Vyz who came beside Thon and nuzzled his cheek.
"Hey girl, did you enjoy your bath?" he asked.
She raised her head and shook herself snout to tail, spraying Thon in the process.
"Okay enough, let me go and clean myself up as well," he added.
Thon trekked down to the stream Helda mentioned. It was a clear, gentle flowing stream with smooth rocks covering its banks. He removed his sticky clothes and walked in. The water came up to his knees and was refreshingly cool. Minutes passed as he attentively washed off the layer of grim he had. When he was finished we walked out of the water. A sharp breeze swept downstream carrying a sweet scent with it.
"Did no one teach you that peeping is not lady like!" he called out.
"Ah, I'm sorry. I came down to tell you breakfast is ready," Helda responded in a squeak before running off cheek's red as the sun.
Laughing it off, Thon grabbed his clothes and got dressed. A moment later he re-joined everyone up at the camp. They had their breakfast around the fire, then cleaned up once they were finished, packing up their tents and carrying what then could in hand.
"Alright everyone, we will be making our way to Zign village now. It's about an hour and a half's walk down, an hour if we go without stopping. Stick together and be on guard," Thon addressed.
"Is it alright to keep this loot?" one woman wondered.
"Absolutely. You decide whether to keep it or sell it. That is but a morsel off the compensation you deserve after what you all have endured," he replied.
Satisfied with that, they set off for Zign with Thon leading the way this time. Everyone was able to walk on their own thanks to Katiya, especially Rain, the woman who was paralysed. Thon sent Vyz to take up the rear with Neena. The group descended the mountain side without incident and reached vegetable fields separated down the middle by a road. A settlement with high walls came into view, the tucked away village of Zign, the women grew happier the closer they got to it.
Some men were gathered on the road in front of the village gates. From the look of them, it appeared to be a group of hunters. One of the four looked out at the approaching travellers. Something he saw lost his focus prompting him to run and meet them.
"JESS! JESSICA!" he cried out.
"ALECK! Is that you?" one of the women responded.
She bolted to meet him faster than a spring hare in snow. The man was already a good distance from his colleagues. The two of them met with a strong embrace, sharing passionate kisses while twirling around like a leaf in the wind. Thon and the rest of the women passed them and stopped in front of the hunters. Helda broke off from the group and rushed one of the hunters, they shared the same blue-black hair and pointed noses.
He was taken by surprised but immediately rejoiced when he saw her face. The joyful noises from the two pairs reunited drew the attention of nearby villagers. Other women, from the group Pheobi Euphrates, went ahead rushing to meet with someone among the villagers. It was a scene of hearty reunion at the village gates. Thon realised these women where from Zign, reunited with their loved ones.
An elderly woman with two strong men accompanying her walked over to thon and the other rest of their group. Her age was etched on her face in deep, gentle lines, mapping the countless smiles, worries, and triumphs she'd experienced over the years. Her dark skin had taken on a warm, golden undertone, like well-oiled wood, and her silver hair was wrapped in a neat, intricate head wrap, adorned with a few strategically placed pins that sparkled like stars. Deep, warm brown eyes seeming to hold a world of wisdom and compassion, and her small, delicate hands, though wrinkled and age spotted, still conveyed a sense of quiet strength and authority. A colourful, hand-woven shawl draped over her shoulders, adding a touch of vibrant personality to her otherwise understated yet dignified presence.
"Grandmother!" Rain called out.
"Rain, is that you ?!" the elderly woman responded. "Oh, thank Lios you have returned safely."
Granddaughter and grandmother hugged and shed tears of joy together. The air was thick with loved. Lovers, families and friends brought back together after what seemed like an eternity. Thon checked on the others, Rain whispered something to her grandmother. Whatever it was piqued her interest.
"My granddaughter tells me I have you sir to thank for rescuing her, and you miss for saving her life," she said pointing at Thon and Katiya.
"I just did what was right in my capacity as a priestess," Katiya replied.
"I'm glad I could help. Freeing these women was a fortunate turn of events," Thon replied.
"Nonetheless, thank you. Not only her, but you have been brought home other women who went missing from our village. I, Candyss Pleis, chief of Zign, welcome you as my guests," she announced.
Everyone cheered with a loud shout, they entered the village and moved to the centre where a young, large Alderwood tree stood. Thon walked with chief Candyss retelling everything that had happened from the moment he left Hamsten mine. She led him to the adventurer's guild outpost in their village where Thon gave a full report on his recovery of the bodies of Shadow Storm's members and the rescuing of the twenty-five women. Gavin, a guild clerk, took note of it all along with a testimony from Neena confirming Thon explored the entire mini-dungeon and exterminated every last monster. This meant the quest Shadow Storm had taken was finally cleared.
Gavin transcribed a copy of the report and sent it to Aagard by chihuta. A faster messenger bird preferred over peuguot mail birds for time sensitive communications. He expected a response before the end of day. Chief Candyss organised a banquet under the tree in the centre of the village to celebrate today's good news. She invited Thon and the rest of group to stay in vacant rooms available within the few inns the village had, the women who were residents of Zign returned to their homes.
Zign was ablaze with warmth and light, the air thick with savoury scents of roasting meats and freshly baked bread. Chief Candyss stood in the midst of everyone, a broad smile on her face, as she raised her hands to quiet the gathered people.
"Today, we gather to honour Thon Soko," she declared, her voice ringing out across the area. "He has shown bravery and selflessness in the face of uncertainty, rescuing our sisters and daughters from the clutches of those foul goblins!"
Everyone erupted into cheers and applause as Thon, looking a little overwhelmed but deeply touched, made his way to the table of honour, where a feast fit for a warrior awaited him. The villagers, dressed in their finest attire, took seats, eager to share in the celebration and hear tales of Thon's daring exploit. Neena appointed herself Thon's spokesperson and narrated their rescue in a quite dramatic take. For something improvised, it was a wonderful tale, like those told of heroes of old. Merry making, sharing of delicious food, strong drink, music and dancing followed afterwards.
Thon used the excitement to slip away from everyone and sit on the porch of the adventurer's guild outpost. It was far enough that he could heard himself think, but not too far from all the festivities. Rain followed after him baring two cups of mead foaming at the top.
"It may surprise you, but we don't get a lot of reasons to celebrate here like this," she said sitting down next to him and offering him one of the cups.
"From where I'm sitting, I wouldn't believe that," he remarked.
"I don't suppose you plan on staying long, do you?" she asked.
"No. My attention is required elsewhere," he answered.
"Well, I hope I get to meet you again someday soon," she replied.
Rain took a big gulp from her cup, then gave Thon a kiss on the cheek. Before he could react, she rushed off to re-join the banquet. He sat there for a while longer before heading back. Thon left for bed shortly after with Vyz, having enjoyed their fill. The celebration lasted well into the night. Gavin met them on their way out; he seemed to have something to tell Thon.
"Can I have a moment of your time?" Gavin asked.
"Sure," Thon replied.
"Vice-guild master Thesin replied to my report around dusk. He said he'd send Taniyah and two iron rank parties to take over things here in Zign. They will arrive by first light," Gavin relayed.
"Wow, the man sure is prudent. Thank you for notifying me, I will see you in the morning," Thon said walking off to the inn he was staying in.
Back in the Hamsten manor, Lady Lasha's slender fingers drummed a staccato beat on the armrest of her chair as she leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's getting worse, isn't it Oliver? Count Borgus' mining operations are siphoning off our contracts, our profits are dropping… I fear for the future of our family's legacy," she lamented.
Oliver stood before her, his expression a mask of concerned gravity.
"Yes, my lady. His aggressive expansion during our repairs has certainly given us…competition," he paused. "However, I must stress that our buyers are loyal, and our operation is still the most efficient in the land."
Lady Lasha's gaze narrowed, her eyes glinting like polished onyx.
"I want you to contact the Ghost guild, Oliver. It's time we took…measures to protect our interests," she instructed.
Thon was given the best room in the village's largest inn, the Whistling Top, a large room on the building's rooftop with an open-air dining and sitting area. One of the stables behind it was setup to accommodate Vyz. He walked in, greeted the innkeeper and shuffled along to his room. Thon grasped the door handle, ready to collapse onto his bed, when a soft voice halted him.
"Thon, wait!" Katiya said from behind him, her eyes a mix of fear and determination, "I was wondering…could I share your room? I don't yet feel safe alone."
His instincts screamed with warnings, but he instead let empathy rule.
"Katiya, I understand, but…"
She cut him off, her voice rising.
"Please, Thon? Just for tonight?" she insisted.
Thon stood firm, despite her pleading eyes.
"I'm sorry Katiya. It's not a good idea," he reiterated assuming the matter was settled.
Toleda, 12th day of Ichigatsu, year 2314
To Thon's surprise he was proven wrong the next morning. As he opened his eyes, he was met with a sight that made his heart stumble: Katiya and Neena, were snuggled up in his bed, their faces serene in sleep. Thon's mind went blank as his body responded to the intimate tableau. He was torn between scrambling out of bed and…not. His face burned with a mixture of embarrassment and desire as he struggled to reconcile his morals with his decidedly animalistic impulses.
A chill breeze blew into the room and snapped him back to his senses. After careful manoeuvring, he managed to wriggle himself free, immediately putting on his jumpsuit up to his waist then darting out of the room. Thon finished getting dressed as he came down the stairs. He met a peppy Taniyah at the reception desk accompanied by Gavin.
"Just the man I came looking for, the vice guild master sends his thanks and congratulations on a job well done," she addressed.
"Good morning to you too," Thon responded.
"Why does it seem like you are running away from something?" Gavin wondered.
"The struggles of manhood," Thon replied.
"Well, shall we," Taniyah said gesturing for the door.
They exited the inn to find chief Candyss, Rain and a number of adventurers waiting outside.
"As Gavin must have told you, I travelled here with Klingspor and Sage Wind. Iron rank parties that will assist in escorting the remaining sixteen women back to Aagard. There we can better work to get them to their homes and families," Taniyah began explaining, "I will stay here with the chief and Sage Wind to meet with all the women, you will take Klingspor to the mini-dungeon. They're a party that specialises in studying and documenting dungeons for the guild's records."
"Fine by me," Thon replied.
"Thon, why didn't you wake us up!?" Neena raised objections to.
"The bed turned cold the moment you left," Katiya added.
The two ladies spoke thoughtlessly rushing out of the inn. Thon dropped his head in embarrassment. Everyone else around him misunderstood the situation adding to the embarrassment. Neena and Katiya's cheeks turned red once they realised the impression they had unintendedly given. Thon walked off in the direction of the village gates. Klingspor followed after him, as well as the Katiya and Neena.
"Vyz!" Thon called out.
Not a moment later, she came racing round the corner and greeted Thon. A member from Klingspor approached Thon.
"I'm Beleth Ugarit, leader of Klingspor, knight and lead researcher. These are my comrades; Peniel Orontes, brawler and my second in command, Alalakh Til, thief and my research assistant, and last but not least, Barsip Aleppo, scholar and our priest. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said.
"I'm Thon Soko, a humbly privateer," Thon replied.
"You're a baron," Barsip remarked in curiosity.
"He's also the leader of our company. I'm Katiya Von, his administrator," Katiya announced.
"I'm Neena Trigis, his battle strategist, this is Vyz," Neena piled on.
"A pleasure as well," Beleth greeted.
With the formalities out of the way they proceed to the mini dungeon. Vyz ran ahead like a curious child, scaring off and predator along the way that could pose a threat. twenty minutes later, they arrived at the entrance to the mini dungeon. Thon gave Klingspor a quick rundown of the layout and what to expect. Alalakh eagerly took notes as he explained this to them.
"Fascinating! This must be a man-made dungeon that attracted monsters and not a labyrinth," Beleth pointed out.
"What is the difference?" Katiya inquired.
"A labyrinth is a natural occurring dungeon. A cave or hollow that's filled with ambient mana, ends up becoming a labyrinth. At the end, there's a large jewel called a mana core, that forms from the condensing of the collected mana," Alalakh answered.
"It attracts monsters, and they are hunted down by adventurers for a reward. Then all the monsters and adventurers who die inside the labyrinth feed it and make it grow. The strongest monster in the labyrinth stays close to the mana core, it behaves as a guardian protecting it. When it is defeated, the victors are bathed in a burst of concentrated mana, that and the trophy of the labyrinth guardian it what earns many great adventurers their wealth and power," Barsip expanded on what Alalakh stated.
"Then what happens to the labyrinth?" Thon wondered.
"Most immediately collapse, others collapse later on after there is no existing monster presence, few reform their mana core and are revived if there is enough ambient mana in the region," Peniel answered.
"Wow," Thon, Katiya and Neena responded in one voice.
They left Beleth and his comrades to their research and returned to the village. Taniyah and Gavin were done with their work and had arranged wagons for transport. It was only after noon that Klingspor's work was completed. Everyone bound for Aagard gathered at the village gates. Taniyah urged the different groups to carry out their final checks before setting off.
"I almost forgot, the vice guild master also gave me your reward for this job," Taniyah mentioned to Thon.
"Let me take that off your hands," Katiya interjected.
Thon reluctant to argue and possibly demean her efforts let her have her way. Katiya accepted a pouch of coins from Taniyah.
"Everyone, onwards to Aagard," the leader of Sage Wind commanded signaling their departure.
The villages of Zign bid them farewell, a number of them shouting words of thanks to Thon. Sage Wind led the convoy of wagons while Klingspor split itself to cover the flanks. Thon, Neena and Katiya took up the rear.
"I'm glad we're all alone together back here. It gives me a chance to find out when my company hired an administrator and…what was it, battle strategist," Thon inquired of his travelling partners.
"It's quite simple really; I lost my priestess status the moment I lost my chastity. Neena won't be allowed to continue as an adventurer, let alone be invited into any party. We talk it over and agreed travelling with you was our best option, and we mention those things because we're confident our skill can help you," Katiya explained doing her best not to annoy Thon.
"Really now?" he questioned.
"I may be blind, but I am still able to perceive the world around me thanks to my sound magus. I just need to train my remaining senses to their limits. How do you think I've been able to get around all along?" Neena said in her defence.
"I was waiting for an opportunity to ask about that," Thon replied.
"And I do have the relevant experience to be an administrator. Besides, healing training and temple studies, every serving priest or priestess must first serve under a temple priest or priestess for a year, thereafter, they are officially recognised having passed a final examination," Katiya stated in her defence, "Leave the grunt work to use and lead."
Stumped by both their resolve and logic, Thon simply laughed.
"Alright then, have it your way, but I do warn you, my motives are selfish as they come," he mentioned.
"We trust you," they replied in unison.
As Thon, Kaiya rode through the gates of Aagard, the sounds and smells of a bustling city enveloped them, a cacophony of vendors hawking their wares, clanging hammers, and sizzling meats. The trio separated from the convoy, exchanging weary smiles.
"We'll head to the adventurer's guild first, before finding a wagon of our own," Katiya declared.
Neena nodded in agreement.
"I want to go find something sweet to eat. We can meet up later and plan our next move to Bobin," Thon nodded, his gaze perusing the crowded market streets.
He hopped off Vyz and guided her through the throngs of people. The aroma of roasting meats and baked delights wafted through the air, making Thon's stomach growl with hunger. Vyz, sensing his mood, nudged his hand with her snout. Suddenly, Thon's attention was caught by two burly men, their faces cruel and hardened, as they carted off a cage filled with slaves. His eyes scanned the cage, and his heart stuttered as he locked eyes with two little girls, half fox beast kin, their large, round eyes shining with fear and desperation.
"Come on girl," Thon whispered.
His voice tight with urgency, as he followed the slave traders at a discreet distance. The men led him deep into the city's underbelly, finally disappearing into an underground market, a labyrinthine network of tunnels and hidden chambers. Thon's eyes adjusted to the dim light, and he spotted the slave traders, their voices raised as they haggled with a stout, scar-faced man. His gaze never left the twins, his heart burning with a fierce determination to save them. He approached the men and interrupted their negotiations.
"Well, it must be a good day to be a slave trader, because I will pay double your asking price for those to halflings," Thon said.
"Double you say?" one of the slave traders responded.
"Get lost or you'll end up in a cage yourself," the scar-faced man barked.
"Now, let the young man speak Balikh, Ramoth and I are quite curious," the other slave trader insisted.
"Like hell I will Gilead, you know my employer hates to be inconvenienced," Balikh stated firmly, giving a sharp whistle.
Three rough looking brutes emerged from the shadows and surrounded Thon. Vyz was cut off from him, which riled her up, but the slave traders got their hands on her before she could jump in.
"Oh, surprise entertainment," Ramoth joked with a smirk.
Thon's eyes locked onto Balikh's goons, their faces twisted with vile grins, his face bubbling with a fierce intensity.
"Bone magus. Free form exchange."
The largest of the three, a hulking brute with arms ask thick as tree trunks, charged at Thon, his fist swinging wildly. Thon dodged the blow with ease, his skeleton softened and turned jelly-like as he sidestepped the attack. He countered with a swift jab, his fingers morphed into claws that ripped into the goon's leather armour and into his flesh. The goon howled in pain, stumbling backward as Thon spun to face the other two attackers.
The second goon, a wiry, rat-faced man with a snaking dagger, darted in with a quick, slashing strike. Thon raised his arm, and the back of his hand responded by growing a dense, bony plat that deflected the dagger's blade. The force of the blow sent a shockwave through Thon's arm, but he absorbed it easily, his bones flexing and yielding like a willow branch. He retaliated with a powerful kick, his leg bones hardening into a dense, unyielding column that connected with a sickening crunch, sending the rat-faced goon crashing to the ground.
The third goon, a towering slender giant with a mace, swung his weapon in massive arcs, forcing Thon to dance and weave to avoid the blows. Thon's jelly-like skeleton allowed him to dodge and counter with swift, precise strikes. He targeted the goon's knees, his claws ripping through the giant's leg armour and into his flesh. He bellowed in agony, crumbling forward to meet a devastating uppercut from Thon, his fist hardened into a bony hammer that connected with a crushing blow, sending the goon upright then flat on his back.
As the last goon fell, Thon turned to face Balikh, his chest heaving with exertion.
"You should have rolled over like a good boy," Thon growled.
His voice was slick with menace. Balikh's knees gave way, and he fell on his bottom. His beady eyes darting toward Gilead and Ramoth, who were watching the scene with wide eyed terror.
"You'll pay for this!" Balikh snarled, turning to flee.
Thon shifted his attention to the slave traders. They instinctively let go of Vyz and took a couple steps back. Thon searched the downed goons and took their coin purses.
"Catch! What will this cover?" Thon asked throwing Gilead the coin purses.
Gilead and Ramoth counted the total amount with gleeful smiles.
"It seems these three were holding all of Balikh's sales the day on them. Lucky us. You can have them all, this is just what we needed to skip town," Ramoth answered.
He threw Thon the keys to the cage and the slaves' shackles, then he and Gilead disappeared. Thon unlocked the cage and released the slaves. He then walked them out of the underground market retracing the way he took to get there. However, his head became hazy and he blacked out. Vyz skillfully caught him and got him on her back with the help of the two little girls.
Vyz tracked her way to a street square, while the slaves followed her, people gathered in the square to mingle or sit and watch different performers showcasing their talents. She managed to find Katiya and Neena, who were sitting by the fountain. When they saw her they rushed over with great concern.