Chapter 20: Welcome to The Family
Now we only need to follow the path up and the trail to the west. We should reach the road within a quarter of an hour, at most.
I nod and begin to climb.
See, there's the road. We can follow it to Betancuria now.
That's good.
True enough, we've gotten across the collapsed bridge.
So, M'lady, you still haven't told me what had brought you to that castle?
I'm on my way back to Betancuria, I live there.
May I be so bold as to ask what is it that you're doing for a living?
I'm a kitchen girl.
Really? But what are you doing in the woods, all by yourself?
I was on a boat trip on the river...I was washed overboard during last night's thunderstorm.
Then I thank the gods that they saved you. The river is treacherous this season. Let us go on.
LP Comment: 2 Chaotic points for bluffing Anden. Lawl.
The trail is easy to follow. But behind the small ruined walls, I spot an animal approaching us. A larger wolf, perhaps?
The animal knows no fear and lunged at us, only to meet its end at the hands of Anden's blades.
A worg! That's not good at all.
I eye the dead beast warily, why is there so many hostile animals in the forest?
There might be other beasts lurking in the shadows. We should patrol this area to make sure it's safe.
You really think it's necessary?
Absolutely. Imagine a couple of children playing outside the city gates suddenly getting attacked by such a beast!
Hm, I guess you're right.
Anden can be too caring sometimes. We continued on the trail and watch for any signs of the hostile wilds. There were none. The mastiff grew bored, it yawns and stretches, licking its nose.
He's getting tired, too. I hope we'll reach the city soon.
Hmm. *He glances at the dog.* Are you planning to take your dog into the city?
I have not thought about that yet, to be honest.
It might not be such a good idea. He's a wild creature. Did you see how he tore the flesh off those goblins? And now imagine him in a crowded street...
Hm, you might be right.
There's also that...other behavior he shows.
Yes. Bad dog!
You could give him to us rangers. That way, he'll be properly educated.
I'll think about it.
I think it would be the best for him.
A young woman with brown skin and chestnut hair suddenly appears between the trees and runs up to us! Anden groans when he spots her. The mastiff barks, his ears flapping.
Hi there, apple pie!
She grins impishly at Anden.
What do you want, Gail?
Oh, just saying hello! It's been a while since you've been to my forest, after all. And you've even gotten yourself a girlfriend this time, huh? And a big dog, too!
She curiously eyes both me and the mastiff.
Greetings. You're a friend of Anden?
Anden lowers his voice, speaking to me.
Her name's Gail. She's harmless, although she can be rather annoying at times.
Aww, annoying? *She pouts.* You didn't find me all that annoying when you did it with me.
Gail! I've never done...it..with you.
Oh, right! I forgot you only do it with your animals!
She grins and turns her back to Anden, then pulls up her skirt.
Are you sure you don't want to stick it into me? I'll let you do me in my booty!
She wiggles her bottom at him.
Gail! Really!
LP Comment: Really?
The mastiff suddenly darts forward, sniffing and licking the exposed flesh.
LP Comment: Oh. My. Dog.
No. Bad dog!
Ack!
The woman squeals and giggles, running off into the woods, the mastiff right on her heels. Anden clears his throat as both disappear into the distance.
I'm afraid that's the last time we've seen of your dog, M'lady...
You must be joking.
Gail's harmless, although she's obsessed with baring her nether regions every time she sees me.
LP Comment: Valine, you are one weird writer.
But most animals seem to be absolutely bewitched by her. Don't ask me why. I've seen bloodhounds and war-horses running off with her.
LP Comment: She's a Pokemon trainer. Go figure.
I see.
Let's wait for a while, perhaps he'll come back.
Okay.
An hour passes. And another. Anden finally clears his throat.
They won't come back, I'm afraid...
Looks like it, yes.
Well, perhaps it is for the better. The dog's behavior was most unnatural. It must have been trained by humans to act like that. Poor creature...
LP Comment: You can train a dog to hump legs? Isn't this just animal breeding instincts?
Poor creature? Why?
The nature of a beast is to breed with its own species. A bitch's scent will tell a male dog when the bitch is ready to be mounted. This dog, however, must have been trained to react to other kinds of odors. And that IS against the dog's nature. Whoever did that took advantage of the dog's inherent behavior and twisted it to their own purposes.
LP Comment: But...what's the point of training the dog to be a Pokemon? 'Enter'-tainment?
Humans have been doing that with other animals for like forever. Oxens are trained to pull carts, hounds to hunt, and horses to let knights ride on their backs.
Well...A lot of rangers and druids will tell you that all those things are very wrong indeed. And I must say that breeding is a different matter altogether. But in the case of your dog, its will was clearly to chase after Gail, and we should allow it to do so. Gail will surely set it free so it can live its own life. And that is a good thing.
LP Comment: Whatever, man.
I hope so...
Shall we go on to the city now, M'lady?
Yes, let's.
Moments later
That's the city gates. I'm back home! And that means I've passed all of my lessons!
Well here we are, back in the city. I will investigate the worg issue later on, M'lady.
I peer at the city gates. Quite a lot of Dhorn guards are stationed around it. I wonder will any of them recognize me?
You're afraid of the Dhorn, M'lady?
Not afraid, but I'd rather not be seen by them.
We won't have problems entering the city. They know us ranges and let us pass.
That is good to know.
Say...what I wanted to ask...
He studies his feet. I glanced at him, confused. He seems to have lost his confidence all the sudden, is something wrong?
Do you have a...husband in the city...? A lover? A betrothed?
LP Comment: Well, well, well....
No...
His face brightens.
Why do you ask?
I was just curious...
I smiled at him. He's interested in me? What an odd way to meet. To think he could've ended up as a captive for god knows how long. He smiles back at me. We make our way to the gates together.
Anden steps forward, addressing the guards.
Greetings. My name is Anden Goodmanner. I'm a member of the ranger guild. And this young woman by my side is my companion.
I keep my head low and try not to look at the soldiers. Goodmanner? Really? I laughed inwardly at his last name. Good man, indeed! The Dhorn briefly glances at my breasts, then nods at Anden.
Alright. You may pass.
He waves us through.
Please wait a second.
What is it, Anden?
I have to leave you now. I have to visit my guild for my report.
Oh.
But I'd very much like to see you again. Where do you live? I could stop by when I'm done.
I live at the Bear's Pit Tavern in Northern Betancuria.
Got it. *He smiles.* I'll see you later, sweet lady! Here's your short sword back.
Thank you. Keep the chain shirt...as thanks for leading me home.
He bows and wave as he walk away. I smiled at his figure and sheathed the short sword Master Alfons gave me. I close my eyes and clasp my hands together to thank the Almighty for my safe passage.
I finished my prayer and make my way to the Thousand Steps Inn.
You are back.
Master Kelten makes it sound like a statement. No hint of surprise in his eyes.
Yes, Master Kelten.
Well, you have passed my lesson then. *He smiles.*
I nod and excused myself.
Upon leaving the inn, I noticed that the Betancurian Guild of Rangers is right next door. Perhaps I can pay Anden a visit.
Welcome to my shop. Would you like to see my wares?
Do you know a ranger by the name Anden Goodmanner?
Sure do. He's around from time to time.
I'm looking for him. Do you know where he is?
Well, he may be out of city at this moment.
Oh..well, show me your wares then.
I browsed the store's wide array of ranged weaponry. Bows and Crossbows of all manner and size. As well as sharpened arrows and bolts to dispatch prey more effectively.
I set my eyes on a fine Heavy Crossbow that sports higher accuracy from its marksmanship.
How much for this?
Two thousand four hundred gold pieces, miss.
Oh...perhaps next time.
I don't really have enough coin for that. It looks too bulky to carry around, anyway. I thanked the storekeeper for his time and decide to check the Tanner shop next door.
The tanner offers slightly different range of goods. All manners of leathers belts and armors adorn its collection. This belt in particular, protects me from slashing wounds and costs me only 800 gold pieces.
LP Comment: FFS, -5 to all slashing? YES! YES! YES!
I'll take it.
Would you be interested in some cloaks?
This...looks very effective in hiding myself. I traced its fine fabric. Elven craftsmanship, no doubt.
How much?
A thousand three hundred. Last piece in store.
Oh, that's very steep. But I'll take it.
Would you like me to pack it for you?
No, I'll wear it now.
Excellent choice.
I don the cloak, feeling its light weight on my shoulder. Very comfortable.
Would you like a matching pair of elven boots to go along with that? Guaranteed to quieten your steps!
Actually, I don't have a lot of gold with me at the moment...How much, though?
I can't let it go for less than ten thousa-
Oh, in that case, I'll have to pass. *grins.* Thanks!
Come back again!
I left the shop with less than a thousand gold on me. But the belt and cloak felt like a good purchase. I smiled confidently and make my way past the marketplace.
The Bear's Pit is just a walking distance away. The noise and bustle in the market comforts me. I'm back in my element. No more wild animals, yay. I wonder how Caron is doing?
Caron's not at his usual spot. That's odd. Usually he'd be around. I stop by Chella and ask about Caron, only to be met with the same question. Oh well.
Tired, I return to my bed room for a relaxing, warm bath and a short nap before reporting to Master Nathan's office. The water felt soooo good.
I awake, feeling refreshed and with the Almighty's blessing identified a magical longbow I seized from the brigand's castle. Too bad I'm not trained in its usage. Short bows and crossbows are much more simpler to use. Guess I'll sell it off soon. I rose from my bed and make my way to Master Nathan's office, eager to report my completion.
Aisha.
Hello, Master Nathan.
He looks at me, expectantly.
I have passed all my lessons!
So you have. I know. I'm pleased.
I grinned at him.
You've adopted some of our ways faster than I thought, Aisha.
I'm full of surprises.
Funny, Pia told me the same.
I blushed.
Let me explain a thing or two. It started about twenty years ago. Your father had gone to war with, I don't remember who, and Betancuria was under siege. For the third time that year. Food was scarce. Thieves cut your throat just for the shoes you were wearing. Shops were being plundered. Your father didn't care. He was interested only in wars, in territory, in power. He conquered when he could, and when things went wrong, he hid in his castle.
What's your point?
I know not the exact circumstances of my father's defeat. I admit my ignorance during my life in the castle...but is father really to be blamed for all this? Is the Dhorn truly justified in oppressing our folk, ruling over our- err MY family's kingdom?
I had this restaurant back then already. Just like Hatori had the tea shop, Igor his smithy, Frank the Thousand Steps. And we decided that enough is enough. We hit back at the local thugs. It was not difficult to find them. We set their hideouts on fire when they slept. We shot arrows on their backs when they plundered the streets. We poisoned their wine when they drank in our taverns. We were quite successful.
Was father truly ignorant of the suffering of his subjects?
They were gangs, unorganized, changing leaders daily. We on the other hand, had a structure, a goal, and the support of the people. We got the upper hand. It was a smuggler named Drago who saw that the only way the thieves would stand a chance against us was to organize themselves as well. But the result would have been blood in the streets. So instead, he came to me.
I see. Every one of the masters worked together during times of strife.
The idea was very simple. Why fight each other when you can control the whole thing? So we formed the 'Family'. We took in every cut purse, every business owners, every whore, and every merchants. We made sure there was no more plundering in the streets. We made sure crime is organized. We also made sure that only we smuggled goods in and out of the city. Nobody sold something that we didn't want sold. People played by our rules.
I've never known of all this. Did they play a part when the Dhorn attacked?
We never interfered with the military. We did bribe a few soldiers, but we did not want to upset the authorities. Your father rules the Castle, but the streets were ours.
Until the Dhorn came.
Right. Things have become complicated now. As I said, I'd like you to join the Family. You've shown a remarkable talent for the work we do.
Tell me more. What sort of duties would I have to do?
That depends on the situation. You may decline jobs you're not feeling comfortable with...
That would be the least I'd expect.
You'll also get your own apartment. I assume you'll be glad to be out of the kitchen.
My own...apartment?
Very much so!
Well? Do you accept my offer?
I'd be a fool to decline. I passed my chance to leave Betancuria. I came back to take back this city from the Dhorn. I can't do it alone. Like it or not, I'll have to be part of the same family that Vico belongs to. I nod to myself and clench my right fist to show my resolve.
I accept your offer, Master Nathan.
If I didn't know better, I'd think I just saw something that could have resembled a smile on Master Nathan's lips.
Excellent. Welcome to the Family, Aisha.
Thank you.
Take this key. The address is 2, Acorn Street, second floor. Right around the block. It's not a palace, but it's a start. It's yours from now on. If you do well for the Family, you may earn better lodging.
Won't I be recognized by people in the streets? What about those I live with?
If you run into problems, let me know. We'll take care of it. On the mean time, talk to Alfons, Mando or Jacia about available jobs. You'll get paid for every completely assignments. Lodging may be free, but you have to earn your own keep.
I understand, Master Nathan.
I have one special task, though: Those scumbags that have allied with the Dhorn are spying on us. It's top priority to find out who they are. Or just where they are. You've spotted them in the sewers before, come to me at once if you found out more.
I will.
That's all for now, Aisha.
I bowed and pocket the key. It's time to visit my new home.
It's not very far from the Bear's Pit. Located in the Southeastern corner of the northern district.
So this is it, my own little apartment. It's small but very tidy, and the furniture and everything else seem to be new. Could it be that Master Nathan had everything made especially for me? In any case, I think I am beginning to like the place already. Maybe it will be a real home for me in the future. I begin to unpack my items from my old room while humming a little tune to myself.
Oh, this is the book I stole from Pia's bedroom! I'm never comfortable with reading this in my old room. Not enough privacy. Perhaps now...
I sat on the couch and placed the book on my lap.
Whew.
I rose from the couch and placed the book into the bookcase. Let's check the bathroom!
Wow, my own tub! This must have been really expensive!
Mmmmmm. Shall I do it?
5/5 though.
