The town of Greenhaven greeted us once again with comfort and tranquility. The noise and smells of the market square, the familiar signs, the quiet inhabitants-all of it brought some sort of calm after the recent battle. The wound from the grouse bite was still a little sore, but the circulation of mana had accelerated its healing, and I could feel it tightening.
We made our way to the mercenary guild, a haven for those seeking exploits or gold. Zenaris was the first to approach the bulletin board, and I took a moment to move closer to try to make out the inscriptions.
- Alex, did something catch your attention? - Zenaris asked.
I backed away embarrassed, shaking my head.
- Actually, I... can't read," I admitted, trying not to look at him.
Zenaris only grinned, patting me on the shoulder.
- Don't worry, you're not the only one. Even Goliath can't read or write.
While Zenaris was going over the assignments, I had an idea: now that I had three gold coins, maybe it was time to get some gear. I knew that we shouldn't rely on chance in our business, and defense never hurt anyone. I had no idea what the local prices were, but I decided to consult someone who knew a lot about it.
- Goliath, what kind of armor can you buy for three gold pieces? - I asked, looking at his impressive armor.
He smirked.
- Three gold pieces? Hmm, except for kneepads, elbow pads... maybe enough for wristbands too.
- Not even enough for a breastplate? - I exclaimed in surprise.
Goliath laughed.
- Ha! Did you grow up in the woods? Even the simplest armor costs a lot of money. My heavy armor, for example, could be exchanged for a house in this city. I got them for free, though. My father forged them himself.
- I'll probably have to save up for armor forever," I sighed.
- Look, you don't need full armor yet. Zenaris does just fine without armor. First, I'll help you pick out some kneepads and elbow pads. Let's go!
Goliath agreed to keep me company, and together we went to the armorer's. As soon as we entered, the shopkeeper greeted Goliath loudly; they were clearly old acquaintances. After a short conversation, the armored man began to select the right equipment for me, and he also gave me a small discount, apparently at Goliath's request.
In the end, I chose lightweight steel kneepads and elbow pads. They were surprisingly comfortable and didn't restrict my movements at all. The armor-bearer had also selected the right wristbands, and thanks to a lucky discount, I had enough money for everything. The weight of the metal on my arms and legs was unfamiliar, but it gave me confidence. I paid for my purchases and headed back to the guild with a sense of satisfaction.
When I returned, Zenaris noticed my new gear and nodded approvingly.
- Just in time. Where is Goliath? - he asked.
- He'll be here soon. He's dealing with an armor man.
- I got it. Then I'll explain it to him later. We've been hired by an old acquaintance of mine to escort a merchant convoy. We leave at dawn tomorrow.
When I heard that we were going on a new mission, I felt excited. Working in a convoy was always a chance to earn a little more money, and maybe we wouldn't have to walk the whole way. Plus, I wanted to ask Zenaris to train with me again after dinner. But he was busy discussing the route with the customer, so I decided not to interfere.
As soon as I was alone, to my surprise, Michael approached me.
- You want to practice? - He offered.
Michael was not only a skilled crossbowman, but also an experienced warrior, skilled with sword, bow, and even spear. He was renowned for his knowledge of traps and mechanisms. It was said that Michael knew the dungeons better than any cartographer, and that he was the smartest among the mercenaries.
I agreed. We went to the training arena in the center of town, paying a silver coin each to enter. Taking each of the wooden swords, we stood opposite each other and began our duel. I attacked the way Zenaris had taught me: changing angles, moving aggressively, looking for weaknesses in Michael's defenses. He responded with blocks and counterattacks, deftly parrying my blows.
Suddenly it hit me. Why not use my abilities? I activated my magic vision and began to observe the mana flows in his body. At first I didn't understand how it could help, but gradually I began to notice patterns. Before each movement, a small amount of mana gathered in his muscles. I realized that I could anticipate his actions if I watched his mana.
A second thought struck me. If mana energizes muscles for movement, why don't I use it to enhance my movements myself? I concentrated and channeled mana into my limbs, feeling my body become lighter and faster. With each strike, I felt a strength and speed beyond anything I had before. At first Michael was able to block my attacks, but soon I was coming at him so fast that he barely had time to defend himself.
The mana in my body heated up, turning into a vapor that enveloped me like smoke. The force of the blows increased, and I swung, putting all my energy into the attack. Michael tried to deflect the blow, but his wooden sword cracked, and my blade reached his face. He staggered back, rubbing his forehead and cursing softly.
- Damn! Where are you weak? Zenaris tricked us!
- I'm sorry. He must be a really good teacher if I've become one in one lesson," I grinned, reaching out a hand to help him up.
But just as we started to leave the arena, we were stopped by an employee. It turns out you have to pay a fine for a broken sword. Michael had to hand over three silver coins - now I owed him. Not only did he pay for me at the entrance, but also for the broken inventory. I promised that I would repay the debt as soon as I received payment for the task.
We headed to the tavern where Zenaris had already paid for our rooms. It turned out that half of the earnings from each mission went to the group's needs: food and lodging. Convenient and reasonable for times like these. I went to bed with a sense of ease and accomplishment, already looking forward to the new day.
...
When we woke up at dawn, we quickly got ready and went to the place of assembly. A long column of five wagons, loaded with goods and covered with thick sailcloth, was already waiting for us in the clearing. Zenaris, our commander, determined the crews: Goliath and I were put on the first wagon to lead the way, while he, Michael, and Helen joined the last wagon.
As we took our seats, the coachman glanced at Goliath, and his eyes widened: "Wow, what a giant! I hope my horse can handle you," he grinned, pulling the reins a little tighter. Goliath was silent, as usual, and I settled into the front seat beside the coachman. He clapped the reins, and the horses moved forward.
The merchant introduced himself as Tarnon and soon began to tell tales of his travels, amusing encounters, and old friends. I listened silently, only nodding when he occasionally cast glances in my direction to see if his stories interested me. Zenaris had instructed me to watch the road, and I obediently followed every bush and branch, noting any suspicious shadows ahead.
- They say they found torn bodies and a decapitated corpse twenty-eight solmans from Greenhaven," Tarnon muttered, lowering his voice as if he feared someone might hear. - Brrr, I shudder to think what kind of creature could have left such marks. But you, mercenary, will protect me, won't you?
- Of course I'll protect you, that's what I'm paid to do," I replied, shrugging. - But... Solmans? I confess I don't know what that means.
Tarnon laughed heartily. - Don't you know what Solmans are? You must be one of those mercenaries who know only their business and nothing else. But you must know the Solmans, after all.
- Sorry, I grew up in the country and we didn't have anything like this.
- I see, I see, hillbilly," he snorted, shaking his head. - All right, I'll explain. Solman is a length equal to the height of the Great Emperor of Sol. One of the most famous units around! You probably count everything in fields and grains there, don't you?
- I see... are there any other units like this?
- But listen! In addition to solmans, we have solgers - that's the length of his finger, and phalsols - the length of one phalanx, you know?
I wonder how far away this place is," I thought, calculating. The average person is about 170 centimeters tall, so 28 Solmans is about 4.7 kilometers from Greenhaven. Looks like my work has been noticed. I hope that coachman got a decent burial.
Several hours passed as we traveled along the dusty road, and Tarnon did not stop talking, though I only occasionally made brief comments. My magical vision suddenly registered a strange cluster of people among the trees in the distance. My heart quickened its rhythm. I immediately shouted back:
- People in the woods, on the sides!
- Copy that! - Zenaris' reply came through.
I rested my hand on the hilt of my sword, waiting for a possible attack. Tarnon immediately signaled to the other wagons, and the column began to slow down. As soon as the wagons came to a stop, an arrow struck one of them. I jumped up and, signaling to my comrades, shouted:
- Assault!
Goliath and Zenaris rushed forward, and I followed, sword drawn. We quickly set up a barrier, blocking the bandits' path, and the fight was on. Goliath had already fought off one of the attackers, throwing him backward with such force that he crashed into a tree.
I came face to face with one of the bandits, and our swords crossed. He blocked my attack, but I immediately activated my magical enhancement, feeling my muscles grow stronger. Under his bewildered gaze, I attacked with renewed speed, changing the angles of my blows. The bandit tried to fight back, but he missed one of my lunges, got hit in the side and fell to the ground. I finished him off with a quick move, but before I could turn around, another enemy was on me. I blocked his lunge, and Zenaris caught him from behind, saving me from the threat.
After the fight, we dragged the bodies away from the road and returned to the wagons. Goliath was silent as usual, and I decided to ask Tarnon:
- Where are we going?
- To Mortheim, the capital of Grimslein," he answered, as if that fact should have been known to me.
- Grimslain? Are we still in Zoldasan?
- Ha!" he laughed. - We were in Grimslein from the beginning. Greenhaven is in Grimslein, not Zoldasan. Zoldasan has long since become part of Frousal.
So I've been in the wrong kingdom all this time? Grimslain is north of Zoldasan, so I crossed the border without even noticing. Still, I wasn't drawn to Frousal, land of barbarians and murderers. I should be thinking only of the task at hand, not of my wanderings.
The journey took several days, and at last we reached Mortheim. The city was on the shores of Lake Mort, and its walls towering above us were enormous. The gates were astonishingly wide, with hollow loopholes to protect the city. In the distance we could see the silhouettes of guards watching the road.
As I passed through the gate, I realized that Greenhaven was truly unlike this place: the streets were wide, paved with white stones, and in the center of the square was a fountain, a rare and wonderful sight in this world. There were shouts of commerce everywhere, and the smell of freshly baked goods whetted the appetite.
When the merchants gave us the coins we'd earned - two gold and fifty silver each - I figured traveling with the caravan was more lucrative than defending the village. The group and I made our way to the local mercenary guild, and I wondered what the main branch of the guild would surprise me with.
I had built up images in my head of what a guild in the capital might look like, but when we stepped inside, the reality exceeded my expectations.