Chapter 17: Long time no see
The tavern sat comfortably in the village square with its weathered wooden beams. A crooked sign hung above the entrance faintly read 'Gromog' in Santorian.
The sun had long dipped low, casting the square in a gentle navy-blue as shadows stretched between buildings.
Most of the market stalls were already packed up, scattered baskets were overturned, crates and wooden boxes were neatly stacked upon each other.
The few remaining vendors were in the process of closing down as they moved with quiet urgency, tying bundles, emptying baskets and loading leftover merchandise onto their wooden carts.
The air had turned cool. The evening breeze had swept away the heavy scent of produce and sweat.
The square was quiet, almost silent, save for a few hushed voices by the tavern entrance and the faint commotion leaking out of the tavern's creaky walls.
As Nozna stepped inside the tavern, the air changed.
An ocean of warmth engulfed him, followed by the thick scent of roasted herbs and beef. Underneath the veil of those aromas, Nozna could also smell liquor. Flickering flames from wall-mounted candles painted the tavern in a bright, amber light.
Echoes of laughter rippled across the large room, accompanied by layered voices from countless conversations.
Chairs scraped, wooden cups clinked, cheers erupted.
The overwhelming cluster of noise starkly contrasted the current stillness of the square outside.
Nozna smiled upon being greeted by the familiar environment.
On the far left, a staircase led upwards with a perpendicular turn. The upper level was partially open and visible from below, a wooden railing lined its edges like a balcony. Nozna could make out the movements of a tavern waiter weaving between tables.
A few drunkards sat near the wooden railings, drinks in hand as they stared down at Nozna.
Nozna quickly averted his gaze.
Moving further inside, his eyes drew towards a table near the wall of the tavern. Surrounding the tables were three young boys, all around the same age as Nozna.
One of the boys sat slouched back on his chair, his back facing the wall. His brown tunic was stained at the chest. His curly black hair reached his dark eyebrows.
Opposite him sat someone with a broader shoulder and short brown hair. He wore a simple wool vest over his long-sleeved shirt as he rested his calloused hands on the table.
And to his left sat the third boy. He sat in an odd posture, hunched over the table as he rested his cheeks on his palms. He seemed to be the only one speaking.
The last chair on the table was left empty.
A quiet warmth stirred in Nozna's chest. I've missed them.
The boy with his back to the wall suddenly turned his gaze towards Nozna.
"Noz!" The boy with the curly black hair, Raven, called out with a wide grin on his face. "Long time no see Noz!"
He frantically waved at Nozna.
The other two quickly turned towards Nozna too.
Dave raised his hands, revealing more scars and marks on his palms. Embar paused mid-sentence and tried to straighten his posture.
"It's only been a few days," Nozna smiled whilst approaching the table. "What? Miss me already?"
"Life's been amazing in your absent." Raven emphasised, deliberately lifting his tone.
"It's absence," Dave corrected, earning a slight scowl from Raven before everyone the four of them burst into laughter.
"Santorian is a hard language." Raven complained, rolling his eyes.
Try learning Aranese. You will probably be crying by the end of Captain's lessons. Nozna jested inwardly.
The three of them stood up, each pulling Nozna into a tight embrace. Each hug re-ignited the soreness and aching pain from his training earlier in the day.
"It's nice to see you guys." Nozna said mid embrace with Dave, trying his best not to wince from the pain.
"How have you been?" Dave asked as he patted Nozna on his left shoulder.
"Yea, and where were you yesterday?" Raven added. "We learnt so much… you missed out on everything."
Nozna replied confidently. "I've been fine, I just didn't feel like going to school."
Dave smacked the back of Raven's back as he chided. "Don't worry, Raven here didn't actually go either."
Nozna stared at the boy with the curly black hair.
"You-"
Raven can only offer Nozna a teasing grin. There was not an ounce of apology or guilt in his expression, just mischief.
"How come you weren't at the tavern?" Embar interrupted as he returned to his seat.
"Well, I suppose I was sick." Nozna replied. It was the best excuse he could think of, he was wondering if the excuse would work before he realised something.
Wait since when did I speak like that? Is it Captain's influence?
One day I might even accidentally say 'At ease'.
No no, this way of speaking does not suit me, the lumberjack prince of Savoda.
Nozna silently mocked himself.
His friends stared at each other for a short moment, before bursting out in laughter at the same time.
"I suppose you were sick." Raven jeered, grabbing his own chin with his fingers whilst feinting a thinking face.
"Your name is Nozna. I suppose." He added with a dramatic nod. Nozna continued to stare at the boy, struggling to keep a straight face.
"You are here now. I suppose." Raven continued to tease, each sentence making the other two chuckle.
"I didn't know you would speak so smart already." Embar questioned, seemingly with genuine curiosity.
"Smart already?" Nozna echoed, shifting his weight slightly as a twinge of nervousness crept up his spine.
Embar began picking up the deck of cards, before quietly shuffling it. Dave returned to his seat.
"Smart indeed! Our university boy!" Raven proudly announced, smacking Nozna's back with a friendly slap.
The impact sent jolts of pain up Nozna's back. He nearly buckled
For a moment, he was too stunned to scold Raven for his slap. How do they know?
"Careful," Nozna managed a weak mutter, before regaining his voice. "I am still sick, remember?"
"Oh, sorry." Raven apologised.
"And also, how did you guys know?" Nozna asked.
"Aunt Mawisa told everyone." Embar answered as he turned towards Nozna. The dark spots under his eyes were darker than usual, and his face looked even thinner than the last time Nozna had met him.
"I see." Nozna sighed. So much for keeping it quiet, I didn't know Aunt Mawisa was this… well I guess it's not too bad…
He had resigned to the fact that his secret was out. But it wasn't the end of the world. After all, it was just a cover story.
Raven gently wrapped an arm around Nozna, he was careful not to be too hard.
"Now that the pleasantries are over, shall we get business started?" Raven repeatedly moved his eyebrows up and down.
Nozna looked at the table ahead and saw rough playing cards that had been dealt out by Embar.
"Your father told us you would be coming." Raven explained. "Let's play."
"Seasons?" Nozna guessed.
I'll play with these guys for a bit then meet Da later… but I don't see him anywhere.
Is he upstairs?
Raven nodded. "Since you were chosen for university, those scouts probably gave you funds right?"
Raven winked as he guided Nozna towards the round table.
Nozna frowned as he sat down on his chair.
"Don't go assuming things like that," he grumbled.
"Doesn't matter," Embar teased, "Get ready to pay up, I'm going to be rich tonight."
Nozna shot him a look. "Even if you win every round, you still won't get enough from me to buy yourself dinner."
Dave nodded in agreement.
Raven and Embar looked at their friends in horror. Raven spoke first, "Don't tell me you're that low on money?"
"Yea? What happened to your allowance?" Embar followed up with a laugh.
"My father said the prices of goods outside the village have risen so we are trying to save up as much silvets as we can." Dave explained.
Nozna glanced at Dave's wooden cup, the liquid inside was transparent and clear. Just water.
He then quickly scanned his other friend's cups. Raven and Embar both had beer in theirs.
The prices of goods are rising?
Things in the village are changing. It's all happened since Captain's arrival.
Is that a coincidence?
Nozna wanted to know the reason for the rising prices, but none of the three knew anything about it.
The four of them threw a few jokes and light insults about who would win the card games, before eventually starting the card game.
The first round was Embar and Nozna against the other two.
Nozna picked up and looked at his cards, after carefully scrutinising all thirteen of them, he muttered to himself in annoyance. What the hell? This is some horrible hand.
Embar started the bidding. "One Winter,"
Raven replied, "One no-seasons."
Dave glanced at Raven.
It was Nozna's turn to reply, "Pass."
Embar gave him a brief, silent look.
Nozna silently apologised as he stared at his cards, wishing for them to change into higher value cards. Sorry brother, my hand is horrible.
Raven leant in towards the table, his voice grew to barely above a whisper. "By the way, whilst, most of us are glad that you managed to get into university... There are some people who are jealous of you."
Nozna looked up from his cards and allowed his gaze to wander the tavern. It was only now did he notice gazes of malice, mostly from other boys his age. Some averted their gaze when Nozna stared at them.
But one boy in particular maintained his venomous gaze.
If you really knew that my 'university offer' was actually an entry to the World of Arcans you would be grateful that you're not in my position.
Nozna felt a chill creeping down his spine. He was reminded of the path he had to take in the future.
Nozna's chest tightened. It felt heavy.
Fortunately, Dave finally replied, cutting Nozna's spiralling thoughts away.
"Two winters."
Embar paused for a moment before continuing, "Pass."
Raven announced. "Two summers."
"Pass." Nozna followed up.
Dave replied, "Four summers."
This was followed by three consecutive passes and a few curses from Embar and Nozna.
Due to the final bid being four summers, it was Nozna who would start the round.
Carefully scanning his hand again, Nozna sighed as he placed down the seven-of-winter card.
Goodbye my coppets, maybe, i'll have a chance next round.
…
The four of them played a few more rounds, periodically switching teams.
Nozna had expected his friends to be sad about his future departure for 'university'. However, none of them seem particularly bothered.
Curious, Nozna decided to ask.
"You guys… are not sad that I'm leaving?"
Raven looked up from his cards. "When are you leaving?"
Nozna replied, his tone containing a hint of solemness. "In around two weeks…"
Raven placed the five-of-autumn cards down. "Don't worry, you'll be kicked out of university in less than three– no – two days."
Nozna blinked.
"We'll throw a welcome-home party, don't worry." Embar chimed in without missing a beat
"We'll cry a river of tears for you." Dave added, whilst keeping a straight face.
This was their way of showing friendship.
Nozna was stunned. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Raven leaned back in his chair as he put his arms behind his head. "Of course we'll be sad."
His voice seemed to soften. "But as your friends, we're also proud of you. You'll visit us, right?
"Yea," Embar nodded. "Not everyone gets a chance to leave the village, let alone you're leaving for university."
Dave reached his hand out and patted Nozna's shoulders, drawing a subtle wince from the blonde-haired boy. "We'll miss you, Nozna."
Nozna smiled, warmth filled up the spaces where anxiety had settled in the past few days. It didn't fully replace the anxiety but it was still a pleasant feeling.
"Thanks, guys."
"Besides…" Raven said, still leant back on his chair. His tone suddenly shifted towards the familiar glint of mischief.. "You will be making a lot more money, so don't forget to treat us, rich boy!"
Nozna shot him a look with narrowed eyes. "I see…"
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" Raven raised his hands, leaning forward. "Just don't forget us."
"You'll be the first one I forget."
A beat of silence passed by, then the table erupted into laughter.
The four continued to play for quite a while. Nozna glanced at the tavern windows, which were just opened a few minutes ago. It was pitch black outside.
"You guys actually skipped worship again this morning?"
"My father says as long as I don't miss three weeks in a row." Raven replied.
Embar chuckled, "There's no saving us."
Dave shook his head.
"By the way, Noz," Raven said, lowering his voice slightly, "have you heard about the second case?"
"The second case?" Nozna echoed.
"Yes…" Raven looked quickly around before answering. "You've heard about Arlacter right?"
"The arbiters still haven't found him." Embar added, placing down the four-of-spring card. "The situation's worsened. Today, this evening, another villager went missing."
Nozna sat up. "Missing?
Raven answered. "Francis Scornwall."
Nozna stayed quiet for a few seconds before replying. "Who?"
Francis Scornwall? I've definitely heard of his name before.
Who is he?
"We asked around." Dave shrugged. "He used to be a hunter, but he retired years ago after breaking his left arm."
Nozna lightly grasped his own left arm, it was still sore from the training.
"He didn't attend worship this morning…" Dave continued. "Apparentally he never misses them, so the elder sent the arbiters to his hut."
Raven said. "It sounds similar to what happened with Arlacter too. Do you think there could be something up with our Arbiters?"
"You are not serious." Embar replied with a soft laugh. "Do you think Priest Durmwin is that type of person?"
Raven shamelessly grinned.
"Does he have family?" Nozna asked.
"Not anymore." Dave answered, his voice was quieter now.
Nozna turned to look at him.
"His wife and two kids died from illness. Years ago." Dave added.
They really dug up everything about this poor guy.
The four boys carried on their game, their conversation drifting between casual remarks and chaotic laughter.
Eventually, Nozna pushed his chair back as he pocketed the coppets he had just won from the last round.
"Alright, I'm going to find my father now."
"Already?" Raven asked. "You didn't even drink today."
Nozna gave a tired smile. "Tomorrow, same time?"
"Same time, same place," Raven grinned.
"Your father's upstairs." Dave added with a nod.
The four briefly exchanged farewells, before Nozna began walking towards the staircase.
Upon stepping foot on the second floor, Nozna spotted his father sitting at the far end of the room. He was chatting with two other adults that Nozna recognised: Bordis and Benil.
"Heh, boy." Jack called out upon seeing him.
Then turning back to his friends, he announced with a grin. "That'll be it for tonight."
"Do come along more, Jack," Bordis huffed. "It's boring with just Benil here."
Benil lightly slapped Bordis in the arm, rolling his eyes. "Hmph. Jack, you can just replace Bordis, I wouldn't mind one bit."
Nozna awkwardly laughed as he approached the adults.
"Heh, I'll be busy these upcoming weeks, you know, with the elder's request." Jack said.
…
Nozna waved at his friends before leaving the tavern with his father
Outside, the air was sharp and dry. A gentle breeze tugged at Nozna's sleeve, carrying the loud but muffled noises from the tavern that seeped through the opened windows.
The darkened sky above sheltered a ball of silver that cast an ethereal glow across the village's rooftops and narrow paths. The moon was nearly full.
Accompanying the night canvas were tiny glowing spots that sparkled brightly.
Nozna was about to tell his father that Khamat was visiting them tonight when a voice interrupted him.
"Congratulations."
It was a soft female voice.