We left the top of the tower by descending the same flight of stairs we descended to enter the top floor. Somehow coming out into the entrance hall once more.

“What I don’t get,” I said both baffled and amazed, “is why are there stairs? If you have the magic to do that, then why not just make a door?”

“What I don’t get is why a random stranger from another world, with no discernible skills, asked a powerful and well-respected Priestess of Devotion out for a romantic meal?” She retorted.

“I didn’t. I asked a beautiful woman, who’d been nothing but kind and caring toward me since I met her. I had no idea she was gonna have a total fucking meltdown because she thinks she’s so far outta my league. But… whatever, I can handle rejection, and I’m happy you’re coming with us on the trip still. You’re strong and your healing skills are unreal,” I said waving my hand in her general direction. “And at least I know where I stand with you. Don’t worry, I won’t ask again. Probably wouldn’t work, anyway.”

She looked flustered, embarrassed, and angry all rolled into one. Stammering for a moment. She finally got her words out. “What wouldn’t work?”

“Me and thee. You know. If we had hit it off. You’re an Elman, right? Whatever that is, and I’m a human, so if we were to, you know, do the no pants dance, would it work?” I was half goading her, because I was a bit of an asshole and half interested in the mechanics. I was surprised when she chuckled lightly, all trace of anger gone.

“You’re like a newborn babe, aren’t you. So naive,” she said. “I will meet you at the inn tomorrow morning. Goodbye, Clive.” Then she swept away still laughing. I couldn’t tell if it was an attempt to make me feel stupid, or she genuinely thought whatever I’d said was funny and I still didn’t know what an Elman was, nor the Mother’s race. They both looked human to me.

As I left the temple, it was growing dark, but I barely noticed as I replayed the conversations I’d just had. I felt irritated, stressed until I glimpsed down at my shimmering, new blue hoodie. Miraculously, it cheered me up. I knew that Elsbeth did like me a little, despite her words. She was coming with us, too. So I’d have plenty of time to work my own kind of magic on her. Though, to be fair, my magic normally centered around convincing the fairer sex that I was amazing.

Once they were convinced, I usually settled back into my old ways, which included, but was not limited to, being an inconsiderate arsehole.

As I approached the door of the Inn, I heard the volume inside was much louder and rowdier than earlier. I heard Joel singing in his distinctive caterwauling style. He normally reserved it for walking home after a night out, but sometimes he’d hop on a table and blast out a few Elvis choruses.

I just hoped they’d not to pissed anyone off too much. It wasn’t uncommon for us to end up in brawls, when we were out drinking, and this seemed like a terrible place to let that happen. Considering there were twelve-year-old’s with higher levels than we had. We were outclassed by pretty much everyone around us.

I couldn’t help but smile as I entered the bar. Joel was indeed on a table top. The half Ogre triplets were clapping and laughing at his enthusiastic, yet unsteady performance. Mal sat back watching the whole debacle with a wry grin on his face and I couldn’t see Daz anywhere.

The atmosphere of the place was positive, so I stopped worrying about any impromptu fights that might break out.

“Looks like you’ve been having fun.” I said as I took the seat next to Mal.

Before I knew it, Dug slammed a tankard of beer down for me, with a smile.

“We, uhm, we’ve pretty much run out of money Dug. What with the rooms, the adventurer escorts, and the new gear.”

“The place hasn’t been this lively for years, Clive. And the Triplets have never looked so happy. It’s on the house for tonight.”

“Seriously? Thanks, Dug, and don’t worry, I won’t be drinking too much. I think we’ve got a long walk tomorrow, and us four are gonna be the weak link.”

Dug laughed, “Yes! Mal told me you are only level nine and the other two are level 8! This is not good for you. Why did you stand up to me, if you knew my level?”

“Why do you think? Stupid fucking pride man. It gets me into trouble far too often.”

“Stupid, yes. But there is no shame in pride. I have seen people without pride. They are sad for much of the time.”

I laughed. “You know what Dug, I think I know what you mean. How about we just settle for me being stupid then?”

“Yes. Good decision. You’re getting smarter already! On your trip, ask Angelica and the triplets to help you grind. They can beat more powerful enemies than you, to near death. Then one of you can take the killing blow and gain bonus xp. Leave Daz until last. I dislike him. Joel and Mal are good company, though.”

“Ha, Daz is alright, he’s just a bit more…”

“He is a fearful man, and he is not assertive with it. Preferring to complain or to hide.”

“Nah! He saved my life when I got attacked on Earth, Dug. He’s alright. I think the whole being portaled to another planet has taken its toll on him, that’s all.”

“His armor and weapon choices are ridiculous. Perhaps the Helmet makes sense….”

“I know, I know,” I laughed, raising a hand to stop him from explaining. “He was told. What more can we do?” Dug returned the laugh, before turning to serve another customer. I finally got to chat with Mal.

“So, new jumper?” He said eying me curiously.

“Damn right new Jumper, hey grab your map out a minute.” I said grinning.

He sighed at the effort, even though it was the simplest thing in the world for him to do.

“Watch my marker when I move away,” I told him and got up from the chair to make a circuit of the bar.”

“Come back,” Mal said before I’d taken five steps. Your marker’s gone. How?”

“Say hello to the Hoodie of Devotion! I am now invisible to all detection spells, other than those cast by a follower of Devotion, which makes sense to be fair.” I said retaking my seat and taking a big swig from the tankard.

“That’s a special gift? It looks pretty cool too, mate. I’m jealous,” he said with a friendly punch to the non-demon arm.”

“It’s not just the hoodie, either. Elsbeth’s coming with us, too.”

Mal gave me a funny look. “Really? I mean I’m not complaining, but why the hell is she coming? I thought she was a big deal around here.”

“She really is, but the Mother of the temple asked her to come and speak to this Hilgresh fella on her behalf. Otherwise he probably won’t even see me.”

“Why would they do all that for you, though? It seems, like they’re giving a few random strangers a lot of help,” he said suspiciously. “What the hell are they up to, or more importantly, what the hell do they want?”

“As cynical as ever, Mal. And I get where you’re coming from. But I honestly think they’re helping for a good reason.”

“Well, I’ll still be keeping one eye on her,” he replied dubiously.

“I asked her out for dinner,” I dropped in subtly.

After he finished spraying beer, he looked at me seriously. “What the fuck! Really? What did she say?”

“She pretty much ran away as fast as her legs could carry her,” I laughed. “Probably for the best too.”

“Yeah.” Mal sighed with a grin on his face. “You’re a bit of a dickhead when it comes to women.”

“There’s time to change yet. She might have been the one to keep me interested.” I shrugged noncommittally.

“Yeah. Okay,” Mal replied, and we fell into companionable silence for a while watching Joel and the triplets.

Over the course of the evening, I spent time speaking with the three of them. I wanted to get to know them a little more.

Angelica was nowhere to be seen. Considering her unfriendly demeanor, she wasn’t too much of a miss.

By the time serving staff began moving around with food. I was merry again from Dugs, surprisingly intoxicating beer.

A thin, medium height man, and I use the term lightly as he had horns on protruding from his head, brought a huge plate of steaming chicken and bread to our table. He plonked it down unceremoniously in front of Mal, Joel, who’d worn himself out now, and me.

“Enjoy boys,” he said with a wink and a very friendly smile. Before spinning around. Surprising the three of us as a long, hairy brown tail, almost hit us as he departed. I checked his tag over.

Calius, Satyr, Level 18.

“Bloody hell,” Mal said. “Where did that tail come from, and why is the Satyr server twice as high a level than us?”

“We’re going to need to something about that quickly,” I said grabbing an unusually large chicken leg and setting about it. I hadn’t realised how hungry I’d become until it hit my mouth. Then all I wanted to do was eat.

The sauce that coated the meat was sublime. Dark red and sweet, but with a sour note that I didn’t recognise but appreciated.

When Calius the Satyr came back over to clear our empty plates, I grabbed his attention.

“Hey dude! What was in the sauce?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” he chortled.

“Yeah, I really would. That’s why I asked.”

“I don’t cook here, but the sauce is honey and kokum,” he said about to leave.

“Thanks. What’s kokum?” I asked catching him just before he could disappear.

“It’s a berry,” he shouted over his shoulder making a quick getaway.

“Well, that was harder than I expected,” I mused to Mal.

“I think he’s busy. Why don’t you have a wander into the kitchen and start pestering the cook, to?”

“Maybe next time. I’m ready for bed.”

After the others had finished up eating, we all happily made our way upstairs to the rooms. We could hear aggressive snoring as we approached the room Joel was sharing with Daz.

“Good luck getting to sleep with that,” I commiserated.

He shrugged casually. “I’m that tired, drunk and full. I reckon I’d sleep through a nuke.”

“It’s an earthquake,” Mal jibed. “I’m pretty sure staying asleep through a nuke would be the least of your problems.”

“Whatever. Joel said waving us off, and closing his door.

Once inside our room, Mal jumped straight on the nearest bed. No effort to remove his shoes or even go under the blanket. Boris was up alongside him in a heartbeat.

As much as I wanted to do the same. I knew I’d to have a poke around with my Neuma again, to slow the curse down.