Note to the reader: *.......* means he's saying that in his head.

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Update on my mothers condition(for those who are interested)

Spoiler : The doctors just told us my mothers cancer is stage 4 and has reached her bones. It's now in her spine and one of her hips. Don't know how they missed it until now, but she started radiation and after that they'll be doing chemo. If things go well she should live another 5-10 years. There's a very small chance it will be cured, but the doctor said that's unlikely. I don't know what state she'll be in for the next 5-10 years while going through radiation and chemo. Sorry to add this downer at the beginning of the chapter.

I know where the story is going, but it's taking me time to get it written down and posted. Sorry about that.

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Chapter 53

Becket:"Can they sense you?"

I was immediately alarmed. Running into servants of Radu before leaving the human continent was not expected.

Carmilla:"No, only a pure vampire could sense Bram and I."

A breath of relief escaped my lips. Things could get very difficult if Radu hears of our impending arrival. We needed to at least be on the vampire continent before he notices us.

Becket:"How close is he?"

Carmilla:"On the other side of town."

Becket:"Good, for now lets avoid him. Keep me informed on his location."

Aria didn't seem to pay any attention to the conversation we were having and just enjoyed looking around. She had seen a few of the other races back in the capitol, but this was the first time she's seen so many.

A man with a turtle shell on his back approached our wagon.

Turtle Man:"You're new here."

He had a cheerful smile on his face. His eyes were a dull green and his hair was chestnut colored. Even though his outfit was a simple off white shirt and brown pants tucked into similarly brown boots, a well toned body could be seen was underneath it all. The shell was dark green while his skin had a hint of a green coloration. If he wasn't standing directly under sunlight, I might not have noticed the green color.

Turtle Man:"The name's G, short for Green. At least that's what my friends call me."

He walked along side out wagon and tried to make conversation.

G:"I happened to notice your curious stares and realized this must be your first time here. For just a little spare change I'll happily guide you around town."

He looked to be around 18 and seemed to need the money so I decided to help him out.

Becket:"Here."

I tossed him a few coins.

G:"Thank you Miss!"

He winked at me and I just rolled my eyes. For a second, I actually thought I was getting use to being mistaken as a girl, but it still annoyed me. It would just be a waste of time trying to correct him.

Becket:"You heard anything about vampires here in town?"

Quickly, he glanced at Bram and Carmilla then looked back towards me.

G:"Sure, vampires come here sometimes."

Becket:"What about recently? Like within the last few months."

I was hoping Radu's servant had stuck out a little, and I'd be able to gather some useful information on him. He appeared to realize I wasn't just asking out of curiosity.

G:"Hmmmmm, maybe but I'm not sure my memory is very clear."

I tossed him a few extra coins. Money was this guys goal so I knew not to act stingy, and it might be a good idea to have a local contact incase I need some info. People, who are all about making some money, are typically easier to handle.

G:"Oh yeah! Now I remember! There was a vampire that just showed up about two months ago acting all important. He spent a lot of money to buy up one of the larger plots of undeveloped land here in town."

It was a little surprising to hear this vampire actually bought land. Since the amount they're allowed to expand the town each year must be small, he had to of payed a very large sum of money. I could only imagine what the prices here would be. What exactly was he doing here?

Becket:"What else has he done since arriving here?"

The turtle man took a few minutes to think. As I watched him a stray thought crossed my mind.

*I wonder if he can retract into his shell?*

It looked sturdy enough to protect him from swords, but I was confident I could break through it. While I was thinking this, Aria popped her head up from behind me. Yet again I had failed to notice her moving around.

Aria:"A turtle."

The turtle man seemed to fascinate her so much that her wings began to twitch. They were under her dress in order to hide her identity as a fairy; however, I could still see them moving. Her wings reminded me of a dogs tail, they would inadvertently flap when excited.

I had to stop her hand from reaching out and touching his shell. She wasn't happy about it, but she didn't try again.

G:"I don't really know anything else about him. He stays in the higher class district so that's a little out of my normal group of friends."

Becket:"That's fine, so where can we find an inn?"

The vampire subject was dead so I decided to change it. No use trying to drag out information he probably didn't have.

G:"There's a fair priced inn close to here just follow me."

Turtle man jogged to the front of the wagon and began directing Bram.

Becket:"Fair priced, huh?"

Only Aria heard me talking to myself. Since turtle man didn't ask for anymore money, I was sure he probably had some deal with this inn. Possibly a commission for every guest he brings.

He first led us to a stable that he claimed was managed by the inn he was taking us to. We left our horses and wagon there with a few people who appeared to work for the inn. They tended to our horses by bringing them water and feed.

The stable and inn, were separated by one building which happen to be a supply store aimed toward travelers. Its expensive looking glass windows allowed me a clear view into the store and let me see a few of their products. Large sacks of preserved food were stacked in piles toward the back while all sorts of equipment lined the walls.

This store looked much better than the supply stores in the capitol so I made a mental note to do a little shopping before leaving. I guess a town centered around travelers knows what they need more than a governing based city.

Turtle man followed us inside the inn and even walked up to the front counter ahead of our group. That ever present smile was still plastered on his face. There were a few empty tables and chairs inside the room which meant this inn probably served meals. Gene's inn had a few tables, but this place was a few times larger than his. Turtle man banged on the counter twice with his fist.

G:"Customers here, Jan!"

A woman about my height, likely in her late 20s, stepped out from what I assume was the kitchen. A delicious smell wafted out when the door opened. She had a white apron on and a simple gray dress. Her brownish red hair was tied back in a ponytail while her similarly colored eyes showed a look of surprise.

Jan:"You really got people to follow you here?"

My eyes were stuck on the ears sitting on top of her head. They were a pair of round mouse like ears that looked incredibly adorable. Even I have a slight weakness to cute little animals. Once I tore my eyes away from them, I noticed her thin tail dancing around behind her. If it meant the same thing as dogs, then I'd say she was happy.

G:"Don't act like I'm someone suspicious! I just brought you customers yesterday!"

She smiled and giggled a little.

Jan:"Alright, grab whatever you want from the kitchen."

G:"You really saved me! I was starving!"

He happily strolled past her and into the kitchen while she came up to us.

Jan:"Need a room?"

I stepped forward to greet her.

Becket:"Yes, we'd like to stay for a night."

Originally, we only planned to be in this town for a day or two, but things have changed. We need to know why one of Radu's men are here.

Jan:"How many rooms do you need?"

She looked towards Bram and smiled.

Jan:"Maybe one room with a large bed? We've only got one that will fit all four of you."

My sight shifted over to Bram with a look of weariness evident on my face.

*She thinks we're all part of Bram's harem doesn't she.*

No matter how many times I remind myself, I always forget how I look to others. Jan sees one man traveling with tree pretty girls.

Becket:"No, we'll take two rooms. One single and a double."

Jan:"You got it!"

Cheerily, she skipped over to the counter and pulled out two keys from behind it.

Jan:"This is for the single room."

She leaned in and lowered her voice so that only I could hear the next part.

Jan:"It's a large bed in case you and your friend there get lonely."

From what she whispered, I could tell she thought the single room was for Bram and I.

Jan:"And this is for the double."

She handed the second key to me with a wink. I took it and passed the key to Carmilla who was closer to me than Bram. The double room was for her and her brother while the single was for Aria and my own use. It hurt a little every time the mouse woman winked at me so I quickly paid and headed toward our room.

Becket:"We'll take a break for now. Rest in your room."

That was the order I gave Bram and Carmilla before separating. They've strangely gotten use to following my orders. I figured since they were royalty it would bother them, but it didn't seem to even phase them.

Aria immediately went to check the quality of the bed and judging from the look on her face it failed her test. I sat cross-legged on the ground while rummaging through my pack. My sewing kit was pulled out along with several different plants, seeds, and many pieces of bark. It's time to make a new outfit, one that is both inconspicuous, and versatile.

I do love my leaf armor, but it draws a lot of attention. With my new understanding of my magic and what I can do, I've noticed a lot of things that if added will bolster my fighting potential. Last, I pulled out my sniper rifle and about ten clips worth of bullets then lined them up next to me. I've been doing precision practice with earth magic whenever I had free time so I was now able to manipulate metal, although to a lesser extent.

Becket:"I'm gonna need to really concentrate. Aria, make sure nothing disturbs me."

She jumped off the bed and vigorously nodded her head.

Becket:"Alright, lets get to work."

I switched my class to tailor and began working.

******************??? POV*******************

A man completely covered by his brown cloak stepped into the Ice Hole. Only a few people glanced his way before turning back to their drinks. He quickly found a table alone and sat down. One of the girls working there approached the mysterious man.

Girl:"Is there anything I can get you?"

She was a little nervous not being able to see his face, but tried to act calm.

???:"Water please."

Girl:"Sure."

It was weird that he only ordered water since this was a place meant for drinking. She didn't question his order and simply brought the cup of water.

???:"Thank you."

The girl nodded and walked to the next table. His cloak parted, as he reached for the cup, revealing a plain brown shirt and pants. The clothes told others little about him, but what he had on his hand spoke volumes. A pure silver gauntlet with claw-like finger tips. That wasn't the only point of interest, his left hand was also missing. Instead of continuing down, his left elbow was just a stub. His face still wasn't visible; however, his status as a warrior had been made clear.

He continued to sip on that water for about an hour until a new person stepped into the Ice Hole. This person drew even more attention and even instantly created a silent atmosphere inside the bar. His clothes easily gave away important information about him.

Random Customer:"It's a Sage."

One person finally broke the silence and announced the magicians rank. This man was the highest rank possible for a magician, but instead of a red robe he wore a white one. White identified him as being affiliated with the church. They are known to be more powerful than a normal red Sage; however, saying that out loud is kind of a taboo.

???:"I'm over here."

The mysteriously cloaked man from before raised his hand to get the Sage's attention. The Sage, a young man with dirty blonde hair, smiled and waved then quickly moved to the cloaked man's table.

???:"You're drawing a lot of attention by wearing that, Luke."

Luke:"W~ell, you're drawing a lot of attention in your own way."

The cloaked man finally removed his hood which caused a few people to glance in his direction out of curiosity. Underneath the hood was a man in his late twenties with shaggy brown hair. He wasn't human. On top of his head was a pair of cat-like ears that twitched once being exposed.

???:"Yeah, by associating with you."

Luke:"Don't be like that Alezar."

The Sage gave Alezar a pat on the shoulder.

Luke:"So, shall we get to work?"

Story Information