Chapter 10 - The Hero

The darkest time of the night is right before morning dawns on a new day. Thus I found myself squatting by the shadow of a withered tree while watching an impressive complex of houses and stables, just as all the birds started to greet the new morning with their trills. A far less pleasant sound - a loud sniffling - came from over my shoulder.

“Kyren, I told you to stop that,” I snapped.

“B.. but it’s cold,” came the sullen reply.

It was. Most people did not know just how cold deserts could be during the night. Sure, the daytime would scorch all the water from your body, but then the nights would just freeze it bone dry.

“Someone will spot us if you keep making so much noise. Remind me again, why are you here?”

“Sniff, to keep an eye out.. sniff”

“And..” I prompted.

“To assist with 'The Plan'.”

“Right. You will do neither if you get caught by a guard because of all your sniffing. Now hush.”

“B.. but it’s cold..” mumbled Kyren, the little brat who had suddenly become my right hand man in this operation.

I had learned that Kyren was the head of a little band of street urchins who made their living by running errands and the occasional “borrowing” of goods while no one was the wiser. This meant living constantly hungry and on the run from the very same people whom you depended on to give you scraps for menial work. Threats, insults and beatings were no strangers to these kids.

It is a rough life all around.

I could admire Kyren’s resourcefulness. When I’d gone looking for him in order to draw some last minute information on Tarik, I’d been surprised to find some other kid staking out the place. I’d decided to quietly watch from far off. After an hour or so, another urchin had quietly come to take his place after briefly exchanging some murmured words. I followed the kid who’d just gotten off-duty, so to speak, all the way to a tiny alley a fair distance away where a handful of kids waited along with Kyren himself.

Their ages ranged from being barely more than toddlers to Kyren, who was almost - if not quite - a teen. Probably just a couple years older than Sol. 12 maybe? While the little street gang wasn’t basking in the lap of luxury, at least they seemed to have a warm place to take shelter and draw strength from their companions.

I could now see why Jae’thun had seen fit to trust Kyren with returning the book to me. Sharp judge of character, that one. I could use the help of someone as street-savvy as Kyren. As a bonus, his services came cheap and no one paid any mind to an alley cat, anyhow.

So, I’d paid Kyren off for the information on Tarik, then made him a new offer. After some brief negotiations - which included a sharp knuckle to the head - Kyren had grudgingly agreed my price was more reasonable while rubbing the top of his head. The little brat, he wanted to haggle with me. The nerve!

I liked the guts on this kid already.

So now we found ourselves staking out Tarik’s house, which was almost a villa in its own right. It consisted of several buildings that served as living quarters, as well as a couple warehouses and some stables. According to Kyren, there were usually a couple of armed guards patrolling the grounds during the night - more to deter any thieves aiming to get into the warehouses. Resourceful kid he was, Kyren had even managed to enter the building under the pretext of a misdelivered message and scoped out the place. There were half a dozen thugs inside, as well as some serving people.

No signs of Sol or Reaver, though he’d heard some frightful growling sounds coming from an abandoned shack near the rear of the property.

That was enough for my purposes. Tonight, I would need Reaver. Sol would have to wait till later.

I extracted each item from the bag at my belt, the one I'd received from Agnus. I made one last inspection of each item, which would prove vital for my mission tonight. I also checked my belt for the dagger I'd bought. I'd left the sword behind with KYren as it would likely only serve to further encumber me. I’d tried taking a few practice swings but my arms just could not bear the burden long enough to serve me in a fight.

Taking a deep breath, I drew a hood over my head, then nodded to Kyren. “Alright kid, it’s show time. Remember your role, I’m counting on you!”

Kyren nodded excitedly. “This is just like the tales grandad would read to me! We’re going to rescue the chick in distress!”

“Damsel kid, it’s called a damsel in distress.”

Kyren nodded, his good mood not dampened in the slightest.

With one last nod to Kyren, I made my way along the rear wall of Tarik’s complex. Fortunately, he was too much of a cheapskate to pay for decent lamps. Instead, a couple torches were held by a couple guards as they slowly made the rounds. This made it exceptionally easy to infiltrate the premises. Didn’t they know they were only blinding themselves as well as letting everyone know their exact positions at all times?

With a shrug, I carefully made my way over the wall. I emphasize the word careful because while in my real body I would have been able to vault over the pitiful obstacle with ease, I’d learned to be very careful with my new body. My arm seemed to be almost completely healed. It stood to reason that even broken bones would be mended with incredible speed in a VR environment. However, the healing salve was also just as vital. It really was quite effective. Now if it only didn't reek quite so badly.

So, being very careful not to make any noise, I slid over the wall and safely landed on the other side. It was a clear night and that gave me enough light to guide my steps. I immediately made my way to the building Kyren had spoken of. It was an abandoned shack that had fallen into disrepair. It stood far enough from the house that most noises from within would not reach the main house. Knowing the mutt, I doubted he'd given up, even after all this time.

I could only hope. This would not work without him.

Peering through the cracks in the wall, I quickly realized it was hopeless to try to distinguish any shapes in the gloom within. However, the smell told me everything I needed to know. No doubt they'd tied Reaver and left him to his own devices. The stink of urine and offal was strong.

Thanks to the smell, I doubted any guards would be inside with the mutt. "Reaver? Are you there?"

I felt stupid talking to a dog, but I needed to make sure he was inside and still alive. "Reaver? Answer me, you damn mutt. Reaver!" I whispered as urgently as I dared.

Soon, I could hear some shuffling noises from within, and a single sapphire flame came to life from within the shadows, burning with unsettling intensity. Then it blinked.

"Reaver!"

A menacing growl came from within, but was instantly changed to a snuffling whine after it took a few whiffs of the air. Good doggie, it still recognized my scent.

"That's right, it’s me and I'm gonna get you out of here. But first I need to make sure you're not going to bite my head off."

Another plaintive whine, as if to say, "Really? C'mon, I would never.."

I suppressed a tight smile, then took opened the bag I'd received from Agnus. From within, I took out a small jar of grease. I liberally applied it on the hinges of the door, as well as the stout bar holding it shut. Then I carefully slid the doors open. Satisfied that no noise had been made, I shuffled inside.

I could barely make out the shape of Reaver within the shadows, quietly waiting for me. This was one smart son of a gun. I'd been worried that he'd start barking or worse, howling as soon as he saw me. However, I'd seen just how clever Reaver was from his interactions with Sol a couple days back. This had a good chance of working if I could make Reaver understand and cooperate..

"Reaver, good boy. Now remember.. Gah!"

Whatever instructions came next, they were drowned in dog drool as Reaver pounced on me as soon as I was within reach and frantically licked my face.

"S.. Stop that! Ugh, you damn mutt. It is good to see your ugly mug too, but we gotta get you out of here."

Reaver nuzzled my chest and gave a plaintive whine, then looked towards the main house.

"We can't get Sol. Not right now. You need to understand this." I looked into the beast's eyes as I spoke slowly. "I have a plan. We will come back for Sol, but not now. Tonight, I need you to do something."

Reaver held my gaze for a moment, then hung his head and whimpered while covering his eyes with his paws. Damn, just how smart was this mutt?

"Alright, stay still while I get the chains off. The guards should be rotating just about now, so we have some time but we have to make it count."

Reaver complied while I examined his bindings. A rusty chain almost as thick as my wrist had been attached to a cruel collar with iron spikes lining the inside. It was crusted with blood. Reaver was a fighter, even when there seemed to be little to no hope.

Damn if this mutt didn't take after my own heart.

The collar itself had a rustic lock that shouldn't take much to pick. I withdrew a couple pins from my little bag of tricks. They were no lockpicks, but I doubted a respectable weaponsmith such as Agnus would have them, and these iron pins would do for such an easy lock.

*Whine*

"I know. Now shut up, I'm working as fast as I can."

What the hell was wrong here? I should have been done in a couple minutes, tops. Instead the pins kept slipping in my hands and I couldn't get the leverage to turn the tumblers in the lock. Don't tell me my agility was simply too low. C'mon, I could have picked this with a blindfold over my eyes and a hand tied behind my back.

*Grrrrrr*

A low rumbling growl emanated from Reaver's chest. I turned my head around and cursed as I saw a circle of light slowly approaching from the far end.

"Damn, that guard was supposed to be relieved. What's going on here?"

A creaking sound could be heard as Reaver began to pull against the chain impatiently.

"Hold up you damn mutt, I'm working as fast as I can. It's almost.."

*SNAP*

I stared dumbfounded at the broken pin in my hands. Of all the.. this was just ridiculous. My stealth operations trainer would never let me live it down, if he knew.

*GRRRR*

Another growl, more urgent this time. I turned my head to see the light even closer. It appeared to be heading this way. Though I had made sure to close the door, upon close inspection he'd notice the bar was gone. 15 seconds at most until he was close enough to notice. I had to do some quick thinking.

"Alright, new plan. Go to that corner and stay quiet. You got that? Not a squeak from you, or I swear I'll leave you here for them to make a rug out of you."

Was that.. did that damn mutt just roll his eyes at me? Whatever.

I maneuvered the chains so it looked as though they were slack and lying on the floor. Reaver was conveniently hidden in a dark, recessed corner of the room. I quickly swung the door completely open, then hid behind the wall next to the doorway while liberally spraying the remaining grease on the floor.

Just on cue, the sound of boots announced the guard approaching. Then there was a moment of silence, and immediately steps rushing forward.

"What the.. what happened here? The beast has escaped?"

As the circle of light drew closer, I waited behind the wall with my dagger firmly in hand and prayed this guard was as dumb as his voice made him sound.

*C'mon, don't alert the other guard. Just come take a look. A quick look. That's all I ask for..*

"I can't believe this.. the door's open, and the beast is gone. I have to alert the rest of.."

Just then his body cleared the doorway. The circle of light from his torch revealed Reaver lurking in his dark corner. The guard looked in confusion at Reaver, who was still firmly chained, then back over his shoulder to the open door, uncomprehending. Just then I made my decision, and sheathing my dagger, I dashed from behind the wall to give the guard a nice firm shove!

It is a sad day when you don't dare hit someone behind the head in case you sprain your wrist instead of giving your opponent a mild concussion.

In any case, the shove did the trick. The guard was overbalanced and stepped over the floor, slick with grease. He slipped, did a funny roll that looked rather painful, and landed on his face. And then he realized just how much trouble he was in, as he heard the rumbling growl as Reaver looked down at him, lean mean killing machine and all.

The guard fainted dead away. Didn’t even put up a fight. Reaver looked like he couldn't believe it. He nudged the guard's head and even gave a couple experimental tugs with his fangs, but the guard was completely out. Then I noticed it was the same thug who had fainted when I'd swung the broomstick at his face a couple days ago.

Not for the faint of heart, this business.

"Alright Reaver, now we're set. Wait, wait. What are you? No, not yet!"

Too late, as Reaver was busy relieving himself on top of the prone guard. I didn't mind that assertion of his dominance at all. I would have bitten the guard's head off in swift retribution, but to each his own. However, this left me with an annoying problem.

"Damn mutt.. I still need to search him for the keys.."

A few messy, awkward moments later, I was set. Fortunately, the guard did carry the keys to Reaver’s chains. After freeing him, I carefully deposited the keys back in the guard’s pocket. There were some coins jingling there as well, but I had to leave them alone. All for the sake of the plan.

I turned my regard to Reaver. He sat on his haunches, staring back at me with quiet intensity. Damn, this mutt was so smart it was scary.

“Alright, now listen up. We need to help Sol, but if you go into that house, you will only get yourself and Sol killed in the process.”

Reaver sniffed loudly, as though to dispute my evaluation of his fighting prowess.

“Shush you. Now, I have a plan that will get both of you free, but you have to do exactly as I tell you. Do you understand?”

Reaver looked aggrieved to be denied his opportunity to go on a rampage against his torturers, but he whined his assent.

“Good. Then this is what is going to happen..” I explained, as I took out a hat and extended it to Reaver.

“Mister, is that you?”

“No, it’s not me. Of course it is me. What happened? Why did that guard not get relieved?”

Kyren shuffled his feet and grinned sheepishly at me. “I think his replacement had a hangover so he had to do an extra shift.”

I sighed loudly. Well, no matter.

“Are you ready for your part?”

Kyren positively beamed at me. “We sure are!”

“Alright then, lets get to it. Remember, enough to cause a commotion but not so much as to be too obvious..”

“I got it, I got it. Jeez mister, you can nag worse than gramps used to, ya kno?”

Before I had a chance to refute that with another knuckle to his head, Kyren ducked out of the way and ran up the street towards the entrance of Tarik’s house. He was joined on the way by 6 or 7 other kids his age, all yelling and laughing as they threw a bundle back and forth.

“Hey kids, beat it,” started to rumble the guard stationed by the entrance, when Kyren missed his throw and the bundle sailed over the wall of Tarik’s house. The sleepy guard was overwhelmed in a matter of seconds as the gang of kids ran rampant and ran into the house. The sounds within were pandemonium as the house slowly came awake.

Further yells from angry adults could be heard against the wild laughter of the kids as they moved out of the house and into the back yard. Good. They would make it.

“Hey, what’s that smell?”

“I don’t know, it smells like your mother’s ass.”

“What did you say?”

“Lets open it and see!”

“You damn brats, stay away from that door!”

More screams, then a huge uproar as the sound of wood splintering under a fierce impact could be heard. Then it was true chaos.

“The beast is loose!”

“Catch it!”

“Be careful! It almost tore Aggar’s arm off!”

Reaver’s howling could be heard filling the early dawn light spilling into the streets. Then I could see an unbelievably fast shadow streak past the entrance of Tarik’s house. Several angry men armed to their teeth rushed out, followed by the children who were either incredible actors or were truly running for their lives.

A half-dressed Tarik rushed onto the street behind his men.

“Leave the damn brats alone for now and catch that beast before it gets away!”

I grinned from my concealed shadow, then turned around to skip along while whistling a jolly little tune.

Ah, revenge always felt so good, it warmed my parched heart like a shot of tequila. And this was not the end of Tarik’s troubles.

Not by far.

***

I made my way back to Zephyr’s shop just in time to witness the aftermath of the incident. A rapidly growing crowd of onlookers watched on as a helpless Zephyr stood outside his shop while jarring sounds of broken pottery and sloshing liquids could be heard within.

As I drew closer I could pick up conversations being held within the crowd.

“.. knew that beast was trouble, poor merchant..”

“.. ain’t gonna risk my neck, seen that thing’s fangs?”

“.. where are the guards?”

As I walked up to the shop, Kyren was there to greet me with a conniving grin. I extended my hand and he handed me my sword, which I’d left with him for safekeeping. I passed him another handful of coins and a nod of acknowledgement for a job well done. Kyren made an elaborate bow towards me then inclined his head towards the spectacle unfolding itself in Zephyr’s shop. Cheeky brat.

Right. Time for the show to start then.

I had plenty of time to leisuredly make my way here. After I showed Zephyr's hat to Reaver, he had the scent and I was sure he would be able to reach the shop without my help. From there, all he had to do was.. well, be Reaver. I cleared my throat delicately, then launched into my part with gusto.

“Halt, you ruinous beast!” I cried out in my best Zephyr-esque tone. “I will slay you where you stand lest you surrender!”

Suddenly, all sounds from within the shop stopped. Moments later, Reaver stalked out of the entrance towards the sound of my voice before lifting his head and howling loudly enough to hurt my ears. Immediately, a path opened in the crowd like the parting of the Red Sea, leading from Reaver straight towards me.

Reaver obliged by fixing his eyes on me while a loud threatening growl resonated from his chest. He was covered in red liquid, which looked almost like blood. That, and the feral glint in his eyes gave off an aura of pressure that was almost palpable.

Damn fine acting, that mutt. He’d missed his calling.

Of course, that wasn't blood covering every inch of Reaver. It was merely water mixed with a cheap red dye. I had the jugs filled with it just for this moment. Half the show is in the props, after all.

I unsheathed my sword in the most dramatic fashion possible and approached Reaver, who was covered in blood and snarled to display fangs the size of knives. Right then, at the perfect moment while the crowd hardly dared to breathe - couldn't have timed it better myself - I heard Kyren’s voice from the background.

“He’s going to fight it on his own. A hero!”

Quickly, other children’s voices joined him.

“Incredible, he’s gonna stop the beast!”

“So brave!”

“The hero!”

“The Hero!”

The latter become a chant that was taken up by the crowd. People do some pretty stupid stuff once there are enough of them that they don’t feel like they need to own up to it afterwards. Some call it peer pressure, I call it stupid sheep mentality. I blame it for most of the stupid shit big crowds will do.

Of course, I could barely hold up my sword, but Reaver let me off easy. My footwork was solid enough, and we danced back and forth for a while with the crowd “Ooooh”ing and “Ahhh’ing appreciatively. After a while, I checked over my shoulder and caught Kyren’s look. It was time.

I whispered something to Reaver, then I daringly rolled under his claws and “slashed” him in the underbelly. Of course, I did no such but Reaver was completely covered in red liquid so there was a spray of “blood” and the crowd roared its approval when Reaver mewled weakly and lay panting on the ground.

As I drew the sword up for the killing stroke, I heard Tarik’s voice from behind me.

“STOP! That beast is my property!”

A wheezing Tarik squeezed in between the crowd along with a couple of his cronies. No doubt the rest were on their way, but by the time they all got here it would be over.

Without turning to look at him directly, I once again raised my sword up high. “I must slay the beast while it is weakened! You lay empty claims on it!”

“You will do no such thing! As of two days ago, ownership..!” Then Tarik paused as he took stock of the situation.

“I see. So this beast is yours,” I repeated softly, then swiftly sheathed my sword and turned around to look Tarik in the eye.

Tarik squinted at me for a moment, then gave a small cry. “You! It’s you!”

I feigned ignorance while playing up to the crowd. “Well, see the chaos your beast has unleashed upon this peaceful merchant and his wares.”

Right on queue, Zephyr stepped up next to me with a woeful expression on his face. He was a terrible actor but I had expected no better.

“Indeed, mine wares have been most ruinously mishandled and abused. It shall spell my utter ruin! Wherefore shall I obtain just compensation for my grief?”

“Alright Zephyr, enough. Don’t overdo it,” I whispered to him.

Tarik spluttered his outrage, but the crowd had its gaze on him.

“But.. but it’s all a setup. I know this trash from before..”

Kyren’s voice cut him off, still safely hidden within the crowd.

“Did the fatty just call the hero ‘trash’?”

Laughter rang out and mixed in with outrage as the crowd reacted. Damn, I'd have to pay Kyren extra. Kid was talented.

“But he rescued the merchant while his beast..”

“Of all the irresponsible things to say..”

"Tarik just can't see well enough with his big pot belly on the way!"

The crowd started to boo and jeer at Tarik. Then the village’s guards finally arrived.

“Make way for the guard. Make way.”

A middle-aged guard with an annoyed expression squeezed in through the crowd along with a handful of warriors. He examined the scene before turning towards Tarik with a weary eye.

“Care to explain the situation, Tarik? What have you done this time?”

Excellent. I had counted on scum like Tarik having a low reputation with both the townsfolk and the guards. Looked like it was paying off.

I had given Zephyr a whole speech I’d prepared beforehand, but I didn’t even need to bother. The crowd rushed forward to explain in minute detail. The rampaging beast, the grieved merchant, and me, the hero riding in to the rescue. They did especially well with the details of the fight, with some excellent dramatic renditions of my duel with Reaver which were frankly very flattering. Then they sneered as they mentioned Tarik’s involvement.

“So, who’s responsible for this mess? You, Tarik? Is the beast truly yours, as you claim?”

Caught in a vise, Tarik looked around for support but the whole crowd seemed to be ready to pounce on him.

“Uh.. ah, no. I misspoke. I am merely giving.. ah, shelter to the beast’s owner. Homeless brat by the name of Sol. You know him, no?”

The guard squinted at Tarik like he was suspicious of something, but nodded.

“Yeah, Sol and his dog. Damn, it got big. I heard you’d claimed rights of possession on both of them, no? Something about a sheep or cattle?”

Tarik laughed nervously while wringing his hands. “Ha. Hahah. Pl.. please, watcher Vyse. Would I truly be so heartless as to take a dog from its owner just over some lost cattle? Probably fell in a well somewhere. What will you accuse me of next, selling innocent children to the slavers?”

Tarik’s uneasy smile wilted under the Vyse’s withering look. “Wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest.”

“Ha. Hahah. Your sense of humor always takes me by surprise, watcher Vyse.”

Vyse snorted. “Alright, so who’s going to take responsibility for this beast?”

I coughed delicately and stepped forward. “I will, watcher Vyse.”

Vyse turned to look at me with a healthy dose of skepticism. “You, stranger? You already half-slew the poor beast, why would you want to take responsibility for it?”

I spread my hands in a placating gesture. “I could do no less. Since I have become involved in the matter, I must see it through to its end.”

Vyse gave me a grudging nod of respect. “I see. Wish some could learn from your example, stranger.” He gave Tarik another withering glare. Before the situation could get out of my hands, I coughed delicately.

“While I will be responsible for the beast and its owner - the child - from this moment onward, I believe fair compensation should be dispensed for this honest merchant and his grief. Watcher Vyse, does the tribal rule specify that children can be held accountable for crimes committed by themselves or their property while they are under the guardianship of an adult?"

Vyse quickly shook his head. "That would be ridiculous. Children must take refuge from the adult who is sheltering them."

I nodded to Vyse as though surprised. "I see. That would mean the compensation would have to come from.."

Vyse nodded back to me and turned toward Tarik, who spluttered in outrage. "Yes, Tarik. You will have to come with me and resolve this matter of compensation. Sir Merchant, if you would come with me?"

Zephyr nodded limply with his shoulders slumped. Maybe there was still hope for that one in the world of drama.

I nodded my agreement. "I shall, of course, take charge of the beast and the child immediately, and do so gladly. I don’t believe the beast or the child who owns it are beyond redemption.”

Vyse shrugged. “Well, it’s your funeral then. Makes my job easier, so that’s good. Now Tarik, you and I are going to have a long conversation about the child who’s a ‘guest’ in your house.”

Tarik paled, but nodded stiffly.

As they turned to leave, the crowd started chanting again.

“The hero!”

“The Hero!”

“THE HERO!”

*TIRRING!*

Congratulations! Your Trait "Shameless Manipulator" has reached rank F level 2.

Trait Name:Trait Rank:Trait Level:Trait Experience:Shameless ManipulatorF295%Life is a spectacle, and we all have a role to play in it. How fortunate it is then, that you happen to be the script writer. You have cultivated the art of manipulating event and circumstance so that the dice eventually roll your way. You gain a great boost to your charisma and communication skills, but suffer in penalty as the Gods frown upon your creative rendering of the truth as you perceive it.

Charisma bonus: +2

Trading bonus: +1

Persuation bonus: +1

Diplomacy bonus: +1

Faith penalty: -2

*TIRRING!*

]Congratulations! Your Trait "Devious Mastermind" has reached rank F level 2.

Trait Name:Trait Rank:Trait Level:Trait Experience:Devious MastermindF295%No matter what path you tread, there are always those who lead, and those being led. You have excelled in the former, and thus earned the right to impose your will on the latter. Your clever plans and intricate stratagems will grant a permanent bonus to your Wisdom and Intelligence! Unfortunately, your Charisma will suffer as a result of mistrust and fear of your intellect. Faith will also be lowered as you rely on your own intellect rather than the Gods' intervention.

Intelligence bonus: +2

Wisdom bonus: +1

Charisma penalty: -1

Faith penalty: -1

As Vyse led Tarik away, I didn’t miss the promise of murder and vengeance painted all over the merchant-turned-thug’s expression.

Ha. Bring it. Anytime.

I am, after all, the hero.

“HERO HERO HERO!”