“It smells like ass,” looking around at the animals and people, “and more ass.” Drew was pinching his nose closed as they walked through what barely passed as a gate. “I didn’t realize shit could smell this bad!” he yelled, causing more than a few eyes to look their way.

“Hahaha,” John laughed. “You’ll get used to it. It does seem though, here, senses are heightened. That’s probably why you were so enthralled with the grassy lands when we were taking that break. Everything, smell, taste, color, and so on, seems enhanced, good and bad.” John continued to laugh. Drew couldn’t figure out if the smell really didn’t bother him, or if he was just being John. “The inn’s just around the corner. Come on. We’ll get out of this wonderful air.”

“Thank God,” Drew replied, letting go of his nose as not to draw even more attention to him.

They quickly made their way to the Drunkin’ Goat. Surprisingly, one of the nicer buildings Drew had seen so far.

John could see that Drew was wondering about the building. “Some people came with money, but just wanted a fresh start. The guy that owns this place is one of ‘em. So it’s built a little better because he was able to pay to get it done right,” John said. He opened the door, and they stepped in.

Immediately they were greeted with fresh, clean air. How’s that work I wonder? Magic? Probably. Better not to ask right now with all these people around, Drew thought.

“ About time you get here,” grunted a giant of a man sitting at a table with another giant of a man.

“Good to see you too Ivan. Monty.” John nodded his head and walked over to the two men and hugged them both. “This is Drew. I ran into him on the way here. He couldn’t remember who he was and was in the forest lost. I’ve kinda taken him under my wing ya know?” John motioned for Drew to join them.

“Hi,” Drew said timidly, putting out his hand. Ivan’s hand engulfed Drew’s when they shook.

“Ivan. Nice to meet ya. Sorry ya got tangled up with this here,” he said, throwing his head back and laughing.

“Monty,” the other man said quietly. “Good meeting you.” Where Ivan’s a bull, this guy’s a manatee, big but friendly.

“Come sit with us. Have an ale. Eat. Let’s get drunk!” Ivan continued to laugh loudly. “The wife won’t mind. I haven’t seen ya in months. How was the journey? Any problems on the way?” Ivan turned and hollered across the inn. “Barkeep! 4 ales over here. Two more plates of whatever’s best for my two friends here!”

“You got it. Lydia, you heard the man, get going,” the barkeep demanded the serving girl. She quickly brought 4 mugs of ale over and headed into the back room. Drew assumed it was the kitchen. A short while later, she came out with two heaping plates of food, some kind of stew with bread and butter, and placed it in front of them.

“This looks so good. All we’ve had is questionable meat for two days.” Drew groaned while taking in a breath of the food. John hit him on the shoulder. “Sorry but it’s true. What was that? It was so fatty and gristly. I didn’t want to say anything because I appreciated the help and food, but it was awful.”

Ivan laughed again. “Probably boar meat. Cheap and easy to cure, and damn hard to chew too!”

“Unfortunately, it was. I had to skimp a bit for the trip here. I’ve spent a lot of money getting ready for my little venture. I was trying to save some coin.” John put his hand up in defeat. “Forgive me!” he said, elongating the forgive. And then he laughed and so did the others.

Seems like a jolly bunch, definitely friends Drew thought as he chewed the tender stew meat watching the trio reminisce. Man, so much better than that shit we had on the road. Wonder how he knows ‘em. He called them adventurers. Probably went on some tasks together. Mmmm this is so good! Not about to ask questions though. Not yet. Not ‘til we’re out of this town headed to who knows where.

“Drew, you gonna answer him?” John looked at me dumbly, tapping me again on the shoulder.

“What? What was the question? I was really focused on this food. It’s so good,” Drew replied with a mouthful of bread.

“He asked how you ended up in the forest.” John looked at me with worry in his eyes.

“Oh, yea. Honestly, I don’t remember much.” Think of something, quick. “I vaguely remember traveling with some other people. When I woke up, I had a knot on the back of my head. I don’t know if we were attacked or if I was just left there by the group I was with. If John hadn’t found me, I’d probably be dead by now. I had no idea where I was.” Drew was lying, but was it obvious to them. He kept shoving food in his mouth, trying not to make eye contact.

“Hmmp. Interesting,” Ivan said eyeing me. “We met some folks on the road here. Pretended to be waylaid just like what John said happened to you guys. Maybe you were part of their group or maybe they were part of the group that attacked ya. Who knows,” Ivan said, then finishing off his mug of ale. “And doesn’t matter. John vouches for ya and that’s all that matters to me. Monty here too.” He looked at Monty, nodded, and then to the bar. “Barkeep! Four more ales!” he hollered again. Ivan and John took up conversation while Monty sat there listening.

This is going to be a long night. Or a really short one! Ha! I haven’t drank in ages. We’ll see how it goes. The ale’s not bad. But the food, so damn good. Wonder what it is? Doesn’t matter. When Drew looked up, all three were looking at him.

“You kinda zone out when you’re eating eh?” Ivan asked. “Maybe the ale’s getting to ya already! No worries. We’ll just drink to the wee hours or ‘til ya pass out!” Ivan roared again.

“Food’s just good ya know, and trying to remember some things. Not to take away from our good time though!” My turn. Drew turned to the barkeep. “Hey! Four more ales over here, on Ivan’s tab!”

“‘Bout time boy! That’s how ya do it!” Ivan was louder than ever now, while Monty sat quietly keeping up ale for ale with him. John, too, was laughing and having a good time.

The hours passed quickly, and the stories were plenty. Drew’s head was spinning by the time he made it to the room and the bed.

“I’ll wake you up tomorrow, not too early. You’re gonna feel this in the morning,” John said smiling. “I’m going out before I wake you, get some clothes for ya. And I need a few things. Your clothes make you stand out more than anything. Pac-man. Really? Head to the washroom at some point if you get up before I get here. You stink. See ya in the morning.” John heard Drew groan as he closed the door. “Yea, definitely going to feel it in the morning,” John said as he walked to his room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Oh no, not again!” Drew yelled as he woke up. The sun was shining so bright it woke him. “Oh, thank God. I couldn’t handle that again,” he said, sitting up. “Owww my head. Owww my body. Walking all day yesterday definitely took its toll on me. I’ll go to the washroom, take a shower, bath, whatever it may be. That’ll help. Wonder if they have aspirin here. Or a hangover cure. I bet there’s magic for that. A cure-all. That’d be great!” Drew slowly got out of bed, his whole body and head aching. He opened the door to his room and found a pile of clothes, boots, a bar of soap, and a towel on the floor outside his door. “Hm, John must be back already. There has to be a hangover cure if he’s already out and about this early,” Drew mused. Heading to the washroom with his clothes, soap, and boots in hand and towel over his shoulder, he was surprised to see what looked like a locker room when he opened the door. It was a large room with benches and curtained showers.“Nice. Just hope it’s not cold as hell.”

He took off his grungy clothes and stepped into the shower. And again to his surprise, the water was hot. He scrubbed and scrubbed his aching muscles and let the hot water run over his neck and face, somewhat easing his aches and hangover. Eventually the water did start to become cold, so he took that as his cue that he was done. He got dressed in his new clothes, undergarments included, tied his boots, and headed back to his room.

“I’m surprised you’re even up walking yet,” John said, coming up the stairs at the end of the hallway, startling Drew.

“Shit, you scared me. Me too. By the way, do they have aspirin here? My head’s killing me,” Drew asked, massaging his temples.

“Ha no, but you’re in luck. The barkeep has a tonic that’ll do just the same,” John said as he approached, holding a small bundle in his hands.

“I knew it! I knew there would be magic or some type of cure-all here. Whew. I don’t think I’d be much to hang around with this hangover today. I’ll head down soon to get it. Thanks. What’s that?” asked Drew, pointing to the bundle.

“One last item for you that I couldn’t find earlier. It’s a cloak. It’ll help keep the rain off on our journey in a couple days, and hopefully keep wandering eyes from you as well. You were pretty loud last night, saying some things that were nonsensical to the people here. But everyone was drunk. Hopefully they don’t remember much.” Putting up his hand when he saw Drew’s worried look, “Don’t worry, you didn’t say anything too crazy. Just some things they’d find odd. I said it was from being hit on your head.” John was again smiling at this point.

“Thanks, as if I didn’t owe you enough already. Where we headed anyway? You keep saying our journey, your venture. What does that mean?” Drew again questioned John.

“I’ll fill you in when we meet up with Ivan and Monty in a couple hours. I have to go meet the Baron. I’m giving you a couple coins to head out into town with. I want you to buy some gear, maybe a bow, whatever suits you. Get something to eat, talk to the people. I’d stay away from the ale though,” John said, smiling wider. “These two silver marks will be able to buy quite a lot. Don’t let them swindle you, got it? It’ll also help teach you the value of coins here.” John handed him the silver marks and headed down the stairs, hollering one last thing. “Don’t forget to stop at the barkeep for the tonic!”

“Don’t worry. No way would I forget that. Ugh.” Drew massaged his temples again. He put his old clothes in his room, and headed down the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Too bad they don’t have that tonic back on Earth. That shit’s amazing! Drew, feeling invigorated, was now walking down a street, gawking at all the vendors and store fronts. John was right. I don’t want to fight up close if I don’t have to. I really don’t want to fight at all, but I need to be able to defend myself. A bow would be great. Maybe magic eventually. I’ll find a bow shop. What’s that look like? I’ll have to ask around. Drew was lost in his thoughts, wandering the market area. Eventually he stopped at a stall.

“Excuse me. Where would I find a shop that sells bows?” Drew asked an aging man sitting behind the stall.

“Over there,” the old man said pointing. “Pete’ll help ya. Good bows he’s got. The best.” The old man had a wry smile.

Hmm. I think I’m about to get taken for a ride. I’ll see what he’s got. Drew walked over to Pete’s store. It was filled with utter junk, everything you could think of.

“Excuse me. That man over there said you could help me out. I need a bow. Just letting you know, I don’t have much coin,” Drew added, lying through his teeth.

“Sure sure. I got the perfect bow for you. Made out of maple. Good quality. Only one silver mark. I’ll even throw in 20 arrows. Only the best here.” Drew was sure Pete had caught his dubious look, because he immediately spoke up. “For you though. 6 silver bits. At that price, you’re almost stealing it from me!” Pete exclaimed, clasping his hands together in pain.

“Let me look around the shops. I might be back. I may need some other items too. Flint and steel for example.” Drew turned and headed farther down the street.

“You won’t find anything better for my prices anywhere else!” Pete hollered at my back, shaking his fist in the air.

But Drew did. He bought a maple bow and quiver, 50 arrows, flint and steel, another set of clothes and boots, a pan to cook in, a small axe, a small dagger, and a small backpack with a bedroll to hold it all, all for 5 silver bits. That asshole Pete! I knew he was trying to pull one over on me! And that old man. They’re in it together for sure! Drew was incensed. As he walked down the street, he did his best to calm down. He smiled and waved at Pete as he walked past, and flipped off the old man when he passed his shop eliciting a raised eyebrow. That helped. Now I'm hungry. Not like when I’d eat a whole pizza and a bag of chips with a bottle of coke. Maybe this'll be a good change. Eat to survive, not survive to eat. He walked until he smelled food and followed his nose to a small stand. Looks like kabobs. Smells delicious. “I’ll take two please. How much?”

“4 copper pieces. Each,” the lady stated.

“Seems expensive. That’s almost a silver bit, when I got all of this for 5,” Drew said, pointing at all his new gear.

“4 copper pieces. Each,” the lady repeated.

“Fine. Here’s a silver bit. Keep the change. It better be worth it,” Drew said to her.

Handing her the bit, he received two steaming kabobs. He walked away knowing she’d gotten the better of him, but he didn't care. After taking a bite, Drew mumbled, “Just as good as I thought. I love food ha. Especially good food. Better head back. No sense of time here. Not sure when we’re meeting Ivan and Monty.” He continued to eat his kabobs as he wandered back to the inn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Drew walked in, he saw the trio again sitting at the same table having a discussion. He walked over and sat down, not wanting to intrude, but also unsure what to do.

“Hey Drew, just talking about what’s going to happen in a couple days. You didn’t miss much. The meeting with the Baron went quick and well. How bad did ya get swindled out there?” asked John.

“Not bad, I guess,” Drew shrugged. “I really don’t know. I got all this and two kebabs for six silver bits. I have a silver mark and four bits left.

“That’s, actually not bad. Not bad at all. Keep the silver. We’ll be here at least another full day getting everything ready. Use it to buy anything else you can think of that you might need. To give you an idea, the trip will take up to a week, and we won’t be anywhere near a town to replenish stocks.” John had a serious look.

“Ok. I was wondering if you knew of anyone that could train me in the bow or even a dagger before we go. I bought both. Or of someone I could talk to who could lead to someone who can train me,” asked Drew.

Ivan spoke up. “Monty here can teach you how to shoot a bow proper-like. Don’t know if he can teach you any skills though. Probably not” Monty nodded. “A dagger eh? Short sword would have been better, but they have similar skills. Talk to Bernard at the gate. He can probably teach you a few things.” Drew could see he was drinking water this morning.

“Thanks, appreciate it. Maybe I’ll pick up a short sword tomorrow too before I go and talk to Bernard. Monty, would you be willing to teach me a little. I’ll be honest. I’ve never shot a bow.” Drew was again embarrassed.

“Sure, later,” said the man of few words. Drew nodded his thanks and poured himself a mug of water.

“Good, good. Now onto more important business. Our journey and what’s going to happen when we get to our destination.” John was more serious now than he’d ever been. “Monty and Ivan already know, but as my compensation from the Baron, I asked to create a settlement to the west, just past the very edge of the kingdom’s border. Here, they call it the Unknown Land, as no one has supposedly ever ventured there. Realistically, I’m sure someone has. But that’s where I want to set up a town, a base of operations as it were, to explore the area. I want a place to go home to ya know? Not just me though, sorry. All of us. It’ll be our home,” John said looking at his friends. Drew looked like he was thinking, like always. "Questions Drew?"

"Nothing important yet, no. Go on." Wonder where I'll fit in with all of this, he thought to himself.

“The Baron gave me a land token. It’s more symbolic than anything. Since we won’t be settling on the kingdom’s lands, I can claim whatever I want to the far west, but he thought it would help in any disputes. The journey will take up to a week, depending on weather. There is a road to the west, but it doesn’t go very far. But it’s a start.” Looking at Drew, “If you didn’t notice, Innsbruck has a small stream just to its north. Well, as it moves farther to the west it meets up with a large, long lake. From there, it turns into a river. Near the mouth of the river is where I want to create the settlement. And that leads us to why we have to wait two days. That’s when another member of our team will get here, a nature mage. I’m paying him very well to build us a bridge across the river and help create walls. If he likes it there, he said he may even stay. We’ll see what happens.”

A nature mage. I could learn some magic afterall. John said it’s not cheap though. I don’t have enough time to earn more money, and I’m too weak to help people out. Maybe later. I can ask the mage if he takes payment plans. Ha! Drew was lost in thought again.

Snapping his fingers to gain Drew’s attention, “You’ve gotta stop doing that Drew. You weird us out when you go off into la-la land. You just stare into space.” The three were staring at him again. Turning back to his friends John continued, “Anyway, there’s more planning to do on my part. The Baron has asked his citizens if there were any volunteers who wanted to go with us. I’m to meet those people tomorrow. I also have to gather up the rest of our equipment, nails, planks, tools, food, and anything you can think of. Everything is supposed to be ready tomorrow, but we’ve got to get it organized on the five wagons I purchased to haul it all. So, that’s that. That’s the plan. Drew, you’re free to do whatever today, but I’d really appreciate it if you’d help me tomorrow organizing the wagons. Ivan and Monty, I know your families are joining us, so try to get them ready today if you can, and get any items you may need. I may need your help too tomorrow if it’s a shitshow.”

“You got it. That’s why we came. We’re tired of fighting, and we’re getting older. We just wanna raise our families. Don’t get me wrong, we’ll fight to the death if we’re threatened.” He was looking at Drew with a smile when he said that. “But I just want to hit metal, and Monty here just wants to farm. Don’t ya pal.”

“Yea,” replied Monty.

“Ok then. Do what you gotta do today. Tomorrow, we’ll meet at the Baron’s estate to organize the expedition and meet the volunteers.

John got up from the table and headed out the door. Ivan and Monty made to leave too, probably heading to their families.

“Hey Monty. I know you’re busy, so maybe you can just teach me to shoot on the journey there. I’ll hit up Bernard today after I buy a short sword, see if he can help me. If that’s ok?”

“Sure.” And Monty headed out the door, followed by Ivan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the way to Bernard, Drew bought a short sword and sheath for two silver bits. Seemed a bit much after what he’d spent earlier, but the sword was nice. And sharp.

Approaching the gate, he saw a man barking orders at others. He assumed that was Bernard. He was a short, stout man with not a lick of hair on his head.

“Bernard?” Drew asked.

“Who’s askin’?” he quipped back, staring me down.

“My name’s Drew. A friend of mine told me you might be able to help me learn some skills with my short sword or dagger. I can pay.”

“I can’t, but Willis should be able to.” He looked around. “Willis, get your ass over here! There’s a guy here wanting to learn some sword skills.” Drew raised his eyebrow wondering how anyone would be willing to listen to this guy.

A slender man who had been leaning against the wall approached the two. “Yea, Boss. This guy? Looks like he doesn’t even know which end is pointy.”

“Well, I’m willing to learn which end is pointy, if you’re willing to teach. I can pay.”

“For a silver mark, I’ll teach you three skills. They won’t come easy. You’ll have to practice probably the rest of the day, but it’ll be worth it. I guarantee my teaching. I have a reputation to uphold.” Willis stood there, hand out, smiling from ear to ear. “I’ll teach you parry, riposte, and lunge.”

“Deal.” Drew replied. Is it? I have no idea, but if they keep me alive, it’s well worth it. Drew handed the man his silver mark.

“Follow me and I’ll show you the moves needed. Then it’s up to you. You keep repeating the footwork and sword movements ‘til the skill is learned. Sounds easy, but it’ll take you a few hours.” Willis led him to a small fenced area at the back of what would be considered a barracks, run down as it was.

“Ok so watch me. Watch my feet and how I move my sword. Then I’ll watch you repeat me. Then, like I said, it’s a matter of repetition to learn the skill.” Willis took a stance near a practice post but stopped. “Actually come here. It’ll be easier to show you this way. Try to attack me with your sword, slowly, so you can watch my movements.” Drew walked over and unsheathed his sword. He swung his sword at him at an angle, right to left. Willis, using his sword, deflected Drew’s, and instantly counter attacked, poking him in the chest “That, my friend, is a basic parry and riposte. Attack again, a little faster. Don’t watch your sword. Watch mine, how I move it to block yours, and twist it to attack you.” Again I swung my sword at him, but from the opposite side. Again he knocked my sword aside, and poked me in the chest. “See, not hard,” Willis continued. “Now again, but this time watch my feet and body.” I did as he said as I attacked. Before the swords came in contact, he had twisted his body and moved his right foot a little forward. “Did you see? Always moving, always moving,” he said as he bounced from foot to foot.

“I think so, yea. Can I try? I mean, you attack me, and I’ll try to defend?” Drew asked eagerly.

“Yea, I will attack slowly and watch where you mess up eh?” Willis said chortling.

The next moment, Willis attacked, far quicker than Drew was expecting. He was barely able to block his sword, let alone counter attack. “What the hell man!” Drew shouted at him. Willis attacked again, and Drew blocked it with no time to retaliate. Willis continued to attack, Drew barely blocking or deflecting each time. Then he stopped. Drew was enraged, ready to brawl with the man.

“Easy my friend,” Willis said, putting up his hand and sword. “I was testing you, to see how serious you are about this. I would never hurt a trainee intentionally. You weren’t in danger, I promise. Many people want the knowledge, but few want to learn how to do it correctly.” Willis took a step closer to Drew. “I can see in your eyes you want to learn and not just do. I saw how you concentrated on me just like I asked. I will spar with you until you learn the skills. You have fight in you. I respect that, and I will teach you the proper footwork and swordcraft that will keep you alive. Come my friend. Drink some water and we will begin again.” He motioned to the pitcher. Drew walked over, a little less angry than he was, and drank his fill.

For the next three hours they sparred, taking short breaks to replenish Drew’s limited stamina. In that time he learned parry and riposte and surprisingly block. Finally, near the end of the third hour, he learned lunge. Drew was completely spent but ecstatic. He hadn’t worked that hard or moved that much since college.

“Fast learner. Very good. I’m glad to have taught you. I see you even learned block by watching your movements. I won’t charge you for that,” Willis said sitting down. “I hope what I’ve taught you will keep you alive for years to come. Now, I must get back to my post. I’ve been gone too long as it is. Bye my friend, and good luck.” The anger Drew had felt at the man a few hours ago had now turned into a deep appreciation for him.

Reaching out his hand, “Thank you so much. I’m sorry for how I acted earlier. Thank you for teaching me. Hopefully I’ll never have to use the skills, but I’m glad I’ll have them if I need them.” Willis smiled and shook his hand and walked out of the fenced area back to his post.

“Shit that was rough! Worse than the 10 hour walk here. Let’s see if I improved any. Status”

Drew Cooper Level: 1 Class: none Job: none Attributes Vitality 8 Health 80 Strength 9 Health Regen 9/hour Endurance 9 Stamina 90 Agility 8 Stamina Regen 8/minute Intelligence 13 Mana 130 Wisdom 12 Mana Regen 12/minute Trait Timid 10% decreased accuracy while in a fight. Can be changed or removed Job Perks Combat Perks Skills Expand Spells

I made some gains. Increased my endurance, my agility, and my strength by one each. I doubt I’ll always be that lucky, but right now, I’ll take anything. “Status Skills”

Parry Increased chance to successfully ward off an attack with a countermove, based on agility, uses stamina Riposte After a successful Parry, increased chance to deliver a quick counter attack, based on agility, uses stamina Block Increased chance to block an incoming attack with a shield or weapon, based on strength Lunge Quickly move towards an opponent with a quick jab or thrust of your weapon, based on agility and strength, uses stamina

Not bad. He waved away the screen. “Time to eat and rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.” Drew left the training area and went back to the inn. His friends weren’t inside, so he ate alone, which was fine, and went to his room to rest. He must have been more exhausted than he thought, because he instantly fell asleep.