~ Just a little late, I apologize. I'm trying to aim for a release every Saturday/weekend. ~ nEoQuIcKsiLvEr

Chapter 10 - Southscale

The sun was rising and two figures appeared at the gates of the Town called Southscale. Nero and Maude had taken an early morning's journey to the town. Maude knew that the gates wouldn't be open until sunrise, she had told Nero to take their time in arriving. They had strolled leisurely to their destination with their spirits in toll. The pair had made it to the gates just before it was to be opened for activity.

"This is…amazing!" Nero said with a face of wonder.

When they arrived, Nero was surprised at the magnificent architecture of the town. He didn't know that the town was created with a mixture of Dwarven craftsmanship, human ingenuity, and Orc strength. Many under the rule of Chieftain Scar offered their services in improving the town twenty years ago. As he was a wise leader, he followed the advice of his subordinates and allowed them to do as they wished. What he received in return was a beautiful town for himself, his family, and his populace.

The Town of Southscale was still called a town because of its proportionate sized population, but it was still growing quickly. When looking at the town, you would think it was a city at first glance. The walls of Southscale were made of grey stone and pristine as if they were polished. The walls were strong but not too tall, they weren't elaborate, but built for a siege. The gates were forged by Dwarven blacksmiths and sturdy as a mountain. It was truly a town fit to be ruled by an Orc War Hero. Yet when looking at the town you felt at ease as if you were seeing a painting.

There was a river that ran alongside the outer walls and through a field of crops. A bridge crossed over the river to connect the lands and entrance to the town. Orcs weren't known for their agriculture but it was brought over to them by human residents. There were many workers in the fields just before the sunlight pierced the skies. Some people had chosen to live outside the walls but they all belonged to the Town of Southscale. The choice to live outside the walls were given to many who wanted to be farmers and were gifted their own plot of land to do so.

Many who have visited didn't believe they were in the Empire's territory, this was a united town of many races.

"I can't believe this isn't a real city." Nero said with a huge smile.

"I told you that my father is a great ruler." Maude showed a smug face to Nero.

Piii made a noise to signified that he agreed with Maude.

Soon the gates began to open and guards walked out to begin their inspections. A line had built up behind Maude and Nero. Since Chieftain Scar was known as a benevolent ruler, many people from other territories came to Southscale. They were mostly merchants who crossed into the territory during the still of night. The Town of Southscale was the most eastern city in the Empire and dealt regularly with trades.

A human guard had come up to Nero with an Orc attendant.

"Papers please." The guard said.

"Um, papers?" Nero replied.

"Yes, where are your papers?" The guard gave Nero an incredulous look.

The Orc attendant next to the guard was about to reach for his weapon when Maude stepped forward.

"No need, he's with me." Maude said uncovering her hood before placing it back down.

The guard and Orc attendant were surprised and quickly gave a bow.

"Excuse us my lady, we didn't know!" The guard said.

Maude walked through the gates and Nero followed behind her.

"Aren't we going to tell her that Chieftain Scar is looking for her?" The Orc attendant whispered.

"You know the young lady's temper! But inform Lord Voriff that the miss has come back."

The attendant quickly went into the guard house to send a magical message.

Nero and Maude were walking through the main streets of Southscale.

"I didn't know an Orc town would have human guards." Nero said rubbing his chin.

"My father would employ anyone who was capable and willing," Maude said. "But first off, why don't you have any papers?"

"I don't carry paper with me." Nero replied with a puzzled look.

"By the Four Gods, traveling papers!" Maude said.

"You need papers to travel?"

"Yes!"

"I never used it before."

"With that kind of ignorance you must have come from the Kingdom of Or'Vale."

"Well, my father was born there."

Nero realized that he might not be able travel freely after all.

Maude had a look like she was dealing with an idiot. What kind of man is he, being an alchemist's apprentice and not having any traveling papers? Maude thought.

Alchemists were usually highly sought after and enjoyed many rich comforts. They were always called for and needed in many parts of the continent. Even their apprentices were taken with them as assistants, so they can study and learn under experience. So an Alchemist not having traveling papers was highly questionable. Maybe he's not as great as I assumed? Maude thought.

Many shops had started to open in Southscale and the smell of fresh goods wavered in the air. People started to emerge and wandered the streets as well. Nero and Maude had drank an energy potion that revitalized their stamina but it could not stave off their hunger. Bal gave Nero a bark, as he too, felt the necessity of food.

Ultimately the smell of such fresh goods and the aroma of food was too much to bear for Nero. He went off in search of something delicious with Bal. They left quickly when Maude turned her head away for a second. Maude noticed them missing and searched for them with her eyes. She had lost Nero in the early morning hustle of the town.

"What!? Where do they go?" Maude said.

"Piii…" The wind spirit made a indication that he knew where.

Maude followed Piii who went in search after Nero and Bal.

Nero had never smelled such wonderful aromas before. Gregor had never cared about food, only Nero ever tried to satisfy his own taste buds. Nero wasn't a chef of any sort, so most of his dishes weren't seasoned or prepared well. Here in Southscale, Nero thought he might be able to eat something delectable. For the first time Nero followed his stomach and his nose.

Maude quickly found Nero with Piii and wondered what got him to move so quickly. She had assumed that Nero might've found something interesting. Maude had walked through these shops before and none of them interested her. She was a noble girl and had always eaten food prepared by fine chefs. She didn't know that Nero wouldn't have dreamed of tasting the things here let alone at her manor.

Nero smelled and heard the sizzling of grilled meat. A vendor had set up a stall and was grilling some fine seasoned meat. The aroma was tantalizing to Nero's nose and his stomach rumbled. People walked by and ignored the stall but Nero was lured straight away. The meat was skewed by sticks and held on top of a tray. There was a sign posted next to it, but Nero ignored it. He could read the numbers but he couldn't understand what they were for.

Picking up a meat stick, Nero was about to eat it when the Orc vendor called out to him.

"Excuse me sir, but you are going to have to pay for that." The Orc had on a stern expression.

Nero then had remembered that money was used in the world. He had lived his whole life without the use of any currency. Nero didn't have anything of value really in his possession and never thought about money. Staying in the Ivory Tower, it was a self-sustained world and he lived with his basic needs met.

Nero placed the meat stick back down on the tray and walked away disheartened.

Bal let his ears down as he whimpered.

"What happened?" Maude said coming to his side.

"I don't have any money." Nero ruffled his hair.

"What!? You don't have any money!?" Maude wrinkled her face.

"Um…no?"

"How did you survive?"

"Everything was just given to me."

Maude had a worried face.

"Are you a noble?"

"No, I'm sure I'm not that."

Maude's eyes sharpened.

"Are you a thief?"

"No, I'm not that."

Maude threw up her hands and Nero could only shrug his shoulders. Maude could see that Nero was holding his stomach from obvious hunger. She sighed and pulled a coin purse from her pocket. It's like I picked up a stray off the street! Maude thought.

"What do you want to eat?" Maude exhaled.

"Y-you have money?" Nero asked.

"Of course I do." Maude replied.

"Then can we get some of those meat sticks?" Nero pointed over to the vendor.

Maude walked over and ordered some meat sticks. She paid for them and handed the food over to Nero, Bal, and Piii. Nero was excited to be able to taste something made by someone else. Though he felt a little guilty that he made Maude pay for him. Still this was going to be the first time he was going to eat something outside the Ivory Tower and the Sea of Trees. The beast spirit and wind spirit had enjoyed their meal quickly.

Nero bit into the meat and his tongue was attacked by a tangy flavor. Seasonings that he never tasted before, enveloped his mouth. He felt pure bliss as he bit more into the meat. Maude was watching him in utter disbelief, it looked like he was enjoying the last meal of his life. She used to feel that he was a sort of reliable man but now not so much.

Nero looked back at Maude in pure admiration.

"Thank you!" Nero said.

"Didn't you tell me during our walk that you were going to travel?" Maude rubbed her temple.

"Yes, that's correct." Nero was eating more meat skewers.

"How are you going to cross the border?"

"What do you mean?"

"You do know that you need money to cross the border right?"

"What!? First time I heard of that!" Nero rubbed his chin.

"Are you kidding me? You never heard of passports?" Maude said.

Nero hadn't the faintest idea how much money he would need to travel. He thought he was able to freely go about his business in the world. He read about laws and rules of territories but he never experienced them first hand. Nero knew about money but he never used it before and wouldn't know how to obtain it. He lacked the common sense of the natural world. How did this man survive without paperwork and money? Maude thought.

"You're an Alchemist and you don't have money?"

"Well, yes."

Maude sighed again before rubbing her temple.

"Well, let's go see my father and see if he can help you." Maude said.

"Really?"

"Yes, if you want to travel, first you need money."

Nero and Maude were about to go on their way when a stout Orc in armor came to them. It was Maude's older brother, Kogar.

"There you are my ugly sister!" Kogar said.

Maude's face twisted and she jump kicked Kogar in the face. Kogar flew several meters away from them. Nero didn't know who the Orc was but remembered to make sure he didn't anger Maude. The commotion startled the nearby people and the vendors but realizing who started it, they continued about their business.

"Who's this?" Nero asked.

"My brother, Kogar." Maude replied.

"Why'd he call you ugly?" Nero said.

Maude started to lower the hood over her face a bit more.

"Because it's the truth." Maude whispered.

"Like I said before, I think you're pretty." Nero said.

Maude looked at Nero and started to blush.

"Uggghhh." A sound emanated from Kogar.

Nero and Maude turned their attention over to the Orc laying on the floor. Kogar was on the ground for awhile before getting up and scratching his head. He dusted off the dirt from his armor and happily went back to Maude. It looked like Kogar was going to say something but stopped short of doing so.

"You were saying something?"

Kogar scratched his head again before he remembered what he needed to say.

"Aw yeah! Voriff wants to see you!" Kogar beamed a smile.

"Elder brother? Why?" Maude asked.

"Bro said he knows you went looking for the Relic, and wanted you to go see him at the Temple." Kogar said.

Before Maude could ask anything else, Kogar turned around and left.

"He's such an idiot." Maude said.

"Well, I think it's because of that blow to the head." Nero said.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing…"

With some food in their stomachs, Nero and Maude headed over to the Temple of Southscale. Since Voriff had called for her and knew why she left, she didn't dare delay. Maude would rather talk to Voriff first before her own father. Nero didn't care either way as Maude had become his patron and he followed her. Maude was trying to think of some excuses for her disappearance. She didn't think she would be gone for a couple days.

The Temple of Southscale was located on the southwestern side of town. It was a holy sanctuary built in honor of the Four Gods. The temple was made out of white marble and metal. Light would shine on the temple and give it a sort of supernatural glow. The architecture was simplistic but the designs were elaborate. The statues of the Four Gods and their insignias greeted you as you entered.

As the pair came to the temple, Nero felt he had seen it somewhere before.

"This looks similar to the Dwarven monastery in the Metal hills." Nero said.

Nero had seen drawings of the ancient monastery dedicated to the Four Gods.

"My brother enlisted the help of Dwarves to make the exact same replica." Maude said.

"Not quite, the designs are a bit different." A voice resounded from inside the temple.

An Orc appeared from the temple and greeted the pair. Nero watched the Orc and noticed his tall, lanky frame. The Orc was wearing a simple white monk's robe. His muscles seem to bulge through the thin fabric. It was Voriff, the elder brother of Maude and Kogar, next in line as Chieftain for the Southscale tribe.

"Elder brother!" Maude said pulling back her hood.

"Maude, there you are," Voriff said. "By the Four Gods, you were missing for days, father and mother were worried."

Voriff was a devoted member and spent much of his time in the temple when not studying to be the next Chieftain. He trained and behaved like a monk, trying to better himself free of worldly desires but his duty often came in conflict. Voriff was also one of the strongest warriors in the entire region. Few could rival his hand to hand combat ability.

Voriff looked at Maude but noticed the unusual red cloak she was wearing. His gaze soon came upon the boy next to Maude and his face wrinkled in surprise. Voriff knew that Maude didn't have many friends, let alone a human boy as a companion. When looking at the young man, he felt the presence of a certain magical energy. His eyes gave a sharp look at the book at Nero's side before returning to Maude.

Voriff was shocked when he realized he felt another powerful magical presence coming from Maude.

"Have you become blessed!?" Voriff said.

"Um, well…" Maude held up her hand with the ancient relic of Roux.

"This is!....The Goddess of the West….Are you!?" Voriff held Maude's hand like a revered object.

"A lot of things happened." Nero said.

Nero and Maude, began to explain their situation and circumstances from the Sea of Trees to now.

"So our heirloom was corrupted, no wonder the Gods wanted us to find it." Voriff pinched the bridge of his nose.

Nero and Maude could only watch Voriff pace around the temple.

"I must check the sacred texts, and commune with the Gods." Voriff said.

Voriff was pondering in thought almost absent minded that Nero and Maude were next to him.

"This changes a lot of things Maude, something world-breaking must be happening for the Four Gods to select their chosen," Voriff had a serious expression. "I feel this will involve you and the rest of the continent."

Maude just stood there dumbfounded at what Voriff was saying.

"Go see mother and father for now, Maude." Voriff said.

"Why?"

"They are worried about you, and they have some news that you might like."

Voriff gave his sister a smile as he touched her on the shoulders.

Maude left with her spirit and Nero was about to follow her.

"Wait, young man. Nero, is that right?" Voriff called out to Nero.

"Yes!" Nero replied.

"Well, I think I can help your money situation, I have a friend that needs help."

"Really!?" Nero said with vigor.

Nero's eyes widen at the prospect of fixing his financial situation.

"Maude said you were an Alchemist's apprentice?

"Well…yes sort of."

"Okay, I'll send a message over to my Apothecary friend."

"Apothecary?"

"As long as you can be of help, she'll reward you justly."

"Okay! No problem! I'll do it!"

An Apothecary was very similar to an Alchemist. The only difference was one sought to merchandise their creations while the other sought to create new ones. Apothecaries were merchants and Alchemists were scientists. Apothecaries and Alchemists do often switch their professional fields. Both professions have learned and studied most of the basics in potions, elixirs, and drugs.

For Nero this seemed like a simple task.

Voriff directed Nero to where he could find his Apothecary friend. Nero walked back to the commercial district of Southscale. He was ecstatic at finding a job and looked around the various stores. Most of the stores had advertisements with slangs and slogans. He had never seen such stores before and the language on the signs. Bal quietly followed Nero from behind.

Nero had finally come upon his destination and examined the area. Voriff had told him to look for a shop that had a picture of a potion on the window. Nero had found what he was looking for, the shop looked like a general pharmacy. It was a brightly colored shop with varying colors. It was sort of eccentric but plain otherwise. Though it did grab your attention compared to the other stores next to it.

Nero entered the shop with Bal, the store seemed ordinary but the shelves were inches shorter than most shops. Nero noticed that it was a well stocked Apothecary store. There were many baskets placed at floor height. Inside the baskets held a variety of potions and drugs. Many stools and ladders were propped up against shelves within. Everything was organized by specialty, with many ingredients that laid about on the shelves as well.

What Nero saw working at the counter was a little Gnome girl. She had short blue hair that wrapped around her head in waves. The Gnome girl had on a plain blue robe with a white apron on front which had numerous designs on it. Much of her clothes were cut and trimmed to fit her. She wore a handkerchief around her neck that was designed with strawberries.

When the Gnome girl saw Nero, she gave him a delighted smile.

"Are you the boy, that apprentice Voro sent? The one that's supposed to help me?" She asked.

"Voro?" Nero said.

"Voriff, that's my name for him, we grew up together." The Gnome gave a giggle.

"Well, yes, I'm Nero."

"Okay, I'm Lil, short for Lilly, I run this apothecary shop!" Lil raised her little hands up wide.

Nero couldn't quite understand this quick talking Gnome.

"Lil is short for Lilly?" Nero said.

"Yes, if I could make it shorter I would!" Lil said. "I had wanted for everyone to call me L but some damn Elf up the street already took that name!"

Lil looked to be frustrated as she thought about it but then quickly returned to her bubbly personality. Lil ran up to Nero and started inspecting him from the ground up. She started squeezing his legs and butt while rubbing his hands as she examined them. Nero was quiet through the whole process but he felt violated in some way.

"Oh, so you are an alchemist?" Lil raised her hands in the air.

"You could tell?" Nero was puzzled.

"Your hands, sleight posture, the feeling of your butt, it all confirms it." Lil said with a grin.

Nero gave Lil a crooked smile.

"So, what do you need help on?" Nero asked.

"Well, I need help in creating more potions, it's going to be the season soon." Lil replied.

"Season?"

"Yes, adventuring season."

"What is that?"

"When people from all walks of life decide that they want to be an adventurer," Lil said. "They come here in search of potions before heading out."

"Do many people do that?"

"Usually it's young adults or nobles that don't know any better. They think they can get rich or famous from that."

Nero rubbed his chin at the idea of people seeking fame and fortune.

"So what kind of potions are we making?" Nero asked.

"Red healing potions, the strongest kind!" Lil replied.

"Aren't they the weakest?"Nero ruffled his hair.

"What are you talking about?" Lil gave Nero a perplexed look.

Nero crossed his arms and thought about it.

"I can make better." Nero said.

"You can? Are you sure?" Lil was skeptical at Nero's words.

Nero moved to see some of the items in the store. He examined everything quickly and Lil only followed him around the store. Grabbing some necessary items, he started creating a potion that looked lavender in color. Lil was bewildered at Nero who moved quickly and confidently in creating something. At the same time she felt a little dubious at Nero's claim. Instantly Nero handed over the potion to Lil and she inspected it.

"Astonishing! I didn't think…Wow!" Lil said while holding up the potion.

"It's only a tier higher than the Red healing potions."Nero said.

Lil looked at Nero starry eyed.

"I heard of it! But I didn't think that people actually knew how to make it! Are you some sort of genius?"

"No, far from it. My father can make better."

Nero often compared himself to Gregor.

Lil was shocked at Nero's words. She believed that she struck a gold mine with Nero.

"Can you make more!?" Lil said with a glint in her eyes.

"Yeah, you seem to be well in stock of materials."

"I'm going to be rich!" Lil held her hands in the air.

Lil's Apothecary shop only sold red healing potions and she acquired a dedicated buyer base. She wanted to step into a higher market but lacked the knowledge to do so. Usually people who didn't know any better would buy from her shop. If they were rich enough and had connections, they would connect with other faraway Apothecaries or Alchemists. With Nero at her side she felt she could expand her business.

"Ah! Don't worry! I'll give you a fair share of the market value! Just don't tell anybody else! Voro doesn't know right!? Right!? It'll be our little secret okay! Okay!?" Lil ran up and grabbed Nero like he was a golden goose.

---###---

Maude was walking toward her family residence while holding her wind spirit. She had already noticed that Voriff directed Nero somewhere else. Maude was worried about Nero being on his own but she had bigger issues to deal with. Her engagement was still in the air and hovered over her like a cloud. In Voriff's seriousness, Maude had forgot to ask if the relic had brought her enough strength and glory.

She wanted it, so she could cancel her engagement. Maude really didn't want to marry the man from the Kingdom of Or'Vale. She wanted to marry someone she truly loved. Suddenly the image of Nero popped in her mind and she shook off those thoughts. Why am I thinking about that guy? Maude thought.

Maude uncovered the red hood from her head as soon as she came upon the family Manor. The guards greeted her and let her through the gates unabated. Servants seemed to be moving in and out of the manor frequently. Maude had wondered what was going on until she noticed the multiple carriages in front of the manor.

Maude grimaced at the thought that her betrothed had arrived. "Is he here already?"

One of the servants noticed her and quickly ran inside. Maude sighed at knowing that her parents were about to find that she had already come back. Maude held Piii a little closer to her chest as she went inside the manor. She didn't feel confident in meeting a stranger she was going to marry.

The family manor of the Strongsongs was as rich and as elaborate as you could find. A grand entrance and a grand staircase greeting you upon entering. Inside the manor, the servants were busy as well. Items from the carriages were being brought inside. Maude thought they were the dowry and her expression had gotten more grim. Just when Maude felt the need to turnaround and run away, a voice called out to her.

"Maude Jeanne Strongsong! Where were you!?"

Maude flinched and looked up to see her mother at the stairwell of the second floor.

Maude's mother was also an Orc War Hero just like her father. She was called "Lady Knight Mare," due to her prowess with a great sword and donning a pure black armor. Many who fought in the Polemic wars between kingdoms still remember her and shudder. Lady Mare has long given up the life of a warrior to adjust as a mother and a ruler.

"I was somewhere…" Maude looked down.

"Where?" Her mother asked.

"The Sea of Trees." Maude replied.

Lady Mare looked like death incarnate when she heard those words.

"What were you doing in the Sea of Trees!?" The muscles on Maude's mother bulged.

Maude had a sad expression on her face and stayed quiet. Soon Lady Mare eased her face and let out a sigh. She went up to Maude and held her tight. Lady Mare knew the difficulties of being a woman and the rules that bind them. Her daughter had a strange complex about herself and was still in the growing pains of her life.

"Just don't leave without telling us, my daughter." Lady Mare said.

"I'm sorry." Maude looked up to her mother.

"Did you see your father yet?" Lady Mare stroked her daughter's face.

"Not yet," Maude said. "Is that man here?"

Lady Mare was surprised and then let out a laugh.

"Go see your father first."

Maude held her wind spirit tight and nodded her head. Maude walked through a corridor on the first floor. It led to a hallway which connected over to a throne room. This was where Chieftain Scar sat and entertained public audiences. Maude slowed her steps as she heard voices emanating from the throne room.

"I apologize Chieftain."

"No need, you aren't that fool who didn't dare show himself here."

"The three carriages are filled with gifts for your lordship."

"Bah, just some trinkets from a man who wants to break an agreement between men."

"My Lord is willing to pay the penalty for breaking it."

"Your Lord is a fool, you may leave."

"Yes, Chieftain!"

Human men quickly exited the throne room and passed by Maude with some quick greetings. Maude had noticed the Wolf crest that some of the men had on their armor. They were definitely men from the Kingdom of Or'Vale and from the city of Westwolf. Maude was puzzled and entered the throne room to see her father in a bad mood.

"Father?" Maude cowered her head.

"There you are daughter," Chieftain Scar rose his head. "So you've come back."

Chieftain Scar held a better posture on his seat.

"Yes, what happened?" Maude asked.

"The engagement, it's off." Her father replied.

"Really!?" Maude was surprised at the news.

Maude ran up to her father but fell short of touching him.

"Yes, you got what you wished for." Chieftain Scar let out a sigh.

Maude felt a relief cover her entire being as she eased her posture.

"I know it's my duty as a noble to unite the kingdoms but I'll find my own way father." Maude said.

Chieftain Scar gave Maude a perplexed look.

"Daughter, you know that this engagement wasn't to unite the territories or anything like that." Chieftain Scar continued. "It was just to make you happy."

"What?" Maude was shocked at his words.

"I thought it would be better for you to marry a younger human male from a neighboring territory." Chieftain Scar placed his right fist under his chin.

"I want to marry someone I love, like you and mother!" Maude said.

"But your uncle is no good, my daughter, he is a King of another country with many women after him."

"What are you talking about!?" Maude was shocked at her father's words.

"You often told me when you were younger how you wanted to marry your uncle." Chieftain Scar leaned back on his throne.

The uncle in question was Chieftain Scar's blood brother, who was a mentor and another father figure to Maude. He was a human and King of the Free Nation State. Though it was just a ramblings of a small girl, her father took her words to heart. Maude was embarrassed that her father actually thought her words to be true.

"That was when I was a little girl! I didn't mean anything by it! Uncle was just always with me!"

"What? Really?"

"YES!"

"Are you sure?"

"By the Four Gods, I can't believe you! You almost married me off because of something trivial!"

Chieftain Scar scratched his head and Maude realized who Kogar got his brains from.

Maude felt free from her engagement and a feeling of happiness welled up inside her. Maude exited the throne room as she passed by Voriff. He noticed that she had a happy expression on her face even with the embarrassment she just had. Chieftain Scar scratched his head and greeted over his son.

"Voriff, my son, what is it?"

"The Four Gods are at war and they are calling for us to take up arms."

A silence filled the throne room.