Chapter 1.8:

“No, it’s true. He said he grew up in an orphanage. But his knife definitely has the Valera crest and it’s bound to him.” Paul insisted.

Abram paused to consider this information.

“How far removed is the artifact?” Abram asked.

“From what I can tell, it’s likely second generation ownership. I don’t see much clouding from casting Appraisal.”

Abram appeared to be taken aback. He glanced at the caravan and saw me peeking through the side.

“Ah, young master, apologies. Might I request that you allow me to examine your artifact?”

I hopped down again and slowly approached the two.

He isn’t going to say I stole this right?

The thought scared me and made me grip the knife tighter as I walked towards them.

Abram appeared to sense my apprehension and softened his expression.

“Right there is fine, young master. No need to worry. I simply wish to cast Appraisal on your artifact to assess its condition.”

My fear and anxiety was slowly dissipating from Abram’s reassuring smile.

Appraisal? Like what Paul did earlier? That should be fine then.

I nodded my head and tried to smile back at Abram.

Abram nodded in return and raised his hands. A small glow started to emit from his entire left hand and the knife started glowing in response.

After a few seconds, the light dimmed and Abram’s eyes flitted wide open.

“I think it might be original possession, son.”

Paul’s head snapped towards his father and his jaw dropped.

“Original possession… You mean… He made it himself?!” Paul exclaimed in disbelief.

“Hmm… unlikely given his tender age. My guess would be that he has a perfect affinity with the progenitor-artisan, which in this case is most likely his father. Remember that even with a 100% affinity, there would be some manner of clouding the more generations removed the wielder is from the original maker, generally appraisers agree that you lose about 10% efficacy with every generation. Since there is almost no clouding, that means the progenitor-artisan must be a parent.” Abram explained.

As I heard Abram speaking, my mind started blanking from the overload of information. I could barely make sense of some of the words he said and some were totally alien to me.

I looked up helplessly at Abram and he, in turn, smiled at me.

“Thank you for allowing me to examine your artifact, young master. As Paul explained to me, you’re looking for your parents, correct? I tell you what, my son and I need to journey back to the Roost tomorrow to finish up some business. How about we take you with us and I can bring you to your family?”

My heart skipped a beat and I nodded my head vigorously.

Chapter 1.9:

“I can meet you guys here again tomorrow morning, if that’s alright.”

Abram and Paul exchanged glances and some form of unspoken message passed between them.

Abram then turned to me, “No need, young master. How about you join Paul and me in the Wooded Inn tonight. We have plenty of room and we would love to hear of your adventures in this city.”

I looked down at my grimy clothes and blushed a deep crimson.

“No, really, it’s fine. The innkeeper said he’d skin me alive the next time I dragged dirt into his establishment.”

Abram and Paul exchanged looks again which only made me feel more embarrassed.

“Nonsense, young master, Old Macalaugh is a dear friend and he would honor any guest of mine, no questions asked.” Abram pressed.

“As for your clothes, I’m sure Paul can find some decent garbs at the local market, won’t you son?”

Paul nodded his head, “Leave it to me. I’ll fit you in clothes befitting your stature. Then the innkeeper won’t even give you a second glance.”

“Really, you don’t have to… I don’t have any money to repay you for the lodging or the clothes.” I said meekly.

“Think nothing of it! Consider it a gift to celebrate our fortuitous encounter.” Abram said with a wink.

The matrons always said never to accept anything from strangers since all gifts come with strings attached. Is it really okay to take them up on their offer?

I considered Abram’s words for quite some time.

Seeming to understand my predicament, Abram added, “if the unsolicited gift makes you uncomfortable, young master, how about I bill the total amount to your father when we see him in a few days? Surely he would not object to the recompense of a few silver coins.”

My hesitation dissipated. I nodded and smiled at Abram.

“Glad that’s all sorted out. Paul, you run down to the market and grab the clothes, here’s a few coins. Make sure to get a good bargain, you hear?” Abram said with a serious tone.

Paul took the silver, gave Abram a quick salute, and dashed towards the center of the town.

“Right. While he does that, what say you and I head inside the house to get you freshened up? There’s no fire for heating but there should be running water at the very least inside that we can use if you don’t mind a cold bath.”Abram said playfully.

I followed him inside their newly bought house. After washing myself, Paul arrived with the clothes and I put them on. After trying to tidy my hair with my fingers, I gave up and headed downstairs to where Abram and Paul were waiting.

“Er… Do I look weird? I’ve never worn these types of clothes before.” I asked apprehensively.

The shirt was made out of soft cotton with intricate embroidery and the pants had a gold lining at the hem.

“Perfect, perfect. You look splendid, young master. You definitely look the part of a noble’s son now.” Abram said approvingly.

“You did well, son! And quite the bargain too.” He said while jostling Paul’s hair.

Paul beamed with pride. “The whole thing for only ten silver. Can’t find a better price anywhere else.”

Hearing his statement made me miss a step and caused me to hit my forehead on the railing.

“Look out!” Abram said as he rushed to help me up.

“Ten… ten silver? That’s too much! That’s more than a week’s worth of meals… I can’t accept this. What if I get it dirty?” I explained as I tried to remove the shirt.

Abram held my hand and proceeded to fix my untucked shirt. “Don’t fret, young master. I know it may seem a bit exorbitant, but it truly is a meager sum for nobles’ clothes. Why, Lord Chase would have our heads if we allowed you to show up in peasant garb. Think of it as a favor to Paul and me.” Abram explained.

I continued to look at the both of them apprehensively and relented under their gaze.

“Right. Don’t think much of it.” Paul said while clapping my shoulder.” He then turned to Abram, “It’s getting quite late pa, how about we head to the inn and grab some supper.”

“Wonderful suggestion, son. If you please, young master.” Abram said to me.

We proceeded to the inn which was a few blocks down the main road. The innkeeper rushed to greet Abram the moment we stepped in and they exchanged many laughs. We were seated immediately and Abram ordered for all three of us.

Over the course of the dinner, I told them all about the orphanage and my journey to the city, and how I found a small shelter in an old warehouse. The entire time I was speaking, Abram and Paul took it in stride. They seemed regaled by my tales and they never looked at me with pity.

After dinner, we were led to a huge suite by the innkeeper. One room had a large bed, and the room to the side had a small one.

“You may take the separate room if you wish, young master. It would be more appropriate to preserve your privacy.” Abram said to me.

I got excited and jumped onto the small bed which was twice as large as the cots we used to sleep in at the orphanage.

Abram smiled at me, “we’ll see you in the morning then for breakfast. Good night, young master.”

“Actually…” I replied, “could you maybe just call me Adi instead of ‘young master’? It makes me a little uncomfortable.”

Abram seemed taken aback but he gave me a little bow, “as you wish, Adi.”

“Good night Abram! Thank you for… everything.” I said with the biggest smile I could give.

Abram smiled back and closed the door.

Chapter 1.10-Interlude:

Lord Chase said this assignment would be challenging… But I doubt even he expected that we’d uncover his little secret. Or perhaps this was part of his intention all along?

I considered the day’s events as I shaved my beard. Paul was already dressed for bed and was lying down while going over the trade ledgers.

Would do no good to send him back to the orphanage now that he’s desperate to meet his parents. He’d just run away again the moment we drop him off. Can’t just leave him here running around with that knife. Lots of enemies in this city who wouldn’t think twice about kidnapping him or blackmailing the Valera family.

I let out a deep sigh. Paul seemed to have heard me and asked out loud, “What is it, pa?”

“Not so loud son. Wouldn’t want to rouse our guest.” I chastised him.

Paul got up and headed towards the bathroom. “Sorry, sorry, dad. But what is it? Do you think we shouldn’t have offered to bring him?”

I looked at him and shook my head. “We can’t afford to leave him here, son. Too many eyes and ears unfriendly to the Valera family. We have a responsibility to protect our patron.”

Paul looked down and seemed to be considering his words carefully. “I mean… even if we bring him back, dad, I doubt Lady Vela knows about him. Her jealousy and temper is legendary in the Roost… We might be accused of helping Lord Chase harbor his illegitimate son.”

I shuddered at the thought of the lady noble.

Easier to reason with a dragon than Lady Vela when it comes to Lord Chase’s…. Ahem… indiscretions.

“Regardless, son, this is a potential issue that affects the stability and reputation of the Collective as a whole. I can’t pretend to know Lord Chase’s reasons for hiding him out here, but it’s most likely because of the boy’s 100% affinity with the artifact. That’s rare enough by itself,” I explained.

“But we’re the only ones who really know about the Valera family in North Haven, right? I doubt merchants or minor nobles in this city are even aware of how many children they have. Maybe he could just pass off as a son of a branch family, that way we could avoid bringing a bomb with us back to the Roost?” Paul insisted.

The fact that Paul was considering the myriad implications and potential alternatives made me proud.

You’re really starting to think like a merchant, son. But that’s still too naïve.

“The trade ban was only in effect for 75 years, Paul. That’s only 1-2 generations removed. It hasn’t been long enough for others to forget the Valera in North Haven. Besides, Lord Rudrick Helm would have kept spies in the Roost to monitor the comings and goings of the Valeras. We can’t be sure of anything. What have I taught you to do when we lack information?” I pressed.

“Err on the side of caution”, Paul answered.

“Precisely. More than just restarting trade relations between North Haven and the Roost, Lord Chase tasked us to be ambassadors here to grow the fame of the Collective. We have to proceed with caution so that other merchant families can also set up shop in the future. Lord Rudrick Helm might have allowed our presence in his city because of the King’s directive, but he’ll probably use any excuse to kick us out. It’s not farfetched to think that he’d use Adi to pressure Lord Chase to keep out of North Haven. In the long run it hurts us all.” I explained.

“Right. Right. Sorry, pa. I didn’t consider any of that.” Paul said with a crestfallen look.

“It’s alright, son. But for now, we’ll just have to be careful. Eyes and ears are everywhere after all. Until we leave the city boundaries, we should avoid drawing attention to Adi.”

Paul nodded and headed back to the bed to finish up reviewing the trade ledgers. I turned back to the mirror to finish shaving.

Eyes and ears are everywhere, indeed.