Robert wasn't sure if the direction of sunrise was really where east was. So he asked around and was pleasantly surprised that it was the same as earth. Through the people, who he had asked. Looked at him a little funny. On his way to the east side of the city. Robert passed guards and smaller crowds.

Soon Robert reached the city limits and found a place that looked like a fairground or maybe a circus area. Sheet-covered wagons and crates were everywhere. A small crowd of people busily moved about, each one carrying something. A few had small boxes, a few carried swords, and some had large sandbags.

Where's the stage. Robert thought as he looked around. Maybe they didn't set it up yet?

"Hey, you." A male voice behind Robert said. Robert turned. The man was large. He wore a fur coat with an open chest and had a very trimmed to balding head. His upper and lower body was ripped with muscles. Just like the hired man and women from the bathhouse.

Well crap, will every other people I meet here be a walking mountain? Robert thought as the man came uncomfortably close. Ah, I hope he's reasonable.

“Sorry, but the play won't start for another few hours.” The large man said as he crossed his arms. “Come back later?”

"Oh, you misunderstand. I'm not here for the play.” Robert started. But at the statement, the man's eyes turned cold and instantly threatening. “Ah? I mean, I don't want to watch the play. I want to be in it. I want a job.”

The large man looked taken aback and eyed Robert suspiciously. He glanced around and spotted a woman walking by.

“Hey, Sofia! I got a weirdo here!” The large man said. The short brown-haired woman approached. She first turned to the large man. “He wants to be in the play. Sofia.“

“Really? Well, he can...” Sofia started, as she looked over at Robert, and did a double taken. “Oh, sorry sir. You look a little... Anyway, I'm sorry, but only members can be in the plays. If you want, you can watch the one tonight at a discount.”

"Sofia, you can't change that." the large man barked.

"It's fine. I'll bring it up with willow later." Sofia said.

“No, you both misunderstand. I want to join your troop.” Robert said with a hand to his chest. “I'm an actor. I want a job here.”

“A job? Oh, I'm sorry sir. But we don't have any openings for stage actors.” Sofia said softly. Robert must have looked pathetic because she quickly added. “But troop membership is always open and we do need help backstage. Would you be interested in membership?”

“Yes. Absolutely.” Robert said. “When do I start. How must does backstage work pay?”

“Hold up. Before anything. You'll need to be taught how things work around here. Follow me.” Sofia said. The large man chuckled for some reason and walked away. “Ignore him. He doesn't get enough greens in his diet.”

“Ok Sure?” Robert said growing a little concerned but he followed her anyway.

“What's your name by the way?” Sofia asked as she directed Robert deeper into the camp. People watched them pass. Some were even smiling at them.

“Ah, Robert Price.”

“Oh, that's an interesting family name. You must be from someplace far. I never heard of the noble family called Price.”

Oh crap. That's why everyone was looking at me weirdly. Robert thought. I should have realized it before. I haven't met anyone with a last name yet. Even princess Samantha didn't tell me her last name. Maybe she didn't trust me with it. I must look like some weird noble. I better stop using my last name then.

“Hey, why did you stop? ” Sofia asked as Robert paused for a moment. "We're almost there."

“Sorry, I got lost in thought. You were saying?" Robert asked as She approached a sheet-covered box.

Why is she showing me this? Robert thought as He noticed there were bars under the sheet. Is that a cage?

“Right. I was asking if you're ok with monsters? ” Sofia asked, as she tapped the bars. Something underneath growled and hissed. “You see, we use monsters in our acts. I wanted to know if you're okay with that?”

“Oh yes. I'm totally fine with you killing monsters.” Robert said as he eyed the cage nervously.

“Really?” Sofia asked as she in one quick motion pulled the sheet down. The sheet slide off and revealed a giant blue snake. It was larger than an anaconda and smaller than Titanoboa. The snake was coiled up and staring at them like it knew they were. It had frost along its body like skin growths and bits of the cage were covered in ice.

Wow! So this must be an ice snake the general was talking about? Robert thought as he looked it over. He was expecting something more insect-like. It's kinda cute compared to the nightmare centipede that almost killed me.

"The cage is covered in ice?" Robert asked as he waved a hand by the bars. "Why is it not radiating cold?"

“Whoa ok?” Sofia said. as she looked a little embarrassed. Robert turned to her confused. She turned away. Robert noticed people were looking at them.“So it seems this isn't your first monster. So ah, let's continue. Come this way.”

Wait, was she trying to scare me just now? Was this her idea of a prank? Robert wondered as he followed her. A few people moved in to cover up the snake again. If this is what they do on my first day. Then working with these people is really going to be a problem later.

Sofia guided Robert around a wagon. Surprisingly this wagon had wheels. around the corner, they entered a massive fenced-off area with a back wall. On where a dozen people were painting a forest scene. A few others were setting up empty boxes and a few bales of hay. A chubby woman was directing the work.

“Yes over there. That tree line must be perfect. Oh, Sofia where were you?” asked the chubby woman, as she turned to Sofia and Robert. “Who's this?”

“He's our new member and stagehand,” Sofia said, waving Robert over. “Robert Price meet Willow. She's our troop leader.”

“ A noble last name? Really?” Willow asked looking him up and down. “You must have fallen on hard times if you're willing to work as a stagehand.”

“ Well, you could say that,” Robert said as he scratched his head. “I forgot to check but I was wondering if this job pays well?”

“Why of course it pays well. Do you think the Heart String troop would cheap their own members? We'll talk about payment and paperwork later. You've come at the perfect time. Go help them paint the bushes.” Willow said, pointing at a group of men painting fake trees. “We're running out of time everyone. Only two hours to sunset. Sofia with me. We must check on the Cinta delivery.”

“Ok, Willow. See you later Robert.” Sofia said as he followed Willow away. “ Dinner's at sundown before the play.”

“Really? I guess I'll see you there.” Robert said as he jumped onto action. He walked over to the stage workers willow pointed to. “Hi, I'm your new stagehand Robert. What can I do to help?”

The three men looked confused. But one pointed at a wooden box with green paint in it.

"Bring that one closer. I'll get the water." The man said as he passed his paintbrush off to one of the other two.

“Oh right. I'm on it.” Robert said, as he walked over and grabbed the box.