“Thanks for calling us over, without Lin I nearly got us lost.” I said.

“Glad to see you around again. You are quite the talk in the camps outside town and I was wondering when the hero Mr. Moneybags would swing by again.” Tiff said.

The goblin girl was the same as last time we had dropped by. Her gear was looking a touch better and she sported a new wide short blade at her hip. Despite all the smiles and her cheerful upbeat attitude there was a bit of edge to her. Her eyes darted around at the shadows as if constantly keeping watch for danger.

I slipped on the down slope and swung out my hands to rebalance myself. A powerful force grabbed my cloak’s hood and yanked me up into the air like I was a household cat. The brawny arms of Bent Plate then set me back on my feet on the ground.

“Careful boss, don’t want you to fall.” Bent Plate said, pointing to the edge of the path.

I gulped seeing the long fall. Health and safety was more of a hand wave than a real guideline in this world. I fell back in line with our little group and said. “Thanks, Bent.”

The ogre walked beside me and kept a watch on our little group. Despite his size Bent Plate was the most sure footed of us and the pace of our march was a leisurely walk for him. The huge bags stacked on his back were stuffed to the brim with tiles and bricks for us to show to Rodney.

“Are you alright with all that weight?” I asked.

In the torch light I saw the flash of white of his teeth. “Don’t worry boss, you do your wizard stuff and leave the heavy lifting to me. This is just good exercise.”

“Are you two forgetting we are on a mission?” Burnt Meat hollered from the bottom of the slope. “Rodney is a jackass with a temper after all.”

“Don’t need to remind me.” I hissed between my teeth.

I felt a deep sense of fury rise in me. How dare Rodney threaten me, the damn bastard was probably after my crystal. I was still unsure what could be done with the crystal pieces I had found on my first day here but I’d be damned if anyone did it to mine.

Rolada waited patiently for us to arrive with the others. Upon seeing me she looked worried and put a hand to my forehead. “You're burning up. Are you alright, Josh?”

“I’m fine, maybe I just have one too many layers.” I said, trying to dismiss her worry.

Rolada didn’t seem to buy it but walked at my side as we finished our hike to Wyrmbreath. The refugee camp had expanded since we had last been here a short while ago and the outer edges looked worse for wear. Piles of scrap had been made into shacks by those that could afford to while others sat under wool blankets for cover.

The road leading to the gates had been made clear, lessening the need to dodge around tents, but also allowing the healthier people to stand there with signs asking for work. Their clothes were dirty, they had what little tools they had with them as a show of their capabilities and they looked hopeful.

The one thing I didn’t see was anyone looking horrendously sick or starving. A few I would even hazard to say they could do with some exercise to shed a pound or two. Rolada even pointed it out and when we reached the end of the camp I could see why.

The tent that had been tending to the ill had a sister tent now, one filled with cooks and with people lining up. They gave out bowls of soup, loaves of bread and baskets of mushrooms or root vegetables to everyone in line. Behind them, coming out of the city,I could see a trail of orcs and goblins hauling carts with supplies.

“Our saviour has returned, to what do we owe the pleasure?” The priestess of Heinekia asked.

“Saviour?” I asked. I shook my head and looked at the kitchen tent. “How did you get all this?”

“Told you, you're the talk of the town. Now you all run along and keep the peace, I got door duty.” Tiff said, blowing me a kiss goodbye.

Rolada took my hand and waved goodbye to Tiff until she was out of sight. Once she was out of the picture I felt her bushy tail wrap around my leg as we followed the priestess into the healer’s tent.

The priestess had an amused smile and took us into the healers tent. The once cramped interior filled with sick beds and their patients was now a more open, orderly field hospital. Only one patient was resting at the far end with a nurse or priestess attending to his arm injury. Bins filled with supplies were lightly covered with a curtain and I could see they were now well equipped.

The priestess wagged her grey tail and held out a small satchel. Inside was a half dozen potions akin to what Lin had used to save my life. Burn gasped looking between the potions and me. From his reaction I could gather this was quite a pretty penny in my hands.

“Don’t you need this?” I asked.

“Hardly. Once word went around about an adventurer dropping a sum on the refugees, and tipping his servers generously the executives got their feathers ruffled. I was able to get a few days worth of soup for everyone here. Next thing I knew the king's personal guard came outside and gave us food and medicine to last us through the winter.” The priestess said.

“Look at our boy, saving everyone just by being kind.” Rolada said, hugging me.

The priestess looked hesitant to say more, but she was either comfortable enough to talk to us or was hopeful for more. She opened a flap on the side of the tent showing off the main street lit up by the glowing moss, with the workers sitting at the roadside, waiting for jobs.

“We just need more work for our people. Once they can secure a job they can apply for housing in the new apartments the king has promised to make. They opened more workshops in Wyrmbreath, but it's just not enough. The homes are simplistic, but a sparse home is better than none.” She said.

“Speaking of that, I need boat men to ship supplies.” I said, already regretting what I was about to ask.

The priestess lit up, the worry lines vanishing and her ears jumping up to match her smile. It sent a jab of pain straight at my heart knowing that I was about to exploit these people for a greedy goblin and my own gain.

“I have bricks and tiles that I need to ship down river, a seller in Wyrmbreath is willing to buy them and I need people to man his boats. I’m going to secure the deal now and he wants me to get the workers.” I said, clearly uneasy.

The priestess gasped and bowed. “I apologize, I was unaware you were a lord.”

“No, no.” I stammered. “I just found an abandoned town and set up shop there for winter with my friends.”

“Do you need people there to help you?” The priestess asked. “I’m sure there's masons and other people in the camp that could join you too.”

I looked to Rolada for help and thankfully the fox girl stepped in and used her charm to salvage the situation.

“There's just the slight issue of gnomes and undead. Josh has been slinging fire at them to chase them off. Perhaps by spring we can make the woods safe again and I can even read off a fine tale for you all to hear.” Rolada said.

“Who is the fine bard I should ask for then at the bar?” The priestess asked, keenly interested in our fox girl. She checked out Rolada’s outfit and winked. “Would it be this fine fox in front of me?”

Rolada raised a hand and pink sparks flew over her shoulder. The sparks exploded into light and sparkling in the air was her name. The nurse at the far end of the tent tugged a curtain, blocking off our view so her patient could rest.

The priestess seemed pleased with this, especially the little display and thanked us yet again for giving them hope. She told us to stop by soon and she would have some trained men for me to hire. Rolada reminded her of the danger and the priestess promised to pick men with some combat experience who could handle themselves.

We barely made it to the gates of Wyrmbreath before I could already see the ripples we had cast. The word of the priestess travelled quickly, and several men had already gathered at the healer’s tent, presumably waiting for my return.

“Boys, come see!” The gate guard laughed. “We got a real celebrity.”

Burn, Bent and Rolada took out neatly folded booklets and dropped three copper coins onto the table for the orc to take. Once the coins were exchanged he stamped them and waved them in. In a panic I dug through my bag and took out the crumpled, sad looking booklet.

The guard snorted, clearly unamused. I looked over it in a hurry and unable to find the page with the fees I dropped three coins down too. The guard slapped his hand down, taking my booklet and giving me a new one. After he signed it, stamped it and took my fee he leered at me as I entered the town.

“Careful Josh, these guards are serious about their bureaucratic nonsense. If you think they are bad, just wait till we get to the bankers.” Burn said.

“Do you know where it is?” I asked.

“Of course, just look for the place filled with tears of misery and broken dreams.” Burn said.

…

Since I had become a keeper I heard about all the other ones being evil. Yet the only thing I had run into that was clearly evil in my time here was the catacombs. The murals and undead, even the tower all felt off, giving a vague sense of evil.

This bank was evil. The square fortress-like structure was constructed of black bricks with iron bars to reinforce the windows. The battlements were patrolled by guards in dark armour with crossbows at the ready. The blood red carpet leading to the doors looked wet and over the door was an engraving of warriors standing over the recently slain. If Wyrmbreath ever came under siege this would, without a doubt be the final place to fall.

“Feel that aura of dread?” I whispered to Rolada.

She gulped, and grabbed my hand. I gave her an encouraging squeeze, and with our small crew we approached the fortress. When Bent reached for the huge black metal knocker there was a gust of foul wind. The doors opened seemingly of their own power, granting us entry, if we dared.

“They're just bankers, they just want to make some cash.” I said, marching towards the door.

The wind picked up again and I grit my teeth. Not wanting to lose face I pushed in, crossing the threshold of the door and entering the world of the bank. The tall vaulted ceiling was grand as was the sea of black marble polished to a mirror finish.The seemingly mile long trail of blood leaning to the counter was a hurdle in of itself.

The carpet completely absorbed the sound of our feet and the only sound in the entrance room of the bank was the beating of our own hearts. The oppressive dark atmosphere was accented by the spaced out magical lights giving us just enough to see. Rolada shuffled closer and I was glad for her presence, reminding me I was still alive.

The light at the end of the tunnel was the main desk, built up high off the ground so anyone behind it could look down at one approaching. The exquisite wood of the desk was engraved with care, and stained to a dark oak finish. The images were of more battles, raids and hauls of treasure. The images didn’t evoke a sense of glory in me, more so a threat of what could happen to people who failed to pay. In the high backed chair topped with a stone carved bleeding skull sat an equally evil looking dwarf.

His black suit was over a black chain shirt, showing a level of class and defences. His fingers were covered in rings, as was his ponytail, and beard. His black facial hair was expertly waxed and made him look like a classic movie star villain. The only splash of colour was a blood red flower stuck into his suit pocket. At first glance I thought it was real but as we drew closer I saw the light it cast. It was a huge, carved ruby, a gaudy expression of his wealth.

“We’ve been expecting you Mr. Hale. I decided such an interesting guest should have my personal attention.” He said, his voice dripping with satin smoothness.

On his suit was a name tag, across its surface was strange runes that shifted in front of my eyes. When it was done doing its strange dance I could finally read his name. I didn’t know how I was able to do this still and slotted it away for further investigation.

“Happy to see I have a fan, Mr. Vosar Runeglid.” I said back, as politely as I could.

“Ah, a man who knows civil writing. I shouldn’t be surprised, you have the obvious telling of a skilled spellcrafter. But let us continue this conversation in private, your hirelings may attend at your behest.” Vosar said, stepping down from the grand desk and walking up to me. “Please, walk with me, as an equal.”

We marched behind the desk in the main body of the bank and the grim dark setting continued. It was equal parts castle as it was dungeon, with check points, reinforced doors and guards. The workers panicked at our presence and separated, allowing us to pass unhindered. I could only assume Vosar was pretty high ranking here. His very presence demanded respect and obedience, I absolutely hated it.

A door marked with his name was opened for us and we entered a spacious office. There was a couch and pair of chairs beside a low fire burning in a hearth that Bent decided to sit at. Burn joined him and on the small side table was a bowl of complementary nuts that they set about devouring. Rolada stayed close to me and we looked at the painting hanging up around the room of blood soaked dwarves, their feet on their conquered enemies. The most notable thing was all their beards were in the exact same style as the banker.

“Ah the family line, a line of noble warrior poets that always had the last say. My great, great, great uncle Sten was said to have once been insulted by the human king Hollasberg. He first wrote a scathing response about his rule and when the king outlawed his writing, he personally beheaded the king and ended his line.” Vosar said, with pride.

I tugged at my collar and looked between the bloody painting and the battle axe hanging off the belt of the banker. “Good thing I’m not a king I guess.”

“Worry not friend, it's just for show.” Vosar said, handing me the lightweight axe to inspect. “A fine silver axe that is little more than a stage prop. If I had wanted you killed you would not live to see the next light.”

His cheerful mood was in stark contrast to the subject matter. Vosar didn’t seem to notice me going pale and took residence at his personal desk, motioning to the two chairs across from him. Rolada and I sank into the seats, they were extremely soft and comfortable, a sign of their masterful craftsmanship. Yet neither of us looked at ease despite the luxury.

“Now we have been in contact with a mutual friend of ours and Rodney has told us all about your little operation, Josh. Now don’t frown like that, he told me in confidentiality, which means right now the only one here that knows, is me. If you want that to stay a secret then we can chat about your extra fees.” Vosar said, grinning madly. “Would be a real shame if your dungeon was ransacked before you could even return to it.”

He thumbed the axe, a clear indicator of his intention. The sound of snacking behind us halted as Bent and Burn rose from their seats. Rolada was frozen beside me, her hopes of a civil conversation drying up rapidly.

“We might even discuss an exchange of workers, I think your little fox girl would be a fine secretary. Can you make coffee, girl?” Vosar asked, tapping a ringed finger at the edge of his lips. “As long as you can do that you won’t have to starve in the refugee camps, you should thank me for the opportunity.”

Voskar retrieved from his desk a bottle of wine and held it out in offering. His smug, oily face was like a snake toying with his caught prey. He beamed with joy after delivering his threat and all I could see at the moment was red.

A deep pit settled in my stomach and something just broke. It was one thing to threaten me, it was another to threaten my friends. It was time to act, it was time to take a risk. If everyone feared keepers, it was about time I cashed in on that identity.

I slammed my fist down onto the desk with as much force as I could muster, and let out my rage in a cry that shook the room to its foundation. My mana points vanished and as I made contact with the piece of furniture dividing us, it vanished in a fire explosion. The bits of wood shot towards Vosar, with his chainmail protecting him from damage. Before the dwarf could even utter a cry I put my hand on his beard and hoisted it up high into the air.

“Burn.” I said, with venom dripping from my voice. “Do you have anything for hair removal?”

“I-I got something here boss.” Burn stammered in shock, fumbling with his bag. “I don’t know if it’s safe for facial hair-”

“Give it.” I said, holding out my free hand.

The hand that shattered the desk and held Vosar still smoked with red hot embers that didn’t hurt. The dwarf arched his back and was on the tips of his toes trying to balance in the awkward pose.

“Whoa there lad!” He cried. “It’s all a misunderstanding, I swear. Normal rates, no keeper talk, promise.”

I didn’t reply and felt Burn pass something weighty into my hands. The strong scent wafted off the open pot in my hand and I brought it closer to the dwarf who started to sweat bullets onto the sawdust covered carpet.

“Up to five hundred gold for a loan, fifty percent interest over five years.” Vosar said.

“No.” I said, bringing the pot ever closer.

“Ten percent interest, with a line of credit for five hundred more. Ten percent interest on that too, special offer for a valuable customer.” He wheezed.

I leered my eyes at him harder and dropped another mana point. I used an arcane trick and made my eyes glow blood red. I was surprised it worked but it had the desired effect making the dwarf shake in terror.

“Please sir, I’m no warrior, just a greedy silly banker. Please, anything but the beard!” He said.

“I am a wizard with a legion of minions to my name. I have magic to spare to make a point too. I don’t care who you are, I don’t care if you know who I am. But threaten any of my allies and not even these walls will keep you safe.” I hissed.

Intimidation : Success!

+1XP gained.

The pot tipped in my hand and splashed onto the carpet, inches from his face. The wool sizzled and became a goopy black mess on the ground. Behind me I heard Burn cough and mumble something about the ratio of the concoction being off. With the point made I let go and the dwarf flew back into his chair almost toppling it over. Burn took his pot back and I sat back too.

“Excellent, can I take that to go then?” I asked, feeling chipper.

The dwarf slid a painting aside and opened a hidden safe, taking out a mound of coins. They were stamped with different runes that were digits denoting their value. After Rolada confirmed the amount I picked up the fragmented remains of the desk and signed the piece of page.

“That’s ten percent over five years, but do I get better value on paying the principal if I pay faster?” I asked. I then reached down and plucked up the unopened wine bottle. “This is free to take too, right?”

Vosar didn’t even speak, instead just nodding. I waved goodbye and gathered my new wealth, my team and marched towards the exit. Clerks hovered around the door and scattered at the sight of me. I raised a brow and continued on the way pretending to look unworried.

Two guards at the door back to the main hall gave me a nod of respect and opened the door for me. They bowed as we passed and feeling generous I gave each one a silver coin.

“Thank you kindly sir, glad to see someone finally snap back at Vosar.” The one on the right said.

“I’m sure we will be hearing it for weeks. His father put him in charge here, even after the complaints. Good to see someone has the initiative to discipline the lad.” The left one said gruffly.

“You two enjoy a fine drink on me then.” I said, tossing them Vosar’s bottle.

“Your welcome back any time Mr.Hale.” They said in unison.

The long hall to exit the building was far less imposing and instead just felt boring for being unnecessarily long. When we made it out of the bank and into the street to make our way to Rodney’s store everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.

“I might have overdid it.” I said sheepishly.

“That was…amazing!” Rolada cried, throwing her arms around my neck and hanging off me. “You hit that table like…I don’t even know. It was there and the next second it was gone!”

“Josh needs to teach me that, I want to cast magic out of my fists.” Bent said, looking at his hands. “I could smash so many tables of mean jerks when they threaten my friends.”

“That was impressive, I’ve never seen a stuck up bastard swap from smug to pissing his own pants.” Burn cackled. “I might have also handed you a potent acid, for added effect.”

“Well now it’s time for the real show. Rodney.” I said, and made a beeline for his shop.

The feeling of rage hung around and following its drive I kicked the door of the shop in sending it flying into a display of plushies that looked like Rodney. They were sent flying around and when the door skidded to a halt, it stopped at the feet of the man I was looking for.

“Hey there business buddy.” Rodney said, forcing a huge smile. “Just got a call from the bank, glad to hear you got the loan.”

I walked up to Rodney, getting within striking range of the goblin. He looked more presentable than last time I had been around with the exception of his hat being askew. I reached out and straightened it for him which made him jump in his skin.

“One, I am going to pay off this debt. Two, you will tell me how you found me and three, we will have a fair and civil discussion about our little business venture.” I said.

Rodney swallowed a lump in his throat and held out his crystal ball. He cleared his throat twice before finally speaking. “I might have put an enchantment in the shoes from a diviner which lets me see where the wearer goes. The customer I made them for was never paying me back so I had it added.”

Inside the crystal ball was the scene that had just transpired in the bank. The picture quality was fuzzy and the effects of my magic made me look absolutely terrifying. The implications of what he could have seen in the past rose in my mind and I felt the fury rise again.

“You were spying on me.” I hissed.

“Lin said you were a pervert and she was right all along.” Rolada said.

“I can take it off, I swear. Just take a seat and show me the soles.” Rodney said.

I found a display full of deck chairs and took a seat in the most expensive one. Rodney took out a wand and tapped on the bottom of the wizard shoes he had sold to me just a short while ago. I watched him work and some of the glowing markings vanished.

The crystal ball was still tuned into me and it fizzled out leaving behind a blank blue screen in its wake. The biting anger finally vanished for good, either because whatever spurred it on was over or I was just too drained to get that mad still.

“No hard feelings?” Rodney asked.

I cracked my knuckles and took out a note page filled with everything we had brought. I got Rolada and Bent Plate to take out the wares from their bags, putting them in a pile beside me. I had to have looked ridiculous, white curly wizard shoes, covered in soot and with a mountain of tiny chairs reaching as high as my head.

“Let’s get to business.” I said.

As everyone got a chair to sit on I checked my notifications. The one that rose to the top called my attention and I opened it up.

New talent unlocked

Elemental Strike

As Rolada and Burn hashed out prices with Rodney I kicked back and relaxed. This little trip had been an interesting turn of events and I was looking forward to a steady stream of income. My bag was still heavy with gold and I felt like I was getting a hang of being the big boss.