Chapter 5: Mercenaries

Almost two months have passed by now and in a few more I would be turning 13. The past two months have been pretty chaotic. I was almost always training at my spare time, trying to become stronger as soon as possible, so that I could leave this city and go study at the academy for the gifted.

However, due to Leidolf’s mother waiting for me in the forest outside the city gates, I could not leave until I had a chance of escape from her.

Along my training, me, Leidolf, and Ennius had been brainstorming ideas on how I could get away from Leidolf’s mother once I leave the city gates. So far all our ideas ended up with me dying one way or another. At this point I just wasn't strong enough to escape her grasp.

Other then that problem, everything else went quite smoothly. My training has been progressing well, and my energy refining has started to show changes.

What used to look like unclean, dark yellow energy was now a bit more rich in color. No longer looking as some sort of wasteland liquid. It still looked impure but now it was a more lighter shade of yellow, instead of the dark yellow that seemed closer to brown.

I could now hold my wolf form a lot longer than before. The first time I transformed I could barely hold my transformation for one minute because I could not control how much energy I put into the ability. As a result, I ended up wasting most of my energy that day.

Even though I could hold my wolf form longer now, I still couldn't really practice fighting in it because…, well, if someone saw me in my wolf form I'd probably be hunted down by the guards before I could even explain myself.

Right now my main goal for this ability was to be able to transform certain parts of my body, accomplishing a half body transformation. However, that level of control required good control over energy manipulation. So, I probably won't be able to use that part of the ability for some time.

As for my other abilities, I practiced my short teleportation ability at sunrise from time to time, because during that time there are almost no people, especially if I go to the area of the old building.

My third ability was the one I practiced the least since I saw no use for it any time soon. Still I tried possessing some shadows from time to time just in case I ended up needing the ability.

Putting aside my abilities, my scythe training was going beautifully, at least that's what Ennius told me. I couldn't really tell how good I was since I had no one to spar with, but I was told that I got most of the techniques down that I was given.

I had to find away out of here soon, otherwise I will be stuck here for who knows how long. If only I could have some sort of outside help. Someone with enough strength to protect me from the wolf, maybe even kill it.

“Hey Atilius!” someone shouted out to me. Turning to the side of the voice I saw Zoe running towards me, waving at me.

“What's so urgent that you came running all the way here?” I asked her, interested in what got her so riled up.

“A group of mercenaries from Prares arrived!” exclaimed Zoe with excitement.

“Mercenaries? What are they doing here so far from the capital?”

“It seems that they stopped by on the way from some sort of job that they had to do in the area. I heard that they won’t be staying for long” explained Zoe.

I wonder what kind of job they had here. Prares is a month away from Krapross, which is where I currently resided in.

On our continent Lumis, which was fairly small, we had one kingdom that controlled the whole continent. The capital was Prares, the largest city on the continent. After it were five other major cities, including Kraposs, but among the five Kraposs was last. Following that were just a few towns and small villages.

The other continents from what I heard were a bit different. Elyria which was in the north was the largest of the three continents. It contained many kingdoms, but they were all in alliance except a few. The kingdoms that were in alliance were called the Northern Federation, which was also what some people called the continent since most of the kingdoms were part of the federation.

On the other hand, the third continent and the second largest, Ferok, contained countless kingdoms that are always at war. Within a few short years multiple kingdoms fell, and new ones would arise from their ashes. That continent was like an endless battlefield. A continent made only for war.

In my perspective I think it's good that they are always distracted with each other because from all three continents they have the best warfare technology. From all the years they spend fighting and trying to overpower their opponents their technology easily made up them a huge threat, that even the Northern Federation feared them slightly.. If we ever go to war… I don't even want to think about it.

Among the three continents Ferok was the most isolated because of the countless wars, and if Elyria or Lumis wanted to associate itself with Ferok it would have to pick one of the kingdoms. However, if they did that it would look like they are supporting them, and cause the other kingdoms of Ferok to treat them as enemies, which could start a world war.

“Hey kid, we could use this situation to our advantage” I heard Ennius’ voice in my head.

“How so?” I asked, curious to see how this could help me with my current situation.

“Well since they are mercenaries they should have fighting experience. You can use that to your advantage. Try asking them if they can escort you. This is probably the only chance that you have of leaving this city alive, it's still slim, but no longer impossible.”

I thought about what Ennius said. It's true that with my current strength, no matter how long I train I won't be able to leave and live.Unless I go out into the world and gain experience through difficult situations. I will never get any stronger. Also, with just my wolf powers I don't stand much of a chance. However if I have help, I might have a chance.

“But won't the mercenaries die if I go with them? It's like I would be leading them to their deaths.” I certainly didn't want innocent blood in my hands.

“True, most will die, if not all. However, this world isn't all flowers and rainbows. People die everyday. It's not something new. It all ends with your choice. Do you want to die here locked up in this city like a caged bird, or do you want to have a slim chance of escape to soar through the skies, meet new people, and have countless exciting experiences?” What Ennius said left me uncertain of what to do.

It's true I didn't want to die here, but I didn't want to have their deaths be my fault. Ugh, what do I do? Ennius is right this is probably my only chance of escape.

The only reason that the mother wolf hasn't attacked was because this was a city, and doing something would cause a huge commotion, resulting in bounties for the wolf’s head. In addition, from what Leidolf told me when Phantom wolves mature fully they increase size, making them unmissable.

“Okay, I'll try to go with them but I will warn them indirectly. Given my situation this is probably the only way I can prevent some deaths.”

“Hey, At u there? Hello? Anyone home?” Zoe's voice broke my concentration on my thoughts and my conversation with Ennius.

“Huh? Were you saying something? I was thinking about something, sorry?”

Zoe just let out a sigh, “God what is up with you lately, you just blank out and stand there like a statue half the time.” I just laughed lightly and rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly.

“Sorry, I was just thinking of going to see the mercenaries, that's all” I replied.

“Huh? Why do u want to see the mercs? Do I want to ask them something or what?” I sighed. Why did she have to always ask the right questions. I don't want to explain why I need to see the mercenaries.

“Umm, yeah. I wanted to ask them something?” my voice trailed off. I did not want to discuss this, at least not yet.

“Oh really, what did you want to ask them?”

I guess I have to explain all this now, I wanted to do it right before I left so that they wouldn't try to convince me to stay or something along the lines.

“I plan to leave the city, and I wanted to ask them if they could escort me.” I explained to Zoe, hoping she wouldn't over react.

“You what!?” exclaimed Zoe. Oh boy, there go my hopes down the drain. “Why do you want to leave? You can have a stable life here. Markus made you his apprentice and gave you a job. Later on you might even be able to open up your own blacksmith shop. So why? Do you wanna leave because of us? Is that it? What gave you this crazy idea?”

Zoe, was now crying. Great, what do I do now? Not having a slightest idea how to handle the situation at hand. I did something that shocked me. I hugged her.

I felt Zoe stiffen before relaxing in my embrace, continuing to cry her eyes out.

“Look Zoe, this has nothing to do with you or anyone else. You are all great people that I am truly glad to have me, but I don't wish to spend my whole life here. I want to travel the world, experience different things, meet new people, see what the rest of the world is like.”

Of course that wasn’t the full truth, but I didn't want to reveal that I was gifted. Which meant I couldn't tell her about the academy or anything related to my powers.

I felt Zoe starting to calm down, until I felt her move and leave my embrace. I looked at her to see puffy red eyes, with a hint of sadness. Is there anything that will convince you to stay?”

I looked at her sadly, “I'm sorry, but no, there isn't.” Nodding, Zoe turned around and left, her head towards the ground.

I let out a breath that I didn't even know I was holding. That was worse then I thought it would be. I never thought she would break down into tears. Letting out a sigh, I examined my shirt, which was now half wet. Great, now I have to make a useless trip to go change.

After going back and changing I was now standing in front of the inn that the mercs were staying at; Black Rabbit. Preparing myself, I opened the door and walked in. To my surprise the place wasn't as messy as I thought it would be. Some people were sitting at some tables, casually chatting and drinking ale.

The inn itself wasn't big, the first floor was basically a dining area, and the second floor the guest rooms. After looking around a bit I walked up to the innkeeper.

“Hello sir, I was wondering if you could tell me what room the mercenaries from Prares were staying in. I wanted to discuss something with them.” The innkeeper just looked at me blankly, not saying anything. I sighed and pulled out 5 copper pieces. The innkeeper took them before speaking, “their leader is in room 207, that will be the last room on your right.”

I nodded in thanks before walking up the stairs. Ugh, I hated how you needed to pay money for every little piece of information. Soon, i arrived in front of the room. I took a deep breath and knocked. “Who is it?” I heard a rough male voice call out.

“My name is Atilius, I wish to discuss something with you.” I heard footsteps, before the door opened.

A middle aged man stood in the doorway, wearing a black robe. He had dark brown hair, and a small beard. His eyes were a dark brown, that made the pupil blend in. On his right side of his face ran a long faded scar that reached to his cheekbone.

The guy observed me for a bit, then spoke. “What do you want kid?”

“I was wondering if you could escort me to the capital. If you need money, I'll pay, but I don't have much.”

The man just looked at me, “Why are you travelling alone kid, where are your parents? It’s not safe for you out there.”

“I have no parents,” was all I said in response. “Sorry about that lad.” Seeing as I wasn’t going to answer anything else he gave up on me. “I'll let you join us for a gold coin.”

I smiled, reached into my money pouch and pulled out the gold coin Markus had given me. The guy took it and put it in his pocket. “ We leave in two days at sunrise, wait for us at the city gates.”

I nodded and was about to walk away when I remembered why I needed their protection in the first place. “Oh, just wanted to tell you in case you haven't heard, apparently there is some beast outside the city gates.

The guy just laughed, “don't worry kid, if there is a beast we will kill it, but thanks for the warning. See you soon kid, remember sunrise, and don't be late.” With those words he closed the door, leaving me in the hall.

“I hope that you can backup your words or we will all die.” I spoke to myself, hoping that what he said will come true.

The next few days flew by fast, and soon it was just a couple minutes before sunrise. Zoe, Alice, and Lucas were standing outside, sending me off.

“You sure you won't stay?” asked Lucas sadly. Even though I tried not to get to close with anyone I had to admit I'll miss them a bit, after all I did live with them for some time.

“I'm sorry, but no, this is something I always wished to do.” He just looked at me, not saying anything.

“Oh, for God’s sake stop looking like I died or something. I promise I'll come visit if I'm ever in the area, and Lucas you finally get the room to yourself don't look so glum.” I answered cheerfully, showing them a bright smile.

“Alright, just go already, you don't want the mercs leaving without you now, do you?” spoke up Alice.

I smiled and gave her a hug, “Don’t cause to much mayhem without me here. I don't want the elders dying early from stress.”

She just laughed, “I'll try, but I'm not making any promises.”

Finally, I faced Zoe, who was quiet the whole time. “Hey, I-”

I was interrupted by Zoe launching at me, kissing me lightly on the lips and darting off back inside. Dead silence enveloped the atmosphere. My mind was blank. What did just happen? Did Zoe seriously just kiss me? Now, I was starting to feel a little guilty about leaving. No, I can't start wavering here.

Turning back to Alice and Lucas, seeing their shocked expressions made me laugh. “Guys, close your mouths before a fly flies in.”

“W-when did all this happen!?” Exclaimed Alice. “Since when have you been in that sort of relationship? I can’t believe Zoe would hide something like this from me.”

I chuckled slightly at her reaction, “nothing ever happened between us. What she did there even surprised me. Look, I'd love to go and talk to her, but I will be late at this rate, so put in some words for me and, take her of her and each other.” With those words I said my final goodbyes and left.

Arriving at the city gates, I found only the guards. My mind went into panic mode. They didn't leave already, did they? Please someone tell me they didn't. I was about to go ask one of the guards when I saw a group of men walking towards me in the horizon. Is that them?

After the men got a bit closer I recognized the man with the scar from before.

“Didn't think you'd make it kid? I honestly thought you would sleep in. Guess you aren't as much of a kid as I thought you were.” Spoke up the scar man.

“Oh, I believe I hadn't introduced myself last time. The name is Foran, nice to meet you kid.” He stretched out his hand for a handshake. Grabbing his hand, I noticed how rough it was.

“Are these all of your things, doesn't look like much. You sure that's all you need?” asked me Foran.

I looked down at myself. I had new forest green cloak on, some light leather armor that I bought for a discount because it was used. However, it still cost me a decent price for my small amount of savings. On my right hip hung a shirt sword that I had received from Markus as a parting gift. It was a prototype one of his works but it was better than nothing. Normally this would cost me several gold coins.

Other than all that I had a small knapsack over my shoulder with some food, water and a clean set of clothes. This was basically all that I owned, which wasn't much. Oh, and I still had two gold coins, and a few silver ones.

“Yeah, I'm good, I have everything I need,” I replied back. “Alright, if you say so then it must be so,” Foran answered.

After that he introduced me to the rest of the group and we settled of on our way. Excitement and dread filled me with what was yet to come. I just prayed, hoping that everything turned out for the better.