Valeria

Finished with our marching for the day. The Golden Tree mercenary band and I once again made camp. This time closer to some dirt roads as we had left the woods behind. The sun was setting, and I was having some broth and ale with the mercenaries, Lucille, Pascal, and Duncan who I learned was too old and injured to fight any more so, he became a cook to remain a part of the band. As I ate sitting crossed-legged. I organized all that I learned during my march.

I learned quite a bit as the mercenaries were eager to talk to and impress me. First, the Golden Tree mercenary band originated from the lands beyond the sea, though all the original members have died. Second, they were in the Orion Kingdom because the King, Peter Rayne had hired them among other mercenary bands to help him defend his throne from usurpers. Third, now that their contract was completed they hoped to find work in the land beyond the seas as The Orion Kingdom had concluded their small civil war and the Sagitta Kingdom their neighbors were at peace for the moment. Finally, the most important piece of information. The vast lands here are occupied by the Orion Kingdom, the Sagitta Kingdom, and a large region only known as the unexplored lands that for some reason or another neither Kingdom had claimed. When I asked why I was told many things, the lands were uninhabitable, A secret Kingdom already claimed the land and killed any who tried to invade, Monsters beyond human means roamed the land, and probably the most unbelievable reason that it didn’t exist, and the land was merely an illusion made by people wielding magic for some unknown reason. Though I learned a lot, I didn’t learn anything about where I might be from or who I am.

I took a sip of my broth to hide my frown, and in the distance, I saw that Percival along with Dennis, Max, and an older woman carrying what looked like a large book, seemed to be walking to our campfire. Lucille and Pascal were trading barbs with each other, so they didn’t notice but Duncan who was keeping the fire did and when he saw them he looked back to me.

“I hope you accept the offer, Valeria.” He placed some meat in the pan over the fire and grinned.

Offer? Do they want to recruit me into the mercenary band?

As Percival and the others got closer. Lucille and Pascal finally stopped talking to each other and noticed them, and like Duncan turned back to grin at me. Seems like they knew about this too. Percival and the others reached us, and they greeted Lucille, Pascal, and Duncan before they approached me.

Max and Dennis sat nearby taking some broth. Leaving only the older woman who looked to be in her 40s, with black hair in a bun, black eyes, a simple black dress, and Percival standing in front of me.

Percival cleared his throat and looked at me. “To be accepted into the Golden Tree mercenaries you must have either caught the current Commanders eye or be recommended by at least three members with 3 or more years experience. Valeria, you have not only caught the Current commander's eye, but have also received three recommendations from the experienced Golden Tree mercenaries, Max, Dennis, and Lucille. Considering the prowess you displayed sparring, your young age, and potential we have written up a contract that we believe is fair.”

The older woman stepped forward and introduced herself. “I am the Golden Tree mercenary band Bookkeeper and I simply go by Bookkeeper.” She pulled out a piece of paper from her book and presented it to me. “Can you read the common words?”

I think I can.

I nodded and took the contract and was relieved to find that I could read the common words.

This contact is made for one Valeria of the Orion Kingdom. Recommended by the 6th Commander Percival of Eridanus, Maximilian of the Sagitta Kingdom, Dennis of Eridanus, and Lucille of the Orion Kingdom.

The terms are made for 5 years of service in where Valeria will fight with the Golden Tree mercenary band in all battles, skirmishes, and wars to the best of her abilities. She cannot kill a comrade in arms, she cannot fight for another mercenary band unless permitted by the current Commander, she cannot leave her contract early unless permitted by the current Commander. Violations of these terms will result in punishment including death depending on the severity of the violation.

In exchange for her service, Valeria will be paid 200 gold coins a year, receive the standard Golden Tree mercenary band equipment free of charge (quality may vary), receive a fair share of spoils of war, receive equipment maintenance free of charge, receive daily meals free of charge, receive medical and surgical aid free of charge.

Terms are negotiable every end of the year with the current Commander. Should the Golden Tree mercenary band fail to deliver on what was promised, Valeria is allowed to leave whenever she so wishes, though she has to argue her case to the current Commander, their second, and The Bookkeeper.

Signature___________

I Finished reading the contract and looked up to see everyone was watching me with anticipation in their eyes. I looked back down to the contract and fell into thought.

I don’t know if 200 gold coins a year is good, but it does seem like a lot, and if I’m dissatisfied I have the option to negotiate. However, 5 years of service seems a little too long. I don’t know anyone here well enough to know if I will grow to dislike them and I don’t want to be tied down for 5 years following someone else’s lead. The only reason I can think of to accept this offer is to go with them to the lands beyond the sea and search for clues about where I’m from there as it does not seem likely that I am from the Orion or Sagitta Kingdom… I will think about it and decide in the Port Town of Rigel.

I looked up to Percival and shook my head. “I cannot accept your offer rig-.”

“Why!” Max yelled desperately. Everyone turned to look at him and shook their head in a gesture I assumed to be telling him to be quiet.

Max’s infatuation with me is starting to get on my nerves.

I cleared my throat and looked up to Percival again. “As I was saying, I cannot accept your offer right now. I would like to think on it until we reach the port town of Rigel.” I handed the contract back to The Bookkeeper who took it and placed it somewhere in her book.

Percival nodded his head in understanding. “Of course, I didn’t expect you to make such a decision right away I just wanted you to know about the offer. We don’t know how long we are staying in the Port Town, but you have until we leave to make your decision.” He looked at the fire and the food before turning to The Bookkeeper. “Now that we’re here let's join them for dinner, Duncan is one of our best cooks.”

Duncan grinned and threw some more meat on the pan while Percival and the Bookkeeper sat down nearby and started chatting. Max, Lucille, and Pascal came closer to sit next not me.

Lucille grinned at me and patted my shoulder. “I’m not saying this just to convince you to join, but you were offered far more than I was when I first joined.”

Pascal scoffed in amusement. “Valeria has more to offer to a mercenary band than what a tavern maid did. Naturally, she would be offered more.”

Lucille kept her grin on me and grabbed a piece of squishy meat from her broth before quickly turning and throwing it at Pascal landing a hit square on his forehead before he could react. The piece of meat ran down his forehead leaving a wet trail of broth on his face. He was silent but his anger was obvious as Lucille and Max laughed. I grinned a little as well.

If I do join the Golden Tree mercenary band at the very least I don’t think I will stop being amused by Lucille and Pascal’s antics.

Max’s laugh died down and he turned to me with a troubled expression. “Valeria, Is there anything in the contract you weren’t satisfied with? Unlike Lucille, I won't lie to you when I tell you what I’m about to say is to convince you.” He leaned closer to me and lowered his voice to a whisper that only Lucille, Pascal, and I would be able to hear. “I believe I am being groomed to be the next Commander, so I promise you, that even after Commander Percival retires you will be treated well.”

That would explain his high standing in the band despite his youth. The possibility that he might be the next Commander isn’t doing much to convince me. Actually, If he doesn’t grow out of his infatuation for me then It's convincing me to decline the contract.

“The only thing I am dissatisfied about in the contract is the 5 years of service. Other than that, I just want to make the best decision for myself.” I said pushing Max away as he had gotten too close to me.

Pascal had gotten revenge on Lucille by cleaning his face on her gambeson and was covering her mouth with his hand as she was going to complain, he looked at me and nodded. “That’s perfectly reasonable. So, what are your goals when we reach the port town of Rigel then?”

I fell silent since I did not know how to respond.

Other than wanting to find out where I’m from, what do I want to do? I’ve been asking myself that constantly during my march. Did I have something I wanted to do before losing my memories I wonder?

Feeling slightly melancholic I decided to answer honestly. “Truthfully, other than finding out where I’m from, I’m not quite sure what I want to do.”

Pascal looked at me sympathetically which I think I would have been more appreciative of if he wasn’t still Covering Lucille’s mouth. “I suppose it’s my turn to convince you to join us. I was directionless once too. I was a simple peasant that worked the lands but always felt empty like I was meant for something else. When the Golden Tree passed by my town I didn’t join them because I had figured out what I wanted to do, but because I thought that with them I could find what I wanted to do. It didn’t take long before I discovered my talent and passion for the bow, and from that moment what I wanted to do became clear! To become the fin-.”

His passionate speech was interrupted by Lucille’s headbutt who must have gotten tired of having her mouth covered. “She did not ask for your tale, peasant.” She said teasing.

I didn’t, but he made an interesting point. Even if I don’t have something I want to do right now maybe with the Golden Tree mercenary band I will find something eventually. I’m bound to have a lot of experiences with them traveling and meeting different people.

“I will also add that you are bound to have success as a mercenary. Your fighting prowess is excellent, and you have some smarts in you that would make you formidable in any battlefield.” Dennis who had gotten closer at some point said between drinks of his broth.

“As much as I hate to agree with Dennis, he’s right. You could probably be a lieutenant within the year if you proved yourself.” Lucille said massaging Pascal’s chin where she headbutted him.

A lieutenant? I’m not familiar with the term.

“What does a lieutenant do?” I asked curiously.

Max seemed eager to explain. “Our band is normally made up of around 400 members. And we have 4 lieutenants that lead 100 men and women each with Commander Percival ultimately leading all of course.” As if remembering something he stopped and shook his head sadly. “Unfortunately, after our campaign in the Orion Kingdom more than half of our band died. There are about 50 of us here but we sent the remaining 100 ahead to the Port Town of Rigel to not only find work but recruit as well. The people that flock there to join mercenary bands are often skilled fighters.”

So, a lieutenant is like a small mercenary leader in their own right. If there are 100 men and women in the port town of Rigel then there must be at least one lieutenant.

“Does that mean that there is a lieutenant in the port town of Rigel with the 100 men and woman then?” I asked everyone.

Dennis spat out his broth in disdain. “Aye, the coward Jacques the only lieutenant still alive.”

Pascal shook his head sadly getting away from Lucille. “Dennis blames Jacques for the death of his lieutenant and the majority of his squad.”

“That’s because it is his damn fault!” Dennis roared then winced as the sudden outburst probably hurt his nose. His loud yell drew the attention of Percival, The Bookkeeper, and Duncan who were a little away eating and chatting.

Dennis clicked his tongue held his nose lightly and began walking away. “It’s getting late I’m going to get some rest. Good night everyone”

There’s an interesting story there I’m sure. Perhaps I’ll ask him at a later time. Being a lieutenant leading men, and women to war. I’m not sure that’s what I want to do but it doesn’t sound so bad.

Pascal sighed seemingly in regret. “I should get some rest too. If we’re quick we can reach the port town of Rigel tomorrow before the sunsets. Goodnight.” He walked away, and Lucille gave me a nod goodbye following him.

It’s hard to tell, but I think they’re together.

I grinned slightly in amusement.

How cute.

I raised my voice to address Max, Percival, The Bookkeeper, and Duncan. “I shall take my leave and think on the offer I received. Goodnight.” Percival and the bookkeeper nodded in acknowledgment and Duncan just smiled kindly.

I stood up, put my empty bowl of broth in a nearby crate, and made for my tent. For some reason, Max was following me. I turned to stare at him.

“What is it?” I asked annoyed.

He scratched his cheek awkwardly. “Today might be your last night with us, so I just wanted to ask if you wanted to, you know. Do things with each other.”

I stared at him blankly not showing my irritation or disgust on my face. “No, I do not want to do things with each other.” I began to walk away again, and I heard Max quickly walking towards me then he grabbed my arm. I could have stopped him, but I wanted to know what his intentions were before doing anything too drastic.

I turned around and glared at him no longer hiding my irritation. He let go of my arm but didn’t leave. “I don’t have much experience, but I am confident I can make you feel good.” He said smiling.

I didn’t respond, I simply walked away. I stopped after a while realizing that it could be misinterpreted as an invitation and sure enough, Max was still following me.

I decided to just tell him I wasn’t interested leaving no room for misinterpretation. “Max, I’m not interested in having sex with you. Now go back.” I said coldly.

He looked at me shocked as if he couldn’t believe I wasn’t interested.

Does he have such a high opinion of himself that he never thought he would be rejected?

Seeing he wasn’t moving I began to make my way to my tent again.

“Why!? Is it because I’m too young!? I’m 19 years old and you look only a little older!” He shouted confused.

I don’t know how old I am, but I’m probably older than 19 years old.

“Yes, that’s why,” I said as I continued walking not bothering to correct his misconception.

As irritating as Max is I don’t think he’s the type to try anything after being rejected. I’d hate to kill him. It would ruin my chance to join the Golden Tree Mercenaries.