Yarla watched the prince’s face contort in annoyance with every bump as they entered past the gate into town.
She had tried again, unsuccessfully, to explain the difference between a staged outing and the real one he would face, but it seemed he cared little to listen unless what she had to say involved how he would meet the heroes.
Saying she relented, she accepted he had chosen this path long before they even hit the road, so there was little they could do now they were here. She figured the least damaging and most likely to get good results would be for him to see Wolf at his shop. She had heard the other hero, Nina, was there too and was a very happy person, so it would be a good first meet, while she smoothed the transition to others with the mayor and council.
She hoped her letter had made it safely. She’d sent a team ahead even before the crossroads, but due to the way they traveled, they were unable to receive a reply till she was already here.
They rested at the inn so the prince could make sure he was a little more presentable, get a quick bath and a bite, lest he smell and shame himself before the heroes.
She took this chance to see the mayor, since she knew the prince would fuss for a while about his looks before he left, buying her some time. She left a pack with a letter just in case as a fall-safe, with a few key things to ask for help, as well as briefly explaining she’d be back within the hour—two at worst—and would meet him at the inn or shop depending on if he left or not.
She hoped he would take three hours or more and settle for an early meet the next day, wearing himself out with worry, but she wasn’t sure if he’d be emboldened by desire and push for today anyway, so had to plan accordingly.
She knew the hunter guild would be where they met, but was unsure if they had already gathered for the day. No matter—if she met at least the mayor, she could make it work.
***
The entrance was easy to find, and traffic was surprisingly busy. She did not think volunteering for monster hunting was a big thing, but it seemed the heroes had inspired more people than not, even months after their last great feat.
She hated the delays in line and was tempted to bypass them with a seal, but feared it would draw more attention to the prince when she followed him later, so played coy, waiting instead.
A tall wolfkin bowed, asking how he could help, and she said she had an issue that needed to be addressed with the mayor directly; he should have been given a letter expecting her.
The wolfkin looked defeated as he confessed mail was delayed by a couple days due to a monster outbreak—they’d shifted routes.
She said they’d made it here fine and heard nothing?
He said the issue was solved this morning, and mail came with it, as well as supplies, so logistics had suffered for a bit. He promised to fetch the mayor, as he was here but under a lot of stress due to trying to sort important paperwork.
Yarla was unsure what matter superseded a letter from a royal, but she did not push as the wolf led her toward the back.
She heard shouting but was not sure if there was danger or just a heated discussion, but readied herself just in case. The wolfkin seemed oddly relaxed, and she lost some tension as they got closer, even as the yelling got louder. There was a bored guard outside the door not really listening, which proved it was just a heated talk.
“WHY IS HE COMING HERE….”
“You keep yelling the same thing to me as if I know….”
“I THOUGHT YOU HANDLED THESE THINGS.”
“I TOLD YOU, I DEAL WITH MONSTERS, NOT THIS.”
The talks seemed to be in a loop, surprising her how they could keep dancing over the same points and not get tired of repeating their words. It was slightly worrying, even.
The guard straightened when he saw them and tried not to look like he was slacking off, even with yelling beyond the door.
“She’s an important guest to see the mayor. Is he available?” the wolfkin guide asked the guard, even as the yelling did not stop. The guard looked conflicted but knocked anyway.
The room went dead silent, as if it demanded they listen. She was surprised that was all it took to still them, but wasn’t sure till she heard a quiet voice ask, “Yes?”
The guard did not skip a beat. “A guest for you, sir. Are you busy?”
She assumed she’d be asked to explain who she was, since no letter was seen, and doubted just anyone would be allowed in, guard or no. But the voice that followed surprised her with what they said.
“Yes, yes, I know who it is. Let them in, and you’re dismissed for the day. This is a private talk.”
“Uh, sir?” the guard was confused by the message he heard.
“Do you really want me to come out there and make what I said clear, or are you going to let them in and CALL. IT. A. DAY.”
The door was hastily opened by the guard as the wolfkin bowed and moved to let her walk in. Neither seemed to want to be seen more than they already were as she entered. It closed behind her, and she heard the stomps of feet hurrying away.
***
The table was enormous, with many empty seats. There was a gnome with an annoyed face she knew was the mayor, but the other she was unsure of—he wore clothes like a hunter, so maybe the hunter guild leader? She nodded and flowed to a seat, getting a shocked look from both.
“Same gift as her. Amazing. Thought shadow magic was rarer,” the mayor said, scratching his chin. She wasn’t sure if it was an attempt at flattery or genuine surprise. She’d seen many shadow users in her time, but perhaps for the mayor it was more uncommon.
Nodding slightly, Yarla addressed the men now just gawking since the moment of surprise. Neither seemed in a rush to speak, but she was.
“I appreciate the attempt at a compliment, but I know for a fact my predecessor, Tanya the Hidden Blade, recently retired from here, so you should know shadow magic users are not that rare.”
The mayor never looked away, even as he fumbled his hand for a cookie and took a bite. He finally spoke between chewing. “So *munch* you are as deadly as her? What about… him?”
Watching them, she took a moment before responding. She knew the council’s names even if not all were here, so she reflected on how to address them to stay cordial. There was the mayor, Victor; the new guild master, Ziala; hunter guild leader, Conar; trades was Justin.
As she was reflecting on those names, the mayor’s face got even more serious. It was almost comical due to his size, but there was also a glint in his eye which surprised her. She thought the hunter guild’s Conar would be the more threatening type, but he just looked tired.
Conar saw her look and spoke first. “Tanya was an old colleague of ours. It’s the only tie we really have with the king, but we know what a Hidden Blade can do. And we also know the prince is with you and wants to see our family.”
She did not know the kids were related to the council, but she also had not tried looking too deeply into the kids as heroes other than literally knowing they were kids that did amazing things. Was one a gnome? She could understand why the mayor would be cautious protecting his family.
“Tanya’s reputation is unmatched. Most Hidden Blades are more spies than blades—we choose to be a threat through knowing the truth and moving unseen, then striking from the shadows. Tanya did not agree and chose to make the blade part… literal.”
She reached to her side and withdrew a letter. “The prince is young and is just an overeager fan who gets overzealous. Though he does have power to defend the kingdom, he is trained not to wield it lightly. This letter is from the king to smooth over any damages and reimburse anything lost in time spent or gold lost.”
The letter was gently pulled from her hand by a wind, and she let it go as it flew to the mayor. His scowl never left, even as he got another cookie. Even after reading it, he did not seem pleased, and she wasn’t sure why. She had already stated this would be handled smoothly if given a chance.
“The heroes don’t want to meet anybody. My niece is the only one who might see him in good graces, assuming she were here—she left to visit another hero who recently left, and my niece went with a third hero on that visit. And the ones left don’t want to be heroes or bothered.”
That made no sense, Yarla thought. She’d gotten no intel anyone was leaving. “I read—”
“You read what rumor shared, not the truth. We did say your team was not needed. It was meant to end there, not bring royalty to our door. We still have a village to run and work out our own ordeals, and the heroes have their own lives to live.”
She had hoped this would go smoother. She wasn’t sure why they were being hostile when she’d been more than fair. She did not want to try and threaten them, as that could go very badly—the prince was here in good faith, and Tanya was here with the ear of the king, and even if the council downplayed it, they did have connections with the crown, too. Her place was to make this work, not start a war to let a prince visit for a week. And half the heroes weren’t even here to try to make it work.
“A week is all I ask, and we will be gone from here. I will guide the prince if you can keep the town from knowing the prince is here and give him a chance to meet the heroes on more open terms.”
The mayor and hunter leader both looked at each other, confused, before the mayor spoke. “Your letter before—the one you sent.” Searching the table, he found it among a few papers, double-checking it before he spoke once more. “Yes, it clearly says, ‘The prince is coming to visit. Please make sure he is welcomed by letting the heroes know.’”
Yarla watched him carefully to see if he would keep reading. Instead, he stared at her. So she spoke once more, calmly. “Please read the rest.”
The annoyance in his face only shifted slightly as he said the part she cared about, finally reading it. “‘He is pretending to be a merchant. I will inform you more when I get there. I have a letter from the king with details covering any cost.’”
“So what, we bow, play nice, and you just go away, toss a few coins for our trouble?” Conar asked while the mayor started reaching for another cookie. He really liked those things and never offered her one.
“I was hoping to have you all here at once to make it go smoother, but yes. The prince is not evil—just a person seeking people like him. It’s why he’s so focused on the heroes, I believe, but hard to say, as he mostly focuses on training or daily requirements from the kingdom.”
The talks went in a circle for a while more, and she now could see why they yelled at each other—it seemed they were not the decisive type, and she wondered if it was Tanya the only reason things went so smoothly before.
Either way, she hoped the prince did not get impatient and start the visit without her. Well, what was the worst that could happen? He was just visiting heroes in a small village.
***
**======**
Yarla had just left, and the prince barely noticed after his bath as he debated on which clothes he should wear, or if he should go into town and see if a tailor could custom-tailor something nice on short notice. It seemed she had brought him a few extra sets of clothes he was unaware of in a spare chest they had hitched on the cart. As he was wondering what else might be among the chest, yet it was not in the room yet, he went back to the bathroom to check his hair. Yet from the corner of his eye, he saw a pack near the door, making him frown.
She said she would not interfere in this village and let me live a more normal commoner life, yet there’s a pack with a note explaining how I should act.
He could not read it from the distance, but he knew she would not be leaving a note wishing him well. No, in fact, she would be assuming he’d be tied up fussing over his looks while she planned to tailor his meeting with the heroes—not an authentic meeting he desired.
He quickly settled on his traveled clothes. He hated how they looked shabby compared to his clean, pressed stuff, but it would be more authentic, and he wanted to hurry, lest Yarla beat him to the heroes. He was unsure who to see first, so settled for the one who started it all—the one who cured the weakness curse.
Master Alchemist Wolf—the hero of the manaless, giving all a stable base and even helping some gain even more mana power. That last part wasn’t rare, just uncommon and unheard of for the poor, but for those with money, it was more a waiting list than an impossibility.
He went down for a quick bite. The crowds mostly ignored him, which he liked, but he hated that there was no one taking his order. He stood there waiting, and it got awkward as still nobody noticed him standing near the stairs.
Why were they not showing him a seat or asking him what he wished to eat? He thought about what he had to do last time—he remembered it cost money, and they would bring food, but last time they spoke to him unprompted.
Now?
They were all laughing and enjoying gathering at the bar or tables, just ignoring him. True, some walked by with a nod up the stairs, but that was not “feed me.”
“You’ve been standing there for a while, sir. You ok?”
The voice broke free of his stupor. It was a few watching from the counter, as well as a young bearkin who he had observed talking to them before.
“Yes, well, I wish to eat, but it seems none wished to assist me.”
The bearkin frowned, losing his cheer, and looked at the men at the counter, who shrugged. Then they seemed to look around the room before the bearkin spoke.
“There’s empty seats. Did they refuse to serve you? Is that why you’re standing? I would’ve made you something if you asked at the counter. Are you broke? Is that why you were afraid to ask?”
The prince did his best to hide his shock. Broke? He had enough gold to buy this place and still have money left. In fact, these lands were part of his birthright—if pushed, he could just claim this job.
“You ok? I don’t mind giving you dishes to try on the house. We can always use help if you’re trying to earn a bit of coin.”
“I… can pay for myself. Thank you,” the prince replied, choosing his words carefully. Insulted he may be, but respect was given, even if it came with a slight to his worth.
“Well, either find a seat or let me know what you need, unless someone refused?”
“Keena,” the bearkin was going on before the prince could speak, as a young wolfkin ran up to the counter holding a tray.
“Yeah, Ty?”
“Did anyone get upset with this guy?” And pointed to the prince casually. The wolfkin looked and shook her head, and all assumed the prince just was used to different customs—that would be the only reason he looked so lost.
The prince was seated easy enough, and despite the good cheer and polite wolfkin, he lost his appetite, having been talked down to as if he did not know how things worked, when he knew he was right—they were supposed to ask to serve him, and he paid after. He wasn’t stupid.
The inn watched the prince go shortly after his scene. They were mildly interested, but the customer wasn’t much for talking. He did leave a few silver for the trouble, which was a crazy bonus for not even eating, but he did remember his other guest saying they’d be here for a week or so—maybe he meant it as an advance payment to insure there’d be no issues. He would check later, since the guy seemed to be unfamiliar with their customs, as their day went on.
***
Desperate to find his way, he kept stopping random people for directions. They kept pointing him a specific way, yet the roads were all open, and somehow he kept going in a circle. He only knew as he started asking the same people twice, and they assumed he was mocking them.
He had to swallow his pride and beg, offering coin for a guide, when they finally knew he truly was lost. Yet they felt the need to twist the knife not once, but twice, refusing his coin and laughing, saying, “How do you get lost finding the alchemist’s shop? It’s by the lake.”
He gently reminded them he was new here, lest he draw attention and ire before he even met one hero. They were true to their word, which he was grateful for, and did his best to watch the roads to not get lost again.
He finally noticed why he was getting turned around so easily: he was looking for the hero’s shop, which should have been huge and a wonder unto itself, with guard walls and shining with a light to let all know his worth.
Not a small shop with a home built on? He was too sure it looked off—a single floor and a bit wide, but the angles were off for a shop he presumed. He slowly worked his way forward.
He waited near the door, assuming a guard would appear, probably like Yarla from the shadows, to intimidate the fool who assumed the hero would not have protection. Yet his admiration of the front door turned to shock when people just walked past him inside with indifference.
Maybe he’s being coy? An open door, since he knows anyone who challenges him could be defeated inside?
Clever. Even he was fooled, and no better trap than one who doesn’t even know they’re being baited.
He carefully entered, not wanting to trigger any alarms. He knew true commoners were too weak, but his training and bearing would flag him to the keen eye of the master alchemist.
The smells of all the brew potions was a common scent he knew well, yet an odd mix of scents—perfumes and spices?—mixed in too. He wanted to explore but was unsure what the protocol was. He’d never been browsing a shop; he merely stood while servants brought him what he needed.
“Hello, dear. How may I help you?”
The prince jerked his head and saw a wolfkin watching him with sharp eyes. Was this the master alchemist’s assassin? He wasted no time, bracing himself.
“I seek no trouble. Merely wished to speak to the master.”
She tilted her head, and he wasn’t sure if she would strike unprovoked, as he prepared to try and defuse the situation.
“Wolf does not like the ‘master’ title. He prefers his name. Is there a reason you need him specifically, or can I assist?”
Aha, he likes to hide in plain sight. Of course, his name would draw less attention—most only know the master alchemist, not his name. Lucky for me, I read their file to make sure I knew their name.
“I merely wished to see the one who cured the weakness curse. I have not had a chance to pay respect.”
“Noted, dear. I fear he’s been praised enough for that, and he’s not in a mood for more of that, I fear.”
Aha, he miscalculated. Of course, he knows his worth and does not need the prattle of endless praise. He needs a reason to care.
“I… also am a merchant. I wish to barter.”
The wolfkin tilted her head before speaking. “Is that so, dear? Well, my name is Misty. It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir?” She paused, waiting for his name.
“Uh… Lan,” Rylan said slowly, watching Misty carefully.
“Well, Lan, dear, I am well-versed in all matters of trade. We’re well-stocked in trades but open to more exotic opportunities. Wolf is always looking to experiment, so open to new possibilities.” Misty looked around for a sake before making a note in a clipboard he just noticed she had.
“I fear we don’t have a place near fitting to sit and discuss things, but if you don’t mind standing, I’m open to listening.”
This wasn’t going how he planned, so he tried to be more blunt, hoping she’d get the hint. “I wish to see Master Wolf directly… please.” He forced the last part, getting a bit heated. He wasn’t sure of her skill, but she was too casual not to be a potential threat. Yet he would not fall easily.
Her eyes narrowed and ears went flat. He had not noticed her tail wagging before, but he did notice its stillness now, as if she was readying to pounce.
He reached to his side for his sword, which he did not bring, but reflexes betrayed him. He could form a water weapon but was trying to keep a low profile, and as much as he hated it, he could not strike unprovoked in the slight chance he was misreading this threat.
“It’s fine, Misty. Thank you. You can take a break for a bit; I’ve got this.” He watched the annoyance shift to surprise on her face as she bowed.
“As you wish, dear.” And slowly shifted to leave, not looking back at the prince, as the man turned to face him. Was this the real enforcer? He looked a bit frail?
Well, maybe not frail, but like a bookworm—simple, really, no muscle and way too young to be a guard. He did have vivid green eyes and dark hair, but other than that, very… mundane.
“Sorry, kid, I can’t help you find your parents. I’m looking for Master Wolf.”
The kid frowned, and he regretted he was being rude, not willing to help, but figured if he tossed the kid some coins, he could hire another to help him.
So he was sure he misheard the kid when he spoke, not begging for help, but making a statement.
“No ‘master’—just Wolf. And I’m not a kid. This is my shop.”
“Really?” Rylan’s voice slipped past his lips, unaware he even spoke, as Wolf watched him with a frown, slowly nodding.
This was the hero? He looked so plain? Well, he did want to see the real thing, so here we are.
“Forgive me, Mast—Wolf. I assumed you’d be, um… bigger? And your shop, too—this place seems unfitting for someone of your stature. Is it a funding issue? I could donate.”
He was hoping to turn this around. He looked at a few items, waiting for Wolf to respond. “Aha, I see the problem—this stuff is too cheap! No wonder your shop is so small-run.”
He turned back, expecting to see embarrassment that Wolf did not know how to price things and would be grateful for the help figuring it out. This could be an easy bonding moment.
Yet all he saw was more scorn?
“I want cheaper prices. I was forced to raise them, or I’d always be out of stock.”
The prince was unsure if he heard right. Why would you throw away what makes you money? And he tried his best to look supportive, nodding slowly.
Wolf watched Rylan’s face and could not tell if the man was important or trying to start something. Was he like Tommy and only cared about money?
“I want the poor to be able to get cheap things to help them, not profit, but I still need to pay my staff and buy things, hence the current prices. I don’t do this for profit.”
“Well, that’s why you’re the hero, Wolf.” The prince felt they finally had some common ground to move forward and get over this awkward, poor first meeting.
He remembered his file also said Nina worked here, so it would be good to steer it to her. She was a powerful earth mana user; surely she will want the praise of a hero—she fought the boulder monster.
He was about to say so when a very lovely, slim beastkin slyly shifted to Wolf’s side and embraced him. Her eyes stood out with a deep blue, and her tail swishing matched her moonlight hair color as she focused on him as if ready to pounce.
“Who’s your friend, dear?” the catkin whispered loudly into Wolf’s ear. Wolf’s scowl never left.
“A merchant, I assume. He hasn’t said.”
Right, he was being rude, never introducing himself.
“Forgive my lack of manners, Sir Wolf. I am pri—MERCHANT PRI—LAN. Just Lan, Sir Wolf. Sorry, I was trying to uuuuuuhhhh… say… my… name?”
Both of them stared at him. He wasn’t sure if it was awe or fear, as his face was turning red, trying to hold back his shame of blowing his own cover.
“Well, Lan… I’m Teva, and welcome to our shop.”
“Our?” The words slipped from Rylan’s mouth in sheer surprise.
“Teva is part of my life and the shop, so yes, our shop.”
That surprised the prince. He did not know Wolf had gotten with a beastkin—not that he cared too much. He assumed if he was going to do that, why not Nina? She was a hero versus whoever this was. She looked okay beyond her looks—he wasn’t into beastkin himself.
“I meant no disrespect, merely surprised, is all. Uh… congratulations?”
Teva laughed while still holding Wolf, and Wolf seemed to be lightening up. This was going better; maybe he was doing better than he thought. “So, hero, about the hero Nina—may I see her? I came to see all the heroes, and my time is limited. I came to you first out of respect for all you helped.”
He figured just enough flattery; Wolf should put in a good word for him, and he showed respect. Yet a sad face was now looking at him from both Teva and Wolf, as if someone had died. But no, he would have heard about that—the whole time would be abuzz if a hero fell.
Wolf pulled away from Teva’s side and just left? No goodbye, no word why. It made no sense.
He was left with someone he did not care about and no answers. What was going on?
“Nina… recently left. We don’t know when she’ll be back. Sorry, I’m going to check on Wolf.”
Rylan nodded, barely into the shop, meeting a hero, and this is how it ended. He looked around, unsure what to do, and now he saw others looking at him with scorn. Why? He showed respect; he had no knowledge of this event, yet he was the one wrong.
Bowing slightly to show respect—since he was in hiding, and he guessed this was how it was for the lower class to be openly mocked and ignored—he would just have to hope the other heroes went better.
Yet for today, he was too exhausted. It seemed in his haste to beat Yarla to controlling his life, he missed details that would have smoothed out his meetings.
Whatever. My life, my choices. At least I got that, as he left back to the inn.
***
Entering the room, a voice broke from the shadows. “I was hoping you’d wait for me, lord. How was your visit?”
“Fine,” he said with a bit more force than he meant. “Fine, thank you for your concern.” He loosened his clothes, feeling more restricting.
“I did try to warn you they would be less accommodating, lord,” Yarla said carefully.
“I am not a child. I know people have bad days. I get them myself.”
“Lord? I fear I don’t understand.”
“I met Hero Alchemist Wolf. He said Nina wasn’t there, so I still have four more heroes. Just because two did not go how I wanted, odds are still in my favor.”
“There are only two, lord,” Yarla said flatly, confusing the prince.
“Explain.”
“Two of the heroes went to visit Nina. I would have briefed you, but you were gone.”
“That’s… fine. I have two heroes, then. Did they say when they’d be back?”
Yarla shook her head. “The distance they went takes a while just in travel. Worst case, they may be back just as we leave, depending on when they choose to return and the speed they travel.”
He clenched his jaw, trying not to sulk, but he had come unannounced, thinking himself clever being undercover. “Well, then I better make these two count, then…”17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVhkMOk39S
and then Add to home screen.