Caged: Book 2 Of the King's Hand Series

by B. A. Monaghan

  He returned downstairs to meet up with the group. They picked up a push cart at a local merchant shop so that Roland could transport the hides to the leather shop. Vivi took her cart to the market to sell the elixirs. Roland spent a good amount of time putting mana into the elixirs. Hazel let him know that most of the people buying his elixirs were his fellow adventurers. They weren’t potions but they worked quickly for most wounds and they also renewed mana and endurance in a very expedient time without going broke. Potions were very expensive.

  Hazel also showed him the leather holder she had crafted for the small bottles of elixir. The leather holder attached to the belt giving the bearer quick access to the elixirs. The leather pouches were padded slightly to prevent damage to the bottles. She was also working on building some supplies for fever reducers before winter. She was already becoming a savvy business woman.

  Roland was amazed at her preparations and her attention to detail. “So, what are your plans for the future Hazel?”

  “Well, I am going to continue to work the cart with Vivi. I don’t have to join the Merchants Guild unless I move into a permanent building. All I have to do right now is buy a license to sell in the market. That has to be renewed every year. I have been watching the bigger merchants. They bring in products from all over the place. Fruit from Port Orchard and even spices from Canistan. Someday I am hoping to have a wagon or two. It is risky, but to be successful you need to take risk sometimes.”

  “The accounting ledger is impressive. How are your classes going?” Looking at the ledger, everything seemed to be in place. She had earned a substantial amount of silver since he had been away.

  “I’m reading well now. My numbers are probably as good as anyone in the city. I’m hoping to hire on as an intern with one of the bigger merchants, Ludwig’s Supply and Shipping. If things work out, I will buy an apprenticeship with them. While I do that, I will keep Vivi busy selling the elixirs. I’ll need to replace Blane. That shouldn’t be too hard. There are enough homeless kids that would jump at the opportunity to have a regular paying job.”

  “When you are ready for your apprenticeship, I’ll pay for it. I told you I would. I have enough money. It wouldn’t be a problem at all.”

  “Roland, you provided me the money, knowledge, and mana to start this business. If I’m not able to make a business of what you’ve provided me so far, I shouldn’t be a merchant. You have no idea how much I appreciate all you’ve done for me. I will never be able to repay you.”

  “I don’t need you to repay me. Shoot, after doing all the purchasing, you have saved me much aggravation let alone the money. Which brings me to my next question. Is this house big enough? With all those shelves you installed, things are getting tight in here.”

  “I’ve been thinking about that. You pay way too much money for this place. I’ve been looking for a place already. For now, we should continue to rent. If the business keeps growing, we would just have to sell and buy a bigger place, so right now we need to continue to rent. For the amount of money, you are paying for this place, I have found another building near the warehouse district. It has 4 rooms, a living room, and its own well out back. It also has a basement.”

  “You’re saying we can get a place that big for what I’m paying for this place?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, we still have a month left here on this rent. When would you think we should make the move?”

  “I’ll begin the negotiations for the new place tomorrow. Once we have an agreement on the rent, we should be able to move in fairly quickly. I’ll take care of the move. What I need you to do is keep putting as much mana into the elixirs as you can. If you leave for a long period of time again, I will need to have my supplies built up.” Hazel was speaking and preparing more elixirs. She was in continual motion.

  “Roland if it is OK, I would like to give the two extra rooms to Vivi and whoever else I get to replace Blane. Giving someone a place to stay helps me get them off the street and helps me from having to pay extra coin. It’s part of their pay. Give someone a place to stay and food. Then the amount of coin I pay them is minimal. They like it and I like it.”

  “Let me know how much you will need for the move and for the rent. I don’t even remember how much I paid for this place.” Roland was looking around the room wondering how this place seemed so small after seeming like it was too big when he first rented it.

  “Roland when I need some coin from you I’ll let you know. Right now, we are doing well.” Hazel gave him a smile that looked as if she were feeling something else besides happy. Then she turned around and started working on the elixirs.

  Roland turned around and began wondering how he, all of a sudden, was part of a business? He was now dependent on a young lady to get him a house. She was going to plan the move? This was not what he had planned. In fact, his plan didn’t involve houses, businesses, or employees. He was just a tracker who wanted some adventures.

  Shadow, how did this get so big? I wasn’t planning any of this.

  You’re a strong Alpha. Why wouldn’t you think that your pack wouldn’t get bigger?

  Now, things were getting disturbing. His bonded wolf didn’t think things were getting strange. He even seemed to take it in stride. Pack; was this a pack?

  That night Roland and Shadow went out after midnight to check out the city. In the lower parts of the city there seemed to be more dangers lurking around every corner. Together, they prevented a few robberies and thefts. It was amazing how the shadow illusion caused panic in people. He had an evil thought concerning an illusion he never had thought about using. He might have to use an illusion of death. A black shadow holding a scythe. Now that might make a man have a heart attack.

  They stopped early because Roland needed to see Eli tomorrow and he didn’t want to be tired. Which reminded him that he hadn’t worked with many animals other than Shadow.

  Roland dropped down to the ground behind the tavern where a tunnel entrance was located. He found a rat in the ally and spoke with the creature. He convinced the rat to look for the tunnel and see if it was open, or if the false wooden wall was up. For some meat jerky, the rat was happy to do it.

  They waited for just a few minutes. The tavern had a large hole that any rat could pass through. He was in and back out quickly. The rat told Roland that the image of a wooden wall was hiding the stairs leading to the tunnels. He also gave the impression that it was dangerous in the tunnel. Several other rats had died down in that tunnel. Roland gave him some more jerky. The rat left happy.

  Roland went back to the roofs and Shadow stuck to the streets. They ghosted across the city like they owned it. Shadow felt like they owned it at night anyway.

  When they arrived back at the house Roland sat down on his bed. He reached down and picked up the book his mother had given to him. As he gained levels in illusion, the book provided spells and suggestions for his appropriate level. This was his mother’s way of teaching him without giving him more information than he needed. He was the only one who could see the words.

  As he opened the book, he noticed another page could now be read. On the page was a new spell, one he wished he had sooner. He was thinking this was the best spell he had seen yet. It was for night vision.

  Illusion - Expert Level 8

  You seek to change the appearance of the world around you.

  Passive Abilities

  Detect Illusions 35%

  Active Abilities

  Change Appearance (20 Mana)

  Change Others (40 mana)

  Cast Invisible on self-3 min. (50 mana)

  Cast Invisible on others 3 min (75 mana)

  Cast stationary Illusion 2 hours (100 man)

  Cast moving illusions 5 min (100 mana)

  Cast Persuasion (75 mana)

  Night Sight lasts for 1 hour (50 mana)

  This spell allowed him to see, even if there was no light at all. In complete darkness, it would be like seeing on a moon filled night. If it wa
s a moon filled night, it would look like evening time. It wasn’t like turning on a light. It was just enough to see better than he already did with the eyes of a wolf.

  Hazel was off early. Vivi stopped by to get the cart and some elixirs to sell. Roland picked up his hides and started out towards the leatherworker’s shop. He probably should have Hazel take care of what he was about to do, but he couldn’t depend on her for every purchase.

  The leatherworker’s name was Yaegar. He was happy to see Roland. Probably because he was going to make more money than other shop keepers.

  “Good morning Roland. I hope the armor and clothes are working out well for you.”

  “They are working very well. Thank you Yaegar.”

  “What have you got there? It looks like Stun Lizard hides.”

  “That is exactly what it is. I have eight of them. I skinned and prepared them myself. They are in excellent condition.”

  “If you’re the one who took care of them, I’m sure they are in good condition. Are you here to sell them?”

  “I’m here to sell some but I also want a few items made for me. I am wanting a new pack made from the hides. I need a place to hang a quiver of arrows on each side. I also want a place to hang two canteens from the back. On the bottom, I would like straps so that I can attach my blanket. The top and bottom parts of the pack need to be separate from each other. The arrows need to go with the top portion of the pack and the canteens need to stay with the bottom portion of the pack. Then, to top that off, I want a rune put on the pack to keep it, and everything in it, dry.”

  “I will also require three quivers. One quiver needs to hold 12 arrows and attach to my belt. The two going on the pack need to hold 25 arrows each. They also need to attach to my belt, or across my back. I will leave you with this arrow so that you know the correct size for the quivers. I use a bit longer arrows than most people do.”

  “You seem to know what you want Roland. That is a lot of work. It will take two of your hides to complete this job. I assume you want to sell the other six then?”

  “That was what I was hoping for. Would that be possible?”

  “Let me suggest this. I will do the job, including getting the runes put on the pack, for all the hides. I wouldn’t normally require all the hides, but because the pack needs to be made in two pieces it will require two runes. I will also put a pocket in the top flap of the pack. It will give you access to certain things quickly. I would also like to put an emblem on it. I would like to put the image of a Manticore on it.”

  Roland had to think about this. If he traded all the hides for the pack that he wanted, Hazel would have a cow. She didn’t need to know about the trade. He could keep that a secret. The image if a Manticore wasn’t exactly what he wanted. He did wear the armor made from the hide of a Manticore, but he thought the beast was ugly. Shadow would rather have a mountain wolf image instead.

  “Instead of the Manticore image on the pack, I would rather have the image of a mountain wolf. That Manticore was just too ugly to have it on my pack.”

  Yaegar laughed about the Manticore and they shook hands sealing the deal. “Come back in about two weeks. The runes will take some time. I hope you will be happy with what I do to these hides.”

  During the next hour, Roland purchased new arrows, replacing the ones the Ettin had destroyed as well as the few broken while killing the lizards. He only purchased the arrows without the arrowheads. He liked his special Manticore tail arrowheads and the iron ones he had purchased in Halfway from Jake. He did change a few things about his arrows. He still used black cedar for the shaft but he now used a mix of brown and white feathers. Depending on what type of poison he put on the arrowhead, Roland chose what type of feathers he attached to the arrow shaft.

  His next stop was to the apothecary shop. He needed something to mix with the poisons on his arrows. He had used different things over the years. He used to dip the heads in oil infused with poison, but that didn’t stay on long enough. He needed something that wouldn’t smell too badly and keep for a long time.

  The apothecary thought he had just the thing for him. He had an oil base solution that was very thick. It stuck to Roland’s finger and it took some time to remove. This was exactly what he wanted. It smelled, but not too badly, and it was a dark brown. He would be able to tell immediately if the arrowhead was poisoned, with the dark brown oily substance on it.

  He finally decided to go to the Mages Guild. Eli would want to speak with him soon. As he and Shadow entered the Mages Guild, he asked to see Eli and gave his name to the man at the counter. The man looked down his nose a bit at Roland and sneered at Shadow.

  They waited for almost an hour. Roland hated this part of visiting Eli. Sometimes they could make it right in and at other times they would have to wait. Today they had to wait. Finally, they were allowed to go back and see Eli.

  “Roland, it is good to see you and Shadow. Did you have a good trip to the desert?”

  “It was a very good trip. We were successful in getting some glands and we also met some centaurs.”

  Eli was a bit surprised with the mention of centaurs. “Well you’re alive. They must not have decided to kill you out right.”

  “It was a bit tense at first, but we seemed to have worked out a way for me to cross their land without having to fight my way across.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. You also were successful with the glands. The Alchemist Guild has just posted sales on Superior Mana Potions. They are expensive but there are a few mages who don’t like waiting around for their mana to replenish. The alchemists rarely have the superior potions. When they do, you will always find a line of mages at their door. As I understand it they need the glands from the lizards to make a superior potion.”

  “I did OK. I brought back 30 glands.”

  “My word Roland. Are there any Stun Lizards left? I’ve never heard of that many lizards brought in any one year, let alone in one trip.”

  “Oh, there are more than enough lizards. We only hunted a small area compared to the size of the desert. I’m sure there are thousands of those things in the dunes. They like to ambush from under the sand. If you don’t know where they are, it can be fatal.”

  “Well if you brought back 30 glands, you were more successful than any other adventurer I’ve ever heard of. Have you been able to get some rest since you’ve been back? I can always use you for a few jobs, but I don’t want to wear you down.”

  “I’m OK. There are a few things I’m taking care of at the moment. Mainly getting my equipment replenished. I’m also probably going to be moving soon. The place I’m living is a bit overpriced.”

  “Here in the capitol everything is overpriced. Unless you’re an exceptional haggler, you’re overpaying for everything.”

  “I would also like to take some more lessons from Gnorbit. He told me he didn’t use any magical locks because they were too easy to break. I haven’t learned anything about magical locks.”

  “Roland, I shouldn’t have to tell you Gnorbit will probably try to get you burnt to a crisp by breaking into a magical lock. Never believe that gnome, except about how to break into locks. I’m actually surprised he didn’t ensnare you in one of his traps. He’s a stubborn old fool. Roland, if a magical lock has been placed on something there are only two things you can do. First, put a shield around yourself and trip the magic lock. Then hope your shield is strong enough to protect yourself. A second option is to go around it. Believe me Roland, there is no breaking into a magical lock.”

  “If you feel the need to get more training from him, go ahead. It is amazing how fast he can get through a lock. For that matter, how he gets around them too. Gnomes are too smart for their own good. If they work for you it’s a boon. If they don’t work for you it’s usually a bust.”

  “On to another topic. I would like to invite you over to our house again for dinner. Amelia is feeling closed in. She gets out at night mostly. Either that, or she has to keep her hood pulled over her h
ead. I wish she had your talent for illusion. We enjoyed your company the last time you came for dinner. If you could join us the night after next, we would appreciate your company.”

  “I would be delighted to join you and your family. Would you like for me to bring anything?”

  “Some of that lovely tea you brought last time would be delightful. My wife raved about how lovely it was.”

  “I’ll check on jobs at the guild next week. If you need us sooner, send Rogue out and let us know. We usually get out at least once a night. Rogue has never found it difficult to find us.”

  When Roland arrived at the house, he was surprised to find two wagons being loaded by some young-looking men and Hazel standing by watching them.

  “Hazel, what is going on?”

  “Roland, I’m glad you’re back. It keeps me from leaving you a message. I made arrangements for renting the new house. I’m having everything loaded up and moved for us. I’ve subleased this house for the month. We actually made money on the sublease. I’m so excited to show you where we will be living.”

  They waited until everything was loaded and then rode on the wagons to the new house. New, as it was new to them. The thing looked old. It was located in the warehouse district between two warehouses, and would be difficult to locate as it was obscure. The trim hadn’t been painted in what looked like years, if not decades.

  It was a two-story brick house with a high brick fence which ran across the front from one warehouse to the other, and another fence in the back. The two warehouses on each side served as side fences. The back fence was a solid brick fence with no gate. The porch was reached by climbing three stone steps and contained a large entryway door.