by Thad Ward
Adger nodded and turned to the other guards, barking out orders without another word to Ike. Ike looked around for the companions who had joined him in battle but didn’t spot them, deciding to make his way back to the Weir Crest. He was wounded and sore, so it was a slow walk. He considered using Safety to return in an instant but didn’t want to wait a day for that mana to become available for enchanting again.
Ike tried the door of the Weir Crest but found it locked. “Maisy, it’s me,” he called. A moment later it opened.
“Oh, dear! Master Ike, you look dreadful!” Maisy fussed. “Come in. Sit down. I’ll bring you some water.”
Ike entered to find that several of the townsfolk he’d called out to had ended up in the common room. All conversation died down as he walked in and sat gingerly in a chair he knew wouldn’t immediately fall over. “The goblins are gone. You should all be safe to head home now,” he said.
“That’s him!” came a voice from elsewhere in the room. Ike glanced around to see the butcher walking up to him. “He’s the hero who broke the goblin ranks and saved the guards!”
Ike tried to wave it off, to explain that he did something stupid and got lucky. Nobody would hear a word of it. They gathered around him, patting him on the back and praising his efforts. Ike tried to take the compliments with good grace but found it difficult; he’d never felt comfortable with that sort of thing. They asked his name and he heard it repeated around the room in reverential tones, sure it would be a popular point of gossip in the morning.
Ike eventually tore himself away from his newfound fans and retired to his room. “Some hero I am,” he said as he lay down fully dressed. He was too tired to take his armor back off at this point. “I’m just a nerd with a sword and delusions of valor,” he complained into his pillow before passing out from exhaustion.
Chapter 17
Setting up shop
I ke woke to the sound of knocking. He squinted at the morning light pouring in his window. “Must’ve overslept,” he mumbled, sitting up. Absently, he noted that he was no longer wearing his armor or shirt, only his pants and chausses. He’d always been prone to sleepwalking, so it wasn’t hard to imagine he’d undressed in his sleep.
The knocking repeated itself. “Ike?” came Ada’s voice.
Ike rubbed his hair and yawned, crossing the room and opening the door. “Heya Ada,” he said, his eyes only half-open. He could smell something savory waft in from the hallway. “Mmm, something smells good.”
“So what exactly…?” Ada stopped halfway through her question.
“What exactly what?” Ike said, shaking his head to wake up faster. He focused on Ada to see her blushing, her eyes very intently pointed toward the ceiling. “Oh! Sorry about that,” he said as he realized he was only half-dressed. He figured it would be rude to close the door again, so he retrieved his white shirt from the floor beside the bed and threw it on.
“So, uh, Maisy’s making a feast for you,” Ada said, glancing back down at him and seeming to relax. “Something about being a hero?”
“They keep saying that, but it’s overblown if you ask me,” Ike said as he straightened out his clothes.
“They? So it’s not just Maisy?” Ada asked. “What happened?”
Ike gave Ada a rough overview of the goblin attack as he donned his armor, casting a few Minor Repairs to mend the damage from the goblin attacks. As he buckled his belt, he noticed a scroll with a golden seal rolled up on his bedside table. He stuck it into his pouch to read later. “I got a quest out of the deal, so I can’t complain,” he said, concluding the story.
Ada crossed her arms and shook her head. “Unbelievable,” she said. “People have been trying to get a quest out of Adger since the game started. I leave you alone for one night…”
“I was just in the right place at the right time,” Ike said. He moved past her, closing and locking the door. “Care for some breakfast?”
They descended the stairs together and the smell of fatty food became overpowering. Maisy had an impressive selection spread across the bar. Ike slid out a stool and admired her handiwork. There was a platter with sausages and strips of bacon, a large bowl of beans, a plate piled with toast and triangular scones, and another plate with a stack of fried eggs. Behind the bar, Maisy was still frying what appeared to be tomatoes and mushrooms.
“G’morning to you, master Ike,” Maisy said. “Please, have as much as you like. It’s not much, but a hero’s got to keep up his strength.”
Ike groaned inwardly, knowing it was going to be a long day. Just the same, he was famished and the delicious smell wasn’t helping, so he grabbed a plate and began loading it up. “Thanks a bunch, Maisy.”
Ada sat next to him and did the same. “How much for a plate, Maisy?”
Maisy poured the tomatoes and mushrooms off the pan onto yet another plate. “Oh, don’t you worry none this morning, love,” she said with a wink. Ike wasn’t sure what to make of that. As his teeth sunk into a bite of sausage, any attempt to figure it out quickly vanished. He was sure he’d have heartburn later, but at that moment he didn’t care.
“Maisy, dear, you’re liable to make a girl fat,” Dusty said, taking the seat on the other side of Ike. Despite her objections, she started helping herself.
“Okay, so what was the plan for today?” Ada asked. She popped a fried mushroom into her mouth. “All I remember is I’m working on my alchemy for the,” she glanced furtively at Angus, who was enjoying his own plate at the far end of the bar, “specialty item.”
“That’s about it,” Ike said. He bit into a scone, surprised to find it was made of potato. “I’ll touch base with Fu on the drinks, then come back here and fix the place up. I should be able to do some business during mana breaks. Mind if I borrow the bird for a bit, Dusty?”
“Not at all, hon,” Dusty said, tearing off a bite of bacon. “The show won’t be tonight no matter how well things go, so there’s not much point advertising for it. I still need to put the finishing touches on my outfit anyway.”
“That’s right,” Ike said, focusing on Dusty’s character sheet. “I forgot you were a seamstress.”
Glancing through Dusty’s abilities, Ike couldn’t help but think of Fu’s statement about not being on a “traditional adventure.” Dusty didn’t have anything in the way of combat ability, but she had plenty to let her put on a show and win a crowd. This quest was perfect for her. It made him wonder how many players were like that. Maybe delving into dungeons, slaying monsters, and winning treasure was less common in True Calling.
Ike’s eyes lingered over the entry for Dusty’s gender. “So, I’ve been meaning to ask this, Dusty, but I wasn’t quite sure how to say it respectfully. Do you have a preferred pronoun?”
Dusty cocked her head at Ike and smiled. “Aww, that’s sweet. Trust me, the fact that you’d even ask is respectful enough. I’m not trans if that’s what you mean, but I prefer whatever pronouns match how I’m dressed at the time. I’m not too picky, though. ‘Bitch’ is fine if you’re not sure.” She showed her teeth and let out a throaty laugh.
Ike chuckled along with her, only slightly embarrassed. “So you don’t identify as a woman. You just like to dress like one.” He broke it down out loud more for his own clarity.
“You’ve got it,” Dusty said.
“Does that mean you’re straight?” Ike asked, genuinely curious.
Dusty laughed again, louder this time. “Oh no, honey. Gay as the day is long.” She popped a bite of sausage in her mouth and waggled her eyebrows to accentuate the point.
Ada shook her head at the exchange. “There’s a related question I’d love to know the answer to,” she said. “If True Calling chooses the race and class it thinks are perfect for you, does it do that with sex, too? Are trans players getting avatars with their biological sex or the sex they identify as?”
Ike furrowed his brow. “And if they end up with their biological sex, is it for neurological reasons? The same way the game can’t
give you a fantasy race with very different anatomy without making you nauseous?”
“I guess we’ll just have to find a trans player and ask them,” Dusty suggested. “There’s not much point speculating, anyway. It’s not like the game’s very forthcoming about why some things are the way they are.”
Ada and Ike nodded and they all returned to their breakfast, chewing over the questions in silence for a few minutes.
“Didn’t you get a letter?” Ada asked. She pushed her empty plate away and leaned back on her stool with a contented look on her face.
“Right,” Ike said, finishing his last bite of beans. He pulled the letter out of his pouch and inspected it.
“Huh, this one’s got a different enchantment,” Ike said. “I wonder if it’s random or something. For that matter, I wonder if they realize they might as well be handing me free mana. Maybe they don’t know what my class can do.” He broke the seal and unfurled the letter, making sure to read it before harvesting the enchantment this time.
Hello Mr. Fennell,
I regret to inform you that your issue remains open. Please rest assured we are doing everything we can to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. In the meantime, the medical staff assures me your health is not in jeopardy. I will follow up with more information tomorrow at dawn or earlier if the status of the issue changes.
Kind regards,
Neil F. Salcena
Senior Engineer
Ike frowned in irritation but not surprise. “Nothing new,” he said to Ada. He shook his head and harvested the enchantment, putting the letter back in his pouch.
Letter has lost the enchantment: Confidentiality
Letter’s remaining enchantment capacity: 0 / 0
You have learned the enchantment: Confidentiality
You have gained experience.
You have recovered 1 mana drain.
Mana: 2 / 4 (-9)
“I guess it’s for the best,” Ike said, standing up. “I’ve got things to get to. I’ll be back in a bit.” He grabbed his partisan and strode toward the door, waving a hand over his shoulder.
It was late in the morning and the street traffic was already picking up. There were the usual: Shopkeepers bartering with customers, people hauling goods by hand or cart, a wagon or two, and a few obvious players contrasting what might have been an idyllic fantasy backdrop. Ike noted that there were more guards than usual, guessing Adger had heightened security in response to the goblin attack.
More people than usual paid attention to Ike as he strode along, some calling greetings to him. He guessed the nicer-looking gear had something to do with it, but mostly it had to be the rumor mill hard at work. He didn’t care for the extra attention per se, but it was nice to be respected, at least.
Ike found his way to the market square. It was early for lunch, so Fu didn’t have any customers yet. Just the same, the imugi was hard at work preparing food for later.
Fu looked up from his work and noticed Ike approaching. “Ike-dono!” Fu said with a deep bow. “I like the new look, my friend. You look every bit the hero my butcher claims you are.”
Ike rolled his eyes but smiled anyway. Fu always seemed to be full of compliments. “Thanks. It was just some goblins. Nothing to write home about.”
“What brings you to my stall?” Fu asked. He looked around pensively. “I don’t have anything ready, but if you give me a few minutes…”
Ike held up one hand and put the other over his full stomach. “Not right now. I just got done with a traditional Scottish breakfast. I had another business opportunity for you if you’re interested.”
“Oh, most certainly,” Fu said, his eyes lighting up. “I’ve been able to use Identification to good effect already. It does wonders in conversation, and the information on items puts the different values from Appraisal in better context. Please, tell me more.”
“Well, I’m staying at a place called the Weir Crest. Heard of it?” Ike said.
Fu nodded, though the excitement on his face dimmed somewhat. “Yes. It has a reputation.”
“Rest assured it’s well-deserved,” Ike said with a serious look. “That said, Ada and I are involved in rehabilitating it so another player can complete a quest. She has to put on a show to a full house. I’m helping with repairs and Ada’s helping with some… let’s call human resource issues. The food’s not half bad, but to put on a show, we’re going to need booze.” Ike put his elbows on Fu’s counter. “So how about it? Know any suppliers? It would only have to be for a night.”
Fu nodded along and stroked his catfish whiskers thoughtfully. “I may. I may. And concession sales can be quite lucrative. Do you have the permission of the owner?”
Ike waved a hand dismissively. “I don’t think it’ll be a problem. Maisy thinks I’m a wealthy hero. I doubt she’d turn me down for a favor. Honestly, I might feel like I was taking advantage of her if the show wasn’t in her best interest, anyway.”
“And what about promotion? Do you expect a large turnout?” Fu asked.
“Did you happen to see a bird flying around yesterday?” Ike said with a smirk.
“Oh, that I did,” Fu said. “Is that what this is about? A drag show?”
Ike shrugged. “It’s the player’s thing. And, if I’m being honest, I have faith that she can pull it off. Just like I have faith that you can help out while turning a tidy profit.”
“I’m flattered,” Fu said humbly. “But we are talking business. I will serve your drinks on one condition: Exclusivity. I wish to be the only vendor at the event. Except for the owners, of course.”
Ike extended a hand over the counter. “Done deal. How soon do you think you can arrange the alcohol?”
Fu shook Ike’s hand firmly. “I can get a few casks, but it’ll take at least two days.”
Ike grinned. “That sounds great. I’ll go let the others know and make the arrangements with the owner. I’ll be back later to let you know how it went. Thanks a ton, Fu.”
“Thank you, my friend,” Fu said, smiling back.
Ike made his way back to the Weir Crest. The crowd hadn’t changed. Maisy was cleaning up breakfast. Angus was sitting by the bar with a tankard in his hand. He raised it to Ike in salute as he entered.
Ada had occupied a small table near the entrance. She lifted a hand to greet Ike and returned to studying the book they’d obtained in Austrin Fortress, furrowing her brow in concentration. Dusty was a little ways off, hand-stitching a garment with a lot of feathers.
“Hey Maisy,” Ike said, walking over to the bar. “Got a minute? I’d like to discuss a bit of business with you.”
“Anything for you, milord,” Maisy said. She quickly tottered over. “What can I do for you?”
“I’ve got a couple of things, actually,” Ike said. He counted on his fingers as he spoke. “First, I couldn’t help but notice that the old place has some wear and tear.”
“Oh, the Crest is well-loved,” Maisy said, apparently unperturbed by the observation. “I like to think of it as cozy.”
Ike nodded, trying not to let his disagreement show on his face. “Just the same, how would you like to have me repair it? Free of charge. I know spells that fix things. I bet I can have this place looking like new inside a day.”
Maisy put a hand on her chest, looking flustered. “Why, master Ike, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
Ike shook his head graciously. “It’s the least I could do for all your hospitality. Second, I was hoping to do some business out of the common room today. I’ll need time to recover between spells and I’d like to meet with people. Is it okay if I ask them to come here?”
“Of course,” Maisy said at once. “More people’s what we need anyway. And besides, you’ll be in good company.” She gestured to Ada and Dusty working on their own projects.
“Lastly,” Ike ticked off a third finger, “we were hoping to put on a special show the day after tomorrow. Dusty’s working on the dress now. I’ve also got a friend who’d like
to sell his ale. Just the one friend, and just during the show. If we get as many people as we hope, you’ll have more than you can handle anyway, and you’d be doing both of us a big favor.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Maisy said with a frown. “We’re a tavern, after all. What would it say to have someone else selling drinks?”
“Maisy, darling,” Dusty said, sliding up next to Ike and flashing a smile. “Ike’s a dear but he’s forgetting the most important thing. We need you cooking up a feast even bigger than the one we all just enjoyed. As soon as all those people taste your cooking, you’ll have more customers than you know what to do with.”
Maisy’s eyes took on a distant quality and a euphoric grin spread across her face. “Oh, that sounds lovely. Yes, of course, your friend can serve the drinks.” Ike looked between her and Dusty nervously, casting an accusatory glare at Dusty that Maisy failed to notice in her stupor. Maisy returned to her work, her movements slow and almost dance-like.
“Did you just cast Charm on her?” Ike said in a harsh whisper, walking back to Dusty’s table with her.
“Maybe,” Dusty said with an impish grin. “Come on, she just needed a little push. She’s got no head for business. We’re doing her a favor.”
Ike gave her a disapproving scowl. “I’m not sure the ends justify the means,” he scolded.
“Oh, don’t worry your pretty little head over it,” Dusty said, with a tone and slight shake of her head that told Ike his naivete was adorable. “I have my ways and you have yours. Here,” she said. She took a seat at her table and reached into a bag sitting nearby. She retrieved the songbird statuette and haphazardly tossed it at Ike. “Go take your mind off it.”
“Thanks,” Ike said with a sigh. He was frustrated but decided to stop fussing over it. At the end of the day, this was Dusty’s quest. He could decide not to help, but he couldn’t exactly tell Dusty not to use her class abilities. It’d be a bit like telling him not to rely on enchantments.
