Lake Merrin

by Samuel Colbran

  My brain hurts. “Okay, let me understand this. This whole situation was just an opportunity for Zlata to screw you over, Stillwater? And it is all Gunnar's fault?”

  And what we need right now is ... WayWocket. “Yes, clear all of this is! Zlata's plans are now right now, instead of behind now.” Yep, good old WayWocket. “Simple. Adding two and two makes six. Plans woven within other probabilities, only grasping it gains the last two. Warehouse will have the answers we seek. Stillwater, we must go!”

  “I agree with you, Way, that is where we need to be. The answers will be in those grain sheds. Gunnar, gather what we need. Way, make sure we have subtle items, nothing too big. And Solo, you stay here. You don't need to risk yourself; this is not your fight.”

  As the others jump at her orders, I ask quietly, “Stillwater ...?”

  “Call me Joan. After tonight, I won't be an officer in the Watch.”

  “Okay, Joan. I am not sure I quite understand what is happening here. Zlata said if you or your squad goes down there, you will be hanged. Why risk yourself? I thought you did not want to make waves.”

  She looks at me in silence for a few moments; it sorts of weirds me out. I am not into women who have more muscles than men. “Lone, can I call you Lone?” Sure, not like anyone cares what my real name is. I nod. “Yes, Lone, we don't like getting involved in the politics of the Watch, but Zlata confirmed one thing; something is happening down there, and I intend to find out what it is!”

  This is wrong. I just do not know what to do. “You don’t want me to go with you. Why?”

  “Simple. You’re the hero of the hour, and if you aren't involved with this, you’ll still be a Watchman tomorrow. Besides, you are still healing.” She looks at me and gives me a tiny smile. Well, if you could call it a smile. It looked like a shrug with her lips. “Look, if this goes astray, you will be in with the Count and maybe have an audience with the Duke too. We will try to get the information to you somehow, and you can expose the whole affair to someone important if we don’t make it.”

  “You have too much faith in me. I am a no one. I am just trying to survive, that is all,” I tell her. Even I do not believe me right now.

  “Sure you are.” She turns and removes her tabard, belt, sword, and gathers her shield. “Go home, Lone. You did good work today. That is my last order. Just agree and head off.”

  And that is it. No more talk, no more anything. Gunnar glares at me but gives a stiff nod. WayWocket smiles stops and stares intently up at me. As the other two start climbing the stairs, he passes me a stone and says, “You’ll know when ...”

  Gunnar yells out, “Hurry up, Way. Leave that self-serving white-bred to himself!”

  WayWocket winks at me before he hurries to join the others.

  I am left alone now, down in their office. Wonder what this stone is about; it looks like some rock you can pick up near the river. I put it in my pocket to study it later. I guess I will head off; nothing to do here. Oh well, I am receiving a medal! I am the most awesome person ever!

  Guess I should head back to Pela's. Great, I forgot to ask Bertude about getting her a job. Have to do that before I head home.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Journal Entry One continued…

  Still, to this day, I cannot have someone bring up the health of my manhood. It sounded like a great idea at the time, but I think a ‘no’ would have worked a treat as well…

  “Ahem, excuse me?” My luck, it is Gunnar! No, it is just some young guardsman. “Lone Solo? Commander Zlata would like for you to come to her office as soon as possible.”

  Now what? Bet she is going to chew me out about everything. Bet the medal is fake too, just to screw with my head! Remember, she thinks you are stupid, so keep that in mind. Slow everything down, stare off into the distance while thinking. Yes, I have this.

  I see her assistant at the front of her office. They are just looking around and typing, without focusing on their hands. Wow, never seen that machine before. What is it?

  “Excuse me, the Commander asked to see me ... May I ask what that is?”

  The assistant looks up at me. “This is a word-machine; it allows you to write documents by pressing these buttons.”

  I look over her shoulder and see rune language on each key. Wow, you see something new every day.

  “You can go in now. Please knock first.”

  Oh right. Knock, knock, knock.

  “Come in.”

  As I enter, it is a really nice office. Rug? Check. Polished wooden desk? Check. Pretty but useless paintings on the wall? Check. Ooo, comfortable chair to sit in! Check.

  “Solo, sit down, you idiot!” Her face is so red. How long was I staring at stuff? Oh well. She clicks her fingers on me. Was I just slipping off again? Damn, I am a good actor!

  “Attention on me, stupid! I called you in for one reason, and I regret to say this, but well done.”

  What? “Sorry, you have lost me. What is happening here?”

  “Slow as ever, so I find it remarkable that you managed to do what I asked. I didn't think you understood what I wanted you to achieve, but you did it anyway, so well done.”

  “For doing what exactly?” I ask.

  “I wanted to put Stillwater in a position where it would make it easy for me to get rid of her. I didn’t think you playing a 'hero' would have done it. You indeed are a sly white-back! But now I have to deal with your comrades being arrested today by another bloody party. I guess they are just another obstacle to overcome if I want to achieve my goals.”

  Okay, more information than I needed. “So, are we done here?”

  She looks at me with a creepy smile. “You could take your clothes off, and I could give you a real reward.”

  No way! ‘Don't ever stick your manhood in crazy.’ The Father from the orphanage told me that.

  “Now. Take them off!”

  She is very insistent, how can I—?

  “Sorry, I cannot.” Her expressions says she is going to kill me. Think of something really, really bad. “I want to, it is just ... It is embarrassing to say this, but I have pus oozing from my penis. Its colour is a little off too—is green and black a bad sign?” Stop talking! “Well, you wanted to see it, just give me a second ...”

  Now pretending to take off my pants. What am I doing? Please, Trinity, let this work!

  Her face twists in a disgusted and nauseated look. I guess I am in the clear.

  “Get out, you filthy half-spawn Elf!”

  “Yeah, you are right, I should have someone look at this.”

  “I don't care what you do with that diseased cock.” She looks like she is about to throw up. I hope not; that is a nice rug, and it is hard to remove vomit smell. “Just don’t be late to the Duke's ball. Now, get out!”

  I salute and leave. As I pass the assistant, she looks quite ill as well. Is she looking at my package? Oh no, she must have overheard us. Nothing to be done about that, just be on your way.

  First of all, I need to head over to the Hall for a little food and some ale that I owe myself. And, yes, make sure I ask about a job for Pela.

  I join the stream of people walking on the street. A familiar shape alerts me. Is that Malik and his gang? I need to hide! Just blend in; the best way to hide is in plain sight. Don't look at him, don't look guilty, and ... is that the crowd parting?

  “Look who we have here, boys! It’s dung-head.” Yep my lucky week, it is Malik. “Look, now he’s wearing a Watch tabard.”

  I am in sight of the barracks, so I should be safe. “Yes, that is right, Malik, I joined the Watch. Can I be of service to you today, citizen?” He looks pissed now. “Oh, did you receive my part payment for the gracious loan you gave me?”

  “Yeah, and I found your other presents as well—missing a few of my lads. One was found in an alley, and the other two were found near your room.” He steps closer. He really needs to pay more attention to his hygiene. And I thought Jimmy was bad. “Do you know anything about that, boy?
”

  Two can play that game. I stand up straight; he does not look so intimidating now. Weird! “If you believe that I have some involvement in these 'accidents', please, let us go inside and have you make an official statement.” He is taken aback. This is very strange. “I am curious why you, a known person of interest on several open cases, are here at the moment approaching me, a Watchman.”

  Judging by the look on his face, I should be more careful with what I am saying.

  Malik scoffs. “You don’t have anything to use against me. There was a mix-up with some new guards and official documents, that’s all. Not that it’s any of your business, but Zlata has pulled a few favours, so we’re out, no charges.”

  “Ah, yes, Commander Zlata. She would like to thank you for your assistance with a certain matter.” Bluff, do not fail me now. He looks at me like I have the secret to the kingdom. “Yes, that matter.” I know nothing about it, but Malik does not know that.

  Malik asks, “So you’re with Zlata now?” This is a first—fear in Malik's eyes. Who is this woman? Now he whispers to me, “Okay, your debt is off my books now. No retribution!”

  I smile at him; just keep that knowing face on. “Good, good. Is there anything else, as I have important duties to attend to? Anything you would like for me to pass along to Commander Zlata?”

  He nods to Jimmy, who steps forward. “Tell her she’s lucky that the first containers had her items, and here.” Jimmy passes me a scrap of paper, which looks pretty clean; pity I cannot say the same for Jimmy. “This was going to be given to her too. Her other operatives have the same information.”

  I pocket it. Oh good, just keep digging that hole. “I will make sure she acquires it as soon as possible. Now, if you would excuse me please, gentlemen.”

  I feel like I deserve three ales now.

  Malik leans in. “If all this fails, and Zlata doesn’t become commander, we'll be seeing you again, boy.”

  I merely nod and look him in the eye; the first time I have ever stared him down. “Well then, Malik, I suggest you get some real men—not just your pathetic ‘lads’—as I will not be so kind the next time we meet.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Journal Entry One continued…

  After my run-in with Zlata and Malik, I was so glad that the night turned out for the better. This was when I formed a lasting friendship with Althanis and his Charter, Travellers of the Road. Made me realise I need to have a better public relations with a bard or scribe. Have them spice up my story, it would get me more work…

  Now I think I have pushed Malik as far as I can. Judging by his beetroot face, maybe a little too far. I look all of them in the eye and try to act tough; try not to soil myself too. Everyone gives me daggers as I stride away.

  But now I am off to the Hall for ale and food, and then some more ale! Ignoring the gang and now walking, this is really a lovely evening.

  Saving that girl, what was I thinking? I do not stick my neck out for anyone or endanger myself. I forgot my first rule: ‘You cannot spend money if you are dead!’ And being a hero, you will end up dead sooner or later. Need to get booze into me right now, as I am overthinking.

  Ah, the Hall again. Starting to feel more familiar every day, and such a great place to drink, especially now that I have registered. Drinks are so much cheaper now. Oh, there is Bertude.

  “Hey there, you lovely woman, how about a drink for a man who saved a child’s life today?”

  “Laying it on a bit thick, aren't you? If you think I’m about to shout you drinks because you did a heroic deed, stop and look where you are! I could throw a peanut and hit twelve heroes before it hits the ground.” She still passes me a drink.

  “I know, but it was my first ever save! I think that entitles me to at least one free drink.”

  “Well, it’s a packed house tonight, so why don't I ask a few of your colleagues to shout you?” Bertude offers.

  Well, that is more free drinks coming my way! “Sure, why not?”

  “Attention, everyone! This Adventurer, Lone Solo is a bona fide hero!” That will make my party even more famous. “Solo here ran into a burning building and saved a young child’s life today!”

  People are clapping for me, for my achievement. This is so fantastic! Members of so many parties come over and congratulate me or slap me on my back. Even Althanis Silverleaf, from Travellers of the Road, comes over! I mean, he is one of the most famous Elves in all of Favinonia! His hair is starting to turn to orange and brown from the summer green colour. Soon he will be going through the Time. Wondering how he stays married? I mean, wow! He nods his head at Bertude. “I’d like to buy this man a drink. What’s he having?”

  Bertude replies, “Just the cheap ale.”

  “Well, I’d like a bottle of your best red wine. Do you have 990 FK vintage from the Ivory Dale?” Althanis asks. He is so calm and handsome! I wish he was my dad.

  “Sure, but it’ll cost you five hundred slips. You sure you want to waste it on this 'hero'?”

  He nods. Wow, I feel so special! I have to drink in this moment and remember all of their faces.

  “Okay, it’s your money.” Bertude shakes her head and goes to fetch it.

  “Two glasses as well, please.” I am having a drink bought for me by Althanis! “Well done. Saving an innocent life is one of the greatest deeds you can do.”

  His handsome, angular face makes me think that is what my mother would have looked like. Staring at him, my tongue is so tied up now. I splutter, “Um, yes, um, thank you! But it is nothing compared to you saving the town of Stonemill. I mean, you and the Travellers, you saved the whole town. I mean, wow! All those bandits—were there not almost a thousand of them? You vanquished nearly five hundred!”

  He laughs. “It's up to a thousand now, eh? I would have liked to see that battle. What about you, Bertude?”

  Bertude is back and sets the bottle and two glasses on the bar. “You personally slaying five hundred? Definitely. With one hand tied behind your back too, I suppose.”

  I interrupt. “Really? That is even more impressive! I never heard about you giving them that sort of advantage. You are more of a hero than I thought, and being an Elf too. Wow!”

  He laughs so hard he falls off his seat. “Hey, Laura, you need to hear this!” he calls out to his wife, the famous Laura the Twelve—able to shoot twelve arrows in the air at the same time, with her flaming hair just as much a signature as her bow. “Come over to our table, Lone, so we can all talk and drink.”

  You do not have to ask me twice. I jump up. “Sure thing! Could you tell me about the time you found the Ruins of Argus?” I did not run, I just very briskly walked over. And there are the Travellers. “Oh my Trinity, you are Seth Silverleaf! These are the famous swords of yours, Nightfire and Sunchill. That victory over the Nightmare—how could you defeat that dark monster from the depths of the Abyssus?”

  I am so jealous of Seth, having both of his parents. Inherited his mum’s hair and his father’s calm blue eyes. But he is so young, barely sixteen years old. How could he be so skilled with those blades? I joined the army at sixteen from the orphanage.

  “And you are Olive Sweetsong! Your ballads and songs, I have memorised all of them! And who can forget Belgrim the Fist—knocked out twenty men with one swing!”

  Seth laughs, and his grin fills his face. Such a joyful fellow. “Twenty? Grim, you’re slipping. At Einion, it was thirty.”

  “Fear Nightfire, evil-doers, the wrath of Seth will bring you to your death!” Belgrim takes another swig from his bottle. Not a typical Dwarf—dirty, shaven head, and a braided beard. Nose broken so many times that it resembles mush on his face. His knuckles look like massive growths. “Seth will save everyone!” Then he falls off his chair. Is he drunk?

  Laura says, “Welcome, Solo. Please sit.” She smiles at me. “It’s good to meet another heroic Adventurer. I hear you saved a young girl today?”

  “Yes, I did, but that is nothing like what the Travellers ha
ve done. Your deeds are legendary!” Okay, I am a fan. Nothing wrong with that!

  Althanis says, “Well, I’m sorry to say it, but we never faced a thousand bandits—”

  I interrupt, “That is not what it says in the ballad.”

  “Yes, well that was written by Olive here. She has a creative way of stretching the real story,” Althanis states.

  “Well, it would be pretty boring if I didn't add my flare to it.” By Jara’s hammer, Olive's voice is so sexy—I mean, musical. I can tell, even if she is small, that she is a Halfling. Strawberry blonde hair, green eyes—beautiful! Cannot tell if Pela also comes from this stock.

  “Who wants to hear about you fighting off twenty bandits in a backwater village that you just happened to be in? Give me some leeway with your story, and I will paint a picture so vivid that people will talk about it throughout the ages.”

  She cannot be telling the truth. No, it cannot be true.

  Laura looks at me and says, “That’s why we think what you have done is even more impressive, as there is no 'artistic' touch to the story. It’s just pure truth. You did a brave thing and should be proud.”

  It cannot be true. They have done so many deeds over the years, and now they admit that it was all balderdash! I say, “I have been following you and some others for a while, and you are telling me that it is all lies?”

  Seth replies, “We still did the deeds, but one needs to build a reputation in a world where 'heroes' are commonplace, so you need a little flair. Let me ask you this, why did you join the Hall and become an Adventurer?”

  All of them are looking at me. What can I say? Money, fame, women? All my reasons seem so superficial compared to the Travellers. “I am no hero. I did my stint in the military, and besides being a citizen, I have almost nothing to show for it. So, yes, I admit, I joined up for the money.”

  Now it is either pity or sadness on their faces, I cannot really tell. Althanis pats my shoulder before pouring us another drink. “You are one of the most honest people we have met in here. Salute!” He raises his glass, and I return the favour. “Being an Adventurer or being in a party, you have to be honest with yourself. Being a 'hero', 'mercenary', 'worker', or anything, it doesn't matter as long as you are content with that understanding of yourself. But never think that you can't be a hero. What you did today was the definition of a hero.”