14. Roadkill Tavern

“Wow,” grumbled Dax, “you ever gonna let that go? How was I supposed to know that a place surrounded by water would be so flammable?”

CHOICES is the first book in the Chronicles of a Hero fantasy series. This is the story of Wendell P. Dipmier, who I’ve been writing about since 1990. I hope you’ll join me on this new adventure….as I tell the honest, complete story of this amazing 17 year old, exclusively on Life of Fiction.

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CHAPTER 14

Sometimes you need to be heard. You have thoughts; you have feelings; you have opinions just like everyone else around you — but for some annoying reason, you feel invisible.

It’s hard when you’re a good-natured person to stand up to those around you. Especially when those around you are your friends.

But sometimes, that’s exactly what you have to do.

That last snap from Dax hit me. For several minutes, I couldn’t relax my fists, so I kept them pinned to my sides. What I’d just seen seemed wrong. You don’t walk out on a friend. It wasn’t my experience to walk away from someone who is hurt or hurting. That’s when truly bad things can happen. 

Dathern had been accosted. Tilly along with him. Yet Chuck, Dax, and this old gnome, Höbin, turned their backs on them. Just walked out of the bookshop without a word.

Why?

I followed behind in silence. This ‘field trip’ wasn’t going as I’d expected, and I was being ignored. What’s worse, I was being denied information. If I ever got a chance, I was so going ballistic on the ‘mentor’ and ‘guardian’ performance review to the Iskari High Council. I’m talking poo emoji bad. Chuck and Dax didn’t offer a single apology or an explanation. Not that I was any better than anyone else. I know I’m not any better than anyone else, but they didn’t even offer me what I thought would be common courtesy. Maybe that wasn’t a thing on this planet, I didn’t know, but it still ticked me off. They just pushed me out of the way and moved on. 

Right. That’s how it’s going to be.

We left Perspicacious and walked towards what looked to be the heart of the market. A vast central section where patrons crowded together, most gathered around vendor tents, selling anything you could imagine.

When Höbin looked back to check on me, he did a double-take. Not exactly sure what he saw, or thought he saw, because half the time he didn’t even look me in the face.

Oh. Right.

The smiley.

It… ‘he’? Wasn’t sure what to call it…but the emoji on my chest glared at them…doubly so when I thought about things too hard. The yellow face grit its teeth, cheeks turning crimson red.

Höbin poked Chuck. “Is he…ok?”

The wizard nodded, then leaned closer. “Kids,” he muttered, “You can’t live with them,…can’t sell them off. He’ll be fine.”

Dax laughed, but halted. “Hey, was that a crack at me?”

“Course not monkey, you were the model teenager.”

Dax grinned to himself. 

“For a runaway convict.”

“I apologized for that!”

Chuck threw his hands in the air, his staff floating beside him. “It was THE WHOLE VILLAGE! 65 years I’d been going there. I take you to an island paradise just once…and why? Because you PROMISED to be good, to BEHAVE, and what did you DO? You got me blacklisted!”

“Wow,” grumbled Dax, “you ever gonna let that go? How was I supposed to know that a place surrounded by water would be so flammable?”

“HellllOOO…,” Chuck cried. “GRASS SKIRTS?? Tribal fire dances are NOT intended for audience participation!!” Snarling to himself, he snatched the staff up and waved it wildly about. “Burping cannon of fire, he says. Still not funny.”

Dax folded his arms. “The chief laughed,” he grumbled.

“Bah!” Chuck scoffed. “You didn’t do me any favors!” A glazed look descended over the wizard’s face and he whimpered softly. “Palusami, Taro Root, Green Banana’s, Fausi, Taisi Moa and Kava” he wiggled his fingers in the air, “…and little flower umbrella’s with every drink…” He sniffed, wiping his nose along his sleeve, trying to choke back the tears. “Now I have to eat like white people!”

It was like watching two children arguing in a sandbox, completely oblivious to the world around them. My left eye…and the left eye of the smiley, twitched in harmony. I opened my mouth to jump into the conversation when an oversized, greasy rat the size of a large Chihuahua shot across my path. I yanked my foot up, cringing. Dodging and squeaking in fearful plight, the thing fled into the darkness, a small, wiry dog snapping in hot pursuit.

No one else seemed to notice or care.

The air carried the scent of ripe bodies, mixed with earth and hints of cloves, saffron, and sage. A small sea of patrons crowded the circular courtyard at the heart of the market. The light was most concentrated here, a large range of stalactites housing a colony of snails overhead. Carts and canopies surrounded a raised platform of stone, offering trinkets, food, and salves. Alive and buzzing, many laughed and talked merrily in the moist, smokey air. Others haggled and argued over price and quality of goods.

All ignored the hatred restrained behind them

A stockade, mounted at the center of the platform, held a woman. She snarled, spat, and shrieked at the uninterested crowd, straining at her captivity. Her dirty hands made clawing motions, though her wrists were securely bound by the device. Matted hair covered half of her bruised face as she screamed obscenities at the merchants below.

Her graying hair made her look old, her face gaunt. What could she have done to deserve such a punishment?

When I stopped to get a closer look at the poor woman, Chuck, Dax, and Höbin kept walking, deep in conversation. They were completely unaware that I’d fallen behind. “They don’t even know I’m gone,” I muttered. “Unbelievable.” They weaved through the crowd, never looking back, until I watched them wander out of view. 

I shook my head, irritated.

There I was. Alone. In the Black Market, which Dax had adamantly complained about, making sure I knew what the dangers and rules were. And where was he now?

Exactly.

Thule’s probably somewhere in this crowd, looking for me. Evil, if the vallen in Sanctuary was any sign to go by, knew I was here. Or maybe the Gypsies know who he was and wouldn’t let him in. Well, THAT would be nice. Then again, Thule could have spies or henchmen looking for me instead. Well, THAT sucks. 

Tha-Thump-Thump

The market didn’t seem so bad, though. At least not to me, and my enemies, if I can call them such, didn’t know what I looked like. That’s when fear clawed at my chest, and rightly so. I glanced down at the smiley on my shirt. Large, near transparent globes of water beaded and rolled off the round yellow face, bulbous eyes darting from side to side.

"You’re right," I whispered. "I’m totally out of place, and we aren’t safe here."

Animal skins, fine twine linen, silks and furs, radiant colors and dull, muted browns, all created a backdrop to make me stick out like a sore thumb. Jeans and a t-shirt might not have been the best choice, I had to admit. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much I could do about it now. But hey, I looked good.

That’s something.

Keeping my eyes low, I moved closer to the vendors, trying hard to blend in by looking for something to purchase.

“Get your hands OFF me!”

It was an angry cry, piercing the rumble of the market. Few heads turned. The sound of a sharp slap, which got more attention, immediately followed it.

A fat merchant held up his hands to protect his already bright red face, finger streaks across one cheek. In front of him, a young girl stood just outside arm’s distance, a fist clenched tight, raised to strike. Her narrow eyes burned with rage, her fist slowly relaxing. She pointed a finger of warning, her opposite hand on a large knife at her belt. “Those hands wander again, you sick little man, I’ll make sure you lose them!”

I blinked in disbelief.

The curly hair, the smooth, perfect face with dark almond eyes and full lips. A strange tingling sensation trickled up my spine, starting from my heels, running up my legs, my back and to the base of my skull.  

Tha-Thump-Thump

Tha-Thump-Thump

Tha-Thump-Thump

Both fear and excitement pulled at me. My whole body shuttered. 

It is her! But…how could this be happening? It was just a dream; I told myself. Just a stupid, weird…but there she was. I couldn’t deny what I beheld. The long, braided hair across her back, the tan skin of her exposed arms were a superb contrast to the gray fur vest she had on. She even had the large pouch I’d seen in my dream slung across her shoulder and chest. The only thing different was that she carried a small buckler and pearl colored club across her back.

Tha-Thump-Thump

Tha-Thump-Thump

Tha-Thump-Thump

She’s real. An actual girl…of my dreams. I looked around for someone to confirm what was happening, but that was stupid. I was alone. Right. It had to be destiny! She was the one! THAT’S why the universe brought me here, to connect me with my soulmate…the babe of all babes! SO WORTH THE WAIT!!

"You’re such an idiot," Doubt mumbled. 

My hand went to my chest. It burned under my skin.

"…and you’re going to embarrass us," Doubt added.

Relax, Wendell,…just relax.

"You can’t relax…it’s a girl. *sigh*"

How could I relax? The girl of my dreams…literal dreams, was right there in front of me. She was real. She was close.

She was…a girl.

"That’s what I just sai—,…..why do I bother?"

Crap. Crap. Crap.

I sucked air in painfully, forcing a deep breath. 

I have got to find out if this world has antacids.

Without another thought, I pushed forward…wading through the patrons. The girl moved slowly around the circle, inspecting goods and chatting with vendors, while I, keeping several paces behind her, stared unabashedly.

"Stop it. You’re doing the creepy thing again, Wendell," Doubt whispered. "Oh, this is going to be bad. I can feel it."

The girl stopped at a merchant selling wooden beads when she finally looked up.

…and noticed my presence.

It was my chance to make a great first impression…if…I could get close enough. Close enough to say something charming. Something clever. Or,…just something charming. I bobbed around the flow of patrons pushing past me, trying to keep her in sight. She was so beautiful, I couldn’t help but smile.

Her expression stopped me.

At first, I thought she might be looking past me. I mean, there were many people around us. I’m also not the tallest guy, and much of the patrons stood a head taller than me. But I could feel her eyes upon me. So I did what any guy would do when a hot girl stares right at him. I straightened my shoulders and stood tall, flexing. You need to make a good impression. You need to look strong. Make sure she really notices and remembers you.

Oh, that’s a good idea, I thought. Say something…like ‘hello’, so I don’t seem weird, following her like this.

Thing was, I never thought about the smiley on my shirt. Never considered what my emotions would look like out in the open. When I looked down, red hearts bubbled out of the eyes of the smiley face, its lips blowing silent kisses at the girl.

"Great," Doubt sighed heavily. "You were a complete joke all on your own, and now we have help?"

Those beautiful, chocolate brown eyes grew wide, and…her brows rolled forward. Her posture straightened abruptly as I took a step towards her. Her eyes quickly narrowed in warning.

Uh Oh. I stopped, daunted.

The girl’s nostrils flared, and her face contorted in disgust.

In that instant, I felt less than a bug, trying to crawl upon the market floor.

…after a boot had squished it.

Without a word, she broke eye contact, pivoted, and hurried away.

For a long moment, I stood there, completely confused and dejected. It had always been this way with girls, which I never understood. As far as I knew, I was nice, polite, had manners and respected girls — so why didn’t they like me?

The back of her head melted into the crowd.

I sighed.

You might like me.

“This is NOT the place to wander off,” Dax snapped, fiercely irritated. He gripped my wrist roughly and yanked me back through the crowd.“What the hell is wrong with you, kid?! Can’t you, for once today, just do what I ask you to do?”

I flailed about in protest, pointing in the direction where the mystery girl had vanished. “Let GO!” I yelled. “Get your grubby, green hands OFF me!” It was no use. Dax completely ignored me, outmatched me, and pulled me along the path. 

I finally stopped struggling altogether.

What was the use? She didn’t recognize me, anyway. I shook my head, reality setting in.

"Of course she didn’t recognize you, moron. She was in a dream…your dream, not hers." Doubt huffed.

The look she’d given me made my chest ache, though. I’d been spurned countless times before — back home on Earth — but this actually hurt.

"What’s the big deal? You’ve always been nothing, you’re still nothing," Doubt said. "What I’m saying is, you’re consistent, and that’s a good thing."

"Thanks," I said.

"Just keeping it real," Doubt added.

Dax grunted, tightening his grip, pulling me down the path like a child about to be disciplined. “Have ya already forgotten rule number two? Fairy farts, kid!! You’d think with all you were told at breakfast, you’d stay focused fer five freaking minutes!”

I wasn’t listening. Dax’s arrogance was just another example of the insults and bullying throughout the day.

When we emerged from the sea of patrons, Dax yanked up some cobblestone path leading to a truly giant building. The Roadkill Tavern looked dramatically different from every other building in the Black Market. It was a lodge, lovingly crafted and fit together. The gypsies would have had to bring in the lumber piece by piece and assemble it, piece by piece. The result was a rugged mountain tavern.

It was, by far, the largest building in the market — its irregular shaped logs peeled and tightly interwoven into a stupendous edifice of strength. The Roadkill sat partnerless within the cave as if patiently waiting to be returned to the native forest from which it was hewn.

Two large fire pits of layered stone slabs blazed in the small courtyard outside the entrance. The firelight frolicked across the black iron hardware of the giant wooden door. The center of it had a dried and cured boar’s head nailed to it, with tusks protruding from its mouth. At least I thought it was a boar’s head. The gaping eye sockets of the pig-like creature stared at me, challenging me to enter.

I didn’t want to.

Dax opened the front door, pulling and pushing me forward, but I fought him. He finally had to yank me off my feet and through the doorway. 

"What is WRONG with you, kid?!?" Dax bellowed, slamming me up against the inner wall. "This a fine establishment! Behave yourself."

We hadn’t taken over three steps across the plank floor before an impassible wall of greasy muscle, hair, soot, and dirt hedged us off. The smell of smoked meats and sour ale drifted past us and out the front door.

“Payment,” grunted a dark-haired man looming in the hallway. I’m a huge fan of the strongman competitions. The USA, UK, and Iceland competitors are some of the biggest men I’ve ever seen. This was the grown-up version of those strongmen. Impossibly broad, he nudged closer, slowly wiping his large hands onto a dirty rag hanging at his hip.

Dax looked up at the worn apron covered in blood, gravy, specks of meat and sinew clinging to the fibers…and into the unemotional face of…

“Wood!” he beamed cheerfully. “My friend — how’s business?”

Chiseled square, Woods chin and face were roughly shaven and scarred. His right eye was black, deep and dark as the void of the night sky…his left, covered with a soiled patch of brown leather. The patch fit snug against the burned flesh of his cheek. His eye remained locked on Dax, completely ignoring me. Letting the cloth fall against the stained cord holding his apron in place, Wood put both anvil sized fists on his hips.

“Closed to you, unless you brought coin.” The words rumbled deep from his chest.

Dax grinned weakly. “But it’s been six months…I’ve paid my time.”

“But you never paid for damages,” Wood challenged, his biceps and forearms flexing, making his deep scars stand out. “It cost me nears three gold coins to repair the tables, the chairs, replace three casks of ale, forty plates, thirty-two mugs, replace my front windows and buy me a new goat.” He bent forward at the hips, drawing close to Dax with a sneer. “I liked that goat.”

“Is there a problem, Wood?” Chuck asked, appearing cheerfully behind the tavern owner.

Wood didn’t bother looking back. “There is if he doesn’t have gold to settle his account,” he growled.

“Hmmm,” replied the wizard, “and what if he humbly apologizes?”

Wood considered. “Good idea,…add it in with the gold he owes.”

For the first time today, I stopped fuming long enough to enjoy this moment. In fact, it was becoming quite entertaining. It was nice to see the tables turned on by someone other than myself…especially if it was focused on my sarcastic guardian.

“Well, don’t look at me, monkey,” rebuked the wizard, waving his hand. “I won’t pay for your mistakes this time.” And with that, he turned and walked away.

Oh yeah, this was definitely funny.

Dax gulped and patted around his waste, to look for coin. Fingers checks pouch after pouch in the band of his boxers. Al he found was two used cigars, matches, a couple of odd-looking keys and lint. He edged towards the door. Sweat trickled down his brow, and he smiled weakly, bumping into…me.

His expression immediately shifted. Worry flashed to hope.

“Hey kid, can you loan me a little cash?” he whispered desperately, Wood looming closer. “I know ya got piles of coin in that sack ‘o yers. I’ll pay ya back…with interest — I swear!”

I scoffed, disgusted. “Seriously — after the crap you’ve put me through? Taunting me, teasing me, roughing me up and now you want my help? You have got to be joking! Why would I help you?” I could see the tinge of panic in his eyes.

“Because I’ll…I’ll owe you,” Dax hissed, stressing the offer.

As mad as I was, the deal sounded tempting. The green little devil would owe me? I…kinda liked that thought. Hmmm. Might not be a bad idea, actually.

"Ohhhhh do it, DO IT!" Doubt giggled. "We can cash in the favor when he least expects it!!"

That’s not how I do things.

"Which is another thing that bugs me about you!"

I waited just long enough to see the sweat trickle more fully down Dax’s brow before answering — just for fun. “My friend owes you money, sir?” I finally blurted.

Wood’s good eye shifted to me, and I quickly stepped forward to offer my hand to shake. The tavern owner just stood there, staring.

“Ok,…friend might be too strong a word,” I corrected myself, rubbing my hands together awkwardly. I wanted to make this believable, after all. “Acquaintance would be more accurate.”

Dax glared at me.

Powerful arms, like two gnarled cottonwood trees, folded over the apron. “He does,” Wood said in his deep, gruff voice.

Right. I mustered a smile. “Would it offend you, sir, if I paid his bill? Or do you need the payment to come directly from him?” I added, looking to Dax, “I could perfectly understand wanting to make someone of his questionable character, to suffer…”

Dax bit his bottom lip and stared at Wood, eyebrows crunched together in a single arch of hope. Wood raised his own in surprise, the massive arms relaxing, somewhat.

“Coin is coin,” he grumbled. “So long as it ain’t stolen, don’t matter where it come from…if it’s real enough.”

Ahhhh, that made me grin, as did the smiley — though the shirt looked a tad more cunning. Wood didn’t notice.

“Very wise. I couldn’t agree more. Did you say three gold coins?”

The tavern owner didn’t flinch, but his good eye went from me to Dax and back again.

“That was my cost,” he replied in a monotone.

I paused, considering. “And you’re in business to make money, not just exchange it, of course.” I tapped my chin with an index finger. “Would four gold coins suffice, then?”

“Four?” repeated Wood, somewhat taken aback. “Gold?”

I shook my head, embarrassed. “What was I thinking? You’re right, it should be five. I apologize, that wasn’t meant as an insult. I’m new around here.”

Wood’s arms unfolded and lowered slowly to his sides.

While I had his full attention, I reached into my jeans pocket, pulled out the small magical coin sack, and gingerly pulled on the string. 

Oh, please don’t make me look stupid — have enough, please have enough…

Taking my time, as if digging into my life savings, I slowly moved the coins around with my finger. The bag looked full and most of the coins were indeed gold. Whew. But I still took my time — feigning a worried look, digging deeper into the pouch. When the tension felt almost too much, I changed to a gleeful look of relief, picking each coin out…one at a time.

“I believe I have five gold in here…” I said softly to himself, though loud enough to be heard.

Dax shook his head. “Kid, just give him the…” he whispered.

“When someone provides excellent service, Dax, you pay for that service,” I said aloud, openly rebuking and milking the moment. Pausing, I smiled once more at Wood, who was leaning ever-so-slightly, trying to get a peek into the little bag. “Especially when you boast about this place so much. People will think you’re rude!”

Wood jerked his head back, his face contorting between disbelief and confusion. “He…boasts?” The hint of a smile tried to wrestle control away from the frown chiseled upon his face. “…about my tavern?”

With a grin of satisfaction, I pulled out a handful of coins. “Are you kidding?” I said loudly, “This tavern is just about all Dax has talked about since we got to the market.” It wasn’t a complete lie — after all, Dax was hungry. “The food, the atmosphere and especially the,” I squinted my eyes, stuck in my bluff, “finest drink in the Market?”

Ehhh…that sounded like a question, not a statement.

“Blackseed Rum!” boasted Wood, puffing his chest out in pride.

I chuckled, quickly snapping my fingers. “That must be it! My apologizes, I’ve never had it myself. Never had rum at all, actually.” Whew…close one. I dropped the coins into Woods’ gigantic hand.

“I hope that will cover Dax’s bill.”

Wood counted the coins and looked up, wide-eyed. “Six?!”

I let my expression fall. “Not enough?”

“No — NO, this is fine,” the big man grinned wide, “fine indeed!”

I beamed, this time watching Dax from the corner of my eye. The goblin looked as if he was about to faint.

“I’ve spent enough time with Dax to understand why you could be upset.” Giving the tavern owner a nod, I dropped my voice to a near-whisper. “Let’s just call that interest for pain and suffering.”

Wood’s barrel chest heaved as his laughter exploded through the tavern. Placing the coins in a pocket under the dirty rag, he patted his new treasure and stood aside, motioning me and Dax into the tavern.

“I thank you, master…”

“Wendell,” I said.

“Master Wendell,” Wood added.

I shook my head. “No. Just ‘Wendell’, please. My friends call me Wendell.”

Wood considered, then grinned at himself. “Then welcome…Wendell.” Pointing down at Dax, who was still shocked at the owner’s affected mood, he boomed loudly, “Any man who’s willing to pay the tab of this lot is certainly a friend of mine!”

This time it was Wood who extended a hand, and I gladly accepted it.

Boom. I made a new friend. Score one for me.

Dax walked off.

“Ahem,” I said, clearing my throat.

Dax stopped and looked back. He stared at me until he finally snapped. “What!?”

Holding a hand up towards Wood, I grinned widely. “I believe you owe this man an apology…in addition to the gold?” I smirked, but the smiley face was already laughing hysterically.

Dax looked from Wood to me, then back to the tavern owner. His shoulders sagged. “I’m…sorry…Wood.”

Wood snickered and shook his head in disbelief. “Oh — HO! Well, don’t that just shock the trousers right off ya!” He guffawed. “You make yourselves comfortable and I’ll send Gwen over presently.” Striding across the wood floor, the tavern owner kept chuckling to himself, shaking his head. “I’ve seen it all, I have.”

Dax breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks kid, I owe ya.”

“Yes, you do,” I chimed, then added firmly, “with interest.”

Dax had nothing further to say.

The great hall was full that evening. Laughter and shouts for food and drink thundered through the smokey air and giant log beams overhead. Pipes burned with the scent of cherry and bourbon. Jokes were told, and a minstrel played soft tunes on his lute from a plush chair beside the hearth. Exuberant barmaids carried platters overflowing with food, vegetables, and meats smelling of butter and spices. Working their way from table to table, the ladies tried frantically to quench the endless thirst of their patrons with cider, ale, and Wood’s famous rum.

Höbin and Chuck had already seated themselves in the last booth, next to the hearth, at the north end of the hall. It was as private as you could get in the tavern. Dax sat against the wall, the wizard next to him. I sat at the edge of the booth, affording me a perfect view of all the lively patrons — the gnome sitting next to me. It was near impossible not to have my attention drawn to the patrons. It was like living in a fantasy novel.

Though the Roadkill was filled mostly with humans, a group of Kutollum (commonly called dwarves) laughed merrily at two tables, while a small group drunkenly attempted a game of darts. Wiping their mouths on their thick beards, they each belched their appreciation of both food and drink.

Four Evolu sat in a booth near the door, their brilliant green robes in stark contrast to the dark stain of the surrounding wood. They looked between themselves, almost nervously, drinking a deep red liquid out of fluted glasses. I wondered why they’d even come to such a place when they looked so uncomfortable.

In the very center of the hall, at least two dozen Gnomes pushed long tables together and engaged in aggressive conversation. Food and drink covered large, unrolled sketches and diagrams. Held open by mugs, plates and a few rear ends, they debated over concepts, building materials…and how many mugs you can balance on your face while intoxicated.

In the booth opposite us was a single human male, middle-aged and balding. He sat quietly, reading a book while sipping tea from a tiny white saucer.

All seemed well and good at the Roadkill Tavern, except for the two tables closest to the bar. Four vallen at one table, mugs in hand, solemn and quiet, while two others sat alone, scarfing meat still raw and bloody. Like animals, they rent the flesh with their jagged teeth. The barmaids cringed as they set down fresh pints of drink and food, snatching up the coins and shuffling off as quickly as they could.

I swallowed with some difficulty, my hand scratching at the gem.

“We’re alright, son.”

I blinked. “What?”

Chuck grinned. “The giants at the table. Ignore them. They’re being watched as we speak, so don’t worry yourself.”

Wood made sure our booth became a priority. He assigned Gwen, an older woman, to our table. It eased some of the tension I felt. Though, I’m sure it had to do with money I’d given, it felt good to be acknowledged.

“Do you like Käärunä, Wendell?” Höbin asked as they considered their orders. “Wood boils them first, then fries it with fresh butter, salt and herbs, then adds eggs…and ham, if any, can be found in the market. It’s one of his best dishes.”

I looked to the wizard. “Käärunä?”

Chuck licked his lips at the description. “They’re like potatoes.” He nodded to Gwen. “I’ll take an order of that. Wendell?”

“Sure,” I said coolly.

Dax ignored the food suggestions and ordered four rounds of drink, all for himself. “Ya know, kid, that was impressive,” he said, once we were finally alone. “Ya have these buffoons eatin’ outta yer hand.”

“What are you talking about?” I said.

“Wood, the barmaid — ya got everyone thinking yer a decent guy, which is good.”

“They’re not buffoons, Dax," I said. "They’re people trying to live life like you and me.” But then I reconsidered. “Well, me, anyway…and it has nothing to do with eating out of my hand. I just try to make friends by being decent, that’s all.” I grinned sarcastically at Dax, but the smiley glared over the lip of the table. “You should try it sometime.”

“Right,” continued Dax, blowing off the insult. “I get it. Ya wanna make it all seem real? I’m impressed.” He raised his own mug in salute.

“That’s not what I meant!”

“Here, here,” added Höbin, raising his own mug. “A toast to polite young men with proper manners!” He winked at me. “May we all learn from their good example.”

Chuck smiled and raised his mug in agreement, but Dax scoffed.

“Bleh,” he stuck out his tongue, “…wouldn’t go that far.”

I waited until Gwen had brought all the food and was out of earshot before I finally unleashed my frustration. “So Thule’s in the market,” I blurted.

Dax spit his drink all over the table…and into my face. Both Chuck and Höbin started choking, and the wizard had to smack the gnome on the back repeatedly.

Wiping his face and beard on the sleeve of his robe, the wizard slammed the mug onto the table. He looked angry at first, but when our eyes met, I believe Chuck found the sight disconcerting.

I was sitting back, hands on the table, with a serene expression. The smiley, however, was another story. Chuck knew to watch both. The emoticon had a slight red tinge to its cheeks, frowning at the wizard through narrow slits.

“No,” he replied, trying to stay calm. “Thule is not in the market…and I’d appreciate it if you’d lower your voice, young man. You’ll start a riot.” The wizard frowned, trying to look stern, but when I remained undaunted, he sighed. “I know that’s what you heard Dathern say, but that’s not what he meant.” Chuck glanced at Höbin.

“No reason you shouldn’t tell the boy,” urged the gnome. “Seeing the responsibility that’s been placed on the lad, he has every right to know.” When he looked at me, it was with an expression similar to the wizard’s. Fatherly, but there was…something else. Respect.

I opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

“Don’t worry, young man…I know exactly who you are.” Höbin’s eyes smiled as he knocked on the table with a knuckle. “You let it all out and don’t mind me. You accepted a job I wouldn’t wish on anyone. That takes stones.” He raised his mug. “The honor is all mine.”

The words were unexpected, especially from a stranger. I wasn’t sure what Höbin knew, but his kindness helped, soothing some of the sting I was feeling. 

“Thank you,” I smiled.

“Look, kid…” Dax cut in.

“Pay up or shut up, Dax,” I snapped. The anger caught me by surprise. The heat swelled immediately at the sound of his voice. “You have nothing right now that I want to hear, especially from a bully.”

Dax looked at the wizard, confounded, and slumped back on the bench.

“You certainly sound upset.” Chuck took a bite of food. “Mmmmm — garlic.”

 “Why shouldn’t I be? You’ve ignored me, pushing me aside, and I’m the one who has to figure out how to save this freaking world!” I could feel my cheeks flushing while the smiley went dormant. “I know you’re stuck with me and people have expectations. That’s WHY I’m upset, Chuck! How am I supposed to learn anything if I don’t matter enough to be included?”

Chuck set his utensil down and turned in his seat enough to give me his full attention. “Son, I…”

“Let me finish!” I snapped. “I’m just as uncomfortable having to be babysat as you are being stuck with me, ok? I GET it. I’m only here because I wanted to help, not to be a burden! If you remember, I had the chance to walk away.” I sank back against the seat, folding my arm across my chest. “But I didn’t.”

As I turned my glare on Dax, the evolu met my gaze without blinking.

“I don’t know the history of this world or anything about my enemies. I’m wandering about with no family or friends or people to rely on. Not a clue about who the good guys or bad guys are, other than Thule’s the king of creepy evil, and at this point, Dax is running a close second!”

“Hey!” Dax gasped.

“I’m sitting in a world of magic, but don’t have a clue how to use it, yet you expect me to become one of the best magic users…”

“Mägo.”

“WhatEVER, Chuck! I’m totally lost here. Don’t you get that? I’ve got a talking gem in my chest, a letter from a dead guy, animals who understand me, women who want to eat me, scary old people clawing at me from the shadows, chanting riddles I don’t understand…then I see the girl from a dream I just had!”

I took a deep breath and let it all out in a huff. “For crying out loud, Chuck,” I shot a pleading glance at Dax, then, “I’m already on overload and terrified of failing…and you pushed me aside. How does that even make sense?”

My shoulders fell forward, anger spent. “I have a hard enough time believing in myself, but now I have a literal world added to that pressure. I can’t do this alone, guys…can’t you see that?”

“Wendell,” whispered Chuck, leaning against the table, “…look at me, son.”

I looked up. The wizard’s bright eyes almost sparkled in the dim light and the stern expression was gone. In its place was concern.

Even Dax put his drink down and quietly watched us.

“I’m sorry,” the wizard breathed. “I should have explained myself better, so this miscommunication didn’t have to happen, but I was trying to calm a very old friend. This…” he wagged a finger back and forth between us, “is good. It’s communication, and it’s all good. You should know — that even though I’m old,…and I don’t know how much longer I can actually keep this up — I plan to be with you for as long as I can. I’ve waited a very long time for you to show up.” He smirked. “And here you are. I might be unsure, I might be scared of the outcome myself…but I am not stuck.” Chuck knocked on the table. “So this is a chance to learn about each other…and hopefully, this doesn’t have to happen again. Alright?”

I nodded.

“Wait,” the wizard frowned, suddenly catching on. “Did you say you saw a girl from a dream you had? As in, an actual, living person, from a dream you had…recently?”

I nodded again. “Last night, actually. You guys left me behind in the Market and I saw…,” then I turned to point at the front door. My mouth dropped open. “That girl…right there!” I said, gulping.

Sure enough, striding across the hall was the same girl from the market square. In a confident stride, she weaved through the tables and patrons, gaining a few glances as she made her way to the bar.

She took out some coin and exchanged words with Wood. He nodded, took the coin, then vanished through a curtain into the back. The girl sat down on a stool, letting her attention drift over the sea of activity.

Höbin leaned out of the booth, getting a glance over my shoulder. “Well, you have good taste. I’ll give you that. Not a bad looking female…as far as your race goes.” He paused, then asked me in a near whisper, "You…do like all those curves, correct?"

I swallowed hard. "Very correct."

Chuck frowned and tapped on the table surface, trying to bring the attention back to the conversation. “A dream, dream? Like you were asleep?…or were you awake and saw things in front of you?”

Tha-Thump-Thump

“Wha-? “Oh, uh, I was asleep,” but my attention stayed focused. My eyes jumped back to watch the girl. Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only one. The two vallen seated together had also taken notice of the girl. Pointing and commenting while they gawked, I strained his senses, but couldn’t hear what was being said.

Tha-THUMP-Thump

What’s going on? My chest again started burning, but this time so hot that I flinched and slapped a hand over my t-shirt.

"OW!"

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

The wizard asked, “What’s wrong?” but I couldn’t take my eyes off the girl. Chuck waved a hand near my face. “Son??”

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Wood came out from behind the curtain with a platter of food and a large mug. He set them on the counter in front of the girl. I cringed. 

This isn’t good. She’s all alone.

Sliding from the stool, she walked around the tables towards an empty booth.

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

No, no-no, that’s a bad idea!

Her path led her past the vallen watching her.

A giant hand reached out and grabbed the girl’s backside.

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

My hand closed around the thick clay mug I was drinking from.

It shattered, milk spraying across the table.

“Woah, kid!” Dax bellowed, shaking the milk from his hands. “Be a little more…,” but Chuck raised a finger to his lips. He nodded in my direction.

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

There was no scream, no yelling — only laughter between the two giants. Until the cretin’s face got splashed with steaming vegetables, soup, and piping hot tea. Plate and mug followed, shattered over his head.

The great hall bursted into laughter at the girl’s defiance. Kutollum and Gnomes raised their mugs and cheered, while others observed grimly.

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Roaring, the giant stood up abruptly, hands clawing at it burning face, his chair sliding across the floor.

Run, girl! What are you doing? He’s going to…

Before the girl could detach the club from her back, large fingers darted out and gripped her throat.

“Gak!” she choked. 

Wood yelled from the bar, attempting to navigate around the group of barmaids and through the crowd to intervene, but the tavern’s energy drowned out his shouts.

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Her body rose off the floor, while feet kicked and nails clawed at green flesh.

“Gonna learn your lesson, little wench,” the vallen snarled, spittle rising over its burned and swelling lips.

“Go to hell,” she choked.

The giant raised his fist to strike her.

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

Tha-THUMP-Thump!

My world blurred.

The strike never fell.

I don’t understand how, but I’d blinked, and I was just…there. My small fingers held the muscular arm fast, digging into the vallen’s wrist like rebar. My body was on fire, a pulsing energy rippling through my limbs.

“Let…her…go,” I whispered through clenched teeth.

The large hall went silent.

My face flushed hot, the veins in my forehead and neck bulging. “Let her go,” I repeated, squeezing so hard blood drizzled down the giant’s forearm as my finger pierced his flesh. It was so strange to feel this strength, to feel so sure of myself…of what I could do, and yet so confused at the experience at the same time. My body trembled as if it were about to explode from the pressure. Drips of black blood pooled under my fingertips. From the corner of my vision, I could see the girl staring at me.

Confused.

The scene looked impossible. A child against a giant…but the monster couldn’t pull free. Even Wood stood at the corner of the bar, a huge frying pan in one monstrous hand, stunned.

“Now!” I demanded, but he wasn’t listening. In fact, it was only then I noticed the giant wasn’t even flinching. My fingers had punctured the flesh, which had his attention, but nothing more. The girl was struggling for air, kicking wildly. 

He needed motivation.

All it took was a hair more pressure, and I heard the bones in his forearm…crack.

The vallen winced, and the girl fell to the floor, gasping for breath. 

I smiled.

There, that’s more like…

Side Note: Just because you have the strength TO fight, doesn’t translate over to know HOW to fight.

…because I seriously wasn’t expecting to get punched in the face with his now free hand.

I flew backwards, arching across the great hall, over tables of dumbstruck patrons, and with a loud crunch, into the wall beside the hearth. It was the best impression of an accordion I could make. Crumpled against the logs, and with a thud, I fell to the floor.

Only the drunk cheered, then reconsidered.

Oh, that hurt, to be sure, but not as much as I thought it would. Is that strange? Should I be worried that I ought to be more hurt, or just go with this sudden perk? Right. Stupid question. Slowly, I lifted my head from the floor. It swayed from my shoulders as if attached by puppet strings. I blinked a few times…my vision was blurry duh. What annoyed me was the ringing in my ears, drowning out the sound. I coughed. Saliva mixed with blood trailed from my mouth onto the wooden floor.

Now THAT was a familiar feeling.

Owwwwwww. I blinked again. Note to self: look both ways before you cross the street. No, wait. You’re in a fight. I shook my head. A girl.

No.

THE girl.

Someone’s beating up THE girl. Which girl? I blinked again. Doesn’t matter! You don’t hit girls!! 

Thu-THUMP-Thump!

Thu-THUMP-Thump!

Thu-THUMP-Thump!

"Get up! You’re the Wendellizer," yelled Doubt. "She needs you! This is not happening again!"

Dude,…PLEASE make up your mind which side you’re on!

"I’m on MY side, dummy," Doubt hissed. 

Thu-THUMP-Thump!

Like the wave of an ocean, that warm tingling sensation washed over me, clearing my mind. 

I survived a hit from that guy. It seemed impossible, but it was true. I looked to the hearth and then to a blurry Chuck, Dax, and Höbin. The three had stupid big grins on their faces…and Dax, of all people, gave me a thumbs…up?

"You actually took a hit from a giant and lived," Doubt screamed so loud I winced. "Do you know what this MEANS!??"

My glare locked onto the vallen, still a gigantic mass of blurry shadows and shifting lines. The last moments of Kyliene’s life rolled through my memory. The enemy, smiling at me.

Mocking me.

Thu-THUMP-Thump! Thu-THUMP-Thump! Thu-THUMP-Thump!

Doubts’ voice dropped to a guttural, animalistic tone. "It means you get to fight back, Wendell. You get to protect."

I blinked, again and again, trying to make sense of the shapes swirling in my field of vision.

I get to fight back?

YES.

The small blurs suddenly became a big blur…right over me. A dark spot dove at me.

MOVE.

Guided by some invisible hand, I rolled away from the wall, not knowing where to go next. A chair smashed where I had been, exploding into pieces. Part of the leg ricochet off my shoulder. Blinking again, I forced himself to my feet. My enemy was coming into focus. Big. Powerful. Scary.

Honestly, I preferred the blur.

…but I had an idea.

The vallen was, of course, much bigger and stronger than any high school football player, but I hoped the beast was just as thick-headed.

Sidestepping to place the wall at my back, I grinned big and wide, adding a cheesy sneer for flavor. “Did your mother teach you to hit like that, ugly?” I taunted. “Can’t take a out a human child…cause you hit like a widdle girl!” To hopefully add insult to injury, I pouted, then laughed out loud. The smiley face stuck out its tongue and blew a raspberry.

The roar was deafening.

The giant ran at me head on and…lunged, arms outstretched.

I stood my ground until the last possible moment — then dove into the booth next to me. Grasping fingers brushed against my sneakers. There was a dull, sickening crunch, as the giants boil-riddled head kissed the log wall. The body crumpled in a heap to the wood floor.

The hall erupted into cheers.

I looked back at my companions in the opposite booth and gave them a thumbs up.

Höbin cheered. “That boy does have stones!”

The wizard tilted his hat back and snorted. “Well, I’ll be,” he said. “Not bad. Not bad at all.”

Dax, however, wasn’t smiling. He jabbing at the wizard and pointed at another table.

While the whole of the tavern was cheering and hooting, four giants looked on soberly. It was then I noticed the full-plated armor, red tabards and helmets set at their feet. They weren’t the everyday bad guys.

"Scouts," Dax hissed.

None of them flinched or showed the slightest emotion about their fallen comrade. Instead, they watched me slide from the booth and back to my feet. None of them commented or looked at one another.

They just…stared.

“I don’t like this,” grumbled Dax. He waved at me and slid across the bench. “We need to leave, now.”

Thu-THUMP-Thump!

Thu-THUMP-Thump!

An anvil sized fist struck me in the head. The blow came down with such force, my body spun around twice. I face-planted onto the floor.

The tavern went deathly quiet.

“Get up,” the beast sneered. 

I’d missed the movements of the second giant, who had apparently followed right behind his buddy. As much as I tried to lift myself off the floor, my body felt like lead. Arms trembling, I struggled just to pull my knees up under me.

The giant snarled, baring its teeth. “I’ll show you what mother taught me.”

"You…can…do…" Doubt started to say…

A fist pummeled me on the side of the head. 

Again.

My face bounced off the floor, breaking my nose. Blood shot across the floor on impact. When my chest followed my face, the impact knocked the wind from me. Stars danced in my peripheral vision.

OW! That…REALLY hurt! I wanted to scream, but I needed more air. Mouth open, I gasped, trying to expand my lungs. The creature was too strong. Stabbing pain shot through my face, chest, spine and I was certain my jaw was broken.

Luckily, that made me focus.

Hey, you really have to make the best of things...

Putting my hand out against the wall, I tried to drag myself up to a standing position.

“I’m taking this guy out!” I heard Dax growl. 

“No,” said the wizard.

“Are you inSANE? That boy’s gonna get killed!” I turned my head in time to see Dax slap Chuck’s wrinkled hand away. “He’s my responsibility, old man!”

Chuck shook his head. “Wendell wants to understand what he’s in for? Let him find out. She’ll heal him and the beast hasn’t pulled a weapon. Let it go, for now.”

Great. More pain.

Dax yanked free of the wizard’s grip and shot Höbin a concerned look. It was a look they shared. The gnome nodded almost imperceptibly, then slowly pulled back the two middle fingers on his metal hand.

I moaned as my jaw popped and shifted. My hair was damp with sweat and blood, and I struggled to raise my head. Inhale…Exhale… I coughed and blinked again. The world was slowly spinning, and I wanted desperately to get off.

I know you’re there, Ithari. I can feel you.

There was a snap, and I flinched. My nose realigned. An instant later, my ears stopped ringing enough to hear the laughter. The beast was taunting me. I swayed, holding onto the wall, but still hunched over. I could see, now, the blood dripping from my mouth — a small pool on the floor beneath me.

Help me, Ithari. Please…I don’t know what I’m doing!

Again, my jaw popped, this time back into place. The pain was lessening, but I felt so tired…and I ached…everywhere.

Eventually, it’s just going to be you and me, Ithari.

Together.

The giant hovered over me, waiting for me to stand erect. It howled, then barked — egging me on — daring me to fight back.

I looked to the side without moving my head. I could clearly see the Vallen’s feet.

Please, Ithari — give me strength.

When I looked up, my booth came into perfect focus.

Guide me.

Dax and Höbin had worried looks on their faces, but Chuck seemed…calm.

Chuck smiled.

Thu-THUMP-Thump!

With a roar, the vallen swung his immense fist at my head, dropping its body into the blow.

My shaking hand flinched to protect me.

…and I caught it.

Gasps and cheers exploded throughout the tavern. Even Wood boomed at the top of his lungs.

“Chuck!” yelled Dax, jabbing a finger at the front door. The scouts were quietly leaving the tavern. Dark eyes lingered on me as they filed through the door.

“Not good,” gulped the wizard. “Yup, time to leave!”

Shocked at the unexpected outcome, the vallen yanked his fist back and pulled a knife from his belt.

“OH! DEFINITELY not good!!” Chuck stammered, pointing a shaking finger at the giant. “Foul! Not fair!!….Someone STOP him!”

Hopping to the floor, Höbin pressed a button on his forearm and two needles shot from the tubing of his fingers. The metal sank into the exposed flesh of the giant’s arm. An electrical charge traveled down the wires and into the target. Shaking violently, it turned and roared at the gnome…then yanked the needles from his arm.

“Oh hell,” Höbin sighed — just before a fist sent him sailing through the air — and into the base of the staircase. With a clang, the old gnome fell to the floor.

“HÖBIN!” yelled Chuck and Dax simultaneously. The wizard bolted from the booth to his friend.

Dax threw his mug at the giant to grab its attention. The clay shattered against its jaw.

“YOU!” Dax roared. Cracking his knuckles, an evil grin crawled across his face, his gigantic eyes narrowing to slits. Circling around, he positioned himself between me and the giant.

“Bad move, ugly,” he said, baring his teeth. “Now yer gonna get hurt.”

The giant laughed. “By YOU?” he bellowed, then threw his head back and roared.

Dax’s expression changed to a wily smirk. “Nope,” he said smugly. He pointed between the giant’s legs. “By her.”

The vallen looked over his shoulder…then down. The gnome didn’t even reach the giant’s kneecap. Her face was stony, hands tapping the tiny swords at either hip. She wore a combination of chain mail and random pieces of plate armor with dark blue and red markings, black leather gloves, and boots. The outfit made her red hair glow like fire, her green eyes standing out like portals to the abyss in a forest landscape of pale beauty.

The creature didn’t have time to react.

Both blades jumped from their sheaths and flashed, severing the Achilles’ tendon of the closest leg. Blood sprayed, and the giant howled—tables and chairs lurched as he collapsed upon the floor with a mighty boom. Leaping up onto his armored chest, the gnome poised both blades at the vallen’s throat.

“You hit my father,” she said coldly. “Stupid move.”

“Alhannah!” shouted Höbin, “That’s enough!” Chuck was helping the old gnome sit upright, inspecting the seal of the metal plating around his skull. “I tasered him first, young lady — leave him!”

Alhannah spat in the giant’s face, quickly slashing her blades across his right cheek, carving a deep X.

“If I see you again,” she whispered, “…ever…I’ll finish what I started.” Then she slid off.

Dax helped me to my feet. “We gotta get outta here, now,” he said. Glancing over at Höbin, “You ok, Höb?”

“I’ll be fine,” said the gnome, waving away the concern. “That’s a record, boys — only a mug and a chair to pay for? I’m impressed.”

I stood up straight and did a quick stretch, my shoulders and neck popping into place with a moan. My balance was still a bit off. Just needed someone to stop the world from spinning.

“I’ll be impressed if we survive and get out of here,” Dax said nervously.

Höbin grinned. “Well, I have the bill covered. You boys run along.” He looked at his daughter sadly, “…and take Alhannah.”

“What?” she exclaimed, “I just got here!”

“…and now you need to leave. That wasn’t self-defense back there, sweetheart.” He lowered his voice, so the howling of the vallen nearly masked it. “The Sentry will be here soon and if you’re not gone, you’ll be lucky if you end up in the stockade.”

“Screw them,” Alhannah cursed, but her father shook his head disapprovingly. She scowled, glancing at Dax, then Chuck, and even shot a curious look at me. Mouthing obscenities in silence, she finally gripped the hilts of her swords, rattling them in frustration.

“Fine,” she scorned, then bent over to kiss her father on the head mechanically and marched away.

Höbin just smiled.

Alhannah’s shoulders slumped, and she dashed back to her father. Kneeling at Höbin’s side, she hugged him tight and rubbed her forehead against his.

“Ok, dad,” she whispered, “you win.”

He smirked. “I always do.”

Straightening her gloves and adjusting her belt, Alhannah Luckyfeller rounded her shoulders and looked up at the wizard.

“Have room for a chick-warrior, Uncle Chuck?”

<— Read Previous Chapter | Read Next Chapter —>

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