Alchemist’s Familiar

Seabaoden‘S got me on this one.

“I have to concede my deafest to the Prince of beasts.”

“Wise beyond your years, young pup.” The brown orb purred. It made quick work of its share of Daliah’s soul. “It is done, use her as you please, and deliver more of her soul in the future.”

“As you wish my lord.” I sigh as I’m left alone with the image of Daliah. I wasn’t doing a half bed job keeping the princes mollified so far. None had my overwhelming favor.

The world came back into focus and I was walking Daliah down the street once more. “Let’s meet back a week from now. I’m gonna be busy building my hut for the foreseeable future.”

“Works for me.” Daliah stuffed her hands in the pockets of her robes. “I’d prefer it if you didn’t follow me back home.”

“Ouch.” I laugh and shake my head.”They breed em’ cautious in the city don’t they?” I took a step away, and gave her a low bow. “Then with your comfort as my supreme prerogative I bid you farewell Daliah.”

She smiles at that. “Good night, Herald.”

——-

The straw bed was as fine a sleeping companion as a bringer of evil could ever hope. It beat the rocks, mud, and sticks I’d been enjoying for the last two months. Oh how I missed the dungeon and its glorious pillows! Not to mention the pillow companions. I’d been moderately charming to a woman, and she hadn’t thrown me on the floor, and fingered my ass. These truly were lost souls on the surface world.

I ventured out into the day and followed the wagon traffic out of town. Or at least this was my attempt. The main square was blocked off by a crowd. I left Apples my horse behind with the cart to investigate.

The good people of Crossroads were surrounding a gaggle of men in horses. “The royal Calvary.” I whispered to myself. These were strapping young men on large imperial steeds. Big mean beasts larger than any cart horse, and vicious enough to charge into an army. The men had curved cavalry sabers at their hips, and ribbon decorated lances strung across the saddle bags.

“Goblins have been sighted on the southern road. They’ve already claimed the lives of several men. All traffic heading south will be halted until sunset when our operation is complete.” I cam into too late to hear the fanfare and beginning of the announcement, but I heard the part that mattered. Captain Albert the exquisitely moustached hero at the fore of the cavalry was going to kill all my goblins, and take back my stolen gold.

My stomach churns uncomfortably as I watch the crowd cheer, and wave them off. Off to destroy two months of hard work. I’m gonna be sick. What did I leave in camp? Anything that could come back to haunt me? The cauldron was in my pocket, as long as I had that I could survive.

Dammit!

It was a mistake coming to this blasted town. One little goblin attack and they send in the cavalry! I got lucky. If I wasn’t for friendly old store owners I’d be in the forest right now, blind to the attack that was coming my way.

“He’s as impressive as I’ve heard.” A nearby townie gushed.

“He sure does fit the description.”

“Excuse me.” I poke my head into the conversation with a gentle smile. “Who was that?”

“Captain Albert.” A charming redhead said with a maidenly blush. “A total hero, from the Flambeaux war.”

“Yeah.” A blonde nodded along. “He’s a total gym of the capital. So cool we got to see him in action.”

“Captain Albert.” I watched him and his men shrink into the horizon.

Welcome to the game.