The Adventurer’s Guild – 2C

Chapter 2 – Putting the Team Together

The guild halls for the adventurer’s and mage’s guilds couldn’t have been more different. Where the mage guild had a hall that was almost a tower, certainly taller than it was wide with many stairs, and more rooms inside that it appeared it could contain from the outside, the adventurer’s guild had erected a low building, only two stories high, and taking up several city blocks. It included a lot of open space behind its outer walls as well, where the adventurers could train with a variety of weapons and abilities against practice dummies or sparring partners. Though there didn’t seem to be any practicing spellcraft, at least not in any of the areas Kaylen could see as he and Aranni entering through the front gates.

After entering they turned to the right toward the main building, and Kaylen observed a number of people training in the yard as they moved past. There were all sorts represented here; archers, poleaxemen, even a couple greatsword wielders. In fact, he realized one of a pair of individuals sparring with great swords appeared to be a woman. She was tall, and lightly armored, and may have been quite a bit thinner than her partner, but she was still holding her own.

As a battle mage, Kaylen would have the opportunity to choose and lead his own team, and he was glad to note that the only thing he did NOT see represented here were mages, and he obviously had that skillset covered. He couldn’t wait to get started.

Then again, he realized that anyone who would put themselves forward to be a member of his team would certainly be predisposed toward getting along with a mage such as himself. If a few members of his team happened to be female, as this swordswoman was, it might just give him an option for a real romance somewhere down the line.

But he didn’t have time to linger over that thought, as he turned to enter the guild hall just behind Aranni. The two of them checked their weapons with an attendant in the foyer, and went into the common room together. There were a handful of tables all along the walls, and over half of them held small groups speaking in low tones, some with drinks at their elbows. No doubt this was where negotiations were held for adventurer’s to be hired for all manner of quests. As a party leader, he expected he would find himself at one of those tables on any number of occasions.

Aranni led him to a counter across the room from the foyer where a guild representative stood in the position of a bartender, though from reputation Kaylen knew he also served as a receptionist for guild business, and seneschal of the guild hall as well.

“Master Rylan of the Mage Guild here to see the guild master.” Aranni announced, “We don’t have an appointment, but he is expecting us.”

“I’ll inform Master Norrison right away. Feel free to take a seat while you wait.” The man gestured to a nearby table with three chairs, and stepped away through a door behind the counter.

“I’ll be taking my leave as soon as introductions are finished. I still have work to do back at the mage guild.” Aranni informed him quietly.

“I understand, though I hope we will see more of each other from time to time.” He replied.

“As do I. Our duties should see our paths cross now and then, I’m sure. I am the local guild master, afterall.”

“I’m certain your apprentices would be glad for a visit from time to time as well. Especially Marcel.”

“Marcel? They all seemed to take a liking to you, but I thought Adalan and Neiah were the most infatuated. Probably a sign that you have some undiscovered talent for handling children.”

“Really? I wouldn’t have thought Neiah would still be thought of as a child.”

Aranni laughed, “What do you mean? Just how old do you think Neiah is?”

Now Kaylen felt sheepish, “Well, maybe I’m not the best judge, but I would have guessed… maybe sixteen?”

“Definitely not a good judge then. She’s barely thirteen.” Aranni corrected.

“Ah. Well, a mature thirteen I guess.”

“Maybe in her own mind, unless…” Aranni frowned. “How would you describe Neiah’s appearance?”

“Oh well, let’s see.” Kaylen tried to picture the young woman in his mind, “She’s on the short side, about here.” He held his hand about level with his collar. “Longish straw blonde hair, and… I’d say a modest figure, with sharp cheekbones, and a fashion sense that just skirts the boundaries of propriety.”

“I see.” Aranni chewed her lip. “I think she may have pulled one over on us. The little minx.”

“What do you mean?” Kaylen was definitely confused now.

“She’s been working on her targeted illusions. And if I didn’t notice her using it, then she’s been getting better at them.”

“You’re saying she was making herself appear older than she is, but only to me?”

“I believe so, yes. She’s still got a childlike figure, honey blonde hair, and is just a little bit chubby, with a round face.”

“Poor kid must really be obsessed with romance. I’m sure you could give her some guidance on that front.” Kaylen suggested.

“That’s pretty insightful. Maybe I do need to think about that side of things. I’m so used to just… brushing it off.”

They shared a comfortable silence, but then they were prevented from saying more when the door behind the counter opened. It was the receptionist returning with two men, one of whom Kaylen assumed must be the guild master.

“Master Aranni, so good of you to visit. It’s a shame our business doesn’t bring us together more often.” The first man said as Kaylen and Aranni both got to their feet. He wore a coat of plates riveted to a dark red cloth that appeared comfortable enough to wear all day, not just in battle, and his smile was framed by a chin-strap beard. The second man wore a black tunic with a pair of swords belted over it.

“And you must be Adept Gallowglass.” The first man turned to shake Kaylen’s hand more firmly than he had Aranni’s.

“A pleasure to meet you.” Kaylen smiled as they shook hands.

“Adept Kaylen Gallowglass.” Aranni started the introduction. “This is the adventurer’s guild master, Master Tyrell Norrison, and his associate.”

“Marius Dantes.” The guild master gestured to the man in black a step behind him. “Pleasure is all mine.” He held Kaylen’s gaze with an appraising look. “We can always use good combat mages in our ranks. I bet you’re eager to start forming your team?”

“Very much so.” Kaylen agreed.

“Well, I guess I’ll leave you to it. Wish I could stay longer.” Aranni apologized. “We’ll have to catch up another time. Perhaps a day will come when we are not both so busy.”

“Of course. One can always hope. May the gods watch over you.” Tyrell bid Aranni goodbye before turning his attention back to Kaylen. “I’ve already received missives from Master Rylan and Master Graun regarding your credentials, so I won’t ask for a demonstration of your skills. And I’m certain you don’t wish to hang around doing busywork either. So why don’t we get straight to what, or rather who you are looking for to fill out your team?”