Adventures in a Medieval World

You awake in your room in the small inn you'd found just last night. It wasn't one of the best in town, but you were exhausted and, at the time, you weren't concerned with the inn's aesthetic value. You feel a little homesick, but you quickly push that feeling away. After all, you're an adult now and you should be on your own. You could have stayed home another year, but you didn't want the others of your village to start talking about you. Especially considering your own brother had left when he was a year younger than you are now.

As you rise from the pallet you'd been sleeping on, you quickly snatch up your weapons and begin affixing them to your person. Even though it's unnecessary, you pull the sword and daggers out of their scabbards and check the blades for any imperfections. This was one of the first lessons your father had ever taught you. Always check your blades as soon after you wake up as possible. You never want to go into battle with a weapon that's not in perfect working condition.

You quickly slip on your boots, then grab your final weapon from underneath your pillow. You take a moment to admire the wonderful craftsmanship of your most treasured possession. You can see the various striations in the blade and you test the edge against your thumb carefully. You nod in satisfaction as the dagger is just as sharp as it was on the day you bought it.

The hilt of the weapon is the most intricate one you've ever seen. The grip was specially formed to fit comfortably in your hand and the pommel was crafted into the head of a Bengal tiger. The eyes of the tiger hold two specially-crafted cat's eye agates which only serve to enhance the beauty of the weapon. The mouth of the tiger was also specially crafted so that, when you press the eyes, it would open to reveal a secret compartment. Inside the compartment was a set of lockpicking tools which you've used many times.

You leave the room and walk slowly down the stairs. As you survey the room, you see that it's just as packed as it was the night before. You make your way to the bar and pound on the wood to get the bartender's attention. He looks your way and nods, then returns to serving the other man his drink. When he finishes, he walks over to you and asks you what he can get you.

"A tall mug of ale." you reply, boldly.

"Ale?" he asks, looking you up and down. "How old are you?"

As quick as a flash, your sword is out and the edge is pressed to the man's throat. His eyes go wide and he raises his arms slowly in surrender. He tries to speak, but his voice cracks with nervousness. He clears his throat and tries again.

"N-no offense meant. I-I'm a respectable businessman and I couldn't take a chance on selling ale to a child. N-not that you're a child. Indeed, I now see that you're clearly an adult. But the locals here would have my head, so to speak, if I were to allow a child to drink ale."

You nod in acceptance of his words and carefully withdraw your weapon. You keep your eyes on the man as you slide the sword back into its sheath. He remains still until your hands are, once again, on the bar. He starts to speak, but you hold up your hand to quiet him.

"Good sir, I commend you for doing what you thought was right. For all you knew, I could have been a child. Much as it pains me to admit it, there are those who still think I look like one. But, I assure you, I am no child. I have just passed my nineteenth birthday and have left home to learn whatever the world can teach me. Now, the ale, if you please."

The bartender had lowered his hands while you'd been talking and had relaxed fully by the time you'd finished your short speech. He smiles warmly at you, nods, and rushes to fill your order. As he moves away, you turn around and place your back to the bar. Your eyes scan the room, once again, and a grin comes to your lips at the sight of several of the patrons holding their glasses up to you. They'd obviously witnessed the exchange and were showing you their respect.

The bartender taps you on the shoulder and you turn to accept the drink. You toss a few coins onto the counter as you take you drink. Then you turn back to watch the other patrons enjoying their meals and otherwise relaxing before they return to their work. All of a sudden, a lone figure appears in the doorway and the whole room falls silent as they turn to look at this person. The person appears to be very scared and unsure of whether they should enter or rush right out again.