Night had fallen by the time Culgan reached Shesta, dimly lit by lamps lining the streets. Just outside the entrance to the town, he could see a large, muscular, half naked man sprawled out on his belly. Concerned, Culgan knelt down beside him and squeezed his shoulder. "Are you all right?" The man stirred and grunted, then rolled over and yawned, scratching his side as he came to. Tattoos adorned his muscular chest and shoulders, which probably explained why he didn't like wearing a shirt. Culgan waited for a response.
"...errmm..mph..huh?" He rubbed his eyes and scratched his beard. "Who the hell are you?"
"A passerby. I thought you were unconscious or dead. Excuse me," Culgan said and stood to go.
The man sat up and held up a hand to stop him. "Hold up. I was a little rude to ya." He pointed to his chest with his thumb and said, "My name's Akamai, the best brawler around town."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Culgan." He held out a hand to help him up, and Akamai took it but nearly pulled Culgan down to him as he stood.
"Sorry 'bout that, friend." When he stood up straight, he towered over Culgan by more than a few inches, and Culgan was in no way of short stature. Now that the man was attentive, Culgan said, "I'm looking for a young man named Jowy. I don't suppose you've heard about him being here?"
"Hmm… my memory is a little fuzzy," Akamai scratched his belly and it rumbled a response, "but I bet if I had something to eat I could remember…" He grinned at Culgan.
Culgan shook his head, skeptical of Akamai having any knowledge of Jowy's whereabouts. "I'll just ask around town."
"Wait, wait! Ah, Jowy, yeah… small guy… passed through about three days ago."
Culgan stopped, "Three days? Do you know where he was headed?"
"You think maybe we could talk about this over a meal?" He gave a pleading look.
Culgan sighed, "Come along, then." He hoped he wasn't being strung along, but he was desperate to find a familiar face.
Culgan began leading Akamai into the city, but then realized he was unfamiliar with it and let Akamai lead him to the inn. They sat down in the inn's small restaurant, and Akamai took no time in ordering enough food for a small family. Culgan calculated in his head just how big a hole Akamai was eating into his wallet and withheld a sigh. The food came quickly and Akamai didn't bother with table manners as he stuffed his face like he hadn't seen food in years. When he stopped to chug a glass of beer, Culgan asked, "So, what do you know?"
Akamai didn't give pause to answer and continued eating, then answered with his mouth full, "Mmmph… nom… nom… south... nom…"
Culgan looked unamused as he sat motionless, watching Akamai the entire duration of his meal. He had ignored his gut feeling that he was being duped and soon the bill would come and tell him how much his stupidity cost him. The waitress approached the table and slipped Culgan a piece of paper. Culgan realized when she did so that Akamai must do this all the time – after all, he hadn't ordered a thing for himself, yet he was the one who took the bill without even asking for it. He looked at the piece of paper that read "3,000 potch" and glared at Akamai.
"Ahhhhh…" Akamai leaned back into his chair with a big grin and his hands rubbing his belly, "That's the stuff…" He let out a loud belch that made Culgan turn his face away.
"Oh! Um... Jowy, right? Could you describe him better… Lotsa Jowys running around, haha."
Culgan continued glaring, "Just admit you knew nothing in the first place."
"The name sounded familiar! Lotsa people come and go around here, this being a port town and all..." Akamai stood up, "Well, thanks for dinner!"
Culgan knew he wouldn't do well to stand up and try to block the monster of a man, so he stood up and paid the server the 3,000 potch, feeling very foolish. He was glad Seed wasn't there to chastise him… but what he would give to see his red-headed friend again.
Akamai, who'd walked past him and was halfway out the door, looked back and began feeling guilty. He sighed and walked back, sulking, "Listen… I feel bad for lying to you when you treated me to all this food. My warrior's code demands that from this day forth, I follow and help you on your journey!"
Culgan raised an eyebrow, wondering if the man really intended on robbing him in his sleep. "And how long do you feel indebted to me for? What 'journey' do you think I'm on?"
Akamai struck a pose, flexing and pointing at Culgan, "Until the day I feel I've fulfilled my debt. You bought me a mountain of food, so I owe you a mountain of gratitude!" Akamai realized he was speaking extremely loud and alarming everyone, so he lowered his voice and said, "Aren't you looking for this Jowy guy? I can help."
"Well, yes… I am… It's late, I'm going up to my room. I suppose I might see you tomorrow then."
"You can find me by the docks. I have a house nearby. Just ask around for me, okay?"
"Good night."