Chapter 11 - Requests

I stayed quiet the entire time going back, fuming over my weak self. Fiona isn't one to begin a conversation so we went back to Colhen in silence.

The fight with the gnolls began and finished very quickly. A few brief moments of clashing can already decide the victor. Unfortunately, the critical moment I created was not grasped.

We arrive at the outpost at sunset. Ceara met us inside while she was focused on a book.

Ceara: "Oh! Welcome back! How was-"

Ceara stops mid-sentence and scrambles to treat the cuts and bruises upon seeing our beaten bodies. Mostly for Fiona, not so much for myself as I had only the broken armor and a few bruises here and there. As Ceara wraps bandages around Fiona, she tells us what has been happening at the outpost.

Ceara: "Marrec just left to check on the captain. So it shouldn't take long."

Coincidentally, Marrec comes back as Ceara finishes up tending to Fiona. We stand aside and prepare for our report.

Ceara: "Welcome back. How's the captain doing?"

Marrec: "Thankfully, he's come around. Everyone advises him to rest, but he insists that he must come back to the office..."

Marred explains with a sigh and before continuing on. The captain must be a well respected man among the mercenaries, for his subordinates to worry about him this much.

Marrec: "So, I'm going to bring him clothes and some other stuff he needs soon."

Ceara: "I see. It's good that he's fine. Still, I want him to take this opportunity to rest up..."

Marrec: "I agree with you on that, but the captain won't listen to us..."

From a few of Ceara's glances toward us, Marrec finally notices us to the side, away from the rest.

Marrec: "Hey rookies! How were the ruins? Did you have any trouble?"

He immediately regrets asking the question after seeing our battered states. Fiona provides a detailed and thorough report of our findings at the Perilous Ruins. Then she shows him the Fomorian emblem on the skull.

Marrec: "You were attacked by the gnolls?! That doesn't sound right at all. Why would they attack a scout out of the blue? We do training at the Perilous Ruins all the time and they've never attacked us before. We must look into this further."

The squadron leader thinks for a bit and then hands the Fomorian emblem back to me. I stow it away on my waist, somewhere that's easily accessible.

Marrec: "Lethita, since Fiona is injured, do me a favor and show that emblem to Kirstie. Kirstie is a huntress, and quite familiar with gnolls and Fomors. You can find her in the Traveller's Shop. It's near the inn. In the meantime, I'll go fill the captain in."

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Marrec rewarded us each a bag of coins before he left. It wasn't much, but it was enough to sustain me for two days. Following Marrec's orders, I plan to head over to the Traveller's Shop after getting my equipment changed at the inn. It is very uncomfortable walking around in broken armor. In the inn, the resting mercs gave me looks of sympathy, reminding them of their first days back when they were rookies too. Marrec already replaced my used short swords as mine were worn out from battle and provided another set of leather armor and veteran cloak. I slip on the new attire and headed out immediately.

Arriving at the Traveller's Shop, a scene plays out before me. A bearded nobleman in a wealthy and dazzling set of clothing is arguing with a red haired girl in a fashionable fur armor. Well, it isn't really an argument because it's clearly one sided. I can even hear it in the tone of the merchant that there resides this unyielding anger in his words.

"I'm disappointed, Kirstie. I paid you in advance, now you're saying you can't do the job? What am I supposed to tell the viscount?"

The red haired shopkeeper tries to defend her side in response. But the nobleman's glare made her cower quite a bit.

Kirstie: "Look...nowhere on the contract does it say-"

"The contract is clear! All gold gnoll leather is to be sold exclusively to Schulivan's of Rocheste. The contract is effective for two years. We both signed it. It's law, under the eye of the Merchant Association. And yet I haven't obtained a single piece of Gold Gnoll Leather from you this entire time!"

Kirstie: "Yes, the contract says 'When and if any Gold Gnoll Leather has been acquired.' When and IF. And I haven't acquired any..."

"No excuses, girl. You signed the contract and I promised the viscount gold gnoll leather! I will not tolerate this! You have one month!"

Kirstie: "Wh-what?! That's ridiculous. How am I supposed to-"

"Do whatever it takes. I'll be back in a month. One month!"

Kirstie: "Schulivan, that's ridiculous. Wait, where are you-"

The merchant Schulivan ignores the redhead and leaves the shop, slamming the door behind him. Resigning to her fate, the shopkeeper drops her shoulders in defeat. She soon notices me after the merchant leaves.

Kirstie: "Ugh, now what? ...And who might you be? You don't look like an adventurer though... Um... Are you a mercenary?"

She takes a step closer to inspect my face. Her face lights up upon realization of who I am. However I don't believe I have met her before.

Kirstie: "Ah, I knew it! You're the one who saved the town a few days ago! I'm Kirstie. I'm a huntress, but I pose as a merchant until the Fomors are defeated. Welcome to my shop. I also trade in leather and craft light armor. If you find any rare leathers, make sure to bring them to me."

Well, since she knows me already, I have no need to introduce myself. Kirstie's shoulders suddenly slump. With a sigh, she looks at me once again.

Kirstie: "I suppose you overheard that conversation earlier."

I nod in response. I am not too particularly interested in her situation but...

Kirstie: "That was Schulivan. I got into a mess a while back and thought signing that contract was a good idea, I really needed money at the time. but... Now, I'm in a bind. You see, a long time ago I took an oath swearing never to hunt intelligent beings like gnolls. So how can I possibly obtain any gnoll leather? Unless..."

Kirstie's eyes light up as she looks at me expectantly. Now she probably wants me to gather the materials for her.

Kirstie: "You're a mercenary, right? You fight all sorts of creatures. If you happen to spot a gold gnoll in the Perilous Ruins,
please get its leather and bring that to me."

Yep I was right. How did I ever guess that? Kirstie picks up a pouch of coins on the counter and tosses it around in her hand. A considerable amount of clinking coins can be heard from inside the pouch. There is probably enough to feed a family for a month.

Kirstie: "You will find it quite challenging to defeat gold gnolls, but I will give you a hefty reward in return..."

Getting her point across, she sets the pouch down and redirects her attention back to me.

Kirstie: "By the way, what brings you here?"

I explain to her my situation.

Kirstie: "Marrec sent you? Hmm.. Well, would you like me to take a look at that?"

I deliver the gnoll skull over to Kirstie. She examines it carefully. After a few moments, she hands it back. Keeping her hand on her chin, she carefully works out the connections in her mind as her brows furrow.

Kirstie: "Hmm, this is strange...
This emblem is definitely Fomorian like Marrec said. However, it's also the traditional necklace of the gnolls... You know what gnolls are, yes?"

"A gnoll is an ancient creature that resembles a canine. They are traditionally violent in nature."

I think I gave her a solid textbook answer even though I have not read a single book in my entire life so far. You may call me uneducated but back in my village, books were non-existent. We were just so secluded from everywhere else that we have no means of obtaining those resources. It would be certainly nice to have learned reading and writing.

Kirstie: "Yes. They used to be Fomors before, you see, but they broke their link with the Fomors after a long struggle. As far as I know, they are actually lofty, dignified creatures that have lived peacefully in the ancient ruins ever since... So why does this skull have the Fomorian Emblem, then? I've never seen something like this before. It seems to be a bad omen. Something must be going on in the ruins..."

I relay this message back to Ceara at the mercenary outpost as she is the only one there at the moment.

Ceara: "Hmm, did Kirstie really say that?
That's odd... Nonetheless, they almost never leave their territory, because they are so territorial. But this time they attacked us. And now we've found a Fomorian Emblem... I wish the captain was back with us. Anyway, Marrec is running late... Huh? Who's that fellow behind you?

Turning around, I see Ellis trying to hide behind my back.

Ellis: "Umm... No one!"

...Geez, Ellis, if you're going to pretend you're not there, don't answer in the first place... I shake my head in disproval. He is hardly worthy of service in the Royal Army.

Ceara: "...Did you really think I wouldn't see you there? That's so like you, Ellie. Anyway, what brings you here?"

Ellis: "Er, I wanted to apologize for leaving like that."

Ceara: "Oh, that? Don't worry about a thing. It wasn't your fault anyway."

Ellis: "Still, I'm partially responsible for what just happened. I will gladly accept any punishment for that."

Ceara: "I said not to worry about it! Although...there IS a favor you could do me."

Ellis: "Sure, I'll do anything for you!"

Oh WELL, since he put it that way... Why NOT just give him something to do?

Ceara: "I need to go pick up a few things.
Would you please watch the outpost while I'm out?"

Ellis: "Sure. Take your time."

Ceara: "Lethita, please watch the outpost with Ellis, I'll make it quick."

After Ceara's leaves, Ellis turns towards me with a sheepish smile and starts yapping.

"Ceara is so kind and gentle. Probably why she always reminds me of Blawynn. Ah! She's one of my fellow cadets, and everyone loves her for her charming, warm-hearted character. Some guys think it's because she's one of the only girls at the academy, but that's nonsense. She really is just that nice. I wish Gwynn were more like..."

Right on cue, the Rocheste commander appears from the entrance, leaving Ellis flabbergasted. She sets her eyes on me immediately.

Gwynn: "Mercenary. You're here. Perfect."

Ellis: "A-ah! G-Gwynn! I-I-was-"

She walks past Ellis and stands before me face to face.

Gwynn: "I must discuss something with you. My name is Gwynn. I'm with the Royal Army. I'll make this quick. I want you to investigate the relationship between the spider at the tower and the gnolls in the Perilous Ruins."

As if she wasn't aware at the time, she finally notices Ellis and frowns.

Gwynn: "Cadet Ellis. What are you doing here?"

Ellis: "Well, I was just..."

Gwynn: "Quiet down. You're too loud."

Ellis: "I'm sorry! I'll talk quieter."

Gwynn: "How about you say nothing at all?"

Ellis: "Yes, ma'am! Mm mmm mm!"

He talks with his mouth closed and seems quite proud of himself. Ellis... What are you doing...? Gwynn rolls her eyes and turns back to me.

Gwynn: "A gnoll was spotted at the bell tower yesterday, even though the tower was destroyed. We want to know if the gnolls have developed the power to control other creatures, like that spider. The Pontiff's court, who I work for, suspects that this is all a part of the Fomors' plot. Complete this task, and I'll reward you. I also might be able to get you into the Royal Army. You wouldn't have to be a merc anymore. Understand? Return to me when you have something to report."

Without even hearing a reply, she directs her attention to the nuisance in her eyes.

Gwynn: "As for you Cadet Ellis. I see you're enjoying your time in Colhen. Good. Then you can STAY here. I'm leaving. Tell no one I was here."

Ellis: "G-Gwynn!"

Ellis leaves the office in a hurry, trying to catch up with Gwynn... I'm convinced that this town is filled with fools. Every one of them.

I waited a while until Ceara came back. Upon seeing Ellis's absence, she asked what happened. I simply gave her a reasonable excuse that he went off to run errands for his commanding officer. She thanked me for my duties and I excused myself. I went back to the inn to grab my swords and headed for the forge. With the payments I received from Marrec, I can repair my own swords.

In the forge, the blacksmith is currently busy hammering away on a piece of metal so I sit down to wait for when he's done. It is rude to bother a blacksmith while he's working on something. Even the slightest distraction and ruin a crucial piece of work.

A busty brunette in a fairly skimpy outfit appears out of nowhere to stand before me. She folds her arms under her bulging chest. Her blue eyes seem to gauge my abilities while I wait for her to speak.

"Ah, a mercenary, I presume? Who else would come to the Forge at this hour? I'm Shayla. How...lovely...to meet you."

Her condescending gaze leaves a bitter feeling in my mouth. I don't think I'll be getting along well with this woman.

Shayla: "Currently, I'm... Well, you can call me a traveling merchant. That sounds better than treasure hunter. See, I hire mercs like you to fetch the valuables I need. In exchange, I offer payment and information."

With a dramatic pause, her eyes scan for any reaction from me. I say nothing in response.

Shayla: "So...need work? One of my clients wants a huge load of
gnoll leather, in all different colors, nothing dyed. I have all the pieces except that I'm missing just one color. gold. If you happen to find a piece of gold gnoll leather, bring it to me, will you? I hear a merchant from Rocheste has after that dour redhead for some gold gnoll leather. I wonder who will find it first? Ha ha ha."

"Just one piece?"

Shayla: "Don't make it sound so easy. There's a reason why I haven't had any thus far. Since you said that, now I'm definitely expecting the fruits of your labour."

She hasn't offered any payments thus far. Does that mean I can name any price or is she implying that I will be getting a much better price than Kirstie? These gold leathers must be in high demand if they're willing to offer so much.

"Alright, I'll let you know if I find something."

Shayla: "Well, there's not much I can do other than waiting. Get to it."

She turns to leave and heads back to the back room.