Chapter 12
Helping Hand
The following day Wolf woke up and stared at an unfamiliar ceiling. He turned and saw Adolpha sleeping next to him. Adolphus was next to her. He gets up quietly and walks over to a window. The sun was also rising. Wolf looks and sees Fisher walking with several people.
Wolf goes over to a table and sits. He thinks about what Madam said to them yesterday. He was unsure about the war but thought much about the wolf clan's pack with the humans. Wolf sat there and waited for Adolpha to wake up.
Later that morning, Adolpha woke up. She sees Wolf sitting at the table. Adolpha gets out of bed and goes over to him. She asked him if anything was wrong. Wolf looked at her and asked if she believed in Madam. Adolpha has her doubts.
Adolphus wakes up, and Adolpha goes and picks him up. She comforts him, and they get ready to go out. Adolpha and Wolf head out of their room and walk downstairs. A waitress sees them and tells them to sit at a table.
Adolpha and Wolf find an empty table and sit. Customers were also waking up, and some were eating breakfast. A waitress goes over to them and tells them what they have. Wolf was unsure, and the waitress told him it was on the house.
Wolf and Adolpha didn't know what that meant. The waitress told them it was free. Adolpha looks at Wolf. Wolf with uncertainty gets their breakfast special. Adolpha also orders the same. The waitress smiles and leaves.
Adolpha looks around and sees people of different races eating and enjoying themselves. They talk and laugh while others look worried. Wolf tried not to make eye contact with people. He was suspicious of everyone. The waitress comes back and has their food.
She places their breakfast on the table and pours water for them. She tells them that Madam wanted to see them in her office after they were done eating. Adolpha thanked the waitress, and Wolf avoided her stare.
Adolpha began to eat and liked everything on her plate. She asked Wolf about some of the food. Wolf could only answer some. After eating, Adolph saw that Adolphus was getting restless. She knew he was getting hungry. Adolpha was going to pull her shirt down when the waitress came over.
The waitress, in a panic, asked Adolpha to stop. Adolpha was scared and confused. The waitress told Adolpha that showing her breast in front of other people was wrong. She then clarified that some cultures don't do that.
Adolpha then realizes that some men are looking at her. Adolpha gets scared at all the staring. Wolf finished eating and took Adolpha and Adolphus. They make their way to Madam's office. Wolf knocks on the door.
Madam tells them to go in. Wolf opens the door, and they walk in. Adolphus begins to cry, and Adolpha tries to make him stop. Madam asks her what's wrong, and Adolpha tells her. Madam calls a waitress and tells her to bring him a bottle.
The waitress comes back with a glass bottle. It was the first time Adolpha and Wolf had seen something like that. Madam told them that a dwarf craftsman made it to feed babies. Adolpha gave Adolphus the baby bottle and began to drink some milk. He calmed down.
Once that was settled, Madam wanted to continue the conversation from last night. Wolf also wanted to know more. Madam began by telling them why they needed escorts to travel. She again told them about the war happening.
Madam explained that the demons attacking the towns to the east created so much damage that monsters and wild animals moved their territories. The animals migrated west and began to live there. She then said that wild monsters follow their food.
Madam said that with the chaos goblin population grew and started to attack human travelers. She noted that other monsters began to attack them too. Madam told them about the announcement from the Umbridge Kingdom. King John was having trouble dealing with the war and the monsters.
Madam said many people complained and blamed him for their families' death. They also accused the Dwarf Kingdom of doing nothing. They tried to defend their territories. Wolf asked about the adventures.
Madam told him that adventures only do what quests ask them to do. Some went to get rid of the goblin problem but were pushed back over time. They feared the demon army after King John ordered the evacuation of humans near the fighting.
Madam looked sad telling them about it. She said that some people in town worry about losing their livelihood. She then talked about her Inn and how much it means to her.
Madam gets back to the point. She said the fighting is still ways off, so people are still coming and going from Ivory Springs. She says that most are adventures working and merchants passing by. She also noted that some fleeing from the war brought them there. Now they are trying to get to family near the kingdom or other areas north. Wolf then asks about the beast kingdom. Madam told him that no word had come from them.
Adolpha was too focused on Adolphus she was not paying attention. Wolf now wanted to know how she would help them. Madam said she was willing to get them near the wolf territories, but it will take some time and money.
Wolf asked her how. Madam explained that hiring adventurers was expensive and only high-rank adventurers could do the job. She told them to wait for the kingdom caravan and go with them. She said that they charge but not as much as the guilds.
Wolf told her that they didn't have money. Madam then told him that she was going to help them there. Madam said that she did not have money to give out. Wolf then asks how they are going to earn money. Madam said that Wolf would work for her.
Wolf becomes surprised and then tells her that he has no experience working. Madam said to him that he would learn. She tells him that he will work with Fisher on the boat. She will pay accordingly, and they should have enough by the caravan arrives.
Wolf was unsure of what to say. Madam told him that the caravan would take them to King's Land, and they will still have enough to buy supplies and make it to wolf territory. Wolf looks over to Adolpha. She was happily making Adolphus smile.
Wolf agreed to her terms. Madam said that he would start tomorrow and they should enjoy the day. She told them to walk around town and come back for lunch. Wolf and Adolpha thanked Madam, and they left. Madam smiles at them.
Wolf and Adolpha leave the Inn and head into town. They were still not used to being able to walk without looking over their shoulder. According to Madam, Lord Michael should be busy in the Kingdom. It seems like the nobles are busy with the war.
Wolf and Adolpha first walk to the docks. Wolf wanted to see what had happened to their boat. Upon arriving, Wolf notices that only a few boats have left the docks. He then saw his boat on shore. It was stripped of all supplies. Wolf became sad.
Adolpha cheers him up by saying he could build another and show her dad. Adolpha said that her dad would want to see how capable he was. Wolf told her that he would be nervous around him. Adolpha laughs.
They head into town. Wolf and Adolpha walk to the shopping district. Now that Wolf knew what was happening, he noticed people's behavior. Wolf saw those that were leaving town. He notices the merchants buying supplies and the adventures getting ready to go.
Wolf saw the older people that have lived there enjoy themselves. They acted like nothing was wrong. Wolf also saw the soldiers walking around. They patrol the streets. Wolf saw that most races were humans and dwarf the more he looked.
After more walking and sightseeing, they headed back. Wolf remembered the scent and followed his nose. They get back to the Inn and head inside. Madam was by the bar. She sees them and heads over to them.
They follow Madam to a table. They sit, and the waitress comes over to them. She greeted them, and Madam told her to bring them the lunch special. Madam then asks them about the town. Adolpha said to her that the town looked very peaceful. Madam smiles after hearing that. Madam told them about the springs that the town was named after. Wolf then asks her if she will leave if the battles get close. Madam's expression changed. She told Wolf that she would because she needed to live. Wolf could feel sorrow behind her words.
Wolf didn't know what to say after that. The food arrives, and Madam takes Adolphus. Adolpha didn't want to let him go, but Madam gave her a mean stare. Madam told Adolpha that she needed to eat first. Adolpha ate, and Madam laughed.
Adolphus was awake, and Madam was talking to him. Wolf asked if she had helped slaves that had children. Madam told him that most of the slaves she helped were young. Most were beast children taken by humans.
Madam saw that they were depressed, so she changed the conversation. Madam asked Adolpha about her time on the island. Adolpha perked up and told her about everything Wolf had taught her. Wolf felt embarrassed to hear Adolpha praise him.
Madam then asks Wolf about himself. Wolf was hesitant about telling her. Madam noticed and didn't push the subject. After they were done eating, Madam hands Adolphus back to Adolpha. Adolpha feeds him, and they go to their room.
Wolf and Adolpha talk in their room. Wolf wanted to know how she felt. Adolpha told him that she had been thrilled. She got to see things she would never imagine. She was also scared of the people, but as long as Wolf was there, she could handle it.
Wolf told her that he was also happy. Wolf takes Adolphus and talks to him. Adolpha and Wolf spend time together as a family should. They get closer to each other. They spend the whole afternoon in their room.
Someone knocked on the door and told them that Madam wanted to see them. Wolf and Adolpha, along with Adolphus, go to the dining hall. They get there and hear Fisher laughing. Madam and Fisher were talking. They see them and wave to them.
Wolf and Adolpha walk to them. Fisher offers them a seat, and they sit. Madam has the waitresses bring dinner. Other people staying at the Inn were also arriving. Some people were checking in. Madam let her staff handle it.
Some of the people greeted Madam and Fisher. Wolf and Adolpha saw that a lot of them knew them so well. They made jokes, and they laughed. Some people tease Fisher, and he gets mad. Madam and Fisher turn their attention to them.
Fisher asks Wolf if he has ever fished. Wolf told him that he would hunt them in shallow waters. Adolpha mentions the fish he caught. Fisher was impressed after hearing that. Wolf then asks about the boats that were still docked.
Fisher tells them that the boats belonged to other fishing businesses. He said that they stopped after hearing that the ships had disappeared. They would fish near the location of the island. Wolf asks if they have seen it.
Fisher, with a smile, said that the island had never been seen. Wolf becomes speechless. Fisher gives him a rundown of what he is going to do. Wolf then asks him about his name. Madam laughs and tells them.
Madam told them he couldn't catch a single fish when he started. Other fishermen then called him Fisher because he was out there all day trying. After he learned, the name stuck. Adolpha laughs, and Wolf smiles. Fisher asks for a bottle of rum.
Dinner was brought, and they began to eat. Wolf could see how much Adolpha was enjoying herself. He became emotional but did not show it. He smiles and relaxes. They finish eating and talk about the town.
Madam told them the history of the town. Customers went to bed, and some waitresses stayed awake to talk with them. The staff girls surrounded Adolpha and played with Adolphus. The chiefs came out and drank with Fisher.
Wolf notices how happy Madam became. She was drinking tea. It got late, and they all headed to their rooms. Madam headed to her office because her room was next to it. Fisher headed to another room in the back. Wolf and Adolpha headed upstairs to their room.
Adolpha was still excited and was talking with Wolf. She told him how she enjoys talking with the staff. She said that Adolphus was also happy. They lay and stare at the ceiling. Wolf asks Adolpha if she will be all right without him.
Adolpha becomes worried, but she says that she will face her fear. Wolf told her that he would be gone before she woke up. He then said to her that he would be back by sunset. Adolpha is all giggly and tells Wolf to be careful. They eventually fell asleep.
It was early morning, and Wolf woke up. He got ready and headed out. Fisher and Madam were waiting downstairs. The staff was also getting prepared. Madam greets him, and Fisher tells him to follow him. Madam tells him that she will keep her eye on Adolpha. She promises to keep her safe. Wolf confidently leaves with Fisher. They head out and make their way to the docks. Wolf sees people already getting the ship ready. He also sees other ships getting prepared.
Fisher tells him that Madam employs the people working on the ship. They are residents of the town. The fishermen greet Wolf as he boards the boat. They were amazed by his size. After everything was ready, they departed.
Fisher steers the ship out to sea. They travel for some time. The sun had risen, and they were nearing their destination. One of the fishermen tells Wolf to follow him. They walk to what looks like a bunch of rope.
The fishermen grab a ball and tie a rope. He then grabs the rope and throws it over. It spreads into a net and lands on the water. The net sinks, and the fishermen throw the ball. The ball floats on the water's surface.
The ship moves on, and the fisherman tells Wolf to do the next one. Wolf easily ties the ball and throws the net. Everyone was impressed. After the last trap was thrown, they stopped and had breakfast. Wolf was not sure what to do.
Fisher was in the cabin looking out to the ocean. The fishermen go over to Wolf and invite him to eat. They talk to him and tell him they have finished faster than ever. Fisher could hear them speak. He takes out his pipe and lights it up.
Wolf has questions about their job. The fishermen answer him and also make jokes. Wolf was enjoying their conversations. Fisher comes out of the cabin to eat and talk with the crew. Some of the crew began to fish. Wolf was still unsure about his job.
Fisher could tell and told him that after some time, they would pick the nets and gather the fish they caught. He tells him to enjoy the sea breeze. After some time just relaxing, Wolf asks Fisher about him knowing they were slaves.
Fisher walks over to the edge of the boat. He takes his pipe and inhales. He then blows out smoke. The crew continues to relax while Wolf feels uneasy. Fisher turns his pipe and dumps the ash out to sea. He then leans on the edge and looks at Wolf.
"Wolf, have you ever wished to change some decisions from the past?"
Wolf thinks and tells him that he would. Fisher smiles and then tells him that he wouldn't. He said to him that he chose to do what he did, and he liked it. Wolf became confused. Fisher then said that all those choices led to him changing his life. Wolf didn't know what to say. Fisher looks at him with a cold expression.
"Slave transporter."
Wolf asked him to repeat it. Fisher told him that he used to be a slave transporter. The crew didn't do anything and listened to Fisher speak. Wolf became angry hearing him say that. He stood up and clenched his fist.
Fisher laughs and tells Wolf to relax. He then tells him that he made his choice and knows he can't change anything. Fisher said he had accepted what he had done and was waiting to see what would happen.
Wolf holds himself and asks him to tell his story. Fisher then goes back to being himself. He takes his pipe and fills it with tobacco. He then lights it and takes a puff. He stares out to sea and begins.
Fisher didn't start at the beginning but told him that he was a happy child. His parents were hard workers, and he listened to them. He then said he went on the wrong path when he followed his friends.
He said that his friends were troublemakers and wanted to get rich. He told him that he followed them without his parent's consent when they hit the age where they could leave home. He said to him that they drank and got into fights.
Fisher told him they took the jobs after meeting someone who promised them money. They began by stealing and then threatening people. Eventually, they moved up and got more rewarding careers.
Fisher told Wolf that his friends made terrible decisions and ended up getting killed. On the other hand, he became good at his job that he left the people who hired him. He started his group and became a well-known transporter.
Nobles hired him to move money and slaves. Wolf then asks if he knew Lord Michael. Fisher said he knew of him, but he was still unknown. Fisher then told him why he had changed his line of work.
"People can be greedy; humans can be worse than beasts. The people I trusted the most became those beasts."
Wolf didn't trust him. Fisher told him not to trust anyone too much. He then reveals that his old crew tried to kill him. He said to him that after a job that was supposed to pay good turned out bad.
Fisher said that he suspected his crew was already thinking of leaving him. Fisher told him he would take more of the payment when the job was done because he was the boss. Fisher laughs as he takes another puff of his pipe.
Wolf then asks him what happened. Fisher pulls out a knife and shows it to him. He then tells him that they stabbed him in the back and left him for dead. He finishes by saying that someone helped him, and he changed.
The fishermen make fun of him, and Fisher yells at them. Wolf was still not sure whether to believe him or what. Fisher tells the crew that they are getting back to work. Fisher steers the boat and goes back for the nets. Wolf was in a bad mood.
Once they get to the first net, one of the fishermen tells Wolf to get ready. The fishermen use a stick with a hook and grab the floating ball. He pulls the ball and brings it up. Next, they hold the rope and start to pull the net.
The fishermen tell Wolf to help bring the net up. Wolf, with little effort, quickly helps them bring the catch up. They bring the net over the side and dump the fish. The fishermen start to sort the fish. One of the fishermen tells Wolf how to do it.
Fisher kept going and made it to the next net. The fishermen again bring the net up and sort the fish. Wolf was slow because it was his first time. They continued until all the traps were back on the boat. They headed back and reached Ivory Springs.
Fisher parks the boat, and the Fishermen begin to unload the catch. Fisher tells Wolf that he could head home for the day. Wolf stared at him and then left. One of the crew members asked Fisher if it was good that he told him about how he was.
Fisher smiles and tells him that he would have found out sooner or later. He just wanted him to know that some people have unforgivable pasts, but it takes courage to move forward and accept what has been done. The crew begins to make fun of Fisher for that heartfelt talk.
"Shut up, you ungrateful lot; get back to work, or you are not getting paid…. Those eyes tell me you are having trouble moving from a painful past."
Wolf walks home, and he passes some people living their peaceful days. He then passes a crowded street and hears a boy yelling. He was selling newspapers. Wolf hears him say another town has been lost to the demon forces. Some people buy the news and talk about it.
Wolf keeps walking home. When he reached home, he could hear the commotion of the guests. They laugh and yell. Wolf felt a little better and headed inside. When he opened the door, Wolf saw people surrounding someone. One of the waitresses was telling them to place the tray down.
Wolf gets closer and sees Adolpha wearing the Inn waitress uniform. Adolpha was shaking as she placed down a tray of food. The costumes were happily staring at her. Once she gave them their food, The waitress told Adolpha what to say. Adolpha, in a scared tone, told them to enjoy their meal.
Adolpha then ran back to the kitchen. Madam came out, and she was holding Adolphus. She sees Wolf and goes over to him. Wolf asks her what Adolpha is doing. Madam told her that Adolpha wanted to work and overcome her fear of people.
Adolpha came back out, and she had more food. She walks over to another table and slowly places the plates down. The human customers begin to talk to her. Adolpha was scared but listened.
They began to compliment her and asked about her. Adolpha quietly told them a little bit about herself. They laughed, and it made her uncomfortable. Madam walked over to them and asked them to behave.
The customers told Madam that they were only having fun. They then feel a frightful feeling. They look over to the door and see Wolf staring at them. Madam comically said that her husband had returned. The customers apologized and ate quietly.
Adolpha saw Wolf, and she ran to him. She hugs him and hides behind him. It becomes late, and Wolf and Adolpha are sitting at a table. Adolpha was feeling much better, and she was holding Adolphus. The staff ate, and some went to bed.
Madam and Fisher, when he returned, were talking. Wolf and Adolpha were also talking. Wolf told her about his first day of work. Adolpha shared her day of work. A waitress comes over and gives Wolf a drink.
Wolf smelled it, and it was ale. The waitress told him that Fisher had sent it to him. Wolf looks over, and Fisher raises his cup. Fisher yells out that it is to celebrate his first day of work. Wolf then remembered what he had told him.
Wolf didn't want to make a scene, so he drank it. Fisher laughed, and Madam drank some tea. Wolf began to feel tipsy. He had trouble seeing, and emotions started to come out. He hears Fisher laughing, so he bursts out at him.
"How can you sit there and act like you don't need to be punished."
Adolpha got scared because she didn't know what was happening. Fisher laughed and told Adolpha that he was right. That confused her even more. Fisher told Adolpha about himself. This made Adolpha worry. Madam quietly listened.
Wolf then looks over at Madam. He tells her that she probably also did something terrible. The staff remains silent. Adolpha tries to calm him. Madam smiles and looks over a Fisher. She draws Mana and Wolf feels it. He gets in front of Adolpha.
Madam then releases it and calms down. She takes a sip of her tea, and with a firm tone, she yells at Wolf. She tells him that he knew nothing of them. She also stood behind Fisher and called Wolf a coward. Adolpha was too scared to say anything. Wolf stopped when he felt Adolpha hold him tight. Madam looks at Adolpha.
"I had not lied when I said I will help you. You can leave, or you can stay. I offer you more protection than anyone out there. Do you think I do this because of some wrongdoing in the past? No, I do this for myself."
Wolf didn't know what to say. Madam began to tell them about herself. She told them about her childhood. She told them where she grew up and about her family. Adolpha felt some similarities in her youth. Madam then became sad.
"Like you, I was happy with my family. My Father was a hard-working man, and my Mother cared for me dearly. I do know the temptation and corruption of man. Sometimes I think they are animals…. They took everything from me; I, too, have been a slave."