Chapter 25
Small Recap & Prospectives
It was a cold morning. The road was covered with snow, and you heard the sound of animals in the distance. Further down the road, smoke rose from the side of a ditch—a man only in his underwear shivered from the cold. He holds his body. The man took out a notebook.
"It's so cold; I will probably die out here. Why didn't I listen to my parents? Mother, Father, sorry for being the idiot son you spoke of to everyone; now that I think about it, they weren't very friendly about how they talked about me. I should record my name so if someone finds my body…."
The wind blew and made him shake again. He blows in his hands. He was an average man with pale skin and black hair. He looks young, like in his twenties. He has brown eyes and was growing a mustache. He stood by a flipped wagon that was burnt.
"It's so cold to write with these hands."
The man suddenly hears the sound of marching. He looks around and notices some people coming up the road. A human soldier on horseback sees the man waving his hands. He sees that the man needs help. He sends some soldiers to help him. The soldier on horseback was the soldier's captain.
The captain walks over to the man. The captain gives the freezing man a blanket. He orders his troops to stop. The frozen man sees a small group of soldiers. The soldiers get a chance to relax. They make a campfire, and the freezing man warms up.
"You don't look so good. Are you okay? What happened to you?"
The man was still cold. The shivering was going away. The man began to cry and thanked the captain for helping him. The captain felt embarrassed. The man sobbed and wiped his tears. He cleaned his hand.
"Where are my manners? Let me introduce myself; my name is Drew Sumtincoolwulf. I am a merchant."
The captain became confused and thought about the man's last name. He asked if it was true. Drew told him it was, and he told the captain that people found it odd. Drew assured him it was a familiar last name. The captain offers him a ride to the next town.
Drew gets excited and takes his offer. Drew told the captain he would gather some things. The captain orders some soldiers to help him. They follow Drew and scavenge through the mess. They saw some barrels and pulled them out. One of the soldiers takes a whiff of something mouth-watering. He follows the aroma to the wagon.
The captain wonders what is taking so long. Drew was already waiting with the rest. The soldier comes over to the captain. He tells him about the aromas he smelled. The captain calls Drew and asks him about the contents of his cargo.
Drew told him that he had meats, spices, and wine. He said that the meats and herbs were all probably burnt by now. He said they could have the rest of the barrels. The captain goes over to the wagon. He takes a sniff, and his mouth drools.
The soldier tells him that the others are hungry. The captain thinks about it. He calls for another of the soldiers. This soldier was huge and had a gut sticking out. He asks the captain why he was called. The captain tells him to check out the wagon.
The soldier goes over and takes a look. He takes a whiff of the aromas and becomes hungry. He reaches in and takes a piece of meat. He eats it and becomes mesmerized. He said it was delicious. The other soldiers want to eat some too.
The captain tells them to stop. He goes over to Drew. He offers to buy all the meat and wine. Drew becomes confused. He said it was all burnt meat. The captain clears his throat. He told him it was all right. Drew, confused, agrees. The captain told him he would pay when they got to the town.
The huge soldiers set up a table and placed the meat on it. He began to cut it, and the meat fell from the bone. Soldiers lined up and took some. They were happy, and the meat made them cry. They said it was delicious. They washed it down with some wine.
Drew ate, and he was surprised by it too. The huge soldier approaches him and asks him how he made it. Drew had yet to learn what he was talking about. The soldier introduces himself as the chef for the troops. He asks Drew again for his secret recipe.
Drew shrugged his shoulders. The chef smiled and told him he would find his secret. The soldiers finished eating. They cleaned up and packed before they continued marching. The captain rides close to the wagon Drew is riding in. He asks Drew how he ended up in that situation.
Drew told him about the caravan he was in. He was heading to a town close to where they were heading. A group of bandits attacked them. Drew said that the adventures they hired ran away, leaving them defenseless. Drew looked like he was going to cry.
"I rode as fast as I could, but they caught up. One of them used a fireball and hit the wagon. It made me lose control and fall into the ditch."
The captain felt terrible for Drew. Drew told the captain that the bandits saw the wagon burning and thought it was lost. They took his clothes and horses instead. The captain told him to look on the bright side. He said he still had his life and could start over. Drew wept and told him that he had just started.
"I was just starting my business. I have already spent much money. My parents were right; I am a failure."
Drew looks at the captain with tears in his eyes. The captain told him to stop crying. He said there would be tough times, but he needs to get past them and look forward. The captain asked him about his business.
Drew told the captain he considered buying and selling good quality meats and spices to small towns. He said that many merchants only sell in big cities or towns. Drew told him about Hispanium's agricultural business. Drew rambled on about his experience there and all he had learned.
The captain and some soldiers listening to the conversation laughed at some of what Drew said. Drew then asks the captain about his troops. He noticed that it was a small group compared to others. The other soldiers became silent.
"To tell you the truth, these are the last of my soldiers. Since the demon began their attack, we have been fighting daily. The nobles have given up on protecting their people."
Drew felt terrible about asking. The captain told him he was happy King John was finally making his move. Drew was also happy hearing King John had come out from his depression. The captain told Drew that King John was expanding the military and training more soldiers. Drew said he wished he could be a soldier.
The captain asked why he couldn't be one. It was still far from their destination, so the captain asked Drew about his personal life. Drew felt shy, but he agreed to share his story. He started by telling them where he was from. He said it was a small village.
"It's unknown, but a much more known town was close. The town of Ivory Springs. It's not there anymore, but back then, my family moved by there."
Drew told him that his family moved there when Queen Annabeth was attacked in the church. They talked about the kingdom and church separating. The captain remembered it was big news back then. The captain remembered hearing that King John was distraught.
Drew took out his notebook and flipped through some pages. The captain saw it and saw some numbers and notes. Drew read from one dated September 16, 834. The captain asked Drew if that was the calendar that had been introduced to them.
Drew told him he had kept records of events because a grumpy older man had taught him. The captain wanted to hear about the grumpy older man. Drew told him he would get to it. Drew said to him that he was born on Aprilis 1st, 835.
"Aprilis, what's that?"
The captain asked Drew about the word. Drew told him how the calendar worked. The captain said they were still getting used to it. Drew said it would make it easier to keep track of the days and seasons. Drew continued with his story.
Drew said he came from a family of farmers. His parents worked for a local nobleman. It would soon change when the kingdom arrested him on suspicion of corruption. Drew said many families tried to take some of the lands for themselves. His family struggled to have money.
Drew said he grew up weak and messed up a lot. His family gave up on him and talked terribly about him to friends. The captain pats him on the shoulders. Drew told him that he wanted to prove his parents wrong. He said he went to work on his own.
"I was about six or seven."
Drew said that it didn't go so well. He got fired from most jobs because he was slow and broke many things. Drew told the captain that when the demons attacked Ivory Springs, his family moved back, close to the Umbridge kingdom. He said they lived with some relatives, and nothing changed after moving.
Drew said that one day when he was out shopping, he saw a man with expensive-looking clothes selling his goods. Drew approached him and asked him about himself. He said that the man had this aura of power that amazed him.
The man sees Drew and how he is dressed. The man told Drew he was a merchant. He then explained what he does. Drew was fascinated by the man's words. The merchant travels all over the world, making money. Drew asked how he could be one. The merchant told him about the merchant guild and where he could register. He also gave him some tips about starting a business.
"From that day on, I wanted to be like him. First, I need to earn money. I tried again working in different jobs. While wondering about earning money, I didn't know what was happening outside."
The captain talked about the demon's army conquering other territories. He said that many towns near Ivory Springs had fallen. He told Drew there was talk about King John wanting to send troops but got denied by the others.
"You mean the Old Guards or High Nobles."
The captain told him it was rumored, and he didn't know who. He also heard that the missing wolf girl was seen. Drew flipped throw his notebook. He has some information about her. The captain asks about her. Drew said he didn't know her name yet.
"They keep changing her name, so I don't know it. I have heard about her those. She was the daughter of the Wolf Beast Clan. They are one of the strongest beast races out there."
The captain agreed and told Drew how bad it was to lose their support. Drew added that they rose to power after joining many battles. The captain told Drew he believed one of the nobles was behind the daughter's kidnapping.
"I mean, that's why King John started investigating all those nobles. The kingdom had let them run around without check for so long; It made me mad sometimes."
Drew agreed with him about the nobles. He told him how hard it is to do business sometimes. He said they control many extensive routes and have many business partners. Drew wanted more freedom in trading. The captain laughs.
The captain and his company continue making their way to their destination. The road was bumpy, and there was nothing but the snow-covered forest around them. They were on alert most of the time. They then stopped to take a break.
The captain asked Drew to continue his story. Drew picked off where he left off. Drew said he heard that soldiers made some good money. The soldiers listening to him laughed. Drew didn't know why they laughed. It then became embarrassing.
"I went and registered. I lied about my age and was easily excepted."
The captain shakes his head. Drew said that training was hard, and he messed up a lot. He also said he had little magic. The training leaders were not too happy with me. I spent a month with them before getting kicked out.
"Month, what's that?"
Drew gave them another explanation about how calendars work. Drew said they kicked him out because he lacked everything a soldier needed. He also said that his parents found him and forced him home. The soldiers felt sorry for him.
Drew said he grew up miserable but still wanted to become a merchant. Drew ran away from home; he left his parents and went west. He heard that the demons had slowed their advancement and thought it safe. He headed to Kings Land.
Drew heard that King Land, the neutral territory was still safe. He believed he could start his business there. He learned that it was a free open market full of diverse cultures. Drew made it to the city, and he was amazed by it.
He saw the architect of the other races in the buildings. He saw the markets full of people, and they all sold their goods. He was excited to be there. Drew went straight to look for a job. He had no luck and needed more money.
One day he was eating and heard a commotion. He saw an older man yelling at people. He was having a wagon loaded. The workers got angry with him. After they finished, he left. The workers made fun of him after he left.
After another day of no work, Drew was about to give up. He then saw the older man from before. He was loading his wagon. Drew walked by him and wanted nothing to do with him. The older man fell, and Drew stopped to help. The older man was stubborn. After helping him, Drew was leaving when the older man told him to load his wagon.
"Boy, put those boxes next to the food bags."
Drew needed clarification about his request. The older man again told him to load some boxes. He didn't want to, but the man said his back hurt. Drew felt terrible and helped the man. Drew turned around and continued looking for work. The man gets on his wagon and leaves.
The captain wondered why he helped him. Drew said that the older man's stubbornness made him who he was. The captain was confused and asked Drew to clarify. Drew laughs and tells them what happened.
Drew continues his story. He heard that someone was hiring. Drew left the city and headed to a large house on the outskirts. There he saw the older man. Drew said he would go but stopped when he saw the man working on something.
Drew said the older man was a mage but preferred to look up at the stars. Drew somehow stayed and became an apprentice and butler. He did everything for him. Even when he messed up, he wouldn't get mad. Drew told them that he was making good money.
The captain asked him if he ever wanted to quit. He said he had a kind heart. Drew said it was hard sometimes, but his teacher took care of him and sometimes needed him. Drew learned why his boss looked at the stars.
"There have been tales of us humans, and they say that we come from a different world. Caves within the wolf clan territories have it written down. There is also writing that is not yet translated."
Drew said his teacher said that the stars change with the seasons. He studied them and learned that there are three months in a season. The captain told him to explain. Drew said that the seasons lasted for ninety days.
"He said it would be easier to know the days if we number them and give each a name. He spent years making sure it was the same each year. He created the calendar for that reason. He also said that it would help keep track of important days."
The captain asked what important days did they mean. Drew said it was initially for when the stars moved and then for his records. He said that his teacher also kept the dates of important days. Drew was taught to date everything.
The captain said he had a great teacher. He asked where he was. Drew became depressed. Drew said that his teacher was always working on his research. He often sends him to get supplies. It was when the kings were going to have their gathering.
"I learned that the kings were going to gather. I told my teacher that we should see them. He was stubborn but eventually went. He was happy because of the shops at the time."
Drew told them about his teacher's reluctance to buy from most human merchants. He would buy from dwarfs or beast men merchants. The captain asked why. Drew said his teacher was sometimes tricked or cheated out of suitable materials.
Drew said that they had finished enjoying the festivities and were heading home. As they reached the gates, an explosion surprised them. People began to panic and run away. It turned chaotic in an instant. Drew said they would leave, but his teacher stopped them.
"He was a great mage. He used his magic to protect the people. Once they fled, they left the city as it burned. They got home and thought of what to do. Drew suggested they go now. His teacher didn't want to. Drew tried to convince him. His teacher would not budge.
"I spent years on this. I will not abandon my life's work. There is so much out there beyond the stars. Drew, you are my only apprentice. I have one more job for you. Take these documents and hand them over to a friend. He will continue my research."
Drew's teacher gathers some of his work. He has Drew load several boxes onto the wagon. He gives Drew a letter and tells him where to go. His teacher also gives him a bag of gold.
"As talentless you are, you were a good apprentice. Don't let others tell you what you can and can't be. Live your life as you want it. This is your final payment. As a parting gift, I will give you my wagon."
Drew began to cry. He got on the wagon and rode off. Drew said he fled with other people from villages near his teacher's house. Drew told them he gave his master's research to another weird older man living outside the kingdom.
The captain and the troops were sad to hear his story. The troops got excited because they were close to the town they needed to reach. Drew could see other soldiers gathering. When they arrived, Drew got off the wagon.
Drew and the captain have their final talks. Drew thanks him again for rescuing him. The captain tells the men to relax. He told Drew he was glad he shared his story with him. The captain orders some soldiers to unload a wagon and fix it.
"As payment for the meal and story, I give you this wagon. I know how hard it is to make a living. We fight to protect civilians like you; I like your business model."
Drew becomes surprised about the wagon. He told him he could not accept. The captain told him he could only offer him a battle-torn wagon. He explained that they don't get much pay and that he gives what he gains to his family.
"The kingdom pays for most of the supplies and equipment. They sometimes don't care if something goes missing. This war has taken too much already, and some are making the rest miserable."
Drew didn't know what to say. The captain told him to take it. He then told him to help the smaller villages and towns. Drew saw the captain's noble action and accepted. The captain told Drew they would fix some of the damage and hand it to him later.
"It's not much, but if it helps continue your business and your dream, then I'm glad of what I did."
The captain tells Drew to relax while they fix the wagon. Drew agreed and said he would talk to the guild in town. They thanked each other and parted ways. Before Drew entered a building, someone called out to him. He turned around and saw the chief soldier.
"Listen, Drew; I will get that secret recipe. So don't sell it to no one before I get it."
The chief soldier left, and Drew was confused. He enters a large building. Many people were working on documents, and some people were selling material. Drew approached the front desk. A woman with a business dress attended him.
Drew told her that he needed to get some money. The woman looks at him. Drew had loose clothing that the captain gave him. The woman asked for his license. Drew took out a silver card. The woman looks at it.
"One moment, sir; I need to verify your card."
Drew was in a merchant guild building. The merchant guild buildings ran like a store and bank. Most people in there were merchants or employees. After approval, she gives him what he needs.
Drew went and bought some new clothes and went to an inn. The town was thriving with people and soldiers. At an inn, Drew asked for a room and dinner. Drew ate and then went to his room. He lay in bed and finally relaxed.
On the other hand, the captain walks into another building. It was being used as a headquarters. He went to a desk and introduced himself. A female soldier looks up his name and squad. She then hands him a letter. The captain opens it and reads it. The captain excuses himself.
The captain walks over to a campsite where even more soldiers are stationed. He gathers his troops and gives them their orders. He tells them they will head to the front lines at the beginning of spring.
At another part of the camp, the wagon meant for Drew was placed in a line of wagons that needed fixing. A soldier tells the worker about it. The soldier then leaves. One of the workers was marking some wagons with paint.
He gets up to Drew's when he is called. He places the paint on the wagon and goes to see. The paint bucket moves and falls. It then leaves a mark on the wagon. After some time, the worker returns. He gets upset about the mess. He picks up the paint bucket and goes to get more.
Two other workers come and see the wagon. They move it and take it to where other wagons are being fixed. They gather wood and begin to replace broken pieces. They also work on the suspension and wheels. They see the mark and shrug. More workers come in and begin to place some metal on it. They finish by placing the canopy. The workers move it back to the place and mark it.
The following day Drew woke up and headed to the merchant guild. A soldier was waiting for him. He shows Drew the wagon, and it looks new. Drew became tear eyed and thanked the soldier. The soldier heads back to the camp.
Drew gets on the wagon and is overjoyed. He rode off to begin his journey. Drew made his way through the town. He thought of what he needed to do. Drew heard in the guild that the kingdom might hire merchants for transportation. He thought about doing that.
As he leaves, a soldier walking by notices something in the wagon. A strange creature was looking at him. The creature's face looked like it was looking into his soul. The creature was relaxed and enjoying the ride. The soldier looks over to his buddy.
"Hey, do you see that?"
His friend looks but sees nothing. The soldier closes his eyes and looks again. The creature was gone. He then tells his friend that it is nothing. They walk to a building and enter. A group of adventures was waiting.