(clop) (clop)
After they explained everything and let me catch up with my parents, I was given a simple mission: "Find the other two."
Eh… easy to say when I don't know where to start.
Well, at least I'm grateful my mission isn't "be famous and have a target on your back."
When I asked where I should begin, they had no clue. But my father recommended a city close to the sea — the one he took me to a few times. He said there were a lot of opportunities for people like me over there.
(Neeiiighhhh) (Halt)
(??) Hey friend, need a ride?
Oh, so classy. Offer a ride, then rob me later… Well, I have nothing better to do. Might as well fancy them.
_ Sure. Where are we heading?
(??) Baltimore.
Baltimore?? Why can't I remember this city from the country map?
_ Is it far?
(??) A couple days by carriage.
_Good for me. (Hops in)
He has lime-colored eyes… although he's white… Wait! That might sound racist if someone read my thoughts. But how would I explain that every merchant I've seen so far has dark skin and greenish eyes? Ahhh, so complicated… better change the question.
_ So… how long have you been a merchant?
(??) Call me John. And I'm not a merchant — just… a type of mercenary?
_ Uhm?
(John) I just take something from one city to another.
Oh! _Like a delivery system!
Shit. I said one of the quiet parts out loud…
(John) Oh, so you know the word for it. That makes it so much easier.
(John) Normally only high-ranking nobles know about this service, but I never heard of a noble like you…
(John) Let me guess — a noble kid who ran away from his duties?
Ohhhh! That could be a great cover story for when someone asks.
_Hahaha, is that so common? (awkward smile, strokes back of head)
(John) No, but you still see a few every year or so. You're actually my second.
_ Oho? Who was the first? If you don't mind telling me.
(John) I can't tell, but all I can say is that the kid is doing much better away from his family.
_ So… John? May I as—
(Rumble)
(Ground shaking)
(Rumble intensifies)
(John) Hey kid… you know how to fight?
_ The basics, but nothing too fancy.
(John) Can you take care of the worm? I need to secure the cargo.
_ I'll buy you time.
(John) Good enough! Three minutes is all I need.
(Rumble)
(Erupts from the ground)
(Earth worm) (Roar)
Earth worm — creature about 5 meters tall, omnivorous. Normally doesn't eat humans unless grouped up since we're too small for a good meal…
Then why did this one attack us?
(Unsheathes wood sword)
Maybe it thinks both of us plus the horses is enough. Or it's been a long time without eating and is just trying to survive…
(Starts running)
Their weakness is simple: a gemstone on their back, sturdy as cast iron. If I perforate it, I kill it and my work is done.
(Gets behind the worm)
(Jumps)
(Thumps)
(Falls face first into the ground)
Fuck! Why did I think this was an anime and I'd just fly to its back…
I'll have to run up it.
(Goes running toward the worm)
(Touches it)
Slippery… I'll have to use the knives and climb.
(Sheathes sword)
(Picks up two hidden knives)
(Stab) (Stab) (Stab)
(ROAR!!!!)
Fuck, it's angry… I must have hit a nerve.
(Wiggles fast toward carriage)
Shit, quick!
(Stab) (Stab) (Stab) (Stab) (Stab) (Stab)
Here it is — now I just have to pierce it!
(Prepares to pierce)
(Badum) (Bpm 110)
(Remembers the feeling of blood from his father's and mother's bodies)
(Badum) (Bpm 130)
(Badum) (Bpm 140)
(Badum) (Badum) (Badum) (Bpm 150)
(Ring)
Fuck… I can't kill it. Even though it's a monster…
Please don't die.
(ROAR)
(Smack)
(Punches the stone)
(ROAR)
(Thumps)
Phew… that was risky…
If I did it too lightly, the pain would make the worm enraged. If I did it too strongly, the worm would die…
Glad I didn't misjudge the strength needed…
(Stands up)
_ Are you okay over there?
(John) (passed out)
…
I guess he's still afraid of death…