It was already near noon, the sun cutting through the trees and lighting up the forest around them. Ainsley dragged the Dreadmane's corpse behind him, its heavy body thudding over roots and rocks. A thick rope was tied around its legs and looped to his waist.
Arthur walked beside him in silence, quietly studying the man. Ainsley had a flintlock at his side, a musket slung over his back, and a worn sword at his hip. Now that Arthur could see him clearly, Ainsley was taller than him by a few centimeters. He looked young, but his eyes and tone felt older.
That accent, though—rough, lazy, and a little too smooth in places. Arthur couldn't place where it came from. It didn't fit the man.
'What a weird guy,' Arthur thought.
"You know," Ainsley started, breath short but his voice smug, "that's a nice sword you got there."
Arthur didn't respond right away. He looked ahead. "Yea, i just got this a little while back, i found it lying around while i was exploring"
Ainsley blinked. "Seriously?"
Arthur nodded. "Seriously"
"I'll be damned, that's one hell of a find. You realize how many gold coins that thing's worth? You could buy yourself a house." Ainsley Replied
"Yeah, I guess so," Arthur muttered. "But I'd rather not sell it"
He stretched his shoulder. "I think I've recovered enough. Let me help."
"Glad to hear it. This thing's heavier than it looks." Ainsley said, letting Arthur take some of the weight.
The forest gave way to rolling hills, and just beyond them, the town of Lornwick came into view, a field of flowers surrounded the village,its weathered gate flanked by a lone guard, old rooftops rising like crooked teeth against the grey horizon.
"You know, Lornwick's not a bad town," Ainsley said, glancing ahead. "People here are friendly too.One kid even tried selling me a jar of dirt, saying it was 'blessed soil from the goddess.' Nearly convinced me too."
Arthur gave a small laugh.
By the time they reached the gate of Lornwick the guard looked at them and let them pass through the gate, a crowd had gathered near the road. The townsfolk stared at the Dreadmane's body, eyes wide. Some gasped.
Lornwick was a fairly big yet quiet town nestled at the edge of the forest. Wooden and stone houses lined the narrow dirt roads, their slanted roofs sending thin trails of smoke into the afternoon sky. The town was surrounded by countless flowers, their colors brightening the worn streets.
A child pointed. "It's dead!" Cheers followed. Then more.
Ainsley raised both hands. "Yes, yes, thank you! I, the great Ainsley, took down this beast with a little help from my trusty companion here!"
'Little help? What do you mean little?' He glanced sideways at Ainsley, his brow twitching.
They dragged the corpse through the center of town. Whispers followed. Fear turned to relief. The town hall stood near the well, a squat stone building with a drooping wooden roof.
A dusty banner hung above the door. Inside, a nervous clerk counted ten gold coins onto the table. "This… this is the reward for your services"
Ainsley scooped them up. "Much obliged." He tossed half the pouch to Arthur. The nervous clerk thanked the two gentlemen as they walked out of the town hall.
Arthur caught it and nodded. "Guess our deal's done." and he turned to leave,
but Ainsley called out, "Oi! Don't run off now. Let's celebrate our fine and bloody work today! My treat!."
Arthur paused, twitching slightly at the idea of something being free. "Alright. But I've got things to take care of first."
"Fair play, my good sir," Ainsley grinned. "I'll be at the Hollow Hart. See you later, my friend."
Arthur left the town hall and looked down at himself. His shirt was torn at the sleeves, stained with dirt, and still had dried blood from the Dreadmane.
He sighed. "Yeah, this won't do," he muttered. "I look like shit, Guess I'll use some of that bounty gold to buy something decent" he then smelled himself, "hmm probably go in a bath too"
Arthur then started walking toward the market, the sound of chatter and haggling filling the streets. He stopped in front of a small clothing stall, with a bit of browsing, he picked out a plain dark tunic, a set of trousers, and a fresh pair of boots. "Yeah... this'll do," he said under his breath, handing over a few coins.
Once done, he made his way to the bathhouse. The steam and scent of soap hit him as soon as he stepped inside. "Finally," he murmured.
After he finished his bath, feeling fresh and looking at least somewhat respectable, before going to hollow hart Arthur decided to stroll around for a bit.
While walking through town, something caught Arthur's eye; it was a blacksmith's shop. The clang of hammer against metal echoed from inside, and weapons hung neatly on the walls behind the open counter.
"Welcome to my shop, got anything that you like?" The Blacksmith asked Arthur.
Arthur's gaze landed on a steel arm guard and picked it up, testing it and to his surprise it fitted comfortably in his arm. "Hmm... this'll do," he said quietly.
The blacksmith glanced up from his work. "Good choice.That will be 1 gold coin" Arthur nodded, setting down a 1 gold coin and left the shop.
…
That evening. The Hollow Hart was loud, hot, and full of noise. The place smelled of beer, grease, and sweat. Arthur pushed through the door. Ainsley spotted him instantly and waved.
"Arthur! Over here, lad!"
Arthur turned toward the voice calling out to him, brow raised. It was Ainsley calling out to him.
"Lad?" he muttered, squinting. "Pretty sure we're the same age." He made his way over to the table. Ainsley had already ordered 2 mugs of beer.
"HAHA, You ever drink before?" Ainsley asked, handing one over.
Arthur stared at the mug. "Never tried it before"
"Then here's to firsts. Cheers to us!" Ainsley happily brought up the mug to Arthur
They clinked mugs. As Arthur took a big gulp. Halfway through, he started coughing. "What the, what fuck is this? People really like this stuff?!"
Ainsley nearly spat his drink laughing. "You alright over there, sunshine? You don't gotta finish it! Though I won't stop you either!"
Arthur wiped his mouth. "It's bitter as hell…"
"Warms you up real quick though," Ainsley smirked, then leaned back and asked in a serious manner. "Listen Arthur, I'm lookin' for someone. Have you ever heard of a guy named Vaegor?"
Arthur, a little surprised by the sudden shift in Ainsley's tone and behavior, raised an eyebrow. "No. Never heard that name, why?" he said flatly.
"Figures, well never mind that" Ainsley said with a small chuckle. "Didn't mean to kill the mood. C'mon now, let's have ourselves some fun."