Chapter 30: Chapter 29

“That was kind of the opposite of inspiring,” Jackal grumbled, rubbing his wrist. Around them, people finally understood the silent glare the man was giving them meant they were to leave.

“I don’t think it was meant to be,” Carina said. “Is it my imagination, or did he sound like he hopes we aren’t going to come back?”

“He definitely doesn’t want to see me again,” Jackal muttered, but shrugged at the expectant look Tibs gave him.

“Less people are easier to deal with,” Tibs said, not that he knew what the fighter expected. “What does it mean that he’s going to have other people guarding the dungeon?”

“Absolutely nothing good,” Jackal growled.

“Should we go?” Tibs asked.

Jackal looked around. Most of the people were gone, even Harry and the adventurers, except for those at the crack.

“Sure, but where?”

“Our room?”

“Is that where we want to go?” the fighter asked. “I mean really want to go?” He nodded to Tibs.

“We need to go to our room first anyway,” Tibs said and started walking. “We have privacy there at least.” Jackal and Carina caught up to him.

“Then,” she asked, “are we going to MountainSea, or do we want to do more research? That man said we can go anywhere. The capital has the best universities. We can find a scribe, if it’s more difficult to breathe the higher we go, maybe there’s a higher mountain we can go to. It isn’t like Kroseph has been everywhere in the world, right?”

Jackal looked at her, smirking. “And where are you hiding the kind of coins needed to pay one of those people? You think the electrum we have is going to even get them to look at us? Also, how long until they have answers? Seems to me the best way to do this is to go to MountainSea. Try it, if it doesn’t work we detour by the capital or another place with scribes, find out how much it cost and while we’re running the dungeon again, they can find the information.”

“Did you know we’d get to leave?” Tibs asked. “Is that why you had Kroseph tell us about his home?”

Jackal was silent until they almost reached the town. “I thought it might happen. Saphina’s dad told me about dungeons graduating, how they close off to make changes.”

“It made changes without closing before,” Carina said. “It removed the marks on the triggers in the trap room. Rearranged the rabbits in the warren room.”

Jackal shrugged. “Just telling you what he told me. What I found out of Hard Knuckles led me to think he wouldn’t want people underfoot while he made the changes he needs.”

“How did you find out about that?” Carina asked. “That was the first I heard things were going to change.”

“I’ve been asking around,” Jackal said in a tone that made it clear he didn’t want to discuss it. Then he sighed. “Don’t make it obvious, but look toward the tailer’s shop, there’s a woman dressed in a green and black tunic.” Carina turned to look where Jackal said, which earned her a “City folks,” mumble from Jackal and she was glaring at him.

It did mean that when the woman in green and black looked in their direction, Carina was no longer an indication they’d noticed her. Tibs thought she’d been trying to be ignored.

“She’s one of Hard Knuckles people. I had the so good fortune of coming across them when the first few arrived. We got to talking, and—”

“You fought,” Tibs said, remembering Jackal’s bruises, his reluctance to talk about them.

“There might have been a disagreement about this or that,” the fighter admitted.

Why hadn’t they killed him? Tibs wondered. The rules were clear, and they were guards. Or worked for Harry, so it sounded like he was in charge of that now. Had anyone been in charge of the adventurers before?

“So After Hard Knuckle helped us keep the shield, I asked around. You know, who was he, why is he here, where does he keep his ale? The usual stuff. He’s taking over the town’s law, well, guild rules, from Old Man Morbius. Seems he didn’t do good enough a job. And Hard Knuckle likes to set up the groundwork without interruption, which is what a bunch of Runners without a dungeon to run would turn into really quick. I didn’t think he’d give us the world, but I figure it would be a lot easier to go to MountainSea from where ever he shipped us to than here.”

“You do a lot of sneaking around and gathering information,” Carina said, “for a fighter.”

“Who said I snuck?” Jackal replied, offended. “I casually strolled to them and asked if they wanted a drink. Got them nice and drunk, then ask questions. Very direct in my methods. I leave the sneaking to Tibs.”

“Alright, we go to MountainSea, if that doesn’t work, we stop by the capital and see what we can get there.”

“That’s a plan,” Jackal said as they entered the rooming house. “Oh, my dear woman,” he called to the woman behind the counter, “We have a situation we need—”

“You’re leaving for a while,” She said, then chuckled at Jackal’s stunned expression. “You think you’re the first to come back from that talk? Or that they wouldn’t tell us what was happening before they did you? I needed to figure out how to arrange things.”

“Alright,” Jackal said, “you know we’ll be leaving.”

“Yep. You have three options.”

“Taking everything with us isn’t an option,” Carina said.

“You have two options. Number one, you pay for the room for the time you’ll be away.”

“We don’t know how long that’ll be,” Jackal said.

“Pay longer and you’ll have it after you come back for however long is left.”

“If we guess short?” the fighter asked.

She grinned. “Stuff goes in the street.”

“A silver for two weeks seems like a lot,” Carina said, “just to keep our stuff here.”

“Option two is you put your stuff in the chest, I store that and I get to let the rooms to whoever needs it. You might not have the same room when you return, but you’ll have one. You, Runners, have priority.”

“How much is that going to cost us?” Jackal asked.

The woman took a large ledger out, looked through it, then turned it to the fighter, fingers on a name. “You paid two silver six days ago, agreed?”

Jackal looked at Carina, as did Tibs.

She sighed. “I so need to teach the two of you how to read.” She read the indicated lines. “Yes.”

“Then that’ll cover the chest however long you’re away.”

“Two chests,” Jackal said. “we aren’t bringing our armors, and it’s not going to fit with the rest of our stuff in one.”

“We aren’t?” Tibs asked.

Jackal shook his head. “The cities see someone in armor that isn’t the guards’ color, and they decide you’re there to cause trouble. So they cause it to you first. And we’ll be doing a lot of mountain walking. Kro already said it’s going to be hard to breathe, we don’t want the extra weight.” He looked at her. “Two chests.”

“Alright, two chests. Bring them down when you leave. Anything in the room after that ends up on the street.”

“Shouldn’t we have our armor if they’re going to cause us trouble?” Tibs asked as they walked up the stairs?

“They won’t cause us trouble if we aren’t in it,” Jackal replied. “City folks go by how you dress.” He looked at Carina.

She sighed. “Alright, we kind of do.”

“Think of it as gang marks, but prettier,” Jackal said, unlocking the room. “Put on the good clothing Carina had you buy. When they see that, the people there are going to see you as one of them, so they’re going to be nice to you.”

Tibs crossed his arms once he was in the room and glared at the fighter.

“Carina, a little help here? Tibs’s so Street I don’t think he believes anyone can be nice to him.”

“If it makes you feel better,” She said, “you can count on any merchant, no matter where you are in the world, on doing everything he can to swindle you. But no one will want to stab you.”

“Probably,” Jackal added.

“Did you want my help or not?”

“I’m taking my knife,” Tibs said.

“That is wise,” Jackal replied, “just don’t reach for it too quickly if someone bothers you.”

Tibs took off his armor, feeling odd without its weight and no plan to go train with Alistair. “What about our training?”

“They work for the guild, they’ll have been told,” Carina said.

Once they were in regular clothing, shirt, pants, and shoes; Carina’s were in pale blues, Tibs in grays, worn, but not rags. Carina had insisted he had some better clothing. He wasn’t wearing the set he had for training, it was too nice, and he didn’t want it ruined. He added his knife sheath at his belt and felt stranger for it being visible, but Jackal nodded his approval. Jackal’s tunic was dark green and black. Like Tibs’s it was worn, but it was made of sturdier fabric. Tibs had seen him wear it before. Jackal seemed fond of them, but he hadn’t made the connection.

“They’re the same color she had?”

Jackal looked down at himself, cursed. “It’s a coincidence. I’ve had this for years, I’m not getting rid of them just because Knuckles is bringing people over.”

Carina chuckled, has Tibs gawked at the anger the observation created.

“You’re going to want to keep them stored once we come back,” She said, “unless you want everyone to think you’re part of the new guard.”

“Are we ready?” Jackal snapped.

“Everything's in the chests,” Carina said, watching the fighter. “I doubt they did it on purpose to annoy you.”

Jackal rolled his eyes, grabbing a chest and muttering something Tibs didn’t entirely make out, Knuckles going out of his way to make his life miserable, as he exited the room. He looked at Carina, taking the handle on one side of the chest, she took the other with a shrug.

Instead of heading for the platform, Jackal headed for the Inn and they followed him. Inside was busy, with Runners happily drinking and eating.

“Kro,” Jackal called at the server returning to the kitchen.

“What’s going on?” Kroseph asked. “It’s like they found out the dungeon was giving free ale or something. They can’t stop talking about not having to do runs and about places they’re going to go see.”

“The dungeon’s closed while it’s graduating,” Jackal said. “And the new security guy is kicking us out until that’s done.” He showed the bracelet. “It’s going to tell us when it’s time to come back. We’re heading to MountainSea and—”

Tibs cursed under his breath at the dark expression that came over the server's face and he pulled Carina with him as he walked away. He saw Jackal turn to follow them, but Kroseph grabbed his arm.

“Shouldn’t we wait for him?” she asked.

“They’re going to have a 'them' thing and we don’t want to be around for it.”

Outside, he leaned against the wall by the door, Carina took the other side. She opened her mouth as the dining room fell silent. Then Kroseph’s voice rose in level. Not enough to be understood, but enough to carry the anger.

“Oh,” Carina said. “That kind of them thing.”

Tibs nodded, noticing Bardik look in his direction before entering an alley. He headed toward it and Carina fell in step with him.

“I think one of us should stay and wait for Jackal to be done,” He said.

“Where are you heading?”

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“I want to see if Alistair’s here; if he has exercises he can give me to do with my essence.”

“We’re going on vacation and you want to bring lessons with you?”

He shrugged. “I can use all the lessons I can get if I want to do more than this.” He formed a pool of water in his palm.

“You can do more than that,” she replied, “and what you can do with just that’s impressive enough.”

“Not compared to what others do,” he said, trying to make his tone morose.

“Alright, if we’re not here when you’re done, we’ll be at the platform. There’s probably going to be a line anyway since everyone’s looking to leave.” She headed back to the Inn.

Bardik wasn’t in the alley, and on the other street was a bar, one of the newer ones that didn’t get a lot of people going to yet. He entered, a few merchants were at a table, discussing something, someone was asleep, head on the bar, and Bardik was at the other end, talking with, of all people, Old man Walrus. This wasn’t his tavern, or at least Tibs didn’t think it was. Did the man own both? Walrus laughed at something Bardik said as Tibs approached.

Bardik took a tankard from the counter and handed it to Tibs without looking in his direction. “I hear congratulations are in order. You get to leave town.”

Tibs took it, sipped from it. Walrus's ale was better, and what Kroseph brought them was better still. “The dungeon graduated, so we can visit places.” He showed the bracelet and watched Bardik’s reaction. Or the lack thereof.

“Heard you’re going to MountainSea."

Tibs didn’t ask how Bardik knew. He was a rogue and he could go places Tibs couldn’t. The news surprised Walrus, so however friendly they were, Bardik didn’t tell him everything. Why have Tibs put opals in the man’s pockets if they were friends?

“You heard about the Cliffside General Gatherer?” Bardik asked. “It’s in the Low Rock District.”

“I’ve never been there,” Tibs replied, trying to make his tone carry the ‘idiot’ he didn’t want to voice out loud.

Bardik grinned. “I thought the friend of a friend who told you about the city might have mentioned it. It’s popular, run by a man called Charles.” He looked at Tibs. “Charles of Goodfroy. Taller than you, but then everyone is, aren’t they?”

“Dwarves might not be,” Walrus said.

“Let’s not muddy the water,” Bardic replied. “He’s stocky, balding, green eyes, but the normal kind. You’ve seen those before right?”

Tibs nodded.

“You should visit him.” He looked pensive. “Ask to try some Sea Drops; it’s a candy. Be sure to tell him I recommended that you visit him when you do, that way he won’t charge you for that first one.” He grinned, “but watch out for the others. He’s a shark of a merchant.”

Bardik finished his ale and put the tankard on the counter. “Told you there’s nothing to worry about here. With that as ale, he’ll only see the runt of the workforce and leaves smokers. You have your hands on the right kind of ale.”

“He sells it for a lot cheaper than I do.” So Walrus didn’t own this place.

“Because he has to. I wouldn’t pay what you charge for this. Would you, Tibs?”

Tibs shrugged. It wasn’t like he’d bought ale at Walrus’s tavern.

“You should head out,” Bardik said, “you wouldn’t want to delay your visit, MountainSea is amazing this time of the year.”

Tibs finished his ale and headed back to the Inn where Carina was still waiting.

“How did talking to your teacher go?”

“He isn’t here.” He had no idea if Alistair was or not, but he’d mentioned being busy and having other duties, so he was confident.

“How do I do it?” Jackal said, stepping out of the Inn. He looked at the two of them. “How do I always manage to say the wrong thing to him?”

“You don’t,” Tibs said. He’d seen the two of them at corner tables, talking quietly, Kroseph laughing and leaning close to the fighter.

“He’s City and you’re Street,” Carina said. “There will be some misunderstandings. You need to give him some leeway.”

“What about me getting leeway?” Jackal asked.

Carina walked around him, looking him over. “Did he slap you, kick, punch, knee?”

“What? He’d never do that.” Jackal paused. “Well, not to me.”

Kroseph had no problem decking customers who got too handsy with him or another of the servers. For someone who said he didn’t do adventure, he certainly knew how to fight.

“Then he’s giving you ample leeway,” Carina answered. “Since you aren’t running as fast as you can for the platform, what are we doing?”

“He’s going to be a few minutes. He got his dad to give him two days off.”

“It’s going to delay us,” Carina pointed out.

Jackal shrugged. “It’s not like two days are going to make a difference, and it’s going to make Kro happy. He hasn’t been back there since arriving on account that they have to pay to use the platform.”

“Won’t he have to now?”

Jackal shook his head. “One of the attendants owes me a favor. This is a good way to collect. Don’t tell Kro. He thinks his dad’s paying.”

“He wouldn’t?”

Jackal rubbed his face. “He would if he could afford it. The competition from all the taverns is making it tough to make a lot of profit. The guild’s made sure no one who came here could leave easily. Not just us.”

“But why?” Carina asked. “From what I understand, as the dungeon becomes stronger, more and more people will come to train in it, the town will grow larger, the more profits there will be to have. Why would anyone want to leave such an opportunity?”

“I’m asking that exact question,” Jackal replied, looking around as if he could peer into a building and see the answer.

“I’m ready!” Kroseph said, rushing out of the Inn. “Come on, we have to go.” He grabbed Jackal by the hand and pulled him along.

Carina watched them. Tibs caught the amused exasperation Jackal sent his way.

“Wouldn’t it be great to have that too?” she asked.

Tibs watched his friend as Jackal pulled Kroseph to slow, then walked with him, the two leaning toward one another. He shook his head. He wouldn’t inflict the kind of pain that came with being a Runner on anyone, ever.

She looked at him, but didn’t comment. They hurried to join the two as they took place in the long line, slowly moving toward the platform; Kroseph talked about all the places he was going to show them, and the few he was going to take only Jackal to. Jackal looked bemused.

Tibs distracted himself by watching the people around them. Mostly Runners, with a few merchants. He frowned as the man before them played with his bracelet, the light reflecting on the yellow gem, refracting through it. Tibs moved his so it was in the sunlight too and compared them.

This should be interesting, he thought. Only considering pointing him out to an adventurer for a few seconds. No, he wanted to see what would happen when he tried it.

They moved forward and twice, he thought the man would leave the lineup as adventurers passed by. Instead, he covered up the bracelet until they were out of sight.

Then his turn came, and he stepped onto the platform. He didn’t even get to show it that the attendant began arguing with him.

“No,” Jackal grumbled. “Not now.”

Tibs looked at his friend only long enough to catch his worried expression, then watched the altercation on the platform.

“It’s okay, Jackal,” Kroseph said. “A little delay won’t be a problem.”

“Is he trying to pass a fake bracelet?” Carina asked.

“What bracelet?” Kroseph asked.

The man on the platform grabbed the attendant and pulled him to the center of the platform, knife in his other hand.

“Oh, Mercy!” Kroseph exclaimed.

“There’ always someone trying to skirt the rules,” Carina said, shaking her head.

“Normally it’s us,” Tibs replied and got a snortle out of her. Kroseph looked at him, horrified.

Jackal looked even more worried. “No. Don’t.” The knife went up to the attendant’s throat as another stepped forward.

Jackal let go of Kroseph’s hand and stepped toward the platform. The man with the knife fell back, a black arrow in his shoulder. The attendant he’d held staggered forward, Hand over his neck. Blood seeping between the fingers.

Tibs grabbed Jackal’s arm as the fighter took another step, and before Jackal wrenched his hand out one of the other attendants had a bottle to the man's lips and had him draining the content.

Jackal relaxed, then tensed as a man in green and black carrying a bow walked by them. He cursed, and the man glanced in their directions, staggered, then regained his footing.

When Tibs looked at Jackal, his friend was looking back at him, worried. The archer had recognized Jackal, and he was afraid Tibs would say something about it.

Tibs shook his head. Whatever this was. Whatever Jackals connection to Hard Knuckles or the people in green and black. His friend would tell him when it was time. Carina and Kroseph were looking at the platform, the attendant who was relaxing.

The archer pulled the man with the arrow in his shoulder up, not being gentle about it, making him cry out, then motioned to the injured attendant to follow. As they stepped off the platform, Jackal let out a loud whistle and both the attendant and archer looked in his direction. The archer began moving, not looking happy, but the attendant spoke softly and approached them while the archer continued.

“Are you okay?” Jackal asked. The side of the attendant’s neck and golden robe was covered in blood, but the wound was gone.

“Thank you for your concern, but I’m well. This isn’t a rare occurrence at dungeons, so we come prepared, I just need to go report what happened, if you’ll forgive me.”

“Before you go, considering what just happened.” He indicated the platform where people were cleaning the blood. Not attendants, Tibs noted. “I’d be eternally grateful if you could make sure we’re cleared and you tell your friends over there? The four of us are traveling together, going to MountainSea.”

“I’m taking them home for a visit,” Kroseph said, and Jackal winced a little.

The attendant looked them over. “Your wrists.” They showed them, Kroseph showing his bare one.

“My father paid for my passage,” he said. “I’m returning in two days.”

“Yeah, he did,” Jackal said. “Everything’s dealt with. As I said, I just want to avoid a misunderstanding since everyone will be a little edgy. I’ll be grateful.”

“Gratitude is a good thing to have,” the attendant said, taking a coin that shown multiple colors in the sunlight. “Since you’ll be returning, present this to the attendant when it’s time.” He handed it to Kroseph.

“And them?” he asked, taking it.

“Their bracelets are their key to returning. Now, you have to forgive me, I have to report and watch.”

The attendant motioned them on the platform. And Tibs pulled Jackal behind the other two. “You owe him now?” he whispered.

His friend nodded, then looked at Kroseph, bouncing in place, motioning for them to hurry. “Totally worth it.”

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