«Sit down.» Thats the place Ive prepared.
She threw two piles of leaves from the trees nearby. Sit softly, just like on a feather bed. Deft fingers. We started eating. She was well-mannered and ate carefully, even aristocratically. Thugs dont eat like that. This should be learned from childhood. Even then, not everyone succeeds. There were cases when the children of aristocrats were kicked out of the house because of bad behavior. Is she one of them?
«Youre also an aristocrat, I see. I said as she started shaking her head. «Dont argue, I can see that. Tell the truth, well always be together now. There should be no secrets. Ill take you anywhere.
«Im a lords daughter. But from a very distant country in the east of Malawi. Go there for at least two years. They stole me, five years ago. But you see, they didnt return it. Papa died of melancholy, and did not pay the ransom. I had no other relatives. Held like a toy. Tormented in any way. Passed everything. Then they changed their leader and made me a bandit. I learned to be a thief from them. But I miss home. I should go to my fathers grave.
His face was sad. The tears came. Thats why I hate men. They did a lot of bad things to her. So she became like this. I patted him on the shoulder as if he were my equal. It reassured her.
«I wont let you down. I will protect you from everything. And you love me, too. I said, laughing.
«So what do we do next?» Sofya wiped away tear after tear. But she was determined to go on.
«I think we should go to the Adventurers guild. The city of Temjan is only a few hours away. The work is not dusty and there will be plenty of money. You can buy a house. Or for rent. Well put your six gold coins in the guild account. Shared account.
«As you say, master.» But maybe well also steal a little. Just a little bit at a time. Here are your spells, how wonderful they are. This golem can break through a wall. Theres no need to mess with the lock. The thief looked down at my white-gloved hands. You dont use such spells. Just rob with them. You mages are so strong. I have very little magic. There isnt enough mana for spells. Im better with swords and blades, bows and crossbows. But I always wanted to be a magician. But apparently not fate.
«We wont steal. You have to live honestly. I wanted to go to jail. Can I teach you how to do magic?»
«So what do you ask in return?» I know your manly tricks. You wont get anything. She bared her white teeth. His tail ruffled. She placed her hands on top of the two black daggers at her waist.
«Youre my partner. I wont take anything in return. You swore an oath of loyalty to me. I cant hurt you any more than you can hurt me. «How could she forget the basic rules of such vows?»
«Yes, its true. «She was so happy that she went to hug herself. Then she came to her senses and sat down in her seat with a red face.
«Lets make a deal right away. Im not picking on you. But you will learn to trust me completely. No tricks. Good. We should go easy on her. Although she wants to appear strong, she is very vulnerable.
She nodded.
«They dont know me in Thyme City. Maybe your idea of a guild will work.
We finished our fish. The fire was extinguished. We packed up and went on a trip. What they will be like. Time will tell you.
Chapter 2 The New City
I love traveling. The road always beckoned me to adventure. Ive never been far from the academy, though. I was in the city of Temyan once and that was at night. Saw off the lady. The wife of a local baron. The lady is young, her husband is not. Then I ran away in one sock. Maybe hes forgotten me. Ill hope so. Its been a year now.
«Its a wonderful road, isnt it, master?» Said the cheerful Sophia. A full stomach and clean air work wonders.
«Stop talking master. You may have sworn an oath to me, but call me by my first name. I dont call you servant all the time. It would be unpleasant for you.
Understood Mikhail.
«Thats fine.
Further to the city went well, fun. She sang songs, hummed. Its a pity I didnt let you pet my ears and tail. And so I wanted to. I taught her spells. But she had no success with them.
Here it is the city of Thyme. It looks like an ordinary town. The province is not even close to a city with an academy. Theres only a guild and a small barons estate. Five streets and one not-so-clean tavern with a hotel. Youll have to spend the night there with the bedbugs. At least I know the magic that drives them away. Thank you to my teachers.
The city welcomed us cordially. The smell of fresh pastries, shopping malls with fresh vegetables and fruits. As well as the two dirty guards at the gate.
«Who are they?» The hairy guard said. His beard hung down to his navel. How can he just live with her? It showed traces of a recent breakfast of a sandwich with dried lamb and kvass.
«We are travelers from faraway places. We want to go to the guild. Maybe well become adventurers. Said the cheerful Sophia making eyes at both guards. Apparently, she did this more than once, there is experience.
«Skip the cute kitty.» She wont hurt us anyway. Ill look at the kid myself. The second guard said. Without a beard and clearly the oldest in the shift. He looked me over casually. I saw the magicians gloves and asked a question. I nodded. I dont like your tribe. All of you wield staffs. No, to pick up swords or axes like normal warriors. Ugh. «Wheres your staff?» Did you drink it?
«I lost it,» I said, even though Id never owned a staff. I already have a lot of magic with my magic gloves, a family heirloom from my heroic grandfather the dragon War hero about a hundred years ago. A merchant wanted to buy it from me, even offering me a hundred gold pieces, but I refused. Family honor is more precious. And in them, the magic turns out to be strong, but it spends little mana.
«You mages are always a problem. He spat nastily. Are you going to file a missing persons report?» The thing was probably expensive. Judging by your clothes. You are a mid-level mage at least.
No, there will be no application. I dropped it in the river. And I will be known to you as a magician of the highest level.
«Even an imperial one. Pay gold and come in. The bearded man said. He must have been bored with the conversation.
«Three silvers?» The thief said. My friend is kind and affectionate.
«Five silver and come in.» The guard without a beard said.
I reached out and handed over the money from the void. They wont even let you into the city without money. Although officially everyone is allowed to enter the city without paying. But I wouldnt argue with the guards. I dont want to go to prison for resisting.
Even though the guards had ruined my mood, the city had lifted it. The beautiful ladies were so giddy. And after passing the local brothel, I indulged in memories, but I was quickly cooled down by Sofia with a blow to the head and we went on.
Heres the guild. Just as I remember it. But they wouldnt let me in last time. Admission is only for those under the age of eighteen. These are stupid rules. But today I logged in without any problems. The guard at the gate only looked at us disdainfully, not saying a word. Theres always a lot of rabble hanging around. Inside, as always in such places, it was crowded. Some drank dark kvass, others played dice or cards. About twenty people were standing near the wall with their assignments. Three reception desks. I went to the most beautiful lady who was free. It turned out to be a nice lady cyclops. She smiled when she saw me. But noticing the thief next to me, the ardor subsided. You should at least draw a sign for this kitty that shes not my lady. Otherwise, I will have problems with my personal life.
«Hello, the most beautiful creature in the world. I said, smiling. The lady immediately blushed. Im with my partner, were not dating. I emphasized, noticing the interest of not only the receptionist but also the ladies at the next table. Good. We want to register in the guild. I also have things for sale. Skins and bodies.
Yes, we do not meet with him, Im on the ladies. Sophia smiled at Cyclops. «Little buds like you.»
«Oh. Im so happy about that. The guild always needs new people. Im your handler, Baya" «Here, fill out these forms. Goods will be accepted in the yard after the documents are submitted.
I took the form and started filling it out. Filled it out quickly. Noticing that my companion does not fill it out, but only turns it in her hand, not understanding.
«You cant write?» I asked quietly.
Read too. Who will teach me the local language in the bandit camp? And my native language is not used here.
I nodded, took the form from her, and asked questions and wrote answers. Slightly editing the content. She turned out to be a bad mouth. I handed over the forms. Cyclops examined them carefully. She took out a large stone of «Truth» and we put our hands together. The receptionist compared the form with the inscription on the stone.
«So this is Mikhail Underwear. The whole town was talking about you a year ago.
«Its me. And what to deny.
«How interesting that is. You can tell me, too. Said the cheerful Sophia, apparently she was interested in this story.
I was walking with the wife of the local baron Anna Yutu. And ran away at night. I didnt have much time to take out of my clothes. Thats the whole story. I turned to the curator. Hows the bald chubby guy?»
«I met Eleanor Yuta a month ago. And dont you dare insult him, we loved him here. Angry Baya said. But then she changed her face, became nice again, and continued. «We are ruled by his wife, Anna Yutu.
«I need to go over and say hello to her.»
She rules with her new husband Yegor Yutu, the nephew of the last baron. So Ill forgive you if you want to work in the guild, dont create any problems for us.
«Got it.» I nodded. Its a pity the Baroness has good memories.
«Because of the paperwork. Are we suitable for your guild? My partner asked, grabbing the curators arm.
Yes, come here. Here are your cards. She placed two square cards on the table. Our names flashed on them. Will you create a clan?
«Come on.» Let it be «The Magician and his friends». I said, looking at the thiefs displeased face.
«There is already such a clan. We need a different name.
«Lets call it Malawi.» So my homeland nazavaetsya it in the east. «I dont know,» said Sophia, evidently meaning a great deal to her. I didnt argue. He just nodded in approval, getting a big grin from her. Shes cute when she smiles.
How interesting about this country I have not heard. «The curator checked the records. The name is free. Fine. Your iron rank is the lowest. But you can take any tasks no higher than two ranks above your own. There are iron rank and so on, steel, bronze, silver and gold. The greatest adventurers get a platinum rank. But this rank is given personally by the king or guild head for special merits.
As you may remember, I have skins and my friend wants to put money in the account. I turned to the disgruntled thief. «Really?»
Reluctantly, she placed six gold pieces on the table. The curator took them and registered them to our shared account. Then she went outside with us, where I took the skins and carcasses out of the void. Earned three gold coins. Many. The guild doesnt skimp on rewards. They put everything on the bill. Then she came with us and helped us choose the first task. We took on a mission to guard a merchant caravan. Its a simple job, going out in the evening and paying for the hotel is not necessary.
The two of us left the guild together. Oddly enough, we dont have any regulars pestering us. Maybe they have a rule not to bully newbies. After all, there were fewer and fewer people coming to adventurers over time. All go to bards, artisans, or merchants. There are more jobs and better pay. Being an adventurer doesnt earn you much money. And if war breaks out, they will be called up as an ordinary soldier.
«It went well. Sorry for the money, of course, gave to the account. And its so nice when they warm your wallet. Her stomach rumbled with treachery at that. How much will fit in there. We ate in the morning. Although she has a different metabolism, she is also a half-human.
«Lets go to the tavern and gather some rumors. This is the most important thing in our business. I said, smiling. Then he added hush. Lets eat fish with light kvass.
Hearing about the fish, its ears began to move, and I rejected the temptation to stroke them. We must respect her choice.
Tavrena was right next door, three doors down. The city is small. How it keeps afloat. What makes it stand out? The Tavrena building didnt stand out in any way, an ordinary log house of two floors. With a nondescript sign for me «Tavrena Stary sturgeon». But she was delighted with my companion. How she wants to eat. Inside, the usual smell of strong kvass and dumplings was waiting for us in these establishments. I love these places. In them, my teacher on «Rare Species» Matvey Theorit found five new species of pubic fleas. So I immediately covered myself with a light veil of poison. We sat down at the first available table. It was crowded. People like to go for a walk here. Someone was celebrating a wedding. The bride and groom and about twenty guests. On the other hand, there was a wake. The black-robed people were grieving. Thats what life is like here. Everyone else went out and had fun for no reason.
«I can get you something.» Said a young busty elf. I examined her through the spell. Yes, the old lady has seen a lot.
«Grandma, well have some dumplings and light kvass.» And a bigger and fresher fish for the lady. I said as politely as possible. Old people should be respected.
«Cheeky. Always with you magicians so. Others take me for a girl and tip me well. And you all see the bastards. Ill get you some food. The waitress snorted and left.
«How did you know she was a grandmother?» Sophias curiosity was piqued when the waitress left.
«Im a mage, and I can read all the data from everyone. Here it is. I pointed to a strong warrior surrounded by strong men like him. They were celebrating loudly. My partner turned to get a better look at him. Naked to the waist, he inspired respect and fear. I used to be a lady, and I gave birth to two children. I wouldnt have believed it myself.
yes. Your abilities amaze me. You magicians are so wonderful. What about me?
«We need to look carefully. I said feigningly. I examined it carefully this morning. «Youve seen a lot of evil. I see youre in pain. But you dont say anything about them. I put my hand to her stomach. She didnt pull it back. Complete healing. A wave of green light went from my hand to her stomach and spread all over her body. She began to smile. You can see that the pain is going away. «The pain will go away, but it will come back. I can only take them off for a while. You need drugs to get better. They are expensive. But maybe we can make some money and buy them. You can have children after them.
I shouldnt have said that, "fury crossed her face. I got slapped in the face. And what I wanted. The waitress brought the food and took the money, still snorting at me. They ate in silence. She refused to talk to me. We stayed until the evening. I listened to the conversations, but I didnt hear any useful information. Everyone praised the Baroness for her new laws. They scolded the king for his stupidity. In short, everything is the same as before. Its time to go to work.
«Im sorry for what I said. Come on, we still have to guard the merchants.
She just nodded, and we left the tavern and went to the merchants. They were waiting for us. The Seven dwarfs. All of them were bearded and cheerful, loading crates into carts. Whatever it was, I didnt care.
Im Mikhail this is Sofia we came to work from the guild. I gave the card to the biggest dwarf.