14 – The Bee’s Bounty

A little over an hour later, or as close to an hour as Ren could judge without a clock, the small group of four crested another bright green, grass-covered hill to see a small medieval, almost idyllic, town nestled along a winding river. The late afternoon sun cast an amber glow over the village. Many of the buildings were small, likely only a few rooms, topped with thick hay; the majority having small neat plots of green beside them, some of which were filled with the occasional goat or horse.

Still others were larger, some stretching two or even three stories tall with slanting roofs covered in slate or wood tiles; one appeared to be a blacksmith, with billowing smoke and a stack of coal visible even from where they stood. On the left edge stood a large stone building with ornate arched windows and an open courtyard in the middle.

From their higher vantage point, several people could be seen milling around, moving along the beaten dirt paths that wound between the buildings like some creeping vine, twisting here and there, formed from the habit of tens of thousands of steps rather than meticulous planning.

“Well, it’s not much, but at least it beats sleeping on the ground,” Jax said as he took the lead from In’dala, trotting down the hill towards the wide, quarried stone bridge that led into town.

“It honestly looks pretty quaint,” Ren said. “I was kind of expecting, I don’t know, some kind of third-world slum.”

Kaylin perked up, excitement in her voice. “Are there multiple worlds where you come from? How are they connected? Is it through some established portal? No, of course not, you don’t have mana, but then…” she trailed off.

“Ah, no. It’s just an expression, I thought Florn would be a lot more run down, but it looks like a great village.”

“Oh…” Her face fell. “Yes, it does have a sort of rural charm, doesn’t it?”

“What are you all waiting for?” Jax called back, now several hundred feet ahead of and below them.

They followed after the large man, joining him near the stone bridge. Ren tapped the granite-like railing experimentally. “Man, that is pretty amazing. I know stuff like this was possible without heavy equipment, but still.”

“The Creator’s guild does have its uses.” Kaylin said begrudgingly.

As they crossed, the muffled sound of the river below was mixed with the distant bleating of goats, the creaking of wagons, and the quiet voices of villagers moving, unhurried, about their day; in the distance the rhythmic clang of metal carried over the small town. The gentle warm breeze brushed by them, bringing with it the faint smells of dust and livestock, but also fresh baked bread and wood smoke.

On the far side of the bridge In’dala finally spoke, her strange bird companion ruffling its dark iridescent feathers on her shoulder. “As agreed, safe passage into the wilds, nexus discovery, and passage back once more. Do you consider the contract fulfilled?”

“Yes, certainly, In’dala.” Kaylin replied. “Are you sure you do not wish to join us, we could use your expertise.”

“My thanks,” she dipped her pale, bald head, “I must return to my tribe, there are strange things to consider.” She looked over at Ren.

“May we at least find you in the future, should the need arise?”

In’dala paused as she considered, then nodded. “Ask any Kanati ambassador in the region for the Ep’Shani tribe. They will know how to find me.”

With that, Jax retrieved a sheet of parchment from the pack, and handed it over. Without another word, In’dala took it, before jogging off, skirting the edge of the village, her bird flying after.

“Not one for goodbyes, I guess.” Ren mused.

“They are a strange people, nomadic, following the ebbs and flow of mana in the land or something like that. They do not permit the academy to study them and thus, information is, understandably, limited.”

“Can we please go find an inn?” Jax said.

“You all sure we don’t want to turn in the tails first?” Ren asked.

“It’s been days without a hot bath, a strong drink, and a soft bed.” Jax hoisted the pack higher on his shoulders. “Most definitely inn before bounty.”

“Lead on, you oaf,” Kaylin said without any menace in her voice.

“Hold.” Jax scanned Ren, his eyes pausing on the tattoos, bloodstained t-shirt and jeans. “You are quite the sight; here.” He dug around in the pack, pulling out a long brown cloak. “It will be a little large on you, but it will keep the staring and gossip to a minimum, I think.”

Wordlessly, Ren took it, throwing it over his shoulders, the end of the fabric dragging on the ground as the three not-quite adventurers made their way into Florn.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

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“Ah, here it is!” Jax exclaimed as they approached a three-story, solidly-built wooden inn. Iron-laced windows sat interspersed on all sides, framed by thick beams that looked to be made from cedar or something like it. The front stone steps, worn by a hundred familiar feet, led up to a wide, heavy-oak, orange door. Jutting out into the wide alley was a hanging sign in the shape of a mug with wings and the words ‘The Bee’s Bounty’.

Jax hurried up the steps, pushing open the heavy door to head inside.

“Here you go, two mugs and a slice of wild boar pie, made fresh this morning in fact.“ A rich baritone voice floated out as Jax, Kaylin, and Ren entered the humming common room of the inn.