18 Chapter 18 : Must Obtain Bread

Annie returned to her senses as Jayson was gently shaking her, startled as his face was full of concern. Looking around she watched as Kenny roused Faith, that's when she heard a commotion going on outside their door.

"It's been like this for a few minutes, a few bells sounded earlier and it's been chaos since." Jayson explained what he knew to her, as Faith stood up and made for the door.

Not bothering to hear anything else Faith threw open the door revealing people rushing through the halls in a panic, mixed faces of fear and resolve spread throughout as groups were either trying to hide or get outside. Amidst the rush of people a familiar face walked calmly into their room and shut the door behind, a few beads of sweat dripping down his forehead.

Old Jo stood before them dressed as though he was going to war, steel armor covered him while under his arm was a matching helmet. On his back was a small bow , his quiver was full of brightly feathered arrows.

He looked to the children and sighed, " There have been sightings of a few Mortal-Tier monsters wandering close to the gates, a lot of the adventurers here want a shot at making some coin."

"I'm going to be standing guard in front of my inn, most would think this a good time to raid my kitchen. They'll get an arrow to the knee and a boot to their face for their troubles."

He chuckled darkly for a moment, " I just want to warn you kids if you decide to go, be wary of the forest, monsters come in many forms."

Jo turned for the door, pausing a moment before opening the door, "I don't know why only two of you have weapons, but if you need some gear you're free to look about my basement. Door next to the stove, take a few snacks for the road."

The door closed behind Old Jo as he vanished into the rushing crowd, leaving them staring excitedly at one another.

Faith broke the silence fire dancing in her eyes, "We're going."

Making for the door before she finished the statement, Annie and Kenny dancing behind her, Jayson close behind straightening his glasses. The group joined the crowd rushing for the lower level of the inn, Kenny stopped short of the door his nose twitching. A sweet scent that stood out amongst the smell of various body odors and ale, drew him toward the kitchen if not for an iron grip that caught him. A pair of fierce eyes met his that sent a shiver through his soul, Faith stared at him a look of clear agitation on her face.

Kenny said nothing as he pointed toward the kitchen with a shivering finger, as Faith followed she caught the sweet smell that stopped him and understood. The grip on Kenny's shirt vanished and was replaced with a soft palm on the top of his head, the fierce look that she had changed to one of innocent joy. The change was so fast that Jayson choked on air, Annie giggled at his side, now following Faith into the kitchen.

Crossing the threshold into the kitchen the group were met with the sound of clanking pots and pans, boiling cauldrons and various shouting from the cooks going about their business. In the middle of the kitchen stood a pair of men who were shouting the loudest at each other, red faced with spit flying everywhere it seemed as though this argument couldn't be settled. There was little difference between the two men besides their choice of mustache, one bearing a pencil trim the other handle bar. Both men were a head taller than Kenny, and just as skinny, they wore fancy white jackets speckled with various stains and smears.

Their heated debate stopped as Faith approached standing shoulder to shoulder, the man with the handle bar mustache leaned forward slightly face still red yet his voice was soft a complete contrast to earlier , "The boss told us there would be kids coming, but I didn't expect actual kids though. What do you think brother?"

As he was addressed the man with the pencil mustache laughed, maintaining the loudness in his voice while he spoke, "Indeed so brother, let us fill their stomachs and stock them well for their travel."

They left leaving Faith overcome with confusion and anger, as a nerve appeared on her forehead Faith took a step after them, only to be stopped by Kenny who tugged on her arm. With a simple tap of his nose Faith forgot her anger and started sniffing the air, within a few seconds she found the scent again. It was stronger where they stood, more concentrated, which made it easier for them to locate. On a tray a few meters away from them were a pile of cakes, spiral in shape with the heavy scent of cinnamon on top was a clear gel like liquid.

The group was entranced by the sight of them, drool forming at the corners of their mouths as they inched closer. However the timing was terrible as the two brothers returned from the back of the kitchen, carrying in their hands a bag for each of them with food overflowing the top. As they each received a bag, Faith continued to stare at the plate of food with a voracious look.

Faith blinked coming back to her sense before looking to the man with the handle bar mustache, " What are those on the tray?" She asked curiously, the look on her face made it obvious she wanted to eat one, with the others behind her with the same look.

However it was the man with the pencil mustache who answered, his loud voice filling their ears, "Those are the village speciality, Topo Bread. Made with ingredients that can only be found in this area, its a rare treat that we only make once a month."

A thought ran through Faith's mind, "I'm going to eat that entire tray."

The man with the handle bar mustache spoke up after his brother, " Now if you don't mind, we have things to do. The exit is back the way you came, take care not to disturb anyone or thing."

After that the pair ventured back into the heart of the kitchen, directing other workers in their tasks leaving the group alone to take care of themselves. As Kenny, Annie, and Jayson turned to leave, Faith was the only one still rooted to the spot, her gaze still trained on the Topo bread before her. Her mind was in conflict thinking about the tempting item, her hand slightly outstretched toward the tray. Jayson smiled devilishly, " Old Jo did say to take snacks for the road, aren't they considered snacks? I'm sure he wouldn't mind if one or four disappeared."

Annie and Kenny smiled, looking away in opposite directions. Faith nodded, silently tucking away several pieces of Topo bread. The group quickly made their way out of the kitchen soon afterwards, making their way through the front area of the inn. The rushing crowd of people had died down, the inn was almost empty, with only a few chairs occupied the atmosphere was less lively at that moment. The group paid little attention, bidding their farewells to Old Jo who was sitting outside the inn, Faith and co. Made their way to the front gates of the village, where a large crowd had already gathered.

Standing in front of the crowd, was a man reading from a long scroll,

"The Adventurers Guild will be offering ten gold coins for each Mortal-Tier monster slain, you must bring proof of your kill to be given credit. We have reports that there are three in the area, they seem to command lesser monster. Extreme caution is advised to all who are partaking."

Annie was looking around and noticed that all the attendants had the same symbol on various parts of their clothing, a hammer, wand, and sword formed a triangle around what seemed to be a strange purple leaf. Stopping a passerby to ask curiously, "What does that symbol mean?"

The passerby looked stunned, and answered, " It's our Adventures Guild Symbol, the Purple Oak. This shows that you're a member, and also acts as a guide as to where the bodies go if they die. You're only able to take quests posted by the guild if you're a member."

Seeing the disheartening look form on Annie's face the passerby became flustered as they explained further, "That doesn't mean you can't act independently and hunt on your own. It just means you won't get paid as much by the guild for turning in monster parts."

A shout from the distance caught the passerby's attention, bidding her a farewell the passerby continued on their way, leaving Annie's eyes sparkling.

The large crowd shrank rapidly as groups of people left for the forest, soon Faith and co. made it to the entrance where the man who read from the scroll earlier stood, his gaze seem to pierce the distance like hawk watching its prey. As Faith approached his hand blocked her from passing the gates, without looking directly at her, he spoke his voice as shrill as his gaze was sharp, " I can't let children through, its too dangerous. I'll have to ask you to return, please."

Faith was taken aback by both his kindness and the sheer intensity of his voice, but stood her ground and responded plainly, "No."

The man's gaze became sharper the ground beneath him trembling as he began to summon his powers, Faith's gaze flashed as she watched a yellowish-grey light flow outward from his body, wherever the light shone on his body it lingered like a thin covering separating him from all else in the world.