Chapter Eight: Hero Tour

Chapter Eight: Hero Tour

As it turned out, Eris had just completed her hero tour.

With the Blight contained for now, we heroes decided to enjoy a hard-won drink after a job well done. Marika and I invited our fellow heroesand Alaireto our home. The forge was large enough to house all of us, so Marika built a table and chairs from scraps and called it a day.

My housemate hadnt wasted any time while I was working at the castle. Marika had strengthened the old walls with her power by fitting stones inside them and set up a workbench near the anvil where her tools were neatly arrayed. Moreover, a shelf near the hearth displayed the result of her recent experiments with her power: a spoon made of seashells harvested from the docks, a pair of wooden gauntlets, and a bizarre mishmashed sculpture of tableware. It seemed the more stuff Marika combined, the less practical the shape.

So youve visited every last one of us? I asked as I poured Eris a cup of wine. Raiding the Gilded Wolf let us gather a large treasure trove of confiscated goods. Great classes and vassals alike?

The Artisan and the Alchemist were the last on my list. Eris all but snatched the wine cup from my hand. I figured I should save them for last, since theyre the Merchants vassals.

Aww, you wanted to see me again? I teased her. The feeling is mutual, Eris.

Careful, you might develop a little crush on me at this rate Eris playfully winked at me. She immediately noticed Alaires gaze darting between her and I. My my, Lady Brynslow, what are you imagining?

That our Merchant thinks with his cock first and his brain second. Alaire squinted at me in judgment. Dont you have a type? That would spare most women from your unwelcome attention.

I do not have a type, I have an open door policy. I offered a drink to both Colmar and Soraseo. Both refused, the former more politely than the latter. Soraseos helmet sat on the table, its owners face trapped in a deep melancholy.

Now thats just depressing, I thought when I watched her. I need to take Belgoroths words off her mind.

In fact, I believe having a type is positively criminal, I said after sitting next to Soraseo. Half the world is made of the opposite sex. If you restrict yourself to a narrow category, you close yourself off to countless good surprises.

An interesting opinion, Colmar commented.

Do you have a type? I asked him. Somehow Colmar didnt strike me as a romantic person.

I have never been interested in men or women, the Alchemist replied. I understand that others may find happiness in love, but it is simply not for me.

I agree with Robin, though mostly because most dont understand what makes them happy in the first place. Eris chuckled. See, Lady Brynslow? Robin is the perfect Merchant because hes always looking for new opportunities.

Alaire rolled her eyes. The world might be a better place if he behaved properly.

I wouldnt be so judgmental if I were you, Alaire. I pointed at her beautiful braid with a smirk. You still owe me my due from our wager.

Alaire blushed in embarrassment, doubly so when Eris joined in on the fun. Oh? The Wanderer put a finger on her lips. Do tell.

I admit, I am curious too, Marika said as she sipped her cup. I didnt expect her to be a heavy drinker, but she had been the first to go for the bottle. I suspected the nights events shook her more than she let on.

I am a woman of my word. Alaire looked away, her cheeks now redder than a Fire Island tomato. She was kind of cute when she acted childish. But I I will deliver on it in my own time.

I understand, you want to do it in a private place, I teased her, knowing perfectly well how it would sound. Dont worry, itll be our little secret.

Come on Robin, you cant tease a gal like that in front of me and not follow through. Eris immediately started hounding Alaire. Lady Brynslow, confess your sins. What terrible crime are you expected to commit?

Abandoning Alaire to my favorite nuns dogged attention, I turned to Soraseo. The Monk hadnt spoken a word since we left the Gilded Wolf. She could use a distraction.

Could you show me how to play your instrument? I asked her. This gathering could use a song.

My biwa? My question drew Soraseo out of her sullen state. I I do not have another, Lord Merchant.

Come on, call me Robin, Soraseo. Weve fought a demon together, we can skip formalities. I turned to Marika. Mind lending us a hand?

A few minutes later, Marika managed to craft a pretty good replica of Soraseos instrument from wood scraps and ropes. I noticed that her Artisan power worked better when she had an idea of the fusions final result. Soraseo gave me a strange, flat curved sheet of wood to strum the strings. A plectrum she called it.

The music comes from the mind, but the fingers play it on time, Soraseo explained. She grabbed her own biwa, her fingers moving the plectrum with the same grace as her sword along the instruments length. Like a sword, you must draw when you must, not when you can.

Why do you not buy the skill directly, Robin? Colmar asked as I pinched the strings. It would be faster.

Because this performance is for Soraseos sake, not mine. Besides, she would probably ask to buy her knowledge back immediately.

There is a certain pleasure in learning things the hard way, I replied while testing my own plectrum. I cant develop my own style if Im coasting on somebody elses achievements.

Soraseo began playing a sorrowful tune. I followed her lead long enough to get the hang of the instrument, but I quickly realized a tragic song didnt fit my taste. I started testing more joyful tones. I liked them. How about I muttered to myself, pinching strings with one hand and using the plectrum with the other. This?

Then I played aggressively.

Whereas Soraseo was the calm and sorrowful moon, I was the raging storm, the wild beast, the fury, and the force! My powerful tunes drowned out my teachers under their mighty echoes, much to her dismay. Robin, she scolded me. The biwa is a gentle instrument!

Doesnt sound like it, I replied. My audiences interest encouraged me to continue. Even Beni, who had been asleep upstairs, descended from our apartments above the forge to listen. How about you try matching my pace?

Soraseo appeared almost appalled by my suggestion, but eventually conceded. Her mark let her match my tempo quickly, and as her music moved from sorrowful to wild and joyful, her frown slowly started to fade away.

Youre a natural at this, Robin, Eris mused.

Am I better than the Bard? I asked half-jokingly.

Well, Neferoa can sing, so she has the edge so far. Eris mischievously covered her mouth. Oops. I know she tells everyone she meets that shes the Bard, but Im not supposed to share that.

Neferoa? I repeated. Id heard the name back in the Riverland Federation. The so-called pirate queen from the Fire Islands?

I thought it was just a rumor, Marika said. Her son hopped on her lap to better listen to the musical performance.

It isnt. She is indeed the new Bard. Eris played with her cup. Neferoa wages a personal war against Iremian colonists occupying the Fire Islands.

I had a very important question to ask. Is it true she abducts men into her harem?

Robin! Marika scolded me and covered Benis ears. Theres a child in the room!

I wouldnt call it a harem, Eris replied, completely ignoring the poor mothers remark. More like she has a man and a woman in every port. She loves them and leaves them. Typical Bard behavior.

A pity the Fire Islands were half a world away. I would have loved to meet Neferoa in the flesh.

I gave a sideway glance to Soraseo as we carried on with our duo song. Her lips stretched into a smile at the funny tunes, which I considered a victory. She even stopped briefly to sip from a wine cup.

Soraseo only came to life when she played music or fought in battle. I had seen her come alive in the Gilded Wolf, and crushed with disappointment when Fenrivos proved unable to offer her a decent challenge. The clash of steel kept her blood pumping. I had a plan that would satisfy her passion, but it could wait until after our performance.

If youve visited all the heroes, you must have met Roland then, Alaire said with a smirk. Whats your opinion on our Knight prince?

Hes quite the handsome boy, though a bit too young and nave for my tastes. Eris chuckled at Alaires shocked expression. Dont be so prudish. One can look at the menu without ordering anything.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.

Im beginning to see why you and Robin get along so well, Alaire replied dryly.

Colmar, the only one who hadnt drunk anything so far, remained all business. The Fatebinder asked you to visit us all, did she not? he asked Eris, to which she nodded. So what will you do now? Has she given you another task?

Ill report my findings to Lady Alexios, and deliver to her the Devil Coin that you collected. Eris crossed her legs. Afterwards, I think Lady Alexios will decide how to best support the heroes individual efforts. We are spread too far apart to form a conclave, and some of us serve opposing nations. The Priest alone will be a colossal headache for the Arcane Abbey.

How so? I asked, suddenly curious.

Eris appeared torn between utter amusement and consternation. Shes a reformist.

My fingers froze on my biwa, much to Soraseos confusion; as the only one from a land where the Arcane Abbey held little sway, she was the only one around the table who hadnt fallen into shocked silence.

The Priest? A reformist? Alaire looked utterly in denial. Is that a joke?

You could call it that, Eris replied with a chuckle. One played on the Arcane Abbey.

I agreed. The Fatebinder, who selected the heroes, led the Arcane Abbey. To have the Priestthe hero closest to the artifactsoppose the orthodoxy on religious grounds would rock the institution to its very foundations. I struggled to imagine which side the goddess would pick.

It it wont start a holy war of some kind, right? Marika kept one hand on her sons shoulder and another on her cup; she clearly struggled against the urge to drown her worries. I dont think we can spare one right now.

Theres trouble brewing everywhere, Marika my dear, Eris replied with a shrug. There have never been so many Devil Coins in circulation at a given time before, which means the Demon Ancestors are actively recruiting new servants. I suspect their involvement in the Irem-Fire Islands conflict and a few others across the continent.

Fair point, I replied with a shrug. I was just curious.

But dont torture yourself too much, Robin. I have the feeling that the Assassin will pay you a visit soon.

I chuckled. Sounds ominous.

Eris grin widened further. You asked for it, no?

My smirk faded away. Whats that supposed to mean?

My poor Merchant. Eris winked mischievously at me, as if I were the butt of a particularly funny joke. See you soon, Robin. Well meet again.

That teasing nun vanished in a puff of smoke without elaborating. I watched the wind carry the leftover fumes away with a single thought on my mind.

I need a girlfriend, I muttered to myself. Celibacy is driving me mad.

I returned inside to find Marika waiting for me, alongside the wine. Beni fell asleep, she said before offering me a cup. Another one for the ride?

Sure. I observed Marikas hand as she poured the drinks. Her usually steady fingers trembled at the edge. Something bothered her. At least Colmar left us his share.

Marika scowled. He doesnt breathe.

I mulled over her words a moment, before sitting and sipping my wine.

I sat next to Colmar for a good hour and didnt hear a single wheeze. Marika stared at her reflection in the drink. Ive never seen him go to the bathroom, drink, or eat. What exactly is he hiding under his mask?

Maybe nothing, I said. Ive had my suspicions for a while now. The mark appeared on his suit, which implies its part of his body somehow.

Marika squinted at me. You think he could be what, a living suit?

I wondered about the living part, truthfully. Mayhaps he will tell us in time.

Why are you so calm about it?

Because he works around the clock to treat the sick and wounded. Colmar could only spare us an hour for the meeting before returning to his work, after all. Most impressively, he never charged anyone anything. When I offered him a salary, he replied that he only accepted donations to fund his activities. Otherwise, he keeps nothing for himself.

Marika raised an eyebrow. You believe him?

Yes. The mark wouldnt have chosen him otherwise. My vision started to blur a bit from the wine. I wish Snowdrift had an apothecary of his caliber when the Purple Plague struck.

If so, my parents might still be alive.

Marika didnt look convinced. He could be hiding something bad, she said while gripping her cup. You never know.

Im curious about Colmars true nature, but he is entitled to his privacy. His actions earned him my goodwill so far. Perhaps it was the alcohol at work, but I couldnt hold my tongue anymore. Marika, whats bothering you?

Marika grabbed the heart-shaped wood pendant hanging from her neckline and studied it in sullen silence. When I approached to observe it more closely, I noticed the letters W and M stylishly carved on its surface.

My husband sculpted this, Marika explained, her voice low and filled with sorrow. When he when he left, I kept it. I should have thrown it away but I couldnt. I dont understand why.

I remained silent and let her vent. What she needed most now was a listening ear who wouldnt judge her.

Remember the axe Fenrivos tried to kill us with? Marika asked me. I nodded. My husband forged it.

Are you sure?

Im certain. I would recognize his handiwork anywhere. Marikas scowl deepened into a look of utter hatred. He serves Belgoroth now.

I thought Marika was a widow, and from her expression I hadnt missed the mark too much. Her husband was dead to her. Im sorry.

Why? You didnt do anything. While while he lied to me, cheated on me, attacked me, saddled me with mountains of debts, and Marikas hand trembled as she gripped her necklace. He he

Shes afraid, I realized. Its okay, Marika. I seized her hand into my own and squeezed it tightly. Hes not here. No one can hurt you.

Marika pulled back her hand immediately, as if startled. I immediately realized I had made a mistake. I was a touchy-feely kind of man, who liked to hug his friends when they felt down; but she didnt feel that comfortable around me yet.

Youre sweet, Robin. Marika held her cup with two hands, gazing back at her reflection in the liquid. What she hoped to find in it escaped me. But its not for me that I worry.

Beni. She feared for her sons safety. I almost asked Marika if his father would truly hurt him, before quickly realizing that from her dour expression, he already had. I remembered how skittish Beni appeared on the boat, always looking over his shoulder as if expecting an ambush.

His own son I struggled to hide my distaste for the man, whatever his name might be. I also pitied Marika. She had clearly gone through a lot.

If any foe dares to approach within a league of Benicio, hell pay for it with his life, I tried to reassure her. Youre a hero in Archfrosts employ. Ill have guards keep an eye on Beni at all times.

Im not sure itll be enough. Marika sighed. Youve seen the demon in the tavern. I dont think guards could do anything to stop one if it came after my son.

We killed that fiend, did we not? I smiled at her. Smiles were like a good plague. The more you shared one, the stronger it became. You arent on your own anymore. Weve got your back.

Marika listened with rapt attention. I could tell she wanted to believe in my words the way I did. After all, in every cynic lay a disappointed idealist.

"Robin, I I'm sorry to ask you this, but" Marika cleared her throat and chose her words carefully. "Do you think you could take Beni's fears? His his suffering?"

I could buy his trauma, yes. I could, but should I? Im not sure it would be healthy for him, however. I dont know what traumatized him, but taking that away might be the spiritual equivalent of sawing off his arm. He wont suffer from the pain, but it will leave a hole that he might never truly heal from either. I'd need further testing before we can consider it. For safety's sake.

From her crestfallen expression, Marika expected as much. "I just want to hear him speak to me again, Robin," she admitted. "Beni has such a wonderful voice."

"Give him time. Time heals all wounds."

I suppose it does. Marika smiled sadly. "Sorry I rambled so much, Robin.

"Everyone needs to vent once in a while." Especially someone who had fought demons, both the human and inhuman kind. "If you listen to me complaining about my work, we'll call it even."

Anytime, Robin. Marika struggled to change the subject, but alcohol helped. Are you and Eris you know

Sharing a toothbrush? I quipped. No, much to my displeasure.

Alaire then?

My goddess, she was almost as much of a gossip as Eris when inebriated; she just hid it behind a veneer of maturity. Nope.

I think you may have a shot, Marika teased me. If you stop acting so immature with her.

Never. I simply had too much fun teasing our countess-to-be.

Marika scoffed before finishing her drink. Your loss.

Since it was getting late, we set the table aside and climbed upstairs. Our common living spaces lacked decoration and amenitieswe just moved in after allthough I already had ideas on how to fill the rooms.

Thanks for listening to me, Robin, Marika said on her bedroom's threshold. "I appreciate it."

Youre welcome. Were friends, are we not?

Were getting there, Marika replied with a chuckle. Good night, Robin.

She closed her door on me, and I returned to my room: a sparse set of walls holding a single bed, with a set of windows giving an impeccable view of the port. I moved to it, trying to look in the Gilded Wolfs direction.

According to Marika, the Blight would swallow Snowdrift in months unless stopped. Which meant that we had less than a year to turn this depressed den of poverty into a prosperous city which people actually wanted to live in. Not the best odds.

But I loved challenges.

Youll watch me douse your flame, Belgoroth, I promised. Just wait.