Chapter 15: Names & Drinks

Chapter 15: Names & Drinks

The carriage stopped in front of a long cobblestone pathway. A crowd of people stood in line waiting for entrance to the u-shaped building surrounding the walkway.

Rorik stepped out of the carriage, This is the nameplate office. As you can see it stays pretty busy all year around.

Stryg agreed. He enjoyed the high view from the window, but as he walked out he turned his gaze to the two centaurs that hauled the carriage. The centaurs dont even look tired.

He hadnt given it much thought when he was a captive of the poacher, but they really were amazing. They would have been excellent hunters in Vulture Woods.

Yes, they are arguably the most useful of the beastkin. They are descended from another beast of burden; an animal called a horse. They are said to be phenomenal creatures, Rorik said.

Ive never seen a horse, Stryg murmured in thought. He wasnt even sure what a beastkin was. He remembered Karen had mentioned something about a minotaur. There was so much he didnt know about this place.

Im not surprised. They dont exist in the Ebon Realm. Still, all the centaurs of the Realm have been domesticated for centuries so we get by just fine. If you ask me, the other Realms can keep their horses, Ill take a centaur any day, Rorik said.

Stryg turned to the crowd, Wow, thats a long line. He felt small looking at so many people. They could be here for hours.

Not to worry. Being a guard has its perks. A different clerk will see us. Follow me, Rorik grinned.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

He led Stryg away from the crowd and to a door on the other side of the building. Rorik gave a quick series of knocks. A click sounded and the door opened wide. They walked into a spacious room where an orc clerk worked behind a counter and a glass panel. It reminded him of Miss Byrel. Stryg hoped he wouldnt have to take another test.

Good afternoon, welcome to the nameplate office, how can I help? The clerk smiled, her lower canines in clear view.

Stryg envied her prominent fangs. She managed to look menacing even when she smiled. His fangs were fairly small and were only noticeable when he hissed.

My companion would like to register for a nameplate, Rorik said.

I understand. I will get an iron nameplate ready, itll take around an hour to have our brown mage down here to get it imprinted. Thatll be two gold coins. She opened a small window at the bottom of the glass panel.

Ah, sorry, you misunderstand. Stryg, please give her your academy writ, Rorik said.

Stryg looked at Rorik questioningly but brought out the paper anyway. He slipped it through the small window.

The clerk took the paper and began to read in a mutter. Her eyes widened and glanced back and forth between the writ and a fidgeting Stryg.

Rorik had a smug look, iIt was nice to keep seeing the astonished looks on peoples faces. A goblin mage was quite rare if not outright unbelievable to many.

The clerks eyes reached the end of the document. She cleared her throat, Stryg is it? Congratulations on entering the magic academy. I will have a silver nameplate ready for you right away. Please, wait a moment while I get our brown mage down here. Excuse me. The clerk bowed and left in a haste.

That went well. People really underestimate goblins, though. Gotta be rough, Rorik said absentmindedly.

Im used to it, Stryg said.

No one had ever expected anything from Stryg, except failure. It was refreshing to see the clerks reaction. By the way, she mentioned an iron and silver nameplate. Are there different kinds?

Thats right, Rorik pulled out a bronze nameplate from his pocket. The nameplates material denotes its ranking in society. The more precious the metal the greater the nameplate. The cheapest and most common nameplate is made of iron, the majority of people in the city have one. Bronze like mine are only given to high ranking officials and soldiers, wealthy merchants, or members of named houses. Silver, like the one you are getting, is given to all magi and members of great houses. Gold nameplates are given to only the wealthiest and most powerful individuals, usually a lord or lady. The most valuable of all, are the black orichalcum nameplates. But, you dont have to worry about those, only the city council has them.

Stryg paid attention to every word, he needed to learn as much as he could. ...So, silver nameplates are quite good then?

Rorik laughed, but this time it was like a cheap imitation. Yeah, you could say that. Most people here spend their lives just trying to get a bronze nameplate. A silver will open many doors for you.

The clerk returned with a drow mage in tow, Sorry, for the wait.

Stryg scanned the area for threats. He was still on edge after the last time he went out to get a drink with a stranger. He wasnt about to allow himself to get jumped by a bunch of goblins again. Those thoughts flew out the door when his eyes landed on the most beautiful human he had seen. Her long hair was a dark shade of purple, it reminded him of the berries that grew around his village. He didnt know humans could have purple hair. She had chestnut colored eyes, a button nose, and luscious lips, framed over a small heart shaped face. Her olive skin was covered with a light sheen of sweat. She wore a white apron over a long red skirt. A black corset hugged her waist, which only helped accentuate her busty cleavage that threatened to spill out from her shoulderless white blouse. His heart began to beat faster as he realized she was coming this way.

Good afternoon, captain. What can I get you and your friend? The woman asked with a bright smile.

Can I get two mugs of your finest honey mead and two plates of whatever the cook has made for dinner. Rorik gave her a few copper coins.

Coming right up.

Thank you, Rorik said.

Uh, t-thanks, Stryg stammered.

She gave a warm smile of understanding, Youre welcome.

Stryg stared at her figure as she left.

Rorik grinned, Her name is Feli. Shes the taverns local celebrity you could say. People love her around here. Shes drop dead gorgeous, kind, and most importantly single.

What do you mean single?

She isnt with anybody.

Stryg tilted his head, he still didnt understand.

It means she doesnt have a sexual partner. She isnt banging anyone. I mean dont get me wrong, plenty of people would want to if they got the chance. Some idiots have even offered to pay for a single night with her, though they were beaten up by the tavern masters wife and banned from the tavern for their troubles. No, Feli seems to be looking for the right man, or so the rumors go. Doubtful, since she has turned down every suitor, and believe me there have been tons, Rorik explained.

I see, Stryg said. He guessed that folk from Hollow Shade didnt participate in night challenges.

I think half the people come here to see her rather than get something to eat or drink, Rorik whispered.

Feli returned with two bowls of potato soup and mugs of honey mead. Here you are. Careful with the soup, its quite hot. She rested her hand on Roriks shoulder. Enjoy, she whispered. Her hand slipped away as she shuffled to another table.

Rorik mourned her departure. He sighed.

Stryg smirked, I take it youre one of those half of people, huh?

Rorik shook his head, Doesnt matter. Im a married man. He blew another sigh into his mug. Well, let's drink shall we? To your new life. He held out his mug.

Stryg took his own mug, it was a bit too large for his hands, and took a sip. He held back the urge to cough. It burned and the taste was just average. He had drunk worse; boiled dire bear blood was definitely far worse.

You're supposed to clink mugs, but it doesnt really matter. Hows the taste? Rorik asked.

Its fine. Stryg shrugged.

Rorik laughed, Well, just dont drink too much. Someone of your size cant handle too much alcohol.

Stryg was tired of being underestimated for his size. This was the beginning of his new life after all. Just because Im small doesnt mean I cant handle some juice.

I mean if you were a dwarf I wouldnt say anything. But goblins arent exactly known for being able to hold their alcohol.

Oh, so its because Im a goblin? I bet I can drink more of this alcohol stuff than you, Stryg challenged the man. He wouldnt back down, not after his honor had been contested.

Rorik smiled, Alright, youre on. He raised his arm high, Two shots of Fire Breath please!