By the time we reached almighty salvation that was called the dirt road. The shape had gradually come into focus. It was a merchant's caravan complete with driver and horses, a scene straight from medieval times. It was huge news. Caravans meant trade which meant business which in turn meant money. Oh and I suppose we were going to be saved from starving to death but that's not as important. Right in front of us, rolling on its wooden wheels was a path to survive in this world. Becoming disgustingly rich.
The wagon was still a fair distance away but I started waving excitedly to catch the driver's attention. Later upon reflection I realised that it was not needed when two people had emerged from 'The Goblin Terrain', hours away from any nearby town or city wearing no equipment. Attention came to you in buckets. So much so, that the current situation screamed of a bandit attack. Which is why from the perspective of the aforementioned vehicle…
* * *
"Hey Quintus, there's an ambush ahead. What's the plan?" - said the driver turning towards his patron.
"Let me see"
An elongated man dressed in dark green robes climbed up from inside the caravan, ducking his head under the roof and examined the suspicious people on the road ahead.
"Hmm, it's rather obvious for an ambush, no?" - he observed
"Ah, I've heard about this. This is the so called reverse psychology" - the driver said confidently
"They must be some rather sophisticated bandits huh, Rorik?"
"Umm...I dunno, you're the smart one aren't ya? You figure it out" - Rorik replied flustered
"Hmm- huh?!?" - Quintus adjusted his glasses and confirmed "Gelda!"
"Yes Master Quintus!" - a female voice shouted behind them. A bow and a notched arrow emerged from the shadows of the caravan.
It must be noted at this point of time that Gelda is an extremely skilled individual under the employ of Quintus. For several years she had been by his side and survived a number of desperate situations. Yet never has he raised his voice. Not once. Not even when his entire fortune was stolen. For him to be so agitated now…
"Steady, keep yourself hidden and...aim at the woman but only fire if I give the signal" - Quintus ordered, his voice returning to its usual calm.
"Um err… so it IS an ambush?" - Rorik said hesitantly
"No I'm just very interested in that man's clothes" - said Quintus without changing expressions.
"What?" - both Gelda and Rorik said simultaneously.
* * *
The caravan arrived and slowly came to a full stop. I inspected the driver who'd gotten the horses under control. A young man with a strong build and short red hair dressed in leather armor. A human...probably. The fact Serena was so passable for one didn't help my paranoia. The driver gave us a nervous smile.
"Um, how do you do adventurers?" he said stiffly
Wow how convenient, I can actually understand him. Shame. I had a whole presentation of hand gestures prepped and ready to converse with people. Also adventurers? Right now we pretty much looked like peasants.
"Well we're doing okay, how are you?"- I replied. You can die but you can't forget your manners. You have to say you're okay even if your circumstances were pretty dire.
"Oh errm good I guess" - he said obviously not expecting that kind of response.
Suddenly he sat up straight on his wagon as if a hot iron was pressed against him
"Where do you adventurers hail from" - he strained
I was about to reply with a pre-prepared answer but Serena, who was previously off to the side, put her hand on my shoulder.
"We come from a distant land" She replied, taking over the conversation.
It was a good answer but I turned to ask why she'd stepped in. Then I felt my body grow cold. Serena's eyes were identical to when we fought the goblins. Glowing silver.
"I-I see, where exactly? I'm quite well travelled so I'm curious" - asked the driver
Serena's eyes were no longer on him but rather... over his right shoulder into the darkness of the caravan.
"It is called Earth" - she said slowly
I tightened my hands on my spear without changing expressions. We weren't going down without a fight.
"O-oh I really haven't heard of th-"
"Stop Rorik"
Beside the man called Rorick, a tall man came forth into the light. He dismounted onto the road with a noticeable amount of deftness. What struck us the most was how he carried himself. It was...'respectable'. His posture, straight and his black hair, combed. He wore fitted green robes and rectangular glasses. His overall appearance all tied together to form a 'prim and proper' impression. He turned to face us.
"Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Oliver Quintus, a merchant. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances"
I checked Serena quickly. Her gaze was on this Quintus, and the 'battle' glow had faded. I knew we should be safe now and yet…
"It's nice to meet you Quintus" - nodding at him "and it's a pleasure to meet you... Rorik was it? And...what might be the name of the person in the shadows behind you?"
When Quintus emerged from the caravan... he did so from the opposite side from where Serena was staring at.
There was an instant mood shift. Quintus' eyes widened for a brief instant and Rorik, who was a terrible actor from the start, had an extremely astounded expression. But despite the change in atmosphere. I didn't feel any danger signs from Serena.
"Hmm how embarrassing. Could you come out Gelda?" - Quintus said calmly
Shockingly where Quintus was standing, a cloaked figure with a bow, materialised out nowhere, kneeling behind him.
"Sir?"
"It would be rather rude to not introduce yourself now, no?" - Quintus said
"Yes Master Quinitus"
She stood up and unfastened her cloak revealing her appearance. A woman with waist-length jet black hair and permanently crossed eyebrows above piercing purple eyes. More noticeably though...she had long ears. An Elf.
"My name is Gelda...it's a pleasure " - she said warily, watching Serena.
"Ah my name is Lucian, it's good to meet you" - I said, making up a name.
"Please call me Serena" - introducing herself.
Quintus now took a step forward, hands raised.
"I hope you can excuse our vigilance, but now that all the formalities are out of the way. Let's address the matter at hand"
He paused, staring at us.
"There is no place anywhere called Earth" - he said slowly