When I eventually came to I was staring into a cloud filled night sky. The crackle of the fire resounded next to me filling me with warmth. I tentatively moved my arm. There was a slight soreness but everything seemed okay. I looked down to see my entire sleeve torn to shreds and stained with blood.
"Rain you're up," Lara said happily.
I rose to a sitting position my head spinning, "How long have I been out?"
"Around half an hour. Marley healed you."
I looked around, "I'll have to- what are you doing?" It was an odd sight. Beside where Lara was standing Earnest was kneeling in the sand. Ronalt, Ardent and Taylor stood around him disapprovingly.
"We're scolding him," Lara said seriously. "Training is fine but he's taken it too far one too many times."
Marley sighed from behind me, "I guess you won't be getting injured so much anymore."
"No I'm pretty sure there'll be plenty of opportunity for that," I had to refute her.
"Really?" Marley smiled to me excitedly. Creepy. A bright smile like that shouldn't be what you're doing. I chose to ignore her and returned my attention to Earnest.
"Umm don't you think he looks a little pitiable?" I said.
"He could have killed you," Taylor frowned. "I still think we put weights on him so he really understands."
"No, well, it was my fault for trying to block it. If I did nothing I'd be fine," or at least I thought so.
Earnest nodded, "Exactly. I had complete control of the situation."
Ronalt sighed, "If you had complete control you wouldn't have shattered his arm or dislocated his shoulder."
"Like I said it was a test to see how far he'd come and he passed remarkably."
Ardent clonked him over the head, "We don't require tests like that. Even a guild like the Magicians guild prioritizes safety above all else. You could at least show the same concern."
Earnest bowed his head, "I understand." He was totally lying. For a moment his eyes had met mine and there was no desire to hold back, in fact they were heated with interest. Ardent had similar eyes when he talked about magic.
"Just take things in moderation," Ronalt said and allowed Earnest to stand. He looked at me, "Though I can see why Earnest's interest is so peaked. We were not separated long but even from that single movement I could see your skills have increased by leaps and bounds."
"I just went over what I was taught," I smiled wryly. All the effort and training I had gone through with the two of them never happened in the cycle. It was only because my body remembered that I could move so well.
"And for you to stop my attack twice now....," Earnest's eyes locked on to me again. "I won't have you saying beginner's luck this time."
I laughed forcefully, "I kind of just did what I did the first time."
"I see," he nodded.
It was time to end this before they grew more suspicious of me, "It's getting late and I'm tired from the healing. We need to be up early."
"Rain is right." Ronalt clapped his hands, "Let's wrap this up." While no one was looking I breathed out in relief. When Earnest had begun to draw his sword the memory from that time took over. If I had more self-control I would have just let it happen but in the actual situation my body acted in a fight or flight manner, choosing clearly to fight. Whether I could be happy with that I wasn't sure.
With a groan Earnest rose from his kneeling position, the fact that he had trouble standing a testimony to how severe his scolding was. As the others began to prepare for bed, Earnest approached me, my sword in his hands.
He unsheathed it slightly and tapped the blade as he handed it back, "This is a very interesting weapon. Like my blade it does not appear to be made from pure metals but feels organic."
I could only shrug, "One of my fathers made it for me. Is it really that special?"
"Not even so much as a scratch," he commended the blade. "My own blade was made from steel tempered from ore found in the heart of the desert whales. The origins of yours may be just as curious."
I blinked and stared at the matte sword, "When this is over I'll find out."
Earnest nodded, "And I would most like to hear it as well. Good night Rain. When we next train I would like to see more of your form rather than your 'luck'." With that he waved and disappeared into the carriage. There was no getting out of it but if we really did get into a fight with the Demon Lord, I needed every bit of advantage I could get.
With things winding down I pitched up a tarp large enough to cover the carriage and Pina cuddled up against it. There was no telling if it would rain tonight and just in case we were quite far from the river on the chance it flooded.
"Are you sleeping out here again?" Lara asked me as I finished setting up my bedding on top the carriage.
"There still isn't enough room inside," I replied.
"Are you sure? If I asked Ronalt he could probably make some room with the others. If we position the beds better then-,"
"It's fine Lara," I stopped her. "I'm more comfortable outside. Besides I'm pretty sure Ardent snores. Ronalt and Earnest can sleep through it but I wake easy."
"Isn't it lonely out here?" she was still troubled. Was it her sense of fairness or something else?
"I have Pina," I gestured to her and in response she chirped.
"If it makes you feel better I can stay outside as well," Taylor poked her head out the window of the carriage staring right at the two of us. "I'm sure I can keep Rain warm."
Lara huffed, "Stop joking around like that. You'll sleep with us Taylor. Good night Rain." With that I was left alone outside. Well I did have Pina.
*
Two days later we reached Tona. There wasn't much to say about the journey along the river. We saw no one and other than the occasional wildlife the scenery really didn't change much or at all. More river and more trees. At night I practised combat with Earnest and like the previous cycles he proclaimed me his apprentice. As much as I refused it was useless. Aside from that forced excitement I did my job just as well as I did before. No that was a lie… it was harder. Taylor and Lara's assistance were mostly detrimental to my work. Taylor messed around too much and Lara was surprisingly clumsy. Dealing with the two took more time than if I was alone. Heck Ronalt was more help. Still, it was peaceful.
I could hear Tona before we saw it. The sound of an active town and the jingle of bells not uncommon from a port. It came into view suddenly as we turned around the bend of the river. The town sprawled into the forest cutting through the trees, built on top long and extending wooden supports. The port itself had several boats marooned, trading vessels of different sizes and a single ship meant for war. War with who though I didn't know. There were no human settlements close by but I was sure pirates and monsters wouldn't be too rare even here.
Before we entered I stopped the carriage. This would be the first time we were entering a full-fledged Demon town and there were sure to be things some of us would rather not see or in some cases want to see too much. Although it was a little cramped we all managed to sit or stand in the carriage's kitchen area.
Ronalt took the lead in the conversation, "From this point onwards we'll be interacting with more demonfolk. Again I ask you all to hold down any misgivings you may have. We are ordinary members of the horned tribe here to do trade."
I nodded, "That being said I know everyone here is alright with demons as a whole. What I'm more concerned with is you all attract too much attention. Earnest don't go duelling anyone. Ardent keep your curiosity to a polite level. Taylor no stealing or flirting. Marley some demons may have blue blood but don't go seeking it out. And Lara don't wander off alone."
Taylor huffed, "Why didn't you mention Ronalt?"
"Because Ronalt has his head on straight," I replied.
He grunted accepting the compliment, "If anything happens remember that we need to count on each other. This is another country far different from ours with cultures that may reflect badly on our own. Is everyone ready?"
An arrangement of replies echoed their answers. There was no way we could head back now.
As we rolled into the town we caught the attention of many of the townsfolk. Unlike Axel this place was a full-fledged town with hundreds of buildings and thousands of people. From the map Servius' father had given us it was one of the only major towns in the area. It wasn't long till we reached a checkpoint. Two demons armed with poleaxes stood in our way. One was covered in thick hair and the other had clawed feet.
"Greetings traveller," the thick haired one called to me. He seemed amicable enough. "What brings you to Tona?"
I smiled courteously, "Me and my fellow brethren are here to find passage to Citlia."
"Horned tribe?" he asked.
"Of course," I tapped the two small black horns protruding from my forehead. "We've been traveling in the forest trading interesting goods with the far off villages. We'd like to sell them in Citlia."
He nodded, "Well enjoy your stay then. You can talk with the office at the docks for passage and I'd recommend the Farsight inn down the main street if you require a place to stay."
"Thank you," I waved and was about to have Pina set off but the other guard didn't budge. "Is there a problem?"
"Sorry bud but you still need to pay the entry tax. All trade passing through here needs to be taxed." The claw footed man shrugged as if he could do nothing. I didn't miss his partner scowl at him. The currency here was different to the Kingdom and we could only trade so much with Kerchest.
"I didn't hear about this before," I said evenly.
"Rules are rules."
On one hand I knew he was full of shit. On the other I didn't want to cause a scene. Just as I was about to ask how much Taylor popped out of the carriage. Her shirt was unbuttoned at the top conveniently showing her assets. It had been a while since I had seen her don her full getup. Even her hair was silkier and her lips seemed to shine.
"Rain is something wrong?" she asked me innocently. Although the two guards were different races to our supposed one they took an immediate interest.
"Nothing, these kind men were just asking for the entry tax," I replied while hiding my disdain.
"Oh dear," Taylor said in a fluster. "I don't think we have enough money to spare. I'm such an idiot I didn't think about the entry tax." She looked to the two guards. "Is there some way we can get through without one?"
"Ah well, I think it'll be fine. R-right Louis?" the thick haired one turned to his partner. It was clear that the two couldn't handle Taylor's advance towards them.
"Y-yeah it should be fine," he nodded.
"Really? Thank you so much," Taylor smiled at them. Maybe because I knew it was fake it did nothing to make my heart beat faster. "I hope all the guards in the city are as dependable as you and as cute as well." She winked to them and they slowly moved out of the way. I quickly made Pina move ahead before things got more awkward. Taylor jumped and sat next to me.
"Umm thanks I guess," I said.
"No problem," her tone became mellow and she buttoned up her shirt. With a quick wave her allure faded, making her skin seem less soft and her hair return to normal.
"Illusionary magic?" I asked.
"More like charming," she replied. "I prefer actual makeup but there was no time for that. Though with push overs like them I probably didn't need it."
"You seemed like you were used to it."
"Of course," she laughed. "The easiest way into somewhere you shouldn't be is finding the key. People are the best keys."
"Well it comes in handy but try not to do to it too much," I said.
"Oh you jealous?" she smirked.
I faced her seriously, "And if I said I was?" For a moment Taylor was stunned. I laughed, "Ha got you. How does it feel played at your own game?"
She looked away sternly, "You caught me off guard that's all."
"Sure, sure."
I took the carriage in the direction of the port. There was some light traffic but we made steady progress. Other carriages similar to ours were making their way through the streets. It seemed like trade and travel here were booming. Kerchest had mostly scaleskin demons but here there was an incredible assortment of people I had never seen before. Some had small wings, others tails, the variation of traits was exceedingly interesting as tribes from the surrounding area congregated here. From what I heard, a sight like this used to be incredibly rare before the current Demon Lord came into power. Inside the carriage I could see Lara and the others keenly looking outside.
"It's chaotic isn't it," Taylor said beside me. "Reminds me of the Empire."
"Well it's busier than Greytree that's for sure." I let my eyes wonder freely. It may have been the need to accommodate the varying sizes of its people but the architecture of the town lacked the organization I was used to in the Kingdom. Buildings had multiple entrances of different sizes. From looking in the window the ceilings were tall and the areas open. I wondered why only for the answer to come ambling around the corner. A large slow moving demon standing on two legs. He had a long trailing beard and reached eight feet tall and several wide. With a shell on his back and a cane in one hand he walked slowly with a calm smile.
Taylor let out a small laugh, "This place is so weird."
"You don't like it?" I asked. Personally I felt quite intrigued by all the different races.
"No I love it," she smiled. Compared to the smile she had shown the guards from before this one was miles ahead. "I mean it's not very peaceful like Axel but with all the oddballs it feels like even someone like me could fit in."
I unconsciously patted her head, "Don't say it like that. I like you the way you are." I felt her body stiffen underneath my hand. "Ah sorry reflex action."
"No worries," Taylor said quietly as I removed my hand. Her eyes aimed straight ahead.
We reached the docks and easily found the main office. It was a large warehouse with a smaller office structure attached on the side. I parked the carriage in a free space and knocked on the door.
Ronalt walked out first, "Is this were we'll find passage?"
"Hopefully," I replied. "There's an inn I was told about a few blocks down in the main street. It looked decent enough. We'll have to see when the next ship leaves and try catch a ride."
"Understood." He turned around to the others in the carriage, "Rain and I will secure a vessel. The rest of you may look around but do not under any circumstances cause a scene."
"Should I wear a hat?" Lara said while holding her white hair.
"No it should be fine," I replied easily. "I doubt your hair colour is going to be an issue here." Considering the vast amounts of strange looking fellows I had seen so far it wouldn't make a difference. I was more worried about her natural charisma but that wasn't something I could ask her to hide even if she could.
"Stay in the area. We'll be back soon," Ronalt gestured to me and we headed to the office together. I was a little worried what would happen without Ronalt or me to keep an eye on them but they had enough common sense. It wasn't like Earnest would challenge a random passer-by to a fight or Ardent would get too excited and give us away. Lara could attract some attention and Marley should be fine unless she started getting creepy again. Well regardless Taylor could keep an eye on them… unless she decided to run away and take a look around. Now that I thought about maybe it would have been better if I stayed behind.
It was too late however as we were inside the office now. The building itself was finely made and looked well cared for. I could sense a little unease from Ronalt as we walked past the dozens of demons milling around the floor.
"Excuse me, may I help you?" a bright faced women with large unnatural eyes called to us from behind a desk. We approached her. "Welcome to Tona Port did you have business?"
I answered, "We're looking for passage to Citlia. Seven people, one paradise moa and a carriage."
"Just one moment," she flicked through some papers professionally. "We have one trading vessel that can accommodate you however the cost to transport the moa and carriage are quite high."
"How high?" I asked a little worried.
"In total 700-800 credits." We had plenty of money from the Kingdom but only about 300 credits we could use. You could live relatively comfortably for a week with 50 credits. Compared to the prices for boat travel in the Kingdom it was a bit expensive and conversion wasn't something we could do easily.
"Is there any way we can lower that?" I asked.
"Leave the carriage and it'll cost you 500, the moa as well, 350."
I frowned and looked at Ronalt, "We might have to sell some things here first."
Ronalt faced the women, "Do we need to pay for passage here?"
"Organisation of all proceedings through the docks must come through the office," she nodded. "The vessel leaves tomorrow noon. You will need to have the payment ready by tonight at the latest."
"Understood," Ronalt pulled out something from his pocket. "Will you accept these as payment?" I widened my eyes as several precious jewels rolled onto the table.
The women was stunned, "Umm, ah. Please wait while I check the authenticity." She hurriedly hid them and went to a back room.
I sighed to Ronalt, "You can't just do that."
"She needed money and we needed to make a trade," he was surprisingly dense. Must be from living in the Capital and as knight for so long. His value for money was off. Well at least we should have enough to get by. Although I was the one who organised our supplies, just how much extra money did everyone have on them? I had a feeling that Taylor would probably have the most somehow.
After a few minutes the women returned a little flustered, "Sirs may I suggest you to not carry such precious items in town." She handed back most the jewels. "You're lucky I was the one who called out to you. Some of my other co-workers would have taken more."
"Thank you for being honest," Ronalt nodded appreciatively.
"Come by tomorrow morning. Appropriate accommodation and passage will be organised for you by then. If you are looking for a place to stay I suggest the Farsight inn along the main street. Security is good there." It was the same inn I was told about before. Looked like it had good credibility.
"We appreciate your assistance," I bowed my head to her.
She did the same to me, "Have a safe night."
Thankfully it looked like no one else had seen Ronalt spill the mound of jewels on to the table and we headed outside unhindered. When we reached the carriage we were greeted to a sight I really should have expected. Earnest stood above an unconscious man as Marley hovered around them. A small crowd had gathered and were clapping. The others were nowhere in sight which I couldn't tell was a good thing or not.