After the skirmish with the goblins, I realized I was capable of fighting and making some money and a lot of reputation off it. I got 6 and a half scale from escorting the fishermen and killing the goblins. Along with it, I got a whopping 30 reputation which converted to 30 stat points. That was more than a fourth of the required reputation for me to acquire the next rank, and the 30 stat points were worth numerous level-ups.
So I thought of leaving the company and doing it alone, and search for better quests.
But just as Osman had said, I got a bigger pay at the next escort contract. When we arrived in Pinecreek with the dried fish, I was given 15 scales. A thirty percent increase.
15 scales just for walking! No matter how you look at it, it was good silver. An effortless, steady, and as of the moment, my biggest source of income.
I decided to stay a little bit longer. After all, I needed a bit more money to buy better gear for much more dangerous jobs.
We arrived late in the day and were dismissed minutes after we arrived at the merchant hall. And I had another hour or so, before sundown.
With a thirty-coin purse, I entered the Pinecreek marketplace, intent on finally buying a decent sword.
I went pass through many stalls, resisting the urge to spend my silver on sweetened apples, pies, better clothing, better boots, and pet monkeys. The vendors shouted flattery, insane-sounding bargains, and sometimes threats just to take the customer's attention. But I fended them off, reasoning that better equipment would help make me more money, which I could then buy anything I fancy in Pinecreek's large marketplace.
Weirdly enough, I did not think of stealing. Which had been my go-to solution when I want something that I cannot have. I think it was because I had the means now. I was earning money, and I thought I could earn more.
I finally found a stall that sold armor and weapons at the edge of the marketplace. It was a more presentable stand, with more wares and a vendor that did not stink.
There was an oafish grin on my face while I scanned the merchandise.
"What are you looking for, young man?" asked the vendor who was about in his late thirties or early forties. He had a well-trimmed and well-groomed moustache that assured me, he was someone that meant business.
"I want to replace my sword, it's chipped and old." I took the sword off the scabbard and showed him the blade.
He gave it a quick look, scrounged his face, and said "Yeah, that's barely usable. It's dull and could break at any moment."
"Well, what sword do you have in mind? I have short swords like this one, and better made. You could also choose to trade that old sword in and get a discount."
Great. My eyes quickly went to the sword he was pointing. It was identical to what I had, only that it was a bit thicker and brand new.
But what I wanted was the sword beside it. A standard-length sword. A short sword was light but it lacked reach, and I thought, that was risky.
"How about this one? How much can you give me?" I said, picking the sword up and inspecting it closely. The newly forged steel vividly mirrored my face. It was heavier, but the weight assured me, that it would bring more damage.
"The price for that is twenty silver. But with your old sword, I could give you 15 silver."
Bob, be praised. Not only were his wares of better quality, it was cheaper than that of Whitefield's.
It was a good deal, and I was ready to take out my purse when I remembered something. From the goblins, I killed, I took two crude swords. They looked like trash, but I took the chance to make it an even better deal.
"Greenskin sabers? You have dealt with greenskins recently?" he asked, smiling, as he held both in his hands. They were made of greyish metal, light and shorter than my short sword.
"Yes, west of Whitefield. Took two down." I replied, finding pleasure in how impressed he looked.
[The smith is impressed]
[You have gained 1 reputation]
[You have gained 1 stat points]
"All right, swordsman. I will give you that sword for free. But you will have to spend 15 scales on another product."
The deal was struck. I got the sword for free and bought a knife for 5 scales and a new helmet for ten scales.
I was skipping happily when I exited the marketplace. I got 15 scales to spare and decided I'd eat on the tavern and sleep on a proper bed.
I saw Charlie in front of the bread stall, talking with the female vendor. It would seem that he too, had been enchanted by the sickly beauty.
While approaching the stall, I thought of something clever to stay. But I was never clever, and he saw me before I could think of one.
"Oi! Goblin slayer, come here!" he said. It was a good title to have but coming out of his mouth, it only got me weird looks from the passersby.
"What is it, pant-pisser?" not a good comeback but better than nothing, and to my utter delight, got a chuckle from the vendor.
"Good one, Ruspol." he shook his head but he was smiling, then he pointed at the vendor. "Meet my sister, Ashley."
"So what are you doing- what?" did I hear that right?
Several realizations dawned on me. I looked at the beauty behind the stall, and at the idiot in front of me. Both of them were gingers and had the same sharp nose and thin eyebrows.
"She is your sister?" I asked.
"She is. You've met before?" he frowned.
It was her sister who replied. "Yes. Sir Ruspol bought bread from me, and gave me a scale for just one bread."
Charlie smiled then his face quickly darkened. "What are you trying to do, Ruspol? Are you trying to court my sister?"
"Wow. Do you think of me that badly? I was just feeling generous, do I need to have a reason to be kind?" I answered. All bullcrap of course, but it was true that I did not do it, for a motive.
It was simply pity. And I think they would be offended if they knew that.
"Well.. no... but.."
"Please forgive my brother, Sir Ruspol." Ashley said she was smiling and enjoying the conversation. Still pale but a lively color was on her freckled cheeks. "He's just too fond of me."
And forgive I did. It was my first interaction with a female other than my mom, my school teacher, and my high school bully and I was enjoying every bit of it.
"About you, sir Ruspol? Was it true about you killing goblins?" she asked, her face propped up by her arms that leaned on the stall, genuine curiosity in her eyes.
"Of course, sister. I saw him, move like lightning. With a couple of steps, he was in front of the goblins. With a couple of swings, two goblins were dead and the rest were running." Charlie eagerly replied with accompanying gestures.
I was surprised. Delightfully surprised. I did not know Charlie was that impressed. And to be telling his sister this, and not spite me of the glory.... perhaps I had treated him too harshly.
"It's more because the goblins were lousy fighters, than me being a skilled one."
"Oh, please Sir. That is impressive." her sister said "Even the soldiers struggle with them."
"Is that so?" that was not surprising. The average level of the soldiers was at level 2. I bet all they had ever done was stand still in a corner and look tough on everyone that pass them by.
"Are you from around here sir?" she asked.
"He is not. He's from Urth, which is a faraway place." said her brother. "That's why he has a bizarre accent. He speaks like he chews the words first before it leaves his mouth."
An exaggeration, of course... I think. Is that how my modern accent sound to medieval people?
"Yes, it is very far away. But I did not like it very much, and I'd rather stay here for good." I said, and I meant it.
"He also works for Osman now. We're coworkers." Charlie proudly added.
"Where are you off to next, Ruspol?"
"To the tavern. I have some coins to spare. Got a discount from the smith."
He quickly noticed my new sword and my new helmet, which gloriously glistened against the rays of the sun about to sleep.
"Greg. A nice man and a good smith from what I hear." Charlie nodded approvingly "But how about saving money and sleeping at our place?"
"We'd be glad to have you, sir Ruspol." Ashley said.
Suddenly, having a friend like Charlie did not sound like a bad idea at all.