Chereads / The faithful bloodied hand / Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: If one ponders do they truly find the right answer?

Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: If one ponders do they truly find the right answer?

[No I am and never attempt will promote criminal behavior, I have read the terms and conditions and I made sure to research the differences of the 2, I do not think its just to have criminal activity, I just wanted to say this and for further chapters in the story, and I do not glorify or promote gore, I do not condone those acts, I may include blood and that's it until further notice.] 

Kaelin's eyes slowly fluttered open as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the small, grimy window of his room. He stirred, stretching his arms above his head as he sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The previous day's events swirled through his mind - the offer from the Vanroy estate, his refusal, and the subsequent thoughts of pursuing a life of honor as a bounty hunter. Kaelin's gaze drifted to the worn sheath at his belt, the family's sword within calling to him. He knew that he needed to make a decision, to choose a path that truly reflected his values and ambitions.

But as he pondered his options, a nagging sense of uncertainty persisted. Which direction should he take? The life of a bounty hunter promised danger and adventure, but it was an uncertain and sometimes shady profession. On the other hand, he could continue to seek opportunities in service and cleaning, though that would likely mean sacrificing personal freedom and autonomy for the sake of financial security. Kaelin's thoughts were a maze of possibilities and considerations, each with its own pros and cons.

He knew that he could not afford to make a hasty decision, but he also knew that time was not on his side. As Kaelin continued to weigh his options, a new thought began to take root in his mind - the idea of joining an adventurers' guild. He had heard stories of such organizations, groups of brave and skilled individuals who banded together to take on perilous quests and challenges. It was a life of danger and uncertainty, to be sure, but also one of camaraderie and purpose. Kaelin's gaze lingered on the worn sheath at his belt, the family's sword within.

He could almost picture himself as a guild member, his sword at the ready as he faced down nefarious foes and overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It was a romantic notion, perhaps, but one that spoke to a deep desire within him for excitement, adventure, and the chance to make a real difference in the world. Of course, joining a guild would not be easy - the competition for membership was fierce, and the trials and initiations were notoriously grueling. But Kaelin felt a spark of determination ignite within him at the prospect. He had come too far to be content with a mundane, unfulfilling existence. It was time to reach for something more, to strive for the extraordinary. With a deep breath, Kaelin made his decision.

Kaelin's mind was awhirl with the possibilities and implications of joining an adventurers' guild. He knew it would be a challenging path, fraught with peril and uncertainty. But he also sensed a deep sense of purpose and potential within himself, a feeling that this was the direction he was meant to take. With renewed determination, he set about planning his next steps. He would need to gather more information about the guilds that operated in his city, learning about their reputation, their focus, and the requirements for membership. He would also need to begin honing his skills, practicing with his family's sword and learning new techniques to improve his combat prowess.

It would be a long and difficult road, but Kaelin was ready to face the challenge head-on. He had come too far to be held back by fear or doubt. With a final nod to himself, he rose from his narrow bed and set about his day, his heart filled with a newfound sense of excitement and purpose. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to embrace it, one step at a time. The same day, Kaelin made his way to the city's famous Adventurer's Square, a hub of activity and intrigue.

Here, guild members and aspirants mingled with merchants and scholars, sharing stories of far-flung adventures and exotic lands. Kaelin's eyes were wide as he took in the sights and sounds, the colorful garb and lively banter of the guild members a far cry from the muted tones and quiet desperation of the streets. He approached a weathered wooden stall, its sign proclaiming it the "Guild Guide" in faded letters. The old man behind the counter looked up as Kaelin approached, his eyes keen and appraising. "Looking to join a guild, lad?" he asked, his voice rough from years of cigarette smoke. Kaelin nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The old man chuckled, a dry, mirthless sound. "Ah, brave indeed. The guilds don't suffer fools gladly. What makes you think you've got what it takes?" He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with a challenge. "Tell me, lad, what's your story?" Kaelin took a deep breath, steeling himself for the old man's scrutiny. He told his tale, from his days on the streets to his recent decision to pursue a life of honor and adventure.

He spoke of his skills with a sword, honed through years of self-training, and his determination to make a difference in the world. The old man listened intently, his expression unreadable. When Kaelin finished, the guide nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the young man's face. "Not a bad start, lad," he said finally. "But the guilds are looking for more than just raw talent. They need men and women who can work well in a team, who can think on their feet, and who won't hesitate to do what needs to be done, no matter the danger or difficulty." He leaned back, steepling his fingers thoughtfully. "I can give you a list of guilds to approach, but I warn you, lad - the competition is fierce. You'll need to be at the top of your game if you hope to make it in." Kaelin's heart raced at the prospect, but he nodded resolutely. He was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. As Kaelin left the Guild Guide's stall, his mind was abuzz with the old man's words. He had a glimpse into the world of adventurers and guilds, a world of danger and excitement, of camaraderie and purpose. But as he walked, a new idea began to take root in his thoughts.

What if he didn't need to join an existing guild? What if he could create his own, one that aligned with his values and goals? The more he pondered the idea, the more it seemed to make sense. He would be his own master, free to take on the quests and challenges that called to him most. And perhaps, in time, his guild could become a force for good in the city, a beacon of hope and honor in a world often darkened by greed and corruption.

Kaelin's heart pounded with a mix of excitement and trepidation at the thought. It was a daunting prospect, to start from scratch, to build something new and different from the ground up. But he also knew that he possessed the drive, the determination, and the charisma to make it happen. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the city streets, Kaelin made a silent vow to himself. Kaelin's gaze drifted to a nearby tavern as he made his decision.

The warm glow of lanterns and the murmur of conversation seemed to beckon him inside, a siren's call to pause, reflect, and plan his next steps. With a nod to himself, he pushed open the heavy door and slipped into the dimly lit interior, the scent of ale and roasting meat enveloping him like a familiar embrace. He found a corner table and settled into the worn wooden bench, his mind still whirling with the possibilities and implications of his choice. The life of a guild leader would be fraught with challenges and responsibilities he had never imagined, but he also sensed a deep sense of purpose and potential within himself, a feeling that this was the direction he was meant to take. For now, he would bide his time, gathering information and resources as he began to lay the groundwork for his own guild. It would be a long and difficult road, but Kaelin was ready to face it head-on, his heart filled with a newfound sense of excitement and determination.