"Today's the day," I say.
The three of us, Blake, Lillia and I, are all dressed and ready to begin our quest of helping to guard the city of Inchor today. We had just woken up and put all of our equipment on while in the barracks. All that was left was the self check.
Around us, many guards and adventurers alike were also preparing for the day, ready to work hard and watch the gate.
"All that's left to do is a quick check."
The both of them nod and begin looking over themselves. I turn to do the same.
First is my armor. A quick tug on each piece across my body shows that all of it is nice and firmly placed, but not too firm that it restricts my movement. The metal plate on my chest shines in the candlelit barracks, clean and ready.
Next is my equipment. My sword is secured in its sheath on my left waist. A quick look at it shows it to be plenty sharp, a result of the care I put into it yesterday. My dagger is just behind the sword, and just as sharp and ready. On the right of my waist is a pouch with six potions, three healing, and three stamina. Both sealed and ready.
Finally was my overall condition. Sleeping comfortably on the beds in the barracks for the past two day, there was no soreness to speak of, so no problems there. Mentally, I had taken plenty of time to prepare for any potential attacks. Though I was concerned and alert, I was focused and in control of myself.
"I'm good. How about you two?" I ask, turning to look at both of them.
Blake had just finished his check, giving me a thumbs-up. Lillia had also just finished, giving a determined, albeit slightly nervouse nod.
"Okay then. Let's go and get ready. According to the guards, just a little longer and they will gather everyone up helping guard this entrance just outside of the barracks."
They both nodded, sitting down on the beds and waiting. It wasn't long before someone walked into the barracks, a guard.
"Everyone gather up. Briefing is about to start."
Everyone immediately stood up, making their way to the door, my group and I included. I could feel my heart beating in my chest with each step we took towards the exit. As we walked out, we met with the rest of our coworkers and gathered up in front of the captain.
"Well then, you all know what we're here to do. The day is officially beginning, and with it, so begins the two day festival along in the city. Our goal is simple. All of you will be keeping an eye on the gate to the southern entrance. You will be controlling who comes in, turning away suspicious individuals, and ensuring the overall safety of the city. Does everyone understand that?"
There was a general agreement within the room, people nodding in affirmation.
"Good. Now, the guards specifically will be the ones deciding who comes in. The Adventurers are going to serve as security, dealing with rowdy citizens and ensuring overall safety. If any Adventurer has any questions or concerns, you report them to the guards so that they can make a decision. Let me be clear. You Adventurers are not in charge here, the guards are. You do what they say and assist them with their tasks, and you will get your payment. Is everyone clear on this?"
"""Yes sir."""
"Good. Get out there then. The guards from the night shift need to trade out and get some sleep."
The meeting concluded just like that. Immediately at its conclusion, guards and Adenturers alike began moving towards the gate, swapping with the guards who had been watching over night. As we arrived at the gate however, I couldn't quite believe my eyes.
"Wow... So many people," Lillia said, even more shocked than I was.
There was a line of people, extending far past what we could see in the early morning with the sun only barely peeking over the horizon. Long convoys stretching down the dirt roads like a snake, coiling along the path.
A glance behind us, inside the city, showed there to be even more people. Everyone nearby was gathering into Inchor for the festival.
"Purpose of your visit sir?"
The guards had all moved into place, forming five lines to work with five groups at a time. It was time for us to get to work.
"Blake, Lillia, you join me with this guard right here." I say, pointing at the middle guard. "The other Adventurers will help with the other four."
"Yes Lionell."
"Yeah."
Both of them nodded as they answered, following me behind the middle guard. The moment we were there, we got to work.
Our jobs were simple. Watch for suspicious individuals and maintain overall safety for both the guards and the people, so that's exactly what we did.
Blake had a mean look on his face as he watched the long line of people, and with every approaching individual, he would stare them down as they went through the process. Though he was intimidating, it did serve to help keep the incoming people under control and non-agressive.
Lillia stood just behind Blake, keeping an eye on the others around us, her eyes darting towards hands and weapons as she watched for even a hint of malicious intent.
Finally, while I did help to keep an eye on the crowds, my focus was mostly put towards the surrounding woods.
At any moment, the Goblins could strike. It would be worst if they attacked now, right at the start of the festival with this many people around. I need to make sure to notice them before that can happen.
My eyes diligently traced the woods around us, ceaseless in its search for anything moving, but nothing appeared. The day was slowly progressing, from early morning to noon, but still nothing to worry about.
Maybe they won't attack today?
"Purpose of your visit?"
"I'm here for the festival! Want to celebrate the city's founding."
"Duragion of stay?"
"Two days, I plan to leave as soon as it ends."
"I see. Here is a permit for two days-"
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"
A shrill screech, one belonging to a woman further down the road.
My eyes shoot to the road, both Blake and Lillia doing the same. All of the Adventurers around us along with all of the guards freeze.
Don't tell me, is it the Goblins!?
"LET GO OF ME YOU PERVERT!"
"Blake, with me!"
"Let's go!"
The two of us run forward, another Adventurer from one of the other guards joining us. Just up the road, a woman is being grabbed at by an older man. He has a tight grip, squeezing at her waist and wrist with his hands, pulling her in despite her struggle. A couple of others lie on the ground, having been thrown there after trying to intervene.
Running up, I shout directions at the man.
"Sir, let go of her!"
"No! This whore took my money! I either want it back, or I want her service!"
The man has a list full look in his eyes, his grip increasing as he squeezed the girl harder.
"OW, LET ME GO!"
Blake and the other Adventurer both draw their swords, a show of force, but the man only scoffs.
"You think I'm afraid of puny boys like you?"
They were both young, Blake and the other Adventurer. It was clear they were both new to the job.
I need to step in.
I waste no time, walking right up to the man and placing my hand on his shoulder. Then, I squeeze.
"What the hell do you think you're- AGHH!"
His hands let go in an instant as he dropped to his knees in pain, unable to withstand my pure grip as I clamped down on his shoulders with my hand. The girl ran back the moment she got free.
"Oh thank god!"
"URGH, LET ME GO YOU BASTARD!"
"No, I think you're coming with me. Blake, some rope please," I say, holding out my spare hand.
Blake quickly comploes, handing me some rope which I use to tie the man's hands together behind his back.
"Are you going to be cooperative?"
"Go to hell!"
I also tie his legs together. It will be easier to just carry him rather than fight him all the way to the gate.
Quickly, I lift home onto my shoulders, all the while he squirms and shifts his weight in an attempt to get free. Seeing how he can't really get anywhere, both Blake and the second Adventurer sheathe their swords, hiding them from view.
"Well then, let's go back. One of the other guards will deal with him at the gate."