Chapter 2: Invitations: Mage vs Merchant
Back in the forest, the boy Talon looked around gleefully. This time he'd actually managed to stay hidden for the entire evening! Quite the accomplishment, in his mind.
It was getting dark, though. So Talon hastened to make his way back, as the gates would soon close for the night and no one was allowed to enter or leave until morning.
As he began to walk back he heard a faint clatter of hooves and wheels. Turning back, he saw a horse-drawn cart making its way down the road. An old man sat at the top of the cart holding the reins of the equally old looking horse.
Traveling alone was certainly dangerous, even near a large city. When the old man noticed Talon he smiled and waved, pulling his cart to a stop beside him.
"Good day to you, boy!" He said cheerfully, "Need a ride?" Talon looked at him a bit suspiciously, but nodded nonetheless. As he climbed up onto the cart, Talon made sure his dagger was within easy reach.
For several minutes they rode in silence, in this time Talon had examined the contents of the cart. There were a great deal of boxes, each one was heavily locked and had magic symbols carved into the sides.
Although Talon was a Mage of relative skill and had a reasonable knowledge of magic symbols, he recognized very few of them.
Abruptly the cart came to stop, Talon looked forward in surprise to see six men standing in front of the cart, the front five were armed with slightly rusted swords while the cloaked man in the back held a wooden staff topped by a green orb.
"I do think we'll have you down from that cart!" The man in the back called out. Bandits were not a common sight this close to a city, it was obvious they'd had their sights on this cart earlier on.
"Elder, we should stall out; if we make enough noise the night patrols in the village should-" Talon's advice was cut short as he saw a bright light forming in front of the old man.
Suddenly the light vanished, and all six bandits collapsed. Talon realized in an instant how powerful this man was. Usually Mages had to chant an incantation or use a scroll to activate offensive magic. Yet this man had done it in a heartbeat.
"Well that was an interesting way to end the day!" The elder said, "How bout you come by my place tomorrow and help me with these boxes, hm?" He continued as he took out a magic scroll. He then tore it in half to activate it, smiling as a pillar of light surrounded Talon.
He blinked several times and found himself in bed. Early morning light shone through his window.
"A dream?" He wondered aloud, but glancing down he saw a small card that read: (Glock's Treasure Shop)
Talon became excited and hurried to prepare himself. A Mage of such strength had invited him to help? After washing his face and dressing, he grabbed his dagger from the bedside table and quickly made his way from the room.
Several servants looked at him in surprise; the young master Talon was almost never up at this time. He usually slept till noon, and even then still reluctant to get up.
Talon had nearly made it to the door when a thundering shout came from behind,
"TALON!" Talon stiffened and put on a lopsided grin as he turned to see his personal butler, Eslan. His butler was older than other other servants. He was 65 and wore a large mustache, with no beard. An odd combination to many.
More of a tutor really, he was a competent Mage at 'Steel' rank. And was also a master swordsman learned during his days as a mercenary, yet he could not seem to find Talon in time for teaching him anything substantial.
"Just where do you think you're off to this time?" Eslan was not often as angry as he was now. Yesterday had been very important to the family's growth and Talon had run off before the event could take place.
Talon was now old enough to be taken on as an apprentice, what's more a female Mage from the Capital had offered a chance for Talon to join her.
The Mage was known as Matilda she was a Fire Mage at the Mythril rank. But Talon did not like her haughty attitude, and escaped at first sight.
"Do you have any idea how hard it'll be for you to find a master now?" Eslan roared, causing Talon to cringe.
"This was your family's CHANCE to rise above its current rank in the kingdom!" Eslan continued,
"But I've found a master!" Talon mumbled,
"I simply can't believe-" Eslan paused, "What?"
Talon then recounted what had happened the night before, and showed Eslan the card.
The aged butler blinked several times, then gasped. "Glock?" Eslan seemed to recognize the name, "Glock left over 50 years ago, if he's back then that means...?"
Eslan muttered as he began to pace. "Is there something wrong with the shop?" Talon had never seen his butler so agitated and as the young 'master' he was, asked the question bluntly. Eslan made no reply, however and kept pacing.
Talon looked around and edged to the door. His butler had no reaction as he dashed out.
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TheCoyoteGlove
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