章 4: The Mission
"So what really happened back there?" I questioned. I didn't want to pry too much. The last thing I wanted was to bother him. "Well, let me tell you what happened. First off, I have a lot to explain. You wouldn't believe anything without an explanation."
"Ok, let me see if I got this right. You met the prince, and the princess, the queen and everyone else. Then what? Did you decide to live happily ever after with them and become king and queen of the kingdom? How does it end, Tall?" Tallman looks at me, shocked. Then he laughs, "You really think it was that easy?"
"Well, what else could it be?" I questioned.
Tallman sighs and leans back into the bench. He looks up to the ceiling, pondering his thoughts for a moment. "I guess I should start from the beginning. So about twenty years ago, I was a young warrior, working on my own. I had heard that there was a monster in this world called Gremory. I decided to investigate what could possibly be causing this monster to rise. So I decided to travel to a neighboring country called Vaskandia and fight the monster there. I fought my hardest and defeated it. Then, I returned home to prepare for my journey back. But as I went back to my hometown, it started to snow. It began to pile up, and I had to return home sooner rather than later. I had just gotten off the ship, but I couldn't stay any longer. Winter's weather had stranded our empire. The soldiers weren't able to return to my country safely because they weren't ready to defend our empire due to the snowstorm. We tried to send help but they refused. My grandfather ordered the navy to destroy all ships that dared to sail in the North Sea. However, one ship collapsed, and sank... killing over 1,000 men onboard."
I gasp at the sudden information I just received. So, that was the cause of the cold seasons and storms. Now it all makes sense. 'Why am I only hearing about this now?' I thought to myself as I continued listening intently to him. "I had to return back home. My mother was worried sick, devastated to be informed by her own son that her father was gone. It was hard, but I had no choice. It had to be said and done. So, we moved. That was when I met Traveler Travis and his two brothers, Trevor and..." "Hey. I'm sorry that I'm late." Stated a man who looked to be in his mid thirties. His facial expression was firm as his icy cold eyes landed his attention on me. Staring into his eyes sent chills down my spine. Have I met this man before? "This is Clyde. Clyde, this is Mr. Lee." Tallmen introduced me and I took a deep breath. "It is an honor." Clyde says, leaning over the table to shake my hand, "Travis has alerted me of your arrival. However, I should apologize for the mishap earlier which could have been taken as a misunderstanding."
Shrugging my shoulders and smiling, I reply, "Oh don't worry about it. I get it; sometimes it seems like it is easier to get along with everyone when things aren't complicated." I give him an apologetic smile and he returns it in kind. "So, why did you need to speak with me in person?"
"Right," he replied. Walking away from the table, he walks back over to the bar, calls for a beer, then places another glass down next to Tallmen. "We need help. We are currently struggling in rebuilding and making repairs. Also, Detective Dakota needs help on the case of missing subjects... we need all the help we could get, honestly."
Tallmen clears his throat after taking a sip of his drink, "Clyde believes that since you're curious of the lost souls... you can help him and in return, he'll help you with your case." "Yessir. So, what will it be? $200? $500 tops? I'm your man. Just need a helping hand. We've got the equipment, we just need to start the job."
"You know about the lost souls?" I speak up, shocked. "I happen to know a thing or two..." Clyde states. "He also knows things others don't." Tallmen whispers and chuckles as he places his beer mug onto the table, "Alright, Clyde. I'll take 'em to the room. Tell Mrs. Kay thanks for the beers. I'm on the tips tonight, and get cleaned up, Wontcha?" "Aight, boss man. Good to see ya." Clyde replies as he picks up Tallmen's beer mugs. Wrapping his arm around my shoulder, Tallmen guides me to the bedchamber that I'll be staying in.
"403. Here's home. Don't forget to get some shuteye. If you wake up in the middle of the night, shout for Mrs. Kay if you need anything. She's normally on night duty. In the morning, I'll be up around five. Just holler. You know the deal. 435. On the dot." "Door number?" I ask him and he nods. I chuckle, "Have a good one. Thanks, by the way." "Yeah, yeah, don't mention it. Any friend of Travis' is a friend of mine."
Opening the door, I walk into the room and look around. It seemed to me that it was more of a master bedroom than a guest bedroom. There were a few other doors scattered throughout the large room. One side was painted a white color with a light blue background, while the other side had dark purple paint. Two windows were separated by a king sized bed and both had curtains, giving an air of privacy.
On the right, next to the window, was a small desk with bookshelves surrounding it. A chair sat in front of the desk and behind the desk was a dresser with a mirror hanging above it. A small fireplace was located in the corner of the room and on top rested a clock. I picked it up to examine it. It was old fashioned and looked ancient, but somehow still ticking. On the wall beside the bed is an ornate painting of a castle in full view of an immense lake surrounded by mountains. A small waterfall cascaded down the side of a mountain, falling into a river below. Nearby are two huge trees in the foreground, their thick, dark green leaves and soft green needles standing out against the snowy surroundings. It reminded me of the duke's castle from earlier.
In front of the painting stood a beautiful, white and red marble statue. It was a woman holding a basket of flowers in her hand, and was wearing a long flowing gown with a matching headband. Her hair was tied into a bun that ended above her shoulders. My favorite spot was near the window to the left. There was a bedside table with a record player and next to it, a small shelf containing various music sheets and instruments hanging on the walls.
And lastly, at the far side of the room, there was a wardrobe. I took off my coat and hung it up on the coat rack. Laying down on the king sized bed, I sighed lazily. This day has been crazy, but it has also given me much to think about. The fact that I have not felt this relaxed since... well, ever really. I yawned. Closing my eyes, I drifted off to sleep. I dreamed of a beautiful forest full of green grass and bright sun shining on us.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット