章節 14: Inventory check

Entering his room and closing the door behind him, Finn put down his sack. The room was small, just big enough for the single bed and the storage chest at the foot of it. There was a single large window that opened outwards and overlooked the roofs of the neighboring buildings. Looking out, Finn could see the masts of the ships docked in the nearby harbor and beyond that the endless blue of the sea.

Deciding to do an inventory check, Finn spread all his things out on the floor. He wrote down everything as a list on a sheet of parchment to help him remember:

Black shirt (a bit smelly)

Stretchy pants (1 size fits all)

Guard's leather belt x2

Guard's leather boots

Dagger x2 (1 has a broken tip)

Heavy Crossbow (smells like rat)

Crossbow bolt x3

Case for the bolts

Food pouch (empty)

Herb pouch (3 leaves left)

Money pouch (2 silver coins and 14 coppers remaining)

Empty pouch

Magic sticks x4 (comes in 4 colors)

Case for the magic sticks

Rubber sword (almost looks real)

Bottle of fake blood

Mini pouches to put it in x4

Bandage roll x3 (bloody one discarded in sewers)

Scalpels x3 (including the one used as a lock pick, now blunt)

Sewing needle x2

Fancy book (can probably sell this)

Vials of mystery liquid x2 (needs a professional's appraisal)

Vial of ink x1

Ink pen x3

Parchment x12 sheets (+ this one)

Candle x3

Potato x3

Sack

Leather book cover x4 (previously used as armguards)

Finn enjoyed writing, he had learned the letters and how to spell when he was still a street kid. One of the older kids, who had gone to a boarding school before his parents died in an accident, taught the rest the basics. The school kicked him out when they found out he couldn't' pay so he was forced to live on the streets. Finn had secretly practiced as a slave, and was helped by a few other factory slaves.

The freedom to decide what to do, where to go, and the freedom to talk to people and buy things were all new to Finn. Having to be in charge of his own life and future was a bit daunting, but he would never want to go back to being a slave. Deciding to make a plan, he wrote down some things he needed or wanted to accomplish on the other side of the parchment.

Sell book and other useless stuff

Buy crossbow bolts

Practice aiming and firing crossbow

Eat food

Get water skin

Get a map

Earn money

Find out what happened to the rest of the gang

Opening the chest with his room key, Finn put his crossbow along with most of his other stuff into it, keeping only his outfit, belts, pouches and daggers on him. He planned explore the surrounding area and look for a place to sell off some of his stuff. Hopefully that would help cover some of his costs, because the coins he had wouldn't last him long.

Finn decided to bring along a crossbow bolt so he could compare it before buying new ones. He didn't know if there were different sizes or types. Finally ready, he locked his chest and door before heading downstairs for some desperately needed breakfast.

The food was simple, oatmeal porridge and a few strips of fried bacon, but to Finn it was a feast. He also drank a few cups of water to quench his thirst. The water was slightly bitter, evidence of the purifying herbs used to prevent diseases being spread. It was mandatory for any establishment serving drinks to use the herbs for a couple generations already, so everyone was used to its flavor.

Feeling satisfied after the best meal he had eaten in several years, Finn thanked the bartender for the food before asking him if he had heard of any job opportunities in the area.

'I can't say I've heard anything recently,' said the bartender slowly, stroking his graying beard as he thought. 'but you could always check out the guilds, they might have something for you if your skills are up to their standards. Unfortunately for us in the lower district, most of the crafting guilds are located in the central district, and without an official pass you won't be able to get passed the gate. The only official guilds active down here are the Mercenaries Guild and the Merchants Guild.'

After getting directions to the Mercenaries Guild, Finn thanked the bartender and walked out into the street. Keeping a lookout for places that would sell ammunition and places that sell books, he walked back through the market street.

After passing the alley he came out from, Finn noticed a stand that sold various leather items such as bags, pouches and belts. Trying to appear disinterested, he casually asked about a few items before asking about the waterskins. The following debate wasn't as easy, the waterskin ended up costing 80 coppers. Finn grudgingly paid with a silver coin, getting a handful of copper coins in change.

Moving on, Finn passed by several stores that looked interesting, including a clothing store and a bakery. Thinking he could come back later when he had more money, he suppressed his curiosity as he kept walking.

The Mercenaries Guild was located near the waterfront, people that came to the city by ship would see it as they disembarked. The location brought a lot of business, as foreign merchants would often hire a guard or a guide upon their arrival, and captains could hire mercenaries to guard their ships and cargo.

Finn planned to apply to register with the guild after hearing about it from the bartender. It seemed like a place where he could pick up a job now and then, whenever he needed the cash. Soon he had arrived at its location.