We are at the beginning of a longer story, Master of the Dungeon.
Preceded in Chapter One by The Archer and the Blacksmith (1)
This appears to close Chapter One. There is now a Chapter Two.
Shotani Nao sipped from his cup of water, and ate the last of the nuts on the polished wooden plank in front of him. His long rifle had been mistaken for a walking staff by pub security, and remained strapped to his back. Not planning to rent a room, he had a key to the locked box up front where his knives were stored. No one had looked twice at the weapons on his hips, same as with the crew on the ship across the large ocean, and the guards in the capital city. Not yet. He wondered how long that might last.
The bartender introduced himself as soon as Nao arrived this morning. Lendry turned away from the group on the other side of the bar, wiping down the top as he approached. Nao’s attention did not waver. He did not recognize the others joining her tonight, but that was clearly Sorcha seated across the way. He knew, as soon as she entered this establishment and lowered her hood. Judging by her glances in his direction, Nao was also known.
Lendry said, “Evening, sir. Was everything okay?” He frowned at the platter of food, largely untouched.
Nao glanced down again. For his second meal, after the nice breakfast, placing an order for something called the House Plate had sounded safe, but there had been too much emphasis on cheese and cured sausage. Nao said, “Your bread is very good. I forgot to explain. I do not eat animals.”
“I think I have more of that porridge that you spoke highly of, if you are still hungry,” said Lendry. “Free of charge, of course.”
Nao said nothing.
Lendry eyed the nearly empty flagon of well water. “Would you like to try the house beer? I told you that my cousin makes it here, didn’t I?” Lendry nodded towards the front of the bar. “They seemed to enjoy it.”
Nao’s attention turned to an open window. A small bird flew onto the sill, and away again just as quickly.
Lendry said, “The Gersterschmidt clan just outside of town, they grow the best barley. And, it is well known that Garth Gersterschmidt figured out how to roast the barley just right, just one of his many talents, and that is why this is the town of Garthburg. Princes came later.” Trying to smile as Nao remained silent, Lendry continued, “Well, I personally make this wonderful fruit brandy that is half pear and half …”
“Please, I have decided. Yes, I will try your ancestor’s beverage,” said Nao. “The dark ale one.”
Lendry said, “Was I monologuing again? I am sorry! It has been a long day.” He filled a fresh mug and pointed over his shoulder. “Do you know these people over there?” Lendry put the mug of beer on the counter. “They were asking about you, is all. That will be seven Kings and four Paupers, please.”
“Paupers?”
“The smaller copper coins, this big?” Lendry held two fingers apart in the air. He leaned against the bar. “What currency did they give you on the boat, sir, if you don’t mind me asking? My boss says that one Eastorian King is the same as thirteen Kazoku Splits, if you have passed through their ports on your journey. A weird exchange rate, wouldn’t you say?”
“I was born in Kazoku.” said Nao. “You ask for precious metals in exchange for the food and drink?”
Lendry said, “Sir, if I have offended you, the Angry…”
Nao reached behind himself briefly. “No. In my travels through many lands, it is the same. I will know not to ask for meat next time. This is my mistake.” He dropped a yellow nugget on the bar.
Lendry’s eyes widened and he looked around the room in a brief panic. He said, “I will remember for the both of us, sir.”
“I am called Mister Nao. Thank you for your counsel.”
Lendry cocked his head to the left. “Counsel? Mister… Nao was it? Lendry Apfelschmidt, at your service. We are not yet full tonight upstairs, if you would like a complimentary bed, my new friend… sir.”
“No.” Nao drained his beer mug. “I think I preferred the water.” He stood and pointed at the front of the bar. “What would she like?”
Lendry looked up from trying to fit a gold nugget the size of his fist into his money purse. The woman in purple was sitting by herself all of a sudden, trying not to look in their direction. Lendry smirked, and said, “I see, a blind date, hmm?”
“What?”
“Perhaps the phrase is unfamiliar to you.” Lendry squirmed in place. “You both have plans to find each other at the Angry Goose, but you have not met before, face to face?”
Nao thought back to their conversation during his voyage to this land, no different from the week before, or three years ago. Sorcha had first encountered him in the Aether on that night according to her Moon calendar. He had been meditating in his uncle’s garden then, until that moment, not understanding where he had learned to travel. She had been the one to suggest that they stay in regular contact. Nao said, “First time, yes.”
“You go talk to her, then. I’ll be right back with my best brandy.” Lendry disappeared.
Nao crossed the distance between them in measured strides. Keeping his sunglasses on, he removed his hat and bowed. “It is a pleasure to know you, Madam Sorcha.”
“Call me Sorcha, please.” Nao watched as she sipped from her mug, trying to hide a smile, though she clearly did not enjoy the beverage. Sorcha asked, “You, then, really are Mister Nao?”
“That is me. My earned title does not translate easily.”
“Shotani-sensei Nao. As my father used to say, good to see you,” said Sorcha. Warmly, she extended an open hand.
Nao remembered this from conversations with his most recent boat captain. The Shake. As he grasped her palm in his and applied respectful pressure, he was distracted at once by how difficult it was to maintain his resting heartbeat. He thought, Perhaps, now my Aunts will leave me alone. I finally have found someone worthy enough to marry.
Sorcha’s grin faltered. Releasing his handshake, she said, “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet, but.. Um… About my business proposal…”
Forgive my impulses. Nao took a step back and bowed again. “Madam, you spoke of knowing how to glimpse the motivation of others. I will not underestimate you again.”
“Please, forgive me. I do not mean to pry, but I often have little control over it.” Sorcha looked around the room. “I can read these nice folk just fine. You, though, Mister Nao, you are shielding yourself well. Who taught you that?”
Nao touched his right hip. “My uncle.”
“Of course.” Sorcha continued, “What was I saying?” She caught her breath. “Mister Nao, my crew enjoyed my retelling of your stories, shared with me in our frequent chats.” She paused. “We have become good friends in the Aether. That is no small accomplishment.”
“Friends. Yes.” Nao said. He recited one of his uncle’s mantras a few times to himself, and tried to project more detached calm, as he settled onto the stool that Gris had vacated. Nao asked, “Tell me, why did you wish to meet, after all this time?”
“You always ask what I do for a living, and I always say Everything.” They laughed together at the usual joke, simple as it was, and Nao felt them both relaxing again. Sorcha said, “That has always been true. This team I have built will take the jobs no one else wants: security detail, detective work for people not of noble birth. That sort of thing. Your skills will be valuable in the weeks to come.”
“You fight for the common man in peril.”
“You could say that,” said Sorcha. “Yes! That is what I am trying to do.”
“My boat captain mentioned in passing that the capital city was more populated than he has ever seen. More paying customers arrive than leave, in these times.”
Sorcha nodded. “Exactly. I think there will be no shortage of opportunities, if we –”
“Compliments of Mister Nao.” Lendry had returned with two small crystal glasses and a squat bottle, already uncorked and poured. He was smiling like someone who thought they were already in on the joke, drumming his fingers on the bar. After a brief pause, Lendry said, “Enjoy.” He left to pretend to clean something closeby.
“Brandy,“ said Nao. He sniffed his glass. “It has an odd smell.”
“Drink this one fast. Where was I?” She raised her glass in the air. “To new partnerships.”
Nao matched her posture with the second glass. “To new… business.”
They swallowed quickly, and parted ways soon after.
We are at the beginning of a longer story, Master of the Dungeon.
Preceded in Chapter One by The Archer and the Blacksmith (1). There is now a Chapter Two.