Chapter 4 (part 3)

I didn’t want to stay in the tournament after my fight but Noirxus thought otherwise. He said it would be a valuable learning experience to look at other’s fights so I left him there. I eventually became bored so I went out and planned our next course of action after I win the prize for the tournament. I decided to take on a real mercenary job.

As I wandered around town looking for anything resembling a mercenary job, I saw an interesting poster of a young lady recruiting escorts to the capital. It was a pretty low profile kind of job but I decided to take it anyway. There is a saying that the most interesting jobs are not always flashy at first glance… either that or don’t judge a book by its cover. Either way, they mean the same thing. After a moment of hesitation, I followed the directions, winding through dark and narrow streets until I finally found myself in front of a shabby inn.

I entered the inn and walked to the innkeeper. When he saw my poster, he silently pointed to a pair of hooded individuals, one relatively bigger than the other, seated at a small round table in the far corner of the receiving area.

“Hello,” I greeted the pair and flashed them their pretty little poster. “You were looking for an escort? I’d be glad to take the job.”

They silently looked at each other then one of them spoke, “Are you strong?” It was a very low pitched male voice.

“The name’s Chryisle. I’m currently in the tournament. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?” I said, grabbing a chair and sitting across them.

“Are you with the black haired one?” he inquired again.

I nodded. He must be talking about Noirxus. Why is that guy so popular? 

“You’re in. Meet us outside town tomorrow night before the gates close. As soon as it closes, we’re leaving with or without you. We’ll also provide two horses for you but you have to bring your own food and water.” After he said that, his silent companion stood up to leave. He followed wordlessly.

“Wait!” I called. “Tomorrow night is the night before the finals!”

He paused and said, “Not our problem” before they left.  

And with that, I racked my brain for solutions to speed up the finals and still claim my prize. After all I did swear in front of Noirxus that we would win the tournament. I can’t back down or I’d be swallowing my words and that is something I cannot tolerate no matter what. It’s a matter of pride. After much deliberation, I arrived at one definite conclusion:

 I guess I’ll leave that to tomorrow. Right now, I have to order Noirxus to gather supplies.

I stormed inside our inn and hurried to our room. Sure enough Noirxus was there since the tournament ended a few hours ago. I gathered my things and counted my coins and tossed Noirxus an eighth of what’s inside my purse.

He nimbly caught the coins in midair and asked, “What’s this?”

“You go outside and buy food and water. Also pack your things because we’re leaving for the capital tomorrow night.” I ordered him as I packed my own things.

“We’re leaving for the capital tomorrow night?” Noirxus asked bewildered. “Does that mean you’re giving up in the tournament?”

“No one said anything about giving up. Anyway I have a plan. Just go and buy important survival stuff and haggle it good. I want you to get the most out of my money. Threaten the storekeeper with your sword if you have to.”

“That’s your idea of haggling?”

“What? It’s effective.”

“……”