A guard for a shaman (Abandoned)

[Belinda]

Early Spring

Back again. The young shamaness mused to herself as Cid's ship pulled into port. The old sea captain had paid her for her services as always. And entrusted her with an errand. The old sea dog knew why she was back in Lycia. The timing coincided with her yearly family reunion and he knew she'd be venturing out of Badon soon. Cid was a good friend of Bel's mom and asked the shaman if he could deliver a package on his behalf. She would like it better if you went to see her yourself, you codger. But, Cid refused, stating that he had other business to attend to. Like managing his ship, crew, and cargo. Of course, that was all important, but Bel knew the captain well enough. She knew the salty sea dog would chase every skirt in the city once, his formal duties were finished. She bid the old man adieu until the next season, then went on her merry way.

Her first order of business was to secure lodging for herself for the next couple of days. She pulled her cloak up and made her way down some very familiar streets. Badon was bustling as usual. She passed down the market street and up towards a familiar Inn. She knew the owner well enough to establish a good reputation. The owner knew her as a frequent and responsible customer. She always paid for her room upfront. And she always got the same room to the one with the good locks. Upon her arrival, she was greeted, sorted, and given a key to her room. On her second day, she went back out into the city. She rented a wagon. Stocked up on supplies. And then went to work on finding a suitable guard. She posted her usual flyers. And went to wait for her potential guard at a well-known pub.

[William]

William had been to Badon before. That day marked the first that he had entered it alone, though. No talk of grandiose dreams, of owning multiple ships with which to deliver product to all of Elibe's ports, all told to him while he sat cramped at the back of a poorly built carriage. The trip had been the sort of quiet to leave one with a dull ache – and it was easy for William to place where that ache originated from.

The noise of the city distracted him from those thoughts, though, as the dark haired sellsword quietly made his way through the busy port city. He took in the sights with a bit of renewed amusement – he had been a bit too young to appreciate the lasses of Badon. Perhaps it was a lack of modesty compared to the rest of Lycia, but the women were much more pleasing to the eye than usual. Badon had many shades beneath the surface, though, and he wondered how many of those flirtatious smiles hid a thirst for gold, influence, or general debauchery beneath them.

Perhaps fortunately, William didn't exactly have the coin to spare for much fun – he'd come to Badon in search of work, rather than a place to spend what he'd earned. So he stuck close to the buildings and walls, his eyes torn away from temptation. There were plenty of jobs, turned out ships always needed protection let alone merchants who traveled afoot, especially in such dangerous times. He indiscriminately grabbed several and followed up on the first one he read. Bodyguard duty. Seemed basic enough.

He located the tavern titled in the request and entered it. Seemed to be popular, even for a city with no small shortage of taverns. Wonderful for a party...terrible if one simply wished to search out another.

William quietly looked about the tavern and, eventually giving up, he simply held up the parchment he'd taken. Hopefully his potential client would recognize their own handiwork, surely. He didn't really feel like calling out for a stranger whose name he didn't even know.

[Belinda]

Bel sat there by herself for a few moments. She grabbed one of her own flyers and reviewed it for a moment. Nothing appears to be left out. A waitress interrupted her and asked to take her order. The shamaness ordered a pious meal of steamed vegetables and a cup of tea. Normally, she'd order a piece of fillet to go with that but she had a big order of fish yesterday. So today she's trying to balance that meal with this one. The shamaness also showed the waitress the flyer. She handed her five coins and told her if anyone came in asking about these flyers, to guide them to her. If the waitress did well, Bel would give her another handful of coins.

"Yes' Ma'm. I understand ma'am." The waitress nodded eagerly then pocketed the coins. A few more minutes passed. The shamaness quietly put the flyer back into her bag. Her tea arrived first. The shaman took a large gulp out of that. Bland. She told herself and sighed softly. Her breath warmed by the tea. Bel would have preferred wine. But, it was too early in the day for the ruby-colored drink. Belinda decided to bide the rest of her time by people watching. Everything looks normal.

She paid no attention to the next set of patrons that entered the pub. But, the waitress she paid did. She saw a long-haired man with a flyer in his hand. She quickly took the order of the guests she was serving and caught up to the gentleman before he could leave.

"Excuse me, sir. That flyer in your hand. The woman you need to speak to is sitting by the window. Purple hair." Before she could elaborate more, another patron flagged her down. She left the young man to tend to her guests.

[William]

Before the overworked maid had noticed the flyer he held, William had been ready to sit down and have a drink...provided he could actually afford one. At the very least he’d have sat down and tried to eye out a fine lass, or some other form of employment. Once William spotted his client, however, he realized that the two were one before him. The short haired woman was nice on the eyes, but William had already learned it wasn’t wise to flirt with a client before his first impression...else that WOULD be their first impression of him. He’d let things play out before he decided what to do on that front.

Instead he approached the table, noted that no other sellswords seemed to be seated with her yet, and held the flyer up before he smiled. “Yo. Says here you’re looking for a bodyguard? I’m here to negotiate the offer and, hopefully, take on the job.” The fact she was still alone meant he had a bit more room to bargain and learn a bit about the job.

That had been another lesson William had learned - never blindly accept a job. The initial listing NEVER had the full details and oft times the most crucial, aka the ones that contained the greatest dangers, were conveniently left out. Funny how that worked. William didn’t take it personally, after all it was just pragmatic in more ways than one, but he still knew nobody else was going to look after himself other than...well, himself.

He wasn’t on the plains anymore...or on his father’s caravan.

[Belinda]

The shamaness closed her eyes for a moment. She lost herself in all of the noise and hubbub of the pub around her. She tried to focus herself on the conversations of the people around her. She wasn't doing this to pick up on the local gossip, this act was more of an exercise for her mind. She theorized that these little exercises in senses could help lessen the inevitable effects of dark magic. A shaman's curse. As her mother put it. Plus, this gave her eyes a bit of a break. She was snapped out of her mini mental work out by the voice of a stranger. She opened her eyes and took a good look at the stranger in front of her. Belinda knew first impressions were everything when it came to clients. In a few moments, the shamaness had a small set of mental bullet points in her head with regards to this stranger. Long hair. Stylized clothing. Possibly Sacean. Literate. Armed. Relatively clean. Possibly a bit too casual in speech. She returned his smile with a soft one of her own. Then gestured to the chair in front of her.

"Thank you for your interest. Please, take a seat." Belinda quietly rectified her posture and sat down properly in her seat. Her back thanked her for it by cracking slightly in a few places. She could hear the tutors of her past in her head, warning her about the dangers of improper posture.

"Would you like something to drink? I can offer you a simple mug of mead or water." This wasn't Belinda just being polite. She knew negotiations were often done poorly if one side was dehydrated. Plus, this gave her another means to judge this potential guard. Water meant that he was either abstaining from alcohol for some reason or another, he was thrifty, or he was serious about negotiating a proper contract. Mead wouldn't necessarily deter her from her choice either. Mead had many social implications both good and bad. She didn't know who was watching him or who he needed to impress. Or perhaps he might just like the mead more than the water. She couldn't blame him when her personal preference of drink was wine.

[William]

“So stiff.” William thought to himself as he took the seat across from her. The woman’s body language told all, really, and her tone was the icing on the cake. She was as formal as could be. Really, how hadn’t he noticed her earlier? Compared to the mostly drunken clientele of the tavern she might as well been royalty. Hm...no, that wasn’t quite right. Even William’s idea of nobility wasn’t overly rigid. Still, this was just the first impression.

William wasn’t a formal man, but he had an interest in not offending his client. He couldn’t show that he was desperate, but he could at least make an effort to be cordial. Formality with his father usually just meant he kept quiet while his father did business, and Sacae...well, the tribe was rather unique. Respect was earned not given, and formality was not given to EARN said respect. He’d have to reverse that for the day, so he straightened his posture a bit and lightly cleared his throat.

“Water should suffice.” Oh how he would have killed for a drop of mead, but he’d rather play it safe...to his chagrin. For all his swagger upon approach, he still felt a touch nervous...as always. Still William wore a light smile to mask as much of his mental musing and observations as he could. “So, about the flyer." William laid it out on the table before them. "It was pretty brief. What details were left off of it? Talk of pay can come after we go over what exactly you'll be asking of me.”

[Belinda]

A small smile came across her face. It seemed that the potential guardsman was serious about this job. Straight to business then. The shamaness flagged down a waitress and requested the gentleman's mug of water.

"My name is Belinda. Bel for short. And you are?" Bel asked as she gently pushed aside the half eaten bowl of vegetables. As the good sir pulled out the flyer and laid it on the table, Bel took a sip of her tea. It was still warm and lightly fragrant. She put the mug down by her bowl and let out a soft sigh.

"The flyer is mostly barren because the job is dull. I need a guard for a simple, two day, one way, trip to Santaruz. I have an important meeting with a select group of VIP clientele there." Those important people being her family. But, this swordsman didn't need to know that right now. Actually, no one in this pub needed to know that right now.

"Now I am not sure how.. familiar you are with the current state of affairs between Badon and Santaruz. So, allow me to brief you. As it stands the two territories are in an unofficial alliance with one another. Perhaps.. alliance is too strong a word." That is not the point.

"The point is, that it is due to this mutual exchange... The borders and roads between the realms are for the most part safe." The waitress returned with the mug of water.

"But, the border guards cannot patrol all the paths between the territories at all times. Bandits and highwaymen slip through the cracks. Sometimes there are truly desperate villagers who have no choice but to steal.. sometimes it the guards who do the robbing. Though, those cases are very rare."

[William]

Ah, right, proper introductions. They hadn’t done that yet - so William opted to respond to that first. “Name’s William, good to meet you Bel. Feel free to call me Will.” Out of either instinct or impulse, Will ended his statement with a smile and a wink. Bel, huh? Short and sweet name. He liked it. If nothing else it would be easy to remember on the road, and easy to communicate if trouble arose. If she’d had one of those really long names he’d likely have just nicknamed her something himself, for simplicity’s sake.

Luckily for William, the job itself seemed simple. According to Bel the sheer simplicity was why the flyer was so barren. He supposed she wasn’t the “creative type” then, with a desire to fill the blank space with anything. Of course he preferred it as it was, but it was a small amusement that crossed his mind all the same. That said she was apparently important enough to meet...other people who were apparently important.

Santaruz, though...mhm, William would rather not think of it. If the job called for it the job called for it, but he couldn’t help but frown a bit at the mention of the fief. Still he listened, and he was in fact familiar with the border situation. He’d recently handled jobs that involved patrolling the borders of various fiefs. Be it from refugees turned bandit, hardened raiders, or even monsters...though thankfully only few of the latter.

“I’m familiar with the situation. It’s not that different in, say, Tuscana or Araphen, though I'm not as knowledgeable on the trade situation between them. Just that their borders see a lot of conflict and negative traffic. Understandable why you’d want a guard.”

A small part of him was tempted to ask about these “VIPs” but he doubted he’d get anywhere by pushing that subject right then and there. He set his curiosity aside, for when they were on the road, and instead moved onto the next subject.

“So, about payment. What were you offering?”

[Belinda]

"William. It's nice to meet you." The shamaness nodded softly. She was slowly warming up to this man. There were subtle shifts in her body language. Her shoulders weren't so stiff and she gently rested her chin on her palm. Bel knew not to drop her guard. After all, this little interview wasn't fully over. And there was the possibility that this man would reject her offer once the matter of money was spoken. She had already spent a fair amount of gold just paying for her room, gathering the supplies, and wagon. But, not everyone in this world was working for money. She knew most folk would consider a free meal and board a blessing.

"Unfortunately, I cannot offer much. I already bought the provisions, wagon, horse, and lodging for the journey. So I have very little gold to spare when it comes to payment. I'm afraid seventy-five is what I can offer. Fifty gold is enough to buy you a trip back to Badon, should you need it. Which leaves twenty-five pieces to feed your pockets." She took another sip of tea. She put the now empty cup down.

"I know that amount is an absolute pittance. The average man can make twice as much moving boxes for captains on the docks. But, I am accounting for the fact that path to Santaruz is short and relatively safe. Food, shelter, and transportation are already provided. I make this journey into the Santaruz territory at least twice a year. So I am very familiar with the roads leading in and out of the providences. It would be impossible for us to get lost." Belinda knew this was one of the most crucial points of the deal. Mercenaries do not work for cheap. But, she hoped that her upfront honesty, careful explanation, and experience with the journey wouldn't fully deter William away from the job.

[William]

William’s expression fell a bit when Belinda stated how much, or rather how little, she would be able to pay him for the job. Seventy-five pieces was, at best, what he’d get in the first sum from jobs that doled out their pay in two sums: one at the start and another upon completion. Still, she made a good case for the supposed simplicity of the job itself. There was also the matter of William being a lazy bastard - it was easier to accept cheap payment for what was likely an easy job than to turn the lady down and take another.

“It may be honest, but you make a REALLY bad sell for yourself if you point out that the most simplistic, menial task would pay better than you do.” That said William had to get in one little jab. Couldn't be helped, but he meant no ill will by it. Further more he didn’t bother with an attempt to haggle. William had begun to develop a sense of when haggling would actually be effective and this was not one of those times. “Nah, the pay sounds fine. Moving boxes would be a bit too dull anyway.”

The sellsword reclined into his seat and drank his water. In the end he was rather ambivalent about the situation. It had pros and cons alike but, well, 75 pieces was 75 he didn’t yet have. Santaruz likely had some border work that paid significantly better anyway, and this was essentially a free ride there. Granted the less time William spent in that particular fief the better, but so long as he stuck to the border and...away from the farmlands...he ought to be just fine.

“So when do we leave? Tomorrow morning? In a couple hours?”

[Belinda]

“I know. I know. But, it wouldn't sit right with me if I kept quiet. I prefer to be completely honest with all my clients. It is a rare trait these days.” This man piqued her interest. He got comfortable in her presence and even cracked a joke. Ah, but this deal wasn't over yet. While he agreed to the job Belinda wasn't quite ready to accept him yet. She needed to know what sort of fighter William was. The obvious guess is that he's a swordsman. But, he might be flexible with a bow or a spear, she met people who had mastery over both. Plus, she needed to be sure that he was comfortable with her. A shamaness presence was tolerable in country like Lycia. But, it might not sit well with people's personal preference.

“I like your enthusiasm. However, I have not yet agreed to your employment. I have told you all of the details about the job. But, none of the personal matters.” She put her arms down on the table. Then folded her hands together so that the fingers interlaced one another.

“How is your experience with a sword?” There was a slight smirk on her lips when she said that. But, the emotion quickly passed as she moved on to a series of other questions.

“Do you have any enemies?” A girl had to look out for herself. If William had any enemies, she concluded that, they might be the unsavory sort who would go after anyone remotely, familiar with him. And she couldn't risk bringing that unwanted attention towards her family. She had already seen that happen once with her father.

“And are you comfortable with people who practice magic? Specifically, those who practice dark magic.”

[William]

William didn’t so much as nod when Belinda explained her principles. It wasn’t as though he’d only experienced dishonesty from his clients, or even fellow mercenaries, but few had hit the level of honesty that Belinda had. It was admirable but, as he’d just said, not exactly the wisest action to take. Still - it was her life, her principles, and he’d already accepted the job anyway so in the end she -

...She still needed more from him? The sellsword’s brow furrowed a bit. One did not simply offer chump change and still hold a litmus test. Though as William listened to the questions she had to ask he found they were rather simple and straightforward. Made him glad that he’d kept his concern to himself. “I’ve had a few years of training with the sword, and already completed several jobs that pit my skills against others, and I’m still here.”

That had come out...awkward. It wasn’t wrong, but it wasn’t what William had intended to say. Ideally he’d have just stated that he was confident in his swordsmanship. Yet the words had caught in his throat, and changed before he even noticed. He wanted to wonder why that happened but, unfortunately, he knew exactly why...and chose to move on rather than to linger on it.

“So I’ve a good bit of experience. I don’t have any enemies, none that would hound me or want me dead for sure.” At least as far as William knew. Most of the people he’d pissed off were probably the bandits or rival mercenaries he killed as part of the job. “So don’t expect to be haunted by any of my ghosts.”

“As for magic, no I have no problem with it. I’m not really familiar with dark magic, but I knew someone who had all but mastered uh...nature magic, anima, yeah. Won’t bother me any.” If anything William was a bit curious. The most likely reason Belinda had even asked the question was because she, herself, was a practitioner. Well, he’d find out soon enough either way.

William crossed his arms behind his head and leaned a bit further back into his chair. “Any other questions? Did I pass with flying colors?” He spoke in a bit of a dry tone but didn’t actually seem bothered. Will kept his eyes on Belinda, and waited for her reply.

[Belinda]

Bel listened to William's explanations. He seemed to be confident in his skills. And he appeared to be very comfortable in talking to Bel about said skills. He was familiar with anima magic and seemed to hold no qualms against shamans. Well, this all but sealed the deal for Bel. She would choose this man to escort her to Santaruz. Then again she didn't really have much of a choice. Few would take the job with such little payout. And she was going to Santaruz with or without an escort.

"Do be careful with how you sit in that chair. It has a cracked back leg." She cautioned with calmness. Can't have you hurting yourself now.

“Any other questions? Did I pass with flying colors?”

"Like a rainbow." She smirked. She pulled from her bag a document and a pen with some ink.

"Please sign here. This is your contract. I Belinda, officially hire William to be my guard. Payment will be received upon safe arrival into Santaruz." She didn't do her usual, divide the payment thing here. She was too short on gold to have half of her contract money just up and leave.

"Meet me at the Northern Gates by the eighth hour. I will be in a simple wagon with a little bee flag on it and a large chestnut horse." A large Suffolk horse to be precise. Belinda was used to waking up early and getting ready for the day. It was a habit that was ingrained into her ever since she was old enough to walk. Her mornings were full of lessons and constant watching by the family staff and her two older siblings.

"Do you have any other questions for me?" She asked with a slight curiosity in her voice. Most folk she met usually asked her questions after she revealed the fact she was a shaman. Or perhaps he was curious about the nature of the destination or departure. Large wagons weren't allowed out on the roads until the ninth hour. Most likely she'd be waiting in line with a whole host of other wagoneers.
---

{The next morning}

Bel woke on the sixth hour of the morning. The sun was about a quarter of the way up over the horizon. By the seventh hour she was washed, packed, and ready to go. She used the kitchen of the inn for a moment and made herself two sets of sandwiches. Some tea. And refilled the canteens with cool fresh water. She had a light breakfast of biscuits and jam. A final check of her provisions insured that she was fully stocked and ready to go. She greeted the horse and did a check of her reigns. Everything looks good. The wagon was loaded with the help of the innkeeper. Cid's package was carefully loaded along with a trunk of other goods. She paid what was needed and gave him a little tip of coins as thanks. By the eighth hour, Bel was on the wagon line, waiting for both her guard and her turn to ride out.