Missteps V.2

Chapter One – The Lonely Spider

In some ways, how a story starts is everything. In others, it’s just a means of egress to get to the real meat of what the story wants. In this case, it’s both.

The Lonely Spider was just like any other inn you’d find on the edge of the wilderness. The rooms weren’t large, the floors were dirty, and the air held traces of old straw and stale ale with every breath you took. However, the food was decent and the ale was cheap so not many travelers complained. Situated at the southern edge of the Black Rock Woods, it’d recently seen an uptick in customers as the rumors swirled around about a once-lost Dwarven Settlement that’d been recently uncovered within the Black Rock Woods.

It’d been a miserable day for traveling. The sky had opened up and dropped a steady rainfall down the whole day. As the sun disappeared below the horizon, the only patrons to be found were a water-logged few who’d trekked in through the day. Many had arrived near noon, and took advantage of the roaring fire to dry themselves, and their belongings, out.

A soft melody played through the air, courtesy of a young half-elf in a corner of the room. She sat on a table, her back to the wall, and legs crossed with a lute sat upon them. Her black hair adorned with streaks of blonde was cut short.

Next to her on a chair was a second half-elf, the plate in front of him filled with the crumbs of his latest meal. Looks wise, he was hard to miss with his long red hair that cascaded towards his shoulders. In the shadows of the fireplace, his tanned skin looked even darker. A sword hung at his waist, while a full quiver and longbow were laid upon the two packs on the table.

Only a few tables away from them sat another of elven descent. Judging by the length of her ears and the sharpness of her features, she appeared to be more full-blooded elven than those at the previous table. Her blonde hair hung loose around her shoulders, save for a single braid on the right-hand side of her head. In front of her on the table was an untouched tankard and an open scroll case. Several sheaves of parchment were clutched in her hand, but her attention was focused on her surroundings, most notably the creature on the floor.

At the base of a far wall, sat a humanoid with violet red skin and curling horns that stuck out of his head of light blond hair that was pulled back into a tight ponytail. A small golden hoop earring was in his left ear. This creature was a member of a race called the akudaem. Members of the akudaem could trace their lineage back to their demonic roots. Notably, this akudaem didn’t appear to have a tail, a common characteristic in addition to the horns and unusual skin color. His leg sat draped over his backpack in front of him as he studied a map in his hands. He mumbled to himself as he traced various routes on it.

With a sudden slam, the Inn’s door was thrown open and a muscled human walked in. Behind him he dragged a struggling child. It was clear that the child was using all his strength to free himself, but it was of no use. As the child settled down, it could been seen that this was no child. Though they were just under three foot tall, their face was clearly that of an adult halfling.

“There has to be someplace other than this dump!” The halfling darted his eyes around the room. It was a wonder he could see through the unruly brown, floppy mop on his head. The crystal amulet on a silver necklace around his neck swung dangerously to and fro.

“This is the only inn for a hundred miles.” The human’s tone was nonchalant as he swept a hand through his short auburn hair. A large warhammer hung crooked through a belt loop in the small of his back, while he carried two backpacks, one of which was noticeably smaller than the other.

The large human reached down, grabbed his companion by the scruff of the neck, and swung him from the floor up to the top of the nearest bar stool in one smooth motion. Almost immediately the halfling fell to the ground with a sharp yell and landed in a heap next to the now discarded packs. The human waited until the short man had clambered to his feet before he turned to address the barkeep, whose efforts to keep a grin off his face were in vain. In truth, the spectacle had drawn the eyes of everyone in the room.

The human settled himself on a stool. “Sorry for the fuss.”

The barkeep shrugged. “At least the stool stayed in one piece.” He cleared his throat. “Can I assume you’re looking for some rooms?”

The human nodded. “As well as some information, and a drink.” He looked over at the halfling, who was in the process of navigating the uneven rungs of his stool. “Want an ale, Ander?”

“No, but you could help.” Ander grunted. The stool proved to be a bigger obstacle than the short man had anticipated. The spectacle of this had driven the two half-elves to silence as they stared openly at the newcomers. The akudaem repeatedly glanced over the top of his map so as to track the progress.

The human smirked and looked away from his compatriot. “Nah, you’ve got it.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Jun.” Ander bit his lip as the stool wobbled under him.

The barkeep reached down and filled a tankard from a cask under the bar. “What kind of info are you looking for?”

Ander finally managed to get to the top of the stool. “Anything you’ve got about that settlement that was found near here.”

“The Dwarven one?” The barkeep set the tankard down in front of Jun.

Ander titled his head in confusion. “Are there any other ancient settlements in the Black Rock woods?”

The barkeep rubbed his jaw. “As far as I know, it’s just that Dwarven one that everyone’s been talking about.”

Ander nodded in confirmation. “That’s it then.”

The barkeep nodded. “Alright, exactly what kind of info are you looking for?” Over the top of his tankard, Jun could see a glint begin to form in the barkeep’s eye.

Ander shrugged. “Usual kind.”

“Like what?” The glint got bigger.

“How do you get there?”

The barkeep took a moment and mulled it over. “Well, I guess you’d go through the forest.”

“How far into the forest?”

“Couple days travel, maybe more.” The barkeep grabbed a rag and began to wipe down the bar.

Ander’s brow furrowed. “Would you recommend walking, or getting some horses?”

“I’d walk.”

“Why?”

The barkeeper paused in their scrubbing and looked at Ander. “Well, there just aren’t any more horses in town to be rented out.”

Jun grinned into his tankard as Ander’s mouth dropped.

“Then why’d you even present it as an option?”

The barkeep shrugged. “For all I know you two rode in on horses.”

Ander opened his mouth to argue, but closed it after a few moments when nothing came out. Instead, he turned and cast a cursory eye over the other occupants in the room. The elf at the table quickly glanced back down at the parchments in front of her. He turned back to the barkeep. “For the record, we didn’t ride in with horses.”

“Good to know.” The barkeep grinned as reached over and grabbed an empty tankard from further down the bar. He started to wipe it with his rag.

“Any advice on how to get there quickly?” Jun asked.

The barkeep inclined his head towards the half-elf duo. “I’d recommend going in with Carric. He’s one of the best if you’re looking for a guide through the Black Rock Woods.” At the mention of his name, the half-elf in question stood up. He exchanged a few whispered words with his companion and made his way over.

“You rang?” Carric leaned against the bar.

“They’re interested in the Dwarven settlement.” The barkeep reached down a grabbed a wooden bin off the floor. With a nod to Jun and Ander, he disappeared through a door behind the bar.

“To be clear, we’re interested in going to the settlement.” Ander learned around Jun, nearly having to climb onto the bar itself to get a clear view at the redhead.

“You’re in luck, I’ve got a group headed that way in the morning.” Carric grinned. “You two wanna join up?”

“How many in the party so far?” Jun looked around the room. Carric followed his lead, and both of them noticed the elf who seemed very interested in their conversation.

Carric shook his head. “Including myself and you two, that’s a total of four.” He raised his voice. “Couldn’t hurt to have more though.” Instead of drawing out the elf, his words instead caught the attention of the akudaem against the wall.

In one fluid movement, the akudaem stood up, folded his maps back up, and deposited them into a pants pocket. He slung his bag over his shoulder and walked briskly over towards the bar.

“Hi,” The akudaem held out a hand. “I’m Iados.”

The Elf who’d been in the middle of standing up, sheepishly sat back down.

Carric shook the offered hand. “Carric.”

Iados grinned, then turned to Jun and offered the same hand.

“Jun.” Jun grasped the hand and shook it firmly. He inclined his head to Ander. “This is Ander.” Ander, who’d just given up and sat on the bar, nodded at the akudaem.

“Nice to meet you.” Iados turned his attention back to Carric. “How much is it for a trip to the settlement?”

“8 gold pieces. Half now, half when we return.” Carric once again raised his voice and sent a grin directly to the elf.

Iados’s face fell in shock. “8 gold pieces? Are you serious? Anyway to make the number lower?”

“If you want us to just abandon you at the settlement, it’d be 4 then. Otherwise I’m sticking with 8. Winter’s only a couple of months away and my savings are low.” The Ranger turned his attention to Jun. “That alright with you guys?”

Jun tilted his head to Ander, who already had his coin pouch open.

“When do we leave?” Ander counted out 8 gold pieces and handed them to Carric. “That’s for the two of us.” He pointed at Jun, who downed the last of his drink.

“Just after sunup. Like Steffan said it’s a two day journey, assuming we don’t get delayed.”

Ander nodded, then called through the closed door for the barkeep. Steffan came back in, the front of his shirt soaked with water. Ander moved back to the stool and the two of them negotiated lodging for the night.

Iados silently moved back to his former spot on the wall. He seemed to be having an internal struggle as he patted the many pockets that ordered his pants. Occasionally he’d excitedly pull something out, only to be disappointed to see a random acorn or silver disk. This went on for several minutes.

“Excuse me?”

Iados looked up and saw the elf standing in front of him. She knelt down and held out her hand.

“Hi, I’m Lia. I think I can help you.”

“I’m listening.” Iados raised an eyebrow as he shook the smooth hand.

“I couldn’t help but notice that you seem to need some help with Carric’s fee.” Lia continued as Iados sat up a little straighter. “I want to hire you as my bodyguard. This is my first time traveling alone and I’d feel better with one. I will of course pay for the guide, and then pay you with five gold for your fee.”

Iados leaned against the wall and was silent as he considered the offer. Finally, he sighed.

“No.”

Lia blinked. “Why the hell not?”

“Five measly gold for risking my life? No thanks.” He shrugged and pulled out a map. This one had a coastline on it from what little Lia could see.

Lia took a moment to take in the man in front of her. She took in the earring, the loose fit of his clothes, and the fact that he wasn’t bad-looking. “Ok, then what do you say to guide, five gold, and you can share my room tonight.” She reached up and readjusted the already low neckline of her blouse. This caught Iados’s attention.

He peered over the top of his map. “Are you offering what I think you’re offering?”

“Perhaps, but you’ll have to agree to find out.” She smiled and tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

The akudaem’s brow furrowed as he considered this more tempting offer. Finally he grimaced and disappeared behind his map again. “Sorry, but it’s still a ‘no’.”

Lia’s mouth gaped open. “8 gold.”

“No.” Iados called from behind the map.

“9 gold?”

“No.”

“10 gold?”

“No.” Iados’s voice sounded almost pained as he said this.

Lia reached out and forcefully pulled the map out of Iados’s hands. “What will it take for you to say ‘yes’?”

There was a short pause before he answered. “11 gold for the bodyguard position, and I’ll also take you up on the offer of your room.” He wiggled an eyebrow.

Lia couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her mouth. She bowed her head for a moment as she composed herself. When she looked up, she still had a playful smile on her face. “Deal.” The two of them shook hands, and she popped up. With a spring in her step, she headed towards the bar and spoke briefly with Carric.

Iados grabbed his bag and went to wait by the stairs for Lia, a happy grin on his face. Jun and Ander passed him on their way upstairs to their own room.

“It seems our little group isn’t so little anymore.” The Bard said as Carric came back over to the table. With an amused expression she watched Lia and Iados climb the stairs, his arm thrown over her shoulders.

“Not so much.” Carric quickly deposited his handful of coins into his own money pouch. “You don’t mind leaving a couple of days early, do you Kerri?”

She pursed her lips. “I’ll probably get in trouble later, but I’ve got a feeling this’ll be worth it.” The duo headed towards the stairs themselves.

“You say that now, but we’re not the only group headed towards that settlement.”

“We’ll just have to be faster then.” The two of them climbed the stairs up to the short hallway with multiple doors on either side. “Good night.”

“Night,” Carric watched as Kerri headed to a room further down the hallway. He called down after her. “We’re heading out shortly after dawn, so be ready!”

The bard gave a final wave before she disappeared into the room.

Carric gave a heavy sigh and rubbed the back of his head. He had a feeling that the next few days were going to be very interesting.