Alex and Slime both looked at one another in surprise. Turning back to Derelict they both exclaimed.

“This is Castle Town!?”

With a cough and a snort Derelict replied “Of course it is. Where else did you think you were?”

“Well I don’t know.” Alex said.

“Yeah we ended up unground and then all of a sudden we found ourselves here.” Slime stated.

“Hmm, how did you get down there in the first place anyhow?” Derelict questioned.

So, the two went back and forth for Derelict explaining how the pair found themselves underground in a goblin’s den and the old minecart that brought them to that large cavern.

Derelict sat in silence for a moment. Scratching his chin as he thought about what the two told.

“Hey, wait a second, I have a question.” Alex said.

“All right, what is it?” Derelict replied.

“How did you even know we were down there?”

Slime perked up at this question for he too wanted to know how the man could’ve known they were there.

Derelict gave them a warm smile and let out a laugh. “There was so much yelling and ruckus down there it would’ve been more surprising if I hadn’t heard the two of you.”

Their faces grew red with embarrassment. They had ignorantly assumed no one was around for miles and yet somehow, they found themselves underneath a building, in Castle Town – Title Pending.

“Oops.” Alex smiled at Derelict.

Derelict returned the smile. It had been ages since he had a child come into his shop and he was happy to be hosting one again.

“Hey what’s this?” The curious boy called out.

Derelict opened his eyes, surprised to see Alex no longer stood before him but was now on the other side of the counter pointing up to a moving machine. One where its numbers marked one to twelve with hands points in different directions as a small round pendulum swung beneath the frame.

“Hmm? That, young man, is what we call a clock.” He replied.

“Oh. What’s a clock?” Alex asked as he cocked his head towards Derelict.

“Well that shorthand points to what’s called an hour and the long hand points to what is called minutes. Together they let you know what time of day it is.”

“Oh neat. So, this machine tells you how far along the sun or moon is in the sky?” Alex asked.

“Precisely. Or, I suppose, crudely yes.”

“Neat!” Alex exclaimed.

“Yes, it is fairly interesting. If you’re new to the subject.” Derelict started to say only realizing he was talking to himself. Alex had moved to a different part of the store now looking into a display case.

“Hey what are these?” Alex called out.

Derelict squinted in the direction of the case and thought for a moment.

“Oh, those are jewelry pieces. Necklaces you can wear around your, well, neck and rings for your fingers as well as some other things.”

Some people have been annoyed by Alex’s naivety, like Slime, but for Derelict he took this as an opportunity to educate and boast about the thing he held dearest to him; his trinkets and doodads.

“Derelict, what’s the moon’s position?” Alex called out.

Derelict let out a chuckle. “My boy, the clocks don’t necessarily tell me the moons current position in the sky. Though, depending on the date, season, and year we could theoretically…” He realized he began to rant a bit and saw Alex just starring at him with a vacant stare.

“uh…clocks simply tell us the hour and minutes of the day.” He ended.

“Minutes and hours of the day?” Alex replied curiously.

Slime hopped onto the counter.

“Oh yeah, I didn’t realize you didn’t know what time was.”

The Slime cleared his throat and looked over at Derelict.

“Allow me. Basically kid, from the time the sun comes up and goes down there are hours of the day. Usually we have what’s called Day. Which is the time from sunup to sundown. Which is defined as 6am to 6pm loosely. Then we have night, which is when the sun goes down until it comes up again. We loosely call 6pm to 6am Night.” Slime finished.

Derelict was quite impressed at the simple, but accurate, explanation from Slime.

“Quite right.” Derelict replied.

“Oh okay. So, the sun is down now and this hand is pointing here and that one is pointing there. So, the time is 9 hours and 6 minutes?” Alex asked as he manhandled the clock on the table next to him.

“Ack, careful with that my boy!” Derelict grunted as he watched in horror as Alex shoved his fingers into and poked around the hands and face of the clock.

“Oi, those are not to be played with Kid!” Slime yelled. He turned to Derelict to apologize. “Sorry about that, he isn’t people broke yet.”

“I see.” The man replied in a bit of a shock.

“Uh to answer your question Alex…” Derelict went on to educate and teach Alex about time and how to read clocks. After about 45 minutes of silly questions and sarcastic exchanges with Slime, Alex finally understood how to read a clock and understood what the time of day meant. He was also given a quick crash course into lunar cycles which mostly went over his head.

Now that things were starting to calm down a thought popped back into Derelict’s head.

“Oh, I had forgot for a moment. You mentioned that you had discovered a Goblin Den in the underground correct?”

Alex and Slime both nodded to the man.

“Hmm, that isn’t good to hear.” He said coolly.

“Why not?” Alex asked.

Derelict walked into the backroom of his shop with the two following behind him. He began scanning a bookshelf filled with various sized books.

“That used to be an underground escape route for the Kingdom.” Derelict said. Letting out a small gasp of delight as he had found what he was looking for. From the shelf he pulled out a large sized tome. He dropped it on the table beside them, dust shooting out from the book. The smell of musty leather and dust filled the immediate air as Derelict let out a couch and began paging through the text stopping on a map spreading across the two pages.

“Here we are.” He said as he pointed to the book.

Before them was a detailed map set into three different layers.

“This top portion here is the city of Castle Town – Title Pending. While this middle section shows which shops and locations have secret passageways to the underground. Finally, this last layer here outlines the underground channel that you found yourself.”

Derelict pulled out a piece of cloth from his pocket and held it to his mouth as he began to cough again from the dust.

“Why are there red X’s across some of these passageways?” Slime asked pointing at one and trailing to another with a point he created from the top of his head.

“Oh, quite fascinating I must say.” Derelict said distractedly as he watched Slime create and use said pointer. “Ahem, right. These are crossed out as they are no longer active nor viable passageways.”

“Why not?” Alex asked.

“About 30 years ago the Queen commanded these passageways be closed and sealed off. While we left one passage available for emergency use.”

“The only below the shop.” Slime replied.

“Quite right my bulbous fellow.” Derelict said.

“What was the underground for anyway?” Alex questioned.

“Some time ago we were at peace with another Kingdom, the Kingdom of Cawmerce, some distance from here. It was during the time of the second blight. Our late Queen and that Kingdom’s King formed an alliance and created this underground escape route. Should the blight appear in either Kingdom the citizens could escape underground, use a mine cart service, and escape to the other kingdom. There were also check points and resting stations along the way to help the refugees rest. After the blight was defeated the underground became a quick way for adventurers or consulates to move between the kingdoms.” Derelict stated.

“Then why close it off? If it was so useful why abandon it?” Slime retorted.

“Well, about 15 years ago the Kingdom of Cawmerce fell, and monsters swarmed the kingdom. As far as we are aware there were no survivors and the monsters soon took for the underground on their side. The queen commanded all entrances be shut down and for the rail car systems to be destroyed and so they were. All but one anyway. The queen left one escape route open in case there were survivors down below, or, in case we needed to escape for some reason or another. Which never came to pass as no one has come up nor gone down through that passage in all this time. Until today.” He finished.

“Gee, lucky us I guess.” Alex sighed with relief.

“No kidding, if she had closed them all then we wouldn’t have had any way to get out of there.” Slime chimed in agreeance.

“Yes, fortunate you were indeed.” Derelict said warmly. “Back to the topic at hand. This Goblin Den…” Derelict was interrupt as the room began to fill with various sounds. From gonging, to clanging, to tweeting, and whistles being blown.

“What the flip is all that noise?” Slime exclaimed as his head became sharp with spikes that extracted and retracted, the sound giving him a bit of a scare.

Derelict let out a hearty laugh. “That, my friends, means it’s time for the shop to close! It’s 10 o’clock. Do me a favor Alex and go lock that front door. There should be a little knob you can turn just under the door handle.”

Alex gave a smile nodded and made his way to the front of the store. As he turned the lock, he peered out the window of the door. Outside he could see paths of stone and many of the buildings were all put together by large stone blocks as well. Tall metal torches were set up at corns and different parts of the roads lighting the way for whoever might still be out at this hour.

“All done!” Alex called back as he turned his attention back inside.

“Thank you kindly, Alex.” He called back. “It’s late now and we wouldn’t want you two to be wandering the streets. I had hoped to ask you a few more questions but I suppose those will have to wait until tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ve a spare room you two can share.”

“Wow thanks Derelict!” Alex said happily.

“Yeah we really appreciate it!” Slime added.

“Get a good rest and tomorrow we can talk some more over breakfast.”

All agreed. Derelict showed the boys to their room. The left the back of the shop and made their way to the front. Beside the front counter was a staircase that lead upwards. They made their way up the wood steps until they reached the top and on the right was the bedroom Derelict had available for them. It happened to be just perfect as there was a small twin sized bed for Alex and what appeared to be a dog bed for Slime. Slime might’ve been offended if he had realized the difference, but their journey had been long and much more exhausting than he expected. He took it happily and they thanked Derelict once more for his hospitality before he left them to their room.

Alex dropped his bag to the floor and let out a large stretch. He held this for many seconds before finally collapsing onto the bed behind him. The room they were staying wasn’t anything impressive to most people. A small table with a chair, a few potted plants near the window. A simple wooden bedframe with basic red sheets and a pillow and finally a small throw rug on the floor beside the bed. These were the simple things that made up this room and for Alex it was extremely peaceful. The musty smell of wood and fabric reminded him of home. He had a smile worn across his face and soon readied himself for bed. As he nestled between the sheets, he thought of all that had happened so far.

I can’t believe I’m here, in Castle Town. It feels like yesterday I left home in search of father.

He looked up at the empty and dark wooden ceiling. This too reminded him of his bedroom back home.

“Father…” He quietly said. “Hey, Slime?”

But there was no response. Alex sat up and began moving to the foot of the bed to check on his friend when the sound of snoring began to fill his ears. As he peered over the edge, he found his companion sound asleep with a cartoonish snot bubble coming from his face. Alex smiled and thought this to be funny but then his expression vanished as he wondered where Slime’s nose even was. Did he even have a nose he wondered? Alex shook his head chuckling and then returned to his pillow. His thoughts returned to his father.

Where are you father? I hope you’re okay.

His eyes began to grow heavy as he reminisced over memories of him and his father.

Then morning comes.

Alex is rattled awake by a small, but heavy, thudding against his chest.

“Wake up, wake up, wake up!” The sounds of an anxious and ready to move Slime awoke the boy.

Alex let out a long yawn as he began to wipe the tiredness from his eyes.

“Good morning Slime.”

“Good Morning! Now wake up, it’s time to eat!” Slime exclaimed happily as he hopped off the boy back to the floor. He hopped to the open door and took a right moving into the open room beside their bedroom.

“Food!?” Alex screeched excitedly. He lunged himself out of bed bypassing his shoes and his change of clothes. His feet hitting the wooden floor hard as he ran from the room. The sound of pounding footsteps filled the small shop as Alex emerged from his bedroom and rushed towards Slime and Derelict who were sitting at the table. There was a humble set up of white plates, cups, and utensils. He found a jug of water, pancakes, some fresh fruit, and nuts.

“Oh boy!” He exclaimed as he crashed into his seat.

Derelict let out a laugh while Slime angrily leered at Alex.

“Oi! Where are you flippin’ manners!?” Slime scolded in a whisper.

Alex’s eyes returned to normal with a look of surprise on his face. He leaned in towards Slime. “Sorry about that. When I see food, I just can’t help myself.”

“It’s fine just thank Derelict and then let’s eat.”

Alex slapped his hands together and, in Alex fashion, let out a very vociferous speech.

“THANK YOU, DERELICT, FOR THIS WONDERFUL HOSPITALITY. IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO STAY IN SUCH A WONDEROUS PLACE. THANK YOU TOO FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL MEAL. WE ARE NOT WORTHY OF YOUR GRACE.” Alex then undid his hands and reached for the water, when he realized he had forgotten the most important part. Slamming his hands together once more he exclaimed “OH AND THANK YOU AS WELL YOUR DIVINE GODDESS…NESS, FOR WITHOUT YOU THIS FOOD WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.”

He undid his hands again and began to serve himself up.

Derelict and Slime opened their wincing eyes to see Alex grabbing this and that from the table.

“Well that was quite the, thanks?” Slime stated. He had never seen someone make table grace or give thanks in such an unusual way before.

“Yes, that was quiet, proper one might say.” Derelict added, eyes wide from the surprise of such a display. “Ahem, but, kind and wonderful none the less, thank you Alex.”

The three dished themselves up and had exchanges regarding how they had slept and how are you todays. As the meal continued Derelict brought a breakfast desert of small pastries.

“Oh, wow!” Alex exclaimed the drool obvious on the corner of his mouth. “These smell so good, what are they!?”

“Hah, these are peach fritters. Quite a common, but tasty, treat in the kingdom of Zofia.”

“Wow you made these?” Slime asked.

Derelict let out a deep laugh which caused his lungs to flare up and he begin coughing and wheezing. After a moment he regain his breath and said smiling. “Oh no, not me. You want a clock or small trinket repaired, I’m you guy. But when it comes to baking, hah, I’m terrible. I picked these up this morning. There are many bakeries here in Castle Town – Title Pending and there’s a small one not too far from here that I like to frequent. I mentioned I had a few guests and my friend there graciously offered these as a treat.”

“Oh, wow what that sure was nice of them!” Alex said happily.

Derelict set the pastries on the table and motioned for the boys to help themselves. As they dug in smiles were had all around as the two stuffed their faces in joy nodding and tipping their pastries towards Derelict.

“I was wondering, if you two might permit me to ask you a couple questions.” Derelict asked as the two continued to eat. Both of which nodded still smiling. They were content to answer any questions with such delicious treats before them.

“Excellent, most excellent. I was wondering if you could tell me why, and please forgive me if this comes off as rude, but why are you traveling with a monster in your company Alex?” Derelict tried to ask delicately.

The room fell silent and the two froze in place as if time had stopped. Alex’s eyes opened wipe in fear and he just looked at Slime who was frozen in place just as he took a mouthful of the pastries. Alex let out a loud gulp as he swallowed what he had in his mouth.

“Uh…” Alex couldn’t think of anything to say. He knew how much Slime hated being referred to as “a monster”. Heck he knew better than anyone as he had been on the receiving end of many punishments for using such language.

Alex shrunk down against the table looking at Derelict and then back again at Slime who was still frozen in place. He gently elbowed his friend.

“Hey Slime, are you okay?” He asked softly.

Slime slowly opened his eyes and swallowed what was in his mouth. He watched Derelict for a long moment. After which Alex jumped to his feet.

“Derelict! Slime doesn’t appreciate being called a “monster”! It’s a pretty rude thing to say. He isn’t in here breaking your house or trying to attack you! Slime isn’t a monster, he’s just Slime!” The boy spoke firmly and strongly.

The room remained quiet for another moment or two, no one made a sound, and no one moved. Finally, Derelict spoke again.

“Oh, I am terribly sorry Slime. Please forgive my rudeness. I am not accustomed to language etiquette when speaking to…” He paused for a moment making sure to think carefully before he spoke his next words. “…non-humans. Please forgive me if I caused any offense!”

Slime blinked in shock. He wasn’t sure how to feel about the situation he had now found himself. A human stood up for him and his believes, but not just that, another human apologized for offending him. He wasn’t offended any more but couldn’t believe what had just unfolded before him.

Humans…having courtesy, to me? A monster? I’m a monster in human eyes. But here Alex stood up for me knowing how I felt, and Derelict apologized not realizing he had caused offense. They’re treating me…like an equal. Can it really be?

He could feel himself began to get emotional. He wanted to cry with joy. The more time he seemed to spend with Alex the more his dreams of being seen as more than just “a monster” were coming true. Tears began to form in his eyes, and he turned to look away.

“It’s okay Derelict. Thank you for your apology and thank you Alex for saying that. I really appreciate that.” Slime said quietly.

And so, Alex caught Derelict up on how he and Slime came to be traveling companions. He explained the old ruins, the river, how Slime came to find, save, and meet him and then recapped how they had ended up in the old underground.

“You two have had quite the trip together, and in such a short amount of time.” Derelict acknowledged.

“Yeah, I couldn’t imagine doing it any other way.” Alex replied.

“You two seem to be fast and good friends then?” Derelict asked.

“Yeah! Slime is my best friend!” Alex said warmly with a smile across his face.

Slimes eyes widened in amazement.

Best friend? I’m a human’s Best…Friend…?

Tears welled up once more in the slime’s eyes.