The rest of the trip passed in subdued conversation. An undertone of tension remained, undoubtably due to death of Azar, which was playing on the minds of all, though for different reasons.

The number of people and wagons emerging from the forest, came as surprise to the Wee people, who came out to greet the Wanderers wagons arriving at the ford. Gruffly’s people had set up a wagon circle on the north side of the river around a roaring fire. Initially there was an amount of curiosity and pleasant conversation until Marko was brought out of one of the wagons in chains.

Immediately Gruffly strode over to confront Hank. He didn’t wait for an explanation but just started shouting. Hank assumed that there was an amount of swearing to go with the violent gestures. But it was all in Compidge so Hank had no idea what Gruffly was saying. On reflection Hank concluded Compidge was probably reasonably easy to learn, it might even be of benefit if he stuck with the Wee people. But that was the issue. Did he really want to hang around the Wee people when they were so…? He struggled to think of a word. Problematic, might be best.

Jamie arrived, which brought Hank back to the here and now. Undoubtably, Jamie would translate and he would have to start dealing with the Marko situation.

In the end Hank barely had to get involved. Jamie obviously wanted justice for his daughters friend and had a drawn out quarrel in Compidge with Gruffly. At one point his actions indicted he was quite willing to execute Marko out of hand. Hank’s sole contribution was to remind the two adversaries that the rule of law applied. Specifically Hank’s laws. So grudgingly they both acquiesced to a hastily convened trial. This was sufficient to restore a temporary calm, but it was tenuous at best.

Hank suspected the duration of any peace would depend on the trial’s outcome. He was suspicious, thinking both sides were privately planning something should the decision be unfavourable. He didn’t want to contemplate how well the king would receive someone else making legal judgements on his land. Still, he wasn’t going to borrow problems, and he hoped that there were enough vagaries in his agreement with Gruffly to cover this situation.

An hour later and Hank found himself sitting in front of the fire whilst Jamie announced his accusations. According to him, Marko had murdered Azar in cold blood and needed to be executed in the manner of his people. Blood for blood. Life for life.

Hank quashed that sentiment immediately. “Justice is not vengeance. I will not be involved in legalised vengeance.” There were cheers from the shorter portion of the peanut gallery, though there were a number of other words from the almost twenty Wanderers gathered.

Marko just sneered at the Wanderer. Translation by Sabine of his rebuttal boiled down to him acting in self defence and his assertion nobody could prove anything against him, as such he had no case to answer.

Then surprise came from Jamie. “But we have a witness. One even you, Marko, will agree is neutral. Her name is Francine, and she was one of the other women held and abused by the bandits. She says she saw you kill Azar.”

Pandemonium broke out. Marko turned white and Gruffly started yelling in Compidge. Axes, hammers and swords were drawn, bows cocked, it was heading towards bloodshed. Hank had to bang the butt of his staff against a nearby steel basin to reestablish order.

“The only way we sort out this mess it to bring her out to tell her story.” Hank bellowed over the shouting and the general mayhem. Privately Hank thought it was like a carnival not a trial. But he was able to continue in a quieter tone of voice. “Jamie, bring out your witness.”

Jamie left and returned a minute later with a shy girl almost hiding behind her hair.

“You!” Marko’s shocked voice burst forth. “But, I killed you.”

At which point the shyness disappeared and a knife no bigger than Hank’s hand flew across the fire lodging in Marko’s shoulder. Before it landed a second was flying. It too lodged in Marko’s torso. It would have been joined by a third but Jamie out of pure reflex gripped her left hand more tightly pulling her off balance as she threw, so it sailed, off target, into the failing light of dusk.

She wasn’t to be deterred. In a wink she pulled another knife out of somewhere. It was a long blade almost ten inches and viciously sharp. She rounded on Jamie with a slash, which opened his hastily raised forearm with a wicked cut.

Hank’s big failing in the cricket world had never been his reflexes. His mental and physical reaction speed was fantastic. His problem had always been that he lacked just a little muscle control. So, with a resounding crack the steel end of his staff broke the lady’s collarbone rendering her incapable of continuing her attack. In the end, it was fortuitous Hank missed his target, her head, allowing her to live so she could answer questions.

Not that questioning happened any time soon. Marko, who still hadn’t recovered from being shot the night before, needed urgent treatment. As did Jamie. People descended from everywhere to treat them both. Hank was the odd one out and was left to treat the knife throwing Francine.

Both Jamie and Marko required stitches, and both where dosed with various mixtures and concoctions though the two peoples seemed to use unique things for the same types of treatment. There was nothing Hank could do for Francine except put her arm in a sling. She was bound and held and knew it. It did not stop her staring daggers at Jamie.

Eventually Hank asked the one question that had been bugging him all along. “Why?”

“Simple. We were hired to kill this stupid Wanderer here. We had it all set up. Tom and I. A nice simple bandit raid gone wrong. Instead he was not with his caravan as he was supposed to be. We had to resort to more extreme measures. Then you and these puny idiots…”

An angry growl erupted from the spectators at this insult. Hank reflected, Wee people really were a little touchy on the subject of height. Francine continued without noticing Hank wasn’t paying full attention. “… interfered. Still, I might have been able to finish the quest and get paid if that short piece of filth over there…” she pointed at Marko. “… hadn’t recognised me. I might have even let that go but he knifed my Tom for no reason.”

“So he didn’t kill Azar?” Hank wanted to make sure that he understood everything.

“Who?” She answered blankly.

“Azar, black hair, eighteen-year-old, female, Wanderer like me. Tom wanted her as a plaything I seem to recall.” One of the older Wanderers sounded positively venomous.

“Oh her. Sold to one of the slavers we deal with about 3 days ago.”

“And where are they taking her?” Jamie looked in pain but was focusing past it to find out what had happened to one of his people.

“Why should I tell you? You’re just going to execute me?” For the first time since the questions started hopeful tones coloured her voice.

“I won’t execute you out of hand.” Jamie replied.

“Not good enough. I want your promise, none of your people will harm me. I want the word of a chief Wanderer.” Hank understood that such a promise given was binding on all Wanderers everywhere.

“Fine. If I am able to recover my cousin Azar your life will not be harmed by me or my people for the crime of selling her into slavery. I will not promise that my people will not act against you for other crimes.” Jamie was almost defiant.

Turning to Hank she smiled as she spoke. “From you I also want a promise. Neither you nor your charges will hurt me in any way.”

“Done.” Hank said without wasting a thought.

“Fine they are heading to ‘The Golden Cockerel’, the most northerly Inn in the kingdom. They buy and sell slaves there.” She replied.

“What do I need to get into the slave markets, this Golden Cockerel place?” Jamie asked.

“Into the inn, nothing. The innkeeper is thicker than the short fool who stabbed me. No idea Sarness sells and buys slaves in the top floor suite.” She replied earning a growl from Marko.

“Right and how do people get into that suite.” Jamie asked.

“Oh, easy. Money.” Then she smirked. “Well that, and a written recommendation from the Duke of Sarness.” The smirk morphed into a cocky attitude. “Good luck, but a promise is a promise. Don’t want to ruin your reputation.” She was positively gloating now. “So let me leave and we can all get on with our lives.”

Now it was Hank’s turn to smile. Only his didn’t reach his eyes. “Why is it people never read the fine print?” The comment confused everyone. “Firstly, you obviously haven’t paid attention to my reputation. Most people see ‘Vagrant’ so anything I did or didn’t promise will have zero effect on my reputation. Vagrant means I have none. But secondly and more importantly. I promised I wouldn’t hurt you. Yes?”

There was a cautious “yes.”

“This is me not hurting you.” Hank turned to Jamie. “I understand most of your people are journeying through to Perison? You have a little quest of your own to complete there. If they all head that way with my goods I will take you with me and we will recover Azar.”

Jamie just nodded.

“So Francine. I turn you over to the Wanderers and charge them to keep you bound under any and all conditions until they reach Perison. There they are to hand you over to the king’s men, specifically Roger McAlister the Duke of Doncaster. At that time, they are charged with relaying all they know of you, your friend Tom and any details they or you have heard about the Duke of Sarness and his involvement in slavery.”

She went white. “But you promised not to hurt me in any way. That will hurt me.”

“I wasn’t finished. Jamie, when your people hand her over. Please let Roger know I promised they would not hurt her. I think a lifetime in a cramped cell would be more appropriate.” Her head drooped.

“Ha, out traded a trader on shipping, now out conned a con artist.” Jamie’s laugh was a bit rueful.

“Well I guess with that. Marko is free to go.” With his last pronouncement Hank got up and turned to go. It had been a long stressful day.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Sabine demanded.

“Bed.”

“I guessed as much, but I saw your efforts with your staff. You aimed for a head and hit the shoulders. Your form was poor and don’t ask me what your feet where doing. I have no idea and I’m a professional.” Hank just groaned. “That’s right. No battle equals training.” She turned and walked towards the training ground. Hank knew better than to argue. “And whilst we are at it you can tell me why she attacked Marko. Since you didn’t question her about it, you obviously know.”

“Oh that. Marko tried to kill her in the hut.” Hank replied “Thought it was obvious.”

There was some comments from Marko which Sabine translated. “He said, only because she was trying to get into the chest.”

“No try about it. I was closing it after putting a large detailed map into it so it would be easier to move.” Francine was being belligerent again.

At this Hank turned to Sabine. “A map, one you will be handing over to me.”

There was no reply from Sabine or anyone else in the clearing.

Two hours later, in pure exhaustion, Hank collapsed onto his bed roll. He needed to review his logs. Better do that before sleep. Tomorrow sounded busy, and he hadn’t even got to it.

Level Increase

Congratulations: Your efforts have earned you enough XP to advance to level 7

Reward :

You may now choose a class

Two levels in two days. That’s what the body is complaining about Hank thought. Hang on, choose a class. Finally Hank thought to himself. He could choose a class. He went back to the screen and selected the link. There was some descriptive text. Once again in his rush he missed a related notification.

Class Selection

At this time you may choose a class. Classes come with many benefits that manifest slowly over time. Naturally these benefits come at a price and you will find that many things become progressively harder. This is because they are at odds with your class. So pick wisely because this is not something you can change later. Be warned choices made later may lead to the class you select evolving, or devolving as the case may be.

Your available classes at this time are…

There was a pause where there was no text displayed before it was replaced.

Class Selection

…

Unfortunately it seems that you haven’t actually done anything that will allow you to qualify for a class directly. There are a number of things that are close. The following are almost possible for you. You may choose one and when you meet its prerequisite conditions you will receive that class. Please try to meet these prerequisite conditions as soon as possible so you do not suffer penalties for too long.

“What prerequisites?” Hank asked the air. There was no response. “What penalties?”. The silence continued. “What penalties?”. Nothing, so, in disgust, Hank studied the list.

Farmer

Positives

Things grow for you, not much else for a level 1 farmer

Further benefits will become available with later choices

Negatives

It’s not a great way to make money, ever, especially in low levels

Thief or Cutpurse

Positives

You will learn and specialise in;

Stealth

Knives

Other skills depending on later choices

Negatives

You were poor as a underage thief

You have no carry over skills

You will be repeatedly caught for the next 3 levels

This profession is at odds with your inclinations you will hate yourself

Wanderer

Positives

Freedom

Languages will be easier to learn

Significant when part of a wanderer family or group

Negatives

Very hard if you are not part of wanderer family

You are smart but linguistics are not your forte (Language benefit negated)

Your reputation means that you will not be trusted and this class will likely degrade to vagabond (professional bum)

“What prerequisites? What penalties?” There was still no answer. Finally another option appears at the end of the list.

Delay Class Selection

Positives

You may get a better class option later

Negatives

Class advancement is tied to character advancement and you will be always 1 level behind

You will be forced to wait until you qualify for a class

Hank looked at his options in despair. There was no way he would choose his father’s profession, farmer. The Wanderer option looked positive but the significant chance of it degrading to vagabonds was quite scary. Thief actually had a number of bonuses but the snarky comment in the negatives column section was right, he was a hopeless thief. That left him stuck with his hefty penalty for not qualifying for a class. With reluctance he chose to delay.

Immediately a notification appeared.

Class Selection

You have decided to delay class selection. You will not be allowed to select a class until you have met the pre qualification requirements for the class. You may no longer select any of the previous options as you have not met their prerequisites.

Fantastic! Hank thought to himself. He had managed to hold off becoming a bum, by not choosing to be one. The AI was right, he needed to get off his backside and get proactive with this life, game existence whatever you called it. He moved on to checking his other logs.

Quest : Save the Wanderers

Part :

3 - Justice for Azar

Description :

Marco is accused of killing Azar. If justice is not done and seen to be done there will be many unforeseen consequences. Your reputation with both the wanderers and the Wee people is at stake.

Status :

Completed successfully

Reward :

50 xp (30 xp bonus for keeping both factions happy)

Quest part 4 now available

Reputation with Sabine increased

Quest : Save the Wanderers

Part :

4 - Save Azar

Description :

Azar is being taken to the slave action in the north. Rescue Azar before she is sold and you can no longer trace her.

Status :

Open

Reward :

Unknown

Update :

Unknown

It was at this time Hank started to get really frustrated at the millions of quest prompts he kept getting. Fiddling around he finally found a way to get the quest log to start to summarise. First thing he turned off was the annoying ‘you don’t know what reward you will get’ type notifications followed by a bunch of options he mentally summarised as ‘list everything separately’ options. He moved onto the next quest.

Quest : Wee people’s chest

Part(s) :

All

Description :

The Wee people’s chest has been stolen. You will need to retrieve it.

Status :

Partially complete

Reward Summary :

100 xp (various parts)

Reputation with Wee people restored

Quest updated with part 3 (see part notes here)

Penalties :

None as yet

In his relief at the newer simpler log he missed that he had received a new portion of a quest. It was wonderful to have a simple view. He decided to look at the skills log next. He opened it up and immediately regretted it.

Log (Skills and Techniques)

Laying down the law has reached level 3, +0.1% conviction, +1% discover lies

Combat Survival has advanced, +0.01% battle calm

Combat Awareness has advanced, -0.01% chance of being surprised in combat

Wound Inspection has advanced, +0.05% diagnosis

Administer justice has advanced, respect increased with all present

Wound Inspection has advanced, +0.01% diagnosis accuracy

It was another mass of information he wasn’t sure meant a lot. Why couldn’t there be a simple little table that summarised everything nicely? He was just too tired to play with the settings right now. It would have to wait for another day.

He shut that down and then paused. Hang on a minute surely the 120 odd experience gained was not enough to advance him another level. Perhaps there was something in the combat log. Hank was normally less interested in combat so he didn’t look at it as frequently, there was going to be a backlog. He snorted. No pun intended.

Log (Combat)

Actors

Result

Level

XP Gain

Since you last looked at this log your actions can be summarised. Remember that all experience earned whilst part of a team is shared by the team.

Sabine’s Quick Team

14 bandits killed by team

3 to 9

45

Sabine’s Quick Team

3 bandits captured by team

2 to 6

6

Sabine’s Chest Recovery Team

12 bandits killed by team

9 to 16

143

Sabine’s Chest Recovery Team

4 bandits captured by team

9 to12

25

1 bandit captured

12

68

Log (Medical)

Skill

Target

Level

XP Gain

Since you last looked at this log your actions have been summarised. Remember that all experience earned whilst part of a team is shared by the team.

Inspect & Diagnose

1 Wanderer, 4 Bandits, Marko and Francine

4 To 14

7

Administer tonic

3 Bandits, Francine

5 To 12

4

Administer salve

2 Bandits, Marko

4 To 14

3

Bandage wounds

1 Wanderer, 1 Bandit, Marko, Francine

6 To 14

14

Stitch wound

Marko

14

4

Hank felt ill. The tally of death was longer than he thought. At 27 dead it did not even include the people killed by Jamie. He had hoped more would be captured. He didn’t want all that death on his conscience. Even with the healing he had done he was sick to the pit of his stomach.

He stopped to think for a minute. There should be a way to turn off the litany of death. Did he really need a log that listed all the deaths attributed to him and his team? Did he want a reminder? Conversely, what would it say about him if he decided to never record all those dead? Would he end up cold and calloused? It was not something he was comfortable resolving right then.

Hank did not sleep well. But halfway through the night he woke and sat bolt upright. The Wee people did have a map which rightfully belonged to him. Francine had put it into their chest. How had he missed that? Naturally he forgot by the morning.