To Be a Hero {SBI Fantasy AU}

13. Shields and Secrets

The next day Tommy was woken up early. According to Techno's logic, since they'd stopped early yesterday they had to start earlier today. He was totally against it, of course. Really, that just meant that he should've gotten more time to sleep! The wound on his ankle had begun to scab over and the bruising didn't look half as nasty anymore. Philza fussed over it anyways, and Tubbo insisted that he have at least a little sip of one of his health potions. He really didn't think it was necessary, but he went along with it anyways.

Even Techno was up and blabbering about how just because he felt better he shouldn't be running around because of the potion but really he wasn't listening that much. He knew how to you were supposed to use potions, he wasn't stupid! He'd been given the talk about how even though it looked like it was good as new it was still tender skin and he shouldn't overexert it or whatever. Either way, he couldn't help but feel a little frustrated whenever the others told him to slow down or watch out for potholes. He felt fine, and they were so close! Then he could get his shield and defend himself! Nothing would get past him and his shield! He'd be able to block bolts or arrows. He'd be so much cooler. He'd even be able to protect the people that mattered to him!

At his current state though, he wasn't going to be defending anyone. He could barely parry the knight's attacks. Short swords like his were definitely not made for defense, but that would be resolved once he could get a shield. Scowling as they made their way down the path, Tommy complained, "Are we there yet? How far is the town anyway?"

Giving an exasperated sigh, the berserker turned to shoot him a venomous glare. "We'll get there when we get there," he growled, "I've literally told you about seven times that the town is at the end of this path." Of course he knew that, but it didn't make it feel any closer. It was like they'd been walking along for eons. When would they get their cool equipment? 

"Well we know that," Tubbo said, "but like how close are we! We can't be that far, right?"

Before he could answer, Wilbur pointed excitedly at something in front of them. "Look," he called out, "I think I see the town!" Sure enough, there were several chimneys puffing smoke that peeked out from over the trees. It must be the town Techno was talking about! It was a lot larger than the one they stayed in yesterday judging by the chimneys he could count.

Picking up speed they went down the path and he could begin to see the town in full. It wasn't as big as where Quackity lived but it was significantly larger than the one at the base of the waterfall. There were thatched roofs and quaint cottages all clustered together. They were like little mushroom clusters, with some so close to each other that it was a bit of a squeeze for two people to walk side by side. In other places, the road was wide enough for two horse drawn carts. All in all it was a typical town, with children running about and the smell of baking bread wafting through the air.

"Is this where your blacksmith friend lives?" he asked, looking eagerly around the town. The slight nod from Techno was all he got as his mentor and friend went over to ask a man operating a nearby stall for directions.

Politely coming up to the man the berserker asked, "Do you know where I could find the town blacksmith?" According to the fruit vendor they just needed to go down the main street and turn left once they saw the bakery. Besides that, they were just told that there was "no way you could miss it" whatever that meant. Some pretty terrible instructions if you asked him. 

He accidently said that aloud though, and Philza made him apologize before they went on their way. The main road was really wide and there was plenty of space for all kinds of vendors and townspeople. There were children playing and adults going around running errands or doing laundry. When they finally caught sight of the bakery which was swarming with people. Judging by the crowd it must be the most popular one in town. That made sense since it looked like it was owned by a hedge witch. Various flowers and plants of all shapes and sizes sat on the windowsills and hung from the ceiling in hanging pots. It was practically bursting with life and seemed very cozy. Maybe he'd ask to stop by before leaving town. They ought to have delicious pastries if the store was that crowded.