Embark on a journey to the mystical world of Heartland and discover the tale of a lowly tailor reborn into a land of magic and monsters. Meet Exius, a side character who suffered greatly from hopeless abilities in combat and unfortunate luck. But ar...
"What's wrong with me? Why do I feel like this?" I murmured to myself. "Was it something I ate? Is this a natural side effect or did that potion he gave me have something else other than what it claimed to have?"
I shook my head and kept walking into the city.
I look at Zeqihr and wondered why people hated him.
He is a man of tall stature, with dark skin that is washed with daily adventures and white luxurious hair. Sure, I'm a tailor having a fine life and looking mighty fine myself but he's just, divine.
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He tends to dress in a slightly more "wild" style of clothing then what is currently in today's norm, but it suits him really well. He seems a little irritated by the attention he got when he got off the carriage. He is a Hero after all.
"So, where are we heading again?"
He lets out an airy laugh, "We're heading towards the Plailonan royal palace."
"Royalty? I wasn't aware the kingdom had any."
"It doesn't, but there is a king."
"Hmm I see, what's his name?"
"His name is Roldam."
"Ah yes, I've heard of him, and have there been any major changes since the old king died?"
"Well the country has officially become a kingdom, but other than that nothing much."
"Anything to do with the dragon?"
"How would a kingdom like Plailon something got to do with the dragon? I was literally ordered by the king to check your kingdom's outskirts" he said while keeping a straight face.
We arrived at the castle grounds but Zeqihr went on to say he wasn't scheduled to arrive for another hour or two so we had time to look around.
Our first stop was in the armory.
"I figured I might need one since I'm sure I'll be in more trouble since I'm your apprentice"
"Ah yes, but you won't need one since I'm here."
I snickered at the remark. We stopped by other shops. My stomach abruptly protested for 5 days' worth of famine as Zeqihr laughs. I winced in embarrassment.
"Come, I know some place. I'm a bit hungry from the trip too." I followed him and thanked the gods I spotted a gold mine. My conscience is conquered by my hunger so I didn't waste my time. I'm so sorry, great hero but a man's got to live. We entered a tavern and ordered food.
After a few minutes, the food arrives and I fought the urge to drool and jump into it savagely. There were lots of adventurers and civilians alike inside but my hearing was silenced by the kitchen's otherworldly smell. It was almost ethereal.
"The finest dish in Plailon streets. Enjoy!" He said as I feasted over juicy meat and a tasty soup. All of these are all new to me. The flavors and aromas are all new to me. I started to well up, I didn't imagined living long enough to try and taste delicious food. Even in the past, I wasn't able to eat decent food since I was born in a poor family.
"Woah, easy there" Zeqihr stared at me and offered a glass of water.
I ate and finished the plate clean. I've never been this full ever since.
"I didn't think you'd be that hungry. Is Kanem really that bad?" He commented.
"Sorry if my hunger got the best of me. Yes, Kanem is not one of those kingdoms where its people are actually living and not just surviving. I've had enough money to get by because of my business and buy food but I could only say it's edible from where I live." I replied.
"I see. Worry no more for being an adventurer grants you endless delights" he winked.
And endless threats and dangers, I thought.
We finished up and went up to the throne room. The castle has several wide-open areas. It sort of reminds me of the stone keep that the Empire's capital used to have. The throne room is located at the very top of the castle. Along the way to the throne room, we pass several soldiers marching in formation.
Each one of them looks like they could kill me with ease, but none of them do. They all go about their business completely ignoring a mere tailor in royal grounds.
"Zeqihr, the hero of light has returned along with uh- a companion!" a squire announced when we entered the throne room.
"Yes, and he's here to help us defeat our enemies! So that we may bring peace to the kingdom!"
Several people greeted me with respect.
"I'm not really used to having so much attention"
"Ah yes, but are you the dragonslayer? I've heard from your town" one of them says.
I don't even bother answering, I just continue on through the room. Damn, rumors travel fast.
The king smiled and greeted us. He must have noticed how I was being ignored by the other soldiers. He was in his kingly robes. He was in his mid-forties. White hairs are starting to grow amongst the blacks.
"Ah, I see our military has finally wised up and started paying some attention to their job!"
"Your highness. I have come to report" Zeqihr said.
The king looked at me with surprise for a second, but hid it quickly.
"And you are..."
"This is my apprentice. He's much smaller than me. He's the one who saved Kanem's town and I helped of course"
I fought the urge to kick him with his unnecessary comment and smiled at the king instead of looking at Zeqihr, who gave a respectful nod.
