Kings Game

Chapter 29 - Balaki's Dagger

(1)

The ship rose higher and higher into the sky, soaring above the mountain tops and reaching for the clouds. The crew unfurled the sails and a strong breeze pushed them away from the city, heading westward towards Uhlara.

The sensation of flight exhilarated Roran. Being borne aloft on the wind was a sensation unlike any other. The air was cleaner, fresher, and colder. Roran realized that he should have packed warmer clothes. Ignoring the cold for now, Roran found that his companions were just as enthralled by flight as he was. Both Kell and Nul were leaning over the edge and watching the ground disappear beneath them.

"First time eh?"

Roran turned around to find a gruff Champion standing behind them. He was short and heavily armored, with a long beard descending out of his helm. A large grin was plastered on his face showing yellow teeth. Roran nodded.

"Good, love to see fresh blood on these missions. I'm Merrigold." He extended a hand.

Roran took it, wary of any sudden movements or attacks.

"You're awfully jumpy. Did a grasshopper crawl up your ass or something?"

Kell laughed and turned on Merrigold. "Nah, he's just skittish around short people."

"The infamous Kell, pleasure to meet you. Love a lady with scars."

"And you Merri, I've heard a lot about you. Never seen you in the arena though."

Merri shrugged. "The arena isn't my speed these days. Too loud and obnoxious. I prefer the fresh air and getting out of the city. So, first time out of the City."

"First time in a long time," said Kell. "Been most of a decade since I last left."

"And you?" Merri asked Roran.

"First time since I was imprisoned in the Crucible."

"Oh! You actually managed to conquer that hell hole. Good on you lad. Tell me, what silly title did they saddle you with?"

"Roran the Reaper."

"That's not too bad. The sick bastards call me Merrigold the Mountain. As you can see, I'm a few inches short of being a mountain. And you Worldbreaker, when was the last time you left the illustrious city of our grandiose gods?"

"About five years ago, when I last visited home. I've never really had the chance to go exploring though."

"The life of a noble scholar is often led indoors. Still, I'm glad you made it out for this adventure if nothing else. Please, allow me to introduce my comrades." He gestured over a pair of people. One was a young man showing more skin than not, the other was a tall woman more heavily armored than Merri himself. "This Yuusa, a skilled gladiator and good friend of mine. And this Iron Maiden is Huffgah. Don't let her tough exterior fool you, she's as cuddly as a kitten."

"Yeah, a kitten that froze to death," said Yuusa.

"Watch it," said Huffgah, her voice hard as stone.

"We do reinforcement and protection missions," said Merri. "Nothing too exciting. Mostly I just stand in one place while yelling 'Hold the line' and whatnot. Over there are Ismon, and Lenno, they specialize in battlefield preparation; traps and pitfalls and the like. Don't look too close, they don't like being stared at."

Roran spared a quick glance at the two Champions across the deck. They were both tall and lanky, with greasy hair and flat faces. Roran looked away as one of them looked back, returning the stare with beady little eyes. Roran swallowed and forced himself not to look again.