Legend of the Western Lands

This Looks Like It Could Hurt (3)

Previously, a few minutes ago.

(Before shoes went flying.)

Their arrival in Verona couldn't begin with more drama. The mother-son-duo started one last, poor attempt at stealing their luggage. The lady even openly tried to grab a suitcase.

Unfortunately for her, the one she was attempting to steal was attached to a less-than-impressed Vicross. He stared her down with his dark eyes. Cale winced when he saw the tight line of the other man's lips as well as the promise of violence - should she move her hands - that started building up inside the chef.

Luckily or unluckily - depending on whom you ask – to their rescue came none other than Ron, who smiled while ripping off her thin fingers.

The woman gasped, cradling her tingling hand protectively to her chest while the son verbally abused Ron. The boy's voice vanished alongside his confidence when Ron directed his cold eyes toward him, still with a gentle smile on his face.

Choi Han just watched as the duo grabbed their bags and hightailed out of the area. A metaphorical dust cloud was all that remained. His hand left the guard of his sword as the danger passed.

The guards gave them a heart-filled goodbye as they made their way toward the nearest tavern to enjoy some hard-earned booze. The young man left as well, throwing them a shy wave before he disappeared amid the bustling crowd.

Cale pondered about something else. Everyone was leaving, so why was the old lady still attached to him? A glance to the side showed her sitting not even a meter next to him. She made no attempts at leaving.

With squinted eyes, Cale walked a few steps to the side. The old lady followed.

He turned back toward the rest of the group. The old lady was close on his heels.

Cale tried to place Vicross as a human shield between the two, but the old lady just walked around him and stuck to Cale.

With one last, desperate try, he told her, "Goodbye," only for the lady to laugh in his face. A mocking smile and an even clingier lady was her response.

Rude.

With no way to get rid of her for the time being that didn't involve questionable amounts of violence, Cale and the others decided to visit the scenic harbor area first. It was the city's main attraction and could provide clues as to where their missing friends were.

The group walked through the narrow streets, enjoying the sights while a strong, fishy smell hit their noses as well as the unmistakable scent of salt in the air.

Whereas Ron and Vicross led the group, Choi Han stayed near Cale with a critical eye directed at the old lady, who grabbed Cale's elbow, sealing his fate and forcing him to stay in her clutches.

Eruhaben was busy keeping the kids in line to notice two suspicious figures fishing nearby. They passed the unassuming people, missing a vital conversation.

"Say, when do you think the young master will arrive?" the one on the right asked. His appearance was as commonplace as it gets with only a golden bracelet worthy of notice.

The one on the left laughed, "Do you think he'll come for us?"

"Naturally, his highness will certainly send the young master. It has been weeks since our ship sank and we lost contact with the continent. Who else would he send but the young master?"

"True, true. I just hope that the young master found our notes."

A second passed until both giggled, remembering the various unique places they left the notes. Some daring dark elves even graffitied the disguised coordinates on some of the palace walls of the Torten Empire. You will never know with the young master as the Empire was shiny and really loot-friendly; certainly, a place for the ex-commander to 'visit'.