Lost In The Callallis Maze

chapter 9

The evening air was still lively with the bustle of the marketplace. Vendors shouted their wares, and people haggled over prices.

"Hey, don’t you think we’re a little late? Why not do this tomorrow?" I asked as a strong breeze blew by.

"A weaponsmith nearby should still be open. If not, we can place an order. We should also visit an alchemist for magic scrolls and potions, and get a map of this kingdom. My memory of the cities isn’t perfect," Aiden rambled.

"...Can we change my armor?" I asked hesitantly.

"No. I doubt we’ll find another piece with equal or better durability than yours," he said.

"...Makes me wonder who even made it," I sighed.

We then walked towards the weaponsmith, which was "nearby."

"How close is this weaponsmith?" I asked.

"It’s very close. Just straight ahead, then left, right, and another left," he said.

"Let’s move then... and you don’t need to go into such great detail, jeez." I replied, worried for his sanity.

"You’ve been down for the past hour. Is there anything I didn't pick up on?" he asked.

"Nothing. I'm just questioning what I want to do," I said as we turned left onto a busy street.

"Everything has lost meaning. Really, what must I do?" I continued, my voice breaking.

"Seek revenge? Or leave your past self behind and adjust to this new life," he replied.

His words made sense. It’s not like I hadn’t thought about it, but...

"I can't see myself hurting another."

"...Fair. Whatever," he replied, turning his head.

We passed numerous vendors and stalls, each displaying goods that made my clothes look like rags. It was disheartening yet equally exciting.

Suddenly, a shout resonated through the crowded streets.

"JIJUOL, CATCH THAT THIEF!"

A child sprinted past me, chased by another young boy.

"My god... that startled me," I gasped.

"Mister, what happened here? What did that child steal to warrant such a reaction?" Aiden asked the shop owner, noticing my fright.

"Ignore my loudness... That child stole rations. It’s not the first time either. Instead of joining an orphanage, he prefers thievery. God’s cruelty, some children are too ruined," the shop owner mumbled, irritated.

"Can't you force him into an orphanage? The church would appreciate that," Aiden suggested.

As a child myself, I understood how much the presence of an adult affects a child's growth.

"Whatever. It's not your business. Get going," the man said, returning to his shop.

"Should we help the child?" I asked Aiden.

"The owner says he does it a lot, yet the child showed no signs of abuse. Leave him. The owner's taking care of him in his own way," Aiden explained.

"What part of that scene made you believe that man was 'taking care' of him?!" I shouted, frustrated by his ridiculous words.

"He looks well-fed, and his clothes aren't so dirty. And to begin with, we don’t have much time to worry about some human youngling whose existence has less value than a brick on the roads." He responded with apathy.

"Well, I AM also a human youngling whose existence had less value than a brick on the roads." I said, my voice cracking.

"—Except, you summoned me. A helper. Let me remind you that I do not care for anyone other than you. If you die, I shall avenge you and simply move on to another contractor." He said nonchalantly.

It felt ridiculous, that I was indeed alone by now. Which, I suppose, I was ignoring till now. I was supposed to be dead long ago, I'm merely living the extended existence of a ghost.

We then continued walking and finally reached the weaponsmith.

Even with the realization that I'm merely a husk, I was a bit excited, having never come across smiths despite my interest in blades.

As we entered, an array of swords, spears, and other weaponry were displayed. However, the armor pieces weren't notable.

"That pair of shortswords is... beautiful," Aiden muttered, his eyes sparkling.

During our fascination, a tall, bearded man entered from another room.

"You’ve got good eyes, kid. Those are indeed some of the most beautiful blades I've made," he said proudly.

"Ah, I see," Aiden replied.

"Behold the twin blades of Veklar, crafted by one of the finest smiths in the realm—me! Their slender design allows for unparalleled precision in combat, ideal for quick thrusts that pierce armor with ease. Notice the circular holes near the base—these reduce weight without compromising their effectiveness. The hilts are intricately carved for a firm grip in battle, and the minimalist crossguards offer protection without hindrance. The scabbards, just as masterfully crafted, keep the blades secure and ready for action. Truly, these swords are a blend of elegance and lethality, a testament to the artistry and warfare of our time." The bearded man blabbered.

"WOOOO" Aiden remarked, beaming with joy and excitement, almost like a dog overly excited about a bone. His obsession over lance-like swords made sense, given his fondness for his claws in his original form.

This unexpected and abrupt out-of-character behavior really reminded me of Veller. He certainly resembled Veller at the moment... I wished we had stayed longer at Uncle A'hill's home. I wished we had run instead of being petrified. I wished I hadn't told Father to come home early, despite him having hunted in worse conditions before...

The space inside me that was left behind by the deaths of everyone suddenly felt like it was crumbling. Why had the gods forsaken the lives of my family? Must the barbarians be so cruel?

Are all sorts of those affiliated filthy monsters the same? I wonder if others have met the same fate due to the greed and bloodlust of those barbarians.

I started to feel unwell.

"Are you alright, young lady?" The big bearded man said as he rushed over.

"I'm... fine, but I’d like to sit somewhere," I said, my eyes feeling heavy.

Veller was equally as curious and a bit concerned about my condition—

...

Aiden got on his knees and picked me up by the shoulders.

"Are you alright? Should we leave early?" Aiden asked.

"It's alright, just a slight headache. Continue selecting stuff, I'll rest a little," I said, getting up.

Aiden then walked me towards a bench where equipment lay, which the bearded man set aside.

"See what you want, kid. I'll bring some water for your sister," the man said as he went through a door covered by a piece of cloth.

"Alright, thank you," Aiden said to the man.

Having my back against the wall, I closed my eyes a little.