Necromancer

Chapter 13

Despite hearing all about the place, Caern was very different than expected. The first thing that stood out was nearly every house was made of a sleek limestone. Almost more like caves than houses. The streets were wider than hadensburg as they winded around the houses. It was almost impossible to tell each house apart from the signs near the doors. My boots clipped against the cobble stone as wagons bustled by not even knowing I was there. Despite it being night the city looked alive and many people and carriages were on the streets. I took in the hectic view as I tried to find a sign of any necromancer guild. Normally they would have a symbol by the door only known by necromancers. But in the dim streetlight it was very hard to tell. I opened my bag that Matthias gave me. Though it was worn the leather pouch was very well made. Inside was a few food items,  knife, medicine, canteen, and a scroll of parchment. I grabbed the parchment an unscrolled it. It was a handwritten note from Matthias. Hello there John, I assume you're reading this right now. The minute I saw you I knew you were a necromancer, and a wanted man. A few days earlier they were warning us of your kind and to not help in any way. They say your murderous sinners who deal with the devil. Though it may be true, I didn't see that in you. Just a scared boy behind a tough demeanor. That's why I want to help you find what you seek. In fact I know exactly where the necromancer guild is; look for a flower branch symbol on the door. I dealt with one of the acolytes in the past. His name is  Janshai tell him I sent you. I wish you the best of luck. -M

I crumbled the note in my hand and put it back inside. I couldn't believe that man. He knew I was running and didn't even think about turning me in. Could of saved him a lot of trouble and his farm. Maybe he was just an old fool, but a useful one. This Janshai is all I have to go on. I have no choice but to take his advice. I looked around as the town of Caern was just as hectic and bustling as before. I tried not to look suspicious as people walked by me. One man in expensive attire pushed me as he fled. “Get out of my way fool!” I caught the scent of frankincense and saw bright flashy clothing zip off behind me. “Ahh you dirty peasants get out of my way!” The man pushed more people out of the way as he ran for his life. Great what now I thought, I really don't have time for this. “A lady with a powdered face and wig ran by as she yelled at the top of her lungs in a opera like voice. “Come back hither oh my love! You cannot leave me here!” Her huge dress blasted glitter as she ran after him. What was that about I wondered. “Those damn nobles always running around.” A man beside me muttered under his breath. I turned to face him as I replied. “I wouldn't say things like that, might get you in trouble. The man with a scruffy beard yelled at me. “Oh piss off, you know nothing about it.” I backed away. “Why so defensive I was only giving you advice.” The man held a crazy look in his eyes as he hunched over in his coat. He seemed to be in his forties by the gray pepper in his beard. “Then why are you defending the scum, I bet your with em ey? Your a bastard just like the rest of them!” The man lunged forward with his hands for my throat. I barely parried as I stepped aside. His eyes grew wide as he lost his balance and fell face first into the dusty ground. I stood there stunned. Didn't think we would try to kill me already. The man stumbled as he stood a cloud of dirt covered his face. “Are you okay?” “Ahh I don wan none of hour help! Now get lost before I change me mind.” The man tripped but I managed to catch him this time. “Your just drunk that's all. Here let me help you. “Well if you wan to help boy take me to Languine's” “Where?” “The bar you idiot its over thataway!” He pointed with his wrinkly finger to a place that looked quite different from the rest of the town. The bar was made of wood instead of stone a great big sign rusted over read with big letters “LANGUINES”. “Fine come on!” I tried lifting him up but he was a lot heavier than I expected. He grumbled in my ear as I struggled over to the bar. Weird looks were already being held my way. Great I thought, already making a good impression in Caern. I got to the entrance of the bar. The whole place reeked of alcohol and dirty men. Smelled even worse than the fine fellow on my shoulder. “Dag gummit you bastard, I knew you were a snake…” the man began incoherent mumbling. “I gave that necklace of silver and what do I get?” “...jack sqaut...that's it….I'm done with your games… let him go….bastard…” The mumbling stopped as the sounds of the crowd inside drowned out my own thoughts. The dim candle light from above shone on a ghastly sight of men sitting around a table playing poker. The floor creaked as I made my way to the bar. I sat the drunk man on a worn stool. As the bartender turned to me. “What will it be laddie?” He had a thick accent as he spoke. “Just a cup of mead please.” The drunk mans eyes flew open as he shouted. “Nah you idiot I want me some scotch! Get me some scotch man!” “I'm not paying for your drinking habit old man.” He looked at me as he scowled his dirty beard reeked. “Fine” He slammed some coins on the table as the bartender snatched it. “Thank you laddie it will be comin right up.” I stared at the dirty bar not daring to look around. Who knows what I'll find. Why I'm I even in here. “Your a strange fellow, why arent you drinkin right now boy?” the man mumbled. “I dont drink.” He looked wide eyed at me as he wheezed a laugh. “What? Dont drink! Well what else are you supposed to do in this crummy town am I right? He turned around and raised his glass in the air. The other men hollered in unision. “By the way boy I never got yer name. What is it anyhow?” I hesitated for a moment, “Its John, and you are?” “The man’s eyes narrowed in suspicion as he mumbled out words. “My name Richard the III your lucky I haven't got you put in the slammer yet but I'm a humble king.” I sighed as I held my head in my hands. “Damn your drunker than I thought.” He stood up as he got visibly angry. “Its true damnit! I'm royalty the one true heir to the throne! but those bastards noble... rats took it from me!” Laughter ensued as an old man behind us spoke up. “Sure you are, and I'm the queen of sheba!” The men playing poker went into hysterics as there chips flew everywhere and beer was flung up the rafters and splattered on the floor. The bartender didn't even wince as I knife flew past him into a barrel of aged wine. Richard began to prance around as he barely kept his balanced. He raised his hands in defense as his raggedy clothes let out plumes of dust. “I'm the one true king of all of England! I'll have you all dead when I'm done with ya. I better slip away before this gets ugly I thought. I got up from my stool and began walking sideways towards the door. I can't make it look obvious. I could see the moonlight shining from outside I was almost there. Just as I thought I was home free a pair of hands grabbed my shoulders. “Where do ya think yer going mate get back in here!” Richard struggled with me as I fought to keep his dirty hands off me. “Dammit Richard I don't have time for this! Get off me you lout!” I ripped him off me and sprinted towards the door. I glanced behind me and saw a big fist fight break out over yells of angry men. “Damn you loony you made me spill my drink!” glass smashed against the ground as a barrage of punches went towards Richard. He was surprisingly fast as he weaved around them barely missing them by a hair. “I'll have the guards come here and get you I will!” “Shut up you!” A big burly man landed an uppercut as Riched flew back in shock. I hesitated for a moment, I can't just leave him here he's going to die. He might be useful… dammit. I turned around and shouted, “Hey you, ogre face!” The big man turned to face me. His face was contorted in confusion and anger. “Shut up you scrawny little welp! Before I beat your ass!” I smirked as I stood my ground. “Well why you come and show me. The man growled as he let go of Richard's shirt. Richard hurried of and out the back. “Dammit I'll lose him! Need to make this quick.” The man curled his hand into a giant fist as he charged at me. “Your gonna pay kid!” At the last second I shouted a spell. “Vir ru bus!” The man flew back in wide eyed shock as blue energy blew him back. The table splintered into a thousand pieces and flew in the air as he landed in defeat. I made a break towards the back door. “Get him he's a necromancer!” “let's kill him!” I went outside in the dark cool air. I ran past confused settlers and dared not to look them in the eye. I scanned my surroundings for a sign of Richard's presence. Crap he was nowhere to be found! So much for a sacrifice. The men yelled and hollered as they gained on me. I glanced back in horror as I saw them lighting torches and carrying pitchforks. Oh give me a break this is the fourth time this week! I ran and turned into a dark narrow alleyway between two buildings. Trash filled the streets as I made my way through. I passed by lepers There eyes sunken and lifeless, barely hanging on. There skin torn and blemishes with black scabs. Barely gave me attention as I ran by. I made my way out of the alleyway as I turned into two paths. One out to the main road while one continued into another alleyway. I made my way for the main road to leave Caern. A raspy voice sounded from the darkness in the alleyway. “Stop!” I spun around with a flame in my hand. “Who's there!” I walked closer to where the sound came. An old beggars ragged face illuminated into view. His eyes a milky white. He was blind. “Your a necromancer aren't you.” panicked rose in me. “How do you know that!?” He let out a wheezy laugh. “I wasn't born yesterday boy. You've been quite the talk of the town news spreads fast around here.” I stood there dumbfounded not knowing what to say. The wind blew against my face as I watched the flame in my hand flicker. “Also can you please stop putting that fire in my face. I can feel it from here.” The flame evaporated in my hands. I need to go, good bye. I briskly walked out of the alley as the old man yelled. “Wait! I know where the other necromancers are! You can fin-” “Shut up the whole town can hear you! Are you trying to get me killed?” “There is a necromancer guild not far from here.” He lifted his bony finger and pointed into the alleyway. “On the outskirts of Caern there is an old monastery. Called New Hanover I believe. This path should take you to there. Once out of the city go northwest” “How do I know your not tricking me.” The beggar raised his brow incredulously, “My dear boy what would I gain from that. I'm just an old man on the end of his rope. Better to help young folk like you. I hesitated for a moment, “Thank you.” I turned towards the way he pointed into the alleyway. I begin a brisk run as I glanced back, the old man disappeared. For an old man he sure can most fast. I made my way into the dark dusty alleyway. Not knowing what lies ahead.