Born Anew

Born Anew II.

Ever felt like there is a world out there waiting for you? Like there must be more beyond your boring daily grind? Like you are ready to let it all go and start your own legend? That is how she felt that day when we met her.

We arrived at a pub in Mistbloom. The place was a small town near the well known Moss Castle, and controlled by the Moss Castle triumvirate. Mistbloom was a land filled with scholars and sorcerers. The place where we could find clues to help me return home. But we wouldn't find what we needed in any place. We had to go to a pub to gather information.

The place was full of whispers and conversations. Everyone sought something. And in Mistbloom information was as valuable as a good meal, both figuratively and literally. Knowledge was bartered as if it was a commodity, paying with food, drink, or gold. I understood it was the kind of place I would expect from a video game or a film. Kraid insisted we were not in that sort of thing, but I knew we embarked on an adventure.

The demon walked to an old scholar with a long, flowing, dull green beard. According to Kraid, strange hair colors are common in this world as a result of magic. Mana, as they call it seems to have mutagenic properties. In fact I once heard someone theorizing that could happen in our world. It was this video I saw online. A guy from a company called Azoth International spoke of how magic could exist. Those Azoth guys push for fringe scientific research a bit too often, but I guess I would have a different life if I decided to work for them instead of working with their competitors. Same competitors who fired me. Merkel Pharmaceutics, the best pharmaceutical researchers my ass!

As I delved in my own memories, Kraid asked the man for the information he sought. The man smiled, he seemed to know at least a bit about that. But instead of answering he passed the young man a slip of paper. The man asked for an expensive drink and an equally expensive meal. His price however seemed fair enough for my friend.

Before my demonic employer walked to the counter to pay for information, a woman approached him. She was playing a lute at the pub. A bard with long, flowing deep blue hair and golden eyes. Her pale skin and crimson lips reminded me of a vampire.

"You better not buy that. He's running a scam. Whatever he is asking for, his knowledge is worth less than that." She held Kraid's arm to stop him.

"How do you know? Why should I trust you?"

"Because I am giving my information as a freebie. I like to get paid, but I like to prevent scams a lot more."

"Still, how do you know he will not give me what I need?"

"He will, but not enough to cover his fee. He always does that. Did that to me when I began playing here."

"Alright, we believe you." I interrupted trying to appease both. "We are looking for a way to open a portal to another wold. Know anything?"

"Not really. Otherwise I would be telling you my fee already. But I could sell you a song that might help you." She took her lute and began to play. "It will be worth a mug of ale. You can pay after I'm done. But don't cross me."

The woman began to play a song which listed every well known patron at the pub and what they were good for. She moved on to list vague mentions of everything she did or knew. And finally she mentioned a legend of gods who could do things beyond mortal imagination, but who were out of reach to us. Our way to them would lead to the spirit world, and she ignored the path to its entrance.

"Well. Did you like my song?"

My demonic friend walked to the counter and spoke to the barmaid. "Bring us three mugs of ale. Anything else you would like, my friends?"

"I guess I would like to see the menu first." I replied puzzled.

"I think ale will be enough, unless you want something else from this bard." The mysterious woman was as confused as I was, but she didn't flinch. "Just to make clear, I am not that kind of bard who sleeps around with anyone. That is not the way Moss Castle bards behave."

"I do have another request, but it is more of a job opportunity." Kraid spoke with that mischievous grin of his. It scared me every time, because I knew that was when the shy demon who was almost a child among his own became bolder.

"I already have a job. Unless you suggest something more interesting than playing my sweet melodies here. I enjoy meeting new people, and this is the right place for that."

"Would you squander the chance to see the spirit world?" The young man smiled and began to take notes. "What is your fee for joining us in our expedition?"

"Going on an adventure? Joining your quest?"

"This is an educational endeavor! An expedition! Do not be as rude as to call it a ques, kiddo." He was even bolder, and upset about her statements.

"I am older than you are, young demon. Despite my looks I have lived long enough to be your mother, if not older."

"Kraid, in her defense, this totally sounds like a quest. A crusade or something like that." I tried to appease both while gaining her favor.

"If you are older than I, then it is even better. That means you might know how to fight on your own. You are more than hired already."

"My fee won't be something you can afford without effort, that is if you really want me to go with you that badly." She responded.

"Name your price. I know we will reach an agreement."

"First of all, since we will travel, I will choose the places where we shall rest. I am not letting two uncouth bachelors choose a bed. Sleeping on the floor is unfit for a woman of my caliber! Second. I must never, under any circumstance, endure hunger, even if that means you must starve so I can eat. Third, I require privacy, at least until I trust you enough. And finally, I want to make as many friends as possible. Deal?"

"Sounds rough, but I guess we could afford it. I want comfortable resting places too to be honest. Rob is the only one who seems comfortable sleeping near crawling bugs."

"Be warned that is just my fee for traveling with you. If you expect me to fight, there is an extra charge."

"What would it be?" I asked hoping the little princess did not grow too entitled.

"I need blood to fuel my might. I am a vampire, in case you are too dumb to notice." She confirmed my suspicion. "I can't fight if I don't drink blood. And I would like to bind my blood to someone else's. My last bloodbound married a guy and broke the bond." She seemed slightly pained. "But she will be fine, I couldn't be blood bound to my little sister for the rest of my life. So you better help me find a new bloodbound on the way. Meanwhile I will need blood. It's origin doesn't matter as long as it is fresh."

"I expected you would want to bleed us in gold, not so literally. But that is fine, the fee is rather reasonable. Welcome aboard." Kraid sealed the deal with a smile.

"Can I know your name? I mean, since we are working together." I asked her.

"Of course. How rude of me. I am Lowri Belanova." She smiled showing her small fangs. "Since we are working together, I am willing to play songs for free, in case you need some amusement."

After our meal, we left the pub. Our new companion gave up her serious facade and expressed her excitement once we were too far to get rid of her. I knew we would make good friends sooner or later.