The Six Blades

Chapter 6

“So where to now?” Dawn looked at me with questioning eyes.

“Well when we figured out you guys were members too, it got me thinking.” I opened the gates leading outside of Jaland. “If all three of us have been chosen by the goddess, it would only make sense if Damon and Shayla were chosen too.”

“That would make a lot of sense, the only problem is that we would be short a person.” Emily added.

“Well what about Faith? She was never really living with us, but she was right next to us most of the time.” Dawn looked across to Emily.

“I guess that would work, but why exactly do you guys need my help with again?”

“We figured that since you’re a bounty hunter, that you could help us track some people.” I started to explain, “Dawn and I have very little tracking skills compared to you.” By now we were down at the stables and mounting our horses.

“So who are we tracking down first?” Emily asked me once we had started down the road.

“I think that we should get Damon first, he is gonna be the hardest to find so why not get him first.” I suggested and looked to the others for approval.

“You only want to find him first so you aren’t the only guy in the group.” Dawn let out a laugh.

“Is there something wrong with that?” I glanced over at her

“Not at all,” she returned with a playful stare.“ I just thought you would like traveling with five women following you around.”

“Alright, back to business you two.” Emily interrupted our conversation, I could tell she was excited to be traveling with us again and that she was eager to get on the road again. “If I remember correctly, Damon is a mercenary now so he’s going to be working for someone who has money.” Emily started, “We need to find a mercenary post and see if there are any recent contracts that involves him.”

“Sounds like a plan.” According to Dawn, the closest mercenary post was about a day away. We mounted our horses and headed for the small town of Almir. The town consists of an inn, two or three houses, a lumber mill, a bar, and of course, a mercenary post. The trip was fairly nice, and the only trouble we encountered was a fallen tree blocking the path. When we finally arrived at Almir, it was the middle of the night. We rented rooms at the inn and called it a night after a long days travel.

When I wake up, I quickly realize I wasn't where I was before. I look around to see I was in some sort of abandon shed. I quickly stand up looking for an exit, but unfortunately the only door was locked.

“Crap,” I turn around start to look around for a key among the few pieces of furniture that were left. Other than the bed, there is a dresser and a bookshelf. Nothing was in either of them other than dust and cobwebs. I stop looking around and just listen, It was obvious before that someone was in the house with me, but now all I could do was wait . I put my hand down by my Blade, waiting for something to happen. A shadow dashes quickly across the light from the fire, heading behind me. I turn around bringing my sword up in front of my face just in time to block a fatal blow. I use my other hand the help reinforce my hold against my attacker, struggling to prevent them from advancing. I look up to see the face of my enemy.

She had mask covering her mouth, along with her nose; her eyes were red and her hair blonde. It made it just barely past her shoulders, although she kept it shorter in front to prevent it from blocking her vision. She wore a thin layer of hide for armor, allowing her to move quickly and freely. The whole outfit was black, making it harder to see her in the dark An assassin maybe. I wasn’t sure but I wasn't going to stay to find out.

I shove off of her and jump back a little, re-adjusting the grip on my sword, I lung forward, attempting a stab. She dodges this with ease, and puts more distance between us. For a second she just stands there examining me, thinking about how to attack, but I don't give her time to decide. I engage her in battle once more, this time not giving her space, forcing her to fight. Our swords clashed over and over, each time lightning appears.

Finally, be break apart, panting we stare at each other. “You’re strong,” her voice was quiet, “but your Blade isn’t awoken.” She stands up straight pausing to sheath her sword, and when she did, it assumed the form of a knife, similar to mine. “Seek me once you have touched blades with the wielder of the broadsword.” She backed up into the shadows, and the fire went out. When I relit it to see where she was, all there was was a key, sitting where she had been before.

“What the hell just happened?” I muttered to myself as pick up the key, looking around. I walk over and unlock the door. I glance back one more time before walking outside.

The sun was just about to rise, which means I could do get a few more minutes of shut eye. Or that’s at least what I thought. The shed wasn’t far from the inn but I still wondered how I was transported that far when I was asleep without waking up. I get back to the inn, hoping to see that Emily and Dawn are still fast asleep, but instead see Dawn come flying out of the room I rented in a panic. “Where’s Alex?” She looked at Emily for a second then saw me by the door. “Give me a heart attack why don't you! Where were you?” note to self, don't worry Dawn.

“Relax, I just went for a morning walk while I waited for you guys to wake up.” I rubbed the back of my head, hoping that she would buy it. Long story short I got yelled at by both of them before we stopped by the mercenary post.

The mercenary post was quite small, I thought is was going to be bigger honestly. It was basically a shack with a desk and benches inside. Two men were running it, one behind the desk and the other was doing just going through contracts and whatnot in the back. I signal Dawn and Emily to wait at the door and approach the man at the desk.

“What do you need, looking to hire, or be hired?” He wasn't paying much attention to me, he was more interested in cleaning underneath his fingernails with a knife.

“Neither actually, I'm looking for someone.” This caught his attention, he put the knife down and leaned forward.

“Sorry bud, you’re in the wrong place, bounty board is over in Jaland.” He signaled me to the door.

“No, I'm looking for bounties. I’m looking for a mercenary, and if I'm not mistaken you keep recent contracts of those who pass through.” He gave me a threatening glare.

“Be careful what you get yourself into, it could cost you your life,”

“Oh, don't you worry about me, I’m plenty capable of defending myself.” I returned the glare, “I'm looking for a man named Damon, Damon Fame.”

“Why are you looking for him?” He hesitated to look through his contracts behind the desk.

“Let’s just say he’s an old friend and I need to give him something,” I rested my hand on the second Blade I had.

“Fine,” it was easy to tell that he wasn’t happy about this. He began searching his desk for any contrats, the whole time whispering to himself. “Here we are, Damon,” he brought out a contract and laid it on the table. “It seems a noble man hired him as a bodyguard.” He handed me the contract.

“Simon Richman,” I muttered, I look over the contract, Damon was getting paid 300 gold to guard this man for three days, the last being some sort of party that Simon was throwing.

“This will do, thanks,” I gave back the contract and put ten gold on the table. I stand up and head to the door.

“What makes you think that you’re leaving this place alive?” The man jumped over his desk, grabbing a sword off the wall. “We have rules here, we don’t let people see contracts here, and if they do, we don't let them leave here knowing that information. For all we know, you could be killing our customers.”

I looked him over and smiled, “Dawn, take care of him.”