The Normal Farmer - Completed

Chapter 4 - Feebles, the Merchant

Another day came by, and they continued walking, while Riattus was telling some of his past adventures. Some of them were amazing, while many others were too violent and gross for Ronald's taste, but Riattus seemed to have a good time remembering them, so Ronald didn't complain.

When they were almost to a dirt path in the middle of the afternoon, the Rat vanished inside his whirlpool. It was at the exact moment because an open waggon was approaching.

The man at the reins of the horse was puzzled by the sight of a man walking alongside the road with a wolf tied to a rope.

As he passed Ronald, he greeted him. "Hello, stranger! It is unusual to see someone walking along this road. And with a wolf as a companion, it is even stranger!"

Ronald smiled while walking. "Hello, we are just travelling to the Kingdom of Loriath. Do you know if it's still far?"

"If you continue walking, you will arrive by tomorrow morning. If you are trustworthy, I may give you a ride, and you can get there by this evening. You can keep me company. I won't mind talking as we travel. For the last three days, I have been travelling alone. I am somewhat bored."

Ronald nodded. "I would appreciate the ride. Thanks. I can't prove I am trustworthy, so I won't think badly of you if you withdraw your offer."

"Well, if that wolf trusts you, and everyone knows how those guys are suspicious of people, maybe you are not as bad as you could be. Are you sure he will not try to eat my throat?"

"Yes, I am sure. He is very obedient. Here, Woof, hop on to the back! Lay down and don't make a mess in there! Now, kind sir, may I join you at your side? Or do you prefer it if I stay in the waggon with him?"

The driver patted the seat next to him. "By all means, sit here and tell me what you are doing, walking around here. That wolf is very obedient indeed. How did you manage to tame him?"

Ronald smiled while looking back at Woof, who was resting his head on top of a cereal bag. "I guess he was just as confused as I was when we first met. But I gained his trust. My name is Ronald and that guy over there, it's Woof. Do you mind if I ask how things are nowadays in the Loriath Kingdom? I was told it was a peaceful Kingdom for many years, but I am new to these parts, so I am not sure if a weird old man deceived me or not."

"I am Feebles, the Merchant. I am pleased to meet you. Well, considering that Loriath neighbours the Kingdom of Breidan, right across that forest on your right, it is still a free Kingdom by a miracle. Breidan is always trying to increase its borders, but the Monsters that are lurking in the forest are serving as a natural border. Every time an army came from Breidan, more than half of them were killed there. The rest die when they exit the forest because the Loriath forces are called in as soon as the people that travel along this road hear the noises of the dying soldiers. But did you cross that forest? How did you manage to avoid being killed by a Goblin? Did you come from Breidan?"

Ronald pointed his head at Woof. "That guy helped when we were in a pinch. I was also very careful by travelling during the night and avoiding any strange noises or villages. I came from the far East of the Kingdom of Terbik, and I had a lot of experience with dealing with Goblins while I was living there."

Feebles nodded, visibly impressed. "I understand… Terbik always had problems with hordes of Goblins. I bet you are a very strong Adventurer, for risking to cross a forest well known to be the lair of many Goblin Villages."

Ronald slowly shook his head. "No, I used to be a Farmer, and I left Terbik because I lost my family and the memories were too painful. I am trying to find a job with a group of Adventurers if one of them would have me. I can be just a Farmer, but I am also very strong, and I think they won't mind having a companion that doesn't mind some hard work. But I can also cook, so I guess that could count."

Feebles nodded. "I see… I am sorry for your family. I know the Guild Master of the Adventurer's Guild in Durant, the Capital of Loriath, where I am travelling. If you want, I can introduce you to him. Maybe he can help with finding a Party of Adventurers that are searching for a Carrier or a Cook."

"That would be a tremendous help. Thank you very much. As I said, I am new to these parts, and I spent all my life in Terbik. I am a little ignorant of the state of things in the World. I don't know what the names are, where the Kingdoms are, or which year it is. During my grief, I lost track of time. I don't know if I was lost in my pain for two years or ten…"

"Things are as they were for all these past few years. The Diocese of Thetria is always in a military disagreement with the Kingdom of Breidan regarding the scripts about God Seya. Breidan is trying to invade the nearby countries to expand its borders; Zakrosia is a region where only Monsters live; the Principalities of Rediorumia and Homysodia are still trying to be neutral without directly supporting Breidan or Thetria, while the rest of the Kingdoms try to continue living as they have for all these years while fighting their local Monsters. Last week started Ary's month of the year 1.540. I have an extra copy of the Map of this region, and if you can take care of today's dinner, I will give it to you."

Ronald smiled. "I can do that. Do you like deer meat? I have some portions of very good size in my bag. I don't have rice or potatoes, but I can prepare a good salad."

Feebles smiled from ear to ear. "Deer meat is delicious, expensive, and difficult to come by! I can provide some potatoes as a side dish, but how did you get a hold of deer meat?"

Ronald pointed with his head to Woof, who was sleeping under the afternoon sun with his head over the cereal bag. "With that guy's help. I scared the deer right into his mouth full of teeth. We had a lot of work to kill it. It was huge and dangerous. We managed to take him down with a few bites in his throat and a clean pierce with my sword. It provided meals for us for the last two days. But I still have a lot of smoked meat."

Feebles was nodding. "An excellent way to preserve meat indeed! And in my humble opinion, it makes the meat even more delicious. You indeed have some experience as a Cook. Any Adventurer's Party would be more than happy to have you if you can even hunt to make their meals!"

Ronald shrugged his shoulders. "I hope so. I need to find a different kind of job to not remember my past. Becoming a Farmer again would bring back some memories I wish to forget…"

Feebles nodded in silence. It seemed this new voyage partner was still very sad about the loss of his family, and that could be the reason for venturing on such a dangerous voyage to go to Loriath. Coming all the way from Terbik, crossing the Kingdom of Pigliapo and Breidan to get to Loriath, with enough opportunities to get killed, and even like that, he managed to accomplish it without any visible wounds or lost members. That was an achievement in its own way. Either he was lucky, suicidal, or crazy, or he was stronger and more dangerous than he looked. But even with those suspicious flags, he was very friendly and polite and managed to gain the trust of that big wolf, one of the most dangerous wild animals around. Perhaps he was just blessed by God Seya, as compensation for his loss.

The rest of the voyage was a lot of fun for Feebles. He had many stories from his past years as a Merchant and an avid listener who was amazed by everything that he told, even when he exaggerated a tiny bit.

By the end of the afternoon, when the walls of the Capital could be seen in the distance, they stopped so that Ronald could prepare their dinner.

While Feebles provided the pots and the potatoes to be cooked, Ronald took from his bag three big pieces of deer meat that smelled divinely. He cut some slices as an appetiser for Feebles and Woof, and while the potatoes were boiling, he was happily listening to one more of Feebles' adventures.

When the potatoes were ready, they ate. Woof sniffed one potato that Ronald offered him, but turned back and went straight to his sizeable portion of smoked deer meat. Feebles laughed because of the surprised look on Ronald. As if a wild wolf would ever eat a potato when he could eat meat!

After dinner, Feebles did as he promised. He offered a copy of the Map to Ronald. He was very grateful and offered him another portion of deer meat for him to eat at lunch the next day. It was still wrapped in a cloth, which he quickly took from his bag.

Feebles wondered how he managed to carry all that meat inside the bag without showing any signs of tiredness because of the weight.

After they cleaned the pot and put everything in its place under the driver's seat, their journey continued. Sometime later, Ronald was looking up, surprised by the height of the gate and the wall that surrounded Durant, the Capital of Loriath.

A Gate Guard had a torch in his right hand and was looking at him and at Woof, inquiring why he had a wild wolf tied to a rope in his hand and that dangerous beast was peacefully lying over a bag of cereal.

Feebles vouched for them both, and because the two Gate Guards that were on duty knew him from previous visits, allowed the entrance of that strange pair, upon the guarantee that Ronald would never leave the wolf run loose, without being strongly tied to that rope.

While they were going along the main street in the evening, and with torches already lit on the top of high poles to provide some light, Ronald was admiring the houses.

Wood and rock were the common materials, with some houses having big and bulky metal doors. Businesses and shops, probably.

There were more opulent houses as they approached the centre of the Capital as if it were an indication of the social standing of the inhabitants. Right at the centre, there was a large City square.

Feebles stopped the wagon in front of an Inn, next to an enormous building with a sign at the top of the entrance, saying, 'Adventurer's Guild'.

A boy came running from the Inn and grabbed the reins of the horse that was pulling the wagon, and he smiled towards Feebles. "Welcome back, Mister Feebles! You and your companion are staying with us for tonight?"

Feebles frowned, and he looked at Ronald. "I am sorry. I never asked if you had money with you, but I suppose you need a place to sleep, right?"

Ronald nodded. "I have money, but I think I may need your help to figure out the fair price for a stay in this Inn. I don't know how much the usual price in this Kingdom is."

"Well, it's not as expensive as it may seem; it's very affordable. Sleeping in this Inn costs three copper coins per night with one meal. A meal costs one copper coin. Is that reasonable for you?"

Ronald looked at Woof. "I guess so. I just don't know what they will think about having him sleeping in a room inside the Inn. I can't leave him outside or near the horses. You heard the Gate Guard. He must always be near me."

"I can have a word with the Innkeeper and explain your situation, don't you worry about that. I am a regular here. There won't be a problem, I think."

The boy was looking at Woof, who was now standing on top of the cereal bag where he was sleeping previously. "Mister Feebles! A wolf!"

"Yes, I know. Don't worry. That wolf is the companion of my friend, Mister Roland, here. Now, take care of the horse, okay? Here is a coin for you, my boy. Mister Ronald, shall we go talk with the Guild Master? It's still early. I bet he is in his office."

"Sure, the sooner the better! Come here, Woof! Good boy… Now, don't growl or bark at anyone, understood? Behave properly; I don't want people to get scared of you!"

Woof made a low bark as if he was saying he would do that. Feebles and the stable boy were dumbfounded.

Ronald rubbed Woof's ear and looked at Feebles. "Can we go? I think he will be a good boy and won't make a mess in there. Unless someone is crazy enough to pick a fight with him!"

"Okay, but grab the rope really tight. He might get scared by the noise and some sudden movements. Adventurers are always a little jumpy and overly excited after a few drinks!"

While the stable boy drove the horse to the back of the Inn, Ronald followed Feebles.

As soon as they entered the Guild, the noise that could be heard on the outside came to a halt because a stranger with a big wolf tied to a rope had just entered.

Feebles nervously looked around, and he pointed with his hand to the front desk, where a young woman was talking with three men who looked angry.

"We must go talk with that young lady and ask her to call the Guild Master. I see there's a situation there. I hope there won't be a problem if we wait near them for our turn."

Ronald was looking around with a small smile, and he greeted some people that were looking at him with a slight nod of his head.

While they were walking to the front desk, Ronald noticed a beautiful woman with dark hair tied into a ponytail, dressed in dark leather clothes, polishing a sword while seated at a table near three men.

One was a Human with a very serious face, another that was as beardy as a Dwarf that used to work with him at the market, and another one that had dark green clothes, a hood covering his head, and was sharpening a short dagger while looking at him from the corner of his eye. An Elfian in disguise, for sure. The beardy one could be a Dwarf if it weren't for his height.

The woman was probably their leader, judging by the way they all seemed to be waiting for her to say anything.

When Ronald and Feebles were almost near the front desk, one of the three men punched the balcony and shouted to the young woman, "What do you mean, by saying you advise us to not apply for this Class A job? Are you saying we can't do it?"

The young woman waved both her hands while looking a little nervous. "No… I wasn't saying that… it's just that two other groups already tried it, and they never returned. And one of them had five strong Adventurers, and even they…"

Suddenly, the man who punched the desk drew a dagger and approached it towards the woman's throat. "You are annoying me, woman! Perhaps I should cut…"

Slam!

Before he could finish his threat, a powerful hit to the back of his head knocked him down, thrown by Ronald, who used a bench that he took from the nearby table.

He then calmly said to the woman. "I am sorry for this violence on my part and my next actions, but a man threatening a woman must be swiftly punished."

One friend of the knocked-out man, after realising what had happened, tried to draw his sword, only to be struck in the face by another hit from Ronald's bench.

The third one had a dagger in one hand, but before he could approach Ronald, he had a sword close to his neck, firmly held by the beautiful woman with a ponytail. "Careful… Unless you want to lose some blood…"

The man looked at his side, and he faced the woman. "Who said you could intervene, you 'bican'…"

Slam!

Before he could finish his insult, Ronald struck him with the bench straight in the mouth. Blood and teeth flew all over, dirtying the floor.

The beautiful woman looked at Ronald, a little angry. "Hey, I didn't need any kind of help!"

Ronald nodded. "Neither did I, but you still helped. I am sorry, but a man insulting a woman right in front of me is something I can't tolerate. If you excuse me, I still need to punish properly this guy that was threatening the receptionist."

Ronald bent over and grabbed the man's right hand, the one that had the dagger with which he threatened the young receptionist. He then opened his hand, palm down, on the ground.

Ronald said, with anger in his voice, while raising the bench, "For raising a hand towards a woman, the punishment is the loss of that hand."

Ronald struck the man's hand with the bench. Three strong hits turned the man's hand into a bloody pulp.

He then cleaned the bench with the man's clothes and placed the bench near the table from where he took it, right in front of Feebles' dumbfounded eyes. He was astonished. The friendly voyage partner he found earlier had so much hate in his eyes that he looked like a different person.