[Fan Fiction] Tom the Fighter: Chapter Three

[King_ov_Death]

Tom the Fighter
Chapter Three: One Man, Many Answers?

He looked around: there was a small house right next to him, and down the street he could see what appeared to be a church and then another, even smaller, house. There was another street, which ended right at the limit between the first house and the church. He walked down to this intersection and looked left: he could see two buildings and another one farther away, almost next to the sea. He went back to the first house, which turned to be the local Council House. He opened the door and went inside. There was a rather elderly woman standing still next to a table. The room was finely decorated with tapestries and bear rugs. Before he could mutter a single word, she introduced herself as "Eleanor, Council Head of Aridell", and asked if there was anything she could do for him. He introduced himself as Tom and decided to go forward and try to get some things explained. He started asking: "What has happened to this land?". At first, Eleanor was surprised with his question, but later she explained him something about a war against some "Orakur" things. Later, she went to explain him how the "Crux of Ages" was stolen by those beasts, and how some "Chancellor" guy declared war on them. She later explained him what that "Crux of Ages" was, and how it was stolen through a "secret tunnel". Some time later, she appeared to be tired of his continuous questions about Thaermore's history and told him he could grab a book she had inside a drawer. He asked for a last favor: if she could tell him where did Maddock live. She told him Maddock is an elderly gentleman who lives down the street, past the "Bethel of the Green Moon". She also warned him Maddock doesn't like visitors. He went out and down the street, but decided to enter the church. When he went in, he noticed several streams of colored light shining through the windows. Some of those streams bathed a slim-looking priest in light. He could feel the incense in the air and could see an "aura" of some sorts emanating from it. He decided to ask the priest if he knew what that "Bethel" was. The priest welcomed him to the "Bethel of the Green Moon". This phrase was a relief for the traveler, for he now knew where he had to go. He introduced himself as "Father Michael" and reminded him he could get his wounds healed and his spirit restored, but he would have to donate. He told him he had to go, and so he did. He turned right as he left the church, went past a graveyard, and reached the last house. He went in, but his reception wasn't what he expected: as soon as he saw him enter, the inhabitant picked up a table leg and threatened him with it. He told him to calm down and asked if he was Maddock. When he finished his sentence, the old man started to look him up and down. He seemed to recognize him. Finally, he called Tom by his name, and told him he had something for him. He explained someone left some things for him, and he secured them inside a chest. As he had Maddock's permission to open the chest, he did; and he found another envelope and a leather pouch. He picked everything up and went away. When he was out of the house, he stored the note inside his pocket and eyed the pouch. He couldn't believe it: it had lots of gold pieces! He estimated about 900 pieces inside the pouch. Happily, he picked up his dagger and opened the envelope. He found another letter. It said he was part of something very big, explained how his memory was erased, told him Tom wasn't his true name, and explained him what to do now: he had to recover an amulet from a crypt in Eversleep Cemetery and then take that amulet to some "Lilith" woman who lives in the "heart of the woods" at Tangletree Forest. The letter finally suggested him to go to Leurik's house (the cemetery director), north of Aridell, to get the crypt key. He whispered to himself "So it's you again, :E:, now you want me to get some amulet for you. Do you think I'm your pack mule or what!? OK, I'll do this for you, but we'll see what will happen when I get my hands on you..." and let out a small grin. He finally packed everything and decided to look for a shop to get new weapons. He entered a nearby building, and saw a rather slender woman standing behind a shelf. The room smelt of herbs and sulfur, and he could see several flasks behind her. She immediately welcomed him to the "Grand Magic's Emporium" and introduced herself as Abygale. When she asked if he needed something, he replied: "No, thanks, I was looking for a weapons shop. Do you know where can I find it?". She told him some "Farwick" guy owned a weapons shop right past the one he was in. She also told him the building in front of hers is a tavern, run by "Porter". He finally asked her if she would buy his Mana Potions, as he won't need them. She complied, but he was a bit angry when she offered him 7 gold pieces for it, when its real value were 15 gold pieces. He discussed a bit with her, and finally managed to sell it at the right price. He then went out of the shop and right into Farwick's shop. Farwick greeted him inside a room surrounded by full weapon racks. After arguing about its price, he decided to change his Leather Sandals for some Iron Plated Boots, and his Iron Short Sword for a longer one. With the gold he still had, he bought (and put on) a Leather Belt, a Quality Cloak, some Boiled Leather Bracers, some Ringmail Leggings, a Hard Leather Banded Armor and a Chainmail Coif. He later decided to re-visit Abygale's shop and purchase two Rings of Vigor. He was almost penniless, but decided to go and take a look at Porter's tavern. As soon as Porter saw him enter, he quickly began to wipe a table. Tom could see a man sat down in a corner, drinking. Porter welcomed him to the "Owl's Roost Tavern". Tom bought him seven torches. Feeling he was ready, he went out of the tavern and began walking towards the town's entrance. When he reached the intersection, he turned right and headed north. He was already out of Aridell. Now he had no choice but to start his journey...