Big City Darkened Nights

They look over noticing Gaylord stand back and shake out his arms.

Cornelious can see the young man’s head looks better, “Well old friend is the lad going to live?”

“Yes,” Gaylord warns them, “we still have to wait until he wakes to see about his mind.” Turning to his apprentice, “Alister, would you please, clean this man up. Fit the amulet around his neck. Might keep him from sleepwalking, badly down the stairs.”

“Yes sir.” Using the last of the water Alister tends to Paul as best as possible.

“You stay with him just in case. I’ll be back at lunch.” The crotchety cleric turns to Carr, “You are right I would never accept property or otherwise taken in force or theft.” He picks up the jewelry box, “However for people whom require assistance, it doesn’t matter. Your words are like the devil’s tongue. I will always be careful of you.”

Captain Avilo defends Carr, “A little harsh.”

“It’s alright Captain,” Carr bows to the cleric, “You are right to feel that way Gaylord. A man of your years and position knows I’m looking out for myself first. Where you people, are here for your King and the people of your lands. I do help out my local villagers if needed.”

Gaylord saves face, “I didn’t say I didn’t like you.” Speaking to his friend, “I’ll see you at dinner.” Avilo only gets a, “Captain,” in passing as he exits the room.

“Thank you again Gaylord.” Avilo shrugs asking Cornelious, “Have I offended him at some time?”

The mage waves his hand, “Nah. He probably has a splitting head ache.” Leaning in he whispers, “You heard Paul’s skull crack.”

Carr and Avilo get a sympathy pain, having both heard it echo in the cave and still in the mind.

“He’s living it right now.” Speaking to the Captain the mage adds, “And it’s not personal, he treats men in command of others. You’re the commander.” Cornelious realizes Avilo’s condition, “And look at you not even a scratch.”

Carr notices it too, “Oh, yes, the ranks. The ones grunting is doing the hard work. Officers take care of the simpler things.”

“Hey,” Captain Avilo points out, “I killed most of those maggots. And put the Hag down.”

Carr jests, “Well she was distracted beating on me with my own weapon.”

The wizard wishes credit too, “Now I distracted some of those, Larvae. And I had to finish her off.” Cornelious laughs, “I can’t believe you were still trying to settle it with words.”

Shrugging Avilo points to the picture, “It looks like there was once a normal person worth saving.”

Cornellious shares a viewpoint they understand, “Evil beings are not going to change their ways to live. Most likely they’ll just lie to you.”

Carr suggests. “We may have done her a favor.”

“Speaking of favors,” the mage gets up, “let me sleep now.”

Looking at Paul on the bed Carr inquires, “Where are you going to sleep?”

“Sleep on that bed?” The mage stretches out popping spine bones, “A straw mattress? Only for naps.” Walking up beside the bookcase he taps three times on the side of it.

Alister, Avilo and Carr are astonished to see the bookcase easily pull away from the wall revealing a furnished, crescent shaped, bedchambers. More surprising than the wall-to-wall skins is that the place is clean and orderly.

“I sleep here.” Cornelious asks their favor, “Tell no one about this room. The King himself doesn’t know about it.” Pointing to Alister, “Gaylord does, but if anybody comes looking for me, I’m in the city.”

In shock of his deception to their King, Avilo inquires. “Why doesn’t our majesty know about this? It is just a bed chamber?”

“Ah,” Cornelious points to the crystal ball, “I know when he really needs my help. And when he needs to help himself. Good day gentlemen.” He smiles and bows slightly while closing the bookcase.

“I would too. If it were me.” Carr figures it’s the man’s only true privacy.

“Not me.” Avilo faces Alister, “Take care of Paul I’ll check in later myself.”

Alister smiles. “Yes Captain Avilo.”

Carr gathers his things. “See you around Alister.”

The ovate bows to them, “Nice to have met you.”

Following Avilo down the tower stairs Carr takes notice of the drying orange goo mixed with various blood, “Can I get washed up?”

“You should.” Avilo makes note, “Your appearance is of freshly dead.”

Having wanted to check out the face Carr was afraid of any mirrors that might be in the tower, “That bad?”

“The smell is offensive.” Avilo knows where to send him, “I’ll take you back to the bath house. We’ll get the servants to find you fresh clothing. Perhaps they can clean your armor.”

“That would be nice.” Carr remarks, “I may not need this old suit of scale. The new one should be ready in a few days.”

Glancing out an arrow slit at the sunlit outer courtyard, Avilo queries, “Don’t you tire of people judging you for the armor you prefer?”

Carr answers honestly, “I kinda like the attention. Good or bad. At least they’ll remember me.”

“I guess they would. Very few wear actual dragon scale.”

Conversing about armor preferences descending the stairs. Carr describes the changes to be made to his new suit and how it could benefit his men. The Captain still sees Carr as young and doesn’t think he knows what the soldiers require.

Into the main corridors of the castle, Avilo leads Carr to the bathhouse. Servants passing take a double look at Carr disgusted by condition and odor.

Entering the bathhouse, the same servant watches them enter giving Carr the once over.

Carr waves, “Hello again, I slipped and fell in something awful.”

The servant nods, “Yes and whatever it was doesn’t smell so good.”

“That would be maggot guts.” Captain Avilo tells the man, “Find him some fresh clothes and get someone to clean his armor.”

“Yes Captain.” The servant bows asking, “And what about you sir?”

“Later.” Avilo has other plans, “I’ve got a page somewhere who’s had a couple days off.”

“I see sir.” The servant helps Carr remove his armor.

Avilo reminds Carr, “Remember return to the main doors by midafternoon.”

“Yes sir.” Carr salutes the Captain.

Rolling his eyes Avilo instructs the servant. “If you would be so kind. Please show Carr how to get to the street when he’s ready.”

“Yes, of course Captain,” assures the servant.

Avilo leaves the bathhouse, Carr waves cutely unnoticed by the Captain.

As Carr enters the warm bath the servant takes his gear to be cleaned.

Not as long as the first bath Carr spends enough time for the servant to return with fresh clothes.

After dressing in the simple pale cloth tunic and slipping on some sandals, Carr is lead back to the main entrance. Exchanging pleasantries Carr exits the castle shielding his eyes from the sunlight.

Plainly dressed Carr gets little attention from anyone making his way north on the main street.

As the day is nice, the city is busy with activity. People buying and selling mixed with those who are just passing through.

Avoiding several animal drawn carts Carr arrives at the Armorist’s shop. Inside he finds Zei working away.

Glancing at Carr, Zei doesn’t recognize him, “I haven’t time to custom make armor. What’s displayed is what I have.”

Playing with the smithy, Carr approaches the counter, “They’re nice, but I was hoping for a new suit of dragon scale. In a green if you, have it?”

As it slowly sinks in Zei looks at Carr’s size and eyes, “Oh, Carr, you’ve returned.” He reaches out to shake hands, “From Hell I here. You’re a fine young man for helping out the King.”

Momentarily locking hands Carr greats him, “Good to be back. Hello Zei. I felt I had to help the King.”

“I’m glad you’re here,” The smithy motions for Carr to follow him, “Since the King is finishing your payments. I’ve been working into the night.”

Entering a back room, the armor hangs over hot coals slow drying. Bound tightly to wooden frames, shaping the armor to Carr’s body size.

Seeing what has been done so far Carr is in awe. The armorist is also impressed by his own craftsmanship. Remarking to Carr this is the finest of his hide works.

Carr compliments Zei, “This is the best I’ve ever seen. You lined up the black stripping perfect. I could hide out as a lizard. And I see you’ve even used its’ chest for mine. I’ll be proud to wear this. You have got to be the best armorist on the continent.”

“I am. Thanks for noticing.” Zei lets him know, “But that’s not its’ chest. The hind quarters were perfectly sized and allows for the flexibility you wanted.”

Carr shrugs, “That’s okay. It looks perfect. When can I try it on?”

“Tomorrow. By the way the armor has also been magically enhanced for general protection.” Leading Carr back to the front Zei shows the next step, “I’m making up the last of the laces. I’ll take the ones for the arms and legs from the armor I’ve for sale. I’ll just make new ones later. And by noon tomorrow you can leave with it.”

“Are you sure? I’m in no hurry. Magically enhanced too, that’s great.” After seeing the armor, the rogue is ready to try it on as soon as possible.

“You my friend were a blessing.” Zei leans against the counter, “King Halford has paid me well to finish this quickly. So well, I don’t need to work for the rest of the winter. I may even travel across the ocean. A ship is leaving in two nights.”

“Travel?” Liking the same Carr wonders, “To do what?”

“Just never been.” Zei chuckles, “Probably find a comfortable bar to pass the days.”

“Well, that would be different,” Not Carr’s first choice, “Strange things do happen with drink involved.”

“Aye,” Zei dreams a little.

Thinking of bars, Carr thinks of checking in with Elija, “Zei, thanks for the great work.” Carr turns for the door, “I’ll stop back tomorrow. For now, you have inspired me to stop at the Slaughtered Lamb.”

“Tell Elija I’ll be paying my debt.” Zei escorts him to outside, “You’re a little underdressed. I could lone you some leather.”

Smiling Carr shrugs, “I think I’ll be okay. Its’ barely afternoon.”

“The Dwarves are still there.” Zei warns him.

Getting to the bottom of the steps Carr looks back, “I’m in the mood for wine and song.”

Chuckling lightly at the thought Zei returns to work.