"I can give you some hot stew and a cool beer for another copper," the innkeeper replies with a grin of his own.
Rixin lays a whole silver coin on the counter. "One for the room, two for two helpings of stew and beer, and the rest in case I need more, eh? You keep whatever I don't spend, sound fair?"
Rixin goes and sits at a table, wincing slightly. It had been a rough day so far. Hopefully the stew was good. He looked over at the lone woman and ventures a smile.
The innkeeper's grin widens into a very big smile. "Of course, my friend! Coming right up!"
The man takes the silver and disappears into the kitchen.
As you look at the woman and smile, she looks back at you and replies with a friendly nod. She had wavy brown hair reaching over her shoulders, and you estimate she's in the midst of her twenties. The woman returns her attention to her food, but her curiosity seems piqued and she continue to look at you from time to time. Eventually, she takes a break from eating and addresses you, "May I ask what happened to you?"
Rixin smiles again, happy to be at ease in a inn with friendly enough people.
"The ways of the open road are dangerous, my lady." he says politely, and a touch formally, "Doubly so for those who take them on with no companions or fellow travelers. I have come a long way, from distant Goka, alone and unaided." He shows the burn marks and wounds and adds, a bit wryly, "This is my reward, I suppose."
The woman leans back a bit and you notice some of her facial features look foreign. "And what brings you to here, all the way from Goka?"
She shakes her head and laughs softly. "I beg my pardon, I should have introduced myself first. My name is Aki."
Rixin inclines his head, bowing is hard when you are seated. 'Well met, Aki. My name is Zeng Rixin." He pauses then goes on, "The miles between Goka and here are only a small part of my planned journey. I hope to cross the Crown of the World and enter Avistan."
When you put it like that, it sounds like an epic adventure, not endless days of slogging over empty tundra and nearly being killed by wild animals (or worse).
Aki holds her breath for a moment and stares at you in surprise. She then seems to realize what she's doing and shakes her head. "I apologize, it is just..."
There appears to be a bit of hesitation before Aki says, "My father, he is from Taldor. He was an adventurer who visited Hongal, but my mother her family would not accept him and he left... I would like to meet him, but... I would not know how, on my own."
Rixin ponders this unlikely set of affairs. What was the odds? Then again, he was getting close to the Crown of the World. Perhaps links to Avistan would become more common as he ventured north?
"That is quite a coincidence. The gods must have intended us to meet. I must admit, I have little plan of my own on how to get there. I hope to perhaps find a caravan of traders and hire myself as a guard to gain passage. I know of no other way." Rixin says simply.
The look on Aki's face grows somber. "I have little money, and there's really not much I can do to contribute..."
"Maybe," she says while her eyes lit up, "you can train me, so I can also be a guard? I can be of use then!"
A wicked smile spreads across Aki's face, the somberness from before completely gone. "It's as you said, the gods must have intended for us to meet!"
Rixin reels a bit. It was much, going from days and days alone to being confronted with an active young woman.
He smiled though, her energy was exciting. 'I do not think I am much of a trainer. I have never done it. I had hoped to be taken on as a risk, myself. I cannot say I would be able to train you." he says, speaking slowly, 'But do not darken your heart. Tomorrow I shall investigate the opportunities. An in any case, I will be moving on to Hongal soon. Are you truely willing to give up your life here?"
"There is nothing keeping me in Muliwan, nor in Hongal," Aki responds. "In the spring and summer I help on the land and my pay is enough to pay for a room and food in this inn. I have trouble scraping by during the other half of the year, when the innkeeper is generous enough to let me stay. You are likely the only chance I will ever get to find my father."
The door to the kitchen opens and the innkeeper appears with hot beef stew with carrots and potatoes, and a cold beer. He places the food and beverage on the table in front of you. "Here you go, friend!"
"Then perhaps we can travel together..." he ponders the idea out loud. It would be improper to say the least, to travel with a unknown woman...
He is distracted by the food. After days in the wilderness it looks like the finest feast he had ever seen, with a smell to match. but he restrains himself, saying a short prayer and then adding, "Thank you, master Innkeeper. May I trouble you? Do you know of the large commercial concerns in the city? I am looking to be hired as a caravan guard on the north road, to the Crown of the World. Does anyplace in Muliwan offer such a chance or must I trek alone to Hongal?"
He pauses then adds, "We trek to Hongal." giving Aki a sidelong glance.
The innkeeper looks a bit confused before replying, "You mean through Hongal?"
He shakes his head. "Caravans that travel through the Crown don't leave from here, but they do leave from Hongal's capital; Ordu-Aganhei. It's far to the northwest of here, where Hongal's northern border meets the Wall of Heaven."
It suddenly dawns on the innkeeper that you said we, and he looks from Aki to you. "You're going together?"
Aki nods in response to the innkeeper's question. "If he's going to Avistan, it's the only chance I'll ever get to meet my father."
A somewhat worried look appears on the innkeeper's face, but he stays quiet.
Rixin nods in understanding, 'Perhaps, perhaps. But in any case, do any merchants and traders travel from here to Ordu-Aganhei? I would hate to travel so far along, or even with only one companion." The monk says seriously, "A group of some sort would be better. Is there any chance of finding such a group?"
The innkeeper's worried face clears up at your question. "There's plenty of trade with Ordu-Aganhei's merchants. An acquaintance of mine is in the business. Giving your generosity I'll gladly inform with him!"
Aki nods at you. "You will have to heal up before we leave, will you not? I do not know what happened to you out there, but if that were to happen again in your current state..."
'Thank you, sir. I would be in your debt if you did so."
Rixin grins and finally starts to eat. It is heavenly and he tells the innkeeper so. Then he turns to Aki, "Oh yes. I've been treated quite roughly out there, and some time here will be pleasant. This trek is not a race and we must be prudent. Besides, perhaps you can show me around town, tell me about yourself? We should get to know each other before we set off on an adventure." he smiles at the last word. Her excitement really was contagious.
"Yes, we should," Aki responds, then points at her plate. "I will finish this first, though."
After you've both finished eating it's already turning dark outside.
"We should probably call it a day. See you here tomorrow? I still have to work during the day, but will show you around after."
Rixin stands up and bows formally, putting years of living in high circles to good use. It is perfectly controlled, balanced, poetry in motion.
"Yes, Lady Aki. May the stars and gods alike shine our our venture. Truly this is a day upon which lives turn forever more." Some formality tot hank the gods was never out of order, even in a small ramshackle inn in a small city on the edge of civilization. Then he smiles slightly, 'I look forward to it."
After you've finished your food and Aki's headed to her room, the innkeeper comes up to you. "Sir, I don't know you well, but... Aki's a kind soul... It seems you do intend to travel in a group, which puts me at ease... but... the Crown of the World is quite dangerous... Aki's not used to much, you see..."
The man looks a bit uncomfortable addressing you on this topic, and genuinely worried about Aki's well-being.
Rixin says, seriously, "It is dangerous and not a path I travel lightly. I have a great need to do it, placed by my forefathers and that brooks no danger." he pauses and adds, 'Perhaps Aki has the same need, also handed down?"
Then he clasps his fist in front of him, 'It is good you watch out for her. The world is a dangerous place. I am from Goka and have seen the slave markets, the pleasure houses and worse. I understand your concerns." he straightens fully, "My name is Zeng Rixin, of the great and noble house Zeng. I have traveled for many years from my home in search of honor for my family. I trained with the monks in the high places, in the Wall of Heaven, worshiping the god of Shizuru. I put my honor above my life itself. " he bows low.
'Do I put your mind at ease, innkeeper?'
The innkeeper visibly calms, but a trace of worry remains in his expression and voice. "You seem the honorable and trustworthy kind, Zeng Rixin. Please don't prove me wrong."
Before the innkeeper locks the front door and you head to your room, he adds, "I'll introduce you to my acquaintance tomorrow."
The next day you awake in one of the small rooms on the inn's second floor. The bed, despite looking like it's seen better days, proved to be quite comfortable during the night. Next to the bed is your backpack, resting against the cupboard. There's no other furniture in the room, nor is there much space to move about.
You're greeted by a cheerful innkeeper when you descend the stairs to the main portion of the inn. "Good day, friend! What would you like for breakfast?"
Rixin stretches, wondering if he should do his morning exercises. It would probably be good for his wounds...
'Whatever you have in stock, sir. Oatmeal, perhaps?" Rixin asks, hoping it tastes good. "So, what can you tell me about your acquaintance?" he asks, keeping the conversation light.
"Oatmeal it is," the man says and fetches it for you.
To your second question the innkeeper responds with, "Besides him being ugly? Bwahahaha!"
"Kidding aside, he's a good man. His parents gave him a ridiculous name though. Fung Dung. Seriously, who does that to their kid?"
"I've known Dung for a while now. He provides merchants in Muliwan with goods obtained in Ordu-Aganhei, and sells stuff from here over there. He's been in Muliwan for a while now, so it can't be long before he's off again to Ordu-Aganhei."
'Excellent" Rixin says and starts to eat the piping hot oatmeal. Much better then trail rations. 'Do you have time to introduce me today, perhaps? I have a day before Aki returns and not much else to do but take it easy." Rixin says.
The plan was slowly coming together, he thought. Perhaps this man could get him to Ordu-Aganhei and get him connected with a good caravan trader or merchant, one with fair pay and decent record. Then a hard trip across the Crown.... All in good time.
He ate his oatmeal.
"It's rare for me to get new guests in the morning. I can show you to him once you're done eating."
And so, once you're done eating, you head out with the innkeeper.
The innkeeper guides you through a couple of streets which seem to progressively turn tidier, until there are no longer animals walking in the streets and there are fewer people to be seen. You stop in front of a house with pristine white walls and red roof tiles. It looks like it belongs to someone wealthy.
"Dung lives here," says the innkeeper as he knocks on the door.
A while later the door opens, revealing a muscular man two heads taller than you and with very short black hair. The man looks a bit moody, but lightens up when he spots the innkeeper.
"Hey, long time no see! I see you brought someone with you?"
Dung looks at you and bows politely. "I am Fung Dung. Pleased to meet you."
Rixin eyes the gnomes with apprehension. Hopefully he hadn't made some important local figure...or someone violent. He ignores the gnome as best he can. Nothing to do about it now.
When he is introduced to Dung he bows lows and says, 'Master Dung, my name is Zeng Rixin, from the city of Goka. I am in need of your experience and wisdom, master merchant."
"Well aren't we off to a good start!" Dung says, smiling broadly. "Come on in, both of you!"
You're led to a luxurious living room with comfortable looking pillows in a wide variety of colors. The red walls are covered with paintings of foreign landscapes.
You sit down on the pillows with the innkeeper and Dung, and the latter asks, "And what is it I can help you with, master Rixin?"
Rixin looks around the nice room. Compared to his home in Goka, of course, it was hopelessly quaint and rustic. But it was probably a place of wealth and power here in Muliwan.
"Master Dung, I wish to go to Avistan. I have traveled a long way to do so. I know traveling over the Crown of the World is done by caravans of traders and merchants. I wished to know what information and guidance you could offer me on such a course." Rixin inclines his head in respect.
Dung leans back a bit. "Ow... well that's a tough journey, to say the least. You will need to travel the Path of Aganhei, which starts in the capital. I'll be heading for Ordu-Aganhei in about a week, but there's no way I'll ever go to the Crown of the World."
"Do you know anyone who travels that path?" the innkeeper asks for you.
"Sure, I do. Though they only take people with them who have the money, or the skill set to contribute in that harsh environment."
"My friend Rixin's a monk from a monastery devoted to Shizuru, located in the Wall of Heaven."
Dung, who's just moved back forward, nods his head understandingly. "Really now? I'd noticed the monk outfit, yes. That should make master Rixin a valuable enough asset to most caravans."
"Aki will travel with him."
This time Dung leans way back on his pillow. "That girl? Huh, better bring enough gold, unless master Rixin can convince a caravan master he alone is a valuable enough asset to the caravan to justify bringing such a burden along."
The innkeeper's visibly annoyed by the way Dung talks about Aki, but doesn't respond.
Rixin ponders. This man was exactly what he needed. Rich, connected, and a surprisingly open mind. He need to know what this man knew.
The monk leans forward, 'You obviously know these men, Master Dung. What is the best way to impress these caravan masters? How best to prove to them I am what they need? What exactly do they need? The better so I can prepare myself, and my companion."
Also, the monk is a bit bothered by how quick the man was to dismiss the Crown. Was it that dangerous?
Dung smiles at your flattery, his ego clearly getting a boost. "To survive the Crown of World you need two things, master Rixin. Knowledge of how to get across, and the strength to do it. The caravan masters who travel the Path of Aganhei have the required knowledge, and they have enough money to purchase protection against the harsh environment and its inhabitants. If you want to travel with them, you need to be of value to them, or have the money to purchase your own protection and still ensure they make a profit out of you."
"This brings us to Aki... The girl barely has any possessions, and I doubt she's capable of defending even herself against a lone yeti. If you can't make up for what she lacks, you'd better be very good. Else none of the caravan masters will accept you as a package deal."
Rixin ponders this for a moment, 'So they are looking for strength? Raw power, then? Fighters or mere haulers? Do they want men who can think, dodge an enemy, and with an iron will and determination?"
'Also, how much money would smooth the way? What if I went unpaid, uncompensated and worked for free and merely asked for passage, would that redress the balance?"
"The animals do the hauling. They need capable fighters to fend the dangerous creatures off."
Dung shrugs his shoulders at the other questions you ask. "You would have to talk that out with the caravan masters, master Rixin. I am not a caravan master. Though if I were to be a caravan master, I'd be more urged to take you along if there were some proof of your strength. Don't we all feel better in the presence of people we know to be capable?"
Rixin stands and bow politely. He He walks around the table to where Dung is sitting. 'Allow me." Rixin says. Setting himself squarely he says, "Your wish is my command, master Dung."
And he lifts the heavy chair and Dung both, over his head. With no sign of strain or weakness. Indeed, the monk barely increases his heartrate.
The look on the innkeeper's face shows major surprise, his eyes almost bulging out of their sockets. Dung reacts likewise, except with some added hysteria. "What are you doing?! Oh my gosh?! How do you even...?! Put me down?! Whoa!!"
Once back on the ground Dung continues to freak out. he's clearly not used to anything of the sort. "That's just bizarre! You show that to those caravan masters!"
A little later Dung's finally calmed down, but he's still shaking his head in disbelief. "Alright, I'll vouch for you. You've earned my respect, master monk. I know of a man who travels the Path often. He's usually not keen on letting people who haven't traveled the Path before joining him on his caravan, but I can get him to at least consider you. You then just show him what you just did and he might not even mind Aki tagging along!"
Rixin bows again, 'I am in your debt, truly. As you may have noticed, I am not at my best. The wilds and the travails of the road are hard, even for one accustomed to them. When are we likely to meet with this man? Is he here in Muliwan or does he reside in Ordu-Aganhei?" The monk asks politely, sitting back down in his chair.
In the back of his mind, he was already thinking of ways to 'impress' these caravan masters. He might not be able to pick all of them up so easily...
"He lives in Ordu-Aganhei. I intend to leave Muliwan over six days, in the morning. Tell me where you're staying and I'll have someone fetch you that morning."
The innkeeper raises his hand. "My place."
"Ah, yes, of course!" Dung responds with a laugh. "That was to be expected!"
"Anyway, if all goes well the journey to the capital should take three or four days. The man I want to introduce you to will still be there by that time. I always sell him some of my wares before he leaves for the Crown and beyond."
Rixin smiles broadly, "Thank you, master Dung. I would be honored to accompany you. Please, also allow me the honor of guarding your goods. I am sure on such a short road I would be unneeded, but I would still wish to offer my services."
"No, no, no. Thank you, master Rixin! It is no trouble at all!"
Dung sees you out and the innkeeper starts walking back to his inn. "Care for some lunch, friend?"
"Sure. I've been on tight rations for many days. I like the way you think."{/b] The monk then adds, [b]"Do you think your friend was impressed?"
You spend that afternoon eating and resting in the inn. By dinner time Aki finally shows up, covered in sweat.
"Hi... Hard day in the field... I'll be right back."
Aki disappears upstairs, to return a couple of minutes later. She herself is no longer sweaty, but her clothes still are.
"Had a good night's rest?" she asks as she sits down at the same table as you.
'Yes, and a productive day. Our innkeeper's friend is willing to vouch for me when we arrive at the caravan masters. Apparently I am good guard material." the monk laughs. "This bodes well for our plan."
Rixin offers her whatever food he has at hand and says, "So, the field? What do you do? Hopefully nothing you are too attached to."
Aki shakes her head. "I help with plowing, seeding, the harvest, et cetera. To earn enough money to rent a room here and pay for food. That way I don't have to feel like a freeloader for at least a couple of months a year..."
"Do you know when we leave? I will have to let the farmer I'm currently helping know, and maybe collect my pay. He usually pays at the end of each week, so if we leave midweek..."
Rixin nods and says, "It is right to inform your employer of your leaving. But your work in the fields ends now. Your training has begun." Reaching into a pocket he pulls out a coin, a gold one this time.
He lays it on the table and says, in a louder voice, "Sir, will this cover any debts Aki may owe? Even if not, take it as a gift to honor your name and business."
He had money, still plenty of it, but he would need to spend some of it. They could not go with no gear to the caravan masters. They would need to buy supplies, doubly so for Aki.
"Shall you give me a tour of the city, Aki? We have supplies. As we do so, let us talk. Tell me about yourself, so I may train you in accordance with your skills. We have much to do in a short time. We leave for Ordu-Aganhe in six days."
"Uh, y-yes!" the innkeeper stammers when you place the gold coin on the table. "Thank you so much, dear friend!"
Aki watches in silent disbelief as you calmly place the equivalent of a good month's salary on the table.
"Uhm, yes," she says while getting up. "Shall we first go to the farmer where I work, then? to collect my, uh, salary for the past days...?"
Her eyes linger on the gold coin, and she feels quite silly for even mentioning her salary.
Seeing her reaction, Rixin shakes his head, "Do not be embarrassed Aki. Money does not bring honor. Your actions do. Being fair with your employer, that is honor." He raises his voice a bit and inclines his head to the innkeeper, "Taking care of a young woman in a hard world, that is honor and deserves to be rewarded."
As they leave the inn, Rixin goes on, "I have dealt with the rich all my life. Gold does not confer honor. Many a humble farmer in these fields, rustic and simple they may be, has more honor then many merchant princes I knew in Goka. Do not let that glitter blind you." The monk pauses then adds, "That said, it does have its uses. Shall we buy some equipment for the road. But as I said, tell me about yourself. I wish to know my traveling companion."
As the innkeeper gives you an appreciative nod, Aki lets your words sink in. She quietly nods, then gets up and walks over to the door. There, the smile she had the day before returns on her face. "Thank you, Rixin."
You head into the busy street in front of the inn and this time you don't see a sign of the offended gnome from earlier. Aki leads you out of the street and onto a dirt road leading out of the city. To the right of the road are fields filled with wheat and people harvesting it. This part of the land doesn't look much like the landscape you traveled before, but if you turn to your left you'll see nothing but the familiar, endless tundra.
"The next shift," Aki explains as she nods at the people in the fields.
"So, uh... You mentioned training me in accordance to my skills, but... I'm not really sure when those are, really... I've never held a weapon before. Well, I've used knives to cut and scythes or sickles in the field, but those were all tools for making lunch or harvesting. I've never handled the weapon versions of those."
Aki looks off in the field as she continues to talk. "As a kid I was always told I'm quite flexible. I think I still am, compared to most people. It's not like I've actually trained for it though, so it's probably not that impressive."
She turns to look at you and shows you a bit of a grin as she points at her head. "I like to believe I'm flexible up here too."
The monk looks at the young woman, observing her in that quiet way he learned in the monastery. "Flexibility is good. Weapons are not needed. Look at me, I carry no blade but I am dangerous enough."
He thinks for a bit and says, "I have some monk exercises we can try, to stretch our bodies...and our minds." after a bit he adds, "Can you ever tried a bow or crossbow? They can be useful to staying out of danger. A caravan would be a good place to have such a skill. Would you be willing to try?"
Rixin takes in the fields and the workers. So this is where it all gets made, the all the goods Goka traded in, were made rich from. Did these farmers and craftsmen even know where their goods went past the town market? He doubted it.
"I'd like that," Aki responds at the suggested exercises.
"I've never used any kind of bow, but I could try. Do you think they'll let me try one if we head to a shop?"
You slowly approach a small farm at the edge of the wheat field. There are people carrying wheat toward the barn next to the farm, and a couple heading into the field with tools. One man's standing just inside the barn, telling the others where to place the wheat.
"There's Yao," Aki says while looking at the man just inside the barn. "He's the farmer."
Yao turns his head and spots you. He waves as he walks up to you and Aki waves back.