Chapter 9: An Unreserved Dialogue

Several hours passed after that. We agreed that I would give him the tracksuit after the tour was completed. The reason why I asked for a tour instead of the money? Knowledge. We needed information far more than gold right now. What places should we avoid? How to generate income? On the surface level, the original deal of 50 gold might have accomplished that and more. However what we really wanted was insider knowledge. The real tips. 'Real' as to distinguish from tips that got you mugged in an alleyway or recruited into a pyramid scheme. Quintus being the obviously successful merchant that he was, given the fact he can afford 1 of 20 Platinum fighters as a 'bodyguard', should be perfect for showing us our best options in this world.

There was a second reason. Business. Although money wasn't enough by itself to survive, we would need it eventually. So the longer I spend trying to get chummy with Quintus and Gelda the better. If we can become best buddies, I'd be able to apply my Earth knowledge with all the capital in the world. It's kinda funny, I still need to make connections here as well.

Rorik who was outside driving the caravan turned around and shouted back

"We best set up camp for the night"

The sun outside had grown several shades more crimson as it prepared to sleep for the night. We dismounted and began to set up a campsite a little aways from the caravan. Rorik went to attend to the horses while me and Serena were assigned to carry fire fuel from the wagon. I stumbled around in the increasing blackness, searching. When I remembered.

"Hey Serena, what was Gelda doing in the caravan earlier before Quintus came out?" - I asked, fumbling behind boxes of merchandise.

Back then her eyes were gleaming silver, meaning she was ready to fight. It was different from when she was detecting goblin partrols. We were on fairly good terms now but I wanted to know what could've made her react like that. I wasn't going to blindly trust them after all.

"I wish to know also, I could see within the caravan yet Gelda was not physically there" - she explained "I could only see her state of mind which was ready to kill us" - she said calmly from outside the caravan

"You couldn't see her but she was definitely there?" - I asked, amazed, while tripping in the shadowy wagon.

"Correct" - she replied

I swallowed hard. Can Elves turn invisible? Seeing states of mind?? Seriously, can I encounter an ordinary thing today?

"Wait, hold on!" - I shouted realising.

"Yes?"

"Have you been watching me search the whole damned caravan for firewood while you can see in the bloody dark?!?"

"..."

* * *

Meanwhile, Gelda and Quintus were sitting at the campsite. Which was a small clearing dotted with tree stumps situated a little ways from the dirt road.

"Gelda, are they out of hearing range?" - Quintus asked quietly.

"We can talk freely for a while, Rorik is feeding the horses and I've hidden the firewood" - replied Gelda

"What's your honest opinion on that pair?" - said Quintus, sitting on a tree stump

"Suspicious to the extreme" - she replied immediately. "Since reaching Platinum certification 2 years ago, I've been discovered only once" Gelda shivered remembering that incident. "But that girl Serena knew I was there as soon as I looked at her. It's uncanny".

"Don't forget Gel, they haven't awakened either" - Quintus added

"Exactly! I could understand if she awakened to the same category as mine but she found me using natural abilities alone…". "Can you imagine the kind of potential she'll have once she awakens?" - Gelda sat in front of him.

"Hmm, you probably have a better idea than I do," he said, shaking his head. "But I imagine that it's monstrous"

"Hah, you're one to talk Oille" - Gelda snorted

"Hmm? What do you mean?" - Quintus said cluelessly

"You were already planning on recruiting them to your side from the start...weren't you?"

"Hahaha, you got me" - Quintus chuckled as his bluff was seen through. "What gave me away?"

"We've been together now for a long time now, so I can reasonably guess your intentions". She continued. "I just don't get why you bother, it's not like they have any status"

"Hmm, well I suppose it's because they surprised me" Quintus adjusting his glasses. "When they talked of this 'Earth', I already planned to trade for the clothes and drop them off at the city. Then they would quickly find that they wouldn't go far with 50 gold coins. I'd conveniently come along and save them. Thus they'll become loyal members of our faction"

"But Oille, that's not what happened was it?" - Gelda said

"No, when Lucian called out my interest in his clothes. It told me that he was bright and I shouldn't be too deceitful" Quintus sat cross legged. "So I decided that I would settle for having them approach me after we helped them get into the city. Give them a chance to sample Calvex's practices before realising that I'm their best option" - He sighed

"I don't get it. With the tour isn't it much better for you?" - asked Gelda, her face grimacing when she heard Calvex's name

"No it's different" He said, shaking his head. "I want them in my faction, but If I show them how to prosper in the city they'll have no need to join after becoming independent. Alternatively if I don't, then they won't be loyal" Quintus sighed again. "Without even realising it, Lucian's put me in a tough situation"

"Ah" - she said understanding. "But why do you care so much? They're just two random weirdos that came from out of nowhere". Gelda facing him

"The political powers in the city won't change no matter how much money we throw at it. We need people that can get jobs done, outsiders or otherwise"

Gelda stood up and sighed "This wouldn't be a problem if you just lied and forcibly recruited them from the beginning" - she said with no expression

"Hm, and become someone like Calvex? I remember asking you to kill me should that ever happen. Isn't that so Gel?" - he said calmly as if it wasn't his life that was concerned.

Several emotions flashed in her purple eyes

"You know how I feel" - she said quietly

The silence lasted a few pregnant moments until Gelda muttered.

"Rorik is coming back, Master Quintus"

"Hmmm. Tell him where to find the firewood and...I fancy wolf for dinner"

"...you want wolf Sir?" - She stared at him strangely "Do you understand what will happen, Master Quintus?" - Gelda questioned, though she already knew he did.

"Hm? Oh could I also trouble you to get it from the closest wolf pack? I like it fresh" - Quintus requested innocently

"...As you wish sir". Gelda slid noiselessly into the encroaching darkness

Oliver Quintus looked towards the faint stars appearing in the oncoming night. The shape of the mountain Drachenstien forming an oppressing shadow on the sky even in the fading light. He created an orb of fire to guard against the chill.

He allowed himself a sigh of frustration before whispering to himself "We need every card to fight against Calvex. Even those two could make the pivotal difference".