- HALT! - A voice echoed through the woods as I walked on. - Whattya think yer doin' in de fores' all by oneself? - The voice followed on after a short stop.
- I'm on my way to the farm, why ask? Anything dangerous lurking 'round? - I answered truthfully.
- Eh, jus' a lowly wyrm, but couple lads been taken by it already - The man stood near to me, dressed in heavy armour with colourful scales. - Been lookin' to catch that scoundrel, but can't find a fresh trace of him! - His voice was deep and confident.
- Oh... Thank you for the heads up, if anythin' comes my way I'll be sure to shout loud enough for ya to hear! - I turned around and started to walk, but then the man spoke again.
- Hey, kid. - He said creepily, in a lower voice.
- Uhm, yeah? - I was confused by the sudden change of tone.
- You recognize my wear, do you not? - He asked another question, in the same style.
- Sure, a royal Dragonslayer. - I started to wonder where this is going. - I was wondering why someone as important as you would be hunting for a wyrm, especially one in the outskirts of Avelynn - I added, to try and lighten the atmosphere.
- Well, I've been... exiled. I am lookin' for work anywhere I can, but I can barely keep myself alive with just my armour and weapon. He looked at the ground, and he was clearly ashamed that he has to ask such question. - I was wonderin' if maybe you knew some landlord that needs men... -
- Well, that's where I'm headed, and I think we're short a few men, so you can come with me if you want.
The farm house was built with solid wood and painted with white and brown paint, there was a large plank leading up to the elevated door guarded by two men.
- Oi, you got a reason we should let you both in? - The man on the right asked us, before we could even say anything.
- I work here, and this man is looking for work. I wanna vouch for him. - I told the similar face, expecting to be turned away.
- Right, make it quick, and don't even think of touching anythin', ye? - Surprisingly, the lad in studded leather armour agreed to our reason.
We walked up the wooden board and stepped inside the richly decorated house. Heading for the living room where you could usually catch the boss sitting by the big table, I made sure my new friend doesn't try taking any of the stuff.
- Oi, boss? - I said while knocking on the door frame.
- Hmm? Yes? - He answered. - What's the problem, farm boy? Are those bandits getting near the farm again? -
- No, sir. I've been hearing we don't have enough men on the fields, and I've found a lad who would like to work for you. - I was careful and polite with the boss, trying to keep him on his good side.
- Well, you've been hearing right. Come in, have a seat, you two. - He gestured with his hand at the empty chairs on the other side of the table.
I looked at the Dragonslayer and jerked my head towards the room, inviting him in.
As he walked into the room, the bosses eyes widened in shock.
- Is that a Dragonslayers armour?! Are there any problems around the farm?! - He became nervous as soon as he saw the glitter of the scales.
- Yes, sir, it is. - Said the man as he sat down and took off his helmet, revealing the face of an orc. - I'm Zagan, a former Royal Dragonslayer of the Allied Kingdom. -
- Ah, *former* Dragonslayer. Is that why you need the job? Shouldn't you have enough work to do with all these beasts around? - The owner of the farm questioned him further on, cautious of the gigantic man.
- Not enough people willing to pay for their own safety to keep me fed and warm, so I came here. - Zagan answered, clearly not bothered by the man's caution.
- So, tell me now, why would I want to pay you? What can you do that some other poor beggar can't? - The landowner tried to establish some form of dominance over the orc.
- I can do twice as much as yer' other men can do, maybe even thrice as much as some of your poor beggars. - The warrior clearly didn't appreciate the insult.
- Fine. That's impressive. But I can't just let you work without some proof. - The man lost his confidence once again.
- What do you mean? How can I prove myself worthy of your farm? - The orc said, with a hint of sarcasm.
I shifted around in my seat, fearing what kind of challenge the boss could possibly give a man of such strength.
- North of the farm, a group of bandits decided to settle in. See what you can do about them, and make sure to get some evidence of your work. - The owner of the house was interested if a single man can really repent a gang of bandits all by himself.
- Heh. Sure, I will see what I can do about it. Is there any place I can sleep, night is nearing and I don't really have a place to stay, especially so far outside the city walls. - My friend sure was right, as night was just about to come by the time they finished speaking.
- There are some empty beds in the rooms, Seter, go and show him where they are, please. - The boss ordered as he got up from his own chair. - I give you two days, until midnight. If you don't come back, I assume you failed, and so, I won't save a space for you. - He clarified and started to walk further into the house.
We got up and I lead him upstairs to the rooms where the farmers and workers slept in, and I showed him a bed next to mine that wasn't taken by anyone. He took off his uniform and put it in a chest, then locked it and laid in bed, quickly falling into sleep, and I followed choicelessly.
