World Witout Wizards: Guard

"Mother," it was the only word I whispered. I couldn't talk and wasn't going to wait. Checking the sharpness of my blade, I turned to the other guards, "Polozoob, Jack. Let's go. Now!"

"What?" Wahl was indignant. "It's the middle of the night now. We're alone. Let's wait for the Baron and gather the militia."

"You owe me, don't forget that…"

"I'll give you back what I owe you, but I'm not going to die for nothing."

"What about you, Tren'ya?"

"You're too impulsive, buddy. The village has already been completely burned. You can't change this. We'd better wait until the warlock forms the militia; by tomorrow midday we'll have reached our village."

"There could be survivors. Think what will happen to them if we don't come!" My heart ached…

"I think the survivors have hidden," Tren'ya muttered thoughtfully. "Don't fuss. We need to have dinner, to sharpen swords and then to go…"

"I don't recognize you, guys. Do you really consider yourself to be the defenders of the HAND?" I looked at Jack, "Come on, you owe me… "

"Of course," the guard nodded.

"Wait," Lysandra grabbed my sleeve, "Have you forgotten? Vagol has to pay you money."

"I have no time!"

"You're going to the village regardless of what we'll say, aren't you? If you're killed, we'll be killed, too. So, you need to buy some potions and appropriate equipment. We're broke."

"Why didn't you use your mind when you wanted to drown me?"

"Are you going to remember that for the rest of your life? Why didn't you use your mind when you r.a.p.ed me?" the stubborn girl insisted.

"All right," I turned back to the warlock.

"I killed a man-eating bear in the forest. I've got witnesses," I pointed to the other Black guards, "I think I'm entitled to a reward."

"It's very timely! Moorgla, bring him fifteen silver coins. Where's the carcass?"

"I sold the whole beast to the Flower Witch."

"That old bitch! So, she did manage to mess with your head. Now she'll begin to carry out anti-aging procedures."

"What do you mean?"

"It's too early for you to think about it. Here's your reward. Now goodbye. I must gather the militia."

"Thank you, sir," I bowed to Vagol and went out into the street, dragging Jack with me.

"Wait, wait!" Lysandra shouted. "Let Vasilisa go with him. I hope he'll respect your slave. We'll go to the healer for potions."

"Of course, I don't want that skinny girl! This is your family, buddy, I get it."

"That's nice," Lysandra nodded. She decided so quickly that I was confused.

"What's up? Come on! Something wrong?" Lyska asked me.

"Why are you bossing me around? Are you crazy?"

"You are right," the girl waved her hand. "Excuse me, Mr. Michael. Now let's go save your family! I don't have anyone there."

"You should learn to be more obedient and submissive," I muttered, following Lysandra, who was walking in front of me. I must have said it quite loudly, because she turned around and smiled slyly, "Oulsast used to say the same ever since I was a child. Did it help him?"

"Why did I decide to save you?"

"Obviously because you like my b.o.o.b.s," she shrugged. "If it weren't for them, I'd be safe in some monastery."

The village was small, we reached the healer's house in minutes. The sun was going down and the door was closed. I didn't try to be polite and banged on the door until I heard an angry grunt.

"Damn it! Who is it at this hour?" the Flower Witch muttered. "Wait! I'm coming!"

"Hurry up!" I yelled.

"Is it you again?" the old woman grinned. "I won't give you the carcass for any money. I need it myself."

"I don't care! I need the potions right now!"

Luck Check

Base 1

Bonus + 1

Dice Roll 2

Requirement 1

Success

"The village of half-bloods was attacked," Lyska explained to the old woman, "All the inhabitants were killed. His parents live there, that's why he's in such a hurry."

"You bring bad news," the Flower Witch muttered, "What about Naomi? Do you know anything about her?"

"I want to get home quickly to find out what happened to my mother!"

"Wait," the healer looked at my eyes and patted my hair. "It's impossible. You're her son. It's unbelievable. I've made a mistake and deceived my elder sister's son."

"Well, lady, my mother is very young. She couldn't be the elder sister of such an ancient woman who would soon leave this world!"

"You're not very polite, child. But I'll forgive your rudeness. Your mother is a pure elf. I'm just an ordinary human. She taught me all I know about a hundred years ago. I remember everything as if it was yesterday."

The old woman went inside and returned carrying many small flasks, the size of a little finger. Each flask was tied with a ribbon of a different color. "Two flasks—for health, one flask—for dexterity, one flask—for strength. Three flasks—to improve your stamina. Do you know what I'm talking about?"

"No need to explain," Lysandra replied instead of me. "I'll explain it to him myself."

"There's nothing to explain. I know a thing or two and even can make some potions. Is there a potion for full recovery?"

"It's very expensive and I can't give it to you for free."

"I'm not asking you to give it to me for free. I have some money."

I took out my wallet. "How much is it? Five or ten coins? Take it all!"

"Are you crazy? We're going to starve now!" Lyska was indignant.

"Oh, honey, she'll drive you crazy," the old woman smiled, taking the purse. "Here are two more flasks. Be careful, you can get hooked on this medicine."

"Sure," I said nodding to the Flower Witch and putting new flasks into the pockets of my leather jacket. My mother had taught me to keep the potions closer to mouth so I can reach it easily if I need it.

"Master, where are you?" Vasilisa, dragging a tinkling bag, shouted from the doorway.

"She did her job," Lysandra said through her teeth, "let's get you dressed, Michael. Do you know how to put this on?"

"I used to forge similar armor; of course, I can handle dressing up."

"Well," the former warlock's disciple sighed, "let me help you. Vasilisa, watch and learn. We'll do it together later."

Luck Check

Base 1

Bonus + 1

Dice Roll 4

Requirement 4

Great Success

The leather-sheathed steel cauters, knee pads, b.r.e.a.s.tplate fell out of the bag. They were rather good.

Good steel armor +1 forged by a skilled master

Not an individual order, but better than most

All these strings, straps and sewn strips of leather were very skillfully made. I felt comfortable and protected.

"Stay here, you can wait in the tavern." I gave Lysandra the wallet. "That should be enough for a week."

"Okay," she said, hiding the coins.

"Thank you, lady," I nodded to the Flower Witch, "I have to go."

I said goodbye and rushed out into the street. It was already dark; the moon was shining brightly. I quickly got used to the darkness and confidently walked along the path between the two villages.