World Witout Wizards: Guard

I was afraid that Triya would suffocate, so I dragged her to the water as quick as I could. The fishy wasn't light—she weighed at least 45 pounds. But as soon as she dived into the water, a whirlpool of bubbles emerged around her— a few moments later the mermaid was herself again.

"Listen," I turned to the mermaid, "Please, don't take it personally. But I don't know what to do next."

She looked at me through the transparent eyelids that covered her eyes.

"Well, you can't even answer... I need to pay more than one gold coin for you. Only demons know where I'll get this money."

Luck Check

Base 1

Bonus 0

Dice Roll 3

Requirement 2

Great Success

The mermaid frowned, then dived into the water. After a few seconds I could no longer see her. Wonderful! What did I expect: that she would talk suddenly? That she'd get out, throw her tail away and turn into a girl? Of course, that would be great, but we're not in a fairy tale after all.

One gold coin. It doesn't sound like much, but... An onion chowder costs one copper coin. Onion chowder with a piece of bread costs two copper coins. A large portion of meat stew is five copper coins. Let's count. One gold coin consists of one hundred silver coins. One silver coin consists of hundreds of copper coins. Hence, I can eat meat stew for six years every day for one gold coin. But I spent it buying a fish... maybe I've made a mistake…

While I was lost in thought, trying to calculate what I owed and how much I would need to work to pay it back, I heard the water splashing behind me. I turned around and saw Triya pointing her finger at the water.

"Well, I don't want to swim, thank you," I waved my hand, "It's rather cold today." The mermaid clapped her hands on the water and pointed downwards again. Why have I bought her?

Intelligence Check

Base 0

Bonus 0

Dice Roll 4

Requirement 4

Success

Well. Screw it! I took a deep breath and dived into the water. I felt stinging in my one eye, and my wounds hurt. The water was cold. Damn it. What's that? I definitely remembered how beautiful it was here the last time. The water was clear, I could see everything within fifteen feet and beyond. Why are there so many little pieces floating around... Oh, damn it…

I was so naive considering that almost all the dead dwellers were on the shore. Almost the entire bottom of the lake was covered with the bodies of the killed inhabitants. There was the stone Titan, who managed to destroy his opponent. The Kraken lay beneath the revived statue, crushed and torn apart. It was good that I didn't take part in the battle of these giants, they would have killed me and not even notice it. While I was looking at the bottom of the lake, Triya swam closer and pointed her finger at the algae next to the Titan.

Perception Check

Base -2 (one-eyed)

Bonus -2 (muddy water)

Dice Roll 4

Requirement 3

Failure

Stamina Check

Base 1

Bonus 0

Dice Roll 1

Requirement 2

Success

I couldn't see anything in the muddy water. What can I find there? Another corpse? While I was peering, some debris got into my only eye, I screamed and got to the surface. It hurts! I hope I won't go blind!

Luck Check

Base 1

Bonus 0

Dice Roll 3

Requirement 2

Great Success

"What's wrong, buddy?" It was Polozoob.

"I've got something in my eye."

"Wait!" The Guard grabbed my shoulders. "I'll help you wash. Here's some clean water from the well."

He poured clear water over my face and I felt better after a few seconds, I decided not to go into the water again so as not to be blinded completely, even if the mermaid called me.

What shall I do with her? Tren'ya was hardly aware of the mermaid's habits. I was afraid to ask the Baron for advice. Although I could consult with Lysandra. She was incredibly smart. The girl had been reading books since childhood.

As for me, I left school after three years. I could read, count and write. My father taught me to forge. I thought that was enough to make a living. However, in difficult moments like this, I really needed the advice of the warlock's disciple.

At the same time, I didn't want to see her now. The reason wasn't her sarcasm. I enjoyed being in bed with Vasilisa and Lyska at the same time. But I didn't know what to do in this situation. I was a m.a.t.u.r.e guy; though I had to live another thirty years before I came of age, taking into account that I was a half-elf.

However, I wasn't ready to have s.e.x with two girls at once.

I kept thinking about my parents. I was afraid I'd find their bodies at the bottom of the lake. Luckily, I hadn't found them. I was afraid to think they were dead. They'd have definitely returned to the village, once the battle was over, but they never did.

Apart from the lake, there was another place that had to be inspected — my parents' house and the forge.

"Triya, I don't know if you can understand me. Wait here and don't attack anyone. I need to go a few more places and figure out how to take you with me."

"Put it in a barrel," Tren'ya laughed, "salt her like a herring, and close the lid so she won't rot."

"She isn't a fish," I said, "though you're right. I need to find a big barrel or cart to carry her."

"Why are you always looking for problems, buddy? What do you need that mermaid for? She has lived without you all her life and will live on. You're not responsible for her."

"She saved my life twice. I have a debt to repay. I couldn't just watch them kill her."

"You're right," Polozoob nodded seriously, "the laws of our Empire are based on the fact that debt must be paid. The magic knows everything. Even what you forget. If she got you out, do what you want, but pay it back."

"Come with me to my parents' house, Tren'ya. I'm afraid to go there alone, but I must. Have you visited your house?"

"Yes. It's completely destroyed—only a pile of stones has remained."

"You lived alone?"

"Yes, but I was in love with a girl. I wanted to marry her, live with her...but that will never happen, unfortunately. Come on!"

After having said good-bye to Triya and promising her that I would return, I went to my house.