Siem, tired and dishevelled, peeked out of her basket. She had only been able to sleep a few hours that night. They had been travelling for two days now.
“Finally, Hermon let me go-” Before she could finish the sentence Hermon had thrown the basket on the ground. “Thanks,” Siem said angrily. But she didn’t add anything more, aware that her mood was not the best. Eldana only looked at her sympathetically. She had spent several nights in this basket and knew the feeling.
“What do we do now? Hermon asked.
“We go in,” Eldana replied curtly and took the first steps towards the gate.
“Woah, woah, wait a minute, I think your energy is great, but let’s go over the plan again. I think I forgot it.” Hermon looked at them both.
“Tell us what you remember.” Both looked at him questioningly.
“So...we are going in...to convince the King to stop persecuting you. Then we must find the most powerful mage, Lord Taboon, to help us change the system. We also need allies, so we need to talk to the Guild of Free Warriors. And we must do this quietly without drawing attention to ourselves, so the warriors of the Middle Kingdom don’t find us and lynch us on the spot.”
“Forgotten something?” Siem asked and smiled sweetly.
“What?” Hermon spoke.
“How do we make sure we’re not discovered?”
Hermon raised his finger. “Ahh exactly... We are a family. I am the papa, you are the mama, and Eldana is our child. Right?” Hermon wasn’t sure, so he looked around for confirmation but neither of them was giving anything away. Both just stared at him. Then after what felt like an eternity, Siem said, “I think it was right, what do you think Eldana?”
Eldana tried to suppress her laughter but couldn’t. “I think so too.” Both laughed out loud.
They entered the gate to the city and went through without any problems. They paid the toll and split up. Hermon went to the Free Warriors Guild, Siem to the magicians, and Eldana to the King.
“Be back outside the gate in three hours. No detours. No long discussions. Find out what we need to know and come back,” Siem instructed.
All three had transformed themselves with change spells, which were a pretty common spell in the Middle Kingdom. People often used them to appear more beautiful in the hopes of enticing suitors. There were even posters plastered all throughout the city. ‘A better you today, these words are all you have to say!’ they said. No one would think it odd to see.
The Guild of the Free Warriors
The first to reach their destination was Hermon. The guild of the Free Warriors was only a little way from the entrance gate, after all, near to the city entrance to offer their services to those seeking trade and adventure.
Unfortunately, in the peaceable Middle Kingdom there just wasn’t that many who sought out a dangerous life. The Guild of the Free Warriors was a small building; there just wasn’t that many Free Warriors. When Hermon entered, he was immediately greeted by a magic being guarding the door. “How can I help you, stranger?” it asked. The servitor-being had the shape of a human but only when it needed to did it develop the sense organs. It was speaking, so the mouth was created, then disappeared again into the mass. Hermon always thought these creatures were weird but said nothing.
“I’m looking for supporters for our cause,” he said in an overly loud voice.
“What cause?” the thing asked.
Hermon came closer. “We want to change the cycle of the 100 years. I am a friend of Eldana who...” Before he could finish the sentence, the magic being created hands, and put them over Hermon’s mouth. At the same moment, it created a mouth that moved close to his ear.
“You live dangerously. Hermon, son of the Berserker King”. Hermon retreated away from the hands and mouth. He had never mentioned his name and did not look like any Berserker. The change spell was supposed to make him unrecognizable.
“We should talk inside. It’s too dangerous out here,” said the thing as it shifted once more, moving aside to let Hermon in. He went in, still stunned, cautious and on guard.
Once inside, he saw the barman first, looking bored from the lack of guests. There were many small curiosities scattered around the room; little circles of light that hovered in the air; magical lamps. There were also tables, full of runes and signs that were constantly changing; and chairs that creaked as one approached. Everything was in motion, except for the few people in the room. They were cloaked in silence, dark hoods covering their faces. Hermon took all that in and felt at home. Here sat free men and women, able to do what they wanted. They were mercenaries that sold themselves to the highest bidder. They were able to protect themselves and hold their own against any army, and as such they focused on themselves, not carrying anyone else’s burdens. Hermon was the son of the Berserker King. His burdens followed him everywhere. He admired the freedom
