Road to Riches

It was so terribly cold. Snow was falling and it was almost dark. In the small villages at the edge of the kingdom, winter was always a struggle. Lacking the technology, and stability of the bigger cities, they had only what they could make or grow. This scarcity of food also reached the forests where the beasts grew more restless with hunger, making the roads more and more dangerous for traders.

In the eyes of those who must survive, however, these trials were hurdles to be overcome. Rich knew this, and if he and his little brother were going to eat today, it was time to get to work. He got up and got dressed, in the same set of clothes he would wear until winter’s end. He took a second to look at his 12-year-old brother Peep. He was small for his age, but filled passion and curiosity. The only goal in Rich’s short life had been to make sure he kept those traits

Crossing their one room shack, he stopped to get a drink of water from the pitcher that sat on an old tool chest. Aside from the chest, where their father once kept his tools, the only furniture in the room was a small table, and a locked cabinet. Rich had kept the cabinet locked since they lost their parents, and he wasn’t sure he would ever open it.

On the ground lay piles of blankets and clothes that made their beds. They once had a real bed their father had made, but one especially bad winter, they were forced to burn it.

It was from these surroundings, draped in scarcity, that Rich made his way out onto the only road he had ever known. Little did he know, he would return here with something he hadn’t known for a very long time. Hope. With a silent prayer to himself, Rich made his way towards the of the rest of his life.

Seid was a very small village of only around 600 people. One main road spanned its entire length and disappeared into unforgiving forests on either end. The outskirts were dotted with clusters of small houses in no real order. Many of them had fallen into disrepair. Cloth covering holes where glass once lived.  

Near the center of the village was a large building where town meetings were held. it also acted as a stronghold in case beasts or bandits came to town. There were rooms for the tax collectors from the capital on the upper floor. Being born of noble families, however, soldiers of the king’s army were sent in their place during the winter.

In the very center of town there was a large clearing, which in the summer would be encircled with trade wagons looking to peddle their wares. Due to the winter's harsh conditions, however, far fewer came. Those that did raised their prices to account for the danger and scarcity of the season.

         On the edge of this clearing was a small shop that stocked up on cheap goods from the traders. Seldomly used in the spring and summer months, it became a lifeline in the cold, dark of winter.

There wasn’t much luck to be had the day before, and they had to ask the neighbors for whatever they could spare. Even though they were kind, they couldn’t multiply bread. Although Rich and Peep were happy for the blessing, it did little to quell their hunger. Two growing boys needed more than scraps to thrive.

Cursing himself for oversleeping, Rich made his way towards the center of town. Today had to produce something, and he was going to make sure that it did. Trapped in his mind he almost didn’t notice one of his oldest friends fixing his front door.

“Up to no good again?” Called Toph. A short fat boy born the same winter as him 17 years ago.

“It’s hard to say what’s good and bad in this world,” Rich replied with a sly smile. “Even the dire wolves must eat.”

“Well, be ready to use that runners’ build,” Toph warned. “The traders are on edge. They say the beasts have made their travels harder than usual.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, but bellies can’t be filled with worry alone. If I have time later perhaps I’ll share my riches with you.” Rich said bowing sarcastically.

Toph looked serious for a second. “Just be careful okay.”

“I always am.” Rich said with a final deep bow.

Dreadfully aware of the falling sun, He hurried his pace. Most of the traders will have closed up by now, and he couldn’t return home empty handed. Peep would be counting on his success, and Rich couldn’t bear to fail him again. Of course Peep would help if he could, but Rich wouldn’t allow it. After all, it was dangerous work.

As he got to the trade square his spirits plummeted. There were fewer wagons than yesterday. He approached the nearest one, which smelled of fresh cooked meat, and herbs. An annoyed mountain of a man with thick glasses eyed him suspiciously. It was a large stand on wheels. Unlike the cheaper horse-pulled wagons used by most of the other traders had, this one was steam powered. A sign that this trader had a little wealth to brag of.

As Rich approached the man looked him up and down with obvious scrutiny.

 “We only take the king’s currency here boy. No handouts.” the man barked.

Suddenly self-conscious about his looks Rich almost lost his nerve. He was a handsome enough boy. Tall with sandy hair and blue eyes. His tattered jacket and holey pants, however, betrayed him.

Rich smiled back and jingled the keys in his pocket. “Well sir, you’re in luck, it seems there’s still a few coins in our humble village.”

The trader didn’t seem convinced. “Well don’t dally. I need to lock up before night falls.”

The shop’s stock consisted of a number of raw, and cooked meat varieties. The counter was lined with jars full of fresh herbs that gave of a wave of delicious smells. Sticking out of a large baskets near the herbs, was a bouquet of meat kababs still steaming into the evening air.

“I’ve never seen this spice here,” Rich said excitedly. “Where does it come from?”

“The deserts far to the e-.”

Before he could finish Rich reached for the jar and knocked several of the others on the ground behind the counter.

“What is your problem.” Screamed the trader.

“I’m so sorry sir, I only wanted a closer look. I will happily pay for the damages.” stammered Rich.

As the trader reached down to retrieve the bottles, Rich quickly stuffed 2 of the kababs in his jacket pocket.

The trader looked up angrily. “If either of these bottles had broken, I would’ve had your purse or your head.”

“I’ll keep my hands to myself sir, It won’t happen again.” Rich pleaded.

“I’ll forgive you this once. It’s a pity your parents never taught you to look and not touch. Now what do you want, I have to be closing soon.” Said the man dusting his jars.

“I was hoping you had a spice called eavlapore, it’s a favorite of my mothers.” Rich lied.

“Eavlapore? You couldn’t afford it if I did have it. That spice only grows on the Regal Mountain behind the castle. Hundreds of miles from here. It’s a taste for royalty. Tell your mother to pray she’s born rich in the next life. Now begone with you. I tire of your presence, and I have much to do.” With that he slammed the shutter of his cart shut.

Rich didn’t enjoy stealing, but in a life filled with so much sadness, success was a feeling he couldn’t help but celebrate. He half walked/ran to a bench near the town store. He pulled one of the kababs out of his pocket and in 2 greedy bites it was gone. He hadn’t tasted meat since early summer, and the flavor sent waves of joy through his body. He sat their a while, savoring the feeling.

He closed his eyes and imagined the halls of faraway holds. Tables stocked with meat and vegetables from the far reaches of the kingdom. Gold chandeliers glistened above his head. He saw Peep talking to the nobles with his face covered in his dinner. Beautiful women kept their glasses full and addressed them both as young lords. He thought of his clothes made of silk, prepared for him that day. He imagined a large room with a bed full of feathers, on his very own airship.  Would he ever experience a life like that? It didn’t seem likely.

         “Eavlapore huh? Pretty expensive taste for a lad who can’t afford a few bits of meat.

Rich’s heart pounded. Sitting next him was a man, well it could be a man, with a glowing red eye encased in metal. His left arm was also made from gear-work plated in gold. Rich had read about such prosthetic technology, but no one around here could afford it. A golf plated rifle was strapped across his back matching his arm. He wore a short dapper coat with metal chest armor underneath. He had on thick brown pants with more armor around his calves. Who was this man, and when had he sat down.

         “Let me guess, King’s royal army. Here to collect taxes and save the world from hungry kids?” Rich’s words came out angry, though he wasn’t sure why.

“Wrong, and wrong again my boy. I’m just a curious passerby. I understand doing what you must, but how does a boy such as you know of eavlapore. Who are your parents.” Inquired the stranger.

“My parents are gone, and my knowledge is my own. I have to get back to my younger brother.” With that Rich tried to leave, but as he stood, so did the man.

“Perhaps your brother would like more to eat than meat covered in pocket lint. Accompany me to my ship, and I shall give you some provisions. All I ask is you talk with me for a while. My work often leaves me lonely.” The stranger offered.

Unsure if he should run, Rich thought on his offer. If he was here to arrest him he would have no trouble doing so, and had he said ship? He must mean an airship, there are only small rivers in this area. Curiosity was a fatal flaw of Rich’s.

“I suppose I could go with you, but I shouldn’t be out much after dark, my brother is still young.” He said after his deliberations.

“Excellent, my ship is in a clearing just inside the forest, let’s walk and talk.” The stranger said happily.

“What is your name, sir. “Rich asked.

“Depends on the region my boy, but in these parts, I’m known as Dusk Wyvern-Slayer.” He revealed, “Now a question for you, though I’ve asked once before, where did you learn of eavlapore.”

Seeing no reason to lie Rich confessed, “From a book my father gave me before his passing. I used to be obsessed with the outside world. Have you really killed a wyvern?”

“Only a couple and one made a meal of my arm. Now what is your name, and what is it’s meaning?” As he said this the man sounded serious, but he couldn’t be could he. Wyvern came from the mountains, and it took more than one man to stop one.

“My name is Rich. I abandoned my birth name, because it was my father’s, and I couldn’t hope to be like him. I chose Rich, because it’s what I’ll become. I’ll take care of my brother and have a good life.” Why was he telling him all this.

While they walked, they made their way to the forest closest to the center of town. They had just reached the edge when they heard a howl that sent shivers down to Rich’s very soul.

“They’re getting closer, I’ll have to dispose of them tonight.” Before Rich could ask what he meant, they came to the clearing and he stopped dead in his tracks in awe.

In front of him was a 2-story air ship. It resembled a pirate ship with a large balloon instead of sails. There were large steam-powered engines around the base, and cannons poking out through the portholes. a large sleeping dragon was expertly painted on the side of the large balloon like top. As the unlikely pair approached there was movement on the deck.

“Captains back, lower the stairs,” Yelled a woman from the deck.

At the press of a button a bronze ramp descended from the deck and landed by their feet. There was a hiss of steam as the ramp began forming a staircase all the way up to the deck.

         “What do you think?” Dusk asked, looking at Rich’s amazed face with amusement.

“I think I need to kill some dragons.” He said still admiring the bronze stairs. “I’ve never had more than 60 bronze coins in my life and here you are walking on it.”

“Perhaps you should. Come along.” Dusk replied climbing the staircase.

As they made their way to the top they came across the girl that lowered the stairs.

“Hello there, I’m Molly, the ship’s mechanic. Who might you be?” She asked. She was gorgeous with red hair and blue eyes. Her clothes were covered in grease.

“Just a friend of mine, Molly, we’re quite busy at the moment.” Dusk answered for him.

They crossed the deck to a large ornate door covered in stained glass made to look like the flag. Inside was a large room with a map table, and a large bed. There were bookshelves filled with all manner of books. The walls were decorated with heads of monsters Rich had never seen, nor heard of. This was the room of his dreams.

“Let’s cut to the chase boy.” Dusk said suddenly, looking dangerously serious. “I’ve come to your village to hunt a pair of dire wolves, but that’s not all I came for. I also came to check on a certain pair of boys my fool of a brother left with nothing.”

“Wait, You’re my uncle?” Rich found this hard to believe. “Our father never mentioned a brother.”

“Figured as much. Long before you were thought of, we started hunting together. We were around your age, likely a little younger. Our parents also died young, but we were lucky enough to live in the capital. A place full of opportunity. It was maybe a year into our partnership we came here to put down a boar the villagers thought was possessed by a demon. It took a few weeks to track down so we used the village as a home base. It was here your father fell in love with your mother. We killed the boar, but your fathers career as a hunter died out as well. When he said he wanted stay we got in a fight that came to blows, and we never spoke again. I left him here with the currency he had and his rifle.”

Rich’s head was reeling. His father was a monster hunter? It didn’t seem possible, but then how would this man know so much.

“What does all this have to do with us? What do you want from me.” Rich asked.

“I just don’t want my blood to starve. I discovered you were still alive after I started researching this job. I looked for my brother’s name, but I only found yours, and Peep’s in the tax records.” Dusk looked sad all at once. “How did my brother die?”

“A plague 8 years ago.” Rich said darkly. “It took them both.”

They sat in silence a while, both digesting new truths. Rich was convinced of this man’s identity but didn’t know how to feel about him, or what he wanted from him.

Dusk spoke first. “Get your father’s gun and hunt these wolves with me, they’re 25G a piece. That will feed you for 2 years.”

In the king’s currency 100 bronze was equal to 1 silver, and 100 silver is equal to 1 gold. Just one of these wolves would be enough to support them for a long time.

“I’ll do it.” Rich said certainly. He had never felt this feeling in his chest. The warmth in his fingertips. This was his chance for a better life.

“Good, it’ll be good training for after. I forgot to mention you’re both coming with me. You’ll live and work on this ship. I’ll show you the world and take you to the capital. From there, you can decide your own destiny’s, but I refuse to let this desolate village take anymore of my family.”

A million thoughts rushed through rich’s mind. Everything he’d ever dreamed of was coming true. He wanted to say a thousand things, but all that came out was,

“I’ll get my things.”