Fer agreed with Cole.  The veteran adventurer seemed to spend all his ti me at the Inn.  One might even say that there was more beer flowing through his veins than blood.  This could be due to him loosing so much in his fights on the Arena as a gladiator.  

Some could also say that having seen so much death, much of which was caused by his own hands, could lead a man to drink.  Being disconnected from the world could be a coping mechanism.  The young hero had seen much of that in the camps in his own world.  Too many men would seek the solace of alcohol to escape the horrors of war.  

Fer himself had contemplated it but his goal of rescuing his brother and sister, Maria gave meaning to his killing.  Now, he was thrown into a world that required him to kill.  Ironically, it had also given him a tool that was almost incapable of doing so.  Perhaps it was for the best.  He unconsciously rubbed his bracer.  The stone felt warm to the touch as if it fed off his emotions.  

A smirk appeared on his face.  He looked up suddenly noticing Cole’s surprise in his voice.  He looked around to verify that the masked woman had indeed vanished.  The shield Hero’s eyes narrowed.  These…shadows seemed to be anywhere and keeping an eye on them.  

A dark thought crossed his mind.  Had they been watching when the trio took on the bandits?  If so, would they have come to their aid should the heroes needed them to?  Or would they just make sure to retrieve the holy weapons and summon some others?

Fer had known that he was not the first user of the Shield.  He wondered if the report he had received regarding the man who had gone on his own and gotten killed was true or if it had been fabricated.  It was true that the King was in perilous position.  Auriel had explained how Malromarc was a Matriarchy.  The fact that a man now held the throne probably has the king in a very perilous position. 

The young hero was no stranger to the politics of power.  He had seen many shake with one hand while holding a knife with the other.  He had been a fool to think that this world was any different.  This was not a story like the ones his younger brother used to read with knights and dragons.  There was no black and white.  There was no clear heroes or villans.  Cole was right, there was much for them to know.  What they did not know COULD hurt them. 

The pair walked together.  He noticed many give Cole warm smiles and then either ignore him completely or give him a suspicious and cautious nod.  Fer wondered why there was such animosity towards the shield.  What would have happened in the past?  He needed to not only trust in Auriel to give him data.  He would have to dig for it himself. 

He turned to Cole.  “I have said this, and I will say it again.  As long as I draw breath. I shall be your shield.  I will follow you.  We are a team but judging on the looks and what the two emissaries have said, you being the face of the team is probably for the best.”


When they finally arrived at Marcino’s usual haunt the pair entered.  The place was a loud and chaotic as normal.  Apparently in this world it was not unusual to be drinking even so early in the day.  Marcino greeted them with his usual rough manner.  Apparently the bow had some interaction with him.  Was this directed by the throne or was the bow hero trying to recruit him too?  Either case did not bode well for the small trio.  

Fer pursed his lips when Marcino all but refused their request.  He could understand why the older man did not want to go with them.  Many had hinted that the prey was nowhere near Marcino’s level.  The only way to tempt such a man was by offering money.  However, that could backfire if the mercenary raised the price so high that they could not pay him. 

Fer should have waited for Cole to finish but he could not help it.  He raised his voice in a calm and assertive tone. [color=0054a6] “You are right.  This job was given to us.  Yet, there is more than one way to skin a cat.  We are not asking you to skin it for us.  We just need a safety net.  No true warrior goes into battle without a back up plan.  Only a fool confuses bravery with recklessness.  I am sure we have much to learn from you.  So we ask only that you assist us.” [/color] He looked sideways at Cole to see if he would object then continued.  [color=0054a6]“Of course, you would be compensated.  What would be your price?” [/color]