Monstar Saga: Exiled Read online

  Kazko let out a loud chuckle. “I have a case of this whiskey in the back. By the time you drink it all, I’ll be an old troll.”

  The troll turned his attention to Kavan, “But if the dragonkin likes it, I may be able to earn some of the gold I paid for it!”

  Shegga rolled her eyes. “Stop trying to garner pity, Kazko! You’re the only tavern in town. You’re doing fine.”

  Kazko grinned as he turned his gaze to his brother in the back of the tavern. “I’ll be more than fine when that sorry excuse for an inn closes down.”

  Kazko’s tone was loud enough to reach the other side of the tavern. Rujin’s large hand formed a fist and he slammed it down on the table he sat at.

  Kazko laughed and shrugged.

  “Shegga, introduce me to our new friend,” the troll with pigtails said with a sultry edge.

  Shegga shook her head before turning on her stool and facing the dragonkin. “Kavan, Lorta. Lorta, Kavan. There, you're introduced.”

  The kobold turned back to her drink and downed the rest.

  The large troll slid off her seat and stood to her full height. She made her way across the short distance between them and stood over Kavan.

  Kavan’s eyes turned up to her seven-foot-tall height. He quickly noticed that trolls don’t look like trolls from other games or stories Kavan knew before coming to this world. Lorta was beautiful, and solid. Her features were slightly sharp, like her nose and brow. She had dark blue skin and dark hair. She was toned, but not overly muscular. She had an hourglass figure, even in the overalls she wore. Her ears were slightly pointed and her skin smooth, from what Kavan could see.

  Dark eyes stared down on Kavan as a small smile bloomed. “Pleased to meet another farmer. The town can use more of us. Hynrik and I cannot keep supplying everything to the town. Have you decided what you’re going to farm?”

  Kavan lifted a boney eye ridge, “I haven’t thought about it yet. I’m still getting used to the place and trying to make some repairs before I start any kind of farming.”

  Lorta nodded. “Maybe I can help with a little advice and knowledge. Hynrik supplies the town with crops. He’s hard to get to know, but he is a very accomplished farmer. He always has a surplus to get us through the winters and his crops have fed the town for years.

  “I supply livestock food, such as harpy eggs, feathers, and bolid fur. My taurs are getting on with age. If you want to supply the town with milk, I would recommend getting a few taurs. Their milk is always prized.”

  “And if you need feathers or fur for your furniture, be sure to come to my shop!” Shegga interrupted.

  Lorta closed her eyes as if to tune out the kobold, before opening them again to Kavan. “If you need any pointers, or want a tour of my farm, stop by anytime.”

  “Thank you. I will,” Kavan nodded.

  Spider legs clicked by. Kavan and Lorta turned to see Zellee approaching. The arachnix wore a silky, white dress. It adhered perfectly to her humanoid upper body, showcasing her cleavage and pale white skin. Her dark hair was tied in a new, fashionable braid and she looked at Kavan with sparkling eyes.

  “You wear the outfit I picked out for you well!” Zellee said with an excited edge.

  Kavan smiled. “You have a great eye for fashion.”

  Zellee’s cheeks turned pink. “You are too kind. I can’t wait to see what other clothes I can get you into.”

  “Or out of,” Shegga mumbled and took a sip of her drink.

  Kavan heard the kobold and assumed Lorta and Zellee also heard her. The troll and arachnix ignored the kobold as they stayed close to Kavan.

  “Don’t be a stranger to my shop. I’m willing to help with your entire wardrobe,” Zellee said with enthusiasm.

  “Thank you,” Kavan smiled.

  Two robed figures approached.

  “I believe personal inductions are in order,” the blonde, male fae said with an aristocratic tone.

  Lorta and Zellee pulled away enough for the two fae to step in with warm smiles.

  “Greetings Lord Cynder. My name is Raine Quickmoon, Priest to Drogoss and shepherd to the flock of Moonvale,” Raine said before touching the woman’s hand beside him. “Misty Quickmoon, Priestess of Drogoss and my sister.”

  The two fae bowed deeply. Kavan bowed his head to them.

  “We welcome you to Moonvale with open arms,” Misty said with a warm tone.

  “Thank you,” Kavan said politely.

  Raine and Misty lifted up their arms and stepped forward. Before Kavan understood what was happening, he sat in mild shock as the two fae embraced him. He became very still as they hugged him. He raised his eye ridge when a hand squeezed his ass.

  I hope that was Misty.

  The priest and priestess pulled back with knowing eyes.

  “Kavan, we hold service once a week at the Church of Drogoss. You should join us to see what the true god can offer your soul. We have found that a life of faith can lead to a fulfilled existence,” Raine smiled.

  Kavan remained silent. It had been a long time since he gave up on religion.

  Misty smiled. “Or come to us with personal questions of faith. Our doors are always open.”

  “Thank you,” Kavan said simply.

  Mayor Sunaxe stepped through the small crowd and stood by Kavan’s side. “Now now, let’s not crowd the dragonkin. We should be mingling!”

  Kogan wrapped an arm around Kavan and nearly pulled him from the stool. The small group separated as the mayor and Kavan stepped through the tavern. They approached the table with the naga and the woman with leaves for hair and dark skin.

  “You know our town Healer, Soki Whitescales.”

  The naga smiled and nodded.

  Mayor Sunaxe pointed an open hand to the woman next to the naga. “Kavan, please meet Ammi Leaf. She is the town’s Green Keeper and caretaker of the plant nursery. She has the most extensive collection of rare herbs, plants, and special seeds in this part of Voldor!”

  “Pleased to meet you both,” Kavan said politely.

  “You didn’t stop by my office for a follow up,” Soki said with mischievous eyes.

  Kavan nodded. “I apologize. I’m still getting acclimated to life here in town.”

  Ammi leaned over to Soki, “You’re right, he is handsome!”

  Soki lifted a hand and covered her smile. Ammi simply blinked and stared at Kavan.

  Mayor Sunaxe continued as if he didn’t hear anything they said. “Ammi is a dryad and well in tune with nature and plants. She works closely with Healer Soki to ensure the best health for all citizens of Moonvale.”

  Kavan nodded when he heard the front door open behind him. He turned around, as did most of the tavern’s patrons. All eyes fell on a short goblin in a dark, purple dress.

  Onka stood, her dress adhering to her short form. The hem was a little lop-sided, a small part of the dress dragging on the floor behind her. The top of the dress hugged her plentiful chest. Her purple-pink hair was flopped to one side, but seemed to have extra curls. Her green skin nearly glowed against her dark dress. Two earrings hung from each large, pointed ear.

  The goblin stepped in with attitude. She looked at Kavan as he stared at her. She gave him a wicked smirk and a wink before making her way to a bar stool. The goblin bent her legs and in one leap, landed perfectly on the stool. She snapped her fingers and Kazko began pouring her a drink.

  “Onka is so pretty tonight!” Ammi said with stars in her eyes.

  Yes, she is.

  Kavan snapped out of the moment as Kogan pulled the dragonkin along. The pair made their way to a table and the mayor pointed to a seat. Kavan noticed the seating was just far enough from the bar, but not all the way in the back with Rujin, Hynrik, and Brom.

  The orc and dragonkin sat down. The mayor leaned in closer on his elbows.

  “I wanted to have that moment with you before you continue to get mobbed by the town. I have been thinking it over and I feel we can come to an agreement that will help the town as
a whole.”

  Kavan looked at the older orc, waiting for him to continue.

  Kogan’s small smile faded away and he took on a serious look. “As you know, our town is in need of many things and filling in certain positions. Hearing about your fight with the kobolds and Onka telling me about your fight with the crawlers in your basement, I believe you would be perfect for a much-needed position.”

  Kavan’s slitted eyes narrowed. “Mayor, spit it out.”

  Kogan nodded. “I, and many others here in town, would like for you to consider taking the role of Magistrate. You would enforce the laws of the town, keep the peace and defend it from outside forces who wish to hurt our residents. It pays well, ten coins a week.”

  Kavan lifted a scaled hand and rubbed his jaw. “This is a bit sudden.”

  The mayor nodded. “Time waits for no one. Becoming a magistrate will help you integrate with the town. You wouldn’t have to do constant patrols or such. You can go about with your day, just know that residents may call on you if they encounter something strange.”

  “Like crawlers,” Kavan said with an amused edge.

  The mayor chuckled. “Perhaps. Take some time to think about it and let me know. We can make it official after you sign the scrolls, if you accept.”

  The mayor stood up. “Now, let’s continue with introductions.”

  Kavan was to his feet and following the older orc. The pair approached another table with the short blue woman and troll in adventurer clothes.

  “Lord Kavan, I’m pleased to introduce Nava Seadream, owner of the shop, Seadream Fish. Beside her is Tezzi Stonewill, our resident relic hunter.”

  “Pleased to meet you,” Nava said as she leaned forward on her elbows and her webbed hands holding up her head.

  “Likewise,” the troll said with a nod.

  “Good to meet you,” Kavan said with a small bow.

  “Nava’s shop will have almost every kind of fish you can think of. If you want to know anything about sea life, she is the siren to speak to.

  “Tezzi is an experienced relic hunter. Moonvale is her home, but she makes frequent trips to the surrounding towns and cities to exchange relics.”

  “The mayor is being too kind, but I wouldn’t have to go to other towns and cities if we reopened the relic museum. It could be a tourist attraction and bring many others to Moonvale,” Tezzi explained with a matter-of-fact tone.

  Mayor Sunaxe rubbed his temple and closed his eyes. “Tezzi, we’ve been over this. There isn’t enough coin in the budget to open a museum. It’s too risky an investment if no one comes here.”

  Tezzi tipped her head forward an inch, her hat just covering her eye and eyepatch. “Find me the coin for the museum and I’ll make sure Moonvale will be on the map. I have many connections and many others who would enjoy seeing what relics we have found. Moonvale is an untapped treasure trove from the past.”

  “It will have to be discussed at another time. Tonight, it is about Lord Cynder and welcoming him to our town,” Mayor Sunaxe said gruffly.

  The mayor gave a polite bow to the two women and stepped away. Kavan followed. He caught a quick glance of the siren and troll looking him up and down.

  Orc and dragonkin passed the hearth, the ogre standing by it and watching the flames. Kavan was about to turn and greet the ogre when the mayor touched his shoulder.

  “That’s Glem. He’s very shy. He needs time to warm up to newcomers,” the mayor explained.

  Kavan nodded and they continued walking toward the back.

  An arachnix stood to his full height as the mayor and the dragonkin approached. Kavan noted the sour expression in the spider folk’s eyes and his ten-foot-tall height. He wore a dark blue robe, covering his humanoid body. The rest of him was all spider, similar to Zellee. He had short, slicked back hair. His skin had a small tan to it, Kavan guessed from working out in the fields.

  “Kavan, please meet Hynrik Weaver of the Weaver Farm. Hynrik, Kavan Cynder of the Woodhaven Farm,” Kogan greeted.

  “Good to meet you,” Kavan held out his open hand.

  Hynrik looked down on it and made no attempt to grab it. He then turned his attention to the mayor with annoyance etched into his brow. Kavan lowered his arm, the arachnix clearly not interested in making friends.

  “I see you’re just giving farms away to anyone who comes through here,” Hynrik said with a dash of disdain.

  Mayor Sunaxe let out a small, tired sigh. “Hynrik, you know that is not the case. Lord Cynder did a great deed for the town.”

  Hynrik crossed his arms. “I suppose killing bandits and ferals is more important than feeding the entire town. I was thinking of expanding to the south side of town until you sold the Woodhaven farm to this stranger.”

  “Hynrik, you have never once come to me about any expansion,” Mayor Sunaxe shot back.

  The arachnix tipped his head forward and closed his eyes. “Well, it’s too late now anyway.”

  Hynrik turned his attention to Kavan, opened his eyes and scowled. “Just because you’re a dragonkin, doesn’t make you any better than the rest of us. We’ve worked hard for what we have, unlike you who just killed a few feral kobolds and now has become the hero of the Moonvale.

  “If I had known it was so easy to become a hero of the town, I would have hunted the kobolds down myself.”

  Mayor Sunaxe shook his head. “Hynrik, you’re being rude.”

  Kavan spoke up, “Mayor, it’s okay. I understand that not everyone is welcoming of newcomers.”

  The dragonkin turned his attention to the arachnix, “When Hynrik is ready, I’m sure we will share a mutual respect for each other.”

  Hynrik’s eyes narrowed and his spider legs moved and clicked across the floor. He towered over Kavan with a menacing glare.

  “Don’t talk to me like I’m some sort of whelp! I fought in the Xykk War. I know my way around a blade and bow. If I was in town when the ferals attacked, I would have made short work of them!”

  Hynrik tilted further with intimidation, emphasizing his height and size, “Not all of us rely on luck and handouts to make our way through the world. You’d best remember that when you’re overmatched and come crawling to the rest of us for help.”

  Kavan stood his ground. He maintained his cool gaze to Hynrik’s hate-filled dark eyes.

  Mayor Sunaxe stepped in-between them, his hands up. “This has gone on long enough. Hynrik, compose yourself.”

  The arachnix backed off a few paces and gave Kavan a confident smirk. “Let’s see how long you last before the town gets to know the real you. I’d wager you’re wearing a mask and at the first hint of trouble, you’ll be gone.”

  “Hynrik, enough!” Mayor Sunaxe said firmly.

  The arachnix stepped back behind his table and picked up his drink. He guzzled his ale without giving Kavan a second glance.

  The mayor and Kavan stepped away and moved across the back of the tavern.

  “Do not take his words to heart. He is an excellent farmer, but has been in a bad mood since he and Zellee broke their bonding,” Kogan said in a low tone.

  Kavan glanced at Rujin as he was sitting by himself. The troll’s eyes were blank, but Kavan caught something else behind them, a sliver of a shadow.

  “You’ve met Rujin Hearth and Brom. Let’s circle back so I can introduce you to my pride and joys,” Mayor Sunaxe smiled.

  Kavan looked at Brom, the old man staring at the wall.

  “Just a moment,” Kavan said to the mayor before breaking away from his side.

  Mayor Sunaxe watched as Kavan crossed the small distance and stood by the old man and the table by the wall.

  Rujin lifted up his mug to take a sip when he looked across the room to see Onka staring at the dragonkin with unblinking eyes. A small growl vibrated along his throat. Without taking his sip, he put the mug down and stood up.

  Kavan stood by Brom’s table. The old man made no move to acknowledge him or seemed unaware of his presence. He sat silently, staring at t
he wall.

  Kavan reached into a pocket and pulled out the strange little statue he found in his basement. He placed it down on the edge of the table, closest to Brom.

  “I found this. I believe it’s yours. If I find any more, I’ll bring them to you,” Kavan said in a kind tone.

  Brom blinked. He turned his head slightly, his gaze caught in the gravity of the figurine. His wrinkled hand on his thigh trembled. He lifted it up an inch and then put it back down, never taking his gaze off the little piece. A small moment passed and the old man reached up and snatched the piece off the table. He quickly stuffed it in his tattered robe pocket. He then looked up to Kavan with a hint of himself shining through his gray eyes.

  “Tomorrow, come to my tower. It is on Talon Street,” Brom said before his gaze lost focus.

  Kavan watched as the old lich turned back to the wall and resumed staring at it.

  You have gained 1 degree in Social Skill. Social Skill is now 2nd degree, Average.

  “I will,” Kavan said before turning away and rejoining the mayor’s side.

  Mayor Sunaxe eyed Kavan for a moment with a smile. The pair turned and began walking back to the bar.

  As Kavan was speaking with the lich, Rujin was already up and crossing the tavern. The troll kept his gaze on Onka as he approached. The goblin didn’t seem to notice him and that caused the troll’s blood to burn in annoyance. When he reached the bar, it was only then when Onka turned her attention to him and the brightness of her yellow eyes faded a touch.

  “I see it takes a dragonkin to light your fire,” Rujin said with an annoyed edge.

  Onka blinked and gave the tall troll a tired gaze. “Rujin, don’t be an idiot.”

  Rujin’s eyes narrowed. “Idiot? For saying what I see? You didn’t even tell me why you rejected my gift.”

  Onka sighed. “I don’t have to explain anything I do to anyone. Move on.”

  The troll put his large blue hand on the edge of the bar, towering over the small goblin.

  “We can put this all behind us if you just tell me the reason,” Rujin said with a low hiss.

  Onka’s brow formed a hard V as she looked up at the troll.

  At a table by the end of the bar, two orcs turned their attention to Kavan and the mayor as they approached.