181 - Back In Balrum

There was a reason Oldwater stood at the crossroads of the mud wastes and the western side of the basin. The town's location hadn’t been chosen at random. It was placed precisely at the gates of the shortest and safest path through the wastes.

Alexandra and the four surviving Paladins took ten days crossing them from the north. Nobody traveled this way. There was no one to cull the occasional mud elemental that strayed too close to the road, no one to map out the many quicksand pits, no one to pack the mud under their steps with their repeated passage.

Kyle and Alicia’s injuries only made things worse.

As a result, it took nine days of miserable mud trudging for the mountains hiding Balrum to finally come into view. At least, it gave Alexandra enough time to crack the sickness of abundant pelage. It would have been awkward to stroll into town looking like a shiny bear. The curse itself wasn’t too hard to break with her rare skill and a touch of persuasion. As for removing the fur, it was painful, but at least Alicia had fun ripping it from her skin.

Alexandra led her new comrades up the slope and down the road leading to the town gates.

“Halt,” a guard called as they got close. He looked at Alexandra and recognized her. Maybe she’d passed through the gates enough times, or he was reminiscing about the night of festivity when her business was yet to be declared illegal. “Alexandra, who are those people? I can’t allow four unknown Golds to enter the city.”

“I can vouch for them.”

“With all due respect, that won’t be enough,” the guard said with an apologetic look. “It would be for lower ranks, but Golds are too dangerous.”

“So they can’t come in?” Alexandra asked. “That’s bullshit. They’re stranded on this side of the wastes with nowhere to go.”

“I didn’t say that. We just need to do further screening. Please wait here while I get a councillor to oversee the process.”

Alexandra sighed. “Please get Emher.”

The guard nodded. “I’ll see if he’s available.”

As he left, Alexandra turned back to the Paladins. “Sorry about that.”

“No need to worry,” Kyle said. “This is standard procedure. I’d be more concerned if they let us in without question.”

“Fine.” Alexandra pulled the group to the side and took out her journal. “I have a daily to complete. Who’s up to help me?”

“What’s the quest?” Alicia asked.

Alexandra winced. “I… need someone to beat me up.”

“Me!” Erik shouted. “Me. Please pick me.”

“I was here first. Get in line.” Alicia pushed him back.

“You still haven’t recovered. Maybe next time, after you see the Hands.”

“I’m good, thank you.”

Alexandra looked between the two, somewhat grateful that Kyle and Regis hadn’t jumped in as well.

“Enough,” the captain ordered. “I know your quests are important, but you’re not going to do that in front of everyone. Not if you want us to enter the city.”

“Bummer,” Alicia muttered.

Alexandra didn’t mind. She was angry at her journal for giving her such a stupid quest in the first place.

This better get me a skill…

While they waited, she checked on her progress since fleeing from the pass.

Daily quests summary: Eight Quests Completed -> +80 exp, +1 STR, +1 DEX, +3 CON, +1 INT, +2 PER

Daily Quest Streak: 147 -> 155

Solar Core Control 3 -> 4

Mana Persuasion 3 -> 4

Steady Balance 6 -> 7

Basic Hygiene 8 -> 9

Accounting 4 -> 5

It didn’t take long for the guard to return. When Alexandra saw the councillor he was bringing, she could barely hide her disappointment.

I told him to bring Emher, and he had to pick this guy.

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“Alexandra, I was getting worried,” Torak said as he strode toward her, Cem following in tow.

“Torak, it’s good to see you. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to find Zeynep.”

Torak waved his hand. “No matter. My cousin is safe. She was injured by a stone elemental and spent a few days recovering in Izrum.”

Alexandra suppressed a grimace. All of this for nothing. At least Zeynep was fine.

“That’s good to hear,” she said. “I will visit her soon. Can you help my new employees through the gates?”

“Employees?” Torak asked as he surveyed the team of Paladins.

That was the story they’d decided upon. Alexandra was still set on opening her guild, and the Paladins would make fantastic guards, clerks, or even adventurers. It wasn’t even a lie, as she was absolutely intending on using them this way.

She wasn’t about to pay them, however. But they should be getting their pay from their order, so it was fine. Besides, they’d get the chance to earn contribution points.

“Has the council still not approved my petition?” Alexandra asked. “It’s been weeks.”

“Well, you haven’t finished cleaning up the sewers,” Torak said. “Yaren pushed a little too far by asking you to do this, but that’s how it is.”

“I don’t recall you being on my side either.”

Torak lowered his head. “Sorry.”

Cem coughed. “Sir.”

“Right,” Torak said, straightening up. “Four foreign Golds. Even if it’s you, Alexandra, I can’t just let them in without vetting.” He turned to the Paladins. “Good day, people. I’m Councillor Torak of Balrum. May I know where you’re coming from?”

Kyle nodded. “Hello, sir. We’re from the Aby—”

Alexandra clamped a hand over her mouth.

Torak raised an eyebrow. “I want to help you, Alexandra. But…”

“Listen, Torak, can you keep a secret? I promise they won’t be a problem for the town, but I don’t want people to know their affiliation.”

Torak exchanged a look with Cem.

“This is not appropriate, Sir.”

He turned back to Alexandra. “Tell me who they are. I will decide if the council needs to know.”

Alexandra looked at Kyle, Erik, Alicia, and Regis. Aside from questions their presence would raise, they couldn’t afford broadcasting their position to the cult of desire. Perhaps even more so since the demon worshipers were primarily after Kam and Nara.

She inhaled. Exhaled. Then whispered. “They’re trainees from the Paladins of Yshar.”

Torak’s eyes shot open. “How?”

“I know a few people,” Alexandra said, smiling. “I’m sure you understand my reasons for wanting to keep it quiet.”

“Is this true?” Cem asked, his gaze locked onto Kyle.

“Yes,” the captain answered.

He nodded to Torak.

Torak quickly schooled his facial expression. “I see. It’s the first time I've met people from your order. On behalf of Balrum, I sincerely thank you for the sacrifices you make holding back the hordes of fiends in the Abyssal Fissure.”

“We’re only trainees, Councillor,” Kyle said. “All the glory belongs to our seniors.”

“Nevertheless, you have my admiration. You may enter the city. I will not spread rumors of your presence.” He turned to Alexandra. “I’m interested in hearing what you were up to. If you have a moment, I’d like to invi—”

“I need to check on my friends,” Alexandra said, interrupting him. “Thank you for your help. Let’s catch up later.”

“Oh. Yes. I understand.”

Alexandra led the Paladins through the gates of Balrum. The troglodyte houses carved directly into the cliff had their effect even on well-traveled people.

“I like the verticality,” Regis commented. “Reminds me of home.”

“The air is a lot cooler,” Erik said. “I guess there’s no lava river here.”

“When can we get started on the quest?” Alicia asked.

Kyle grabbed her by the arm. “You will not be doing any of that. You and I are going straight to the Temple of Fanon.”

“But, Captain!”

“Erik, Regis, you two secure lodging for us,” she ordered. “Alexandra has to see to her people.”

Alexandra nodded. “Alright. I’ll see you later.”

Finally alone, Alexandra made her way back home and found the house empty, but cleaner than she left it.

I knew they didn’t need me to clean.

Nara was probably at school, but she didn’t know where Willow and Kam were. Without bothering to change, she headed up the cliff to check on Zeynep.

A knock on her door was all it took for her friend to open it.

“Alexandra!” she said, pulling her into a hug. “You’re back. I’m so sorry you had to look for me. Come in.”

The house was as she remembered it. Perhaps there was one more carpet somewhere in the mix covering the floor.

“Are you fine?” Alexandra asked.

“I am. Just a small injury. Happens. I was closer to Izrum, so I went there.”

Alexandra chuckled. “Ah. That’s embarrassing. I ran all the way to the pass to look for you.”

“The pass? I mean, why would I go there without telling anyone?”

“Yeah… I was worried.”

“Thank you.” Zeynep smiled, bringing her a cup as she sat on the carpet.

“It’s nothing.” Alexandra rubbed her hand behind her head.

Zeynep shook her head. “It’s not. I learned that you met my cousin. I’m sorry about that.”

Alexandra grimaced. “Well, that’s how it is.”

“He’s not that bad once you get to know him. But I’ll tell him to leave you alone.”

“Will he listen?”

“Probably not,” Zeynep said, shrugging. “But his assistant should be able to keep him busy.”

“Okay…” Alexandra trailed. “Well, I’m glad you’re doing fine. I need to check on Willow and Kam. Any idea where they are?”

“Kam is probably with the Hands. He’s spending time at the temple to learn. Willow has started helping in the alpages.”

“Really? When?” Alexandra asked.

“After you left. Don’t tell her I said it, but I think she has a bit of a cheese addiction.”

After talking with Zeynep, Alexandra visited the temple where she found Kyle and Alicia getting healed. Kam was also there. Since he was busy, she left him to his devices and got directions to the alpage where Willow was working.

If there was cheese involved, Alexandra wanted a taste.