Chapter 1

  Wandering Wizard

  Hitting rock bottom means you fell from somewhere.

  A bit obvious, but to hear it every so often to remind yourself of the bittersweet truth of that phrase. No matter how bad it is, it can always get a lot worse.

  First, he was taken to the wrong place, & not to the wrong street, he was taken to the wrong city! Instead of going south he wound up being taken North to a frozen tundra.

  “That’s it! I'm stuck!” That was some of the last of his coin after buying new equipment, supplies & anything left would take him to somewhere that is not the apparent capital like one of the three small towns nearby then have nothing left.

  “Ffffuuck!” Oskar groaned

  Not very elegant understandably but how would you feel being taken to a place that was on the complete other side of the continent? & so cold, went through his clothes & anything exposed froze stiff in seconds. He inhaled the freezing air & took in his environment as he refreshed himself to the five C’s drilled into him, he sighed before muttering “Cool, Calm, Collected Confident, Competent” like a mantra “Okay, fine! If this is my fresh start, so be it.”

  Summer has not made it this far yet so that’s something to look forward to, & he could feel it, the winter here is a bit deep, given he wasn’t not in tropical clothes, but he was not dressed for a brutal winter climate up north.

  Before he knew it, the shock finally passed. He murmured to himself “Okay let's do this, fresh start Oskar.” Just as the wizard was a few short metres away, it happened

  Slip,

  His hat blew off his head landing in the snow white noise was all Oskar could hear, see, & taste as the air left his lungs. He landed on an ice mound the size of a fist, the apex collided with his ribs. The sound made from ice to flesh made even the stoic guard wince.

  The moment Oskar was cognitive again he panicked even more, “Shit” He yelled as the Wizard checked his bag. He closed his tearing eyes once they met the two broken vials full of herbs that took him hours TO PUT TOGETHER!

  That was the second thing. The contents were ready to be mixed ingredients for a set of high-grade mana & healing potions. Months, took, fucking, months. Oskar didn’t want to make them until he had the right brewing equipment or an alchemist to help, he needed to get up & get warm, the snow melting into his clothes now.

  “Get up” A deep voice called as a hand pulled up the robed figure to his feet.

  Oh it’s the guard again, what was his name?- “What is your name?” Oskar asked. Now the sun tanned elf wasn’t short in elven standards but to a half giant definitely, that was emphasised by where he was, the average man or woman was seven feet tall, hells some of the children matched his height. Along with the winter attire imposing figures, however, there were a myriad of other races typically like the half giants to that were many variants in race & heights which lead to a bustle to the city of utility,

  The guard looked at the wizard with those piercing amber eyes, huh human-. Not just by his eyes but he had taken off his helmet, short brown hair with slightly pale complexion & a short maintained beard, he dusted Oskar off. He was tall, given Oskar was no short stack, but this guy was big even without the armour, & came across as someone who would hold his position even in a blizzard & or against an army of giants, a pillar of calm fury to those that dare to harm his city. “Blake. My name is Blake” He said, gently letting go once he had his footing. The armour he wore was a shade of matte silver & cobalt blue with some kind of padding where the metal would regularly touch the skin, he carried a spear with a sword holstered to his side however, there was a leather band wrapped binding the sword guard to the sheath, that established it to not be drawn, a rare quality in discipline. His eyes caught Oskar staring at it, he kept staring until he looked back to his eyes, Oskar’s blood froze & not from the cold anymore he commanded the Elfs complete attention with just his presence. He spoke softly like tempered steel. “Papers & reason for arriving.” The guard's voice, it was deep, despite the helmet he was wearing, it was clear, soft & stoic as if the cold didn’t bother him.

  Oskar didn’t want to make this any more difficult than it already is most likely going to be, so doing so, pulling from his backpack, withdrawing his travel papers & grimacing.

  “Here you go sir” Oskar's voice held a modicum of calm, the elf gave the folder to the guard. He unwrapped the leather binder containing all the necessary travel papers for traveling to other nations. Here comes the hard part. He had the wrong papers. “I was heading south to Atherus but the driver he hired took me here, & on that note” Oskar braced himself for the answer to nis next question. “Where am I?”

  The guard read through Oskar's papers & even in the cold he began to sweat. As he looked over to the stop where carriages & wagons are held for processing, the guard turned his head back to meet my eyes. They carried sympathy. If he was really up north this could be bad

  “Recite your full name, your occupation & reason of travel” his tone unfazed & never wavering. His sharp eyes read every word of my multi page document.

  Was he just unbothered by me? He thought Oskar did as he asked “Oskar Zarrius Lotusfall, Wizard of no affiliation, & um, Pilgrimage in search of adventure” Oskar said more than a little embarrassed

  Blake gingerly rewrapped the documents in the leather binder & gave the wizard the papers back. He took a step to the side & picked up his spear that he leaned against the gate wall “Off you go”

  It was like he was slapped “Wait, that’s it?” Oskar asked confused

  He nodded & gestured ‘Go on in’ with his head. "There are braziers throughout the city, use those to stay warm as you traverse” He pointed out the first one with his spear. It was being tended to by another city guard.

  The gate guard's voice halted him as he called back “Norroval!” his voice as if the city was invoked by the name & realization struck.

  “I beg your pardon?” Oskar asked softly in shock

  He nodded solemnly “That's where you are, Norroval” He said with conviction

  He stopped & now his panic returned, no longer shivering Oskar turned back. his eyes fixed on the gatekeeper once more. Forgetting his surroundings & Oskars volume he began to panic again bellowing “The great Astran Ast-Rahn Kingdom of the North!” the mage asked far too loudly.

  “That is correct Sir Wizard” He said respectfully maintaining his unbothered calm. He placed a huge hand on his shoulder, leaned down meeting Oskars eyes, “Maintain your compass, with steady feat you will find your path”

  Committed to memory & assurance that he would make it through the rest to the city he headed to one of the many braziers. The Elf fixed his wide brimmed pointed hat identifying him as a wizard in tradition. Taking the opportunity he leaned against the wall for support & began pulling out his travel blanket using it as a makeshift coat. Being from a more tropical area south Oskars elven features had stark contrast to the locals, from his olive tanned skin to clothes beyond the fact he lacked the winter layers. The guard saw & nodded in approval.The elf’s long-pointed ears burned from the cold, the tips were already turning a painful pink. The warmth drew others, & he looked around after finally getting warm enough to think clearly.

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  The buildings were built with care & intended to last the ages. Tall, dark wooden structures made from white clay, red brick, & sloped clay tiled roofs. Others had a flat top for patios or fortresses. It was past noon but the sun was already falling behind the enormous black mountain engulfing the city in shadow, & just like that night came soon after. It was clear, night shining with stars the wind carrying the heat from the braziers across the city as shops, taverns, & other evening establishments began to illuminate in a variety of ways from tinted lanterns to magic glow stones

  “Beautiful” Oskar muttered

  “Isn’t it?” a second voice chimed in, it was a deep & low, a man's voice

  Oskar turned quickly & was instantly facing a burly chest at his eye level, craning his head, his eyes trained on the tusks, was he an Orc? No, a half Orc maybe? Regardless, he was huge,at least seven feet tall. What is with the North, are they all Half Giants? Against the coming night the firelight illuminated his ashen green skin, most of his details were hidden under clothing suited for the weather. They both shared a moment & looked towards the sky, clouds covered most but a few stars & then their eyes tuned, following down the snow packed street. A small squad of guards roaming giving all who made eye contact respectful nods & smiles including the tall man beside Oskar. Norroval appeared to have an active militaristic influence within the city with a monarch & Northern was the capital of Astra. The buildings were either tall single floor houses or two to three story buildings built from wood, stone & a distinct red clay. Those appeared to have business, offices & apartments, the latter being usually on the second to third floors.

  Magic glow stones dotted the streets among the wall torches & braziers, each gem was illuminating a variety of colours from greens, blues yellows & reds, some appeared to mark a specific establishment

  “Amazing” Oskar gasped

  “Mmhmm” the man agreed then continued, “It helps that the crown is also the battle queen, Its is said she gained recognition from the Jotun of storms”

  Oskar peered up “Wait, I heard of that. That was her? the General of ice & stone is the Queen of Norroval?”

  The man nodded “petty crime still happens but anything that would cause a disturbance it gets taken care of quickly. Not just the Guards, the Adventurers guild field many that will step in”

  ‘Incredible’ Oskar thought

  Oskar felt in his pockets till he found the money pouch & did a light thump with his left boot, the coin slide in & sat flush in the sole.

  “You wouldn’t know a place to stay for a few nights, preferably cheap but still good?’

  After more than one recommendation & too many directions Oskar found himself in one of the places suggested. A townhouse inn called the Bladed Grass. As he entered it was a stark contrast to outside & was caught off guard. Oskar's boots hit metal, stopped, & looked down, grates caught the snow & it fell into a defrosting drain.

  The inn was full & finding a table was difficult, but after a group saw the lost Elf the small group had a few open seats & invited him to their table, they said nothing before examining the new stranger for a long minute. Oskar was a full blooded Elf whose darker sun tanned skin & magenta hair that could almost be missed as a black or dark brown, it contrasted to many whose skins resembled that of shades of fletch & stone. “Ivirn. You must be new?” Ivirn asked

  The barmaid circling the tables swept beside him with a smile, “D’you have all you need for now, Oskar?” her voice was inviting. she was a tall & had a frame that told of life as a soldier

  “If it’s not too much trouble I'd like a room for the night. Would it be possible to stay in more than one?” Oskar asked

  The barmaid smiled “No worries, I can get you a room shortly”. The broth when it arrived was hot & flavourful while the ale wasn’t stale. After several weeks of transportation & now with food in his belly the wizard grabbed the key to his room.

  It was small, just fitting a bed & a trunk for your stuff but it was warm, The Elf sighed, putting his hat down & finished my drink in silence, well somewhat silence. There was music surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd downstairs that made the floor under his feet rumble

  “Well, here we are. Fresh start” Oskar removed his clothes, a pair of baggy pants & a light robe wrapped around a less than athletic frame, the snow had soaked into them, seeing the chimney passing through his room with heat vents had places to hang dry clothes. scars scratches & bruises marred his body, evidence of a long life lived most he didn’t remember.

  After that Oskar slumped on his bed rubbing his bruised body

  “Fresh start”

  Those were the last words said before Oskar drifted off to sleep clueless he was being watched. Across the street on a building where five green figures wrapped in coats & thick scarfs sat on the handrail of a patio roof bar watching the sleeping elf through a fogging window beginning to plot their next move.

  Oskar was able to get this room for a night & the old lady. Uuh, Angie that was her name!- She didn’t seem to mind how long he stayed as long as he was either gone by sundown or paid for a second night. The street was flooded with people coming or going along the street somewhere shoveling snow or refilling the brasiers, they seemed to burn constantly all winter.

  “That’s a lot of wood to burn” Oskar said aloud

  “Hardwood” A voice called, it was gruff

  Oskar’s eyes shot to the voice on his left & for the first time since being in this city he needed to look down. His eyes were Carmel gold, sun darkened green skin with long ears

  “I’m sorry what?” Oskar asked.

  A goblin here of all places. Why should he be surprised he was here, they are the most widespread population & unlike himself.

  The goblin looked & dressed like a local. “It’s hard wood” The goblin grinned & continued “it burns slower & hotter, mix it with scrap wood & it keeps the brasiers going”

  Oskar nodded along, not sure if this guy is just friendly or is going to ask for something. he played along “I see that’s one way to do it I suppose”

  The goblin nodded sagely “You must be new to town, word spreads fast when a newcomer arrives especially an elf” The goblin said

  And there it was. Oskar just hoped it’s a stereotypical thing like can you grant me a wish? or help my crop grow?

  Full disclosure: he can't do that, some can sure. But not all elves. Oskar held his breath as the goblin continued,

  “And by the looks of it a wizard” he said excited

  ‘Oh Shit, gods help me no’ the thought turned into a prayer

  “D’ya know about the temples in the city?” The goblin asked asked

  Oskar shook his head, “wait what?”

  The two spoke for some time after that, apparently this city has an entire area devoted to Churches, temples & other focuses of faith.

  Oskar was shown the city or at least the 5th ring, The outer & one of five. Norroval was designed in five great walls called rings, not specifically in how tall they were but more how they were made. The Goblin's name was Targen, he moved here from a dock town further north.

  By the day passed & the sun was slowly falling & the cold hit quickly, Oskar was tired. He felt the heat coming from an alley where a brasier sat with a handful of people standing around. The two turned towards the heat seeing five tall figures with their hands stretched out towards the heat,

  his pointed ears twitched as he heard quiet muttering within the group & froze, that was Neither the common tongue nor any language spoken in town. However he knew it, goblin.

  “How much longer till he brings this guy”

  “Shut up! I hear someone”

  “I smell Targen, get ready”

  Before Oskar realized, he felt the sharp edge on the back of my knee, Oskar's spine shivered & he felt the razor sharp edge cut through my cloak & felt warm liquid trickle from the back of his knee. Now, Oskar had been robbed before as well as seen Goblin combat, they cripple. Go for the tendons & major muscle groups. Targen saw Oskar’s fingers touch components for a spell stitched into his sleeves

  “Easy there elf” Targens voice was lower & cold as stone.

  In the goblin tongue Oskar replied, his arms up the cuffs of his sleeves falling to his forearms “On your word chief”

  Goblins didn’t waste time with too many words, what Oskar said was enough & truth be told Targen suddenly felt guilty just a little, but that didn’t stop him he had his reasons. He smiled glad this wizard understood.

  “Bag, & out of my respect for you we won’t rough you up too bad, or take your hat.

  Oskar's head sank & he removed his bag, & tipped his hat. The Wizard flung it at Targen & as fast as he could he withdrew a dark wood wand from one side, words vibrated the air as he began to cast a spell

  “Ah’lahrpha-” Oskar didn’t finish, the tall figure to his right exploded as one figure turned into three goblins. The wizard looked pissed “Are you serious! The three goblins in a long coat trick!?” he yelled.

  Targen smiles abashed & shrugged in a ‘don't fix what ain’t broke-’ sort of gesture.

  They left him, possessions either taken or strewn around as they left him. Targen looked back meeting Oskar’s eyes, a goal was in their gaze, but he turned & walked away, leaving the wizard with his hat on the cold ground