Ash. The Legends of the Nameless World. Progression Gamelit Story by Kirill Klevanski (ink book reader .txt) 📕

A few feet from them stood an ordinary man dressed in a simple shirt and patched-up trousers. His short hair and powerful hands, which were streaked with veins as thick as felt ropes, indicated that he knew a thing or two about military affairs. Mary, who had had one too many near-death experiences this week, narrowed her eyes and clutched the handle of her blade a little bit tighter. Right now, every random encounter was a potential threat.

“Who are you?” she asked, blade glowing a dangerous red.

“I―”

“Let me go!” Lari snapped and fell forward. He looked up, swallowed noisily, and smiled strangely.

“Greetings, sir Arlun. It’s an honor to meet you.”

The entire squad looked at the stranger in bewilderment. Even Ash had no clue who he was.

“What are you doing?” Lari said, turning to them. “This is sir Arlun of Trina himself! Two years ago, he won in the Arena and then disappeared! It’s said that he was to become the best swordsman on the continent, even enter the Order!”

“That’s an exaggeration.” Arlun waved his hand.

Mary looked at Arlun and then at Lari and sheathed her blade. As if on cue, the rest of the squad put down their weapons as well. Only Ash remained holding his staff.

“I apologize,” Mary sighed, bowing her head slightly in apology. “The past few days have worn us out. Don’t hold a grudge, honorable sir.”

It wasn’t for nothing that she and Lari were addressing Arlun with the utmost respect – the winners of the Arena were a step away from being granted the title of a knight. Many, if you believed the drunken ramblings in the port taverns, were far more eager to get a title than the monetary prize of ten thousand gold.

Arlun waved his hand again as if to say that everything was fine.

“These unfriendly woods don’t make for friendly encounters on roads. However, would you mind doing me a favor?”

“I’m listening.”

“You see, my wife made way too much onion soup this morning and I’m afraid that it’ll get spoiled by the next sunset. Would you be willing in helping me get rid of it?”

At first, there was heavy silence but soon the branches began to rustle, trembling with happy, carefree laughter. The tension eased, making everyone smile.

“Just one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“Let’s not be so uptight with one another.”

“With pleasure.” Mary smiled, glad that she wouldn’t have to watch her mouth around him.

***

The Stumps entered Arlun’s home and bowed slightly to the young woman who was whipping her calloused palms on an old apron made of multicolored cloth scraps. She had a kind but fair face, topped with a slightly big, but still lovely nose. A thick, black braid fell from her right shoulder, reaching almost to her rounded hip. Her soft, brown eyes welcomed the guests with warmth.

“Alun,” she smiled, deliberately swallowing the “R,” “I see you didn’t come back empty-handed today.”

“You offend me!” He laughed, wiping his boots on a rag laid out on the threshold. “I never come empty-handed.”

“Ah, I suppose that malnourished rabbits are a catch for you,” she replied with a soft smile and a twinkle in her eyes. “But guests are more to my liking.”

“Oh, angel of the Heavens,” Ash cried, dropping to one knee and pulling a bunch of wildflowers from under his cloak. “Have mercy on us who are despised. Don’t eat us, poor orphans and beggars, but take these flowers instead.”

Mary was ready to strangle him but the lady of the house laughed loudly, accepted the bouquet, and pecked the mage’s cheek. Mary had no doubt that Ash had made himself blush somehow.

“Wash your hands in the barrel,” the lady of the house said, “and join us at the table.”

Blackbeard exchanged glances with Ash and they rushed to the corner of the room where there was a small barrel with a ladle floating in it. They splashed their hands with rainwater and ran to the table at once.

Soon, the others joined them at the table, and though their elbows kept bumping into other people’s ribs, the cramped space didn’t bother the seasoned travelers. And when the lady of the house put on the table a huge pot of onion soup and several bowls with pickles and meat, they forgot how to breathe from excitement.

The couple watched with faint smiles as their guests dug into their food, looking like they hadn’t eaten food in years.

“May I ask you a question?” Lari inquired, pushing away Ash from his bowl and plate.

“Of course,” Arlun nodded.

“This may sound rude, but how come you disappeared immediately after the award ceremony? Why did you come here? This place is a little… strange.”

The two exchanged glances. Arlun’s wife nodded softly and smiled at her husband who turned to the guests.

“I knew that after winning, the Guilds would hunt me down, just like the other Masters who were eager to get their piece of glory at my expense. So, I decided to run away from that mess. I wanted some peace and quiet after eighteen years of traveling and fighting.”

“And what about… Erm, I’m sorry… I never asked for your name…”

“Elanor,” Arlun’s wife smiled.

“Oh!” Alice exclaimed. “Like the princess of the Middle Kingdom!”

Elanor smiled and Arlun continued his story.

“You see, the Ternites, at times, find loopholes in the laws… None of them exactly forbid, but only warn against relationships with Ernites.”

“So, that means…”

“Yes.” Elanor nodded.

The Stumps fell silent and even put down their spoons. Relationships between Ternites and Ernites weren’t uncommon, but they usually didn’t go beyond a couple of passionate nights or fleeting romances. But living together, especially as a married couple, was considered something unnatural, something mentioned only in sea shanties and vulgar ballads.

“As for our humble abode,” Arlun