Alexei didn't know how to feel. On the one hand, he was overjoyed that he didn't have to go and fight on the front lines. Like every other Initiate, he had heard the stories of the death and destruction that happened out on the front. It was said that 90% of all Initiates didn't survive the first few days of their first tour, as the forces that the Demon Lord had amassed were just too powerful to be overcome by most people's weapons and abilities. If he had been sent out to fight he would have been one of that 90% statistic for sure. On the other hand, though, Alexei was distraught. He had been chosen to come to the city as the best fighter of anyone in his village. Though considering how small his village was, maybe that hadn't quite been the achievement he had thought at the time. Either way, being chosen to join the Royal Defence Corps had been an honor, both for his family and his town. If he returned there now… No, he couldn't return there. That was out of the question e

While small and dingy on the outside, The Trout's Gills was surprisingly large when it came to the accommodation section of the building.Finding Garrick, however, was a simple task.All Alexei needed to do was follow his ears and his nose.Down at the end of the corridor, a solitary light glimmered out of a door, and behind it, he could smell a fish stew bubbling away atop a stove.There was no doubt in his mind that this was the location of Garrick.As a member of the Initiates Alexei had been taught manners and respect with strict punishments if they weren't given, so instead of storming into the kitchen that Garrick was working in Alexei politely knocked.Then he waited…And waited some more…Eventually, when he felt that he really had waited enough time, he knocked on the door a second time.There was still no response from within the kitchen.With a huff, Alexei resolved to just enter the kitchen anyway, what was the worst that could happen?Fortunately, after months upon months

Alexei did, of course, have a game plan that he was determined to follow.For a start, staying in the city for any extended length of time was probably a bad idea.While he hadn't been the most well-known initiate of his class he was still an initiate, and much like the barkeep had said the night before, he was at least somewhat recognisable.Staying in the city would only make him a target. He wouldn't be able to find any work after his disgrace, either.No, he'd only stay for one or two nights at the very most. Long enough for him to take care of a few things.After realising that he could make almost unlimited water it occurred to Alexei that there were many people in certain areas that would pay hand over fist for a steady and unlimited supply of the stuff.Towns in areas that simply didn't have enough water to go around.Farms in areas of drought that needed to save their crops.He could very easily make a living by exploiting areas like that.To do that, though, at the very leas

Alexei and his new slave couldn't get out of the slave tent fast enough.After handing over a few pieces of gold from his pouch, which thankfully was still looking pretty full, he took his beastkin girl by the hand and led her back the way he came.When they emerged from the tent the fox-girl couldn't help but blink in the morning sun. It was as if she had never seen the light of day in all her life, and considering how dank and dingy it had been inside the slave tent that may have been the case."What's your name, girl?" Alexei asked, stooping down to undo the shackles that she had no doubt been bound with for most if not all of the time she had been in that tent.She looked at him, confused, and tilted her head to one side but didn't reply verbally at all.The clasp around her neck came away with a click from the key that the slave master Mr Myx had given him. He wouldn't need the leash that she had come with. He was sure she wouldn't try to run away, she looked terrified of the wor

"I see you've picked yourself up a beastkin from the market," The barkeep remarked as he approached her.She said it in such a way as to be accusatory without actually saying anything that would imply she was displeased with him. All while rubbing the inside of a pint glass."Yeah," Alexei replied, "Need help with some ventures, it felt like the best thing to do."The barkeep looked over his shoulder at the girl."Some ventures, I'm sure," She practically scoffed.Alexei felt his stomach coil in disgust not for the first time that day."She's a child, don't be so crass," He spat before shaking his head, "Look, she's not the point. In fact, she's already managed to save my life today.""Save your life?" The barkeep said incredulously."Yes, she saved my life… From an assassin of Delsi," Alexei said, making sure to whisper the last bit so none of the other customers heard.The barkeep's eyes widened for a moment before narrowing into a steely glare."Get the child and meet me in the kit