Half A Hero

14

“You were right, Bjorn Bearskin.” The inquisitor shook his head. “I shouldn’t have doubted you.” He shook the berserker’s hand.

“I just followed a hunch.” The berserker smiled widely. “I think you have to report this to the throne.” He pointed at the Guild’s blasted building.

It was the aftermath of the fight. Most of the guild members were able to get out in time before the entire Guild Building collapsed. Luckily, the people trapped inside the rubble were alive and unscathed. Ghwyr along with the rest of the men who came out before the collapse stared at the once huge structure crumbled in front of their very eyes.

Ghwyr sat in his wheelchair in awe. He couldn’t look away from the damage the fight caused. Bits of the monster’s parts laid on the open street, being picked up by the royal mages while the huge carcasses of the plant-like abominations were chopped into carriable pieces and were carried into the horse carts.

It was an intense battle. He has never seen anything like it before. He never thought in his wildest dreams he would see a fight like that. He only imagined it while reading the pages of the adventure books he once borrowed from his uncle. He never thought it would be that emotionally taxing and thrilling at the same time.

“Are you alright, halfling?” Arenviel approached him.

The man didn’t have a single scratch compared to his other party members. Ghwyr stared at him in awe. Unable to speak as tried wrapping his head around that cool move he saw from him. Would he able to replicate it if he was given the chance? Probably not.

“Say, are you alright?!” The swordsman asked him again while waving his hands in front of his face.

“Ugh… yes… I am alright!” He nodded in surprise. “Yeah… yeah…” He laughed awkwardly.

The swordsman squinted at him and touched his forehead.

“Maybe, we should have you checked by Frejr once she returns.” He said. “Staring blankly at something means your nogging might be affected or something… at least that what she told me before.” His voice was serious.

“No! No! No!” He shook his head. “I am alright… I swear, I am.” Ghwyr insisted.

The swordsman was still hesitant with his quick reply. “Even so, get checked later.” He patted his shoulder and walked away.

Not a few minutes later, Bjorn and the inquisitor approached him. The berserker was all smiles. He seemed to be very proud of what had just happened. Event he way he strode announced his excitement and happiness. The inquisitor on the other hand, remained stoic and reserved. They stopped in front of him and started a conversation.

“See? He was the reason why we have them rooted out.” The berserker said. “Oh, see what I did there?” He laughed.

“Yes, indeed.” The inquisitor cleared his throat. “Enough of your puns, Bjorn Bearskin. If only I could arrest for those.” He massaged the bridge of his nose and shook his head.

“Yah really can’t take a joke, do yah? He grinned at the inquisitor.

The inquisitor simple glared at him without answering his question.

“Fine. Alright.” The bigman sighed.

“Let’s get into the topic at hand here.” The inquisitor turned to Ghwyr. “It looks like you are worthy of being commended by the leader of the Iron Bears. For that, you have my sincerest congratulations.” He said dryly.

Ghwyr slightly bowed. “I am not worthy of such.” He answered.

“That was a compliment.” The inquisitor said. “Learn to take some.” He added.

Ghwyr felt his face was on fire. He bowed deeper and didn’t answer the inquisitor.

“Hmmm… alright.” The inquisitor cleared his throat again. “I shall now pass my verdict.” He said.

Ghwyr looked at him, his eyes widened, and his heart was pounding violently inside his chest like it was about to burst. He knew he was innocent, but he was still uncertain if that would become his fate.

“In the accusations thrown against you, I hereby, judge you… not guilty.” The inquisitor said. “That is all.” He slightly bowed to him.

The halfling sighed in relief. Finally, the worst was over, but something was still bugging him.

“Excuse me, ser inquisitor, ser.” He called out the cloaked man. “Does that mean, I get to log in my adventure into the adventurer’s log for future promotions?” He asked.

The inquisitor stared at him for a moment. “No, you can’t—”

“W-what do yah mean he couldn’t?!” The berserker interrupted. “We could log it in without any problems, why couldn’t he?!” He asked.

“I would suggest you not to pry in this.” The inquisitor glared at him.

“Is that a threat?” Bjorn’s voice deepened as he stared back at him.

“Think of it as you may.” The inquisitor answered. “You have no business with his adventure log.” He said.

“Should I remind yah about that time yah—” Bjorn said calmly.

“You don’t have to go there, Bjorn Bearskin.” The inquisitor said. “You do understand this isn’t your business? Why are you defending this halfling so much?!” He asked.

“Because he deserves it.” The berserker answered. “He fought and risked his life. He took the blame for something he didn’t do. Of course, he deserves every bit of it as much as we did.” He added.

The berserker’s kind words warmed the halfling’s heart. Although it was quite sad that he couldn’t log in the experience he did when he partnered with them, he was at least happy knowing that the leader of the Iron Bears had praised him.

“It’s alright, Bjorn…” He tugged the man’s arm. “I understand ser, I will just have to make do with it.” He sighed.

The inquisitor looked at him. “You know, I have no power in your guild matters. I can only recommend this to the next guild master to decide on your fate.” He said. “But since the guild master unfortunately succumbed to the monster, it may take some time to get everything settled. I just ask that you be patient, Ghwyr Lightfoot of Gaghayam.” He turned around and walked away.

“What do yah mean by that?!” Bjorn followed him.

The berserker and the inquisitor conversed again, but the inquisitor insisted that he stay away from him. Although, that was a very hard feat to do especially with the insistent leader of the Iron Bears.

Ghwyr smiled and shook his head. He was tired yet contented with the inquisitor’s answer.

“It seems like I would need to ask for your favor again, Lady Salidas.” He smiled as he touched the bracelet in his right wrist.