3 Indentured Employment
It wasn't until they all started packing away the camp site that Mark realized where everything came from. One dwarf picked up each chair that just faded away into nothing. Each dwarf was in charge of specific objects, dishes to 1, tables to another, etc. In this way the camp site was taken down and everyone loaded into the boat. Several hours later we all landed in an alcove obviously specially set up for camp sites. During the trip names were exchanged though Mark could only communicate with Jodroun.
"Mark why don't you come with me to that tent." Jodroun points at 1 of the 3 largest tents in the center. There were 2 tents to either side and a little behind each of the 3 center tents. This was a well organized camp site, The 3 larger tents equidistant around the fire. These large tents were almost twice in size once you walked in. Other then the tent Jodroun directed Mark to there was a dining area while the other one became a bath house style tent.
Just how long will it be until Mark stops getting flabbergasted over these little things? Speechless he follows Jodroun into a 2 room tent the front portion being a small study with mats on the floor. Watching as Jodroun sits cross legged on 1 of the mats and points to another directly in front of him. Mark follows along sitting the same way on that mat.
"What are we doing?" excitedly voiced Mark.
"Time to teach you that meditation technique I promised this afternoon." As Jodroun straightens his back explaining. "Posture is vital you want your spine to bridge the energies between earth and sky."
"Why is that if sleeping does the same thing, there is no spinal orientation?"
"You will need to research this on your own, as I don't have an answer other then it works." "Next lesson is breathing exercises while visualizing the flow of blood through your body." "After you feel comfortable with this, you can begin to focus on the lessons you learned regarding soul skills." "I suggest you pay attention to me assimilate your language then start your own meditating."
Attentively Mark watches as Jodroun pulls out the same soul stone used earlier that day. Cupping the stone in his hands he begins regular breathing. Posture, breathing, eyes closed, so this is his meditation technique. Placing his hands into his lap as there is no soul stone. Mark begins his own meditation. Soon his consciousness falls into a darkened place. Shadows of things slightly beyond perception zoom pass. Eventually letters slowly float around coalescing into words.
????? soul level 1
Sojourn level 1
Clock - 1
Library level 1
Text translation – 1
Dwarfish - 1
Mapping level 1
Current location - 1
Chat level 1 no connections available
Energy scanner level 1
"-Daily assimilation complete-"
Mark is brought back by a shake of his shoulders. Foggily looking around he quickly ascertains his surroundings in the small office. Jodroun quips while staring at him. "You need more practice its been little over 3 hours. How do you feel?"
Feeling refreshed as if he's had almost a full nights sleep. "I feel great, that sub skill is text translation, how does that work?"
"A scholar soul!! How did you get a scholar soul from a beast soul?" "Oh yea! It was transformed, still doesn't make sense."
Attempting to redirect the conversation, "I feel as if I have slept most the night away. How is it only 3 hours?"
"My clans technique restores your body as if you had twice the time in full sleep." "You need at least 1 hour between meditations before you can train another skill." "So why don't you read that hunter's book for now. Maybe it will help you to work on additional training before we leave in the morning." Jodroun then heads into the other room, must be his sleeping quarters.
As Mark starts to study the book he realizes that only a small part of the text is understood. How can he translate more? Just as these thoughts emerge the book fades into sparkles that float towards his forehead. Pain begins to develop at his temples. "What the FUCK!!! What just happened" Mark exclaims loud enough to wake Jodroun, who comes running out. Yelling out in that foreign tongue that must be dwarfish. Obviously calling for guards as the 2 archers rush into the tent.
Looking around slowly Jodroun asks, "What's wrong, what happened?"
"I couldn't understand all the words, then suddenly the book disappeared."
"I'll give you another copy, but we will require additional services or 45 silver." Jodroun hands over another book that appears out of nowhere. The guards head out and Jodroun returns to his room.
Upon opening the book Mark realizes more words make sense. He somehow absorbed more of the language, but not all. How many books do I need to buy to get complete understanding? Its been more then an hour so lets see if I can assimilate my further understanding. Putting the book into the palms of his hands Mark sits in the meditative position and enters that darkened region once more.
????? soul level 1
Sojourn level 1
Clock - 1
Library level 1
Download Book - 1
Text translation – 1
Dwarfish – 2
Mapping level 1
Current location - 1
Chat level 1 no connections available
Energy scanner level 1
"-Daily assimilation complete-"
As the words once more coalesce, his temples again begin to ache. Once the pain recedes Mark notices the 2 next to dwarfish fades and returns as a 3.
Shaken back to reality once more as the dwarf clan begins to break down camp. Thinking about time Mark checks how long he meditated for. Its been 2 hours and 45 minutes so the more often he does this the shorter it will take. Jodroun is directing the others so Mark quickly gathers himself and heads to the river. Realizing he will need clean clothes a washing up may not be in order for the day. Wait the book its gone! Great I will need another one and be further in debt.
The last tent to be taken down is the dining area. Following everyone into the tent, a lively room while breakfast is served. Mark thinks on what has happened last couple of days. Soul stones grant practitioners skills and abilities. These can be trained with sleep provided one thinks and contemplates on them. Those books faded away apparently being absorbed by me in some fashion. To get full advantage of things I need to really consider the minutia of my previous equipment. What other skills and abilities might I have? Some of them most likely no one here will have anything similar. Breakfast comes to an end as these thoughts surface, and everyone loads into the boat.
Sitting in the middle Mark asks, "I lost that book do you have any cheaper books in dwarfish?" "I seem to understand more as each book disappears."
"I have several children's books that sell for 4 silver each how many more do you think you will need?"
Pondering 2 was almost half and realizing the law of 5. "Lets try for 2, Will I be able to meditate while in the boat?"
"I have heard of people who could but until you have practiced more I doubt it is possible."
On the way the 1st book once more fades away, while the 2nd does not. As a Myth buster Mark developed an inquisitive mind. It doesn't take long for him to realize or is it assume that each level of book download allows 1 book to be absorbed per session. The 2nd children's book can be completely comprehended so most of the dwarfish tongue obviously has been acquired.
Something else Jodroun says only 1 level per session is possible. However since I was holding the book last time I meditated I gained 2 levels. Apparently the standard knowledge of soul practitioners is incomplete. Might not be myths that need to be debunked but my past should help me see what others miss. Based on the number fading then changing, proper preparation can double my training speed. But will it be enough to survive or even succeed in this strange world? I will train the basics, then work on that scanner. Hopefully someday I can return home.
Couple hours have gone by with these thoughts and reading the 1 childs book. Mark asks "Jodroun do you have another copy of that hunter's book. This book is still here don't think it will fade again."
"I will see this as an investment. You owe 1 gold and 45 silver. As I don't' have enough work for you so soon, you will need to join us while we travel until it is paid." "Since you are not part of our clan we will also charge you 25 coppers per day you spend with us." He explains while handing over a 3rd copy of the hunter's book.
This time only a few words are beyond Mark. A better understanding of how training works with a surprise. Some beasts after training for some time can learn quicker. With the earlier realization Mark concludes that soul level increases training speed. With this even though he is currently far behind other soul practitioners should only be a matter of time before he surpasses them all. Assuming this world is in a medieval age there will be fighting and none of his skills relate to surviving such.
