Calistoga (1/2)

It was around 3 p.m., birds flew overhead, and people passed by with their children or carrying goods. Everywhere Rafael went, others would glance at him, but never for too long, as if not wanting to "alert" him.

I should definitely buy something to wear over these clothes. They're too striking and draw too much attention, he thought.

"Hey, let's stop somewhere to buy me some local clothes before we leave the city. Do you know a place where we can do that? It doesn't need to be high quality."

Why would he want our peasant clothes? This guy is really eccentric, Aerd thought as he eyed Rafael. "Are you sure, sir, that you want these simple clothes?" he asked, gesturing to his own attire and the people around them.

"Yes, exactly those. Why, you may ask? I just like to experience different things. Now, lead the way; we're losing precious time." Rafael offered a generic answer.

"Okay then." Aerd led the way to another exit of the city, where there was an open marketplace bustling with sellers. People crowded the area, looking to buy food or other goods. They stopped at one of the tents, and Rafael bought a simple robe that only left his head and hands exposed.

Hm, this isn't so bad. I thought their clothes would be worse. But it isn't cheap. The robe, made of cotton, cost him 30 coppers. After witnessing a wealthy-looking man buy peasant clothes, the other sellers eagerly tried to get his attention, shouting what they had to offer.

Some even approached him directly with their goods, but Rafael declined everything and quickly left with Aerd.

"Hohoh, they really know how to do business. It's just their way; please don't take it to heart," Aerd said as they left the crowd behind, riding on his donkey.

"It's fine, I don't mind." Contrary to his words, Rafael felt relieved to be away from all the shouting. The sun was barely visible on the horizon now, its light reflecting off the river. "So now we're going to Calistoga, right?"

"Yes. We should arrive tomorrow night, probably."

At that moment, a group of four men, all mounted on horses, passed them in the opposite direction, heading toward the city they had just left. Two of them appeared to be soldiers, one looked like a simple guard, and the last one wore a brown robe similar to the cleric who had visited the village.

As they passed, the men observed both Rafael and Aerd, but because of their commoner's clothes, they thought little of it. The soldiers did stare at Rafael because he had a horse and a sword yet wore commoner's clothes, but they dismissed it, having more important business to attend to.

Who are they? Was that one of those darn clerics?

"Hey Aerd, that guy wearing a robe, similar to mine, is he from the church?"

"Ahhh... Yes. Have you never seen them? Wait, does the capital not have churches and monasteries?" Aerd found it strange that Rafael was asking about something even children knew.

"Yes, yes, we have them, but it's just that I don't have time to go there because of my work, you know? So I forgot what type of clothes they wear. Thanks for answering."

Aerd remained quiet. The church will be a problem. All this is happening because of them, sigh, what should I do? They could try to find and arrest me. The worst part is that the church will probably help them make me suffer once they find out what happened in that village. I'm nobody right now, so I have two options: either get super rich and gain influence or find someone to protect me.

After two hours of traveling, they stopped to eat and took turns sleeping. With all the free time, Rafael came to a conclusion. I'll have to ask Frederic for protection. Maybe he'll ask me to join his team or the army, but I don't care as long as I stay safe and immune from those crimes that cleric accused me of.

I can try to convince him I've learned great things at the capital, and by joining him, I can share this knowledge with him. Okay, I think this plan is acceptable. When it was Aerd's turn to stay awake, Rafael fell asleep within a minute of lying down, exhausted.

The night passed safely, and they continued their journey. During the trip, they talked about simple things, never delving into critical information that could expose Rafael's lack of knowledge about the kingdom and this time period. At lunch, they ate bread, an apple, and grains.

This bread is better than the other one, but it's still not the best, Rafael thought.

After relieving himself, their journey resumed.

They passed through dense forests and open fields until small farmhouses began to appear. As they moved forward, more and more people were seen working in the fields and walking along the road. I can't believe we're finally here!

The sun had set minutes ago. From afar, the city was clearly the largest Rafael had seen so far. Like the others, an open marketplace could be found at the prime entrances on the outskirts.

Now, because Rafael was wearing a simple brown robe over his original clothes, few people paid much attention to him as he passed. Of course, someone with a horse and a sword wasn't a peasant, so he didn't go entirely unnoticed.

"This is Calistoga, Mr. Robert. The second-largest city in the South."

"Thank you for bringing me all the way here. Before we conclude our deal, could you show me the way to the castle?" Aerd led him to the center of the city, where Rafael could see a wide-roofed structure surrounded by walls and soldiers. It's still a castle.

"So, here we are. Our deal was that you'd give me your horse and the sword." Both dismounted.

"What? The horse is yours, but I don't remember saying I'd give you my sword too."

"Because of the extra food I had to buy and the fact that we traveled whenever you felt like it—basically all the time except when we slept—the price went up."

"I will give you the horse and two coins. How about that?"

"You know, I find it strange that you never answered my questions directly. Also, it's odd how much of a hurry you were in to get here. It's almost as if..."

"Fine, fine! Take it already." Rafael agreed before Aerd could demand more or report him to the guards.

"A pleasure doing business with you, sir." He said smiling from ear to ear.