20 Herschel’s Temple

Orange River Town was currently celebrating the Summer Solstice, and it was called The Summer Solstice Festival.

After another twenty minutes or so, they're finally able to enter the town. Jacob stops and says, "We need to find a room quickly before there all taken, stick close and follow me. It's very easy to lose your way in this giant crowd of people." They all form a line, with Jax in the middle, and head towards a place called The Temple.

Their destination was on the other side of town not far from the center, he hoped his old friend still owned the hotel there. His friend Herschel, had bought the place years ago after suffering an injury during a beast tide.

Jacob had met Herschel through an adventurer group when he was a teenager. Herschel picked up on Jacobs beginner status pretty quickly, so he took it upon himself to give pointers and tips on adventuring.

After Sarah became pregnant, Jacob stopped adventuring and lost contact with Herschel. Jacob was looking forward to seeing Herschel again and introducing his wife and son to him.

It took them another thirty minutes to arrive at The Temple. By the time they arrived, Sarah and Jax were exhausted. Trying to maneuver through all of the people celebrating, tired them out, but they were enjoying seeing the sights just like everyone else.

When they got to The Temple, Jacob was surprised to see the place so active. Normally, the hotel's name, gave some people the wrong impression of what the purpose of this establishment was.

It used to be named Herschel's Tavern, but he changed the name when he decided to try something new and maybe even gain some knowledge. Since he couldn't adventure anymore, and he wanted peace and quiet, so he began studying the ways of monks.

After that he did his best to live peacefully.

Upon entering, Jacob made his way over to the counter, and ask the guy behind, "Are there any rooms available?"

The young man behind the counter didn't look older than nineteen, and had a look of extreme boredom of his face. However, when Jacob approached and asked his question, the looks at Jacob with a wide smile and kindly responds, "Yes Sir, we still have a few rooms available! How many rooms, what size and for how long will you be staying? My name is Kyle by the way, I apologize for not introducing myself earlier." He asked

"We only need one room, but we need two beds, do you have such a room? Also, I would like to inquire if Herschel still owns this establishment? If he's still around, I'd like to speak with him." Replies Jacob

"If you wouldn't mind waiting, I can check to see if my boss is here. He usually hangs out in the mountains all day. He says he's 'meditating', but I don't buy it. I think he's just hiding in the mountains because he can't stand to be around people anymore!" Said Kyle.

Kyle stands and heads to the door to leave but just as he grabs the door, it's slammed open from the other side. The person who seemingly kicked the door in, was none other than Herschel himself!

Kyle quickly jumps to his feet and shouts, "You stupid old man, why'd you kick the door? It feels like my nose is broke! You BROKE my nose old man, what's wrong with you?" Cried Kyle in a teary rage, while holding his nose.

"Who are you calling old, you insolent brat? I took you in off the street, gave you a job and shelter. I even paid you a decent salary! Yet, you disgrace me and say horrible things while I'm away!" Yelled Herschel

He glances around the room to see who all has seen him, and he quickly looks away. As he goes to yell at Kyle again, he freezes and slowly turns around to look at those people again. He thought it was imagination, but when he turned around completely. He was sure of what he say.

In that moment, he completely forgot Kyles existence, and focused on the three people, standing there staring back at him. The man in front even had a wide smile on his face.

Before Herschel could say anything, Jacob asked, "Hey Herschel, long time no see! Man you have gotten a little old, if I'm being honest. I got a proposal for you, if your interested?"

Hearing the word proposal, Herschel snapped out of his daze and replied, "Jacob? Is that you? I thought you'd have gotten bigger by now, guess my expectations were too high huh? I'm always interested in new proposals, step over here and describe this 'proposal'." Replies Herschel excitedly.

Herschel liked doing things for his friends and people he cared about, but he wouldn't do things for free. Normally, he'd help someone out and they'd owe him a favor in the future.

Still smiling Jacob says, "You give me your best room for three people for free, and for as long as I need it. In exchange, Me and my son will complete jobs for you, until we're ready to leave this place! What do you say?"

Herschel looks at Jacob with a blank face, he couldn't believe the nerve of his long time friend! 'For Free, and for as long aside you want!? Do you know how much I make from a room like that? Of course not'.

However, after giving it some thought, he agreed. He knew how strong his friend was all those years ago, it's only natural that he's most likely gotten stronger since than. Also he said he son would help, so it was like getting two for one.

Making his decision, he says, "Alright, I agree to your proposal, on the condition, that you do jobs and missions for at least a year! If this is agreeable, than we have a deal."

Jacob stood and walked towards Herschel, when he was face to face, he extended his hand, Herschel understanding the gesture, responded by taking his hand and giving it a firm shake, and said, "You have a deal!", "Now, where's my room, I'm exhausted and need to sleep?"

"Right this way! It is getting late, I think we should wait for morning for more discussion."

Said Herschel, who in fact was very tired. Before he arrived and kicked down the door, he was on his way back from meditating, when a juvenile leopard tried attacking him. He didn't want to kill the juvenile, but he also couldn't afford to get serious wounds either.

He eventually scared it away, but it nearly drained all his energy. All he wanted was to rest and when he got here, that ungrateful Kyle was talking bad about him again, he couldn't help it and kicked the door with all he had.

After leading them to their room, Herschel says, "Ok then, have a good night. Get some rest, you're gonna need it. I have a lot of jobs and missions on back log. You'll be pretty busy for awhile."

With that said, Herschel turns and exits. Jacob, Sarah and Jax all decide to get some rest as well.

AN - Sorry for the update delay. I'm working on more chapters now. Please bear with me!

Thank you all for continuing to read and support my work.

Another big shoutout to hersheytemple, thank you for your continued communication and support, this chapter is for you. Hope I did well!

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