Disoriented Awakening

Part 1

Three days had passed.

I bolted upright in bed, heart hammering against my ribs. My head pounded like a drum, and the room spun before my eyes.

Where was I? Panic clawed at my throat as I tried to remember.

The last thing I recalled was the terrifying screech of a wyvern, its fiery breath scorching the air.

Then… nothing.

Sitting up, I winced at the stiffness in my muscles. Thankfully, there were no aches or wounds – a good sign considering the battle.

Once again, in a fight, I lost consciousness.

This was alarming, as the rest of the party members were there and saved me.

If I could have been alone, I would have died.

I should be more responsible.

But a more pressing worry gnawed at me – where were the others? 

Where had they gone?

"Did they leave me here?"

These thoughts rushed through my mind.

Perhaps they left me after saving me. 

After all, I was not an official member of the party. So, it is not unexpected.

Well, I should not dwell anymore on this matter.

It is time to find out where I am.

How long have I been unconscious?

Part 2

The room I found myself in was small and dimly lit by a single flickering candle.

It wasn't fancy, but it had everything I needed for a short stay—a bed, a table, and a single chair.

I was only in my shorts, rest of my body was naked, and the rest of my clothes were nowhere to be seen.

My gaze landed on a simple table by the window.

Relief flooded me as I saw my dagger lying there, its familiar hilt glinting in the candlelight.

But beside it sat a leather pouch, and that's where the real surprise came in.

I untied the strings and peered inside.

My breath hitched.

Ten golden coins nestled within, a small fortune in this world.

Earning even one gold coin was a struggle for most folks, a full day's hard labor barely fetching you three silver coins and a couple of measly copper ones.

Ten gold coins were like a Lord's ransom!

Frantically, I searched for a note, some explanation for the coins and my predicament.

But there was nothing.

Just the gold staring back at me, a mystery alongside my missing clothes and companions.

Pushing aside the worry for a moment, I pulled on the clothes I found beside the table—simple but sturdy.

A light leather armor completed the set, offering some protection.

Slipping the dagger behind my back and securing the pouch to my belt, I took a deep breath and reached for the door.

It was time to find some answers.

Part 3

I was in some kind of hallway. It was clear that this was a tavern.

The door was open in the room next to where I was sitting.

I peeked into the room to find the naked woman sleeping alongside a man. The woman looked almost 30. 

While the man seemed younger than her. They were in close embrace. Her body was in plain view.

One hand of the man was holding onto the woman's boob, while the other was for everyone to see. This was a sexy sight.

The woman was quite beautiful; her long black hairs were also adding more to her beauty.

Before I could look more and think anything else, I heard the footsteps approaching from the stairs.

I shut the door to their room and went to the stairs.

Now I could clearly hear the noise and laughter of the people that were present beneath.

When I reached downstairs, there were not many people.

Most of them were adventurers who were staying here or were here to grab a bite before going on a quest.

I grabbed a seat at an empty table. My eyes scanned the room, looking for someone who might be able to help me.

My eyes landed on one of the waitresses who was taking the order from a customer.

She was wearing a tight shirt and a small skirt. The rest of her body was, more or less, naked.

Whenever she bends a little to deliver the order or to take the order, her panties were for everyone to see.

It was some kind of uniform for the waitresses to wear here, as I also saw the same outfit on the other waitresses.

It was a good strategy, as it would attract a lot of people here.

When she delivered the order, the man slapped her butt. But, instead of getting angry, she just giggled and moved on.

Moments later, she approached me and smiled.

"Sir! What would you like to eat?"

"Something for breakfast."

"Would you like some ale with breakfast?"

"No, just food is enough."

"As you wish."

After taking my order, she left.

Once again, I was left with my thoughts.

I have to find where I was. Perhaps she could tell me about the others.

After some moments, she brought my food and placed it on my table.

"Anything else, sir?" she asked.

"What's your name?" I inquired.

"My name is Lyra," she replied.

"Lyra, Can you tell me about this place and give me any information about the other adventurers that brought me here?"

"I thought you knew this."

"Well, I don't." I admitted.

"The other adventurers who brought you here just left this morning after eating their food. I don't really know where they went."

I was relieved to hear that they were still somewhere nearby.

"What about this place?"

"You are in Merton," she said. "This town is in the Sindhria province of the kingdom of Ashillia. It is located near the old forest."

"Old forest!" I said, pondering this new information.

After talking with Lyra for a while longer, I learned more about the town and the surrounding area.

I also learned that there were a few guilds in town that catered to adventurers.

I decided to visit these guilds to see if I could learn anything more about the other adventurers and their whereabouts.

As I finished my breakfast, I thanked Lyra for her help.

For payment, I gave her one gold coin.

She brought me 9 silver coins for change. I gave her two silver coins as a tip.

Lyra's eyes widened in surprise.

"Two silver coins! That's very generous of you, but it's much too much. One or two copper coins would be plenty for a tip. Are you sure you don't need this for your travels?"

Perhaps the waitresses at this inn are used to receiving small tips.

I politely insisted, explaining that I appreciated the information and wanted to show my gratitude.

Lyra hesitates for a moment, then accepts the coins with a grateful smile.

"Bless you, sir. Most folks wouldn't think twice about a single copper for a tip. These are hard times, with adventurers the only ones bringing in any real coin."

Well, this is true. With demons attacking Ashillia, most of the Sindhiria province would already have fallen into their hands.

These were indeed hard times.

But, I felt a little more hopeful now that I had some information to go on.