Chapter 8 The First of Many

Tying off the burlap sack, Alexander begins to swing the bag in circles to prevent the viper from trying to bite him. Walking back on his initial path to where the priest would be, he carefully avoided all other children in the vicinity. As the dirt road started to come into view Alexander paused. 

Alexander: "It hasn't been even close to 3 hours. I have to make sure nobody can suspect me even though I made their deaths look natural. With the enthusiasm I showed in wanting to come to the forest, I'll need a reason to head back early…. Damn, this is gonna hurt."

Letting go of the bag, Alexander picks up a nearby stick putting it in his mouth. Grabbing his left hand, with one movement snaps his wrist out of socket.

"Hnnnnggg."

Tears begin to form into his eyes.

"Mmfff, I guess this body needs to learn how to take a little pain."

Picking up the sack again he walks to the road, in view of the priest who is lying down in the shade, eyes closed. In a pained voice Alexander called out while allowing his tears to fall.

"Umm, sir. May I head back to Orbis? I tripped and hurt myself."

The priest, opening his eyes, looks at Alexander's wrist. Lackadaisically, he waves Alexander away, closing his eyes again.

Priest: "Stop bothering me knife ear. I'm trying to nap, just go."

Alexander: "Thank you."

Not too far down the path Alexander resets his wrist. There seems to be nothing wrong with it as he tests out his hands movement.

"Aside from some eventual swelling, there shouldn't be anything wrong with my wrist. I wonder how much I'll get for this snake. Genmar better throw in a healing potion, then I won't even have to worry about the damage to my wrist."

Continuing on the path back to Orbis,  Alexander's walk turns into a jog. Passing through the farm fields to reach the walls. Showing the guards at the gate his wrist, and explaining his situation they let Alexander inside the walls. Bag in hand, Alexander opens the door to Mound of Potions. The bell rings as he goes down the steps as the deep voice of Genmar calls out.

Genmar: "I'll be in the front in a moment."

Thump, thump, thump.

"Oh, hello again young one. Do you need something?"

Alexander: "Not really, but I got something for you. Oh, and call me Alexander, just picked the name today."

The snake starts to move, as the sack is placed on the counter.

"I caught this bastard today, and I must say, its venom is quite impressive."

Genmar carefully opens the bag, the snake quickly slithering out. His eyes widen as he sees the color of the scales and spiked platelets. Quickly, he grabs the viper by its head.

Genmar: "An Atra Venena, and a young one at that. Only a single Atra Venena survives from the batch. It can grow to the size of 22ft in length, and they grow completely in just about 48 days. The species venom can even take down a young dragon, theoretically. I think I'll even make this my familiar. I know a few individuals who'll pay a fortune for this kinda resource."

Genmar empties a clay pot, proceeding to place the snake into it.

Alexander: "Are you sure it's wise to say all this in front of a kid?"

A sarcastic smirk forms on Alexander's face.

Genmar: "Haha, says the child who damn near admitted to murder…. So Alexander, I have a proposition for you. Since you brought me this snake I'll give you 500 gold as payment..."

Alexander: "Don't try to lowball me Genmar. I can tell how much this snake is actually worth. It's venom can kill some of the strongest creatures alive, so here is what I want for it. I want a 20 percent royalty on each vial sold and access to the unsold venom when I want it. On top of that I'd like a health potion for my arm here…. Oh, and if those contacts of yours ever mention a job you think I could handle, let me know."

Genmar: "I'll do 15 percent and throw in four vials a year, after that you'd have to pay for more. The health potion is easy, and I'll see if any jobs could be thrown your way. But, I'd advise against failure, you might be killed or worse."

Genmar brings out a health potion.

Alexander: "Looks like we have ourselves a deal! Don't worry about a contract. I doubt something like this could be brought to the authorities…. Anyways, thank you for your hospitality and I'll see you in the morning for training. Ta ta now, you big hairy man."

With that Alexander slams down the health potion, the effect instantly healing his arm. Opening the door gives a two finger salute to the firbolg, and dips out. 

As Alexander strolls towards the open entrance of the temple, Anera is waiting to welcome those who wish to pray.

Anera: "Alexander! Why are you back so early?"

Switching back to a more childish tone Alexander replies.

Alexander: "Oh. I had a little accident and hurt my wrist. I asked the priest, who said it was ok to come back. I stopped by Mound of Potions to get aid. I'm all better now, so don't worry Ms. Anera."

Anera gives Alexander a hug.

Anera: "Then I'm glad you're back safe and sound. Do you wanna get something to snack on until the others arrive in a couple hours?"

Alexander: "No I'll be fine. I think I'll go take a nap. Oh, but since I'm the only one here could you fix me a warm bath?"

Anera: "Of course I can. Go on to the bedroom to take your nap, I'll wake you in a hour when the water is nice and cozy. But, remember don't tell the others, don't want them to get too jealous."

Alexander: "Yay!!"

Alexander: (inner monolog) "Fuckin-a man!! A warm bath in winter will feel like heaven. I can't wait!!"

Scurrying off to the bedroom he closes the door behind him. Alexander proceeds to start his updated daily routine of 100 handstand pushups; 200 pushups; 200 sit-ups; 200 leg-lifts; 200 lunges; and 50 laps around the room at a sprint. Of course afterwards, the near lifelong tradition of using Alfonso's pillow case as a towel how now lost its luster.

A couple of minutes after Alexander's workout Anera knocks on the door.

Anera: "The bath is ready. It's through the kitchen door to the outside. Oh, I left a drying cloth out there too."

Alexander: "Thank you very much."

While Alexander was taking a long thorough bath, the priest along with the remaining children arrived at the entrance. Anera's distraught voice could be heard yelling about the 2 children that went missing.

"Ugh, I guess it's time to finish up."

After drying off, Alexander moves through the kitchen into the dining room, where many faces are filled with worry and food. Sitting, Alexander hides his satisfaction while joining the meal. 30 minutes later Anera comes in with tears streaming down her face.

Anera: "Everyone, I have terrible news. Two of your colleagues went missing in the forest and have not come back. We fear for the worse."

With that said she leaves the room as quickly as she entered.

Alexander, for the rest of what was an eventful day, finished eating, read in the library, and went to bed. Cracks of thunder off in the distance, followed by a light pitter patter, signals the start of what becomes a torrent of rain, the last thing Alexander hears before falling asleep.

A rooster crows, waking Alexander to a new dawn. He walks out of the bedroom to leave for Mound of Potions to begin his training. As he rounds the corner to leave, a peculiar sight graces Alexander's eyes. A silhouette of a guard with a young girl is in the archway of the temple. Getting closer Alexander sees the guard talking to Anera, but what really catches his attention is the appearance of the child. Flawless dark ashen skin; jet black hair like shadow incarnate; an elegant eleven face; a clear mix of blood by her short pointed ears; a toned body build in spite of her youth; violet eyes burning brighter than starlight; hands, blouse, and face splattered with blood. 

Alexander: (inner monolog) "Huh, what an interesting girl."