Chapter 10: A Reunion before Pulchra

Now that they are almost down the mountain, they head out to the nearest civilization.

"Hey, Abaddon, why are you always accompanying me?" Asked Aine.

"Well, you did ask for my help," replied Abaddon.

"No, like, why do you stick around?"

Abaddon sighed and said, "You opened my eyes; it's only fair that I would want to repay you."

It seems Abaddon felt indebted to Aine; that's why he's so willing to accompany her despite not getting compensated.

"Anyways, Pulchra," said Abaddon.

Aine realized that now was the time to think about her future destination. Aine has her feelings about Pulchra; Martha's words come to mind. However, Abaddon has offered to pay for all her expenses there.

"Look, I'm not forcing you to go to Pulchra," said Abaddon.

"You know what? Let's go to Pulchra," said Aine.

"Really?"

"Yeah, as long as you agree to protect me."

"I will try my best to get rid of that criminal record of yours," said Abaddon.

And so, with a new goal to try and rid Aine of her criminal record, they set their sights on Pulchra-the land of the rich.

"So, how do we get to Pulchra?" Asked Aine.

"We have to go to the pass. It's a tunnel that goes under the Obice Mountain Range; it is the only entrance we have since the barrier is still up," said Abaddon.

As Aine and Abaddon were conversing, a familiar voice came up to them from behind.

"There you are, masters," said the gremlin.

"Gremlin?" Abaddon spoke in a confused tone.

"I landed in the nearby bush, and I immediately came to find you."

"Well, you found us; now let's go," said Abaddon.

The gremlin has proven time and time again to be quite a loyal slave to Abaddon. Aine was starting to understand how it ended as Abaddon's trusty slave.

After an hour more of walking, they finally reached the foot of the mountain. The underpass is more to the west, so they began searching for a road that led west.

"Finally, a road; I was beginning to think we'd never find one," said Abaddon.

"Hey, Abaddon, couldn't you just transform into a bird again and get us out of here?" said Aine.

"Well, I could, but what about you?" Transformation magic is considered to be one of the hardest magics to master," said Abaddon.

It looks like Aine didn't think that far; what would Abaddon even do if he transformed? Sure, he can get help, but Aine would rather be walking than sitting here and waiting.

With only a torch to light their way, they continued to walk the west-heading path. There were no houses on the side of the road; the road was not even going through a forest; it was just empty plains all around them.

"Be careful of plains like these, Aine," said Abaddon as they walked.

"Why's that?" Asked Aine.

"Monsters love hanging out in plains like this; just stay cautious of randomly lit fireplaces," said Abaddon.

Just as Abaddon said that, a fire came into view in the distance.

"Just like that, if you see one like that, just ignore it; it's most likely a monster camp," said Abaddon.

Luckily, the path they were walking on did not go anywhere near the distant camp. They followed the path calmly and tried not to make any sudden, loud noises that could alert the monsters. They eventually passed the camp and continued walking.

After a bit more walking, they noticed a few huts by the path ahead. It looked like the huts belonged to farmers. It was very barebones and had a huge area fenced off at the back of one of the huts. As they walked closer, something blocked half of the path.

It looked like a carriage. At first glance, it looked like it belonged to the farmers probably residing here. As they continued to approach it, a conversation could be heard coming from behind the carriage.

The carriage was horse-drawn, with a very well-behaved horse patiently waiting for its owner to finish. Aine got a closer look at the carriage as they walked around it; it looked familiar.

"Thank you very much for your patronage; I'm sure these items would fetch quite the price," said a familiar manly voice.

Footsteps could then be heard approaching the carriage. A man dressed in black and wearing a cowboy hat came into sight of them. He was carrying what looked to be some sort of antique in his hands.

Aine paused as the man and Aine began staring at each other.

"Daegal?" said Aine.

The man pointed at Aine as if he were trying to say something: "I know you; uh, it's Aine, correct?" he said.

It was Daegal, and the wandering trader was so kind to give Aine a lift back to the Forest of Dreams.

"You know her?" asked Abaddon.

"Uhh, Uhm, Herald Abaddon?!" panicked Daegal. "What are you doing here?" he continued.

Daegal was dumbfounded. A humble wandering trader was face-to-face with one of Deimos' Herald.

"Yeah, he's a friend, I guess. He helped get my start in this world," responded Aine.

"Well, any friend of yours is a friend of mine. It's Daegal, correct?" Abaddon said it casually.

Daegal was still in shock, his jaw wide-open and his palms sweaty. Daegal quickly tried to collect himself.

"Yes, I'm Daegal, pleasure," said Daegal awkwardly while stuttering.

"Uhm, Aine, can I talk to you? Alone?" asked Daegal.

"Uh, sure. Abaddon, can you excuse us?" said Aine.

"Of course, I'll be over there by the fence if you need me. Let's go, gremlin," said Abaddon.

Abaddon and the gremlin excused Aine and Daegal. Daegal's hands were visibly shaking as he placed the antique he had just acquired in the carriage.

"Aine, uh, are you associated with Deimos?" asked Daegal in an almost scared tone.

"Oh, no, I'm not," answered Aine.

"Then, why are you with a herald?"

"Oh, Abaddon? At the moment, he's just helping get to Pulchra."

"How? How did you?"

Daegal had been thrown into a tizzy. He was hitting his head repeatedly on his carriage. Aine decided to fill Daegal in on what had happened after she was dropped off in Moon Village. As Aine was recalling her experiences, Daegal's jaw dropped further and further down.

"So, let me get this straight; you were almost raped, met a herald, got a criminal record, were stranded inside Obice's barrier, somehow defied said barrier, and now you're here," said Daegal in an almost uncanny tone.

"Well, if you put it that way, it almost seems like I'm the main character of a book," said Aine.

Daegal facepalmed as he shook his head.

"And here I once thought you were a slave," said Daegal.

"Anyways, where are you headed next, Daegal?" Asked Aine.

"Oh, me? Pulchra, why?" Said Daegal.

"Can you take us with you?"

"Me?! My carriage is not fit for a herald," said Daegal in a concerned tone.

"What are you talking about? Let's ask him," said Aine nonchalantly.

Aine walked towards the fence, where Abaddon was looking into the distance. Daegal continued to shake his head.

"Hey, Abaddon, what do you say we go to Pulchra with Daegal? He's going to Pulchra too. And with his carriage, we won't have to walk," said Aine.

"Hmm, that's not a bad idea. But are you sure he's okay with it? He doesn't look particularly excited," said Abaddon.

Aine looked back at Daegal, who was faking a smile.

"Sure, I guess we can use my carriage," said Daegal.

Daegal continued to shake his head in disbelief as he climbed up into the driver's seat of the carriage. The gremlin quickly jumped on the carriage as Abaddon climbed on slowly. Aine hopped in last.

Abaddon sat on top of a trunk. The trunk seems to have lots of supplies inside. The gremlin got cozy in the corner of the carriage, and Aine sat in the same place she did all the way back then-next to the crate of goods.

"All ready?" Asked Daegal.

"Yes, we are; please proceed," said Abaddon.

Daegal gulped down his saliva in nervousness as he ordered his two horses to begin moving. The carriage began making ground as they headed for Pulchra. His horse never galloped, it only walked.

"So, Daegal, you're a wandering trader, correct?" Asked Abaddon, trying to strike up a conversation.

"Y-Yes I am, just your average wandering trader trying to make a living," said Daegal in a slightly anxiety-induced tone.

Abaddon began thinking very carefully about his choice of words. It is quite obvious to Abaddon that Daegal was intimidated; he was not used to seeing someone of this high status.

Abaddon leaned his body towards Aine, who was sitting in front of him.

"Is he really your friend?" Asked Abaddon while whispering.

"Yes, he is. He saved my life in a way," said Aine with no hesitation.

Abaddon nodded in satisfaction. Abaddon had spent his life ignoring lower life forms like wandering traders or shop owners. He saw himself as a higher being. But if Daegal is the person who saved Aine, then he was willing to build a bridge with him.

"Daegal!" Shouted Abaddon.

"Y-Yes sir, please don't kill me; I am an honest trader," said Daegal in a panic.

"Do you have a shop?" Asked Abaddon.

"What? Um, no, a shop is the dream, but alas, the price of one is just way too exorbitant for me," said Daegal.

"Then, once we get to Pulchra, I'll get you one in the city center," said Abaddon.

"What?! No, no, I couldn't possibly accept that. I am not worthy!" Exclaimed Daegal.

"No, don't worry. Take it as compensation for the ride to Pulchra and for saving Aine," said Abaddon.

Daegal was visibly distressed.

"Daegal, don't worry. He's like this; just accept it," said Aine.

Daegal gave a long sigh and said, "Thank you, Herald Abaddon; I am truly humbled by your gift."

"Please refer to me without any pleasantries. Call me Abaddon."

Daegal felt all giddy inside. A wandering trader is at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to traders. A wandering trader usually buys items from Pauperis to sell to traders in Pulchra. The traders he sells to are usually the ones who have their own shops.

By owning a shop, Daegal has climbed the food chain and will ensure less work for more profit, especially since his shop is allegedly in the city center, which is where all the luxurious shops are.

"If I may interrupt," said the gremlin.

"What is it, gremlin?" Asked Aine.

"This antique you bought, Mr. Daegal, looks to be quite valuable," said the gremlin.

"Valuable? How so?" Asked Daegal.

"This piece looks like something that belongs on a rich dining table," said the gremlin.

"Woah, what a find, Daegal. I don't recommend you sell this to your vendor. You can get some crazy bids if you auction this," said Abaddon.

"Really? I had no idea. I only bought it for 26 fickens," said Daegal.

"26 fickens?! What a steal!" Said the gremlin.

"I would buy this for at least 120," said Abaddon.

What luck! It looks like Daegal accidentally bought something that was more valuable than expected. The table decoration was shaped like a wizard's staff. It looked slick, and the gem on top of the staff was covered with dust.

"It's quite a nice piece; I'll do the honors of wiping this piece clean," said Abaddon as he took out a handkerchief from his back pocket.

"Oh, no, you shouldn't," said Daegal.

"It's quite alright, Daegal; I am volunteering to clean this. Now, do you have some water?" Asked Abaddon.

"Um, here you are," said Daegal as he handed him a canteen of water.

Abaddon soaked his handkerchief in the water and began wiping the dirt off.

"How did such a valuable table piece end up here?" Asked Aine.

"Your guesses are as good as mine. I was merely passing by when an old couple came up to me in my carriage and told me that they wanted to sell some things," said Daegal.

"And they just sold this piece for cheap?" Asked Abaddon.

"Originally, they offered 18 fickens, but I couldn't possibly take something that nice for 18, so I offered 26. But I had no idea it was worth as much as you said," said Daegal.

"And where did you plan to sell this?" Asked Abaddon.

"I have an antique guy in Pulchra. He owns a shop in the first town of Pulchra," said Daegal.

"Do me a favor and don't sell this to him. You have a much worthier shop waiting for you in the city itself," said Abaddon.

Daegal kept on smiling; he was truly glad that he could finally reside in Pulchra.

"By the way, Aine, your outfit doesn't really fit in with the climate anymore," said Abaddon.

"Oh yeah, I'm still wearing this thick coat," said Aine.

"Not to worry, I came prepared," said Abaddon as he snapped his finger.

The coat was reduced in thickness and became just a regular trench coat. The puffed-up section in the neck area disappeared. The color remained black. Her winter heels were reduced in thickness and resembled more regular boots with heels attached to them. The heels, however, were still covered all the way up to her knee.

"Woah, I've seen enchanted clothes do that before," said Daegal.

"It's the Herald's special; a personal touch of mine," said Abaddon.

Abaddon continued to wipe down the dirty table piece. Aine also began playing around with her coat. It turns out that by focusing her magic, she can change the settings on her coat, undergarment, and heels.

Aine decided to add long sleeves to her undergarment that also covered all the way to her hands; it was showing way to much skin. The part covering her hands was fingerless, meaning that her nails were still exposed.

"I can't believe you learned magic, Aine," said Daegal.

"I mean, it wasn't easy," said Aine.

"Considering you were completely new to magic just a month ago, having this level of control over your magic is actually really impressive," said Daegal.

After an hour of wiping, Abaddon had finally successfully cleaned the shiny gem on top of the wizard's staff-shaped table piece. The gem was deep purple in color, and it looked divine.

"Look at that; the gem is completely unharmed," said Abaddon.

"It's so pretty," said Aine.

Daegal really scored the jackpot with this purchase.

They kept themselves entertained throughout the trip. Hours passed as they kept on talking about various different topics. Eventually, Aine fell asleep while leaning her body on Daegal's goods. The gremlin stayed quiet the entire time in the corner.

"The cave is still quite a distance from here; if we're lucky, we can reach there by the change of day," said Daegal.

"Hmm, I may have miscalculated the distance of the cave from our crash zone," said Abaddon.

"I am a bit worried about the border though; Deimos hasn't been in the jolliest of moods recently. So, for some reason, he's been strengthening border security," said Daegal.

"Between you and me, Deimos is mad because someone has been smuggling Bottled Sunlight."

"Bottled Sunlight?" Asked Daegal, confused.

"Someone from the inside of Deimos' inner circle has been selling sunlight."

Specially enchanted capsules can be used to contain sunlight. It looks like Deimos is pretty mad that someone has been selling the light from the sun he had rightfully stolen.

"No need to worry; you have me; we will pass the border no problem," said Abaddon.

"That's reassuring; thank you, Abaddon," said Daegal.

"Don't mention it. Any friend of Aine is a friend of mine."

Abaddon and Daegal talked about a variety of things to pass the time. One topic led to another, and it eventually led to them talking about Aine's criminal record.

"You know, I might know a guy who makes counterfeit brooches," said Daegal.

"Really? But I don't think that would be necessary. I can always just put a wizard at swordpoint and force him to make a legitimate brooch," said Abaddon.

"That's fair. Also, pardon my rudeness, but are all heralds as careless with the law as you? I just told you about a counterfeit brooch maker, which is illegal, and you didn't even bat an eye," said Daegal.

"No one is clean in this world anymore. This world has been reduced to a wasteland without its sun. It's a dog-eat-dog world. Everything we do is for personal interest."

Abaddon looked into the distance in melancholy.

"Is there any hope for this world?" Asked Daegal.

"I'm afraid not; we will all die with this world," said Abaddon.

"I feel pity for her," said Daegal as he looked at Aine.

"No memory, no parents. She was just thrust into this cruel world," said Abaddon.

The atmosphere got tense. Daegal let out a huge yawn.

"Hey, let's take shifts driving," said Abaddon.

"Oh, there's no need; I'm fine," said Daegal.

"You don't look fine; you look exhausted. Come on, get some rest," said Abaddon.

Daegal then sighed and agreed. Abaddon got on the driver's seat and began manning the carriage as Daegal got some rest.