16 Songstress (1/2)

Kalistra stood across the street and waited until I returned to my guest room.It was located in the second window from the left end of the tavern on the second floor.She briefly saw my shadow sitting down and finally released the party.

Kalistra felt guilty for pushing me so hard but given my Level 1 status, she knew that it was a matter of survival for me.If I left the school in my injured and exhausted state and then died on the street, it would sully her personal Honor.Thus, she had to follow me to ensure my safe return to The Noble Lady.She suspected that she will be following me for the next few days until my body became adjusted to the physical regimen of my training.

Kalistra went inside the tavern and looked around until she saw Vern; he was working as the bartender this evening.She walked across the common room and stood in front of the bar table. ”I need to speak with you, Vern,” she said quietly.

The orcish tavern keeper grunted and left his station.He walked into the kitchen and waited for Kalistra to enter.”Yes?” he grunted curtly.

”I assume you already met a nobleman named 'Lawrence Eugene Mulligan?'My papa has assigned me to be his instructor at my dojo,” Kalistra revealed quietly.

Vern immediately burst out laughing!

The kitchen staff was startled by their employer.It was RARE to hear the prickly-tempered orc laugh.For some of the workers, it was the first time that they heard him laugh.It was a harsh sound with slight wheezing and whistling mixed in with a deep huffing sound.When they saw his glare, the workers immediately turned their heads back to their work.

”Please keep this a secret but my new pupil is only Level 1,” she continued.

Vern grunted.”Yes, I had my suspicion. He is far too weak for his age.So you want me to keep an eye on him while he is in my tavern?” he surmised with amusement.The cat girl wasn't the only one to make this request of the formidable warrior.

Kalistra nodded.

”Will you trade a favor for a favor?” the orc asked.

”What do you have in mind?” the cat girl's eyes gleamed in curiosity.The orc was unpredictable due to his Chaotic alignment but Kalistra had never seen him commit evil.Thus, she never felt the need to draw her blade against the veteran warrior.However, it would be interesting to see who would win in a duel between the two seasoned warriors.Nonetheless, Kalistra was confident that she will be the victor.

”The young kid, Gendun, will turn thirteen soon and need to start an apprenticeship.I do not want him to waste his life tethered to a tavern.I would like you to accept him as your personal apprentice in swordsmanship,” Vern requested.”I will foot the bill for his expenses at your dojo,” he added as if the substantial monetary commitment was a mere afterthought.

Kalistra stared at the orc.She was very surprised by the request.It was rather generous of him considering that Gendun was not of his blood.”Before I accept your request I have one question: Are Gendun and Lawrence friends?” she asked.

”Yes,” he grunted.

Kalistra grinned and revealed her sharp teeth.”Then we have a deal.”

#

An hour later, the barmaid knocked on the door.”Milord, it's Amelica,” she said.Hearing no reply, the maid expertly balanced the tray of food on her left hand and forearm while taking a ring of keys out of her right pocket.She thumbed over the guest keys until she found the one for room ”F” and then unlocked the door.When she entered, the maid saw that I had fallen asleep on the nightstand.

Amelica set the tray down on top of the storage chest, which had a flat top; she didn't want to leave the tray of food on the floor in case, however unlikely, a mouse was scurrying about.Freed of her burden, Amelica walked around the bed and approached me.She shook my left shoulder and tried to wake me up but failed to do so.

She had seen the blood stain on my shirt over the right shoulder and avoided touching it.She pondered what to do.If I ended up dying in the guest room, then the Watch will open an investigation over my death.Furthermore, rumors will spread regarding the cause of my death and suspicion will inevitably fall on the former orcish war leader and his staff.Thus, she resolved to use her special skills that she had acquired a long time ago and try her best to heal me.

Amelica put her right arm around my back and under my right armpit.She then lifted me up and dragged my body over to the bed.

Surprisingly, I still hadn't stirred awake despite being physically manhandled in this manner.

Well, in order to provide her special services, Amelica will have to do something about that.She knelt on the floor, leaned toward my head, and gently patted my face.”Milord, please wake up,” she said.Seeing the soft approach having no effect, she decided to try a different tactic.She grabbed my left earlobe between her right thumb and forefinger and squeezed.Hard.

The sharp pain immediately jolted me awake!”Oww!” I said as a pop-up appeared.It read, ”-1 Health.”

”Are you awake now, milord?” a familiar voice said

I turned my head and saw that Amelica's face was very close to mine.