Not Another Hero

I was never much of a student, to be honest. I remembered a few things from my tutors, but I loved nothing more than playing and climbing in the courtyard as a kid. My father, always quick to find an opportunity in an unfavorable situation, hired a performer from a local troupe to teach me acrobatics in my spare time. Dreaming of jumping and falling occupied much of my time in class. Unfortunately, I knew it was a bad idea to join the players despite my aptitude. It was no place for one who wished to travel in secret.

I approached the merchants. From what I gathered, they were headed for Eddandar. I had never been there, but I knew it was a huge industrial metropolis. Indeed it was the primary source of my country's wealth - iron ore. If I was going to reverse my peoples' fortune, it was a good place to start.

I approached the merchants.



The well-dressed jolly man seemed to be the best avenue. He was definitely drunk and seemed the sort of man who would hire a grubby peasant on the spot based upon a witty application. I told him that despite my appearance, I was a qualified legal advisor and wished to join them on their journey for a modest fee.

"Oh do you now?" he grinned widely as I approached and slapped me on the back. It occurred to me at that point that I had not been touched by another person in years. "You look capable enough to me, I'm convinced!"

I held out my hand, but he waved it away.

"The problem is, I don't actually make the uh... hiring and firing decisions here." He looked sheepishly at the tall woman wearing jewelry. "Especially when we stop at taverns. You'll have to convince her."