In Harm's Way

By Chris Mitchell

A thief running from grave danger. A hunter seeking a better future. A warrior striving to achieve justice. And a merchant...who really wishes people would buy what he's selling?

These four, as unlikely as it seems (even to them), find themselves all caught up in the affairs of one of the greatest living heroes around, the Master Blade. But what is he really after? And why does he want one of them dead? The answers may lie with the organization that the Master Blade works for, the legendary bastion of all that is good, the Heroes Guild. But to find those answers, they will be forced to put themselves....IN HARM'S WAY.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Mitchell
• Release date: Jan 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311100290

Chris Mitchell

Chris Mitchell is a resident of Conyers, GA, where he has lived most of his life. When not writing down his ideas for fantasy and science fiction, he enjoys reading other novels or online comics, playing a few video games, or occasional oddball escapades.

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In Harm's Way

Heroes Guild - Book One

Chris Mitchell

Copyright 2015 Chris Mitchell

Cover Art by Chris Mitchell

Smashwords Edition

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This e-book is a work of fiction. Assuming that the author was not influenced in any manner by his own experiences, then logically it follows that all characters, places, and events within are entirely fictitious, and any similarities to real places, events, or persons (living or dead) are purely coincidental. If you believe that assumption is invalid, you may safely disregard this disclaimer.

Smashwords Edition License Notes:

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this e-book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this e-book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Table of Contents:

Chapter I:

To Catch a Thief

Chapter II:

No Hanging Around

Chapter III:

Chance Meetings

Chapter IV:

Help Wanted

Chapter V:

Sweet Child of Mine

Chapter VI:

Eat and Run

Chapter VII:

Off the Books

Chapter VIII:

As the Blade Falls

Chapter IX:

Return to Sender

Chapter X:

Behind the Mask

Chapter XI:

Torch Passing

Chapter XII:

What Tomorrow Needs

* * * * *

Chapter I:

To Catch a Thief

* * * * *

Toll, please, the gate guard said, clearly bored.

Will fished around in one of his belt pouches, bringing out the small sack of coins he'd counted out in advance. Here. He handed it over, and waited as the guard counted the coins.

Right, you may pass. Don't cause trouble, have a nice day, and so on. The guard waved him through. Will beckoned to Hugh, and the two entered Lullsburg. It felt odd to Will, not having his pack horse with them. He was so used to coming here to sell off furs and meat, not merely shepherding his brother to his apprenticeship.

His brother...Will didn't know what to say to Hugh. How could he, given what he was feeling. Him and his brother, parting ways after all these years. What he felt was not something he could put into words.

Hey, Will? Hugh spoke up, Did you give up your tongue for the toll too? Hello?

Sorry, Will said, suppressing the urge to sigh. How could someone tell their own brother that they were annoying to the point of wanting him gone? He knew he shouldn't feel this way, but his brother was frustrating. It seemed like he could never shut up, make an honest effort, or take anything seriously.

Look, I know you're not happy about this, but you know I can't live off your hunting forever, Hugh stated, I've got to be a man, make my own way. You know it, I know it, the birds in the sky know it.

Of course, Will answered. For some reason, the fact that Hugh did not understand the situation irritated him more. In the past month, his brother had fallen into three traps, scared off four deer, and fell into a poison patch at least once. And that was with Will keeping a eye out for trouble. Admittedly, it had actually been kind of funny the first few times, but now it was just sad.

Will just hoped Hugh would turn out to be better at working iron than hunting. Let's get to the blacksmith. Will nodded, and the pair set off down the road. Luckily, the smith's forge wasn't far, although it was set a slight distance away from the rest of the town, to prevent fires.

If it isn't the Pouvoir boys! the smith exclaimed when they approached the outdoor forge. A big gray-bearded man, Conrad Chugger was hammering away a piece of heated metal. He had been living and working in Lullsburg for decades, and Will had always bought arrowheads and other supplies from the man. He did good work, Will had to admit.

Hello, Will said.

So I get to work with you? Hugh grinned, Nice!

That's the spirit! the smith declared, At least you show more zest than Will here. Can't get a laugh out of him, can you?

Nope!

I only laugh behind his back, Will answered quickly.

Ah, a bit of fire there! Conrad laughed, then turned to Hugh, Joking aside, you better thank your brother. Normally it's custom to take apprentices when they're a couple of years younger than you are. If it weren't for the fact my last one ran off, and Will talking me into it, I wouldn't have agreed to take you on.

What happened to the last one? Hugh asked.

Stephen? the smith frowned, He got fed up with it, and ran off back to his family's farm. It's not that he wasn't a hard worker. Matter of fact, he put in a lot of effort. But he just couldn't follow instructions, and kept doing things his own way. Couldn't really control him. I hope you'll do better than that.

Of course I will! Hugh boasted, I'll be the best blacksmith in the town!

That's not too terribly difficult, seeing as you'll only have to surpass me. Conrad shook his head. You can stick around and watch me work on this order of spear heads for the watch. Tomorrow you can get started on work yourself, so you'll want to be up bright and early. He turned back to Will. Did you need to buy anything? Arrowheads, knife blades, nails, or such?

I'm fine, Will said.

You sure? The smith sighed, looking down for a second. I'll be blunt. I know how lonely the life of a hunter gets. Especially with your brother not around. It's just...I'm not sure going back to that is what you'll want.

I'll be fine, Will told him, a bit annoyed about this. It wasn't the man's business.

Can you say a sentence that doesn't have the word fine in it? Conrad asked, shaking his head. Look, there's more to life than just being a hunter. You might want to travel, see the sights. Or you could join the Heroes Guild...I'm not fond of them from trying to lure young men out of town, but it's something, I guess.

I'll think about it.

Or in other words, shut up and mind my business? The smith rolled his eyes.

Don't worry, Hugh chimed in, Knowing how this goes, he'll probably run into a mysterious girl that will whisk him off on a grand adventure.

I'd pay to see that, Conrad chuckled.

I wouldn't, Will added.

You wouldn't have to, you'd be too busy getting whisked off, Hugh retorted.

Ha! Conrad let out a laugh. Well, I guess I'm not convincing you of anything, so I'll just wish you luck. Take care out there!

Of course, Will said, Good bye. Take care, Hugh, and good luck.

No farewell hugs? Hugh complained mockingly, No saying that you'll be missing me? You're a regular stick in the mud.

So I am. Will nodded, and left, heading back down the dusty road. It was a clear day, a good day to be outside. Hopefully, the weather would hold long enough for him to get back to his cabin so he could resume hunting. Rainy weather could ruin his bowstrings, making hunting impossible. Perhaps he ought to stop by the general store and pick-

One of things about being a hunter was that he had developed keen instincts for his surroundings. Will tended to rely on those instincts, as he had to be careful that wildcats or bears did not sneak up on him. And those instincts were in full-force now, telling him that there was potential danger nearby. A quick glance over his shoulder confirmed it. He was being followed.

* * * * *

Li rose and saluted the guild master smartly as he entered her small room. She knew that Milton Rice wasn't the most formal person, but he did deserve some measure of respect. At least she had kept to her habit of tidying up the room, unlike the majority of the other students trying to earn their way into the guild.

At ease, Milton told her. Li relaxed slightly, but continued to stand at the ready. After all, having all but finished her training, she was determined to make a good impression. She wouldn't deserve full guild membership without it, after all.

I have heard from your instructors that, despite your...shortcomings, you were one of their best students Milton continued, You ought to be proud. Especially considering that we don't get many of...well, you know.

Li did indeed know. No one knew better than her the reputation of her people as arrogant, who looked down upon the other species. She'd been like that once, before renouncing both her people and her homeland. Not that she expected people to understand that and give her respect, but she was fine with that. After all, to them, she was just another elf.

There is one final task for you to complete, before you can earn full membership in the Heroes Guild. Milton clasped his hands together, leaning forward, Have you ever heard of the Master Blade?

At least one of the instructors mentioned it, she answered, What is it?

He is not an it, the guild master corrected her, The Master Blade is a person, one of the greatest heroes to ever join us. His skill with the sword is unparalleled, which is why your final task is to locate him, and train with him. It will help you to find your own path.

My own path? Li asked, Wouldn't it be the same way for anyone to go to find him?

It's a metaphor. It means discovering what will best suit you. She bowed her head, realizing she had misunderstood yet another human phrase. She was unused to their sayings, a fact she was mildly ashamed of. Thankfully, Milton and the other instructors were understanding of her difficulties adapting.

Where is he located at? She raised her head, paying close attention to Milton.

His work keeps him busy, so he is frequently traveling. Milton looked up, appearing to be thinking. While he has a small house in town, you would be better off seeking him out on the road. This may not be easy, but the chance to further improve your sword technique is well worth it, would you not agree?

Of course, master. Li bowed slightly. Thank you. I will not disappoint you.

Don't be worried, Milton said, I'm sure this will work out just fine. Take your time, pack your bags, and don't hurry. You don't have to leave Spireshadow immediately.

Very well, Li answered.

Now, you must excuse me, the older man said, I have much to attend to.

Thank you, Li repeated, as he left. Turning to pack her bags, she thought it was odd that he would assign her to locate the man, but she already suspected his reason for doing so. If she was correct, then it would be best if she left immediately.

Getting ready did not take long. It wasn't as if she had all that much to pack anyway; just her swords, leathers, and a few other key supplies. She preferred to live simply and travel light. It was one of the things that separated her from other elves, who were the exact opposite. Li still had trouble believed she actually once enjoyed wearing those heavy and ornate robes. Her current travel leathers, by comparison, felt so...liberating.

Finishing her packing, she made her way down into the guild's main hall, where many other guild members would gathered. Some stood about chatting, while others were seated, with some waiting and others filling out papers.

Oh look, it's knife ears! one of them, a young man who she did not recognize, exclaimed upon seeing her.

Better speak up, I don't think her ears are big enough to hear you! his companion responded.

Ignoring their juvenile insults, Li made her way through the hall, towards the heavy double-door entrance. While she would have preferred to call them out for it, she had brought it up first with some of her instructors, who had discouraged that approach. Perhaps someday they would get their comeuppance, but it would likely not be at her hands.

Emerging into the bright mid-day sun, she looked up and down the street, thinking. Should she try to gather more information about the Master Blade first, or just begin searching? It was a tough decision, but Li was more inclined to just get started with her task. Settling on that, she headed down the street to go buy some supplies.

* * * * *

Harm was wondering if the hunter had spotted her. If not, he had come very close when he had looked over his shoulder. Damn it, she would have preferred to pick someone who was less canny. But she was out of time. She had to get out of town right now, and he looked to be the best bet for that.

She wished she had found a better dress for this. The one she was wearing didn't fit right; the sleeves were too short. She couldn't be choosy though, given that it was just a snatch-and-run off a farmer's clothesline. Hopefully, it would be enough to fool him just long enough to get safely away from the swordsman pursuing her.

Harm made her approach, walking rapidly towards him, calling out, Excuse me! It was time to put on the meek manners and pretty eyes. It worked more often than not, a fact that disgusted her more than a little.

The hunter turned. Getting a closer look at him, she had to admit he looked younger than she had first thought. He wore a dark reddish-brown tunic and pants, was lean and muscular, with blonde-ish hair and eyes, and a few days of stubble. Harm again began to question her plan, but it was too late to go back on it now.

Do you want something? he asked.

I - I got separated from my family on a trip to town, she murmured, I want to get back to my family's farm. It's...it's a day's trip to the west. Can you take me? That ought to convince him.

And your name?

Harm froze, swearing inwardly. She hadn't thought of a fake name for this! What should she do, what should she do...

Harmony, she blurted out. She immediately regretted it. Why did she pick that as a fake name, of all things? The fact that it was close to Harm was reason enough to avoid choosing something so similar. Not to mention the other problems with that name. Matter of fact, any way of looking at it told her that it was a completely stupid move on her part.

No last name? he asked. Harm blinked, trying to think of one. This plan was nothing but shit, she realized. If she had more time...

Whatever, the hunter said, My name's Will. If you're coming, come on.

Harm nodded, trying to figure out how this had even worked. She supposed that she had gotten lucky this time. She hoped it held out, because she'd need every ounce of it in order to stay ahead of the man chasing her. Sighing, she began to walk along, following Will.

Past the town gates, the farmlands stretched for miles, with forest distantly visible on the horizon. Harm had heard more than a few tales of unwary or just plain stupid people getting lost in them. While it would make a great place for her to hide, she wasn't going to fool herself into thinking she could find her way around on her own. And it wasn't like this Will fellow would help her in that case. She'd ditch him late tonight, then make her way back to Lullsburg, and from there, back to Spireshadow.

Well, this was getting boring, although she supposed that it was better than being killed. She turned to Will. So, you make this trip a lot? I've never seen...you around before. Harm tried not to show panic. She'd almost given herself away!

Every few months, he answered, You must lead a sheltered life.

I guess so, Harm answered, relaxing a bit, Work keeps me too busy to meet people.

Makes sense, he said. He clearly was not given to idle chatter. Harm sighed, deciding not to press the issue. At least, not right now.

Looking back over her shoulder, Harm could see the town falling into the distance. By now, the swordsman was probably there. She still didn't know why he had been tracking her, instead of the other members of the gang who were involved in that last robbery. She hadn't even helped plan the thing, but she was the one singled out.

Maybe she had a secret heritage or something, with special magical powers that could save the world. Harm resisted the urge to laugh out loud at that one. This wasn't a hero's story of myth and legend; it was just another day in her life. And if there was one thing that she was going to make sure of, it was that her life would keep on going. With than in mind, she trudged on.

* * * * *

You sure you don't want to buy some? Murond asked the farmer, arms crossed.

All we needed was the poison for the rats, came the predictable answer, I'm not interested in your so-called medicines. We'll settle for bringing a healer over, thank you.

Again with the healers? Murond snorted, What if one isn't around? Then what? He honestly could not believe these people. They lived out in the middle of nowhere, but expected a healer to be on call if there ever was an emergency. That just made no sense.

If you want to be a mage hater, then go away, the farmer said, face darkening.

Fine, Murond muttered, and stomped away from the old farmhouse. He had been traveling for a couple of years, but he still couldn't understand why humans were so traditional. It never hurt to be prepared for anything, and from what he knew, farming was a risky business. He was beginning to wonder if they were all stupid.

Sighing, he kicked a loose pebble and looked back. Murond knew he probably shouldn't let himself get angry like that. It was getting frustrating though; he was trying to help these people, and all they wanted from him was the same thing. Five farms today, seven yesterday, and all he'd been able to sell was just rat poison.

He wasn't even that good at making the stuff, and he didn't like it either. Murond admitted he would have preferred working on the stuff he'd spent most of his earlier years studying; medicines, poultices, and other treatments that could help deal with illnesses or injuries. It was a point of pride that he had become one of the youngest dwarves to ever earn recognition for researching into that.

They had no way of knowing what he was capable of. He'd been around long enough to understand that, but he hoped someday he'd meet someone capable of making better judgments. Today was clearly not that day. More's the pity, Murond decided. Sooner or later, they'd realize that using magic as a crutch would