THE BALD FOOT CURSE: 2nd Edition

By Michael D Sauls

Rinad is a young halfling and the grandson of the famous Erlos the Cursed. Rinad doesn't see his grandfather as a renowned adventurer. He was his best friend, and when he died, Rinad was devastated. He had always struggled with his faith. It bothered him that he shared his grandfather's curse, but he became angry with the passing of his grandfather

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Sauls
• Release date: Dec 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781637320174

Book preview

1

Prologue

Two halflings, Rinad and his grandfather Erlos floated in a small boat, fishing poles in hand. It was a chilly morning; the sun had barely begun to peek above the horizon. Rinad got a bite and set the line. He started wrapping the line on the spindle.

Halflings appeared almost human, only smaller. They are about the size of a human child and usually had feet covered in thick fur. Their ears were a little pointy, but not as pronounced as the ears of the elves. They were an extremely agile race, and could often perform extraordinary feats of skill with ease.

Easy now. Don't yank on the line or you lose him, Erlos said.

I got this. Don't worry Grandpa, Rinad said. The fish was fighting pretty hard, but Rinad got him into the boat.

By the gods, what a monster! Erlos exclaimed. He's big enough to feed the whole shire.

Rinad laughed. He loved fishing with his grandfather. Every fish was a giant or a monster as far as Erlos was concerned. He's not all that big, Rinad said.

Erlos chuckled and gave his grandson a little poke in the ribs. Always so serious, Rinad. It's a magnificent fish, I tell you. It took both of us fighting him to get him in, and he nearly sank the boat.

Rinad smiled. You’re so silly, grandpa.

Oh, would you look at that? Erlos pointed at the sunrise. The sky was ablaze with purples, reds, and blues. The gentle mist of a light morning fog drifted up from the surface of the lake. As lovely as Zashita's smile. He said, referring to the halfling goddess predominantly worshipped in their shire.

Wow! Rinad said. He leaned back soaking in the view for the few short moments before the sun rose and shattered the spell with its blazing brilliance. The fish flopped around at the bottom of the boat, reminding Rinad that he had something to do. He put the fish on the stringer with the rest of their catch.

We had a good night, Rinad, Erlos said. He looked drained. I think it's time we get back. Your father won't be happy if you don't get to your chores.

Aye, Rinad agreed. He took up the oars and made for shore.

As they walked back, Erlos asked. Have I ever told you about Brix Xartos?

Only a thousand times Grandpa, Rinad said.

Erlos paused, having trouble catching his breath. Rinad moved to help him, but the old halfling waved him off. I'm Ok I just need to rest.

They sat down on a log and Erlos told his grandson all about Brix Xarta and his flaming sword. The farther he got into the tale, the stronger he became. Before long, they were walking back to the farm; Erlos was happily telling his story.

When they got back, Rinad went off to clean the fish and do his chores. Erlos went to take a nap. Later, when Rinad had finished, his mother yelled out for him to wash up for breakfast. He came inside after, finding his mother Xida setting the table and his father Jolos tending to a large bucket of milk he'd just brought in from the cows.

Honey, you go wash up just as soon as you finish with that milk, Xida scolded.

I will. I will, Jolos protested.

Is grandpa still asleep? Rinad asked.

Aye, his mother said. Why don't you be a dear and go wake him up. Tell him that breakfast is ready.

Rinad went up to his grandfather's room and knocked, but there was no answer. He opened the door a crack. Grandpa? Mom told me to come and get you. Breakfast is ready.

The room was dark and quiet. He moved inside Grandpa? Grandpa?

2

The Funeral

A few years later

The rain fell in a steady drizzle around Davkos Shire, and the quiet answered back. It seemed fitting, Jolos thought, one of the shire's favorite sons was returning to the earth, and the world seemed to be giving him a moment of silence. He scanned the room. All the somber looks and tear-filled eyes around the room almost made him lose his composure. He wiped his eyes with his handkerchief as a renewed wave of tears threatened.

The priest motioned for Jolos to come up. A nervous knot in his stomach replaced the desire to break down and cry. Finally, he gathered the tattered and frayed pieces of his courage and walked up to the podium. The priest gave him a comforting hug and moved to sit down.

Jolos looked around the room, closed his eyes, and sucked in a deep breath to gather his thoughts. Finally, he spoke. To-today we gather to honor the life of one of our most esteemed citizens, my father, Erlos. Around the room today, I see many faces; some clansmen of the shire and some friends my father met in his adventures and travels. I-I... Jolos paused, sobbing. Rinad stepped up, wrapping a comforting arm around his shoulder, but Jolos gently pushed him away. He gave his grieving son a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder.

He looked around, noting the handful of elves and humans in the room. The two races were nearly the same height, but elves were thinner and more graceful. Their ears were long and sharp, their hair could be almost any color, and their eyes usually matched the color of their hair.

I had this whole speech.... Jolos shook his head and sighed. You know what amazes me about our people? He asked. "The size of our hearts and my father seemed to have one of the biggest of all. He was always one to lend a hand when a hand was needed. I used to resent that about him when I was a boy. He would go running off because bandits threatened someone's shire or farm or if there were rumors of orcs massing and I would not see him for months. My poor mother would be beside herself. She would miss him so. Sometimes, when I would see a group of elves and humans coming into the shire, I would even try to keep them from seeing my father. He always knew somehow. He always knew they were coming before they got here, and he would come out to see them. As I grew older, I came to realize that he cared enough about me and our shire that he was willing to risk everything to keep us safe. Some would call him the hero of Valda Doom or the slayer of Brix Xartos.

Some would praise him for the trade routes that he helped establish which have brought prosperity to our realm. Others will speak highly of his skill and wit. My father was not a warrior. He used to say that his weapon was his mind. He used to brag that he defeated his enemies by using his head."

That comment earned some smiles and nods of remembrance from the otherwise somber crowd. Jolos waited for the group to stop murmuring before he continued. "One of my father's favorite stories was the tale of his curse. I know that all of you have heard it before, but I feel like telling it again though I lack my father's talent for telling tales. When my father was young, he wanted to see if he could outsmart the gods. Even though he was young at the time, he already had a reputation. People began calling him Erlos the Clever and all that notoriety made him a little full of himself. So he set out to steal a look at none other than the goddess Zashita.

Our patron goddess is stunning, so he became determined to see for himself. After much searching, he learned the secret of entering her realm, and once he laid eyes on her, he was enamored by her beauty. She was laughing and dancing about when a single flower fell from amongst those woven in her hair. He felt that he had to have some trinket to remember her by, so he picked up the flower and brought it back with him. He began the long walk home when she appeared before him on the road. For all of my father's well-laid plans, she had known that he was watching her the whole time. She admired his courage for taking such a risk but was disappointed in him for having such pride. Imagine believing that he could outsmart a goddess. For his bravery, he was allowed to keep the flower, but for his arrogance, a curse. No hair would grow upon his feet until he learned humility. Erlos never grew hair on his feet again."

Jolos pulled a small box from his pocket and removed from it a wildflower. It had been pressed to preserve it, but it was still a lovely vibrant blue. I found it fitting that it goes with him to the grave. Jolos went to the coffin and laid the flower on his father's chest. Rest in peace, father. He kissed his forehead and returned to his seat.

Rinad watched from his seat as the funeral wrapped up. Many times he had heard the tale of his grandfather's curse, but it wasn't until the moment he saw that flower that he believed it. Erlos' tales were epic. Many wondered if there was a grain of truth to them. He was very entertaining and therefore beloved by his people in spite of his strange bald feet. For Rinad and his uncle Toras who both inherited Erlos' condition, it was a source of constant ridicule. Rinad thought back to some of the many humiliating moments of his childhood, and a new emotion began to take root, anger. It seemed very unfair to him that he had grown up berated and bullied over his naked feet all because of some stupid curse that had nothing to do with him. He didn't care how beautiful or benevolent everyone else thought the goddess Zashita was. He began to think of her as cruel and capricious.

Time passed, and Rinad became increasingly distant. Members of the family would stop by, and he would not answer the door. If he did answer, he would quickly send them away with an excuse. One day he packed up what few belongings he could carry and left the shire.

He had no idea where he was going, so he headed toward the closest human city, a place called Ranek Fenn. According to his maps, it was about two weeks' journey on foot. He didn't have a plan as such. He was simply tired of the shire. Everything about the place reminded him of his grandfather. There were halflings in Ranek Fenn who eschewed the simple country life of Davkos Shire. He decided that it was time for him to go out and see the world for himself.

As he rounded the bend in the road, he spotted his father, Jolos waiting for him. A little bird told me that you were leaving, Jolos said, strolling toward him.

You can't make me stay, Rinad commented, sounding every bit like a petulant child.

Jolos shrugged. I would not dream of it. You are a halfling grown. You are not the first to tire of Davkos Shire and dream of finding a better fortune in a city of men.

So what do you want? Rinad asked.

Well, if you must go, then I would aid you. How do you plan to live once you get to the city? Asked Jolos.

Rinad shrugged. I don't know.

You can work for Erlos Mercantile, Jolos said. He offered a small coin pouch and a scroll to Rinad.

What if I don't want to work for Erlos Mercantile? Rinad asked. What if I want to find my fortune elsewhere?

Then do so, Jolos replied. Do so with my blessing, but consider this a helping hand to get you started on your way. It is much easier to plan your next step when you have a full belly and a dry place to sleep. Our kind have always appreciated these things. Work at the store until you figure out what you want to do next.

Rinad could not argue with the wisdom of his father's suggestion. It would be much easier to settle into the city if he had a job and a place to stay. My thanks, father, He said, accepting the offered coin and letter of referral.

Jolos embraced him unexpectedly, gripping Rinad so tight that he found it difficult to breathe. He was aware of other members of his family gliding out of the trees like ghosts. His mother embraced him, his brothers and sisters as well. None tried to dissuade him from leaving which he found odd. Instead, they gave him gifts to aid him in his quest. His father gave him a bow and a quiver of arrows, his mother gave him a sack of bread and cheese, his brother gave him a sword, and each in his turn gave him a blessing, May you find happiness by journey's end. It seemed strange. It was not the typical blessing of his people though it seemed appropriate for him.

Rinad turned to them all and said the blessing common among his people, May the hair never fall from your toes. With that, he turned and walked down the road. He would miss them, he realized with a pang of regret. He felt a little low for trying to sneak away without saying goodbye.

As Rinad vanished around the next bend in the road his mother, Xida asked, Are you sure this was the right thing to do, Jolos?

Jolos smiled, wiping a tear from his wife's eye. He said, In my dream, the goddess Zashita told me to meet Rinad here and say that blessing. I only obeyed. We must have faith. He put his arm around her shoulders and together they all walked back to Davkos Shire.

3

The Rusty Coin

The trip to Ranek Fenn was mostly uneventful. Rinad was unaccustomed to the rigors of travel. He found the solitude of the road unnerving, sleeping on the ground unforgiving, and the simple fair of trail rations bland. The more he walked, the crankier he became. His legs hurt, he missed good food, a warm bed, and he was tempted to go home.

He was just about ready to quit when he heard the snort of a horse on the road ahead. Throwing caution to the wind, Rinad decided to investigate and shortly came upon a horse and its owner, a rotund halfling woman near his grandfather's age. She was standing next to a cart with a broken wheel, sitting in the middle of the road. The horse was one of the small pony breeds commonly used throughout the shire to pull carts, and it seemed content to have a break to eat grass on the side of the road.

Rinad noticed a massive stone jutting conspicuously out of the dirt that he suspected was responsible for the woman's predicament. It was an unremarkable spot on the road bordered by scrub pine, which filled the air with its scent. Cicada was happily chirping all around them.

The horse pranced and whinnied, catching wind of Rinad as he approached, and the woman turned to see who was coming toward her. Child, you nearly frightened me right out of my skin, The woman commented, putting a hand over her heart.

Rinad shrugged nonchalantly. Silent feet came naturally to his folk. You seem to be having a bit of trouble.

The older woman fanned herself with her hand. I am, and on a dreadfully hot day at that. She was a plump little halfling with red hair and a face covered in freckles. She had a warm, friendly smile that reminded Rinad of his mother.

Rinad considered his predicament. He was tired, and he didn't think that he could stand much more walking. I tell you what. If you're willing to give me a ride into town, I'm willing to fix it for you.

Oh, thank the gods. Of course, I'll give you a ride. I thought for sure I was going to be stuck here all night, the woman said.

Rinad scratched his head, thoughtfully taking a look at the broken wheel. I don't suppose you have an extra wheel in the cart.

nay, I'm afraid not, she replied.

I'm no wheelwright, but I can patch it up well enough to get us to town. It won't be a comfortable ride, but it will get us down the road.

You can do that? the woman asked.

Rinad shrugged again. I grew up on a farm, he explained, wagons are always breaking wheels. It took Rinad the better part of an hour to patch the wheel, but when he finished, it was more or less round though it did seem a bit flatter on one side.

She inspected his work and nodded with approval. Not bad, child. Are you headed to Ranek Fenn?

Aye, ma'am.

She chuckled, Call me, Gina. Is everyone so formal where you come from? She moved to fetch her pony.

I'm Rinad, he returned, lending her a hand.

Let's get Matilda hooked up, and we can be on our way, she said.

Aye, ma'am, uh, I mean Gina.

They hooked the pony back up, and in no time they were back on the road. The wheel rolled with an odd thump every time it turned around. As Rinad had predicted, it wasn't a comfortable ride.

Thump. Thump, Thump, went Rinad's patch. It was enough to make your teeth chatter. He massaged his sore muscles and said a prayer of thanks to Zashita. He was just grateful to be able to sit down. Their butts were aching by the journey's end, but the patch did get them the rest of the way to town.

The sun was setting over Ranek Fenn as they rode into the city. The brilliant tapestry of the sky created a colorful backdrop for the walled city with its nondescript keep upon the hill. It was much larger than Davkos Shire. The smell of manure assaulted Rinad's nose. Smoke poured from chimneys, and humans were everywhere. He spotted a few of his folk going about their business, but there weren't many.

Even in the city, halflings eschewed footwear. Their furry feet were as tough as iron, so they did not need them and unlike humans, halflings had an opposable toe on their feet. They could use their feet as an extra set of hands if they wished so wearing shoes didn’t make sense for them.

He got directions to the mercantile from Gina, thanked her for the ride, and watched as she headed off towards a wheelwright for a proper repair.

A little bell rang as Rinad opened the door of the mercantile. A rather sizable bald human came strolling out of the back, wiping his hands on an apron. Oy, you need something, my lord? We are going to be closing soon.

I'm Rinad. I have a letter here for Bannok, he said, his voice full of uncertainty.

That'd be me, Bannok motioned for Rinad to give him the letter, and Rinad handed it to him. He read over the page carefully and gave Rinad an appraising look. So, you are Jolos, boy, huh?

Aye, Rinad confirmed.

Bannok laughed, Says here to give you a job. Come in early tomorrow, and I'll give you something to do. You got a place to stay?

Rinad shook his head. I just arrived in town.

Farlan's Inn is reasonable. They will set you up with a place until you can come up with more permanent accommodations, said Bannok. Just make a right when you leave the shop. It's about three blocks from here.

Rinad found Farlan's inn without any trouble. It was a wooden two-story structure with reddish-brown tiles on the roof and a large sign over the door that read, Farlan's. It was a decent place as far as Rinad could tell. He had little experience to compare. It wasn't as comfortable as home, but it was cozy.

There was a great stone fireplace in the center of the common room, which was populated by a dozen square tables, each with four wooden chairs. The walls were painted white except for the massive oak support beams sanded smooth and stained brown. They ran exposed up the height of the walls and across the ceiling.

The proprietor, a portly man with mousy brown hair and a bushy mustache, was standing behind a bar made of thick wood polishing it with a towel. May I help you, my lord? He looked a little confused as he examined Rinad. Children did not run around in town armed, and Rinad's clothes were travel-stained, but he did not have hairy feet like most halflings. Are your parents with you? He seemed unsure if it was the right question.

Rinad ground his teeth. This human thinks I'm a child. He thought. I'm a halfling grown. Thank you very much, Rinad said. He sounded annoyed.

My apologies, my lord. I meant no insult. I am Tuck, proprietor of this inn, the man said.

I'd like a room and something to eat if anything is on the stove, Rinad said.

Aye, my lord, Tuck said. We have beef stew simmering.

Rinad sat down to eat his dinner. The food wasn't great, but it was the first hot meal he'd eaten in days. He wondered how the humans in this town would enjoy a good halfling cooked meal. He was mulling over the possibilities of opening a restaurant when a rather large man with one ear and a large scar across his cheek lay a coin upon his table. The missing ear didn't look like it had ever healed right. It was an angry red with a small pustule just around the jawline. The man's head looks lopsided from the swelling. Maybe that was just the shape of his head Rinad couldn't decide.

Hey, halfling, look at this coin, the one-eared man said, slurring like a drunk.

Rinad looked at the man, wondering what this was all about. W-what am I looking for?

Spencer, leave that poor child alone, a tavern wench scolded.

I'm not a child, Rinad said. I'm a halfling grown. Both humans ignored Rinad's protests.

In my experience halflings are real good with coin, Spencer said defensively. I once knew a halfling chap that swore he could smell gold at ten paces. Some of the hiding spots he found made a believer out of me.

The wench shook her head in disbelief. I believe that this child is keener on finishing his dinner. She gave Rinad a reassuring smile. Don't mind him. He wounded his head in the war. Sometimes he is fine, but other times he gets a little confused, but he is harmless.

I'm not a child, Rinad said.

What? The wench asked.

"I'm