The Archaic System

As we neared the village more and more memories of my time here began to flood into my head. I spent the majority of my first two years on Agartha in Black Lion Village. The only time I left was to kill beasts in the nearby forests and mountains or to go on a few expeditions with Alexander Morrow's mercenary group. I wasn't an official member, My position was more like a servant relegated to menial tasks for minimal pay. However, I was able to meet Mike during an expedition that had us clearing a nearby fort at the base of a mountain. Afterword Mike came back to Black Lion Village with me. This was the only blessing in an otherwise dismal two years.

At the time I thought I was doing what I had to survive and to find my brother. Alexander Morrow promised that if I served his mercenary group for two years he would help me find my brother. I was so naive. Not only was I treated like dirt, when I brought it up to Alexander Morrow after two years he laughed in my face and kicked me out of the village. If it wasn't for Mike going with me and helping me travel to another human settlement I probably would have died.

There were a few in the mercenary group who were especially cruel and would go out of their way to make my life miserable. It was made even worse by the fact that the mercenary group functions as the town guard. No matter where I went I was harassed by them.

Two that were especially terrible was the captain of the guard Sauer and his right hand man Ward. Sauer was a burly large captain and enjoyed humiliating me in front of people as often as he could. He would belittle me and repeatedly emphasize how weak I was. Ward was worse though, he was truly sadistic, waiting for the perfect moment to destroy any happiness I could cling to. He even tried to drive a wedge between me and Mike. Luckily we found out that he was the one behind it. They are truly sick people who derive joy from preying on those who won't or can't fight back.

Part of me looked forward to crossing paths with them as we neared the village. I'll give them a taste of their own medicine. I'm not the same person I was in my last life.

At this point the sun had almost completely disappeared behind the horizon to the north. Valerian and I stepped into the back of the line to enter the village. It wasn't too long only about five people in front of me.

We could hear the guards ahead talking to the villagers entering before us.

"10 copper to enter for both of you," said a guard to one of the villagers.

It was a younger man and what appeared to be his wife.

"I'm sorry sir, we just arrived here after a long journey and haven't earned any money yet."

"10 copper or you can sleep outside with the beasts," the guard said stoically.

Most human settlements don't charge a fee to enter. Only greedy lords like Alexander Morrow chose to.

The young man began to get a little panicky, "Please sir, if we can just get inside I'm an excellent tailor and can make money in no time, I swear I will return and pay you the 10 copper."

"No money no entrance," then he looked over the female next to the man a grin spreading on his face, "well maybe if you let this little lass stays with us tonight we can let you through." The guard sneered at the young man.

"That, That's not possible," The young man stammered.

No longer able to continue watching, I stepped forward, "Here are 10 coppers, let them in."

The guard glared at me. Clearly I ruined his fun. However, he still took the coppers and allowed the young man and woman into the village.

When it was mine and Valerian's turn to enter the guard looked both of us over. He must have been confused how I could afford to pay the young mans fee when I looked so poor myself. After all, at this point my clothes were practically in tatters after our numerous battles. The G'eth didn't have any spare clothes for humans so I just used random patches of cloth to fix what holes I could on my own.

The guard began to sneer at me. It looks like he is determined to make things difficult for me after I ruined his fun earlier.

"1 silver coin to enter."

One silver coin is equivalent to 100 copper coins. This is ten times what the other people paid!

"1 silver coin? Everyone else only paid 10 copper for two people!" I responded.

"That's right for two PEOPLE. That ain't a person is it?" He gestured towards Valerian.

"So pay 1 silver coin or don't even think about entering Black Lion Village."

I was fuming. These ignorant people.

Clearly this guard didn't think I'd have the money and that I'd have to stay outside the village. In all honesty it wouldn't be hard for me to do so, I had done it many times before. However there are things I needed to get in the village and there is no guarantee that there will be a different guard if I try to come back a different day.

On the other hand, if I pay it, this much money will definitely attract some unwanted attention. It is certainly not usual for someone my age to be able to spend one silver just to enter a settlement. After thinking for a moment I decided to just pay it and if there are consequences I will deal with them as they come.

I pulled out 1 silver coin and flicked it at the mans forehead hitting him right between the eyes.

"May we enter now?"

The man looked at the silver coin as it fell to the ground stupefied. For a second it looked like he would explode, then a disturbing calm came over him as he said, "Go ahead."

Valerian and I began to walk through the gate. After we passed through I turned and noticed the guard from before was whispering to another guard behind him and looking in my direction.

Yep there is gonna be some trouble tonight. I will have to take care of this. I sighed.