Kobelt’s first attempt at drawing a map left Chastity baffled. It was all squiggly lines and criss-crossing tunnels, reminding Chastity of topographical maps with so many contour lines they resembled some sort of optical illusion. It soon became apparent that the gnome was drawing a map from his decidedly underground perspective. A world of caves and tunnels. An ‘upside down’ view of Sk?rselden.

  With a second parchment fetched, and Charlie Cucumber’s close assistance, a more helpful map was drafted of the surroundings. Chastity studied the crude drawing. She could more easily see now the lay of the Riverlands and surrounding territory–the winding of the Deep River and the expansive Silfurfast Woods beyond. She saw the Pale Foothills and what the locals referred to as the White Mountain. She had reason to believe this was the very peak upon which she had emerged into this world.

  I will keep that mountain in mind, for one day it may be my ticket home.

  Deeper in the foothills, through a bouldery gap, Kobelt circled the general area where the hidden cave entrance lay with a piece of charcoal. A black ring signifying a forbidding destination. Chastity took the map and added it to one of the remaining slots of her invisible inventory as she made final preparations.

  Seated beside the gnome, Charlie looked at the brand marking on his bluish neck. He recalled the scars of his own spider bite, but Kobelt’s injury seemed far worse if only for the injustice of it.

  “Does it still hurt?” the halfling asked.

  “Only the memory of it,” was the reply.

  Charlie lapsed into silence. A moth larva inched its way across the wooden tabletop, drawn to the comparative warmth of the tavern. Kobelt promptly popped it in his mouth.

  Meanwhile, Chastity tallied her gathered supplies: a coiled rope, a lantern and flint, a canteen, and the flimsy bedroll she used previously. She fit what she could in the small leather traveling pack and placed the rest in her inventory. The porridge and boiled vegetables in her stomach would be enough to sustain her strength for now.

  “Ahem,” Mayor Roundhedge cleared his throat.

  “Yes, what is it, Mayor?” Chasity asked. He was holding a familiar looking key.

  “Charlie explained ‘ow you and Kobelt sheltered in the empty ‘ouse last night. No ‘arm in it. Truth be told, we should ‘ave offered it to you. Too many empty ‘omes if you ask me! By all rights it should be yours if you mean to stay. Either way, you are welcome to use it as you see fit.”

  Chastity gratefully received the large key, inwardly noting the circuitous path it had traveled.

  “That is very kind of you. I do not know where my travels will take me, but for now at least it can be a safe place for Kobelt. Still, I cannot accept it for nothing. I would prefer to fairly purchase the property,” she explained.

  The mayor shrugged his shoulders.

  “How about one gold piece, then? That’s a fair enough price for that old place.”

  Hmmm… Chastity realized she didn’t actually have anything that would be considered legal tender in this world. She patted down the sides of her armor and tunic.

  “I’m afraid I don’t have any gold pieces on me at the moment…”

  “No problem! Just make it a silver piece and we’ll sign over the deed to you.”

  This was getting awkward.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  “I don’t seem to have any silver on me either…” Chastity mumbled, beginning to blush.

  “O! Think nothing of it. It was meant to be a gift. If it makes you feel good about it, just toss me a copper and we’ll shake on it!” the mayor said, pleased to make such a generous offer to the Tall Lady.

  Chastity slumped her shoulders and stared at the ground in defeat.

  “Not… even a single piece of copper?” the mayor asked. “I see…”

  After a beat, Chastity looked up with renewed purpose.

  “Don’t worry, Mayor Roundhedge. I will find a way to pay you back. On my honor as a Paladin!”

  That little shack can serve as my Goldenberry Airbnb, but I WILL reimburse the villagers for it!

  “Right, well… one quest at a time. You just ‘old on to that key and use the place as you like in the meantime,” Roundhedge encouraged. “Will you be ‘eading out now? Pennybun’s at the dock waiting to take you across.”

  “I shall,” Chastity answered, securing the traveling pack and quiver. She handed the key to Kobelt. “Look after the place while I’m gone. You’ll be safe here. And if you need anything, just ask Charlie.”

  Chastity turned to face the door, steeling herself to march off into certain danger.

  “Wait!” Charlie said, springing up from the table. “I have a gift for you, before you go.”

  The halfling reached into a bag and pulled out a sizable jar.

  Uh oh, Chastity thought. Pickled fish for the road?

  “I made it for you,” Charlie said, proudly holding the object up. “I hope you like it!”

  Chastity looked at the jar carefully. She could see some vaguely familiar shapes floating in some type of liquid. But it wasn’t pickled fish.

  “Identify,” she said under her breath.

  Pickled elf ears? The mushrooms from the Evervale Forest? thought Chastity. But what does it mean by ‘holy’...?

  “Oh no, Charlie. You didn’t…” Chastity moaned, realization sinking in. “The leftover Holy Water… did you…?”

  “Yup! There wasn’t much left, and I thought it might give the mushrooms a little extra zest! And it really does,” he explained, making a ‘chef’s kiss’ motion with his fingers. “If you get peckish out there, I reckon this’ll make a great snack!”

  Chastity reluctantly added the jar to her inventory. Then she said her goodbyes and stepped out into the cold.