Kobold Cursed Sword, Chapter 3

Benbrek was on fire. The flames spread from roof to roof, illuminating the night for the villagers who were now trying to quell the flames. This wasn’t the only issue to ravage Benbreck however. A dragon posed another issue the town was attempting to respond to. The likely perpetrator of the fires now ravaging the town as most would assume.

Yet despite probable cause, hundreds of witnesses, and piles of evidence it was unlikely that the dragon would be tried for its crimes. The courthouse would not be large enough to fit it, and more importantly was now only a pile of rubble.

As time passed however more organized attempts were being made to respond to the disaster ravaging the city. With the introduction of weapons to protect more and more water lines, disrupting them had become riskier. As such the dragon at this point had retreated to the back of the fire. Choosing to instead fan the flames with its massive wingspan.

The unnatural wind was blowing. Pushing soot, ash, and heat against the small mechanized water wagon and its crew. The glowing shield in front of them wicking the worst of the forces as they squinted behind their goggles. All the men in the cart were armed except one in the front of the cart. A man whose vestments were flapping in the unnatural wind, his brow wrinkled in concentration as he chanted. All while three men in the back continued to care for the cart's engine, shoveling coal in and maintaining the many wobbling gauges. One man in front steering as they did.

As they got closer, the winds only increased while the heat started to abate. The cleric chanting increasing in tone as the men shoveled in yet more coal to maintain their slow speed. The massive winds bending the few trees around them that were yet unscathed.

As they finally managed to crest the hill, reaching the mountains behind the town the dragon came into view. As it flapped its wings, its red scales glistened in the fires that burned ahead. However, not noticing the small cart trundling closer.

As the cart managed to get out of the dragon’s wind the cleric stopped chanting. The cart then trudged to what remained of the buildings in the city square.

As the men began to hop out of the cart, the dragon turned to look at them. Moving to stop fanning its flames and rather to defend its hold. As it did a similar cart began to brest the hill behind it as the dragon squinted at them.

It then spoke, “Oh of little ants to defend their own tiny little hill. The wise would run.” Its red eyes glinted as it smiled and pointed at the party with a claw.
The cleric moved forth, the men behind him cocking their weapons as he did. He then spoke, “Oh dragon, leave. We will spare you if you walk away, this incident will be forgotten if you stand down.” Drawing a deep guttural chuckle from the dragon as the men in the cart behind it began to jump out. “The debts your people have made are being repaid here human, do not come speaking of peace.”

Its muscles tensed as it drew back to strike at two of the men. Cracking both of them to the pavement with the force of its swipe. The other two armed men began to spread out, firing as they did. Their hands fanning their lever actions as they began to strafe the dragon. Almost immediately one of their shots slammed into the dragon’s eye. The dragon wincing in pain as the other shots instead pinged off its thick scaly hide.

The dragon, enraged then attempted to swipe at one of the men now fumbling to reload their rifle. Their claw instead impacting into a glowing shield. Growling in annoyance they quickly lifted their hand around it, moving to squash the offending nuisance. The reloader however quickly jumped out of the way. The force of the dragon’s hand instead cracking the cobblestone below.

The dragon then immediately turned to the chanting priest to the right of the two armed men. A gob of fiery liquid dripping out of their mouth as it did, the priest's hands glowing with a golden light as he continued chanting. The dragon mouth spewing out a torrent of flames at the stationary man.

As the flames wicked away the priest came back to view, still standing. His white vestments now covered in soot. Growling the dragon then moved back to swipe at the priest, instead flinching in pain as a small trickle of blood began to form under their socket.

Enraged, the dragon spun to the offending party. Right as they were about to pounce on the rifleman there was a large boom. A cannonball from behind the dragon impacting into their back with a great crack. The dragon roared in pain as one of their wings now fell down to the cobblestones. The cannonball cracking into the pavement below as the second party began trying to reload their cannon for a second shot. Spinning around the dragon quickly turned to face the crew manning the cannon. The men abandoned the cannon as the dragon reared back. The dragon pouncing moments after, flattening the cannon like a tinfoil bird.

As the dragon turned it then spoke.

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Bix paused at Solais’ comment, stopping in mid step to try and smell what they mentioned. Frowning as they said, “I do? I mean… I hope nothing bad has happened in Appleby since I left.” Being met with silence from the sword Bix continued with, “Also how do you even smell, you don’t have a nose.” Solaris said, “This link is two directional lizard, you were just too distracted to not notice the smell in the first place.”

Bix sighed and continued down the path. As they exited the woods, Bix noticed a small booth erected right before the top of the next hill. As the duo was about to pass the booth the figure inside stirred shouting, “HELLO TRAVELERS!” Bix flinching before turning around to look at the smiling figure within the booth. Its metallic skin and white glowing eye was a little more obvious as it leaned out of the booth’s shade. Moving to rest its shoulder on the counter.

A little confused the sword said to Bix, “What the fuck is that thing?” Bix responded back whispering, “It's an Automaton, the city has had them as a part of their enforcement agency for some time.” as she walked over to the booth. Turning to look up at the metal figure confined in the booth Bix said, “Heey, why did Appleby Guard put you here anyway?” The robot blasting out, “I AM NOT AT LIBERTY TO SAY WHY!” Bix putting her hands over her tympanum immediately as it began to talk. Wincing a bit, Bix looked at the Automaton and said, “You’re being a bit loud, can you bring down the volume a bit?” The figure nodded, reaching behind its back. An audible click emanating from it before they spoke again, “Is this better, small scaly one?”

“Yeah yeah sure” said Bix. The metal man made an almost pained stretching of their smile in response. Bix continued with, “Is Appleby ok? We… I smelled smoke.” Drawing a rusting chuckle from the creature. “I’m sorry, I have been told not to disclose any information about that matter to non-citizens,” It said. “Look, I can just walk over the top of this hill and see Appleby, all I’m asking from you,” Bix said as she pointed at the automaton, “is for some information before I do.”

The robot chuckled again in response, “You would not be able to get over that hill before I stopped you kobold.” Bix gave a confused look back and said, “And how are you going to do that? I know you don’t have any legs.” The robot smiled as Bix pointed under the booth’s window. Leaning forward a bit more the automaton chuckled and said, “You know all you could have done is shown me your card, instead of insulting me lizard.” As he leaned back crossing his arms he continued, “As for Appleby, we are currently dealing with a small recent incident with a red dragon, the smoke you smelled is likely the small amount of remaining fires.”

Bix frowned as the robot continued, “As for not being able to stop you, I assure you. I’m a very good shot,” tapping inside the booth underneath its window as it spoke. A clear clacking of metal on metal emanating from inside as he did. Bix chuckled in response. As the robot leaned back, recrossing its hands Bix said, “Ok, I’ll be going now… Thanks for the help?” As she began to walk away the robot nodded from within the booth.

As Bix crested the hill, Appleby spanned out in front of her. Or, what was left of it. Much of the farmland still smoldered and what used to be a clean town center. Before hidden from view from the hill by the orchards surrounding it, was in a state of ruin. Tents and other small non-permanent dwellings dotting it instead. Bix could also see ant like people trying to repair and rebuild what was now less of a town and more piles of wreckage at this point.

Bix of course, wasn’t unaffected by the sight, a small lump forming in her throat as she took in the wreckage. She felt almost overwhelmed, even transfixed by the destruction laid out before her. Solais then broke her out of her shock by clearing his throat.

As she began walking towards the town, jolted out of her stupor the kobold said, “I, can’t believe this happened when I was away.” Drawing a slight chuckle from the sword as Bix scratched her cheek. Solaris continued with, “And what do you think would have changed if you were here, hmm?” Bix responded with silence as she continued walking down the ash covered road. Solais continued and said, “What, you think you would have been able to seduce the dragon with your koboldly wiles so that less people would have died?” Almost chuckling as he said, “At the worst, getting split apart in the process, fulfilling your species ultimate desire in the affair?”

Bix stopped at this comment, continuing and saying, “I. Well, not like that, but I just think I could have helped some other way.” The sword rolled his eye and said, “Yeah, I’m sure the lack of one fucking kobold was such a huge detriment to the town responding to a bloody dragon.” He continued saying, “I think you not being here was a better idea honestly.” Bix sighed, running her hand down her face to brush off some of the ash that started sticking to it and said, “What, because my little archeology foray unearthed you?”

The sword laughed saying, “Archeology? Is that what you lot call graverobbing nowadays?” Laughing a bit as Bix flustered and said, “No! Archaeology is when you try and document the stuff you find.” “Uh huh,” said Solais, “So graverobbing, with some paperwork.” Bix frowned at this crossing her arms as she continued to walk. The sword said, “Anyway, yes. Because your little foray stole me from more years in that godsforsaken crypt.”

As Bix uncrossed her arms they had started to walk into Appleby. The distance from the hill concealing more of the close up damage that had occurred. Some glass littered about the prior unharmed wooden and stone buildings alike. Despite that the tents ahead were bustling in the town square, with a good handful of people milling around them. On the upside the air was clearer near the city center, much less the slightly sweet smell of the smoke on the path between the now scorched orchards. Although the occasional breeze did carry the faint smell inwards.

As Bix continued in she paused as she noticed a message board to her right. Jogging over to take a look at the papers posted into the ragged board. As she squinted at the board’s top items the sword said, “Impressive they managed to erect this after what happened.” As Bix continued to squint she said, “I really don’t think that's the case, my posting is still here.” Pointing at one of the lower papers nailed into the wood.

It read, “Looking for ancient artifacts, magical or not? Ask Kird Sizlack, barkeep at the Apple Pub to leave a message for Bix.” A crude drawing of a goblet and glowing sword adorned the bottom of the paper.

As the sword processed the flyer, Bix made a slight hum of interest saying, “Looks like there is already a bounty for the dragon.” Pointing to a rather new flyer posted in the center of the board as she said so. “Pretty impressive bounty of 20,000 marks, or 10,000 with rights to the body,” she said. She continued saying, “I do imagine you could get twice the marks for the body alone, it would just be a pain processing it.” The sword sighed then said, “Listen lizard, I have no idea how much a mark really is so all that is complete gibberish to me.”

Bix responded, “Like a pint of beer is about, uhhh, 3 marks. Twenty thousand marks could probably?” She shrugged as she trailed off, but continued with, “Keep me in comfortable lodgings and food for a couple of years?” The sword grunting in mild thanks with the explanation. After a couple minutes of silence the kobold finished scanning the board as the sword thought to himself. Solaris however was jolted out of his thoughts as Bix began walking over to one of the tents.

“Oi, wait why are we going there?” said Solaris. Bix sighed as she opened the tent flap revealing a sparsely populated collection of tables and chairs. Along with small platter weaving between them while two hat wearing men played cards. “Mainly to talk to him,” Bix said, pointing at a rather muscular man cleaning a mug behind the bar. Continuing with, “This has also been quite a.. tiring day for me and I’ll likely need a drink soon too.” As Bix herself weaved through the cramped tent’s chairs and tables she managed to reach the bar at the back of the tent. Pulling herself onto one of the stools then clearing her throat to catch the attention of the barkeeper. “Oh, hey Bix! See you managed to find your way back to town eh whereabouts,” said the barkeep.
“Yeah Kird, look before I drink till night. Did anyone come in about my ad while I was gone?” said Bix. Kird paused and scratched his chin as one of the other patrons at the bar began chugging from his glass. “Eh, I remember some sod asking about you shortly after you left. I would give ya his name but I lost my notes in the tavern fire.” Bix nodded in response then said, “Do you at least remember what he looked like?” Kird nodded as he picked up and continued cleaning his mug saying, “Yeah, I believe he was a bit of a lean fella, human of course with brownish hair and hazel eyes. His skin is a little pockmarked but I don’t know how far that well get ya.” “Why’s that? asked Bix. Kird said, “Given he was in the inn when it burned down I doubt he is unscathed,” drawing a worried expression from Bix to which the bartender continued with a chuckle, “Not dead certainly, but he might look a bit different when ya get to em’.”

As Bix began to mull over whether it was worth it to track down her possible employer the platter that was journeying about the tables arrived back to the bar with some mugs on top. Kird took the glasses as the dark green kobold who carried it yapped, “The two card people umm one more round?” Kird turned around and began filling up a mug while the kobold dropped some coin on the bar table. As he turned back around with a full mug to grab another empty one to fill he said to Bix, “So Bix, I assume you haven’t met Dac have you?” Pointing to the kobold wearing sunglasses now waiting for their requested mugs.

“Hi, I Dac,” said Dac, waving at Bix. Bix shook her head in response to Kird then who grabbed an empty mug and began filling it. As he began filling it Kird said, “Apparently he got out of that nasty Red’s clutches and came to town after they had freed themselves.” Continuing, he turned around with a now filled mug saying, “We had some questions for him, but after they wanted to help so they’re doing tables while my wife is helping with the injured.” Bix then turned to Dac and said in draconic, “He’s at least paying you right?” Dac responded with, “Certainly, good pay, food, and a nice bed to sleep on so it's better than my prior arrangement.” Pausing then using his fingers to emphasize the underlying sarcasm of their statement. Dac then began loading the mugs onto his tray and asked, “Oh, if you don’t mind me asking do you just get used to the light aboveground if you’re up here long enough?” To which Bix sighed and said, “It’s a birth defect.” Dac nodded with a strained smile and walked off with his mugs on his tray as Bix returned to face Kird, who was now cleaning the new glasses that Dac brought.

Kird chuckled and said, “Asked about your eyes, ey?” Bix sighed and said, “That obvious huh?” Kird nodded to and said, “I don’t know why it's such a sore spot for you lass, but I’m certain he meant no harm.  Before Bix could respond however the other man seated at the bar then butted in saying, “Your eyeees are like a beautufuuill.” His head dropping to the table immediately after burping. Drawing a slight chuckle from the sword. Kird shrugged then said, “Look, go and try the infirmary to find your possible client if you want. If it makes you feel a bit better I’ll be happy to give you a pint for free when you get back.”
“Sure,” Said Bix as she jumped off the stool. Bix then walked out of the tent to then facepalm and groan. “You forgot to ask where the wounded might be huh lizard,” Said the sword chuckling as Bix nodded her head. “And you don’t want to walk back in and ask because it would be embarrassing, hm?” He said. Bix nodded again to which the sword suppressed a chuckle to. As Bix began to walk away from the tent entrance she said, “I mean, there's like a handful of tents to search, it shouldn’t be that hard right?”

It took them 2 hours to find the tent.

“And of course there’s a sign,” said Bix.  Pointing to a small wooden sign above the tent’s opening, emblazoned with two snakes coiled around a winged staff. Solaris responded with, “Fucking finally dinglebat, next time I decide where we start first.” To which Bix shrugged to and entered the tent.

The tent’s smell inside drew a stark contrast from the outside with its more bitter smoky smell that almost felt slightly cool. The tent was also dotted with several smoking sticks in small jars laid out around the room. In addition around the tent were several small bed frames, most with someone lying on them. Three or so vestemented figures sat near said beds chanting under their breath while two other plain clothed figures milled about the tent doing small tasks.

Bix however noticed hardly any of finer details in the tent, instead making a beeline towards one of the wounded. She was however stopped by one of the non-vestemented figures grabbing her by the shoulder as she tried to bolt by. “Ey, what are you doing… Oh ello Bix I almost didn’t notice you,” said the muscular woman that was now effortlessly holding Bix in place. As Bix was about to respond the sword almost muttered under his breath, “I would have preferred them instead, but noooo.” Bix paused before saying, “Oh hey Blair, I’m here to talk to him.” Pointing to one of the bandaged figures reading a small book while he laid in one of the beds.

Blair unclasped her hand on Bix’s shoulder as Bix continued saying, “Kird said he was looking for me before,” gesturing generally about then saying, “all this sort happened.” Blair nodded and said, “Alright Bix, but I need you to hand me that sword first.” Bix nodded then removed Solaris from her backpack, offering Blair the grip as she held the blade. As Blair touched the hilt she flinched her hand off the grasp in an inhalation of pain. “Ehh, I think you might just place it on the ground and we’ll call it fine,” said Blair. Bix nodded, then placing the sword on the ground.

As Blair went back to tending the bandages on the man behind her, Bix went over to talk to the brown haired and hazel eyed man who had put his book aside. As Bix was about to strike up a conversation the sword chuckled from his spot on the floor and said, “You gotta pay more attention to my history pintsize, my hilt burns all not bound to me remember?” Bix sighed under her breath and quietly said, “I know.” The man now in front of her said, “You know what?”

Bix a little thrown off said, “Uhh, that you’re the guy that was interested in my services right?!” Pointing at the man in front of her as the sword snickered and said, “Nicccce recovery,” drawing a quick glare from Bix. The man then scratched his chin and said, “I expected someone other than a Kobold, but yes my name is Abe by the way.” Abe then moved to try and reach his left hand over his chest wincing as a slight crackling sound came from it under his bandages. Instead presenting his right hand to Bix who took it and performed a quick handshake.

Abe then retracted his hand back to his bed and said, “I came into Appleby as a quick turnover point to some ruins near here.” As he continued Bix pulled up a stool as he said, “I’m looking for a small tomb of a mage alive around 700 years ago.” Abe then presented the small book he was reading prior and said, “He had some magical and non-magical items buried with him that I know the magic guild in Triton would love to get their hands on.” Bix frowned then asked, “So what do you need me for?” The sword butting into the conversation and saying, “Bait I presume!” Bix shot him a dirty look as Abe said, “I managed to get a hold of some texts detailing the area where he was buried, but I would need your help to find them first.”

Bix then narrowed her eyes and asked, “And how much are we talking about?” Abe nodded and said, “One hundred up front, seven fifty on finish, and ten percent of the profits after I get a buyer.” Bix thought for a bit before saying, “I guess I’ll think on your offer a bit, I assume you’ll be here for a bit longer?” Abe nodded and said, “My left arm got a little burnt in the fire so until that heals up I’m likely to stay here for a bit.” Gesturing at the tent with his right hand as he said so.

Bix nodded in response and said, “Well, I’ll leave you to.” Trailing off then continuing with, “Healing I guess,” shrugging after. Abe nodded and pulled out his book as Bix walked away to then pick up the sword. Solaris chuckled as Bix began to walk out of the tent, Bix cocking an eyebrow in response.

The sword said, “Not the best people kobold, huh?” Bix rolled her eyes as she began walking towards the tavern tent, as the sun behind her began to set. “Suure,” said Bix, “and you’re just a stunning personality yourself.” The sword paused as Bix dropped him into her bag before saying, “I assure you, I can be quite a charming personality when I want to.” Bix rolled her eyes again said, “Look I could just forgo drinking both of us into a stupor tonight and instead try to find something to shut you up you know.” Solaris chuckled and responded, “No matter how drunk you get pintsize, I remain sober,” the sword taking a haughty tone as he said so. Bix shook her head as they finally arrived at the tent’s entrance, familiar sounds of conversation leaking into the cooling air. As she opened the tent flap Bix said, “I guess that makes all the more reason for me to get blackout drunk doesn’t it?”

As the sword stewed a bit, Bix weaved through the now more full tables to pop up to the bar once again. Kird noticing her as she popped up on top one of the stools, pausing his glass polishing to walk over to her. “I presume you managed to find your contact Bix?” he asked, Bix pursing her lips and nodding. Kird chuckled and said, “You probably should have asked me where those tents were before you left, but ey, I only realized that myself ten or so minutes after you left.”

“Yeah,” said Bix, “I guess if you could get me that drink you promised now, and I’ll forget all about it.” Kird chucked and said, “Oh certainty,” grabbing then turning to fill up a clear mug at the tap. He then turned around presenting it to Bix and said, “There you go Bix, just let me know if you want to buy some more cider once you finish with that.” Kird then straightened up as the call of one of the other bar patrons caught his attention. Bix shrugged and began slowly drinking the cider, its sweet and alcoholic taste making its way down her throat.

Solaris piped up and said, “You know, this just gives me more to berate you about if you get truly hammered, right?” Bix shrugged again, and continued to drink from the mug to which sword sighed in response. “At the very least, don’t do it on an empty stomach lizard,” said Solaris, I would prefer for any vomit on me not to be bloody.” Bix nodded in agreement, slowly putting down the mug and calling over Kird to order something for her dinner.