The Last Knight Episode 2: A Knight with No Order Part 2

Stepping off the boat, Rev took a moment to breath in some of the fresh air. He had been at sea for a few days now, and breathing in air that didn’t smell like fish and sailors was a godsend. Walking on actual land felt weird though, how this ground didn’t sway from side to side like a boat threw him off, as he wobbled and tripped into a bush, much to the entertainment of some nearby kids.

Pulling down his hood, Rev’s messy, silver hair tumbled around his face. Brushing it to the side, he turned to walk down the street. Rev had a contact in town he had come to see, but that could wait. Rev had a town to explore. Walking down the street, he felt oddly at home. He  had always grown up around human architecture, with tall buildings made of stone and wood. He had visited Sharan Anrazii once to visit his family, and being in the Realm of the Heavens was an experience he had no desire to remember. This is one he wished he could repress.

Walking for a few minutes, he stopped by a large tavern. Walking inside, he noticed almost right away he enjoyed the atmosphere. A roaring fire sat in  a chimney by the side wall, and the cobblestone floor was smooth, and relaxing to walk on, compared to ship wood anyway. A burly, red haired dwarf behind the counter turned and noticed him.

“Welcome, lad! Pull up a stool, I’ll get ya sumtin ta drink right away, first one’s on the house!” The dwarf said, in a pleasant dwarven accent. Rev smiled, and sat down at the countertop. Sliding him a tankard of ale, the dwarf sat down across the countertop.

“I can smell the sea air on ya, new in town?”

“Hah, you got it. Just got off the ship a few minutes ago.” Rev said, sipping some of his ale.

”Where ye from? Haven’t seen any Genasi come through these parts, not for a decade or so.”

Rev stared into his cup for a moment, something flashing in his head.

“Traisau, but I’m originally from Druet Cristan.

“Traisau, huh? Odd that ye’d want to come here. Most people forget this place exists. Not a lot ah trade here, but King Lyanis takes care of us.”

“That’s why I came here. I… need some peace and quiet.”

“Aye. I can respect that.”

“What’s the news around Serkos?” Rev asked, changing the subject.

“Well, like ah said, not much happens around here, but word from city folks up north say  King Lyanis is searching for some hoity toity prince to marry his daughter off to.”

“How’s that been going?”

“Not well, supposedly.” The bartender said, stroking his beard.

“His daughter’s pretty free spirited. Doesn’t like the thought of being married off and forced to play queen all day.”

“Sounds like my type.” Rev said, laughing, as the bartender chuckled.

“Easy there laddy, we’re talking Princess of Serkos here, they’re a bit harder to pick up than tavern wenches.”

“Hah… yeah.” Rev said, finishing off the last of his ale.

“Another round?” The bartender asked.

“Nah, I’m a bit broke at the moment. I’ll be back though, I like it here.”

“You got somewhere to go?”

“I do, actually could you help me? I’m supposed to meet someone here.” Rev said, pulling a note from his pocket and showing it to the dwarf. Putting on his glasses, the dwarf cleared his throat and read the note to himself.

“Ah, I see. Take a left down the street here, and search the back alleys. You’ll find the place, it's got a lot of science gizmos in front of it.”

“Sounds good, thanks!” Rev said, getting up from his seat.

“I’d say farewell, but that implies me leaving for a while, so I’ll leave it at see ya later.”

“I never caught yer name, laddy!” The dwarf said.

“Rev. Just Rev.”

“Name’s Argus, come around anytime, laddy!”

As Rev stepped outside, he stumbled a bit from the ale. Rev wasn’t exactly the best at holding his alcohol, but one ale wasn't going to do him in. He hoped.

Following Argus’ directions, Rev finally found the place he was looking for. A small door in the back alleys of the town, without any markings or signs.

“So… does he want me to knock or….?” Rev asked himself, staring at the door. The lights were off, and he couldn’t hear any sounds from inside. Giving the door a knock, he stood there, waiting for a response. The silence was deafening.

“Not the best first impression, but whatever.” Rev said, as he opened the door, surprised it was unlocked. Honestly, he was surprised anything was inside at all. Shelves upon shelves of books lined the floor. Mountains of books fell across the floor, covering the windows, and piling up to the ceiling.

“So did he call me here to be his professional book organizer? I’m a trained rogue, Professor Quentin, I don’t-”

“Freeze!” Rev heard a voice behind him say, as he felt a gun press to his back.

“Trained rogue, eh? I’ve dealt with a lot of thieves in my day, you’ve gotta be the worst one of all!”

“You know, professor, as far as first impressions go, this is a pretty weird one.” Rev said, as he suddenly ducked, turned around, and grabbed the gun.

“But if you’re going shoot me, at least tell me why you asked me here!” Rev saw the professor’s face suddenly change to a look of excitement.

“Rev! There you are! I was getting worried about you!” The man said. He was a slightly short man with tanned skin, jet black, slicked back hair and a bushy beard, wearing a brown coat.

“Worried, huh? In this town?” Rev asked, letting go of his gun.

“You can never be too careful! We all got complacent, and we all paid the price.” The Professor said. Suddenly, something flashed in Rev’s mind, as he winced a bit.

“Sorry, bad memory for us all. Though you seem to have taken it well.”

“I’ve tried to just… forget. It’s easier that way.”

“I see. You look so much like your uncle. Not in like a genetic way, I’d never suggest, but you both have that… determination to you.”

“You asked me here for a reason?”

“Ah yes! This is sort of the reason for the… cold welcome. Recently some characters have been seen in these parts… knights. Black armor, and completely silent. I think they’re Lightslayers, Rev.”

Rev suddenly winced again, images of fire and black armored knights burned in his mind.

“My Stormlance days are over, Professor. I’m not exactly itching to pick a fight with the Lightslayers.”

“True, but wouldn’t you rather see if there’s any connection between this contingent and the one that attacked Khar Cristan?”

“Not really. I didn’t escape all that just to throw my life away picking fights with those guys. It’s been five years, I’m not a knight anymore.”

“Are you truly? You still seem pretty knightly, defending the innocent and upholding justice and all that. You just look nothing like one.”

“I guess. Look, if they’re causing problems in the area, I’ll take care of it, but right now… I’m just trying to get back on my feet.”

“I understand. Listen I’m sure you’re tired after the trip here, I have a spare bed upstairs, should  you wish to rest.”

And with that, Rev turned in for the day. He knew though, that he would have to contend with the Lightslayers one day during his stay on Serkos. And he knew he had to be ready.