Lost Souls: New World

POV David

April 16th 913 (2016)

A light rain pattered against the window of the Earless's office as we silently waited for her to finish sipping her tea. Rebecca huffed indignantly and leaned back in her seat as Smith rolled his eyes. We'd been quite busy these past few days completing quests and furthering our connections at the guild. This… interruption was unwanted at best.

The Earless wore a fine gown of green and pinks while we were dressed in our adventurers gear. The faint smell of steel and leather filled the room. Earless Barford slowly set down her cup and looked at us.

"A messenger has arrived from the royal court with letters for you, as well as instructions for myself." She gestured to the unopened letters on the desk. Several maids took them and offered them to us.

"Thanks Isz." I gave her a nod as I took the offered letter from her. My name had been written on one side in an elegant and flowing hand. Without waiting I flipped over and broke the wax seal, I took out the letter within and began to read through it.

'Salutations David A. Fulton

Congratulations Hero for your safe arrival in our world. I applaud the sacrifices you made in the service of helping our world for they must have been many. In small appreciation I will uphold the traditions of my foremothers in granting you a title. Your impending ennoblement is to take place before the spring fertility festival. Due to the short schedule we must work with, this letter will serve as your summons and proof of identity when requesting access to the royal court.

I expect great things from you Hero, may your time among us be as fruitful for us as it will be for you. I await your arrival in Simfurdur.

Sincerely,

Queen of Monrovia, Archduchess of Lemura, The Adventurer Queen

Alison Louise Vandamme '

I glanced at Smith and Rebecca, their letters were probably similar to mine, though Rebecca's was rather long. We just looked to the Earless with confused looks.

"This…" Rebecca sighed and slumped in her seat.

"I've already had my servants begin preparations for your journey to the palace, you'll be departing tomorrow." She replied with a small smile, nodding to the servants.

"Thank you, your hospitality was appreciated." I replied with a nod, best not to seem like an ungrateful guest. Maybe we'd be able to further our relations in the future? We'd repaid our debts to the Earless, well… Smith had allowed that when he dragged us through several quests from the adventurers guild. I stood and bowed my head and headed for the door, my siblings following belatedly after me.

"What now?" Rebecca asked quietly.

"We really don't have too much of a choice here, we'll go to the court, make kind faces and scram." I replied. Smith sighed in acquiescence. He shook his head and we slowly returned to the rooms we'd been using packing what few belongings we had. No sense staying here anymore. It was clear the Earless didn't want us to stay any longer.

I hefted the small bag of my clothes and armor over my shoulders and fastened my sword to my belt and started towards the entry hall. I was a bit surprised to see the Earl speaking softly with Rebecca as I walked down the stairs. He glanced at me with a sad smile.

"I'm sorry that my wife has been so taxing, I do hope to meet you all again in the future. Perhaps during better circumstances?" He offered a smile.

"Perhaps. We'll see what the future brings." I replied and offered the Earl and handshake which he took before taking his leave as Smith walked over with his loaded pack.

"Let's get this show on the road shall we?" I asked. My siblings rolled their eyes and chuckled but we turned to the door and headed outside. We made our way to the guild one last time, spoke with those that had become friends and stayed one last night as we completed the few odd jobs we'd yet to finish.

But soon the morning came and we ate a quick breakfast, saying final goodbyes we stared at the town that had welcomed us. These people that have helped us gain an understanding of their world. With a final glance at the few that had come to see us off we turned and started our long trek, a hastily sketched map in hand.

A new chapter is starting for us in this strange and foreign world. That wonderful feeling of adventure rose within me as we set off, one foot in front of the other.