79. The Party

79. The Party

“Ilyakan,” Jurot said. “Amokan’s cousin.”

“Damn,” Adam whispered. “How the hell are the Kans so damn attractive?” Adam then looked to Jurot, who was quite a specimen of a man too. “Why are most Iyrmen so damn pretty? It’s not fair.”

“You’re an elf,” Jurot replied, bluntly.

“Only half,” Adam said, brushing his hair back. “Jurot, introduce me.”

“Okay,” Jurot said, stepping towards the beautiful woman.

“Wait! I haven’t prepared myself yet,” Adam called out, but it was too late.

“Sister Ilyakan,” Jurot called, waving at her.

The woman turned, smiling as she saw Jurot. “Brother Jurot,” she said, her voice almost raspy. “It’s been some time.”

“It has,” Jurot admitted. “Allow me to introduce you to my brother.” He turned, motioning to Adam, who was leaning back at the wall, a hand at his waist, the other holding his chin. Jurot stared at him.

Adam, suddenly feeling embarrassed, cleared his throat and walked over. “Hello there,” he said. “I’m Adam, son of Fate.”

“The Enchanter,” Ilyakan said, smiling as she slowly bowed her head.

“Oh? Have I enchanted you already?” Adam smiled a pained smile, regretting being born.

[Ew.]

‘Shut up.’

She stared at him, tilting her head slightly. “I am an Iyrman, I cannot be enchanted. I have heard you are able to enchant weapons.”

“Yes, I can. I do, rather,” Adam said, motioning to the white blade at his side.

“I have heard that you are well skilled. You’ve recently made a powerful shield, and you have traded it for puthral plate mail.” She smiled.

“Oh? Has news travelled so far?” Adam asked. “That’s right. Elder Gold asked me to enchant a shield, and so I did.”

“I am learning to enchant as well,” Ilyakan admitted. “My skills are not as great as yours.”

“Oh?” Adam said, raising his brows in surprise. “You know magic?”

“I do,” she said. “I am a Priest.”

“A Priest, you say,” Adam said, his eyebrows raising in surprise. “We were looking for a Priest in our party.”

“I was going to leave with my cousin and Timojin,” she admitted.

“Ah, well that is a shame,” Adam said, sighing. “I would have loved the company.”

“I am sure you will find someone to join you since you are so skilled. There are many rumours running through the Iyr about the son of Fate.”

Adam smiled nervously. “What kind of rumours?”

“They say you met a dragon.”

“Ah,” Adam said, nodding his head. “Yes.”

“You have?”

“Yes, Entalia,” Adam said. “She’s a...” Adam wondered if she would be considered an old friend. “Actually, now that I think about it, she was meant to pass me something to enchant.”

Ilyakan stared at Adam, unsure if he was joking. She looked to Jurot, who nodded his head slowly. “You are very interesting,” she said. “I would love to hear your tale.”

“Well, I’m not sure I’m allowed to say it yet.” Adam smiled. “Once I’m stronger, I’m sure I’ll be able to say it without making the gods angry.”

She furrowed her brows, unsure of what he meant.

“Anyway,” Adam said, clearing his throat. “I’m surprised that there are Priests in the Iyr, but I guess it makes sense.” He recalled seeing a few within the Iyr, though had though they were Guardians. “Which God do you follow?”

“Baktu,” she said. “Every Iyrman prays to Baktu, and some to Wahtu or Ritetu.”

“Is Ritetu Lady Elaveil?” Adam asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“Ritetu isn’t so bad either, but I prefer Baktu and Wahtu personally too.”

She slowly nodded her head, not willing to say she didn’t believe him.

“A shame. Do you know any Iyrmen who are heading out to adventure soon? I want to have a full squad of Iyrmen so I can sleep peacefully at night.”

Ilyakan smiled. “There is my cousin, Izyakan,” she said. One of the girls behind her, who was chewing a small dough ball, mumbled something as she ate. Ilyakan turned back and replied in their language, and it was then Adam wondered if he should have learnt their tongue.

“An Iyrman may state a preference, but ultimately it is up to the Priest to revive whoever they wish,” Jaygak said.

“So if I revive you guys, you won't be mad at me?" Adam asked, wanting to confirm.

“You can revive people?” Jaygak asked.

“I will be able to one day, I think,” Adam said.

“I will not be angered,” Jurot said.

“Me neither,” Jaygak said.

Kitool bowed her head.

“Is that a yes, you will be angry, or yes, I won’t be.”

“I will not be angry. It is up to the Priest if they wish to revive us.”

"If you can heal and revive, why do we need a Priest?” Jaygak asked.

“I’d rather have a true Priest rather than someone like me,” Adam said, chuckling.

“It will be our fortune to battle alongside you,” Kitool said.

“Great! Let’s aim for Gold Rank together then!” Adam grinned wide.

"Gold Rank won’t suit me,” Jaygak said. “Steel will be high enough for me.”

“I aim for Silver Rank,” Kitool said. “I do not believe I can reach Mithril.”

Adam blinked. “What?” He hadn’t heard of Iyrmen belittling themselves so earnestly. “Well, I mean, Jurot and I are aiming for Gold Rank, so you can just join us.”

“Is that true?” Jaygak asked. “You’re aiming for Gold Rank.”

Jurot nodded.

"We will assist you for as long as we can." Kitool bowed her head. "Gold Rank is the dream for most Iyrmen. Many stop at Steel or Silver Rank, depending on their adventures.”

"Why?"

"There is sometimes a need for such people within the Iyr. Those of Steel and Silver Rank have different obligations to those of Mithril and Gold Rank. Steel and Silver afford certain freedoms and more than enough honour.”

“Some Iyrmen choose settle down young too, for the sake of their families,” Jaygak said. “Others are unlucky, or try to make a name for themselves alone.”

"Oh,” Adam said. “Cool. Well, if you want to be Gold Rank, I'll help. Anyway, since you'll be joining us, why don't I enchant your weapons? If you have the enchanting materials, I can enchant your weapons, or you can just owe me a favour."

"I cannot afford such a price,” Kitool admitted. “My family cannot spare the gold.”

"Same with mine,” Jaygak admitted. “I have my armour, and that's about it."

"Does your family have any enchanting materials?"

They glanced between one another before shaking their heads.

"Well, I still have enough for two more weapons at least. Hand them over and I'll enchant them."

"We cannot afford it," Kitool said.

"Can’t afford it? It’s free!” Adam grumbled. He felt awkward trying to force it on them, but this was about his life.

"We’ve seen the enchantments you make, Adam,” Jaygak said. “We can’t afford something like that, even as favours.”

“Since when did you become so shy?” Adam asked, raising his brow to Jaygak. “Jaygak, Kitool, we’re friends. More importantly, this is a matter of my life. I'll enchant your weapons, and you'll each owe me two favours. How about that?"

The pair remained silent. Jaygak seemed to almost break, but Kitool threw her a look.

"Come on! Why are you two being so distant? We’re going to be team mates, and you never know, I might grow horns and I’ll become a Gak or something.” Adam chuckled. “I’m going to be enchanting our Priest’s weapon too, so don’t worry too much for it.”

Jaygak looked to her friend, wondering what she was going to say.

“If the favour shames my family, I will refuse it,” Kitool said.

"I won’t be asking for something like that, and if it does shame your family, I'll understand your refusal.” Adam smiled, though felt weird about pressuring them. ‘This is a matter of life and death, idiot.’

"Then allow me to thank you," Kitool said, bowing her head.

"Don't expect a great enchantment, but I will try my best.” Adam smiled wide, but his smile quickly dropped.

“What?” Jaygak asked, noting his face.

Adam sighed. “Aunt Sonarot is going to be so mad...”

Click banner for Patreon and come join my too!

I am over 20 chapters ahead on Patreon! I am still figuring out cool bonuses for those of you with big wallets.