Black Mould - Twenty-Six - Blatant Manipulations of an Open Soul

Name:Sporemageddon Author:
Black Mould - Twenty-Six - Blatant Manipulations of an Open Soul

Black Mould - Twenty-Six - Blatant Manipulations of an Open Soulnove(l)bi(n.)com

I eyed Eight-Three-Eleven for a bit, then spun around and walked back into my farm. Come on in, then, I said.

The acolyte followed me in, head turning this way and that as she took in the room. My farm wasnt exactly big. Or even that impressive. It could probably use a bit of tidying up too. I was careful about keeping my workbench clean and putting my few tools away in their place, but I was a lot less careful about letting dirt and such splatter onto the floor.

Maybe I could find a broom and dustpan somewhere maybe a washcloth too, while I was at it. A lot of the racks were stained and and I was being self-conscious when I really didnt need to be. I shoved all of that back for the moment. Its not much, but it allows me to grow what I need. Im experimenting a bit with hybrid mushrooms, and new types as well.

Including those poisonous ones, Eight-Three-Eleven said.

Poison is relative, I said. Some poisons can also be medicines, if youre careful with the dosages.

She nodded slowly, then dragged her attention back onto me. How old are you? she asked.

Im four, I said. Ill be five soon. Why?

You speak well, you have a gutter accent, but the way youre talking sounds older. Like youre planning a lot of things.

I had a gutter accent? I didnt have anything to compare my accent to. Maybe she was right. This was a rather impoverished area, and those that I met around here didnt sound like they had an accent to me, which only meant that I shared their speech mannerisms.

Id have to pay more attention to that. Accents could determine how people would treat you. Eight-Three-Eleven had a bit of a lilt in the way she spoke, I had brushed it off, but maybe she had her own accent.

Anyway, that wasnt a big concern for the moment. Thanks. I pride myself on being able to think. But that doesnt matter. I have questions.

You know, I only really came here to satisfy my own curiosity, and because my mentor said it might be a good idea. I do have work to get back to.

Ah, only a few questions then, I said. Please, wont you be merciful and teach this poor child a few things?

She narrowed her eyes. Are you trying to use Galens teachings to manipulate me?

Is it working?

She shook her head, as if she couldnt believe my audacity. Fine. One question. I really dont have all day. I chose to come here today because its a quieter day, but I still have some duties to attend to.

Two, I said.

Two? Why should I answer two? she asked.

Because you showed up at my place with possible ill-intent, unannounced, and I have a lot more questions than you have answers. Two is a nice compromise.

She shook her head, but I think I had her.

Two questions.

She twisted a bit. No? I guess Id try to find my way out of these slums. City Nineteen is mostly just slums next to slums, but there are some parts that are nicer, safer. Good places for a kid to grow up in. Basically yeah, thats my answer. Id rely on the gods and their faithful to help me out of this place, then Id do what I can to return the favour.

I nodded. Thanks, I said.

Did I pass? she asked.

You do know that it wasnt actually a test, I said. Though Id love to know more about which gods I can rely on. I didnt really care, though maybe a few of those followers would be easily parted from their riches. Back on Earth, religious belief and gullibility tended to go hand-in-hand.

Eight-Three-Eleven chuckled. Yeah, there are entire university courses dedicated to that. But there are a few that everyone knows you can trust. Galen, Seb, and her followers are nice. Dearil if youre dealing with undead. Vista Lida for anyone willing to work.

Where can I learn more about them? I asked.

Show up to sermons. Usually, uh, parents will bring their kids around, though. I cant recall anyone your age just showing up.

Right, I said.

Alright, whats that second question of yours? she asked. I think her patience was drawing to an end.

I frowned, then asked an easy one. Know any good places to get mushrooms? Either buying them or just interesting mushrooms growing somewhere?

Buying? Just go to any marketplace, I guess. As for interesting ones, I dont pay much attention to mushrooms of all things. I guess theres supposed to be neat ones in the Ditz dungeon?

Theres mushrooms in the dungeon? I asked.

She eyed me. Yeah. Of course. Sometimes theyre harvested. For medicine, I think. Youd have to ask someone in the right guild to learn about that though. Galen is more about helping people in need, not diving into the dungeon to get rich quick. Ive heard of some acolytes diving in to give mercy to some people that were stuck in traps or the like, but its really uncommon.

Thanks, I said.

The dungeon had just climbed a few rungs on my list of things I needed to check out.

Why are you so interested in mushrooms anyway?

I need money, or I need magic, I said. One or the other. As long as it gives me a way to cure things. My dad was injured at work and Im trying to find a way to fix his hand.

Oh, she said. Well thats kind of you. A big goal for a kid your age. Have you looked into any of the healing churches?

Would they heal his hand for free? I asked.

Free? No. Not unless he was a long-term member. But they might do it for relatively cheap. You could even try to join in as a healer. Learn the skills and get a class to do it yourself. She glanced over her shoulder to the door. On that note. I really do have to go. See you around, alright mushroom kid? She ruffled my hair, then we exchanged some quick goodbyes.

She left, but I had a lot to think about even after she was off.

***