Where do We Go Now?

“I think it’s time we move on.” Potato said as everyone was eating their breakfast. The group had spent two more days in the village training and earning money from odd jobs. Terry put down his fork and pushed the rest of his breakfast away.

“Are you sure we’re ready?” He asked, he felt as though his and Pear’s shields were not on par with Potato’s. Kiwi huffed, “The rest of us would like to move on Hero. So, we can, you know, do that job you were summoned to do. The Demon Lord, remember?”

Terry rolled his eyes at her, “And do you remember how ill-prepared we were? We can’t just rush into this. Besides, we don’t even know how to find the Demon Lord.”

Terry thought back to his first day in Kalabash with his team and how their plan was to basically walk around until they just happed across the Demon Lord. “If we’re going to work as a group, we all need to be on the same page.”

The girls all exchanged looks with each other but Pear was the one who stood up, “What if there was someone who could help us?” She asked. Kiwi looked confused at first but then looked upset,

“No, not him.”

“He’s the best place to start, Kiwi.”

Terry looked between the two girls, “Who are you talking about? Who could help us.”

Pear smiled at him, “Our Uncle, The Duke of Brussels. He lives further north from here.” Pear pointed north, “He also hasn’t spoken to either of us in ten years.” Kiwi grumbled. Pear’s smiled dropped and she looked down, but she continued talking, “He is also a historian. He knows all of Kalabash’s history including that of the pervious Demon Lords.”

Terry remembered the King mentioning that there had been many Demon Lord’s and Hero’s in the past when he last spoke to him. Other than the possibility of a lead to the Demon Lord’s location, Terry was exited to finally learn more about this world and the people who were also summoned here. Terry stood from the table, “That settles that then. Everyone, get ready to gather supplies and then we’ll head out.”

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The group headed out after buy some basic supplies to last them on their journey to the duke’s estate. They had also bought pants for both Kiwi and Pear that Kiwi refused to wear but Pear happily wore. Terry had also bought some simple chainmail to have under his clothes. He wanted to have something with more coverage and protection but the village didn’t have many options to choose from.

“How long will it take us to get there?” Terry asked. Pear thought for a moment, “I’m not sure actually. Kiwi and I used to travel by carriage, not by foot. It might be a day or two.”

“We can sing songs to pass the time.” Avocado said happily and then broke out into and off tune children’s song. Kiwi covered her ears as Blueberry tried to distance herself from Avocado. ‘Oh, joy.’ Terry thought, ‘This should be a lovely trip.’

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By the time the group had reached the duke’s estate, Terry was exhausted. He just wanted to fall into a nice warm bed and sleep for a whole day. During the trip he tried to make conversation with everyone in the group but the only one’s willing to talk to him were Avocado and Potato. Pear would join in with them a few times but anytime Kiwi would look at her, she would leave Terry’s group and join in with Kiwi and Blueberry.

Kiwi would respond to anything Terry said the whole way there and would simple act as if he wasn’t there at all. Blueberry also said nothing to him but glanced at him every so often.

The group walked up to a large mansion. Though the air was cold and Terry could see his breath, the plants around the mansion were bright and green. The walls of the mansion were white concrete with gold trimming decorating it in small accents. There were plenty of large windows to allow for natural lighting but each window was covered inside with large heavy looking curtains. Terry thought he saw someone peek outside at him but the figure disappeared quickly from view.

Terry Knocked on the front door and woman in a maid uniform answered. “Hello, how may I help you?” She asked. Pear stepped forward and curtsied before her like a true noble lady.

“Good day, I am Pear Comice, daughter of Count Comice. We would like to speak to Duke Cabbage.”

‘Is everyone in this world named after fruits and vegetables?’ Terry thought, He certainly wasn’t expecting a duke to be named ‘Cabbage’, but no one else seemed to think of anything being wrong so he let it go.

The maid looked at the group apprehensively, “Please wait in the waiting room.” She said as she led them inside. The inside of the mansion was decorated with wooded flooring and rich warm brown walls covered in beautiful paintings and other decorations. ‘This place looks a lot better than the throne room did.’

The maid that allowed them inside beckoned another maid over with her finger, “Please tell the duke he has company, Lady Pear and company would like to see him.” The maid nodded and started up the stairs in front of them.

The maid led them all into a small side room near the entry way. They sat on comfy chairs provided as the maid let saying she would be back with tea. “This place is really nice.” Terry said as he let himself sink into his chair, he didn’t know if the chair really was that comfortable or if he was just really tired.

“Yes, Kiwi and I used to visit here a lot when we were children, right Kiwi?” Kiwi said nothing and stared out the window next to her.

The maid returned shortly after with a tray of tea and cups with an uncomfortable expression on her face. “I apologize for the wait but the duke says he is busy with work and can not see you at the moment.” Pear’s face fell; she looked like she was going to ask why but the maid continued. “He said that you are all welcomed to stay the night for dinner and rest after your travels, but he asks that you leave in the morning.”