The Old Acquaintance

Rob was arrested and led to the market, so many people could see the show prepared by whoever was in charge. He was held by the two of the soldiers, the rest of the troop was ready to act if someone was going to interfere. And that would be me, my hand on Franks’s hilt ready to pull out. However pretending to be a legitimate hero was a bit of an obstacle, because going against the king’s people meant going against the king, so rebellion, treason and so on, even not being a part of the king’s heroes still didn’t give me any right to put myself higher the the ruler of the place I was currently in.

I was looking for the person who was giving orders and when I did find him, we were both surprised, because we recognised each other. The commander was the same person, who I met the very first time I met Rob too. He remembered for sure, his mean smile suggested it all.

“I didn’t expect you here, however I am glad, because I don’t like not being right.” His eyes were judging me. He whistled pleased. “I think I have to make another arrest today.”

“Are you talking about me?”

I tried to laugh, but it didn’t work as well as I wanted. My hero’s confidence was gone years ago and I still didn't get it fully back. Rob was trying to break away, not fully understanding what was going on.

“Of course, illegal sword possession and personating a hero. If you were the registered one, I would know. And now interfering with performing my duties. I am sure I will find something else to make your life a nightmare soon, but let me keep my promise first.”

He gave a sign to the rest of the troop to get me. Fighting people was always hard for me, but not this time, however I restricted myself from killing. They were just following orders and I protected someone close to me. While fighting I heard the commander explaining to people that Rob was Eric’s defender and did it in public also interfering while performing duties, so actually the king’s orders. As his actions might lead to starting a rebellion of Eric worshipers, he was better to be killed. The longer his speech was, the more mistakes I made, and my fighting became sloppy, as I was getting worried if I won’t hurry I won’t make it on time. I needed to save Rob. Why does it have to be him?!

I fall down, one of the soldiers above me, ready to hit the final blow, when instead of his sword in my body he falls next to me. In his place the old lady with a pan was standing, she smiled at me and reached her hand. I took it with gratitude.

“I don’t care if you are a legal hero or not. Do something about this commander, because since he got here life is more miserable than usual. That bastard just is throwing his weight around.” She ordered me and disappeared in the crowd. People were nodding their heads backing her words.

“With pleasure.” I said and stood up. Sorry Frank, but this time I need to use my fists.

The commander was still discussing the validity of Rob’s execution, so there won’t be any complaint about his action to higher-ups. I didn’t have a reason not to believe the old lady, so he probably just wouldn’t care about it. A showman, trying to remind everyone what could happen to them if they would go against the law. I turned him around and hit in the jaw. The commander was surprised and Rob’s face relived, which gave him a new energy to break away. And he did, because of shock the ones holding him were. He ran away and I knew the crowd would help him. Maybe not because they thought he was innocent, most of them probably didn’t care about Eric and the past but they did about the situation in their home, so the hate towards the commander was stronger. Enough for us.

“It was my best speech.”

“I don’t think anyone enjoyed it.” I commented, watching him warm up his shoulders. His people started to surround us.

“What are you doing you idiots?! Catch the fugitive! I can handle this alone!” He smiled at me kindly, apologising for the little interruption. “I always keep my promises, so don’t worry.”

“This time, you will have to break it.”

“Because you will stop me?” His laugh sounded a bit cringy. “You? What did you have there? A fish? So show me what you made of the Fish Hero?”

That situation also helped me realise that not everything was so perfect like I remembered, actually then there were problems too. Monsters were just one of the problems and then and now being part of the official king’s people wouldn't mean being a good person. All of that took us time, we shouldn’t be wasted, so if he didn’t consider me a hero, then no reason to behave like one. I might have a talent for swordsmanship, but ogres were taking fist fighting seriously and mini tournaments were part of their celebration, so I have learnt a lot from them. Perfect time to use that knowledge and finish the fight quickly.

When I won, but took a few blows myself I left the unconscious commander to the city’s residents. The old lady who helped me earlier happened to be near me and gave me my shield I dropped.

“We will use the opportunity to teach him a good lesson, that Terminis is not his playground. Objections?” She asked, just because I was supposed to be a hero.

“None.” I smiled, feeling that my face was covered in blood.

“Your horse is waiting and your friend is hiding outside the walls, someone will show you the direction.” I thanked her, but she squeezed my arm tightly and whispered. “I feel like something bad is coming. Are you going to take care of it, Fish Hero?”

“I am.”

I found Rob walking in circles in an abandoned and barely holding itself hunting cottage hidden in the woods near the city. A hug was a nice reward for winning, but I wouldn't mind nicer circumstances behind the gesture.

“You look terrible.” He said worried and started to clean my face looking for a wound he should immediately take care of.

“But feeling good, how about you?”

“A few bruises. What was it actually about? What did he promise?”

“That he will kill you, next time he sees you.” He stopped for a moment.

“I recognized him, but I don't remember him saying that.”

I briefly told him what happened that day, but he didn't comment on it. And as soon as we dealt with the results of a short visit in Terminis we moved on, but after a while Rob catched up with me.

“Sorry for my behaviour and for being the one who had to be rescued again.”

“I don't mind. That's my role after all.” I smiled and used the opportunity. “I will let myself mention the more hurt I am, the more care I get from Rob the Healer himself.” He blushed, while I still played innocent. “And I am sorry as well.”