Urbane Wayfarer Prologue Chapter 4

Chapter Four, Prologue: Trouble in Paradise

Trent POV

   As we made our way to Skulk Village, I was just feeling a rush of excitement that overpowered the cold that was blowing against my face. Going from wandering from place to place, to fighting off bandits and other dangerous threats, to now being surrounded by a group of hunters and scouts from a village I hadn’t seen or visited since I was a child. And to top that off, I was reunited with my best friend from my childhood. Despite the heavy snow blowing in our faces, I knew she smiled at me every time I looked at her. I knew we have so much to catch up on and see how life has changed now that we have grown up. I had thousands of questions racing through my mind as I attempted to think of the ones to ask her, such as how was life in the village since I left, what her husband or suitor is like, or even what having her own family was like, providing she has kids of her own. I was ready to finally accept my sort-of “childhood home” with open arms.

   When we finally arrived, the two guards stopped us to inspect us. I have been through this process before with my parents, so I knew the best thing to do was to just stand tall and be confident, while being calm to show that I’m no threat to the village. The guards’ inspection was as quick as I remembered, even asking me a few questions when they came to me. “My name is Trent Wendell.” I told them when they asked my name. “I came here with my parents, Robert and Evelyn Wendell, 15 years ago.” The guards looked at each other, and then nodded to me. “That is all we wish to know, Trent Wendell. You are clear to enter our village.” When we walked inside, the hunting and scouting parties lead us straight to the Chieftain’s hut, the largest one in the village.

   My parents were lucky enough to have entered to visit the Chieftain when they first arrived, but I wasn’t; I was too young and I was more focused on playing hide-and-seek with Vivian at the time. But now, I really took the time to look around the interior. On the walls, there were plenty of trophies that the Chieftain had acquired from his years as a hunter. There were also framed paintings, portraits of chieftains that came before him. At the end of the carpet trail was the Chieftain himself. Obviously, he wore a giant fur coat, though fortunately not one from his own people. He also had several medallions hanging from his neck. I couldn’t tell what the symbols stood for or what they meant from where I stood, but they were mesmerizing to me. Although he was now middle-aged, he still looked like he still can hold off nearly anyone in combat.

   The other hunters then presented him with what food supplies they managed to find during their hunt and he appeared pleased with a single nod. As his servants gathered the supplies and took them away, the scouts reported on their findings, though I was barely paying attention; I was just mesmerized by the interior of the Chieftain’s hut. “You, human.” The Chieftain suddenly called for me, catching me off-guard. I feared I had offended him somehow or I was in some sort of trouble. “Come closer. Let me take a look at you.” I was feeling a bit uncomfortable at his request. I was nobody special; I was just some traveler who was on his own for years. I did walk up to him, feeling awkward as he leaned forward, squinting his eyes as he analyzed me from head to toe.

   “You look familiar.” The Chieftain announced after a moment of silence. “Have I seen you in Frysta?” “N-No, sir.” I answered, sighing in relief. “My name is Trent Wendell. I accompanied my parents to this village 15 years ago.” “Wendell??” The Chieftain repeated, raising an eyebrow. “I remember you now! It’s odd seeing you go from a little scamp running about the village to a grown man looking like he’s…he’s been through hell. How are your parents by the way? I haven’t heard from them since you left.” I somberly lowered my head, hoping that he wouldn’t have asked that. “You don’t know? My parents…they died shortly after they left the village. A week after I arrived at a cabin belonging to my mentor, a few forest rangers showed up with my parents’ remains.”

Vivian POV

   I felt my heart sank when I heard that Trent’s parents had died and I wondered why anyone would want to kill them. The thought of seeing their remains…it nearly brought me to tears. Look at me; all my years of training with our hunters and our scouts and I tear up over a couple of humans. But it still pains me to know that they’re dead, human or not. I still remember how they treated me like the daughter they never had and how kind and helpful they were to my own parents, how they told us of the lands outside of the village, what the human settlements were like, and even beyond. I wish I could’ve gone with them, but I knew I had to stay behind and perform my duties at the village and train with the other aspiring hunters and scouts. I only regret never thanking them for helping our people before they left.

   I wasn’t the only one saddened by the news; a few of the older hunters and scouts whispered in disbelief and even our Chieftain was in shock. “Dead?? But how?? And why??” “I dunno.” Trent answered. “I never saw the bodies, but my mentor, Eli Destin, told me that they looked like…they were ‘cut up’ and ‘burnt’.” “They shall be missed.” Our Chieftain said. “You will always be welcome in our village, Trent Wendell. Your parents, rest their souls, have helped our village years ago. And I ask in return for allowing you to stay is to help us against the Blood King and his gang of mercenaries and slavers.”

  “Slavers? Mercenaries?” Trent repeated. “You mean your village is under siege? And who is this ‘Blood King’?” “The cowardly pirates continuously raid our village and the settlements in this region.” Our Chieftain explained. “They are led by a savage Orca called the Blood King. Few know of his name, even in his gang, but his name inspires fear and dread throughout the Northern Polar Regions. Even the humans are not immune to raids; Frysta has been targeted in the past by the pirates, and we are among the very few settlements in the tundra to push them back to their hideout to the west of here. The Blood King never hesitates to mercilessly torture or kill any of his unfortunate prisoners who couldn’t work under the harsh conditions or brave enough to stand up to him. As you see, we were lucky enough to have gotten enough food to feed our village for another week without the Blood King’s pirates attacking us. I fear they are planning to once again raid the settlements, starting with our village, then Frysta, and the others. I am glad that your parents are not alive to know of the Blood King’s existence or what he is capable of, but we cannot hold them off forever. Eventually they will overrun Frysta and our village, enslaving us to do whatever they please. And should it come to that, we will not survive long under serving him.”

Normal POV

   Trent appeared conflicted about the Chieftain’s request. He had survived on his own for years after learning all he could from Eli and after deserting his old mercenary unit and he handled himself pretty well. But being a “hero” for childhood friends was something else entirely for him; he was used to being a “lone wolf”, doing things on his own, and staying out of any volatile situation. Then he started to think about his parents. What would they want me to do for them? Trent thought to himself, although now that he thought about it, the answer was obvious. “I don’t like this, but I will do my best to help you drive off the Blood King and his slavers. It’s what my parents would’ve wanted me to do.”

   The Chieftain smiled and nodded, standing up from his throne. “Then allow me to be the first to name you as Champion of Skulk Village!” The crowd cheered though Trent appeared a bit nervous as he was escorted out to a hut that was reserved for guests. Trent analyzed the interior of the hut and found that it was “nothing special”; just a typical hovel in the village that was comfortable and that was about it. As he was getting accommodated, he heard a knock on the door and opened it to reveal Vivian. “Vivian!” Trent greeted. “Somehow I knew you’d be my first guest in my new-but-temporary home.” Vivian giggled at Trent’s joking while he allowed her to come in. “Something bothering you?” Vivian asked as she sat down on the bed. “To be honest, Vivian, a lot of things bother me.” Trent answered, sitting down next to her. “Like what?” Vivian asked, curiously tilting her head. “I don’t think I’m ready to be the village’s ‘Champion’.” Trent confessed.

    Vivian then gave him a disapproving frown. “What do you mean? Being a Champion of our village is a great honor. Why do you think you’re not ready?” “For starters, I’ve been on my own for years, never staying in one place for too long.” Trent explained. “Then I hear about pirates raiding the tundra and I volunteer to help you stop them. Then your Chieftain just names me their Champion out of nowhere and now expects me to be their ‘Chosen One’ when I’m just used to being a ‘man with no name’ that nobody cares about.” “I care!” Vivian blurted out. “And he does too! You’re the only human who’s seen our village and who is familiar with our culture and way of life. And we’re not the only ones being affected by them, as you already know! We need you, Trent. They need you; the village, the city, the tundra, all of them.” “I’m an adventurer, not a soldier.” Trent confessed, rubbing his temple. “I just know where to go and how to get there alive and in the shortest time. I know nothing about raising an army or leading them into battle.”

     “They don’t need a soldier.” Vivian explained. “They need a symbol; a symbol of hope to inspire them to keep going when most would give up. They need someone to give them the courage to fight for their homes, their families, everything. They need a hero. Just give them a chance to believe in that.” “I’m not a symbol or a hero, Vivian.” Trent shook his head. “I’m just Trent Wendell, an urbane wayfarer.” “Then maybe an urbane wayfarer is all they need.” Vivian added. “Nobody said you’d be in this alone; you’ve been alone for too long and I think it’s time you finally had help. Just do this for them, for your parents, and for me.” Trent blushed at Vivian’s request, especially her last words. “I…I’ll think about it. Okay?” Vivian nodded, though appeared disappointed before Trent stopped her. “I do have one request, Vivian; I do hope we can catch up. After all, it’s been 15 years.”

   “I’ll think about it.” Vivian said. “As you just said. I just hope you make the right decision.” She then walked out before shutting the door, leaving Trent to ponder about Vivian’s words and what has happened in the past hour. He then pulled out a locket that nobody knew of save for himself, opening it to reveal a small photograph; the image was when he had just turned 10 years old, with his parents behind him after he blew the candles out on his birthday cake, taken by Eli with a primitive yet functional camera, taking mere hours just to process the image. Memories flashed back to the times when he traveled with his parents before he met up with Vivian in the village, even after and seeing his parents’ faces, alive and full of anticipation for the final time. They need a symbol…they need a hero. Trent heard Vivian’s words echoing through his mind. Just give them a chance to believe in that.

   Meanwhile, in the Chieftain’s hut, Vivian was having an audience with the Chieftain, who was busy sharpening his specialized broadsword, passed down from chieftain to chieftain for hundreds if not thousands of generations. “So he’s having doubts about his new role as Champion. I am not surprised.” “Sir, with all due respect, how are you not surprised?” Vivian asked. “I only asked for an audience to report on--.” “Were you so different before you went on your first hunting mission?” The Chieftain asked, stoically stating his point to her. “I felt the same when my father told me I was to replace him when I came of age. Give him time, whether it be a few minutes or even a few months, and he will know what he has to do. Not everyone is willing to accept responsibility immediately, Vivian. You must understand that sometimes in life, we just have to respect the decisions of others, even if we do not agree with them. Sulking will not change their minds.”

   Vivian opened her mouth to speak, but said nothing, nodding in agreement. “I suppose you’re right, sir. I was disappointed when he expressed doubt about his new role as Champion that I forgot that we really are no different from the humans.” The Chieftain smiled before the doors opened to reveal Trent walking past a couple of protesting guards. “Human, you cannot enter without requesting an audience with our chieftain! And in order to receive an audience, you must--!”  “At ease, Sergeant.” The Chieftain ordered. “He already has permission to have an audience.” “Yes, sir.” The guards bowed and returned outside to their post, with the winter storm calming down a little outside. “Trent Wendell, we were just talking about you.” The Chieftain confessed. “I understand that you’re a bit nervous about your new role, but truth be told we need all the help we can get.”

   “I know.” Trent nodded. “That is why I’m here. I’ve realized that I’ve been a lone wolf for too long and I…I was afraid of allowing others to be around me, thinking they will only slow me down or I’ll be responsible for anything that would happen to them. I felt that I was hiding myself from the world, fearing of dealing with the consequences it carried…and shielding myself from the inevitability that came with it. Yesterday, I was just a man with no name, an urbane wayfarer. Today, let us show what an ‘urbane wayfarer’ can do to the Blood King and his wretched pirates. It won’t be easy, but I promise that we will prevail. The Blood King has raided his last settlement. Let’s show him that we won’t allow him to enslave or torture us or kill us any longer because he demands it! On this day forth, the Urbane Wayfarer will be the bane of the Blood King!”

   Vivian couldn’t help but smile and feel overjoyed as Trent not only showed his intentions to help, but he was finally going to take responsibility and lead the village against the Blood King. Although the Chieftain too was overjoyed and proud that Trent finally decided to step up and do what’s right, he appeared unsurprised. “You see, Vivian? Just as I told you; give them time and they will soon realize on their own the courage inside of them that they never knew they had.” Trent smirked, putting his hands on his hips. “You knew I’d give in eventually, did you?” “You’re not the first scoundrel I’ve met.” The Chieftain explained. “Yet if you look into your heart, what you will find will surprise you.”

   “You know…” Trent started, feeling sentimental. “…You’re starting to sound like my mentor, Eli.” “Elias Destin. You keep mentioning him.” The Chieftain curiously said. “I wish I could meet him someday. How is he?” “I dunno.” Trent answered, shaking his head a little. “I left his house when I turned 18. I haven’t seen him since. He’s probably dead by now.” “Yet you sound like even today, you never stopped learning; never stopped finding new mentors as you crossed the globe.” The Chieftain added. “How did you know??” Trent asked, surprised. “You believe I spent my whole life in the village and have no clue what is out there?” The Chieftain answered with a chuckle. “Even I have to venture outside the village once in a while. But we’ve rambled on long enough. The longer we wait, the sooner the Blood King will begin his raids.”

   “You’re right.” Trent agreed. “The sooner we get that army of yours, the sooner we can send him back into whatever hell-hole he crawled out of. Looks like I better get to work.” Just when Trent began to turn around to leave, the Chieftain noticed that Vivian appeared anxious. “Is there something on your mind, Vivian?” “Yes, sir, I was thinking…” Vivian answered as she nervously bit her lip. “…I was wondering if I could request to be on temporary leave to accompany Trent Wendell on his mission.” “Permission granted.” The Chieftain nodded. “I understand if you want me to stay and--. What??” Vivian asked, assuming the Chieftain was going to refuse her request.

   “Child, for years you assumed we were the only sentient species on the planet.” The Chieftain explained. “But ever since Trent and his parents showed up, you’ve always looked for any reason to get out of the village. It also explains why you’ve worked so hard in your training as a hunter and a scout. But remember, although I do give you permission to be on temporary leave, your duties to the village and its people always come first. Remember, if there is any trouble at the village…” “…I return immediately, sir.” Vivian proudly finished for him. “You’ve learned so much from when your training started all those years ago.” The Chieftain proudly smiled. “That training will be put to good use, sir.” Vivian bowed. “I promise we will not fail you.” “I know.” The Chieftain smiled with a nod before turning to Trent. “Take care of her for us, will you?”

   “I…” Trent started, about to protest, but then nodded and bowed. “She’ll be safe with me, sir.” “Please, call me William.” The Chieftain requested, introducing his real name to the baffled human as Vivian rushed up to catch up to Trent as they left. “You…don’t ‘have’ to come with me, Vivian.” Trent said to her when they left the Chieftain’s hovel. “Remember what I said to you earlier?” Vivian asked. “You’re not in this alone. Not anymore. Besides you need all the help you can get.” “I could have asked anyone in the village to accompany me.” Trent explained. “I could’ve asked for a couple of volunteers if I had wanted to.” “The Chieftain’s right; you are such a scoundrel.” Vivian giggled, playfully hitting him. “But in all seriousness, who do you really trust to watch your back? A few volunteers you just met? Or someone you’ve known and played with since childhood?”

   Trent couldn’t help but smirk and admit that Vivian had a point. “Well, when you put it that way, then there’s no one else I’d rather have at my side.” “Good.” Vivian smiled. “But you heard the Chieftain; the sooner we find some help, the better chance we have against the Blood King and his pirate gang. Last one to be done packing is rotten meat!” Trent laughed as Vivian rushed back to her hut to pack her things. “You haven’t changed a bit, Vivian!” Then Trent rushed back to his hovel to pack his things, hoping to beat Vivian as they did 15 years prior.

   15 minutes later, Trent and Vivian were gathered with most of the other villagers to say goodbye before they went off on their mission. The snowstorm was already starting to calm down to the point where it was now just merely snowing. Seeing the villagers and their children gather around them almost brought a tear to Trent’s eye; it saddened him that he was saying goodbye to them again. But otherwise, he felt nostalgic to seeing them together again; feeling like it was almost as if he had never left the village at all.

   “Be safe.” Vivian’s mother requested. “I’ll be fine, mother.” Vivian assured her. “You’ll keep our Vivian safe, will you, son?” Vivian’s father asked Trent. “I’ll keep an eye on her, Mr. Reiser.” Trent assured him. “I promise.” Trent then turned to the Chieftain, William, one final time. “One last thing before I go, sir. You may wish to have your hunters or whoever can pick up a weapon train twice as hard. The pirates might be back while we’re gone.” “I’ll take that into consideration.” William nodded. With Vivian saying her final goodbyes to her parents, while Trent said his final goodbyes to the other villagers and their Chieftain, William, Trent and Vivian trekked away from the village, beginning their mission and their first adventure as the Urbane Wayfarers.