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Deal of a Lifetime

Chapter 1

A fierce, bone-chilling wind was blowing through western Raisteria that mid-winter day. An unyielding gust of freezing rain and snow that mercilessly pummeled down upon the harsh, rocky region with no sign of letting up in its intensity anytime soon.

But, it was through this most unpleasant of tempests that a small caravan could be seen making its way down one of the many country roads cutting through the wilderness. A lonely procession of covered, horse-drawn wagons that creaked and groaned with every bump and dip it met along the way. Those who rode within forced to endure the rough handling as they awaited their next stop.

These poor souls were what one would expect to see traveling in that part of the world. Mostly human, some demihumans. Merchants looking to sell their wares at the next town. A few imperial messengers carrying important missives. Even a few adventurers and mercenaries could be spotted in their numbers. Scarred, tough-looking men and women looking for fame and fortune as they hopped from place to place.

There was one outlier amongst the rabble though. A disheveled-looking young man riding in the caravan's lead wagon. His twitchy, nervous behavior and lack of proper dress for the cold weather informing everyone who noticed him that he was very unused to traveling.

When it came to his appearance the lad was as plain as they came. Complexion slightly tanned thanks to days under the sun and body strong and sturdy, if not a little pudgy. The reddish brown hair on his head was messy and longish from the lack of a proper cutting. Its hue matching the barely there stubble that he wore upon his chin which seemed to be doing its best to become a proper beard and failing miserably at the task.

Again, a rather plain-looking, unimportant sort. Handsome, perhaps to a few, but nothing special. A commoner. A pleasant who, if the slightly clueless expression he sported was any indicator, wasn't necessarily the most quick-witted of individuals.

Still as boring as this person appeared to be he still had a story to tell. Not much of one mind you, but one that in this vast world still deserved to be told all the same. Which is precisely why you're here, isn't it?

The boy's name was Aston Bakson. Though you best not call him a boy to his face. He was the fifth-born son of a middle-class farming family of seven children, two parents, and three grandparents. The whole lot of them living under the same roof of a good-sized farmhouse near a town called Ebonhill. One of many small villages that dotted the vast countryside of Raisteria.

For most of his twenty-three years, Aston had lived the life of a simple farmer. Just as his father was. Just as his grandfathers were and so on and so on. It was a hard life. One filled with early mornings, long afternoons, and late evenings of toiling away out in the fields. The struggle to grow their crops a never-ending task.

Day after day.

Month after month.

Year after year.

Nothing ever changing.

Nothing ever happening that warranted any real attention.

To many, such a droll existence might have been mind-numbingly boring. Something to escape from for better and brighter things. Aston however, was an exception to that. The many years he'd spent sweating out in the fields something that made him happy beyond belief.

Planting crops. Watching them grow. Taking care of them until it was time for the harvest. The whole speal lit a fire within the countryman's soul. Some days he couldn't wait to get out of bed and head out for another day of work. A sentiment that often got on the nerves of his older siblings. Not that he cared much. Aston was happy and that's all that mattered to him.

That was until something happened that brought those halcyon days to an end.

The fall had come rather quickly. News of a devastating blight spreading through the land coming only a few weeks before the plague made its way to Ebonhill. The once verdant, prosperous fields that were the Baksons pride and joy quickly reduced to a diseased wasteland in a matter of a couple of days.

They hadn't been the only ones in the village hit, of course. Many of their neighbors suffered similar fates. But it was Aston's family that seemed to have been hit the hardest. Their crops rendered to mush and their cupboards ending up bare before they knew it. But their empty stomachs weren't the greatest tragedy to befall them.

See, with the lack of crops there was nothing for them to sell at market. With nothing to sell, no money. With no money coming in the Baksons quickly realized that they couldn't pay off the yearly taxes the King of Raisteria demanded from his faithful subjects. A crime punishable by either imprisonment of the entire offending household or outright execution if the tax collectors felt like being especially cruel.

With that terrible sword of Damocles hung high above their heads Aston and his relations quickly concluded that something had to be done to save their collective necks. They'd all go out and find work, they decided. They might be hungry, but they were still moderately healthy. Still able to work! All they had to do was go out and look.

For their part, Aston's mother and grandmother had offered up her services as a seamstress and a wet nurse respectfully. His sisters, well they went off to the mansion of Lord Eustace Perryton Ebonhill the sixth, the local landlord of their providence, in hopes of becoming scullery maids and the like. Jobs Aston didn't know if he liked them having considering the bad rumors going around about the man and his family.

As for the menfolk, all four of Aston's older brothers, their father, and grandfathers went to the few farms that were still up and running where they offered up their labor as farmhands or whatever else was needed. Something they weren't paid for very well. Lingering jealously from those who had been their former rivals during the good times causing them to only earn a small pittance of what they should have.

When it came to Aston, he too had also taken up the crusade to save their home. However, when it came to finding employment like the others, he ended up being woefully unlucky. Because he was the youngest of his family, and therefore the "least experienced", he was deemed unfit for the very few jobs people were hiring for. His only choice in the end coming down to a job as a server at the village's lowly tavern.

It wasn't the best place of employment. The infamously mean-spirited man who owned the bar well known for taking delight in making his employee's lives miserable. But in the end, what choice did Aston truly have? His family needed the money and he'd do anything within his power to help them.

So with an unsteady grin, he asked the position and was thankfully hired. His once happy days working under the clear blue sky quickly replaced with endless hours of running about a small, ale-soaked chamber serving watery drinks and questionable "food" to ill-mannered, slovenly bar patrons.

Those drunks had turned out to be the worst part of his new job if you can believe it. Nothing by a gang of down-on-their-luck bums, shady adventurers, and shifty-eyed mercenaries. Lowlifes looking for cheap ale and even cheaper thrills. Which unfortunately came in the form of harassing the two women Aston worked with any chance they got.

Aston, being the gentleman he'd been raised to be had tried to save those poor women when he was able. A good glare and his slightly imposing frame usually enough to make most of the cowards back off. “Most" being the operative word mind you.

For the few it didn't work on… well, they often did something that left Aston shell shocked every time it happened. The first time it had happened, even after all this time, still causing him to grow red in the face when he remembered the horrific event.

It had happened after he managed to save Rachel, a kindhearted single mother, from a group of grungy-looking soldiers on their way back to the capital. Gently pulling her out of harm's way Aston had tried his usual tactic. Expression grim and arms folded over his chest as he stared the rowdy men down, daring one of them to try anything else.

However, instead of catcalling after the retreating Rachel or backing down in shame like they usually did, the leader of the pack smirked and drunkenly asked if Aston was offering to take the fair lady's place. The intention of his words made clear when he pulled out his foul-smelling maleness from his trousers and wagged his half-hard erection in the now very shocked Aston's direction.

That event ended up being a catalyst of sorts for more bad behavior. Thanks to a few gossipy regulars that had witnessed the encounter it became known throughout the village how easy he was to scare. A game of sorts developing where more men would taunt or proposition the red-faced farmer to see how long he could endure their torment before running off.

That unpleasantness, coupled with getting yelled at by his boss, being given extra shifts, and an influx of travelers thanks to the festivals coming up made every day worse than the next for Aston. It truly was a horrible, awful job! Aston doing his very best to endure the whole terrible thing, but quickly growing tired as he was steadily worn down from the constant stress of it all.

But then… quite unexpectedly… a glimmer of light shone in the darkness that was threatening to overtake the poor, overworked man. It coming in the form of a rumor. Several low, whispered conversations he ended upon eavesdropping on as he was serving drinks one day.

Apparently, there was this deal a person could make in Raisteria. A covenant of sorts between their prestigious, virtuous homeland and their depraved, reviled neighbors to the west, the Draterran Empire. One simply known as a "Hallarian Accord".

If you managed to enter into one of these secretive "arrangement" you'd be rewarded with riches beyond your wildest dreams Gold, jewels, property, you name it! All of this and so much more could be given to whoever was brave enough to make the deal. Or more precisely in Aston's case, given to his family to save their home.

But… … … there was one catch.

A very, very, very big one!

In order to make a coveted Hallarian Accord you would first have to agree to give up your very freedom. Essentially, agreeing to become the slave of whoever they made the accord with. That alone, was unappealing to Aston the first time he heard. But what made matters worse was who you'd be handing yourself over to. Or more accurately… “what" you'd be handing yourself over to.

Not another human. Not a dwarf, or an elf, or an orc, or any other sort of demihuman. No… you'd become the sole property of a citizen of the Draterran Empire. A creature hated and feared throughout the world. A monster that went by the name of a Dragkin!

The Dragkin were an ancient race. One said to be birthed straight from the blood of the ancient primordial dragons. They were said to be evil, violent monsters that Raisteria and its allies had fought a centuries-long war against long, long ago. The conflict only ended after both sides agreed to a tenuous series of treaties brought about after two princes, A Raisterian one and a Draterran one came to some sort of agreement. Which, Aston now suspected, must have been a Hallarian Accord.

Stories of what had happened to said Raisterian prince after the war always ended abruptly. Most of them simply saying that he was never seen in Raisteria after he made some sort of sacrifice. He must have entered into an accord and become a prisoner of the Dragkin for the rest of his days. A real hero, Aston concluded.

However, as heroic as the prince's actions were Aston could never see himself doing the same. Not because he didn't want to help his parents of course, but because the very thought of serving a Dragkin made his stomach twist.

To debase yourself like that. To become some dutiful, obedient servant to the very race that had killed and tortured his ancestors. It sickened him to his core. Never, would he ever, stoop as low as to agree to a deal that led to that. Never. Ever. EVER! And nothing in heaven or earth could change Aston's mind on the matter.

That was… until the day…. the imperial taxes were to be collected was announced.

A mere five and a half months. One-hundred and sixty-seven days until the Bakson's either ended up on the streets if they were lucky or in a prison cell rotting away until their executions if they weren't.

When they had found out about the deadline Aston and his family descended into a panic. Because despite all their efforts they were still woefully short of what they usually owed. Soon their lives would be forfeit and there was nothing any of them could do to stop what was coming their way.

That was when Aston decided that something had to be done!

Something fast!

Something desperate!

Something crazy!

That's when he remembered the Hallarian Accord again and decided to pursue it, damn the costs! He'd do it! He'd sacrifice himself just like the ancient prince had! Though to be honest, it wouldn't be that big of a loss. It wasn't as if he were all that important to the family. Merely the fifth born son out of seven children. Not the heir. Not the spare. Not even the spare's spare. Another mouth to feed. A burden.

But maybe… if he could do this for them… he'd be able to prove his worth. Finally, he could be of help to those he loved so dearly. That thought alone was all it took for Aston to make his ill-thought-out, mad decision and spring into action.

Without telling a soul he packed a small traveling bag and some money one early winter morning and left home before sunrise. No one was the wiser about his departure until around midday when the letter he had left behind was finally discovered. It urging them not to worry about him as he went off “somewhere" to do “something" – His actual wording – that would get them all the money they would ever need to survive.

So that is why we find Aston where he was a little over a month or so later. A shivering, nervous wreck sitting in the back of a rickety old wagon so very far away from home. The only possessions he had being the clothes on his back, a half-empty traveling sack containing a few of his possessions, and the ever-fading hope that the far-fetched rumors he'd heard from the drunks back home were true.

Something which now, after having had the time to ruminate over it for weeks, Aston wasn't too sure of anymore. Not that he had the choice to turn back now. Not after having spent all but eight of his coins on the fare to the wagon currently carrying him on the final leg of his journey.

Speaking of said transport, feeling the covered wagon suddenly lurch forwards as they crested over a large hill Aston gazed ahead through the front opening to see their final stop finally come into view. A grim collection of hundreds of smoking towers and buildings peering out from behind large, impenetrable iron walls.

The settlement was called Kelston. A former fortress that in the twenty-five hundred years since the ancient wars had grown to become a heavily industrialized city. The number of goods and advanced technology made within its factories and sweatshops highly sought after by both the nobility and common folk of their homeland alike.

Kelston was also known for one other thing. It being the site of the final battle of the Raisteria-Draterran wars and the birthplace of the first Hallarian Accord. That was why Aston was there. The unsightly location before the caravan being the best place in the kingdom one could make such a deal. At least, that's what Aston had been told by a passing merchant he'd met.

“Finally!" An exasperated voice cried out.

Following the complaint, Aston quietly observed as the man across from him, a surly-looking gent with an eyepatch and stubble-covered chin, wave his hand dismissively at the nearing city. “Thought we'd never fucking get here!" The man continued. “What's it been this time, Thaz? Four weeks on the road!?"

Seated next to the man, a short gray-bearded dwarf gave a put-upon sigh. "Aye, it's been four weeks!" Thaz apparently, confirmed. "Four damned weeks of yuir bitchin' and moanin' and I'm damned near sick of it, Luther!"

Luther, the one with the eyepatch, scowled right back. “Awe, don't be fussing with me now shorty!" He huffed back. “Bitching and moaning to you is the only fun I've found on this trip!"

Then with a chuckle, Luther elbowed his companion and grinned. “Besides, I know you! You're just as relieved as I am to be home, here in Kelston!" He prodded. “Especially when you remember all of the fun we'll be having real soon!"

Thaz gave what appeared to be a small pout through his thick bushy beard for a moment before sighing in defeat. “Aye, I suppose I am." He admitted. “But the fun will have to wait until we finish a few more jobs, remember? Can't afford it otherwise."

“Yes, yes I remember!" Luther said back with an exasperated huff. “There's no reason why we can't seek out some free entertainment tonight though, aye? Maybe charm a lovey or two into bed? Perhaps that comely little eavesdropper over there?"

Having been listening in on the duo's conversation Aston was startled when their eyes suddenly shifted over to him. His evident shock and embarrassment at being caught seemingly amusing the two men who graced him with two eerily identical devilish grins.

“What say you, lad?" Luther said as he turned to fully face Aston with a lick of his lips. "You interested in spending the night with us? Perhaps on your back as I put a smile on that pretty face of yours?"

For a moment Aston was at a loss as to how to respond to such an audaciously filthy offer. His cheeks tinting and mouth agape as he fumbled for words. Being harassed by the drunks back at the tavern had been one thing. A few idle pinches to his bottom and a couple of dirty words. But to be outright asked to sleep with another man! The scandal!

'I_f it's so scandalous then why are you blushing_?' A voice in his head snidely wondered. 'Men who don't like that sort of thing don't get red-faced like some virgin maid.'

It wasn't until Luther took things too far and parted his legs, hand going down to brazenly rub at the very conspicuous bulge in his trousers, that Aston finally regained his senses and responded to what had been said.

Doing his best to look as repulsed as possible Aston glared daggers at the duo. “No sir, I don't think I would." He said, intentionally deepening his voice, trying to sound older. “Also, might I add that you shouldn't say things like that! Not even as a joke! It's… disgusting."

To Aston's continued annoyance his haughty rebuke only seemed to spur the lecherous man on. “What I said is no joke." He said, voice husky and grin knowing as he leaned in. “Be it a lad, lass, or anything in between, I don't give a shit who I fuck. A hole's a hole and I'm mighty good at filling holes."

This time Aston's entire face and neck flushed at Luther's rebuttal. Thoughts growing hazy as imagery of what he'd just said began forming in his mind. “W-What!?" He stammered.

“You heard me, lad!" Luther half growled. "But I'm more than willing to show you if you'd just come along with us once we're in Kelston. Bend you right over a barrel in some alley and get to pounding that tight little—"

Before Luther could finish his repugnant proposal Thaz elbowed him in the side. Luther gave a hard grunt as he glared down at his shorter friend. "Enough of that ya horny bastard." The dwarven man chastised sounding bored. "Cannae ya see that the boy won't be bending over for the likes of us?"

Rubbing his sore ribs Luther huffed. “Why's that?"

“Just look at him!" Thaz dismissively waved at Aston. “Young, pretty, bright-eyed! It's obvious why the little tart is going tae Kelston! Just use that tiny brain of yuirs for a moment."

After taking a moment to give his friend another dirty look Luther turned back to Aston. Brows furrowing in deep thought before realization flashed across his face. "Ahh! An Accord "Seeker" then?" He said, sounding disappointed.

When he got a nod from Thaz the bald man scowled. “Gods damn it!" He snapped angrily. “Why the hell do those dammed lizards get all the pretty ones!?"

Mimicking the human's upset look Thaz sighed sadly. “Aye… strapping lad like him would do far better gracing our beds than being some Dragkin's pet!" He said with a sagely nod. “But ferget him! There are plenty of whores in Kelston! Remember that review we read in that one tavern?"

“The one about the place in Kelston with the women dancing around in lingerie!?" Luther exclaimed, his whole mood changing in an instant. “AYE! Now that sounds like a night! Let's go right there as soon as the wagon stops!"

“Job first, dancing girls later." Thaz reminded yet again. “But once we do I'm going tae ask the first girl I see tae take off her top so I can push my face right inta her chest and go—"

Turning away just as the dwarf began making an obscene sputtering sound with his lips Aston felt a shudder run right through him. Both from how detailed the two men were being as they continued with their indecent talk and from what Luther had said to him just moments ago.

Oddly enough that hadn't been the first time someone had spoken to Aston like that since he'd left Ebonhill. Ever since he had started traveling on the caravan he had noticed a few of his fellow passengers leering eyes lingering on him as if he were a chunk of meat. None of them had been as bad as the eyepatch wearing creep who had just propositioned him, but still, it was unsettling.

Aston was completely naive to such sorted affairs mind you. He wasn't a blushing virgin after all. What innocence he possessed lost one fateful summer day back when he'd been a teenager during a visit to the “central village" close to his hometown. A slightly larger settlement where his family sometimes went to sell their crops and do other sorts of business.

While his older siblings and father had tended to the stand they'd been assigned to Aston had managed to strike up a conversation with an older woman who had wandered by. She'd been very attractive, one of his brothers pointing that out. Long golden curls and ruby red lips. Surprisingly, she had taken an interest in his boyish charms and convinced him to help her carry the heavy bag of vegetables she'd bought back to her home.

What followed that seemingly innocent chore was an intense, exhilarating whirlwind of passion as soon as they were alone in her home. The woman's overzealous eagerness for his body matched with his overactive teenaged libido leading to an afternoon filled with heated cries of pleasure and pleased groans.

It was quite the experience to be sure. Thrilling! Triumphant! Exciting! And… and… strangely disappointing.

Not that having sex for the first time hadn't been nice. Oh, it was very, very nice! But, in the wake of the tryst. The woman politely escorting him out after the matter, Aston couldn't help but feel a hint of dissatisfaction. Almost as if there'd been something lacking in the exchange. Like he wanted something else. Something more. A sensation that even years later he still couldn't understand.

'Perhaps she just didn't strike my fancy.' He told himself whenever he recalled that odd feeling. 'Yes, that must be it! It was merely a bit of fun after all! Once I find a wife I'm sure to enjoy sleeping with her more!'

Regardless of past reasons though, the point was that Aston knew his way around when it came to matters of the flesh. At least when it came to things between men and women that was. What just happened to him however, Luther trying to seduce him, now that was a whole nother matter.

Again, it wasn't as if he didn't know such activities existed. Aston had once witnessed a pair of his family's old farmhands sneaking off together once. Their body language and the heated looks they shared conveying that they were heading off somewhere to do something quite indecent.

But being the pious Raisteria man he was, Aston had chosen to ignore what those lost souls were doing off in the shadows. As long as they did their job and left decent folks alone it wasn't his concern. But, he couldn't help but let his mind wander a little. It was human nature to do so after all, right?

Just what were they even doing? Aston kept wondering despite himself. Obviously, they would be naked. That was something he recalled happening with him and that woman after all. But then, after their bodies were barred for the task, what happened?

Did they kiss like a man and a woman?

Did they hold hands?

What went where?

Was the whole event even pleasant?

Aston couldn't imagine that last part could be true. How could anyone find sex with a man enjoyable? Two hairy, burly bodies rolling around. Their backs covered in sweat as they heaved and groaned. Lips smacking away. Hands caressing and groping. Cocks throbbing and pulsing. Growling and grunting in pleasure. Their passions growing and growing until they both threw their heads back as they climaxed in a fit of white-hot, unrestrained, wild, hedonistic—

'For someone who claims they don't like that sort of thing you sure think about it a lot don't you?' The Voice suddenly cut in. An evil chuckle following the observation.

Realizing that the Voice was right Aston shook his head hard. Suddenly out of breath and even more red-faced, the remaining vestiges of the illicit scenario he'd conjured quickly dissipated into the ether as he did his best to calm himself down.

What the hell was wrong with him? Did he almost just have an erotic fantasy involving two men!? No, he couldn't have done that. Real men didn't have those kinds of thoughts. They only thought about finding a nice girls to marry. Ones to make lots and lots of babies with as the Holy Temple of the Sun God and the Raisteria nobility commanded.

Or, that's what Aston was supposed to do until he made the decision to seek out a Hallarian accord. Now instead of that righteous life he would have lived he'd become the slave of some unknown Dragkin master. Their possession. A servant with no rights besides the one their owner allowed them to have.

But… that was alright, Aston assured himself the closer they got to Kelston. When he had left home he had mentally prepared himself for the fate that would eventually befall him. And by doing this he'd ensure the futures of everyone he cared for. That, he hoped, would be enough to get him through the rest of his days.

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The back alleys of Kelston were not a place most people would want to explore even on the best of days. Cluttered and filthy, they were infamous for being the location of muggings and shady rendezvous. Somewhere the unsuspecting and naive could get themselves robbed, if not murdered, if they failed to keep their wits about them.

However, as treacherous as these seedy corridors were there was no denying that they had their use when it came to providing quick shortcuts to wherever one was heading. That was why one lone woman had chosen to use them that very morning. A lithe, brunette wearing a dress perhaps far too short and tight for proper company.

Blind to her surroundings this tipsy woman made her way down a deserted alleyway giggling softly to herself as she swayed with every step. Attitude carefree thanks to the varied assortment of intoxicating spirits she had spent most of the previous night enjoying. An evening of frivolous fun that she looked forward to doing all over again when her next payday came around.

But, things that morning were not as inconspicuous as this inebriated party-goer believed them to be. Because unbeknownst to her, someone was watching her from afar. Two someones actually. A pair of monstrous figures, obscured by the shadow of a nearby building. Both peering down at her with dark intent from a rooftop high above.

Leaning forwards, the larger of these two silhouettes smirked. What dim light around them revealing a set of glinting fangs as he watched his prey below. “You sure that's the one?" They asked in a deep growling voice. “I don't want any mistakes like last week. Our boys barely got away from Copperhorn's little thug."

Behind the first figure, its shorter companion sighed, irritably. “I'm sure sir." They confirmed. “Saw the little bitch coming right out of Ruby House just yesterday."

“Ruby House huh?" There was a hard snort from the larger figure. “Should have known a slut like that would be one of theirs. Little toad running the place seriously has to do better background checks."

“Yeah, yeah, let's just do this already." The second harrumphed, sounding nervous now. “Like you said, we can't chance anyone seeing us do this."

There was a grunt of agreement. “You're right." The first grumbled. “Let's get this over with before some idiot comes sniffing around."

Leaning back for a moment the first shadow unfurled the large, bat-like wings attached to their back. The twin leathery appendages fluttered gently as he flexed them for a moment or two in anticipation. Then without warning they ran and leapt from the impressive height of the building. Large form moving with shocking speed and agility as he glided towards the unsuspecting woman in his sights.

When the meeting of the two came there was little noise and no struggle. Just a scream, a dark chuckle, and the girl was gone. The only evidence that she had even been there in the alley being one of her shoes that had fallen to the ground as she was whisked away to parts unknown. Perhaps to never be seen again.

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Entering Kelston proved to be quite an interesting experience for Aston. Passing through the large gates that served as the only visible point of egress into the city he warily peered out from the back of the wagon. Expression uneasy as the sudden realization of just how far he was from the farmlands he had known all his life fully hit him.

As he had seen from a distance Kelston was a large, imposing place of urban ruin. An unfathomable number of gloomy buildings wedged on either side of dingy streets. Each structure painted dull and muted colors with what appeared to be miles and miles of leaky, rusty pipes that spider-webbed their way across and between them.

But it was the citizenry that interested Aston the most as they slowly made their way down the busy road. Observing the smoggy streets around them he could see numerous other humans, orcs, elves, dwarves, kobolds, goblins, and so many other races he couldn't name. All of them coming together to form a boisterous throng that flowed along the pathways of Kelston with the smoothness of a flowing stream.

There was one oddity however that Aston quickly noted. No matter where he looked he had yet to see a single Dragkin. Not a scale, nor wing, nor claw. Something which truly puzzled him considering that Kelston was supposed to be the main location in Raisteria where one could make a Hallarian Accord.

Whatever the reasons for their current absence, Aston had little time to dwell on this mystery before the wagon suddenly veered off of the main street and entered into a wide, open area. A space filled with dozens of other wagons and horses. A drop-off and pick-up station he deduced as they finally came to a sudden, lurching stop.

“That's all folks!" Their driver, a plump elderly kabold announced once they had fully parked. “Less you're a-planning on riding back with me it's time ya get off!"

Heeding the wagoner's command Aston took a deep breath and began to stand. But before he could even fully stand he was suddenly shoved back down onto his bottom. The person who assaulted him was Luther of course. The mean-spirited man giving Aston an even meaner smirk as he loomed over him almost menacingly.

“You sure you don't want to come along with us tonight boy?" He asked with another slow, deliberate lick of his lips. “Kelston's a cold place for newcomers and some warm company can make things a hell of a lot better."

Unlike earlier Thaz joined in on the seduction attempt. The dwarf gave a smirking grin of his own as he nodded to his friend's statement. "Aye lad, why don't ye?" He chimed in. "If yuir reluctance is because of this big dolt, ye cannae always spend tae night in my bed instead. Show ya how good we dwarven men are with our hammers."

“Hey! I saw him first you damned little runt!" Luther snapped with a hard shove to Thaz's side.

Not taking the mild assault greatly Thaz shoved the taller man right back. “Perhaps but I'm more deserving of a romp with him!" He countered. “It's been months since I've known something other but me hand!"

“And it's your hand you'll be using tonight because he's mine!" Luther growled right back. “Old man like you wouldn't even know what to do with a boy like him!"

Thaz snorted loudly. “Why you little… how dare you!"

Shifting his gaze between the two men as they began to argue about who got to "keep" him Aston felt a spark of white-hot irritation race through him. If there was one thing he hated the most it was being called “boy". Aston was an adult, Sun God dammit. And to be called so by these two leches, repeatedly now, it made him see red! They both needed to be put in their place and right now!

“I said NO!" He firmly told the pair through gritted teeth. When they turned to him in bewilderment Aston shot them his best, haughty look. “I have better things to do than being in the company of two filthy degenerates like you! Now get the hell out of my way!"

At this second, fiercer rejection of his advances the friendly facade Luther had presented crumbled. Face contorted with rage at Aston's rebuttal. “FINE! Have it your way brat!" He all but spat. “But when that little attitude earns you a night on the streets, don't expect me to be gentle when you ask for help!"

With that said Luther and Thaz finally took their leave. The younger of the duo grumbling the entire time as they exited through the back of the wagon and mercifully away from Aston. Hopefully never to be seen by him again.

After waiting a few moments to be sure they were gone Aston too left the wagon. A small, relieved sigh released when he finally made his way outside. Both booted feet landed on the muddy, icy streets of Kelston with a hard grunt as he instantly became overwhelmed. The sights, sounds, and even the smells of the new environment he was in fully encompassing him now that he was finally standing in the thick of it.

'Still, I made it!' Aston managed to tell himself with some pride.

After a long, tiresome journey there he was, at long last, in Kelston. Eager and ready to make the Hallarian Accord he'd come all the way there to make! But in completing his first goal, Aston suddenly became aware of a problem. One he hadn't even considered until that very moment.

“What the hell do I do now?" Aston mumbled quietly with a deepening frown.

Pride quickly replaced with frustration Aston frantically looked around. This time trying to spot any sort of clue as to what he was supposed to do next. He should have thought this through more! Asked more questions? Now he was all alone in a strange city with no idea where he needed to go!

“OI! Aston!" A kindly old voice cried out, cutting through Aston's panic. “Ya alright over there, lad!?"

Drawn out of his worry-laced thoughts Aston turned to see the driver of the wagon he'd rode on heading his way. A portly, balding kobold man named Haddish who, unlike his dubious passengers, had been nothing but wholesomely friendly towards him.

Facing the older man Aston gave him a small smile. “Actually… um… no?" He said, with an awkward scratch to the back of his neck. “I'm looking for something here in Kelston and I don't have any idea where it would be."

Both of Haddish's bushy eyebrows rose. “Ya don't!?"

When Aston nodded back dumbly in response the stout man folded his arms over his chest. "That's not too bright of ya lad, coming all the way here without a plan." He chastised in an almost fatherly way. "Luckily for ya, ol' Haddish knows quite a bit about this dirty burg! Just tell me where ya need to be and I'll point ya in the right direction!"

Finally some good luck, Aston thought happily. “You sure Mister Haddish?" He did ask, being polite. “I know you're a busy man and I'd hate to trouble you anymore than I've already done."

Thinking back to their time on the road Aston recalled all the nights he had spent by Haddish's side. The older man practically protected him till dawn from the numerous attempts from the other members of their traveling party. He'd been thankful for every moment but Aston wasn't too sure he wanted to keep bothering the older man.

Haddish however was quick to wave off the human's concerns. "Think nothing of it, lad!" He assured with a chuckle. "Now stop your fussing and tell this old timer how he might be of assistance to ye today."

Not needing to be told twice Aston quickly explained his dilemma to his newfound friend. "Alright, so I'm trying to find somewhere I can make a Hallarian Accord." He began. "It's this contract or something and I don't have… any idea… um… Mister Haddish?"

Trailing off halfway through his explanation Aston grew concerned when he saw Haddish's eyes widen in shock. The kobold's entire body went completely still for several moments before he was able to recover with a sheepish, awkward-sounding cough.

“Oh, so you're here for that I see," Haddish said with a smack of his lips. "If that's the case then I'm sorry, but I can't give ya directions after all."

Hearing that Aston's face fell. “You can't?" He said, his previous worry returning.

“Aye, I can't I'm afraid," Haddish said with a sympathetic look. But then, the short man's face lit up with realization. "But perhaps I know somewhere ya might be able to find help!"

Turning around Haddish pointed off into what seemed to be a completely random direction. “Some blocks thataway there's this small collection bars, taverns, and the like I've heard of." He began to explain. “It's only a chance mind ya, but maybe a soul there can tell ya where you need to go?"

Visually following the other man's outstretched arm Aston hummed in concern. The idea of going into another bar didn't sound like a good idea to him. But in the end, he realized Haddish was right. Taverns tended to be a place where locals gathered and surely one of them could give him the information he needed to know.

“I guess I'll go do that then." Aston reluctantly announced before giving Haddish another thankful smile. "Thank you for everything, sir. I appreciate it."

Returning the younger man's grin with one of his own Haddish patted him on the arm. “Think nothing of it!" He hummed. “Just promise that you'll stay safe. Them Hallarian accords… they ain't exactly the most popular subject for some."

Pausing for a moment a strange, small smirk formed on Haddish's bearded lips. “Especially when ya consider what ya have ta do for the Dragkin ya make it with." He added, sounding somewhat amused. “Backbreaking work that, heh? Though not entirely unpleasant from what I've heard."

Making a face of his own Aston stared at the older man puzzled as to what that meant. Haddish merely gave him a small wink in return then went off to attend to his duties as a wagon master. Did he just imply that serving a Dragkin could be a pleasant thing? Surely he hadn't!

Dragkin were nothing but brutes! Animals! An entire race of bloodthirsty savages that according to Raisterian history books had mercilessly butchered thousands of humans during the ancient wars! That's why Aston, like every other citizen of the kingdom, hated the Draterran Empire and its villainous people so much. Why it sickened Aston to have to serve one even though he'd agreed to do so.

'Old man must be a bit nuts.' Aston eventually reasoned.

Putting aside whatever Haddish had meant though, Aston quickly took off and headed out of the wagon corral, reentering Kelston's busy streets with a determined stride. The only thing on his mind as he weaved through the crowds being the Hallarian accord he would hopefully be making very soon. A deal that would either end in his damnation if he failed or his family's salvation and then his damnation if he succeeded.

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