A Human Companion

I don’t actually remember his name, but I’ve heard his tale before. We all have, I’m sure. Whether he’s getting drunk in the tavern or making his rounds through town, he’ll tell anyone and everyone about his past. “I used to be an adventurer like you,” he’s called to me so many times before, “then I took an arrow to the knee.”

His opposite, in a manner of speaking, is joining me today. Carter, a guard since he came of age, who now wants to become, or is at least considering becoming, an adventurer.

I decide which quests I accept, which adventures I embark upon. The ravens, the sorcerer, and others offer up opportunities, but the final decision is mine. This gives me the freedom that most only dream of. This freedom often catches the eye of others, but they don’t always know the pitfalls.

Sometimes, I’ll paint a rosy picture. After all, when it’s good, it’s great. Sometimes, I explain all of it, from the great all the way down to when I had to choose between me and Karina eating.

And then there’s today. I never minded Carter being around in town. When he came to me asking about the life of an adventurer, I was feeling generously sociable. I didn’t tell; I invited him along. I have enough stories from my travels to expose even the most unexpected of circumstances, but sometimes seeing is believing.

And today seems to be the day for it! I’ve only just lit the signal fire, slowly to show Carter step by step, when I’m jumping at a raven cawing behind me.

I hear Carter chuckle gently as I take the small roll of paper at the raven’s feet. I nod at the raven even before unfurling it. We’re showing someone the ropes, so we’re going with pure luck of the draw: good, bad, or ugly.

The bag the raven leaves behind is larger than I would normally expect. I suppress my dread as I turn back to Carter with a smile, holding the paper in the air. “Our first task.”

“It shows us what we have and where we’re taking it. It’s almost always a ravenous beast, but the ravens have been getting more clever with their tasks lately.” I unroll the paper to show him. “Eight roasted turkey legs— that’s a weird one— and this is just the next village over. Let’s saddle up.”

I climb atop Karina, awkwardly trying to balance the bag in front of me on her saddle.

Carter gets on his horse... I’m not sure if the poor thing even has a name.

As we ride, I tell him some of the tricks of the trade. “You have to be careful about which jobs you take. Some things are awkward to carry on horseback.” I shake the bag a little to make my point. “If it’s too far away you’ll tire out your horse and may waste too much time. Plus, if you get too far away from your signal fire, the ravens may not be able to find you.”

“Why wouldn’t they be able to find you?”

I shrug. “I know, they’re magic. Something to do with the fire or their master just likes to be a pain. Who knows.”

The possessed is waiting for us outside his cottage when we arrive. “Food now!” He screams as I dismount.

Did I hear two voices from his mouth, or is my mind playing tricks on me? “Stay on your horse,” I whisper to Carter. This one could turn from bad to ugly. Good for Carter to see and good that I have a potential bodyguard.

I back away slowly after handing off the bag.

After just a moment of rummaging, the possessed produces a leg from the bag. “No!” He screams as he throws it, a sidestep causing it to miss my head. “I want all right legs. These have lefts!”

“Is this guy serious?” Carter mumbles in my direction.

“This is what the ravens provided,” I call back to the possessed.

“I bought you. You fix it!”

I catch Carter reaching for his sword out of the corner of my eye. I gently shake my head. “You haven’t bought me and haven’t even paid me for the service I provide. Take it up with the ravens.” I pull Karina with me as I continue walking backwards.

He throws the bag in my direction, rolling through the grass towards my feet, then turns and stomps back inside the cottage.

“What’s the difference between a left and right turkey leg?” Carter asks as I get back in my saddle.

I shake my head again. “I have no idea. It sounds like the start of a bar joke.”

A raven appears on my shoulder and caws directly in my ear.

“Let’s try this one.”