After finishing Planned Escape, I turned my attention to the next story, a fantasy tale. I recently gave my story cubes a toss and wound up with a tree, a set of balancing scales, and a monster hovering over someone’s shoulder. While I did not have any immediate plan to explore the combination, it leapt into my mind when I sat to pen this tale. So I dusted off Gaius and went about creating a fairy tale, but one that didn’t feature my Puck-inspired fae.
Some rivalries have a way of lingering long after their latest confrontation. Each defeat can sharpen the loser’s desire to try again, especially when the person standing opposite them continues to remain beyond their reach. With enough failures, persistence stops being enough, leaving one to wonder what they’re willing to sacrifice to tip the scales.
Alric has challenged Malrec before, and each encounter gave him another reason to reconsider how he’ll approach their next confrontation. This time, something about the wizard has changed. He carries himself with a confidence that wasn’t there before, and the distant tower no longer feels like the same impossible destination.
As Alric leaves an ash tree behind and begins the familiar journey toward his rival, the people and places along the road should offer little more than a brief delay. However, familiar surroundings have a way of feeling different when something has shifted beneath the surface.
Excerpt of Bargain's Worth
Alric’s gaze lingered on the ash tree atop the hill. Then he wiped his lips before he walked down the gentle slope. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as he left the site of his bargain, the wind whipping past him and tugging at his hair. He marched through the chest-high grass, heading toward the nearby village.
When he reached its outskirts, a small child collided with him. She shook her head and tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t see you.”
With a deep breath, Alric bent down and patted the child’s cheek. “Be more mindful of the world, little one. Next time, you might cross someone who’s not as forgiving as I am.”
The small girl nodded before she dashed out of Alric’s sight.
“You didn’t scare Amelia earlier today, Alric.”
The wizard turned around to face an elderly man leaning on a sturdy cane. “Things have changed, Warren.”
“You’re about to challenge Malrec again, aren’t you?” Warren asked, thrusting his cane forward.
Alric responded with a curt nod.
A wry chuckle rolled across the surrounding road. “You’ve challenged him on three separate occasions. The first only wounded your pride. You weren’t that fortunate the other two times… I can’t remember exactly what happened, but what makes you think the outcome will be any different?”
“You and Amelia have observed my recent transformation.”
“Aye, we have.” Warren crept forward, leaning on his cane like a third leg. “That implies you have made some kind of deal. I hope you didn’t make a foolish trade.”
Alric clenched his fist as it rose toward the darkening sky. “My bargain will justify itself once I’ve defeated Malrec.”
The elderly man shook his head as he hobbled closer. “You must be cautious of what you barter. Some things are simply not worth handing away on a whim.”
Alric watched as Warren limped after Amelia. Several seconds later, he turned toward Malrec’s distant tower, rubbing his hands. As he wove through the village, he passed other people he knew. However, none of them addressed the wizard. When he neared a familiar inn, the owner emerged from his establishment, and Alric approached without slowing.
“Can I have my room for the night?”
“I’m sorry, but there aren’t any rooms available.” The man frowned and rubbed his chin. “And no one has their own dedicated room.”
“What?” Alric stepped forward, grabbing the man’s shirt and pulling him closer. “I’ve been coming here for years. You’ve set aside a room for me because of that.”
“We’ve never met.”
Alric released the innkeeper’s shirt and backed away.
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