An RPG Cleverly Designed by Robo

Chapter IV

They left and headed to Springtor. They were no longer in the lands that Hearston controlled, which made them vulnerable to thieves and ruffians. Rarely did they bother Hearston, seeing the cutlass at his side and Michele behind him, wielding her spear. (If this were an actual game, the thieves would attack you only if you came to close to him. However, some block your path and must be fought). They traveled in a northeastern direction until they had to cross the Hunter River.

There they found man on horseback, holding a club. "Hey, hey, hey! Where do you think you’re going without paying me toll?"

"What makes you think I have money to spare?" Hearston asked.

"Well, just look at you. I can see your pouch of money to your side, and that fancy green robe, decorated with jewels gives it away. Ha!" said the man.

"It is times like these that I wished I had dresses like a commoner," Hearston sighed.

"Pay up!" demanded the thief.

Hearston stared at him. "Listen you little punk, you expect me to hand you my money? That will be the day!"

"If you ain’t going to pay, little man," he growled, then I have to teach you who owns this river!"

"That is funny," said Hearston. "I thought this river was a part the Kingdom of Malting, and therefore King Murry technically owns it."

"Watch your mouth!" cried the thief. He drew his club and rode forward. Hearston grasped his cutlass, and ducked as the thief ran forward. The man circled around and came for a second run, but Hearston sent his blade through the horse, which killing it. The man whistled and three of his assistants came forward. Michele and Hearston managed to defeat all his friends, leaving only the thief. They fought, but in the end Hearston’s speed and Michele’s strength prevailed.

The thief was defeated and Michele held her spear to his throat. She looked towards her master, who nodded in approval. She sent the spear through his head, puncturing the man’s brain.

"Let us continue on, shall we?" said Hearston. They continued forward, but the thieves had heard what happened to their master and their was hatred in their hearts for Hearston. They were far more aggressive and attacked them at every corner. They were no match for the duo of Hearston and Michele, and they prevailed. Hearston was sure to rummage through their bags of loot, and took their money.

At last they reached the small town of Springtor. There the two of them headed for the inn, where Hearston greeted the owner.

"I want your finest bed and make it fast," he greeted the man as he typically greeted innkeepers.

"Yes sir! Wait a minute, I know you," said the innkeeper. "Lord Ruslan, right?"

"That is correct," said Hearston with a smile. "I see that a few people in this kingdom are not ignorant. I see that the law enforcement here has declined. What did the king do with that loan I gave him three years ago? From the looks of this dump, the did nothing."

"Well sir, he was able to build a brand new city, Mago. Until then, this small settlement was our capitol. Of course, ever since the refugees from the western lands arrived here, we needed more cities."

"I see," said Hearston. "Well, at least my family was able to save Elman, which I might add is the richest city in all the world."

"Yes, your family has taken good care of that place," said the innkeeper. "But didn’t you just donate an additional sum of money to help finance the upcoming war?"

"No, that is my mission here," said Hearston. "I will kill Chaotix, and prevent Him from attacking at all. This pitiful kingdom is saved, as well as my money. Knowing King Murry, he would waste all my money and still lose the war. Of course, this conversation is not to leave this inn. How much money do I need to pay you to keep your mouth shut?"

"None, sir," said the innkeeper. "I can be trusted. How could I do that to the man who has saved our kingdom from bankruptcy three years ago?"

"Very well," said Hearston. "Michele, before we leave, show him how we take care of those who cannot keep their mouths shut."

Michele swung her fist, punching a huge hole in the wall. "THAT is how we take care of those who can’t keep their mouths shut!" she told the innkeeper.

"Yes, let us leave and get a bit of rest, shall we?" They went upstairs, leaving the innkeeper quite nervous.

That next morning, they appeared and Hearston paid. "Before I leave, how much for your horses?"

"Oh, they aren’t for sale. They have special value to me," said the innkeeper.

Hearston smiled and replied, "Very well, I will just leave these sixteen gold coins on your desk, and turn my back. When I turn around, hopefully it will be gone."

The innkeeper grabbed up the coins, and told Hearston, "Take the white and black horses. They are the fastest and most reliable. Thank you, and please come again!"

"Is it not amazing what some will do for money?" he said to Michele. He turned to the man. "Where can we find a way off this island?" asked Hearston.

"Our new capitol of Mago has a port," said the innkeeper.

"Now, let us continue on, shall we?" Hearston said. He and Michele left and went to the stable. They mounted their horses, and rode off towards Mago, where they would soon meet their fate.

Music: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

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