FA+
Shop
548
Views
Views
4
Favorites
Favorites
Category
Story / Fantasy
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 50 x 50
File Size 19.3 kB
Report this content
★
More from MarcusHunter
Listed in Folders
Rogues Paid Gold: Riffraff and Runaways Ch.3
Riffraff and Runaways is the first in (hopefully) a number of book-length stories in what I am calling "Rogues Paid Gold". It is a fantasy story taking place in a world that I have been working to develop for over three years (and I'm still not done yet) I hope you enjoy it and are interested in going through the journey along with the characters.
Things are still in the drafting phase right now. This is by no means the final form of the chapter. Critique is more than welcome.
Other comments such as what worked and what you enjoyed are also a big help to the development of this project.
Chapter 1 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/47108770/
Chapter 2 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/48752162/
Chapter 3
Hooded Green Eyes
The late afternoon sun beat down on the dragon-riding duo by the time they
touched down at Cade’s base of operations. A myriad of trees, shrubbery, and other flora sprung from the ground. Dabs of red, brilliant azure, and striking orange where blossoms lay amidst deep verdant leafage added a much-needed break to the drab color palette of the Aridescan Outlands. The foliage flourished among a massive spring, encircling the life-giving liquid of the oasis. Once his passengers dismounted, Vlakas wasted no time in plunging into the crystalline shallows. Adopting a smaller size that better fit the confines of the pool, the dragon rolled about in the refreshing water giving little chirps of mirth.
High, melodious laughter escaped Elysia as she stood around to watch the dragon’s aquatic antics.
“I thought we had business to attend to, kid,” Cade said, striding past her.
Scowling at him, Elysia begrudgingly left Vlakas to his own devices. The weasel led her to a shelter that looked rather impressive given the lackluster material of wood, mud, and leaves. Brushing aside a massive leaf that functioned as a makeshift door, he beckoned for the mouse to follow. The inside struck Elysia as rather sparse for the quarters housing a group of heroes, containing not much more than a few stools, a cauldron of some sort, and two hammocks strung up at the far end.
The only living thing in sight came in the form of a rust-colored raptor, around two feet in height, roosting near one of the hammocks. Its head lay tucked under one of its magnificent wings which possessed feathers that transitioned to a striking blue at the tips. Confused about the lack of occupancy, Elysia opened her mouth to ask where the other Guild members were. Before more than two words left her lips, Cade clasped a hand over her mouth, holding a finger to his lips. The mouse looked at him with furrowed brow but nodded, watching as Cade removed a small, oblong object from his satchel. He fixed a concentrated stare on the bird, giving the air a few testing flicks with his hand, before tossing the object against the floor near the hammocks.
Kra-Pak!
The projectile shattered, emitting a burst of great volume that had Elysia clasping her hands against her ears. The raptor awoke with a drawn-out shriek. It beat its wings in a fury before taking off, circling the air above its perch in small rings. Responding to the cacophony, the bottom hammock writhed and contorted before tipping over completely. A silver-furred wolf tumbled from his place of rest, hitting the floor with a grunt. The mysterious lupine lay prone for several seconds before letting out a growling breath and recovering from his unflattering position. He placed a hand to his head to part the long mane of unruly black hair that obscured his vision, blinking repeatedly through hooded green eyes. The bird ceased its shrill alarm and descended, landing upon the wolf’s left shoulder. Its owner gave no response of pain to the talons gripping into his flesh. All the while, Cade banged his fist against a wall, lost to a fit of laughter.
“By the blade, that never gets old,” Cade said between gasps for air.
The wolf pointed at Cade, his face betraying no sign of anger nor indignation. It remained the same semi-stoic expression of one who had been robbed of slumber.
“You’re never getting old if you continue that.”
Cade eyed him, his laughter cutting off abruptly. “Stow it, Syrus. It’s only a jest. Besides, you had it coming. I don’t see any evidence of a hunt, do I?” The weasel gestured to the cauldron that lay devoid of fire and filling while walking forward, maintaining eye contact with the wolf. The bird on Syrus’s shoulder leered at Cade, leaning forward, shifting its wings.
“And what of you, great Rogue? Don’t act the better when you have yet to present the fruits of your endeavors,” Syrus said in rebuttal. “Did you make anything of Swenborro this time around.”
“Oh, I probably can’t show my hide around that pigsty again,” Cade said. He punctuated his statement with an aloof shrug while making a half-circle around Syrus, trying to remove himself from the antagonistic glare of the wolf’s avian companion. The bird quashed his attempt with insistent vigilance, it’s swiveling head stalking Cade’s retreat. It gave a few short clicks of its beak, and Syrus nodded.
“Kairi says you bring back nothing but bad news every time you return,” Syrus said, the wolf’s face remaining neutral. “Can’t say I disagree with her.”
Cade jabbed a finger in the bird’s direction. “Well, tell your bag of feathers to close her beak and cease her glare, because she’s wrong.” He turned to the direction of the shelter’s entrance. “Kid. Why are you hiding? Get out here and say hello.”
Elysia stepped out from behind a stack of miscellaneous supplies, oversized robe sleeves placed firm against her hips. “Is everyone done yelling at each other?”
Cade extended his arm toward Elysia, flashing his teeth at Syrus. “Got us our first job, mate.”
The wolf ran a hand through his hair. “And who is this kid?”
Before Cade could speak, Elysia scampered up to Syrus, extending her hand. “Hi! I’m Elysia. Your bird’s very pretty.”
The wolf took her hand in reciprocation. “Welcome, young one.” He turned to Cade. “Explain.”
Cade relayed how he came across Elysia, explaining the objective of returning her home. “There’s also the matter of this.” He tugged at Elysia’s robe, pulling the collar down to reveal the black spike embedded in the girl’s chest. Syrus gazed at it, his bird making a hissing cry before Cade continued. “She doesn’t know what this is or how it got there. She wants us to figure out what in the name of sorcery this is.”
“So, this is why Kairi’s feathers glow,” Syrus said, stroking the outer azure pinions of the otherwise red bird. “I assumed it was because of yet another magical trinket you managed to scrounge up.”
Cade clapped his hands together. “Well, that settles that. Now there’s no doubt of a magical origin.”
“We’re not doing this, Cade,” Syrus said, turning away. “At least, I’m not. You and Vlakas can take her home, but I’m not being responsible for a child. And I’m not getting involved with magic.”
Elysia tugged at Cade’s cloak, looking up at him with eyes filled with pleading. Ignoring her, he pursued the wolf.
“You’re doing this. You know why?” His raised voice prompted Kairi to lean forward, beating her wings in an aggressive display. “Because when I found you with a broken arm hiding in the mires back in Fjordren with a bounty on your disheveled head and soldiers on your tail, you said something to me when I kept quiet. Care to enlighten me on what that was again?”
Syrus gripped at his face before relinquishing the recitation, “My bow and blades are yours for the rest of your days, my friend.”
Cade nodded. “Right. So, would you kindly examine the girl and see what you can make of this? This quest is our chance to drag ourselves out of this dustbowl and stop worrying about lack of coin.”
Syrus sighed and made his way to Elysia. “Fine. Let’s have a look.”
The wolf rested on his haunches, hand on chin and green eyes fixed on his subject. Elysia froze, wide-eyed at the lupine’s proximity. Her eyes darted to Cade who told her to let it be with a wave of his hand.
“These robes you wear,” Syrus said, feeling the material of Elysia’s garb.
“They’re not mine,” Elysia said abruptly. “I woke up in the desert with them on.”
“Part of the mystery,” Cade explained, leaning against one of the dwelling’s walls.
“I would be more surprised if they were yours,” Syrus said. “These robes look to be akin to those worn by a Purple Mage. This one has of course been altered to better accommodate your size, but between the robes and the hat, there’s no mistaking it.”
Elysia cocked her head. “Purple Mage?”
“They are a class of Mage with enough magical aptitude to harness just about any type of spell. Such ability takes years of training along with unfathomable natural talent. They can’t possibly be yours. I gather that you stole these robes from a Purple Mage, and that spike you have is the work of said Mage. Possibly in retaliation.”
“But why don’t I remember that?” Elysia asked. “And why would I steal from some Mage?”
“Who knows,” Syrus said, standing up and stretching out his arms, “Those with the talent for magic are able to weave sound to obtain many nasty results.”
“For a guy who doesn’t like magic, you seem to know quite a bit about it,” Cade said from across the room, falling backward into one of the hammocks.
“Know your enemy, Cade. Plus, my family was adept at the subject.” The wolf said, walking up to his companion. “So is that all. Solve the mystery and return the girl home?”
“You also have to kill a guy,” Elysia said without hesitation.
“What?”
Cade bounded out of the hammock, holding both hands up at chest level. “We don’t know that for sure. That’s another part of the predicament. A note was left on her body saying, ‘Harlod must die’. That could mean many things, right? All we must do is find out why that note was attached to her.”
Syrus slumped onto a nearby stool, pressing a hand to his face. “He’s only the king of Aridesca. Nothing to worry about. This is just more good news. A mystery and involvement with royalty doesn’t sound like a great effort at all.” Kairi responded to the wolf’s distress by rubbing the side of her face against her master.
“And there’s even more good news,” the weasel said, ignoring Syrus’s plight. He reached into his pouch and presented the tassel that he had swiped from the Swenborro notice board. “Things are finally looking up, friend. This beauty here gains us entry to a little contest for all Guilds who carry one of these.”
Syrus looked unimpressed. Cade gave the tassel a toss and expertly caught it as it descended. “And the best part? The prize for the winner includes a shard of Starstone!”
The wolf sat upright. “The last one you need.”
Cade lifted a small pouch attached to a string that wrapped around his neck into a makeshift necklace. Opening it, he retrieved a crystalline gem, translucent and of brilliant, clear blue. Five pointed extensions jutted out from the center, giving the appearance of an unfinished six-pointed star. The stone shimmered, giving off a luster in the dimmed light of the hut. All in the room marveled at the stone and its stunning appearance.
“We do this quest, we get notoriety. That will help us expand the Guild to the six we need to become officially recognized. Then, we enter and win this, snag that Starstone…”
“And you finally get your wish,” Syrus finished.
Cade looked upon the stone with the type of longing a lovestruck maiden would have for a strapping young prince. “I’ve scoured the eight kingdoms for these,” he said, indirectly addressing the newcomer to their party. “I was beginning to think there were none left in all of Fantasia.”
“What are you going to wish for?” Elysia asked, wonder shining in her eyes.
Cade tucked the incomplete Starstone back into the pouch. “That is for me to know, and me alone.”
Syrus sighed and shrugged. “He won’t even tell me, kid.”
“Let’s just say that with my wish granted, you’ll be free to go on your way as I will no longer have need of your oath,” Cade said. “You’ll be free to sleep the days away if you’re so inclined. Now, if we are done waiting around, we’ll depart as soon as I retrieve Vlakas from the oasis.”
Elysia pulled on Cade’s cloak as he made to leave. “Wait, is this all your Guild is?”
“I’m afraid so, kid.” Syrus walked past her, patting her head and causing the hat to fall over the mouse’s eyes.
“Not quite,” Cade said in the process of fitting himself with a set of black leather armor. “There’s one more who will be joining us.”
Syrus paused for a moment, mulling over Cade’s words, before running a hand through his wild black hair, grumbling. “It better not be who I think it is.”
Things are still in the drafting phase right now. This is by no means the final form of the chapter. Critique is more than welcome.
Other comments such as what worked and what you enjoyed are also a big help to the development of this project.
Chapter 1 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/47108770/
Chapter 2 can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/48752162/
Chapter 3
Hooded Green Eyes
The late afternoon sun beat down on the dragon-riding duo by the time they
touched down at Cade’s base of operations. A myriad of trees, shrubbery, and other flora sprung from the ground. Dabs of red, brilliant azure, and striking orange where blossoms lay amidst deep verdant leafage added a much-needed break to the drab color palette of the Aridescan Outlands. The foliage flourished among a massive spring, encircling the life-giving liquid of the oasis. Once his passengers dismounted, Vlakas wasted no time in plunging into the crystalline shallows. Adopting a smaller size that better fit the confines of the pool, the dragon rolled about in the refreshing water giving little chirps of mirth.
High, melodious laughter escaped Elysia as she stood around to watch the dragon’s aquatic antics.
“I thought we had business to attend to, kid,” Cade said, striding past her.
Scowling at him, Elysia begrudgingly left Vlakas to his own devices. The weasel led her to a shelter that looked rather impressive given the lackluster material of wood, mud, and leaves. Brushing aside a massive leaf that functioned as a makeshift door, he beckoned for the mouse to follow. The inside struck Elysia as rather sparse for the quarters housing a group of heroes, containing not much more than a few stools, a cauldron of some sort, and two hammocks strung up at the far end.
The only living thing in sight came in the form of a rust-colored raptor, around two feet in height, roosting near one of the hammocks. Its head lay tucked under one of its magnificent wings which possessed feathers that transitioned to a striking blue at the tips. Confused about the lack of occupancy, Elysia opened her mouth to ask where the other Guild members were. Before more than two words left her lips, Cade clasped a hand over her mouth, holding a finger to his lips. The mouse looked at him with furrowed brow but nodded, watching as Cade removed a small, oblong object from his satchel. He fixed a concentrated stare on the bird, giving the air a few testing flicks with his hand, before tossing the object against the floor near the hammocks.
Kra-Pak!
The projectile shattered, emitting a burst of great volume that had Elysia clasping her hands against her ears. The raptor awoke with a drawn-out shriek. It beat its wings in a fury before taking off, circling the air above its perch in small rings. Responding to the cacophony, the bottom hammock writhed and contorted before tipping over completely. A silver-furred wolf tumbled from his place of rest, hitting the floor with a grunt. The mysterious lupine lay prone for several seconds before letting out a growling breath and recovering from his unflattering position. He placed a hand to his head to part the long mane of unruly black hair that obscured his vision, blinking repeatedly through hooded green eyes. The bird ceased its shrill alarm and descended, landing upon the wolf’s left shoulder. Its owner gave no response of pain to the talons gripping into his flesh. All the while, Cade banged his fist against a wall, lost to a fit of laughter.
“By the blade, that never gets old,” Cade said between gasps for air.
The wolf pointed at Cade, his face betraying no sign of anger nor indignation. It remained the same semi-stoic expression of one who had been robbed of slumber.
“You’re never getting old if you continue that.”
Cade eyed him, his laughter cutting off abruptly. “Stow it, Syrus. It’s only a jest. Besides, you had it coming. I don’t see any evidence of a hunt, do I?” The weasel gestured to the cauldron that lay devoid of fire and filling while walking forward, maintaining eye contact with the wolf. The bird on Syrus’s shoulder leered at Cade, leaning forward, shifting its wings.
“And what of you, great Rogue? Don’t act the better when you have yet to present the fruits of your endeavors,” Syrus said in rebuttal. “Did you make anything of Swenborro this time around.”
“Oh, I probably can’t show my hide around that pigsty again,” Cade said. He punctuated his statement with an aloof shrug while making a half-circle around Syrus, trying to remove himself from the antagonistic glare of the wolf’s avian companion. The bird quashed his attempt with insistent vigilance, it’s swiveling head stalking Cade’s retreat. It gave a few short clicks of its beak, and Syrus nodded.
“Kairi says you bring back nothing but bad news every time you return,” Syrus said, the wolf’s face remaining neutral. “Can’t say I disagree with her.”
Cade jabbed a finger in the bird’s direction. “Well, tell your bag of feathers to close her beak and cease her glare, because she’s wrong.” He turned to the direction of the shelter’s entrance. “Kid. Why are you hiding? Get out here and say hello.”
Elysia stepped out from behind a stack of miscellaneous supplies, oversized robe sleeves placed firm against her hips. “Is everyone done yelling at each other?”
Cade extended his arm toward Elysia, flashing his teeth at Syrus. “Got us our first job, mate.”
The wolf ran a hand through his hair. “And who is this kid?”
Before Cade could speak, Elysia scampered up to Syrus, extending her hand. “Hi! I’m Elysia. Your bird’s very pretty.”
The wolf took her hand in reciprocation. “Welcome, young one.” He turned to Cade. “Explain.”
Cade relayed how he came across Elysia, explaining the objective of returning her home. “There’s also the matter of this.” He tugged at Elysia’s robe, pulling the collar down to reveal the black spike embedded in the girl’s chest. Syrus gazed at it, his bird making a hissing cry before Cade continued. “She doesn’t know what this is or how it got there. She wants us to figure out what in the name of sorcery this is.”
“So, this is why Kairi’s feathers glow,” Syrus said, stroking the outer azure pinions of the otherwise red bird. “I assumed it was because of yet another magical trinket you managed to scrounge up.”
Cade clapped his hands together. “Well, that settles that. Now there’s no doubt of a magical origin.”
“We’re not doing this, Cade,” Syrus said, turning away. “At least, I’m not. You and Vlakas can take her home, but I’m not being responsible for a child. And I’m not getting involved with magic.”
Elysia tugged at Cade’s cloak, looking up at him with eyes filled with pleading. Ignoring her, he pursued the wolf.
“You’re doing this. You know why?” His raised voice prompted Kairi to lean forward, beating her wings in an aggressive display. “Because when I found you with a broken arm hiding in the mires back in Fjordren with a bounty on your disheveled head and soldiers on your tail, you said something to me when I kept quiet. Care to enlighten me on what that was again?”
Syrus gripped at his face before relinquishing the recitation, “My bow and blades are yours for the rest of your days, my friend.”
Cade nodded. “Right. So, would you kindly examine the girl and see what you can make of this? This quest is our chance to drag ourselves out of this dustbowl and stop worrying about lack of coin.”
Syrus sighed and made his way to Elysia. “Fine. Let’s have a look.”
The wolf rested on his haunches, hand on chin and green eyes fixed on his subject. Elysia froze, wide-eyed at the lupine’s proximity. Her eyes darted to Cade who told her to let it be with a wave of his hand.
“These robes you wear,” Syrus said, feeling the material of Elysia’s garb.
“They’re not mine,” Elysia said abruptly. “I woke up in the desert with them on.”
“Part of the mystery,” Cade explained, leaning against one of the dwelling’s walls.
“I would be more surprised if they were yours,” Syrus said. “These robes look to be akin to those worn by a Purple Mage. This one has of course been altered to better accommodate your size, but between the robes and the hat, there’s no mistaking it.”
Elysia cocked her head. “Purple Mage?”
“They are a class of Mage with enough magical aptitude to harness just about any type of spell. Such ability takes years of training along with unfathomable natural talent. They can’t possibly be yours. I gather that you stole these robes from a Purple Mage, and that spike you have is the work of said Mage. Possibly in retaliation.”
“But why don’t I remember that?” Elysia asked. “And why would I steal from some Mage?”
“Who knows,” Syrus said, standing up and stretching out his arms, “Those with the talent for magic are able to weave sound to obtain many nasty results.”
“For a guy who doesn’t like magic, you seem to know quite a bit about it,” Cade said from across the room, falling backward into one of the hammocks.
“Know your enemy, Cade. Plus, my family was adept at the subject.” The wolf said, walking up to his companion. “So is that all. Solve the mystery and return the girl home?”
“You also have to kill a guy,” Elysia said without hesitation.
“What?”
Cade bounded out of the hammock, holding both hands up at chest level. “We don’t know that for sure. That’s another part of the predicament. A note was left on her body saying, ‘Harlod must die’. That could mean many things, right? All we must do is find out why that note was attached to her.”
Syrus slumped onto a nearby stool, pressing a hand to his face. “He’s only the king of Aridesca. Nothing to worry about. This is just more good news. A mystery and involvement with royalty doesn’t sound like a great effort at all.” Kairi responded to the wolf’s distress by rubbing the side of her face against her master.
“And there’s even more good news,” the weasel said, ignoring Syrus’s plight. He reached into his pouch and presented the tassel that he had swiped from the Swenborro notice board. “Things are finally looking up, friend. This beauty here gains us entry to a little contest for all Guilds who carry one of these.”
Syrus looked unimpressed. Cade gave the tassel a toss and expertly caught it as it descended. “And the best part? The prize for the winner includes a shard of Starstone!”
The wolf sat upright. “The last one you need.”
Cade lifted a small pouch attached to a string that wrapped around his neck into a makeshift necklace. Opening it, he retrieved a crystalline gem, translucent and of brilliant, clear blue. Five pointed extensions jutted out from the center, giving the appearance of an unfinished six-pointed star. The stone shimmered, giving off a luster in the dimmed light of the hut. All in the room marveled at the stone and its stunning appearance.
“We do this quest, we get notoriety. That will help us expand the Guild to the six we need to become officially recognized. Then, we enter and win this, snag that Starstone…”
“And you finally get your wish,” Syrus finished.
Cade looked upon the stone with the type of longing a lovestruck maiden would have for a strapping young prince. “I’ve scoured the eight kingdoms for these,” he said, indirectly addressing the newcomer to their party. “I was beginning to think there were none left in all of Fantasia.”
“What are you going to wish for?” Elysia asked, wonder shining in her eyes.
Cade tucked the incomplete Starstone back into the pouch. “That is for me to know, and me alone.”
Syrus sighed and shrugged. “He won’t even tell me, kid.”
“Let’s just say that with my wish granted, you’ll be free to go on your way as I will no longer have need of your oath,” Cade said. “You’ll be free to sleep the days away if you’re so inclined. Now, if we are done waiting around, we’ll depart as soon as I retrieve Vlakas from the oasis.”
Elysia pulled on Cade’s cloak as he made to leave. “Wait, is this all your Guild is?”
“I’m afraid so, kid.” Syrus walked past her, patting her head and causing the hat to fall over the mouse’s eyes.
“Not quite,” Cade said in the process of fitting himself with a set of black leather armor. “There’s one more who will be joining us.”
Syrus paused for a moment, mulling over Cade’s words, before running a hand through his wild black hair, grumbling. “It better not be who I think it is.”
Category Story / Fantasy
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 50 x 50px
File Size 19.3 kB
Comments