The Adventure of the Light-Bearer

CH. 13 - Approval

Levin walked through the hallway to the tavern. He saw three people there, they were sitting and chatting. One of them stood up when he saw Levin and pointed at him.

"You, come here for a while" said the red-bearded old man who looked strong and dashing as he waved his hand. Levin approached her.

"Can I help you, sir?" levin asked, bowing his body. The two people next to him were then slightly amazed by Levin's polite demeanor.

"Sit down, this conversation will take a little while" said the old man, looking back to make sure his seat was still in place, and he sat down. While Levin was somewhat suspicious of the people in front of him, the door of the tavern seemed to be tightly shut and there was no one else present, including the bartender.

Levin sat down, holding the handle of the sword tucked in his belt. He stood guard and looked at the three people sharply.

"What's wrong? Do you know me gentlemen?" levin asked, watching the movements of the three people before him carefully, he sharpened his consciousness and was cautious.

"No, we never knew you before. We only heard about an armed newcomer coming and staying in this village, we needed him. Don't worry, we're not criminals, we're just going to offer you a job, which you might be interested in" the red-bearded man said with a smile and stroked his thick beard down. Levin then raised his eyebrows.

"A man armed doesn't mean he's strong, does he? Are you sure you're looking for the right person, a seventeen-year-old boy sir?" ask Levin. Someone who was sitting in the middle and spoke up.

"Well, do we need someone like him? Isn't he too young for this job?" ask the guy.

"I don't think we have any other choice Erand, it's a secret mission and we don't have much time to find anyone else, after all we don't need his powers." said someone on his left. The person with the red beard then bends his body forward.

"Listen to me young master. This is a very important job for us. We don't know who else to ask for help, because this job is very secret. This job is very dangerous, but of course we'll pay a lot if you're willing to help us." the red-bearded man then took out a small bag inside his thick clothes, he put it on the table and opened the rope that tied the bag, there were gold coins in it.

"There were thirty pieces of pure gold in the bag. The number is not small, is it? but if you want it, you must be willing to work for us" the red-bearded man said in a persuasive tone.

"May I know, what kind of work do you mean?" ask Levin.

"Depending, if you are willing to work for us then we will tell you, please know that the work is so sensitive and confidential that we should not discuss it with anyone without prior consent. But don't worry, the work you do is noble work, you will be a hero, dead or alive." said the red-bearded man looking down, glimpsing a sad expression on his face, he's trying to focus on his job now.

"I think time is running out, chief, we should shorten this conversation" said the left-most person, looking at the slightly open window at the red-bearded old man.

"I don't know, I think I'm busy taking care of my business. I'm afraid you'll have to find someone else to replace me." said Levin, the red-bearded man then stood up, clenched his palms together and bowed pleading with Levin.

"Please! The fate of thousands of people now depends on you! We'll pay you double if you want, please!" the man pleads with Levin, while his friend tries to prevent him.

"Ka... You don't have to do this, chief. I'm sure the young man will sign the contract soon. Don't overdo it" said one of the men. The sad face of the red-bearded person now turned somewhat angry.

"You know how important this mission is, right? You're.. You won't understand someone's feelings when his family is being tortured and on the verge of death. You better shut up!" the red-bearded person shouted while shedding tears, his tall burly body now looked weak and pitiful with tears on his cheeks.

"My sister is also being held there! See also I feel deep pain but you don't know it!" his friend replied, while the other one tried to separate the two of them.

Levin's face changed, knowing that they were having more serious problems than he had previously thought, he woke up and shouted. "All right! I'm gonna do it! We don't have time, do we? So now tell me what to do." The men stopped fighting immediately, their chief, the red-bearded person then took out the paper and pen from his pocket hurriedly and stuck it on the table.

"Well, then" said the man, trying to calm down, and he smiled.

"You must sign this contract first, and in doing so it shows that you will complete your task to the fullest, otherwise you will be hunted by us. It's just a formality, you sign it." said the man, Levin then confused, he scratched his neck.

"You just write your name here. Wait, can't you not write?" asked the red-bearded person while raising his eyebrows.

"I was once taught to read by my brother, I can only read a little but not to write, sorry" Levin said as he scrunched his face.

"Then, fine. You just say your name, I'll write it on empty paper and you imitate it on the contract" said the red-bearded man, preparing to write, Levin tells her name and the man writes it down on paper, after which Levin imitates her on the contract.

"It's over, now you're gonna work with us, Levin. I'll explain your work on the train, now you're with us, we have little time" said the red-bearded man as he walked toward the exit, Levin and prevented him.

"Wait first! Give me a few minutes! Do you know where the owner of this shop is?" ask Levin.

"Yes, he's in the room next door, we paid him to give us some privacy for a while, what's the matter?" ask the man with the red beard. Levin ran to the door where the bartender was.

"Wait there, I'll be back in a few minutes, better get your train ready and wait at the front door, and also, I'll keep this gold bag with me now." the men then nodded and stepped outside the tavern.

"Sir, do you sell food here?" levin asked the bartender. The bartender shook his head.

"No, I only sell drinks and small snacks, I only have a few fruits to sell beside my drink. But I had some bread and milk with me, I bought it for myself" said the bartender.

"Then I buy all the food and milk with these two gold pieces, so I will pay for four gold pieces, with my lodging fee last night. How's it?" ask Levin.

"Du. Two gold pieces? I doubt where you could have so many gold pieces. But all right, wait a minute." said the Bartender as he walked towards the cupboard, he put some fruits and bread in the basket, and handed it to Levin.

"Here are the four gold pieces, the owner of the tavern. Thank you so much." said Levin as he ran towards his room, he ran while carrying the basket through the hallways quickly. He then entered his room.

He opened the door and saw Clea lying down daydreaming, he spontaneously looked towards Levin and then tried to sit down.

"Clea you didn't lock the door? Oh right, you're hurting" Levin said as he walked toward Clea. Clea patted her eel.

"You must be hungry, right? I brought food for you." Levin said as he kept the basket in Clea's bed. He looked into the basket.

"Damn, there are only three loaves in this basket. I guess I'll just give it all to Clea, I hope it's enough" Levin said in his heart.

"Clea, I'm going to go out, I don't know when I'll be back, it might be a while. I want you to keep these golds with you, if you need to wear them. And also, take good care of yourself." Levin then stepped towards the door, Clea who had not said a word and held Levin's hand to prevent it.

"Wait on! You didn't eat this food? And what exactly happened to you? Where are you going? And.. And where did you get this much gold?" clea asked with a very confused face, Levin then took his breath trying to calm down, he held Clea's hand.

"I'll be fine. You wait here, and don't worry, I get the gold well without harming innocent people, if I don't come back for a long time, leave me and take the gold with you. I have to hurry, goodbye" said Levin, then he let go of Clea's hand and walked outside, but Clea held her back.

"Wait for Levin! At least take this arrow with you, this is my father's arrow first, I'm sure he'll help you" Clea said as she thrust her bow and arrow at Levin, Levin then took it and ran out.

end of Chapter :)