"Three."
2
FINN
These weren't the lodgings I intended to spend my night in.
They are a far cry from the silk sheets and burning incense of Merigold's room. But they were the best a few rusted coppers tucked inside the back pocket of my trousers could afford.
The room is modest to say the least.
It is barely large enough to fit the meager mattress and small writing desk. A cracked window lets in balmy night air, making my shirt cling to my neck and shoulders.
One lone, pale candle illuminates my room. Jagged shadows cast along the tweed sack. Power thrums from inside the fabric, making me feel restless.
My fingers dig into the wooden surface of the desk. I've been staring at the bag for the last few hours, praying for this to contain the answers I’ve been hunting.
Does magic truly weep from between the rough fabric, or is it my imagination?
I had felt the bag's weight as I left the gambling den in search of accommodations. I felt every eye upon me as I weavedthrough the crowd, solidifying my decision that whatever lurked inside was best revealed in private. If I were to be disappointed, I didn't want anyone too close. Gods know how my beast would react.
I couldn't afford to be revealed with too many eyes watching.
My cowardice keeps my hands at my sides. A meager bowl of stew and sour ale sits forgotten. Laughs and shouts echo from the lively streets below. No doubt my sailors are enjoying more pleasurable company. If all goes as planned and I haven’t been swindled, I will be able to rejoin them before our two weeks are up.
Merigold was always partial to my looks. Perhaps she'll spare some of her time with me on credit. Once I'm rid of this curse, I vow to visit her regularly.
Part of me knows it won't be as simple as I'm making it out to be.
If this is truly what I’ve been searching, otherworldly horrors await me. Stories of fairy portals are not well known. It was Gree who taught me about them. He was the one who believed they had the answers I sought.
One would lead me to a land and beings rife with magic. Fairies themselves weren’t known to be friendly or helpful, but as information on them held as much credence as a child’s bedtime story, I retained a small amount of hope.
If the legends were to be believed, and I were to procure a fairy wish, they would be required to grant it.
Gods only know what those creatures will require for me to earn one.
I don't have a choice. I can't keep living like this. With the ability to save myself resting on the battered desk, I refuse to waste any more time.
This is all ridiculous. A grown man searching outfairymagic through afairyportal to rid himself of afairy'scurse.
The idea alone would drive a normal person mad.
Perhaps Ihavegone mad. It wouldn't be shocking living with the unfortunate cards I've been dealt.
Glancing at the thin mattress, all manner of sweat and bodily fluids stain the thin blanket and unfortunate-looking pillows. I won't be sleeping there. I pray that I'll find usable riches on the other side of this portal to acquire a more suitable bed.
If I am fortunate enough to return.
Scrubbing my hand down my face, I drag the bag across the wood. Heaviness sags the fabric as it scrapes across the marred surface. The scent of metal coats the air. For the tenth time, I take stock of the weapons strapped to my hips and the sword along my back.
This adventure may be ridiculous, but I'm not foolish enough to do it without being properly armed.
Reckless hope rises within me again as I pull the bag apart.
Tipping it, nothing happens for a moment. I consider tracking Gree down and bashing him over the head for conning me, when the room begins to swirl.
Heavy fog seeps in from the window and blankets the floor. Pure starlight begins to fall from the bag. It covers the rotted floorboards in a shallow pool of glimmering light. Dazzling silver stars glitter up at me from the onyx pool they're floating in.
