Red Hammer
Adventurers always started in places like this. Tenny looked at the inn with satisfaction.
Are you serious? Palin said in surprise. I don't even like this place as a stable, let alone living here!
In fact, Shidon reported back after strolling around. The stable was much cleaner than this place, and it didn't smell as bad. I think we should sleep in the stable and let the horses live here.
This run-down inn in Port St. Cazider was just as bad as the wretched customers these young men saw in the inn. The window facing the port was very narrow, as if it had been narrowed because it had been facing the port for a long time. The light in the room could barely penetrate the dust on the glass. The entire building itself had been weathered by the wind and sand, and it hid at the end of the dark alley like a little thief waiting for its prey. Even the name of the inn, Stitched Sail, sounded uncomfortable.
" I knew my little brother would complain," Tenny said sourly. At the same time, he looked over the saddle and glared at Shidon. He still missed the cute white sheets and his mother covering him with a blanket at night. But, Shidon Ma Zheli, I didn't expect you to be this kind of person.
" Oh, you're mistaken. I don't have any objections." Shi Dong jumped off the horse and said casually as he untied his backpack." That's just my observation report." We didn't have much of a choice anyway. He took out a small leather bag and shook it gently. There should have been the crisp sound of steel coins clashing against each other, but there was only a lonely clang. Palin, it seems that there won't be any white sheets tonight, he said with a smile to his brother who was still sitting on the horse in frustration. Let's think about tomorrow night. We can stay in the castle of Woox Westan's family and become the honored guests of Sir Ganza. Not only would there be white sheets, but there might also be rose petals!
I didn't expect white sheets. Palin was enraged! In fact, it was good enough to have bedsheets! Sleeping on a bed was better than sleeping on a living thing! He scratched his body under the white robe angrily.
" Warriors have to get used to this kind of thing," Tenny said in the tone of an experienced big brother. This kind of tone made Palin want to throw him into the manger. You should be thankful if we were only attacked by fleas on your first adventure.
Adventurous? Palin mumbled bitterly and jumped off his horse. I'm just accompanying you and Shidon to Woox Weisten Castle so that you can join the knights. This was not a risk! This is basically an outing for the Kande people, and you already knew about this when you decided that I could come! Do you remember? The most dangerous situation we've been in since we left home was when a female waiter tried to cut off Shidon's ear with a kitchen knife!
" That's a mistake anyone would make," Shi Dong muttered with a red face. I've told you hundreds of times! I just wanted to take the cup she sent over. Coincidentally, she was the kind of woman who was very voluptuous. When she came over with the tray, I reached out and accidentally-
Hmph, you're just very attentive, aren't you? Palin said solemnly. Even when she wanted to cut you with a knife, we had to drag you away. Your eyes were as big as copper bells. " Well, at least I'm interested in such normal things," Shi Dong said angrily. Unlike some people, who thought they were too high and mighty…
That's because I have good taste! Palin retorted. I'm not going to lay my hands on every fat blonde who comes near me-
Both of you shut up! Tenny ordered tiredly. Shidon, go walk the horses, feed them, and remember to brush them clean. Palin, come with me.
Palin and Shidon both looked upset, and Tanis 'tone became more severe. Don't forget what Daddy said.
Everyone still remembered. Shi Dong muttered as he dragged the horse to the stable. Palin swallowed his sarcastic words and followed behind Tenny.
Although he was as impatient as his mother, Tenny had inherited the other strengths of his parents. In fact, his personality was more like the person whose name was remembered, the half-elf Tannis. Tenny idolized Tannis and tried his best to imitate him. Therefore, this young man, who was no more than twenty-four years old, attached great importance to the role of leader and elder brother. This was not bad for one of his younger brothers. Shidon, who loved to play, was almost carved out of the same mold as his father. He had the same cheerful nature.
Shidon didn't like to be responsible for himself, so he usually obeyed Tenny's orders without hesitation. But Palin, who was only twenty-one years old, inherited the sharp thoughts and intelligence of the tragic hero Raistlin. Palin loved his brothers, but he was not satisfied with Tenny's oppressive leadership style and Shi Dong's easy-going attitude.
However, Tenny never forgot to remind Palin every hour: This was his first adventure. A month ago, the young mage had just passed the harsh trial in Palansus City's Great Wizard Tower. He was now officially a mage. But he was not satisfied with this. He felt a little anxious and frustrated. For many years, his biggest goal had been to pass the trial. Once he achieved this goal, he would find countless possible futures.
But in the end, Palin was disappointed. Oh, Palin was indeed a young mage. He could only cast low-level spells, and his power was not enough. The ideal way was to become an apprentice of a Great Mage and seek their guidance. However, no archmage invited him, and the shrewd Palin knew why.
His uncle Raistlin was the greatest mage in history. He put on a black robe that symbolized evil. After challenging the darkness, he intended to rule the world. In the end, it also led to his death. Although Palin was wearing a white robe that symbolized kindness, he knew that many mages still did not trust him, and perhaps never would. He had his uncle's staff, the powerful Mazi Staff. It was given to him in a mysterious way in Palansus City's Great Wizard Tower. Because of this incident, rumors had already started spreading in the Mage Congress. This was because this staff was originally locked in a door sealed by a powerful curse. Yes, Palin himself knew that no matter what his future achievements were, he had to embark on the same path as his uncle: Lonely research, learning, and fighting.
However, this was a matter of the future. At the moment, he was probably only satisfied with traveling with his brothers. His father, Caramon, was once a hero of the Spear War, and his brother's stance on this matter was exactly the same. Palin had never really seen the world. He had always used books as a barrier to conduct his research. If he wanted to join the journey to Saintqvist, he had to bow to Tenny's authority and allow himself to be under his brother's guidance and protection.
Palin swore to his father that he would obey his brothers, and Tenny and Shidon also swore to protect him. In fact, Caramon also knew that their deep feelings for each other made these words unnecessary. But Caramon's experience also told him that the first time they traveled together would bring extra pressure to the brotherhood. Palin, the smartest of the three brothers, was so eager to prove his ability that he was stubborn.
Palin must learn to understand the value of others. Even if they are not as responsive as him, he must respect them for what they know, Caramon said to Tika, regretfully remembering that his brother had never learned this lesson. Shidon and Tenny had to learn to respect him, and understand that not all problems could be solved with a sword. Most importantly, they had to learn how to trust each other! The burly man shook his head. May the gods be with them.
He would never understand how ironic this prayer was.
At the beginning of the journey, it seemed that these lessons were not easy to learn. The two brothers had decided in private (without telling their father) that this trip would be a training for the weak scholar to become a man.
But the man in their view was different from what Palin knew. In fact, as far as he could see, the meaning of being a man was to advance and retreat with fleas, rotten food, bad ale, and all kinds of strange women. When Tenny squeezed out the corners of his mouth, he had to act like a man!，As he walked into the hotel, Palin was about to point it out to him.
In the end, Palin chose not to speak. He and his brother were walking into a strange inn in the slums of the Holy Quest. The young mage knew that they had to unite, or they might even lose their lives.
Although everyone had different personalities, at least this matter was connected between them. In fact, they had not encountered any danger during their long journey north from Solas. Palin's brothers had inherited Caramon's physique and strange strength, and they were all very strong. They were experienced warriors, proud of their scars and used to carrying their usual weapons. Although the youngest Palin was also quite strong, he looked very slender because of his long study of magic, unlike his brothers. Any opponent who thought he was a pushover should first look at the sharp gaze hidden in those clear eyes and think twice.
The Mazi Staff that Palin carried with him might also have played a considerable role. The staff was made of ordinary mahogany, and the dragon claw on it held a multi-sided crystal. From its appearance, one could not tell that it had any magic power. But perhaps it was because of the previous owner, there was a dark, invisible aura surrounding the staff, making people feel uneasy.
Palin was holding his staff at all times. Even if he did not hold it in his hand, it would always be very close to him. He would caress it lovingly from time to time.
Tonight, as usual, Tenny's group did not attract too much attention when they stepped into the inn. There was only one exception. They sat in a simple box in the corner and immediately began to whisper and point. When Shidon, who arrived later, joined them, the whispers became louder, with unconcealable excitement. The few of them even pushed the figure sitting closest to the wall. The other party's face was hidden in the shadows.
Ah, I know, I know! The man mumbled. You think they can, don't you?
The others at the table nodded and began to talk excitedly. They were shorter than the person in the corner, but their outlines were still blurred by the darkness. Their hoods covered their eyebrows, and even their hands and feet were not exposed. The man in the corner looked at Palin from head to toe. The little guy in brown robe continued to whisper. Shut up, you guys, the man whispered angrily. You'll make them suspicious. The brown-robed man immediately shut his mouth obediently and sat there like a statue. In the end, the unnatural silence made most of the customers in the hotel turn around and glare at them. The three young men were no exception.
You guys messed it up! The man shouted from the shadows. The two men in brown robes lowered their heads, but the third man seemed ready to argue. Silence! Leave it to me!
He bent forward, his black beard revealing a wide mouth. He raised his glass and said happily,"I'm waiting for you young gentlemen at the Red Hammer of the Road Root." Would you like to have a drink with an old dwarf?
" We are honored to accept your invitation," Danny said politely.
" Let me out," the dwarf said to the brown-robed creature. Those guys were desperately hiding in the box, not knowing how many people there were. They were pushing and shoving, cursing and wailing, oh, that's my foot, you pig! Or be careful of my beard and cogwheel head! The dwarf squeezed out of the box with a red face and panting like an ox. Doggett held a glass and shouted for the innkeeper to bring out his precious wine as he squeezed to the young man's table.
Most of the people in the inn were local residents and sailors, and they continued to chat. Palin judged from the expressions on their faces that some of the conversations were probably related to crime. They did not welcome the three brothers, but at the same time, they did not care about the dwarves or their companions. A few of them glared at Doggett Red Hammer. But the dwarf did not care. Doggett pulled up a high stool to make up for his height, and the fat dwarf, who was well dressed (at least by dwarven standards), plopped down at the three brothers 'table.
What would you like to drink, gentlemen? the dwarf asked. My clansmen's strong liquor? Ah, you guys really have good taste! There was no drink that tasted better than the liquor brewed from the mushroom.
Doggett laughed heartily at his three brothers, waiting for the innkeeper to come to the table with three cups. The shopkeeper put down the cup and threw the clay bottle sealed with a cork in front of the dwarf. Doggett opened the bottle stopper and took a deep breath, letting out a satisfied sound. This made the greedy Shi Dong almost drool.
Ah, it's the best, the dwarf said with satisfaction. Pass the cups down, gentlemen. Don't be shy. This was enough for everyone to drink, and there was still a lot. I don't usually drink with strangers, so please tell me your names.
'Tanny Maczheli, these are my younger brothers, Shidon and Palin.' Tanny played with the wine glass in his hand. Shidon had been firmly controlled by the dwarves.
I'll drink wine, Palin said stiffly. Then he added in a low voice,"You know how Dad feels about this kind of thing." Tenny shot him a cold look, while Shidon just laughed it off.
Ah, is it that serious? Palin! Shi Dong said. One or two glasses of dwarf liquor wouldn't hurt anyone.
You're right! said Doggett loudly. My dad always said it could cure all diseases. This panacea could cure broken hearts and cracked heads. Try it, young mage. If your father is the spear hero Caramon Malzeri, then I heard that he drinks a cup or two every day!
" I'll just drink wine." Palin coldly ignored his brothers 'elbow and kick.
Perhaps it would be better for a child, Dougan winked at Tenny. Shop owner, get this kid a glass of wine!
Palin blushed, but he couldn't interrupt because he had said too much. He held the cup awkwardly and only looked at the bottom of the cup, not daring to look up. He felt as if the entire inn was laughing at him.
Then, have you heard of our father? Tenny suddenly changed the topic.
Who hadn't heard of the spear hero, Caramon Malfoy? said Doggett. A toast to him! The dwarf raised his wine glass and took a big gulp of hard liquor. Tenny and Shidon followed suit. After the three of them put down their glasses, there was a period of silence. Only the sound of panting could be heard. Then, three satisfied burps sounded.
This is really f * cking great! Shidon said hoarsely, wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes.
I've never drunk better wine! said Tenny, taking a deep breath.
Cheers too! the dwarf said to Palin. You should be willing to drink to your father, right?
Of course he would, right, Palin? Tenny's voice was terrifyingly gentle.
Palin obediently took a sip of wine and symbolically paid tribute to his father. After that, the others quickly forgot about his existence and began to enthusiastically discuss the places they had been to recently and what had happened there. Palin couldn't get a word in, so he had to quietly observe the dwarf in front of him. His dog-root was longer than most dwarves he knew. Although he called himself an old dwarf, it seemed that he could not be more than a hundred years old. For dwarves, he was only in his prime. It seemed that he was very proud of his beard, because he often couldn't help combing it, and tried his best to make people notice his beautiful beard. His beard was black and shiny. It looked very thick and smooth, and its length was about his waist. His hair was as black and curly as his beard, and it was about waist length. Like most dwarves, he had a big belly and had not seen his feet for a long time. However, his taste in clothing was completely different from the other dwarves. It was almost gorgeous enough to make the nobles of Palansus pale in comparison.
He was wearing a red velvet jacket, red velvet pants, black socks, black shoes with red heels, and a silk shirt with puff sleeves. The shirt might have been white before, but it was now covered in dust and liquor, and perhaps some crumbs from yesterday's lunch. In short, the Doggett was a walking wonder. In other aspects, he was also very different. Most dwarves were irritable and did not socialize with other races. However, Doggett was not only forthright and hospitable, he was also the most talkative stranger the three brothers had met along the way.
In the name of Leaux, the dwarf watched Tanny and Shidon drink up the strong liquor in one gulp. It was really enjoyable to watch you guys drink. We really had the same taste. Drinking with a real man was really satisfying.
Shi Dong said with a smile. Not many people can hold their liquor like us, he boasted and gestured for the dwarf to continue pouring. You'd better be careful not to drink too fast.
Slow down? What an arrogant tone! The dwarves laughed maniacally, causing everyone to turn their heads and stare at them, including the little ones in brown robes. There was no human in the world who could defeat the dwarves by drinking their spirits!
Tenny looked at Shidon and blinked, but his expression was still very serious. said Doggett Red Hammer, leaning back in his chair and pretending to be relaxed. However, the chair was already creaking under his weight. We've drunk countless dwarves, and every time, Shidon and I were still awake and had to carry him back to his room.
" As for me," said Dogan, his face turning red under his black beard. He clenched his fists and said," I've drunk more than ten humans at once." Not only did I wake them up to go back to their rooms, I also helped them put on their pajamas and cleaned the room thoroughly. Again! You have no chance of winning against us! Tenny swore.
Wanna bet? The dwarf's roar had a slight rolling sound.
You want to bet? Shi Dong roared back.
Place your bets! Doggett replied, unwilling to be outdone.
It was a good move! Tenny leaned forward.
Doggett stroked his beard thoughtfully. I'll go one-on-one with you kids, drink for drink-
Hah! Shi Dong couldn't help but laugh.
Drink after drink, the dwarf continued impatiently until your smooth chins touched the floor.
'It'll be your beard that hits the floor, not our jaws, Dwarf,' said Stone. What was the bet?
Doggett Red Hammer pondered for a moment. The winner would have the right to send the drunk man back to bed. He paused for a moment and played with his long beard with his fingers.
The loser had to pay for all the drinks, Tenny added.
I'll bet! The dwarf smiled and extended his hand.
I'll bet! Tenny and Shidon said in unison. Both of them shook hands with Doggett, and then the dwarf turned to Palin and extended his hand as well.
I don't want to participate! Palin stared at his brother and said, Tenny, he lowered his voice and said, think about our budget. If you lose, we-
Little brother, Tenny said with a red face, next time when you go out, remember to remind me to leave you at home and find a Paladin priest! He might not even be able to lecture you for as long as you, and we can have more fun.
You have no right to speak to me like this! Palin exploded.
Ah, all three of us must participate, Dougan interrupted, shaking his head. Otherwise, I won't bet. It was too easy for a dwarf to defeat two humans. The wine had to be dwarven hard liquor. This little friend drank Fairy Water (the dwarves always called the wine they could not tolerate Fairy Water.）It was as funny as drinking his mother's milk!
" I don't drink that," Palin said.
Palin, Tenny's voice was serious and cold. You have disgraced us! If you can't play, then go back to your room!
Palin was about to stand up angrily, but Shidon grabbed his sleeve.
Ah, don't be a wet blanket, Palin, said his brother cheerfully. Relax! I swear on Leox's beard, dad will never be like you! He pulled Palin's sleeve and led him to sit down slowly. You're too serious about your studies. His brain might have become a spider web. Come on, drink a little. This is our only request. If you don't like it, we won't say a word.
Shidon pushed a full glass of wine in front of his brother and whispered in Palin's ear," Don't make Tenny angry, okay?" You know he'll pull a long face, and then we'll have to watch his face all the way from here to Sir Ganza. Big Brother is still thinking for you. We are all the same. We just want you to have some fun. Try it, huh?
Palin stared at Tenny and saw his brother's sullen expression. Maybe Shidon was right. Maybe I should relax and have some fun. When Tenny said that he would leave me at home, he sounded very serious. He had never done this before. I just want them to treat me seriously and stop treating me like a child. Maybe I went too far…
Palin squeezed out a smile and raised his glass. " To my brother," he said hoarsely. He was happy to see Tenny's eyes brighten and Shi Dong smile brightly. Palin raised the glass to his lips and took a big gulp of the notorious dwarf liquor.
The taste was not bad. In fact, the liquid had a strong earthy smell, which reminded him of the scene of Sobadin's Underground Kingdom. Palin tasted it with his tongue for a moment and swallowed the liquor in surprise...
The young mage suddenly felt as if a fireball had exploded in his head. Hot flames spewed out of his mouth, and his ears and nose began to smoke. His throat seemed to have been thrown into boiling water, and his chest was about to explode. He couldn't breathe and couldn't see anything. He knew he was going to die... a candle in the wind... right here in this damned stinking tavern...
Someone. Palin vaguely realized that the other party should be Shidon. She patted his back forcefully, finally letting him breathe a sigh of relief.
It makes me happy to see someone enjoying good wine so much, said Doggett sincerely. It's my turn. A toast to the young mage! The dwarf brought the wine cup to his lips and drank it all. When he turned his head back, his eyes were filled with tears and his big nose was red. Ah! He exhaled sharply and wiped away his tears with his beard.
Pay attention, pay attention! Shidon and Tenny raised their glasses at the same time. To our mage brother! They also drank all the wine. Although they were not as fast as the dwarves, they did it in one breath. " Thank you, everyone," Palin said, very touched. He carefully took another sip. The aftereffects of the second time were not as terrifying. In fact, it was quite comfortable. Palin took another sip, then another, and finally finished the wine. The mage put down his wine cup amidst the cheers of Dogan and his brothers. He felt warm all over and indescribably comfortable. His blood was flowing in his veins. Tenny looked at him with pride and approval, and Shidon poured him another glass. Doggett drank two more glasses of wine this round. Shidon and Tenny followed without a word, and then it was Palin's turn. He raised the wine glass to his lips…
Palin was laughing, and he couldn't help but laugh. He liked Tenny and Shidon more than anyone else in the world. After he cried on Shidon's shoulder, he also told them about it. However, something was wrong! There was another person he liked, and that was the old dwarf. He stood up with Taidi and walked over to shake hands with the dwarf. He even gave a speech. New friends... good friends, just like father and friends... old dwarf Flint... He was content to sit back down, but now there were four chairs. He picked one and sat down…If Tenny hadn't caught him in time, he might have fallen on his butt. He drank another glass, moved to tears.
Boy, let me tell you--the voice of the Doggett seemed to come from a distance to Palin. I love you all like my own sons. I must say, I think you've been drinking a little too hard. Not at all! Shi Dong slammed the table angrily.
We can keep up with you, Tenny breathed heavily, his face turning a reddish brown.
Damn right! Palin was about to slap the table, but the table unnaturally moved away, making him miss the opportunity to show his masculinity.
Then Palin lay on the ground and thought it was an interesting place. It was much safer than the four chairs and the bouncing table... He looked around with his bleary eyes and found the staff on the floor beside him. He reached out his hand and caressed it lovingly.
Schrak! he mumbled, and the crystal at the tip of the staff burst into light. He could hear the commotion, the high-pitched voices talking and discussing. Palin began to giggle and couldn't stop. The Doggett's voice came from a high place. To our bed, said the dwarf, and a good night's sleep! Palin didn't care if there was a trace of evil in the voice. The dwarves were his friends, his brothers. He loved and respected him as if he was his brother…
Palin leaned his cheek against the cool wooden part of the staff. He closed his eyes and entered another world. The world where a group of little guys in brown robes carried him away…
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。