With time running out with the Earl’s guards, Fabia and I decided out last hope was the Adventurers Guild. The Guild was known more for hunting monsters, than guards, but I was getting desperate. All our other efforts were rebuffed. The City Guard doesn’t do private work, the noble’s guards are loyal to the noble, not to commoners.

  We entered together and made our way to the receptionist desk. The receptionist, a young-looking, blonde-haired elf said “Welcome to the Adventurer’s guild. I am Rena, how may I be of service?”

  “Hello, I am Trevor of House Tierra. I would like to meet with the guild leader. I believe we have a scheduled appointment for around this time. I have a few things I need to accomplish, and I think the Adventurers guild can help me accomplish them. So, if the guild leader is available, it would definitely be helpful.”

  “Let me check to see if she can see you now. Please follow me to his office.” She led us through the main room of the Adventurer guild, then through a smaller room filled with beds and wounded adventurers. She motioned for us to wait while she knocked on the guild leader’s door. She then opened the door, put her head inside and said Trevor of House Tierra was here. I could hear the guild leader say to let us in. Rena then opened the door fully and gestured for us to enter.

  “Welcome to the Adventurer’s Guild. I am Guild Master Gorver. How can the Adventurer’s Guild help you today?” When Gorver said Adventurer’s Guild, you could tell that both adventurer and guild were capitalized words. Unlike the Healer’s guild, which only emphasized the Healer part.

  “I am Trevor of House Tierra, new to Forest Glen. I am opening a magical healing store at Covern House. I am interested in what services the Adventurer Guild has to offer. Can you explain those services?”

  “We do offer various services. One service, I think might interest you, is the retrieval of rare plants from the Western Forest. The alchemist often hires us for that purpose. If you can provide a drawing of the plant you need, we can procure it. We can do the same for rare animals, if you know where to find them. The Guild can provide guards for caravans, clear an area of monsters, retrieve special items from dungeons, and such. We even have teams that will go to Toverville and retrieve packages with no questions asked. Nothing illegal, mind you, but some merchants like their privacy, and we find the trip profitable.” Gorver leaned over his desk as he asked in a conspiratorial whispered “We are open to many different tasks, what do you need?”

  “As we came through your building, I noticed many adventurers were injured.”

  “Adventuring is a dangerous business. It is a risk and reward venture. Sometimes we under estimate the risk and over-estimate the reward. Injuries happen and the Guild does it best to help the injured. We offer the recovery area that you see. Priest come by to cure diseases and infections, raise resistances, and provide their god’s blessing. Even with all that, we still lose more than I like, since the Healer’s guild charges too much and don’t really help that much anyway. Just some bandages and ointments.” Gorver’s demeanor turned sour at the thought of the Healer’s guild.

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  “Well, I may be able to help. At least for today. Let me show you what I can do, then we can talk about what I need from the Guild. Fabia and I stood up and moved to the door. “Are you coming?” I asked.

  Gorver got up and the three of us went into the recovery area. “Please point out your worst wounded.” I requested. Gorver pointed to a young man with a belly wound. He was unconscious, his breathing ragged and he was sweating profusely. I cast Diagnose on him. He had a stomach wound that had caused a septic infection. Untreated, he would die before the night was over.

  I cast Cure All to remove the septic infection, and then Heaven’s Heal to mend the wound. Gorver was visible shocked as he watched the wound close. The boys breathing returned to normal, he stopped sweating, and dropped into a peaceful sleep. “His wound is fixed and the infection is gone. He will need rest, but will be fine in the morning.”

  The other wounded watch as I helped the boy. When I finished, they started imploring for my help. I would cast Diagnose and then heal each one. Most only needed Minor Heal, but some did need Heaven’s Heal. None of them were as bad as the boy, but they definitely needed my help. Their gratitude was heartfelt and very emotional. Many had assumed they were done with adventuring because of their wounds, but now had hope.

  Back in Gorver’s office, “Does the Adventurer guild offer bodyguard services? As I have had a run in with the Healer’s guild, I am concerned they will be sending assassins after me. I know firsthand they employ assassins, because they have already tried to kill me.” I spoke.

  “We don’t normally do unending bodyguard service for something like that. The Guild has an agreement with the Assassin’s guild. We don’t interfere in their business, and they don’t assassinate any member of the Adventurer Guild.” Gorver replied.

  I took a moment to think things through. So, if I can become a member of the Adventurer Guild, then I basically eliminate the threat of assassination. I wonder what other perks come with membership.

  “How does one become a member of your Guild?”

  “To become a member, you must pass a combat test. In addition, you must be recommended by a current member. Finally, you must pay the first year’s dues of 10 silver. Now to remain a member, you must complete one job, from the job board, every month. These range from simple gathering quests, caravan guard, delivery quests, to killing specific monsters. Now, I assume that you don’t have any combat skills, but your magic healing could be counted if you were to make yourself available at the Guild’s convenience.” Gorver said, smiling at his last sentence. Free healing he was thinking.

  “Thank you, but I am fine with the combat assessment. Can we arrange for that now? I do have another appointment later this evening, but if I could take the combat test now that would be appreciated. That doesn’t mean that I am averse to providing limited magical healing. I am opening a Magical Healing store at Covern House. Adventurers are always welcome.” I smiled in return.

  “What about a member’s recommendation? Do you have a member that would be willing to recommend you?”

  I raised my finger in a hold one second gesture. I walked over to the door, opened it and yelled “Would anyone be willing to recommend me to become a Guild member? Please let the Guild Master know. A veritable chorus of “Yes, I will”, “Of Course”, and “Absolutely” rang out. I turned back to Gorver and said “Would that be sufficient?”

  Gorver chuckled and said “I should have seen that coming. Okay, let’s get you assessed. Follow me.”