The Ruby Magician

The guild hall was almost empty except for Daniel, Wyn, and Wendy who gladly served them. A few straggling Climbers were sitting by themselves at various tables with small stacks of books or notes. One Climber was snoring loudly, using a book as a pillow.

Wendy was kind and brought out leftovers from the day as the kitchen staff had long gone home, though Wyn didn’t care. He was happy to have anything in his stomach, and he remembered the rations the military served.

Leftovers were a delicacy compared to that mess of food.

Wyn was also incredibly grateful for Wendy not pushing him by asking about his first day in the tower. She knew something happened, especially since he was here eating now so close to midnight, and he figured word would get around soon about what happened. He didn’t care about talk or rumors, though. His thoughts were on his friends.

His friends. People he met only hours ago. It was funny how that worked in the heat of combat, though - he gladly called them friends as they were more than just teammates at this point. They’ve been through more than most in a matter of hours.

Wyn contentedly ate in silence while Daniel sipped on some coffee. The older Ruby Magician didn’t push the rookie for information, either. Wyn was thankful, and made a mental note that he would thank Daniel further, in one way or another, later.

After swallowing one last bite of potatoes, Wyn sat his fork down neatly on the plate. His meal wasn't anything special but it was hot and available. He looked at Daniel who simply smiled at him, patient as ever.

Wyn took a deep breath. "Where is the infirmary?" He didn't return his mentor's smile. He was tired, anxious, and ready to make sure the others were alright before crashing for the night.

"It's close to the base but a short walk. Less than 10 minutes from here." He sat his coffee down and waved Wendy over.

Wendy flashed that same smile she presented earlier in the day. She carried bags under her eyes and her hair was slightly messier, but she was as chipper as ever.

"Are you all done sweetie?" She asked Wyn. She took his empty plate and dinnerware and he nodded politely. He was finally satisfied after two plates.

Daniel went to pull out his coin pouch and Wyn raised a hand. "Let me. You've done a lot for me today." He pulled out three silver cloaks and a gold crown and laid them on the table.

He wanted Wendy to like him, too, but he had a feeling she would whether he was a generous tipper or not.

The Magicians then went on their way, leaving the relative silence of the guild hall behind. At one point after passing some shops Daniel started to offer some advice but stopped himself, choosing to instead give Wyn some peace. He figured the rookie wouldn't be in the right mindset to retain the information, anyway.

No more than five minutes of walking they arrived at the infirmary. Daniel’s estimation of the time it took to cover the distance didn’t account for Wyn’s eagerness. He didn’t mind, of course. He was just thankful the newest Ruby Magician was still alive.

The infirmary itself was bland, and Wyn had trouble telling it was even a medical building until he stepped inside. The building was two stories and matched the others around Alestead, and only the symbol of the medic was placed above the door informing the public of what it offered. It was open hands under a red colored heart.

The inside was orderly and plain, a far cry from the base of the tower itself. It reminder Wyn more of military buildings than the fantastical areas in Alestead. A lone desk sat straight ahead, and a woman sat behind the counter. She was wearing the same guild clothing including a medic hat. Her head was faced down as she seemed to be writing in a book.

Wyn and Daniel approached her and she still didn’t take notice.

“Hello?” Daniel asked.

The woman yelped and shot her head up, startling them. She was attractive with fair eyes and skin and had a distinct scent of sandalwood that reminded Wyn of home. He felt a rush of heat in his face as he took in the smell.

“Umm, yes, hello,” she said, flustered. She smoothed out her uniform and adjusted her hat. “How can I help you today?”

“My friends are here,” Wyn said. He shuffled his feet uncomfortably. “I’d like to check on them.”

“Of course. What are their names and class?”

“John Gallows, Fighter. And Cedric… umm. Lightning Wizard.” Wyn fumbled over his words. How could he not know Cedric’s last name? A brief moment of panic flooded him as he realized he didn’t know Marcy’s or Tasha’s last name, either. Maybe they would tell him on their own terms. Come to think of it, he didn’t remember telling them his last name, either. Only John was comfortable enough baring it all, because of course he was. He was someone Wyn wanted around him. Needed, even.

The woman shut her book and pushed it to the side out of view. She promptly opened another, larger book, that seemed like it held a log of information. She used her index finger to sift through names. Wyn noticed most of the names were scratched out.

“Ahh, yes. John is in Wing A. Cedric is in the intensive unit at this time, though. You won’t be able to see him until he moves into the standard care unit.”

Wyn let out a sigh. “Is he alright, though? Cedric, I mean.”

The woman smiled. Wyn couldn’t help but notice her smile was equally as attractive as the rest of her. “He is stable and recovering. We have some great medics here both with classes and without. If you’d like, we can arrange a courier to notify you when he moves out of the intensive unit?”

“Yes!” Wyn said, nearly shouting. The woman recoiled a bit with a bigger smile and slight giggle. “I mean… yes, thank you.” He gave a slight bow and began to walk away.

Daniel bit his lip to stop himself from laughing.

“Umm, excuse me?” The woman said.

Wyn turned around, flush again. “Yes?”

“I need your name and class to inform the courier, please.” She wagged the feather pen she was using to write.

Wyn swallowed his shame and walked back to her desk. “Wyn Thatcher. Ruby Magician.”

She wrote down the information without any additional reaction. Wyn noticed that the mention of his class didn’t seem to affect her at all. She was the first person to not immediately flinch or laugh in pity.

“Also, Wing A is the other way,” the woman said. She pointed with her feathered pen and looked down at her book to try and hide her smile.

“Right,” Wyn said. “Thank you. Again.”

Wyn and Daniel turned around to walk further into the building and Daniel couldn’t help but chuckle a bit once they were safely out of the woman’s earshot.

“Did you know the A Wing was this way?” Wyn whispered, looking over his shoulder to make sure the woman couldn’t hear him.

Daniel, still chuckling, pointed overhead. There was large lettering that read WING A over the hallway.

Wyn put his hand over his face. “You couldn’t have pointed that out before? How embarrassing!”

“I’m sorry,” Daniel said. “I didn’t even think it was possible for you to be flustered like that. I just couldn’t help it!”

“That’s mean," Wyn said, smirking.

Daniel laughed.

Wing A was right around the hallway. The infirmary wasn't quite as big as Wyn thought, though he figured more of the space was for offices or larger rooms for the more injured or sick. The wing was lit by lanterns hung on the wall, and Wyn thought of the mushrooms that gave off the light in the second floor of the tower.

It was less colorful here but much safer. And that was enough.

Stepping into the main Wing, Wyn was surprised to see how much it reminded him of the military infirmaries. There were beds made with fresh linens alongside simple bedside dressers lining both side walls, and curtains reaching half of the two-story ceiling separated each unit that could be pulled for privacy. A few beds further into the infirmary had their curtains pulled, and Wyn wondered if he had to pull each of them back to find John.

A few medics walked the makeshift hall in the middle of the wing. One man approached them, walking quickly. Obviously he read Wyn’s mind and didn’t want him intruding behind each curtain.

"Can I help you gentlemen?" He whispered, trying to keep his voice low.

"Yes," Daniel said. He matched the volume of the medic with a hushed voice. “We're looking for John Gallows. He’s a Fighter."

"Ahh, yes," the man replied, "right over here." He pointed to the right, and sure enough, John was there in bed. The curtain wasn't drawn but he was sleeping.

"Wyn," Daniel said, "why don't I give you some time?"

Wyn took a deep breath, then released it over a few seconds. It was relieving, oddly, but welcomed, as though he’d finally had time to relax and his body finally got the message. "I'd appreciate that, Daniel. Thank you."

Daniel waved his hands in the air. "No need. Take as much time as you’d like. I'm heading back to get some sleep."

Wyn paused. "Speaking of, where am I staying tonight? I don't think I was ever given a room. And if I was, I definitely don't remember."

"You should've been given a key to a room at the guild hall. But we can sort that out tomorrow. When you're ready just come back to my apartment - I have a spare room you can sleep in."

"Are you sure?"

"It's not even a concern. Of course! I'll leave the door open and a candle lit so you know which room is yours."

Wyn put his hand out and Daniel took it for a handshake. There was a key in Wyn’s hand when he let go.

“For the outside door. I’ll see you in the morning, Wyn.” After a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Daniel decided to leave their goodnight at that.

Wyn was thankful for the older Ruby Magician. Daniel had done so much for him already, hardly knowing him at all, and was everything Wyn could have hoped to have as a mentor.

Wyn was far too critical of him when they first met. He’d need to make it up to him somehow. But maybe just heeding his advice and listening to his counsel would be enough for the time being.

The medic from before came over with a chair, placing it quietly beside John's bed. He smiled and walked off, leaving for his other tasks. Wyn appreciatively took the seat and looked at his new friend.

John was sleeping soundly, covers wrapped tight over his chest. It was haunting seeing him like that. Wyn instantly thought of his company in the field tents, the same white sheet covering missing limbs and gaping holes in his soldiers that wouldn’t heal and who wouldn’t return. He thought of the warmth the sheets provided in their last moments, or at least whatever little warmth the thin cloth offered. Then he thought of the sheet’s next task of either keeping the now-hollow body hidden with no more warmth to hold, or sending them home crippled for an even harder life than the ease of death.

He thought of Cedric and his own white sheet. He wondered what its next task would be.

John stirred, moving ever so slightly. Wyn first thought to get up, to let him rest and recover. He only wanted to make sure he was okay and was happy to see him breathing and whole. He wasn’t quick enough before John opened his eyes.

John smiled. It was warm and friendly.

Wyn smiled back. It was soft and sad.

“I’d ask if you’re okay but you were just stabbed in the back,” Wyn finally said. “I’m happy to see your eyes open.”

“Truth be told, magical medicine is pretty amazing. The wound was healed right away, but the medics said I lost a lot of blood. They said I should be completely healed by tonight.”

Wyn’s eyes went wide. “You’re kidding!” He heard hushed voices shush him from across the wing. He hunched low in his chair, rebuked.

“Why would I joke about that?”

Wyn felt embarrassed. “You’re right. I… I don’t know.”

John laughed, stretching his arms behind his head. “I’m just messing with you! I’m alright. Really.” He sat up more in the bed and turned his body to fluff his pillows behind him.

Wyn looked him over and noticed he honestly did look fine, and seemed to be enjoying the rest. He was happy to see him alive and well, but he couldn’t help but think of his own company. Anger rose inside of him for his soldiers who didn’t have magical healing, who suffered and had to die or wish they were dead.

Cedric entered his mind, again. Maybe his white sheet will simply be a white sheet after all?

“Hello? Wyn?” John waved his hand in the air trying to get his attention.

“Hmm? Sorry,” Wyn replied. “Did you say something?”

“Yea. What in the hells happened in there! You HAVE to tell me!"

"Shhhh!" Came once again from across the Wing. A woman held a finger up to her mouth and stared daggers at the Climbers.

John tried to hold back laughter before his smile faded, his face turning serious. "I heard from a medic that one of the rookie groups went to the second floor. What happened?”

Wyn didn’t hesitate. “We chased Lionel into the portal.”

John snickered and gripped the sheet, his knuckles turning as white as the draped cloth. “Lionel. That bastard.”

“He escaped. I’m sorry about that, too.”

John was quiet for a moment. Wyn tried to guess what he was thinking but it was futile - he could be thinking of a thousand different things right now after confirming his own suspicions.

“But there was quite a bit that happened,” Wyn continued. “Do you want to rest or -”

“Don’t you dare hold out. You better tell me!”

"SHHHH!" was whispered loudly, this time from two medics. They were standing at different ends of the Wing and were still able to be heard.

John and Wyn smiled, trying not to laugh again as giggles tried their hardest to escape.

“You’re so eager for a healing Climber,” Wyn said.

“I’m always eager, my friend. You’ll see.” He settled back into his bed and pulled the sheet up further on his chest. Wyn chuckled, thinking that John looked like a child waiting for his bedtime story.

Wyn told the tale of the second floor, sparing no detail. If there was anyone here he could trust it would be John, and he had a feeling they would work together well.

All in all, Wyn was thankful that the sheet that covered John was only a sheet.

*****

Wyn stumbled back to Daniel’s apartment. It was late and he was exhausted. He could feel his muscles ache and his legs were heavy after climbing the stairs to get there.

He knew he had enough climbing for one day.

Holding his breath, he opened the door with the mangy and worn Ruby Magician symbol. He remembered Daniel's apartment and how dirty it was, and didn't have the stomach or energy to deal with it now. His plan was to simply rush to his room and close the door behind him, but he stopped after taking two quick steps into the apartment.

Wyn couldn’t believe his eyes. The room was immaculate. The furniture was tidy and clean, the table dusted, and a fragrant scent hung in the air smelling of wheat and honey. He went back to the door and looked at the outside, wondering if he accidentally entered the wrong apartment.

Wyn then closed and locked the door. The rooms were past the sitting room at the entrance if he remembered correctly, and he walked in further to find the spare bedroom. Not far past the kitchen was a small hallway, and on the right was a cracked door with a bit of light shining through. He walked to it quietly, trying to not be too loud, and opened the door.

The room was fair and simple but cozy, perfectly suitable for a guest. The bed was made and a small desk sat beside it where some papers, a quill and ink, and a small lit candle occupied the space. The window on the far wall wasn't covered, the curtains pulled to the sides. The starry sky helped the small candle light the room, a mix of black night sky and soft orange light reminding Wyn of the cave and mushrooms that lit his path over the evening.

He blew out the candle and sat on the bed, satisfied watching the wisp of smoke float to the ceiling. He wished he had his sister's letter with him. Despite it being only one day he missed her. If this first day was a hint as to what was in store for his new profession, it would be a difficult but likely rewarding road.

Wyn made a mental note to secure the key to his room tomorrow and get his belongings. He needed his own place to settle into, and he wanted to start logging what he needed to both survive the tower and help his family. There was much more to climbing the tower than simply having a class and gaining coins - if he was going to pay his father’s debt back he needed to be efficient and plan ahead.

Wyn carefully took off his boots and sat them beside the foot of the bed like the many nights in the barracks before this night. He undressed to his undershirt and pulled back the covers, relishing the thought of rest after the wildest day he’d ever had.

He let the night sky keep him company and welcomed sleep.