Chapter 26 Chapter 25 New Stage

As the rain grew heavier, Roger quickened his pace, cursing his own doom.He had wanted to leave Shepherd Valley for a long time, but he didn't expect to leave under such circumstances.He felt he could not blame the shepherds.That's right, that man spent more time shepherding sheep than spending time with his wife, and it was she who embraced him on his own initiative.But when a man returns home early to avoid the rain and finds his wife lying on the bed with a boy, it is reasonable to suddenly lose his mind. In a way, he was grateful for the rain.Otherwise, the man would have summoned half the villagers to hunt him down.The residents of Shepherd's Valley are very possessive, perhaps because they leave their wives alone at home when they go out to tend sheep.Shepherds take their flocks and their wives very seriously and violate anything of the sort... After a few frantic chases around the house, the shepherd's wife finally jumped onto her husband's back, giving Roger time to grab his bags and rush out. outside.Roger's luggage was already packed, as Eric had taught him.

"Night," he murmured, as his boots sank into a pool of mud.The cold, clammy mud seeped into the soft hide immediately, but he didn't dare stop to make camp and start a fire.He pulled his colorful cloak tighter, wondering why he was always running away.In the past two years, he had to change places almost every season - Cricket Slope, Linjin Town and Shepherd Valley. He has stayed at least three times respectively, but he still feels like an outsider.Most of the villagers, who never left their villages in their lives, persuaded Roger to stay. Marry me.marry my daughter.Stay at my hotel, we paint your name on the door to attract customers.Keeps me warm while my husband is at work.Help us harvest the grain and stay for the winter...

He has heard hundreds of different urging words, but they all have the same meaning - "give up traveling, stay and live a stable life." Whenever someone says that, he hits the road again.It feels good to be needed, but what do other people need him for?husband?Father?farm worker?Roger was a bard, and there was no way he could imagine a life in which he wasn't a bard.The first time he helped harvest or help find a lost lamb, he always told himself to get on the road and get out of this life as soon as possible. He touched the blond amulet in his secret pocket, feeling Eric's soul guarding him.He knew that if he took off the colored cloak, he would disappoint his teacher - Eric was a bard until his death, and Roger planned to follow in his footsteps.

Eric was right. The experience in the small village improved Roger's skills. Two years of regular performances allowed him to learn many tricks other than violin and somersaults.Without Eric's leadership, Roger had to improve the content of the show and find some creative ways to entertain the public.He continues to improve his magic and music performance level, in addition to the violin and tricks, his storytelling ability is also applauded. Villagers in all small villages love to hear stories, especially exotic ones.Roger complies with the audience's request to talk about places he's been, and places he's never been: small towns on the other side of the hill, and big cities that exist only in his imagination.Every time he speaks, he adds oil and vinegar, and the audience's mind follows the lifelike characters to adventure around the world.Jack Scalemouth, a man who can talk to demons, is always lying to those stupid demons.Marco Wanderer, a man who crossed the Milne Mountains and found a fertile land on the other side of the mountains, where the geocentric monsters were worshiped as gods.Of course, there is also the legend of the magic seal.

The Duke's bards would pass by small villages every spring to promote government orders, and this year's bards brought a story about wildlings wandering in the wilderness, hunting demons and devouring demon corpses.He claimed to have heard the story from the tattoo artist who tattooed the man, and that there were others who could corroborate his claim.The audience was enraptured that night, and Roger was complied with when the townspeople asked Roger to tell the story again, boasting a great deal. The audience liked to ask questions and try to find inconsistencies in his statements, but Roger, with his three-inch tongue, stunned the country folk with his outlandish stories.

Ironically, the most unconvincing story is that of his ability to make the inner earth monster dance with the smell of the violin.Of course, he could always prove his case, but as Eric used to say: "When you prove one thing to an audience, they expect you to prove everything." Roger looked up at the sky.Soon, he will play the violin to drive away the monsters in the center of the earth. He thought that the sky was dark and dark all day long.In the city, the high walls make it so that most people have never seen any monsters in the center of the earth. It is widely believed that demons will emerge from the dark clouds, but after two years of living in the small village outside the walls, Roger is sure that there is no such thing .Most demons will wait until the sun has fully set to appear, but if the clouds are thick enough, some brave demons will come out first to test whether the night has really come.

Roger was wet and cold and in no mood for adventure, so he started looking for a suitable place to camp.According to the situation, he may have to spend two nights camping in the wild.He would be lucky if he could reach Linjin Town tomorrow, and the thought made him sick to his stomach.And Linjin Town is no better than Shepherd Valley.To be honest, Cricket Slope is similar.Sooner or later he was going to get some woman pregnant, or worse, fall in love, and before he knew it, the only time he could play the violin was on festival days.The prerequisite is that he didn't sell his qin to buy seeds for repairing the plow, and then he will become an ordinary person like everyone else.

Or he could go home. Roger often thinks about going back to Angels, but every time he has to think of a reason to procrastinate-what's so good about city life?The narrow streets are crowded with people and livestock, and the wooden floor constantly emits the smell of excrement and garbage.Beggars, pickpockets, and never-ending financial problems.The ability of people to ignore each other has reached the point of art. Normal people, thought Roger, with a sigh.Little villagers always want to know what's going on in the neighborhood, and they don't hesitate to hold their doors open for strangers.Roger admires this attitude, but deep down, he's always been a city boy.

Returning to Angels meant that he had to face the guild's troubles again-unlicensed bards couldn't get along in the city, but reputable guild members had no worries about food and clothing.His performance experience in the small village should be enough to qualify him for a license, and it would be more secure if he could get a guild member to vouch for him or recommend him.Eric had offended most of the guild members; but Roger might find someone sympathetic to him just by bringing up his teacher's miserable experience. He picked a big tree that could barely shelter the rain, and after laying out the portable magic circle, he found some dry firewood under the branches and lit a small campfire.He carefully added wood to the fire, but the wind and rain extinguished the fire.

Damn little village.Roger cursed inwardly when the darkness fell, and occasionally a demon would test his sigil and emit a few magic lights. The whole damn world. Angels hadn't changed much since he left, and the city seemed a little smaller because Roger had been traveling through the vast villages and towns for a while.And he himself has grown a few inches since he left.He was sixteen now, and a man in every sense of the word.He lingered outside the city for some time, gazing at the high walls, wondering if his course of action was wise. He only has a few coins with him, which he has saved up after years of hard work, so that he will be useful when he returns to the city in the future.Plus, he still has some food in his bag, not a lot, but at least it will keep him out of the shelter for a few days.

If all I wanted was a place to live and something to eat and go back to the village, he thought.He could turn south, to Farmerton or the Logging Bowl, or north, to Riverbridge, the duke's re-established estate on the Boundary River Angels. If, he emphasized to himself, he mustered up his courage and walked through the city gate. He found a cheap hotel, took out his best performance clothes, changed and went out immediately.The bard guild is located in the center of the town, and living there is very close to any place in the city.All licensed bards can live in the guild, as long as they are willing to accept any work assigned by the guild and contribute half of their income to the guild. "Idiots." Eric has always commented on them like this. "Anyone who pays half of his income for shelter and three meals a day is not worthy of being called a bard." This is true.Only old and unskilled bards will hang around in the guild, accepting all kinds of errands that no one wants to take.Still, it's better than starving and safer than public shelters.The magic seal of the guild hall is powerful, and the people living in it will not plunder each other. Roger went to the accommodation area of ​​the guild hall, and after asking a few people, he came to a certain door and knocked on the door. "Huh?" An old man opened the door, squinting his eyes and staring at the corridor, "Who is it?" "Roger Half Palm." Roger reported his name.When he found out that the other party didn't recognize him, he added: "I'm Eric Sweet Song's apprentice." As soon as the other party's face changed, he reached out and was about to close the door. "Master Jacab, please." Roger said, blocking the door with his hand. The old man sighed and didn't close the door anymore, but walked back to the small room and sat down with difficulty.Roger followed into the room and closed the door behind his back. "What do you want?" Jacob asked. "I'm too old to mingle with you." "I need a sponsor to help me apply for a guild license," Roger said. Jacob spat on the floor. "Eric has become a liability?" he asked. "The alcoholic is a drag on your development, so you just set up your own business and let him fend for himself?" He grunted. "It deserves it. What he did to me twenty-five years ago is destined to have this kind of retribution today." He looked up at Roger. "You are very wrong, if you think I will help you betray..." "Master Jacob," Roger said, stretching out his hands to stop the other party from preaching, "Eric is dead. He died at the hands of the devil on the way to Linjin Town. He has been dead for two years." "Keep your back straight, kid." Jacob urged as he walked in the corridor, "Remember to look the guildmaster in the eyes, and please don't talk nonsense if no one asks you." He'd said those words a dozen times, and Roger just nodded.He was too young to obtain his own license; but Master Jaccab said there had been men in the history of the Guild who had been licensed younger than he was.The issuance of licenses can refer to talent and skills, and age is not the key point. Even if there are referees, it is not so easy to make an appointment with the guild leader.Jacob has not had the strength to perform for many years. Although the guild members politely respect his experience, the staff in the official area of ​​the guild hall usually don't bother to talk to him. The guildmaster's secretary kept them waiting outside the office for hours.They watched helplessly as others came and went.As the light from the window moved slowly across the floor, Roger sat upright in his chair, resisting the desire to change his position or hang his head down. "Guild Master Joels can meet you now." The secretary finally said.Roger stood up quickly and reached out to support Jack Kappa. Since leaving the duke's palace, Roger had never seen such a magnificent place as the guild master's office—the floor was covered with a thick and soft carpet with exquisite patterns and bright colors, and finely crafted oil lamps were hung on the oak walls. The lamp is covered by a stained glass shade, alongside portraits depicting wars, beauties, and static objects.There were small, detailed statues on top of a dark, gleaming walnut desk, and there were many larger statues like these on pedestals.On the wall behind the desk hung the symbol of the Bards Guild: three colored balls. "I don't have much time, Master Jacob," said the guildmaster Joels, without even taking his eyes off the documents on the table.He was a fat man over fifty, in the embroidered finery of a merchant or aristocrat, not a minstrel's costume. "This child has to take up a little of your time," said Jacob, "Eric Sweetsong's apprentice." Joels finally raised his head and gave Jacob a squinting look. "I didn't know you were still in touch with Sweet Song." He said, ignoring Roger completely. "I heard that you two broke up—" "Time can dilute everything." Jacob's tone was stiff, and he said what was considered a lie, "I have made up with Eric." "You're probably the only one who's willing to make up with him." Joel Pepper said with a half-smile. "Most of the people in this house want to strangle him as soon as they see him." "It's a little too late," Jacob said. "Eric is dead." Joelston was in awe for a moment. "It's a shame to hear that," he said. "Each member is a valuable asset to the guild—drinking killed him?" Jacob shook his head. "Earth core monster." The guild leader frowned, and spat at the copper basin beside the desk.The copper basin didn't seem to serve any purpose other than to make him spit. "When? Where did he die?" he asked. "Two years ago, on the way to Linjin Town." Joels shook his head sadly. "I remember his apprentice was playing the violin." He turned to look at Roger as he spoke. "That's right." Jacob said, "He's not only capable like that, this is Roger Halfhand." Roger bowed. "Half Palm?" the guildmaster asked, finally having some fun, "I heard that there is a bard named 'Half Palm' in the Western Village, is that you, child?" Roger's eyes widened in disbelief, but he just nodded.Eric said that the reputation established in the small village would spread quickly, but he was still very surprised to hear the guild leader mention his stage name.He wondered if his reputation was good or bad. "Don't be too pretentious," Joels said, as if reading his mind. "Country people like to exaggerate." Roger nodded, maintaining eye contact with the guildmaster. "Yes, sir. I know very well." "Well, here we go," said Joels, "show me what you can do." "Here?" Roger Chi asked.The president's office is large and quiet, and it seems that it is not suitable for somersaults and throwing knives in front of these thick carpets and expensive furniture. Joels waved impatiently. "You have studied with Eric for many years, I think you should be able to juggle and sing," he said.Roger swallowed heavily. "If you want to win a license, you must show me your unique song." "Play the violin, boy, as you did when you persuaded me," said Jacob, confidently.Roger nodded and took the violin out of the case with slightly trembling hands, but when his fingers gripped the smooth wooden surface, all fear disappeared without a trace.He started to play, immersed in the music, completely forgetting about the guildmaster. He had not played long before he was interrupted by a growl.The bow slid away from the strings, the scene was silent for a moment, and then a loud voice came from outside the door. "I won't wait for some good-for-nothing apprentice to complete the test! Get out of here!" There was a loud noise from outside the door, and then the door was knocked open, and Master Jassin broke in. "Sorry, guildmaster," the secretary apologized, "he won't wait." Joels waved the secretary away, and Jassin walked in front of him boldly. "You entrusted Eaton to perform the Duke's ball?" He asked loudly, "I have been in charge of the Duke's ball for ten years, and my uncle will never let it go!" Undeterred, Joels crossed his arms across his chest. "The Duke himself asked for a replacement." He said, "If your uncle is dissatisfied with this, I suggest that he go to His Excellency the Duke to protest." Jessin frowned. It was unlikely that the Minister in charge, Jason, would go to the Duke to intercede for a ball. "If you're here just for this, Jassin, then please get out first." Joels continued, "Young Roger is taking a license test." Jassin's eyes suddenly shifted to Roger, and he obviously recognized him. "It seems that you finally got rid of that drunkard." He said in a disdainful tone. "I hope you didn't betray him for this old thing." He raised his chin and gestured to Jackaber, "My offer is still valid, come and be my apprentice. Now it's Eric, please give me some leftovers, isn't it? " "Master Eric died at the hands of the devil two years ago," Joels said. Jassin turned his gaze back to the guildmaster's face, and then laughed. "Excellent!" he exclaimed. "How nice the news makes the loss of the Duke's Ball irrelevant!" Roger jumped on it and punched it. He didn't realize what he had done until he stepped on Master Jassin's body and his fist felt wet and tingling.When he hit Jasin on the bridge of the nose, he heard a bone shattering sound, which meant the chance of getting a license was gone, but he didn't care at the time. Jacab grabbed him and pulled him back. Jassin jumped up and punched wildly. "I'm going to kill you, you little..." Joels immediately stood between the two of them.Jessin tried to struggle, but the guildmaster's size alone was enough to stop him. "Enough, Jacin!" he roared, "You can't kill anyone!" "You saw what he did!" Jessin yelled, covering his bleeding nose. "I heard what you said too!" Joels yelled back, "I want to beat you up!" "How can I sing tonight like this?" Jessin asked loudly.His nose had begun to swell, making it hard to understand what he was talking about. Joels' face darkened. "I'll get someone to perform for you," he said. "The guild will take care of your loss. David!" The secretary poked his head in through the door. "Send Master Jie Xin to see the herbalist, and bring the bill back to the guild for reimbursement." David nodded, and walked over to help Master Jiexin.The master pushed him away. "This matter will not be left alone!" He pointed to Roger's nose before leaving. After the door closed, Joels let out a long sigh. "Well, boy, you're in big trouble now. I really don't want to see anyone make that kind of enemy." "He's been my enemy for a long time," said Roger, "and you heard what he said." Joels nodded. "I've heard," he said, "but you should restrain yourself. What if your audience insults you next time? Or the Duke himself? Guild members can't just beat anyone who offends us." Roger looked down. "I understand," he said. "But you're costing me a lot of money," Joels said, "and I'm going to spend the next few weeks throwing money at Jassin and trying to find the best time for him to keep him entertained. Since you play the violin so well, I would be foolish not to give you a chance to make your money back." Roger looked up in surprise. "Trial license." Joels said, taking out a white paper and a quill pen, "You can only perform under the supervision of the guild master, and you must pay the master commission out of your own pocket, and half of the money you earn must be paid to the guild treasury , until I think you've paid off your debt. Do you understand?" "No problem, sir!" Roger replied excitedly. "And you have to control your temper," Joels said, "or I'll tear up this license, and you'll never even think about performing at Angels." Roger played the violin in his hand, but the corner of his eyes kept drifting to Jassin's burly apprentice Eberron.Jacin usually sends an apprentice to monitor Roger's performances.This situation made him uneasy, knowing that they were helping his teacher, Jasin, to spy on him, and their teacher was uneasy and kind to him, but it has been a few months since what happened in the guild master's office, and the other party does not seem to have taken any retaliation .Master Jassin recovered quickly from his injuries, and soon performed on stage again, winning warm applause at various high-level social occasions in Angels. If these apprentices hadn't shown up every day, Roger would have thought the curtain was on.Sometimes Eberron the Wooden Demon mingled with the crowd watching, and sometimes Sally the Stone Demon leaned against the back of the tavern drinking a drink, but no matter how normal it might seem, they weren't there to cheer him on of. Roger ended the performance with an exaggerated movement, throwing the bow into the air, bowing gracefully, and getting up just in time to catch the bow.The audience responded with warm applause. Jackaber walked around the crowd with a money hat. Roger's keen ears heard the sound of coins falling into the bag. He was full of joy, and the old bard was also from ear to ear. While arranging the props, Roger glanced at the crowd who left, and Eberron had disappeared.Still, they packed quickly and made a detour back to the hotel to make sure they wouldn't be followed.The sun went down quickly, and the number of pedestrians on the street decreased rapidly.Winter is about to pass, but there are still sporadic snow and ice left on the streets, and people will not go out if they have nothing to do. "Even if Joels' commission is deducted, the rent for the next few days will not be a problem." Jacob said, shaking their wallets lightly, "When the debt is paid off, you will be rich!" "We'll be rich!" Roger corrected, and Jackaber laughed, stomping for a moment, then slapping Roger on the back. "Look at you," Roger said, shaking his head, "where did the old gentleman who answered the door a few months ago go?" "It's about re-enactment," Jacob said, grinning through his toothless mouth. "There's no singing or throwing knives, but just passing the money cap is enough to ignite my blood that's been extinguished for twenty years. I think I can even..." he said, looking away. "What can you do?" Roger asked. "It's just..." said Jacob. "I don't know, maybe a story? Or stand by when you tell a joke? I don't want to steal your spotlight..." "Of course," Roger said, "I was going to ask you, but I feel it's a great honor to have you all the way here to help out at my show." "Boy," said Jacob, "I can't even remember the last time I was this happy." They turned the corner laughing and almost ran into Eberron and Sally.Jessin stood behind them with a big smile on his face. "Nice to meet you, my friend." Jassin said, and Eberron patted Roger hard on the shoulder.Roger bowed and fell to the icy boardwalk.Sally kicked him in the jaw before he could get up. "Don't hit him!" Jacob yelled, jumping at Sally.The burly soprano just laughed, grabbed his chest and slammed into the wall behind him hard. "It's better for you, old man!" Jassin said when Sally beat Roger hard.Roger heard the sound of bones cracking, and the feeble gasp from the Master's mouth.If he hadn't been standing against the wall, he would have collapsed to the ground. The board in his eyes was spinning endlessly, and Roger struggled to get up, clenched the neck of the violin with both hands and swung this last weapon vigorously. "You will not escape the law!" he cried. Jessin laughed. "Whom are you going to sue?" he asked. "Will the lawman believe a street performer's apparent false accusation, or the chancellor's nephew? Go to the Guards, and it's you they'll hang." Eberron took the violin easily and twisted Roger's arm so hard that his knee pressed against his bone.Roger felt the pain of a broken hand bone despite the burning pain in his groin, and then the violin hit him hard on the back of the head, and the violin broke into pieces.Despite the buzzing in his ears, Roger could still hear Jacob's moans of pain.Eberron stood on top of him, lifting a heavy club with a grin on his face.