“Past the Knight’s patrols is just wilderness,” Wade said. “There isn’t much in the way of people to speak of, to be honest. As soon as I leave the city I always have a hand on my bow or my axe, and I am always on edge. I have not personally run into much trouble myself, but every day increases the chances of that.” Wade felt that the question was more important to the monk than he let on, but couldn’t really say much more on the topic.
“I’ll certainly be willing to help you get deeper into the wood. I might be able to explore some areas I wouldn’t on my own and maybe come across some prize catch. The problem with the closer areas is that the animals are getting smarter and learning to recognize the signs of a hunter’s approach. I’ll be sure to call on you as soon as I feel like I can leave the city again,” Wade promised.
Wade leaned on Genryuu heavily as he was helped up, nearly falling over as blackness invaded the edges of his vision. What he could see was spinning around. He tried to steady himself but struggled until Genryuu gave him the stick that he could lean on. He used it as an anchor as he forced the world to stop moving about him. Wade realized that the monk was still speaking as his hearing, temporarily filled only with the rushing of his own blood, returned slowly. He caught that the monk said he needed more rest and figured that he had asked where Wade’s apartment was.
The two left the monk’s apartment and Wade looked about to get his bearings before pointing the way towards his apartment. As the two were ambling along at the slow pace, he stealthily dropped two gold mizas into Genryuu’s satchel. He guessed that the monk would not ask for payment, despite his great service, and Wade did not feel like he was in good condition to argue with the monk.
“I wish you luck, good monk, in acclimating to our fair city,” Wade said in farewell. “It is large, and strict, but one with your skill and mannerism will find welcome.” He smiled to the monk, masking the disappointment at the thought that he would be spending quite some time staring at a cold stone ceiling.
Maybe he would have time to learn a bit of the monk’s medicine, he thought hopefully. It would certainly help if he fell out of another tree.