A short story for Earthdawn
by Linda Naughton O'Meara

Out the window, down the ivy, past the dogs and out onto the dark street to freedom. Every night for the last three months it had been the same routine. I thought it was somewhat funny that even my attempt at breaking up the routine monotony of my life had become a routine in itself. But monotonous? Not by a long shot, my friend! A few brief hours of freedom every night--it wasn't a long time, but I enjoyed each and every moment of it. Away from the ever-watchful eyes of my parents, even if it was only for a short time, I had a wonderful time.

Of course, I knew that if my parents ever found out what I'd been up to, they'd kill me! But that was half the fun of it--knowing I was breaking just about every rule that they had set forth: going out after dark, not telling them where I was and what I was doing, associating with strangers at a disreputable tavern, travelling unescorted into the more dangerous quarters of the city. If I was caught at this, I knew I'd be grounded for the rest of my life. But as I said, that was part of what made it so exciting.

I made my way through the dark, nearly-deserted streets of Travar. I knew the route well--I'd travelled it nearly every night for quite some time. I had to wait until after my parents had gone to sleep and had assumed that I'd done the same. Fortunately for me, they were early-to-bed, early-to-rise people. My family ran a small jewelry shop in the upper-class section of Travar. During the day, I helped my father and brother at the shop, and also spent time with my mother learning how to be a ``proper lady'' like herself.

Proper lady? I wanted to be nothing of the sort! What a boring life! Dinner parties, hobnobbing with other snobs--just the thought of it made me cringe! That definitely wasn't the kind of life I'd pictured for myself. No, I pictured something a lot more grand, more adventurous than spending all night trying to decide what to wear to meet the guildmaster the next evening! None of that nonsense for me, thank you very much.

I didn't mind so much working with my father and Gregory at the shop, but I felt that there was more to life than that. Much more. I guess I was like Alric in that respect. He was my oldest brother, and my favorite. Gregory was content helping Father at the business, earning a pretty penny and not having to worry much about his future, but Alric had always wanted more out of life. When I was younger, we'd always hang around together. He'd tell me stories about heroes--valiant warriors who lived for adventure and excitement, unafraid of anything! Alric fancied himself a hero who was trapped in a boring, predictable life, and he went about changing that. About a year ago, he'd gone off to join the air sailors, hoping to see the world and have some adventures along the way. I'd received two letters from him since then, letting me know that he'd gotten a position aboard a ship, and was doing well for himself. He wasn't the best writer in the world, and I knew that I wasn't likely to hear from him often, but it still disappointed me to have lost contact with him.

It was Alric, I suppose, who first interested me in the old legends and stories. But once he did, I set about learning all of them. I found that I had a knack for music, and managed to talk Mother into giving me singing lessons. Proper ladies should know music, I said to her, and she seemed to agree. I don't know if it was because what I'd said was true or because she was excited to finally see me take at least some interest in her lessons, but in the end I learned how to sing and play the flute (although, I haven't yet mastered the art of doing both at the same time. I wished I'd learned the harp or lute as well, but I suppose there's time enough for that later.) Once I'd learned how to carry a tune well, I started putting the stories I'd read to music. I don't think Mother quite approved of this use of her music lessons (she was always upset that I spent so much time reading rather than paying attention to the young men in the neighborhood) but she never openly objected. I discovered that I had quite a talent for singing the legends of great heroes. Some of my friends commented that I should become a minstrel, and that's when the idea first came to me.

A wandering minstrel, travelling from village to village, earning a living with my music, having adventures along the way. It was just the kind of life I'd always imagined for myself. So I took to heart the jokes of my young friends, and set about learning what one must do in order to become a proper minstrel. I decided that the best way to learn would be to ask a minstrel, so the next question became: where to find a minstrel. A tavern, of course!

I first suggested the idea to my best friend, a young man named Galen. Galen was Father's apprentice. Father had taken him on shortly after Alric left, since he'd found himself short of help. Galen had grown up in the lower quarter of town, so he was a good deal more street-smart than I. He was the obvious person to ask, especially since he shared my interest in the adventurous life. He was also someone I could trust to keep my secret. I knew there was no way that my parents would allow me to become a professional musician, wandering or not. The only way to achieve my goals would be to go off on my own, and I knew that if anyone would help me (aside from Alric, who wasn't available), it would be Galen.

``I know the perfect place,'' Galen told me after I suggested the idea of talking to a minstrel, ``But it only livens up after dark. We'd have to go then.'' I hesitated--it was the first time I'd considered seriously breaking my parents' rules. Of course I'd broken them before, but never so many of the big rules and never all at once! But in the end, I decided that this could be a major step towards finding a new and exciting life for myself, so I agreed to meet Galen in the alley outside Father's shop after dark that night.

Sneaking out of the house the first time had been easier than I'd anticipated, and I met Galen without difficulty. He took me across town to a small but lively tavern called ``Dunstan's Paradise''. We spent a few hours there, talking with the other patrons and listening to the music and stories provided by the resident troubadour, a man named Baldaur. I listened with awe at his rendition of one of my favorite stories, the legend of Eric the Mighty, who actually slew a Horror. Even though I'd heard the story a million times, and knew it word for word, the way Baldaur sang the song I felt as though I were hearing the story for the first time.

After the performance, I complimented Baldaur on his skills. He bowed grandly and we began chatting about music and stories. He seemed a kindred spirit, someone who understood my position and my desire to see the world and find adventure. From what he told me, similar feelings had led him to become a troubadour himself. I knew Baldaur was someone I could trust.

I returned home that night, confident that I'd taken the first steps toward independence. The next night, after dark, I returned to the tavern again, and again the night after that. Soon it became part of my daily routine. I was very surprised that I haven't been caught, but it's been nearly three months now and my parents still show no sign at having caught on. They probably wonder why I sleep so late in the morning--I guess they assume I'm just a person who needs a lot of sleep. They have no idea that I only get a few hours sleep each night, because I've been out so late with Galen and Baldaur.

After about two weeks of regular visits to Dunstan's Paradise, talking with Baldaur and hanging around with Galen and his friends, Baldaur gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. He let me take his place as entertainer for one evening. I did passably well, playing the flute and singing stories of my favorite heroes. After the performance, Baldaur took me aside. ``You've got a real talent for this, Kalle, you could make quite a life for yourself as a troubadour.'' Baldaur then went on to explain that he'd been looking for someone to be his apprentice, and asked if I would like that honor. I jumped at the chance to become a real troubadour. It was like a gateway to my dreams had just opened up before me. So, Baldaur had agreed to take me on as his apprentice, and I had spent the past three months under his training. It took me a little longer than most people to complete the apprenticeship because I was forced to work only at night, but I eventually completed my training and was an official first circle troubadour. It was the proudest achievement of my life, and I longed to tell Alric of it. I knew he of all people would be happy for me.

Once my apprenticeship was completed, I began to try to get together enough money to buy passage out of Travar. I knew I couldn't hope to find adventure inside the city with my parents constantly watching over my shoulder, so I had to leave. It was a task easier said than done, however. I began saving every penny I got from my parents, and collected more money working nights at another tavern, called The Lone Dragon. I entertained the guests, and was paid a small salary in addition to any donations from impressed members of the audience. My adventure fund was increasing slowly but surely. I'd already purchased most of the things I figured I would need, including a sword (which I'd become quite proficient at using, by the way) some armor and other miscellaneous equipment. The real hurdle left was getting enough money to purchase passage out of the city, or maybe even a horse, if business improved a lot quickly. I suppose I could just walk out, but I don't fancy wandering around strange country alone. I could hire a guide, but again that costs money. My parents certainly have their fair share of money, but it's not as if I can simply walk up to them and ask to borrow enough money so that I can run away from home.

So that's what brought me here tonight, making my way through the dark streets of Travar, heading for the Lone Dragon for another night's work.