I pulled open the bag and looked inside. I had about two hundred copper coins and ten silver coins. “Who knew my gramps would’ve left this much money,” I remarked.

Despite how it may have seemed to the outside perspective, my grandfather had more money than most people would make in their lifetimes, enough to supply me to at least on my journey to the capital Imperia. I guess the one to truly thank was my dad and his life as a gambler.

“I wonder if the real reason I was named Acemore was because of the ace card,” I remarked. I grabbed a bag from the closet in the house and started to gather things to bring on my journey, from a sleeping bag, food, a compass, a bag for the spellbook, and some extra clothes.

I adjusted my jacket as I looked out the window; the storm didn’t look like it was calming down anytime soon. “This weather is definitely going to slow me down,” I muttered.

I unstrapped my sword as I placed the large bag over my shoulder, throwing the blade inside the bag. I grabbed another bag holding tightly to the leather strap as I walked out the door. I walked down the hill and began to prepare for my final walk in the village.

“Martin?” I walked into the church as I saw Martin silently praying in one of the pews.

“Ace! I’m assuming you have the money for the payment?” I reached into my pocket and pulled out five silver coins.

“I was assuming I’d get five hundred copper coins,” Martin seemed astonished by the coins, “Let me go get the paper with your stats.” Martin rubbed his forehead as he walked deeper into the church.

Moments later, he returned with a small piece of parchment paper as he gave it to me, I noticed the way the letters were written, perfectly scribed.

 “The writing looks incredible,” I was in awe at the way the letters looked so elegant on the paper.

Martin chuckled, “We had a scribe, so I asked them to write it down and make it look more professional for your career.”

“Thank you,” I looked up and smiled at Martin as I rolled the paper and placed it in my pocket. I looked back at the door and prepared to walk out for the final time.

“Guess this is your final time in Urna,” Martin remarked, “It was nice to see you grow up.”

“I’ll be back someday,” I sighed as I walked out the door. I looked back at Martin and smiled, “This is always my home.”

“Goodbye, Acemore,” Martin chuckled as he waved goodbye.

“Till our paths cross again,” I remarked as Martin walked back into the church. As I heard the door behind me close, I walked back into the town's main street. My final stop was the stables.

I walked down; despite living here, my entire life, I didn’t have much of a connection beyond my grandfather and Martin since there wasn’t anyone my age in the village. I walked down the street, and, in the distance, I saw the stable; it was relatively small from the outside with a large wooden sign hanging by a couple of nails with a poorly drawn horse on the front.

I walked inside and was greeted by a man; he was bout six feet tall with long black hair, almost as if he were a stallion himself.

“What can I do for you?” He asked as he let out a yawn.

“I’m here to buy a saddle, a horse, and any necessary equipment for a month-long journey,” I reached into my pocket and place the five silver I had left after the deal with Martin.

I’ll keep the copper coins to myself in case something happens; I placed the silver coins in his hand.

“My, I guess you have more than enough for the finest horse in the stable,” The man let out a chuckle, “Please call me Phillip.”

“Ace,” I replied as I followed Phillip to the stables.

He swung open the door and led me to a place containing three horses, each with a different coat and size, it was clear they’d been looked after carefully.

“I’m assuming you’ll want my best of the stock which would be this fella over here,” He started to rub the neck of the horse with a black coat, “He is swift, loyal, and fit for any traveler who wants to go the extra mile.”

I didn’t know too much about horses, but Phillip seemed proud of the stallion with a huge grin across his face. “How much?” I asked.

“Usually, three silver coins but given the amount you gave, I’ll lower it to two,” Phillip chirped.

“You have a deal then Phillip, I just need a saddle and any equipment,” I walked over to the horse and rubbed its side, “I’ll wait here.”

Phillip nodded and left the room leaving me behind with my new horse, “What should I name you buddy,” I smirked, “Probably something powerful, I assume.”

The horse let out a deep snort as it shook its head almost as if it understood my statements, “How about Onyx,” I took a moment to see the reaction from the horse, who let out a neigh, “Onyx it is!” I chuckled at Onyx’s reaction.

“My apologies,” Phillip came back in the room with a bag and a saddle, “I had to go to the back of the shop to get some stuff you need.”

“No worries, I was deciding on Onyx’s name,” I reassured.

“Heh, Onyx,” Phillip rubbed his forehead, “Good name, kid.”

“Thanks, came up with it on the spot,” Phillip walked towards Onyx and started to attach the saddle. It seemed basic with some pockets on the side and designs across the seat of the saddle.

“How much is the saddle?” I knew there was a possibility I was going to get scammed with the amount of money I placed on the table.

“Oh, you must be concerned because of the design,” Phillip scratched his head, “It’s been slightly enhanced. I have an authority that can help enhance items to give them buffs. I just made it so that Onyx can carry more without noticing the difference in weight. Sorry I didn’t mention it earlier.”

I felt a sting of guilt as Phillip let out an apologetic smile, “Sorry, you were just trying to help.”

“No worries, boy,” Phillip gave me a thumbs up, “I should’ve said something. If you want, give me your bags, and I can strap them onto the saddle.” Phillip reached out his hand as I took off my two bags and passed them to him. Quickly he readjusted the saddle, which now had the bags strapped to the side. Onyx seemed unbothered, still standing completely straight.

“I threw in some basic food for Onyx, some cleaning equipment, and an extra knife I had in the back if you need it,” Phillip started to fiddle with one of the silver coins, “Take this one back I don’t think it's fair to give me all of this for the job.”

It was probably the first time someone had given him such a large amount of money so casually, so I understood where he’s coming from, but I felt like it was the most I can do, “Think of it as a large thank you,” I smiled.

Most of the money I need still in my bag, I rubbed the back of my neck as Phillip let out a chuckle. 

“I’ll get him out of the stable and meet you in the front of the store,” Phillip grabbed the reins and walked deeper into the stable.

I nodded and headed back to the front to see Phillip walking towards me as he got soaked. “You don’t need to stay out for too long. It’s miserable weather,” I remarked.

“Yeah, I just thought I should get him out of the stables if you are traveling to the next village, I’d recommend waiting out the storm,” Phillip looked to the distance, “The monsters always spawn at these conditions.”

“It’s fine. I don’t really have the option to slow down at this point,” I got up onto Onyx readjusting my clothes.  “I need to reach Imperia soon enough.”

“Regardless,” Phillip interjected, “Stay safe out there. The rain is going to lower your visibility, so be cautious.”

I knew why Phillip was so nervous, no matter how strong someone’s authority was witnessing a single fifteen-year-old leave a town in this weather seemed like a death sentence.

“Understood,” I reached out to shake his hand, which he followed, “It was a pleasure doing business, Phillip.”

“Stay safe, kid,” I nodded and gestured for Onyx to speed up, I felt the wind racing across my body, and my visibility slowly decreasing as the rain continued.

“No turning back from this point,” I muttered, “Keep speed, Onyx.” Knowing what was lurking from my sight, the rain was the least of my concerns.