Caravan

"Ah, greetings, Mage! What can I do for you?" The portly, middle-aged merchant hurried to his feet and bowed respectfully to Ryan.

The merchant stole a glance at the mysterious Mage before him. A lean frame was wrapped in dark robes, and beneath the broad hood, a black veil concealed his face. Only a pair of deep, sea-blue eyes remained visible.

In Silverymoon, no one dared impersonate a Mage and swindle people in public. Mages carried credentials issued by the Mages Guild, and they also received a monthly allowance of magic stones based on their rank. If someone was caught forging credentials and posing as a Mage, they would at best be thrown in prison. At worst, the Mages who enforced the law would put them out of their misery.

Ryan nodded. As a member of the privileged Mage class, he had gradually grown accustomed to the awe and reverence people showed Mages, though he still felt an ineffable sense of helplessness about it.

This world of swords and magic was, after all, still a world of class divisions and oppression. Those in power who benefited from it and the common folk at the bottom who suffered under it had both grown used to the way things were.

As a normal adult who had received a higher education in his previous life and been steeped in the red ideals of his homeland, Ryan couldn't help but grumble about Faerûn. Here was a world teeming with people who could move mountains and fill seas, with power levels through the roof, yet its productive forces remained stuck at Earth's medieval level.

In Ryan's eyes, batch after batch of legendary spellcasters had risen to fame across the planes. They could command the weather, summon wind and rain, and move mountains and fill seas. They could make mountains hang upside down in the sky and build one magnificent, towering floating city after another. They could even travel between planes and explore the multiverse, venturing into the Abyss and the Hells as if on vacation.

Yet spellcasters with such astonishing abilities had never once looked down below. They paid no attention to the lives of the common folk and cared nothing for the everyday concerns of ordinary people. Many Mages even considered themselves a different species from the rabble.

They seemed capable of anything, but beyond flaunting their power and fame throughout the multiverse, they had no interest in advancing civilization. They contributed even less than some skilled artisans did to the progress of society.

Ryan had naturally given the matter some thought during his time in this world. He had lived here for sixteen years, after all, and had gradually realized that his greatest cheat might be the systematic, well-rounded education he'd received in his previous life, along with the remarkable way of thinking developed through the flood of information in the internet age. It had taught him different ways of understanding the world, while also helping him grasp what it truly meant to be human and what his goals should be.

His research logs still contained topics like "The Key to Apotheosis Through Faith and the Possibility of Shaping Red Deities with Marxist Thought," "A Study on Using Necromancy to Replace Livestock with Skeletons and Develop Productivity," "A Study on Using Magic to Create Modified Power Sources and Develop Magitech," and "The Application of Magic in Daily Life: A Study of the Limits on the Development of Productivity."

But Ryan also understood just how deep a pit this was. As a weak and powerless intermediate Mage, he was nowhere near capable of supporting his grand ambitions.

Alas, I'm still far too weak. If it were some other transmigrator, after all these years they'd probably have already punched the gods in the sky, kicked the Abyss and Hells, and steamrolled anyone who dared defy them.

Ryan sighed inwardly and came back to himself.

The merchant waited respectfully for him to speak. Ryan gave a light laugh and, using Prestidigitation to disguise his voice as a hoarse, unpleasant rasp, said:

"Captain Sphinx, I haven't forgotten your name, have I?"

Sphinx jolted and quickly nodded. "Yes, yes, that's right, Mage. You have an excellent memory. This humble man is indeed called Sphinx."

Sphinx silently searched his memories, trying to recall when he might have met such a mysterious intermediate Mage. As a competent merchant, he had a good memory. He couldn't imagine forgetting a "big shot" like this.

Ryan watched Sphinx struggle to make sense of the situation, a sly smile curling his lips.

"Don't bother trying to remember. We've never met. From what I've heard, your Golden Rose Trading Company has been trading lumber, spices, and medicinal herbs between Silverymoon and Waterdeep. I also hear you're about to send a caravan from Silverymoon to Waterdeep. Is that right?"

Sphinx looked at the mysterious Mage hidden beneath his black hood and robes in astonishment, then asked solemnly, "How did you learn of this, sir? This should be an internal matter for our trading company. Please, speak plainly."

"I'm not interested in your business. I just want to know if you'd be willing to let a Mage ride along."

Ryan naturally didn't tell Sphinx that he'd spent the night searching for a reliable, reputable trading company as soon as his teacher notified him. He'd also paid a small fee to get a list from Silverymoon's trade representatives. After careful consideration and a thorough selection process, he'd finally settled on Sphinx's Golden Rose Trading Company.

Sphinx breathed a sigh of relief. He knew his competitors were unlikely to persuade an intermediate Mage to go out of his way to cause trouble for his company. Even so, he'd been uneasy when an intermediate Mage had come looking for him by name.

At least now he knew what the mysterious Mage wanted. Although Sphinx still had reservations about this Mage of unknown identity, he understood that the other man had already investigated everything. He had no choice in the matter.

"Of course the Golden Rose Caravan would welcome you, Master Ryan. As you know, winter is almost here, and the Goblins and Kobolds in the wilderness are getting restless again. We couldn't be happier to have a powerful Mage like you join us!"

A fawning smile spread across Sphinx's greasy, chubby face. His merchant's instincts told him this was an opportunity. If he announced that a Mage would be guarding the caravan, the rough, uncivilized mercenaries he hired would feel much more at ease. He'd also be able to push their fees down quite a bit.

"I can help you out if the need arises, but don't expect me to do anything more," Ryan said coolly.

"Of course, Master Ryan. The Golden Rose's reputation speaks for itself. The guards and mercenaries we hire have all worked with us several times. Every one of them is top-notch.

"We'll set aside a carriage for you. You won't have to worry about a thing during the journey."

Hearing Ryan's answer, Sphinx was delighted. He'd secured a Mage's promise of help without having to pay much at all. It was like a pie falling from the sky.

Ryan was pleased as well. At last, the matter was settled.

Because he had a quest item, he couldn't use the portal in Yefalin's Mage Tower to go straight to Waterdeep. He had no choice but to travel all the way there on foot. Now he could set out with a caravan familiar with the route and save time during the journey to study some new magic. It couldn't have worked out better.

Neither side knew how pleased the other was. Both thought they'd gotten the better end of the deal, so naturally they were both happy with the arrangement.

Sphinx beamed and spoke warmly to Ryan. "Master Ryan, our caravan is leaving this afternoon. Would you like to come with me to the Golden Rose's offices now, or...?"

"No need. I have a companion waiting for me. I know where your company is, so I'll make my own way there this afternoon."

Ryan turned down Sphinx's invitation and left the still noisy, bustling tavern.

By early afternoon, golden sunlight fell lazily over the winding lanes and corners of Silverymoon, bringing a little warmth to the city on a winter's day.

Standing before a half-open vermilion gate, Ryan wore a dark blue Mage's robe. His broad hood completely concealed his golden hair, bright as the sun. Squinting at the sign above the gate, which gleamed in the rare winter sunlight and read "Golden Rose Trading Company," he watched Bill, who followed behind him, nimbly step forward and push the gate open. The hubbub of people and livestock rushed out to meet them.

Ryan entered the courtyard and found himself amid a flurry of activity. Workers in plain clothes loaded bag after bag of sealed spices and medicinal herbs onto mule-drawn carts. Nearby, a clerk dressed like a scholar recorded the quantities on a document. Vehicles and bustling crowds filled the spacious courtyard to the brim.

When Ryan entered, a small, nimble gnome hurried over and called out warmly, "Mage, you're finally here! The captain has been waiting for you. Welcome, welcome! This way, please!"

Ryan nodded to the gnome, who led him into a lavishly decorated manor, where he found Sphinx discussing business with several mercenaries.

As soon as Chris saw Ryan, he stopped talking and strode over to greet him warmly. "Mage Ryan, you're here! I was worried I'd miss you.

"Come, come. Let me introduce the mercenaries our company has hired. They're all trustworthy and highly capable."

With that, Sphinx led Ryan over to the people who were looking him up and down.

"This is Kasla, a Dwarf shield warrior. He's a capable vanguard who once held off three Orc warriors by himself."

The Dwarf named Kasla bellowed in his people's characteristically booming voice, "Sphinx, for once you weren't exaggerating! There really is a Mage joining the caravan!"

"This is Jelona, an outstanding Half-elf Ranger. With her handling reconnaissance and security, you can rest easy." The pretty Half-elf nodded to Ryan without saying a word.

"And this is Arata, an eleventh-level barbarian warrior. When we run into trouble, he'll be the most reliable ally you could ask for." The towering barbarian grinned at the Mage and boomed, "Welcome aboard, Mage!"

After introducing the mercenaries before them, Chris said with some pride, "We also have a group of well-trained guards protecting the caravan, so you can rest assured, Mage!"

Ryan looked over the mercenaries before him—or rather, adventurers—and nodded. Faerûn was never short on adventurers. They could be found everywhere, taking on trivial jobs like finding lost cats and dogs or clearing out Goblins, as well as dangerous quests like slaying dragons, hunting for treasure, and exploring ruins.

These adventurers were clearly quite capable. They ranked among the better adventurers out there, which showed that the Golden Rose Trading Company was indeed pretty well equipped. Ryan was glad to see it. The stronger the caravan, the fewer problems he'd have to deal with, so he was quite satisfied.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'll be counting on you during the journey," Ryan said calmly to the adventurers before him. His hoarse voice sounded as though someone had scraped his throat with sandpaper, making the three adventurers pause in surprise.

"We're about to set out. I'll head to my carriage first." Ryan nodded to Finks, then took his leave.

"Another mysterious fellow!" The bold Dwarf Kasla muttered under his breath as he watched Ryan's back disappear beneath his dark robes. Unfortunately, with a Dwarf's booming voice, everyone nearby heard him clearly.

"Aren't Mages all like that? Always acting mysterious," the barbarian replied carelessly.

"Never mind all that. Hurry up and get your things ready. We're about to leave." The handsome Half-elf Ranger urged his companions on. "At least we have a Mage. That'll save us a lot of trouble. Let's hope he's not just talk."