Kaboom and Company Part One (complete)

“Obresh is a port city. We’ll be able to make some quick money there before we take the ship across the Cobra Strait. Once we get into Rakshasa Country it’ll be festival season, and we’ll be able to make some real money,” Loker waxes dreamily as he strums his lute.

I can tell most of the others have tuned him out. Susilo is just looking ahead of the wagon as he steers, Embry is half asleep in the back with me, and Abasi is reading. “No one is paying attention, Loker. We’ve heard this over a million times.”

Loker lays his palm over the strings of the lute and looks at me sharply. “Back in Slystall you used to hang on my every word.”

“That was before we got to know you,” Abasi grumbles from his book.

“I think you just talk to hear yourself.” Susilo glances towards Loker before turning his attention back to the road.

Loker strums a defiant chord on the lute. “It would be rude if I didn’t!” 

My mother was an explosives expert, and it was through her that I learned to make fireworks. Before that, due to the influence Slystall had, the two of us made our living supplying explosives to the mercenaries and assassins who lived there. This included Loker’s mother, which is what led to Loker and I becoming friends. 

He was raised by a tiefling mother with expensive taste, a trait Loker carries now. He was an excellent pickpocket, and a master at sleight of hand, with a silver tongue to match. He could sell a Polar Bear ice if he wanted. His dreams of grandeur were taking him to Rakshasa Country, a land of bright colors and rich spices. He hoped to wow with his talents and earn a place in the royal court where he would make his fortune. It had been all he talked about since we were little, he wanted to live in the Rakshasa Palace. 

Loker and I used to do mercenary work together, but after a few setbacks, we decided to take our expertise into another field. I started making fireworks rather than bombs, and with Loker’s silver tongue we traveled all around the Ruby Empire, with its many celebrations and festivals. Loker got it into his head that with his magic tricks and my fireworks, we could get the Rakshasa Royal family to hire us. It’s Loker’s taste for finer things that usually gets him in trouble.

“I’m not rushing Obresh,” Susilo warns. “We always rush, and I want to sit still for a while. Besides, Obresh would make a better base for us than Rakshasa Country would.”

“You just don’t like fluffy things,” Loker teases. “You prefer big giant Orc women.”

Susilo gives him a harsh glare. He was also someone we met in Slystall, a lizard man with an encyclopedic knowledge of poisons. He used to be famous in assassin circles, and back in the day he could name his price and make a fortune. He moved to Slystall for protection after he backstabbed one of his fellows. He never told me the full story, but he joined Loker and me because he wanted to keep moving. 

Abasi sets down his book. “I agree. We should stay in Obresh for a good while. Since it’s a port, supplies will come easy, and we’ll be able to build our stock while also making a living. It’s always busy, and there’s always something going on.”

Loker looks towards Abasi. “The two of you belong together. You have no sense of grandeur. What do you hope to find in Obresh, anyway? It sounds as though you’re giving up.”

“Giving up would be bashing your head in with that lute,” Abasi sighs. His black ears flick forward. Abasi also joined us at Slystall, a jackal from the deserts around Rakshasa Country. The idea of going back has never really settled with him. He came to Slystall as a surgeon, someone who would fix up the wounded without question. His expertise with a needle is second to none. He could stitch together a body as easily as he could leather, and he claims people are easier. 

That leaves Embry, dozing away while we all argue. An Onikuma, the youngest of us, but probably the biggest. He’s the only one of us without an origin in Slystall; Embry was a cook, and perhaps the best the Ruby Empire had to offer. He used to keep a stand and make delicious treats for travelers. It was a place the four of us used to love visiting, until one day we found the stand in ruins. Embry had been robbed and left for dead, and while Susilo and Abasi took care of him, Loker and I hunted down the bandits and reclaimed his possessions. Embry has been with us ever since. He was happy to tag along with us, eager to see the world. He dreams of romance.

“I don’t think it’s such a bad idea,” I offer. “Staying in Obresh, we’ll be able to do just like Abasi said. We should make sure we have the inventory for the Rakshasa festival season.”

Loker sniffs and lifts his chin up. “And how long do you think that will be?”

I shrug. “I guess it all depends.”

Loker strums harshly at the lute. “I’m going to be stuck in that miserable town forever, aren’t I? I’ll never get my palace.”

Susilo grabs the neck of the lute, and the two begin to struggle. “You never were going to get one.” 

“Let go, you fiend!” Loker kicks at Susilo’s leg. “I’ll have you know my bloodline comes from royalty!”

“And I’m sure one of the nine seats of hell is being kept warm for your return.” Susilo lets go of the lute and Loke instantly starts playing away at it furiously. “But you have to get your head out of those golden clouds, you dick.”

“I’ll show you,” Loke sniffs. “I’ll show you all! I’ll marry a princess - hell, I’ll marry a prince, I care not. And I will rule all of you with an iron fist.”

“Porcelain at best,” Abasi snickers. 

Loker takes his lute and hits Abasi on the head with it. Abasi jumps up and joins the fight to yank the lute away. He bumps into Embry, which causes him to stir. Embry yawns, stretching and smacking his lips. 

“Oh, are we fighting?” He takes the lute easily from Loker, who topples from the front seat into the back on top of Abasi. Embry strums at the lute, smiling sleepily as he plays a gentle melody. “How long was I out of it?”

Susilo and I laugh as Abasi and Loker continue to scrap. “We’re close, I think,” Susilo sighs. “Not much longer until we’re in Obresh.”

“I can’t wait. I love their boar sausage. I’ve been so excited to try it again.” He lays the lute down and gazes up at the sky. “It would be nice to get a supply while we’re there, but I know those things are so hard to travel with.”

Loker leaves the back of the wagon and returns to his seat. He fixes his hair then, smoothes out his clothes while Abasi spits over the side. I roll my eyes at the two of them. “We were just discussing making Obresh a base of operations while you napped.” 

Embry smiles, then returns to playing the lute. “That explains why Loker is in a mood.”

Loker looks indignantly over his shoulder. “They all ganged up on me!”

Embry hums to himself. “Obresh has good meat, but Rakshasa Country has such good spices. I could really choose either.”

“Then that’s two votes for me!” Loker snaps. “Kaboom, you’ve gotta break this tie. You can’t sit on the fence.”

I arch my brow. “I can do whatever the hell I please. You’re the ones who follow me around like lost puppies.”

Loker frowns, then turns to face the front again. “I follow only my heart, and it says Rakshasa Country.”

“Beautiful Rakshasa women with their gleaming eyes and soft fur. Their pleasant purrs and sharp claws, mingled with the gossamer and silk of their clothing. Their bright-colored fabrics mingle with the intoxicating aroma of their teas and spices,” Embry sings as he plays the lute. “But then the Obresh women, strong and diligent. Their hearts are full and their hearths are warm. Battleaxes and steins of beer. Their feminine charm comes from their earthy nature.”

“There are no castles in Obresh,” Loker frets. “Riches can be found for certain, but where is the royalty? The grandeur? In Rakshasa Country we can have it all.”

“We’re stopping in Obresh,” I grunt. “End of story. I do not know if we will end up staying there, but we will remain there for a while. I still plan on going to Rakshasa Country, so you can stay there if you want.”

“Susilo can stay in Obresh and marry his Orc wife. I will go to Rakshasa Country and wed one of the royals there.” Loker smirks at me. “You can do as you please.” 

I roll my eyes at him. “In any case, it will be nice to rest up and recharge for a bit. And I know we need to get the wagon repaired. That axle has been ignored for too long.”

“I’m surprised we’re still mobile,” Susilo laughs. “I would suggest a whole new wagon if we could afford it.”

Embry stops playing to tune the lute. “I wouldn't mind having a new grill as well. Perhaps there is a blacksmith in town who has one I could buy.”

“What we need more than a wagon or grill is some muscle,” Abasi replies. “Someone who can act as a deterrent as well as a guard.”

“That's true,” I sigh. “Our supplies are a target wherever we go. It would be nice to have someone around who could keep them safe.”

“Obresh is full of big, scary folk,” Loker replies. “Surely we’ll find someone there willing to tag along with us.”

I nod in agreement. “Then we’ll make it a goal to find a sixth member for our crew.”

We reach Obresh just before dusk and we set up a campsite just outside the village. Loker and I go into town, hoping to find a butcher so Embry can make us a meal. Walking through the streets, I feel out of place. Even though I’m part Orc, I have never really felt like I belonged with them. 

I was given up at birth; the man I was delivered to was supposed to kill me. Instead, he took me home, where he and my mother raised me. I wasn’t told much about the family I came from, only that my mother was a Unicorn and my father was an Orc. My birth mother gave me up in shame, so she probably never told my birth father about me. At birth I was completely white with tinges of pink. My eyes were bright red. I had the appearance of an Orc, but the legs of a Unicorn, as well as the horn.

I was always jealous of Loker for his appearance. As a child he was adorable, and as he grew he only became more and more appealing. His lustrous red skin, his golden eyes, seductive smile, and long black hair made it hard not to swoon over him. His charm and ability to put anyone at ease was second to none. 

“My, my, my this place sure is busy this late in the afternoon.” Loker’s eyes linger on a shop window filled with fine clothing. 

I glance around, seeing eyes on me that quickly turn away when I look at them. “We could set up shop here. I bet a fireworks factory would do well.”

Loker scoffs. “If you want to get attacked by pirates. Rakshasa Country...”

“Has more pirates than Obresh?” I smirk at him.

Loker narrows his eyes on me. “I bet I could point at you and scream ‘ghost’, and people would believe me.” He looks ahead. “I see a sign shaped like a boar. Bet it’s a butcher or a pub.”

The place turns out to be a pub, and we go in. We can at least get a keg of something to take back, and a hot meal. There are two wargs asleep outside, who stir and look up at us lazily as we enter. 

Loker looks around, then gasps and grabs my arm. “Kaboom, look.”

I follow the direction of his finger and see the biggest creature I had ever laid eyes on. Loker squeezes my arm and turns to me. “We wanted muscle, and that guy is nothing but!” he hisses.

I shake his hand off. “I can see that.” I step towards the man, who is sitting at a table with an Orc woman. She sees us first, and her eyes narrow at me.

“Excuse me,” I start. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but...”

I stop when the man turns to look at me. He has Orc in him as well, but something else has given him his intimidating size. “You’re new!” he chuckles. His eyes dart over me and he smirks. “Come, sit down. Tell us where you washed up from.”

The female Orc frowns and stiffens her shoulders. “We were having dinner.”

“Forgive us!” Loker takes a seat. “We’re traveling through, hoping to find lodging as well as good food to eat.” He smiles at her. “And perhaps some lovely company.”

“Don’t flirt with her,” the big one laughs. “I tried once.”

Loker turns and grins up at him. “Who says I was flirting with the lady?” The woman laughs. “I’m Loker,” he tells her cheerfully. “And this is my platonic life mate, Kaboom. It’s a nickname he refuses to give up.”

The big one chuckles. “I’m Hemi, and this is my wife Pix.” He turns as another woman walks up to the table. “And this is Mika, a family friend.”

Mika has the features of an Orc, but she’s petite with an hourglass figure. Her brown hair is shaved on one side, long on the other. She looks at me for a long moment, then to Loker. Loker’s eyes are fixed on her. His expression is slack, but slowly he recovers his regular charming smile. “Well, hello there,” he purrs.

“Hi? Kisska can’t make it,” she says to Pix. “She had an emergency call at Meggie’s.”

“Is everything all right?” Hemi asks in concern.

Mika sits down at the table. “I’m not sure. She just knew she had to rush.” She glances at me and Loker again. “Who are your new friends?”

“Loker.” He quickly offers his hand across the table to her. “A pleasure, Mika.”

She takes his hand and shakes. “Sure.” 

“And this is my friend Kaboom. We’ve come to town in hopes of selling our wares.” Loker continues. 

“And what sort of wares would that be?” Mika asks. 

“Fireworks,” I answer. “We’re hoping to build up an inventory before we go to Rakshasa Country for their festival season.”

“Explosives?” Pix gets a cross look on her face. “Is that something you would want to make in a village? Wouldn’t it be better to do that somewhere far away from people?”

“The process is very safe, actually. I’ve been making them since I was a child, and we have an expert chemist with us as well. Though I would prefer to find somewhere out-of-the-way to work, not just for safety, but because our supplies can be a bit of a target.”

Pix glances at Hemi. “What about the cabin?”

“What about it?” Hemi chuckles. “It’s yours to do with as you please.”

I can’t help but notice the way Loker is gazing at Mika. In the time I have known Loker I have rarely seen that look in his eyes. I must admit, Mika is very beautiful, her features sharp, her eyes a dusky blue. Loker really doesn’t have a type. He just knows what he wants when he sees it. The few loves he has had have all been different, but when he meets them the same look comes to his eyes. 

“If you can promise not to blow it up,” Pix sighs, “you can rent my cabin from me.”

“That’s a very kind offer. I can genuinely promise I will not blow it up.” I laugh to put her at ease. “Actually, if I can be greedy, the reason we approached you in the first place was because of your husband.”

Pix snickers. “You can rent him too. Just don’t blow him up either.”

I smile at her. “Nothing like that, Pix. We’ve actually been wanting a guard. Our supplies and stock are targets, and your husband would be the perfect deterrent.” 

“Who, me?” Hemi laughs. “I look scary?”

“You look like a fun evening,” Loker says seductively. “But you’re also a mountain among men. I would love to see you squash a few thieves before you take me to bed.”

Pix eyes Loker slyly. “How much trouble do you get into on a daily basis?”

Loker flourishes and laughs. “I stopped counting.” He glances at Mika and winks.

“You’re barking up several wrong trees,” Mika scoffs. 

Loker tucks his hair behind his ear. “I don’t bark, I bay.”

Pix and Hemi take us to the cabin. It’s big enough to house the five of us, with a shed out back where Susilo and I can work. Hemi hasn’t agreed to be our guard yet, but since we are renting from him, I’ll have ample opportunity to talk to him.

Embry is excited about the kitchen, and has laid out his cutlery and tools. “This is a nice place! I’m surprised they trusted us with it after meeting Loker.”  

Loker grins at him. “They loved me.” He gets a dreamy expression on his face. “And that Mika!” 

“Mika?” Abasi arches a brow. 

“A stunning creature with a body to kill for.” Loker folds his arms firmly. 

“Not another one,” Susilo growls. He and I have unpacked the wagon into the shed, but he has his own personal supplies that he sets in the kitchen. 

“Maybe we should play matchmaker,” Abasi laughs. “If he falls in love again we can stay longer.”

“Don’t treat my romances like that,” Loker scoffs.

We spend most of the evening getting set up in the cabin. In the morning, Susilo and I get to work on preparing the shed for our labors. Emdry and Abasi go into town to shop for groceries and other supplies. Loker goes with them, but I doubt he’s going to go shop. 

“If we do end up staying here and making this our base, I suggest we start trying to find some property of our own.” Susilo always has an overly serious tone when he talks. He’s so business-like, but I know it comes from years of dealing with assassins. 

“You seem so certain this is where we are going to stay.” I look over at him. “Is that what you actually want?”

“Of course I would like a place to settle. But you and I know if I stay still it is more and more likely I’ll be found.” He fills the lantern with his special blend. Once the compounds are activated, they glow with a radiant light. He came up with this chemical mixture so we wouldn’t have to use fire around the volatile ingredients for the fireworks. 

“Not all of us can be like Loker, with our heads in the clouds and our hearts free to wander.” He glances out the door of the shed. “But somewhere to wander back to isn’t so bad.”

I smile at him. “If I didn’t know any better, Susilo, I would say that almost sounded sentimental. You’ve never given me the full story as to why you’re running.”

Susilo’s eyes focus on the ground for a moment. His head hangs before he lifts his chin and starts setting supplies on the shelves. “It’s not a sharing sort of story. Not one for friends, anyway. You know better than to ask.” He narrows his dark eyes at me briefly before taking a crate outside.

A strange thought comes to me - perhaps it isn’t just Loker who could find himself a romance here. Embry has had his mind set on it for a while now, and although I don’t know Abasi or Susilo’s tastes, I wouldn’t mind them finding a partner here as well. I have never known Susilo to even have a fling anywhere we go, so I can’t help but think it would be nice for him to find someone. Perhaps even I could find someone. After all, Obresh is known for their Reaping. Would it be so strange for five bachelors to find love here?

Embry and Abasi return home with the wagon full of foodstuffs. Embry is obviously excited for the bounty, and is rattling off recipes he wants to try. 

“Where’s Loker?” I grumble to Abasi.

“Still in town,” he huffs. “He was doing card tricks for the unsuspecting masses. Hopefully he won’t get us chased from town.”

“He knows better, hopefully,” I sigh. 

“Did you get the things I asked for?” Susilo comes down from the loft, where he has made himself at home.

Abasi nods. “But they had to be prepared. The lady we got them from said she would deliver them this evening.”

Susilo grimaces. “Lady?” he asks. “A lady with a hat?”

Abasi nods, ignoring Susilo’s sharp tone. “That girl that Loker is mooning over recommended her, said she was the best apothecary this side of the Cobra Strait. She reminded me of you, but with a personality.”

Susilo’s grimace intensifies, but he turns and climbs back into the loft. 

As the day wears on we all go about our business. Embry prepares dinner, happily singing in the kitchen. Abasi is asleep in his room, and Susilo is anxiously waiting for his delivery at the kitchen table. There’s a knock at the door, which Susilo answers immediately.

There’s a kobold standing there with a bag in her hands. She’s tiny, with silvery-blue scales and bright amber eyes. There is an expression on Susilo’s face I have never seen before - one of shock, confusion, and dare I say attraction?

“Hi. You must be Susilo, right?” She offers the bag to him. “If you want to make sure everything is correct, I don’t mind waiting. Your friend said you were very picky.”

Susilo is looking at her, his expression unchanging as she speaks. He takes the bag in his hand, but doesn’t seem to give it any attention. “Who are you?”

The kobold girl smiles. “I’m Kahbi.”