By midday it was clear the Groro Pas call was a success; now it was up to Faslo to narrow down the recruits into a coherent, committed group.
Faslo chose the tracker and warrior fairly easily. Poldi and Collop were available and motivated. Faslo didn’t know either of them well, but Collop had a reputation for finding all manner of missing things and Kefi.
Also, it was common knowledge Poldi had bested a rabid Skios1 in full charge and a 10 pound Fela2 in the dead of winter. His reputation and legendary Khev 3skills preceded him.
His childhood best friend Kai Grealish stopped by briefly, arranged to be the healer for the Pas, and promised to meet up with the rest of the group in the morning.
Unfortunately, selecting a collector proved a bit more difficult. An assortment of quirky characters came in and out of the house, but they were mostly hoarders and oddballs, and none seemed like a good fit.
Hours later, Poldi and Collop promised to meet Faslo at first light to strategize and head out before going to their homes. The sun was nearly done sliding below the horizon line.
Faslo sighed and sat down in a faded red, comfy armchair. He put his head in his hands and took a breath. Someone politely cleared their throat and Faslo looked up.
A short, stocky Kefi a few years older than Faslo stood in front of him. He had long, stringy hair that was so light it almost appeared to be gray. He wore immense spectacles that made his eyes appear huge.
“Hi,” he said. “my name is Oxter, Oxter Gibbs.”
“ Nice to meet you,“ Faslo said, “what can I do for you, Oxter?”
“Well, I’m here to offer my services as a collector, but I also have a question.”
“Okay, go for it,” Faslo said.
“Are you still using this?” Oxter asked, indicating the red armchair.
“The chair I’m sitting on?” Faslo asked incredulously.
“Yeah, “Oxter said with a twinkle in his spectacled eye. “it would look perfect in my living room.”
Faslo laughed out loud. “Ox, I’m afraid I AM still using it, but the good news is, I think you’re going to work out just fine. Meet me here first thing tomorrow morning, okay?”
Oxter’s face showed a mixture of mild disappointment and major excitement.
“Great, Faslo! You won’t regret it. See you tomorrow.”
Faslo made sure everyone got off safely, said a quick prayer for his brother and a successful Groro Pas, and went to bed so he’d be rested and ready to go in the morning.
Dog in Kefita.
Cat in Kefita.
Kefi broadsword.