Threadbare

A Wildling Brood 2

So Im Garon, the fat boy said. He pointed at the tall youth who was walking ahead of them. Thats Jarrik. The small one with the turtle is Bakshaz.

Im Celia. This is Threadbare.

Threadbare waved, and Garon chuckled. So youre old man Caradons daughter, then?

Um, yes, how did you know?

Not too many moving teddy bears out in these parts. Has to be an animator and I dont know any in town. We used to have one as a neighbor but she was kind of crazy.

Oh yer talkin about Mimsy? Jarrik spoke up.

You know she hated that name.

Pssh. She wanted ta bake me into a pie.

That was only ever a rumor.

Yeah, right, no baker needs an oven that big. And yer cant tell me them cages was all fer animals.

Whatever. Her thing was animated gingerbread men. And baking. I think she might have been trying to find an unlock.

Summat mixed with cultist, prolly.

Hey, that was never proven.

What happened to her? Celia asked, curious. She didnt know any other animators than her Daddy. Didnt know many people, really, when you got down to it, but this Mimsy shared a job with her so it made her more intriguing.

Garon shrugged. Bad business. Someone pushed her into her own oven.

I still say she crawled in herself, Jarrik grumped.

Whatever. Shes gone. But yeah, animated gingerbread men. Less fun then youd think, between the bad weather we get out here and the bugs.

But Bakshaz spoke up for the first time, and the two older boys immediately stopped talking, and looked at him. Celia, her mouth half open to ask a question, managed to shut up. The little boys voice was high-pitched, and creaky, higher than hers. But Mimzals gingerbread men all said animi in their status. His says greater toy golem. He pointed at Threadbare.

You can read status screens? Celia burst out. Thats amazing!

Instantly the little boy smiled widely, showing all his teeth, and stuck his hands in his overall pockets. Ow! His smile disappeared, and he pulled out a turtle, that was chewing on his thumb. Okay yes Shelly its feeding time. Were almost to the creek. Please be patient. He cranked up his smile again, and the turtle let go.

Threadbare felt strange. That kid suddenly seemed a lot nicer looking. Totally a good guy, the golem could tell, though he couldnt say why.

Its not as amazing as you think, Jarrik said. Its not as awesome as scouts, we can use Scouter to start reading people at tenth level.

Which you havent got yet, so shut up, Garon said, amicably. Bakshaz is a Tamer. Hes all about making friends with monsters, and collecting them as companions. So one of his abilities lets him look at monster status screens. And it looks like golems count as monsters.

The woods thinned a bit, and Celia started to hear running water ahead. But she barely paid attention to where she was going, fascinated by the conversation and her new friends? Hopefully friends. Oh, uh, yeah, my Daddy made him. Golems are special animations that you dont have to renew every time their spell runs out. Theyre pretty tough.

Bakshaz nodded so hard his frizzy hair wobbled, still staring fascinated at Threadbare.

I didnt know he was a greater golem, though. Celia looked down at Threadbare, and the little bear hugged her. I thought Daddy was still working on those. I knew he was special, but I guess Daddy wanted me to have him to protect me. Youre the first of his successes!

Threadbare shrugged.

Whats so great about greater golems? Garon asked.

Everything. Theyre smart. Regular golems are as dumb as animi, but greaters are as smart as people.

Threadbare nodded. See? Celia grinned. He agrees.

Can he fight?

Oh yeah. He helped me fight off a gropevine when Mister Mordecai was teaching me to be a scout.

Wait, Dad taught yer to be a scout? Jarrik asked, looking unconvinced.

Um, yes, why?

Its just that yer bout to walk right inta a big patchof poison ivy.

One hasty scramble, a dropped bear, and a minimal amount of chaos later, they reached the creek, Threadbare toddling along behind them as Bakshaz kept peeking at the little golem.

Im not a very good scout yet, I guess, Celia sat on one of the big rocks near the water.

Did he take ya out to Oblivion Point? Jarrik asked.

Oh. Yes.

Yeah, thass a good run. If Dad taught you how to be a scout, yer a scout. Good comes wi practice.

Garron grinned. Wow, his teeth were sharp. Jarrik is Dads son, through and through. Wants to be a scout and an archer just like his old man.

The way he said that was weird. Wait, if hes his Dads son Youre not your Fathers son?

What? Oh no, no. Were all his sons. Its just I dont want to follow in his footsteps, thats all.

He wants ter be a mercenary, Jarrik explained. Do ya have a fishing pole?

No, sorry. I can watch, its all right. Wait, mercenary is a job? I just thought most of them were knights or archers or other fighting jobs.

Jarrik hunted around found a stick, started tying some twine to it. Oh dont get im started-

Too late. Garon grinned widely, and spread his arms. Let me tell you about my awesome career path!

Bakshaz rolled his eyes and started digging in the mud, putting Shelly down to do so. Jarrik sighed, and worked on the makeshift fishing rod. Garon continued, oblivious. Most of the fighting types come from the four warrior classes, its true, but sometimes they dont fight for money. Mercenaries, now? We fight, but its secondary to getting paid. In fact, weve got stuff that lets us fight better so long as weve got money! And we always get paid.

Yeah thats one of his skills, Jarrik said, in a sing-song voice, clearly copying his brother. If you give him a quest and stiff him on the reward he can give you a permanent luck and fate debuff.

Garron punched his shoulder, and Jarrik yelped.

Wow! Celia leaned in. That actually sounds pretty good.

Thats not all! Garon grinned, rummaging around in his pack and pulling out his own fishing rod. When Im on a quest I get bonuses to every attribute when Im doing something to complete that quest.

So wait, The girl frowned. If mercenary isnt one of the warrior classes, what is it?

Its one a tha wanderer classes, Jarrik said. Explorer, Mercenary, Merchant, and Scout.

Yep. Were made to travel. I wont be around here forever. Garon glanced over to Bakshaz. How are you coming on those worms?

Shelly eats first. Bakshaz pointed at the turtle.

Right, right. Dont leave us hanging, I want to eat tonight too.

Hes got you covered. Bakshaz pointed into the creek.

The three other kids turned, to see Threadbare in the shallows, claws hooked into a fat trout, dragging it ashore. Another forage level and point of dexterity achieved!

Okay, I like this little guy, Jarrik said. I see how he got you through the scout test.

We kind of helped each other, Celia smiled. But yeah, hes great.

Threadbare toddled up and laid the flopping fish at her feet. Garon leaned down, grabbed it, and casually beat it against a rock until it stopped moving.

Celia jumped a bit, then settled down, but Jarrik caught it. Woss wrong?

I guess Im just new to killing. Ah, things.

Well yer a girl, I spec its diffrent fer girls.

Maybe? She shrugged. I dont have any sisters. Its just me and Daddy, most of the time. And Emmet, but he doesnt do much. And Threadbare, now. She smiled down at the little bear. Thanks for the fish.

He patted her knee, then started to amble back to the creek. No, no, I remember what happened the last time you got into running water, She scooped him up. Then juggled him to one side, as Jarrik handed her a rod, with a freshly hooked worm writhing on it.

Ya know how this works?

Ive read about it.

They spent a good hour fishing. After a bit of prodding, Bakshaz made him a little rod, too, though Threadbare took care of gathering his own worms. It bumped up his forage skill again, so he figured that was worth the effort.

And finally, he caught something-

You have unlocked the generic skill: Fishing!

Your Fishing skill is now level 1!

-and was promptly yanked into the water. Sure, he had the strength of a weedy human at this point, but he still had the mass of a twelve-inch tall teddy bear.

Here we go again, he thought, as the waters closed around his head. Irritated, he flailed around, looking for purchase.

Your Swim skill is now level 2!

He did manage to get his feet to the bottom. Unlike the Icewine river that ran past Celias house, this little creek was much slower. Threadbare came to a halt, and walked along the bottom, emerging up on shore

and staring right into the face of a creature hed never seen before. It was four times his size, with a grubby snout, two squinty little eyes, and hooves for feet. It had a ridge of hair down its muddy back, and two tusks that positively dwarfed Garons sticking up from its lower jaw.

The boar, which had been enjoying a peaceful drink up until now, snorted.

Threadbare considered his options, and waved.

The boars eyes narrowed.

Oh boy, came Jarriks whisper from upriver. The boar shuffled back, glaring between the tall half-orc and the little bear.

Theyre over here, Jarrik called, as loudly as he dared, then froze. The young boar stared his direction for a while, then looked back to Threadbare. It snuffled him, and Threadbare snuffled back.

Your Scents and Sensibility skill is now level 7!

Then Celia burst through the trees and the boar whipped around to face her, squealing and pawing the ground.

Hey! Bakshaz burst out behind her, a big goofy grin on his face, with a dead fish in each hand, and Shelly clamped on for dear life to his hair. Lets be friends!

The boar hesitated.

Behind Bakshaz, axe out, Garon moved up, step by step, slowly. You sure you want to try this, Bakky?

I always wanted a boar. Bakshaz never looked away from the pig. He approached, step by step. Besides, I got my Beast Truce.

Celia froze, a stuffed animal in both hands, and looked over to Jarrik. The thin scout nodded. Let im try. If it dunt work Jarrik tapped his bow.

The boar and Threadbare watched Bakshaz approach, holding the fish, grin up the whole time. Eventually the smell of the fish became too strong, and the boar sniffed once, twice, then paced forward and tore it from the boys hands, slurping it down in three crunching bites.

Tame Monster! Bakshaz said. Green light flared

and the boar instantly shrunk to half its former size.

What? Celia said, staring.

Behind her, Jarrik and Garon relaxed. It means it worked, Garon said. Hes Bakshazs pet now.

Yeah, but its a manageable size fer him until he gets ta a higher level, Jarrik explained.

Thats that makes no sense, Celia said.

And moving teddy bears do?

Well, they had her there. She watched Bakshaz laugh delightedly and tackle the boar, winced as they rolled around on the dirt, and the boar bit and shoved at the little half-orc. Red numbers flashed up, low ones, but still she hissed between her teeth. Are you sure of this?

Relax, this is why Tamers get good con. Besides, Im not just a mercenary. Garon pointed at his brother. Slow Regeneration.

Mom taught im shaman, Jarrik explained. Figgered if he was gonna go off ter fight in battles, he should prolly know how to fix himself.

His name is Porkins, Bakshaz finally declared after the scuffle was over, and Shelly was returned to his pocket.

Well, thas nice. Lets get tha fish and go home before Porkins eats any more of our dinner.

As for you! Celia shook her finger at Threadbare, who looked back at her, seated as he wrung water out of his legs.

CHA +1

Your Adorable skill is now level 12!

Aw, its not like it was your fault, Celia said. Well just tie you to a rock or to me next time youre fishing. Here, let me try this Clean and Press!

Mordecais sons watched, as the water sprayed out of the bear, along with the mud, stains, and random weeds hed collected during his dunking. Neat! Garon declared. Is that an animator trick?

No, just a tailor skill. The only tailor skill Ive got right now. Im still new at it.

Huh. Well, none of us can do that so that should make Mom happy. The kids and their assorted companions started their walk back home.

Wait, should we be going back? Celia asked, a few hundred feet later. Are you sure theyre done?

Yah, yah, Jarrik nodded. Dad whispered tha all clear twenny minutes ago.

Oh, right, we can do that. She shook her head, and Jarrik patted her back.

Dun worry. Well teach yer tha ropes, Da and me.

Garon chuckled. Just make sure you tell Beryl about Celia before she finds out on her own. Shell jump to entirely the wrong conclusion.

Whos Beryl? Celia wondered.

His girl. Garon grinned, and blocked Jarriks punch.

She is not!

Totally is.

It ent like that!

Pretty much is.

You dont know nuffin about it!

See this, Celia? This is probably like that book you read, with the knight and the maiden and the ripping bodices.

Oh! Celia brightened up. How romantic!

Not you too Jarik groaned, shooting her a betrayed look.

Garon and Bakshaz laughed, but then they were at the hut, and Celia felt the gnawing of fear coming back to weigh her down. That look the woman that Mordecais wife had shot her that look had been pure wickedness. What if his wife was angry that he brought Celia home? What if she was going to, to Celias imagination failed, but she was sure it was something horrible.

What if she was mean?

Ah, there yare. Mordecai rocked on the porch, seated comfortably in a fur-covered chair, feet up on the railing, puffing his pipe. Cmon up an meet Zuula. He had a weary smile on his face, that shed never seen before. It was almost smug.

Gathering her courage, reassured by the presence of her new friends at her back, she pushed through the beaded curtain and into the hut. Th/e most uptodat𝓮 n𝒐vels are published on n0velbj)n(.)co/m

The scent was different now, she noticed. Not that raw, spicy scent, that hotness that grabbed at the nose that shed first smelled. In her arms, Threadbare snuffled, turning his head to see.

The walls were lined with beds, and the largest of them had Mordecais boots next to it. In the center of the hut coals smoldered in a firepit, the smoke from the bubbling pot escaping through a hole in the roof. Idly, Celia wondered what they did when it rained, but she was soon distracted by the decorations on the walls. Broken weapons, a pair of shattered manacles, what looked like half a dozen shriveled up body parts from animals she didnt recognize, tapestries, dried plants of all kinds, and looming above it all like a gods idol before its offerings, was that painted wooden mask. Much too large to fit Celia, too large to fit Mordecai, it loomed with red-painted wood and bone teeth filling its mouth, the eyesockets empty but seeming to dance in the firelight, shifting around as if it was constantly surveying its domain.

Child... A deep voice purred, and Celia jumped. What she thought was a wall hanging was a curtain off to another room. While shed been woolgathering, it had been swept aside. Yellow eyes peered out at Celia from the darkness, and the little girl swallowed.

But this time, the eyes were free of malice.

Welcome to Zuulas home, child. A somewhat plump woman swept into the room. She had a robe on this time, loose around her enormous bosom, but snug around her wide hips. Her visible skin was green, dusky green in the firelight, and Celia could just make out the traceries of scars starting where her wrists met the robes sleeves.

But she had a pretty face, and though her teeth were many and sharp, her satisfied smile matched Mordecais for friendliness. Her dreadlocked hair was pulled back in a braid now, not loose.

It almost seemed like two different women. Celias eyes flickered from the matronly figure to the mask.

Perhaps it was two different women. She gained a wis increase then, and didnt know why.

Zuula merely stood there, arms wide, smiling at her.

Er, hello, Celia said, nervously stepping closer. I-ah!

Zuula swept Celia into a bonecrushing hug, squishing Threadbare against her side. The little bear wriggled, and Zuula looked down. Ha! De little Golem!

Er, yes, hes Threadbare. Say hi, Threadbare.

Threadbare waved.

Dreadbear. Good name.

Ah, no, Threadbare.

Is what Zuula said, Dreadbear. The woman released Celia, dropping her to the ground. The little girl staggered madly on the planks of the floor, trying to avoid going into the stone-ringed fire. Come come, you is welcome. Mordecai be sayin you feed him, yes?

What?

On de way here. You hunt him food, yes?

Oh, the Blue Jay She rummaged in her pockets, and pulled out a handful of crumpled blue feathers. Yes, I guess I did, though he did most of the-

Then Zuula owe you a dinner!

She helped with the fishing too, Mom. Garon offered up from the doorway.

Ha ha! Fish for dinner! Goes well with every ting that Zuula growed this morning! Bring it in, put it in de gumbo, Garon.

Oh, and weve got a pig now.

Pig can go in de gumbo too. Zuula pulled a massive, curved knife down from a ceiling rack. Part of it, anyway.

No, I mean, Bakky tamed it.

Hm! Den he go in de gumbo eventually, but not now. Pig, not Bakky.

Almost done cleanin the fish, Mordecai called in.

Tch. Waste of good fish heads, Zuula groused, but shrugged. Feed to de pig, den.

Already did! Bakshaz yelled.

Not all of dem, Zuula hope. The woman licked her lips.

Saved you the biggest one, mom!

Good. Good boy.

And so, a little while later, they all had gumbo. All except Threadbare, which was fine with him. The others seemed to enjoy the taste, but it smelled spicy and weird to his bear nose, and he was much more interested in exploring the hut, anyway. He ambled around freely, peering at things. Behind the second beaded curtain he found a small room with a heavy fruitlike scent over the smell of dung. It had a toilet and small sink in it, a thing hed never seen before because hed never accompanied Celia to the bathroom or even been in the bathroom of Celias old house. Curious, he clambered up and peered into the bowl of it, staring at the water, not seeing any fish.

From there, it was easy enough to climb up onto the seat, and stretch up, take hold of the sink to hoist himself up and examine that

which worked until his paws slipped, and he tottered backward, feet sliding on the well-worn ceramic of the toilet seat-

-only to be caught at the last minute by a callused hand.

LUCK +1

Mordecai looked down at him. You keep fallin at bad times, mister bear. Need ta work on yer footing.

Threadbare nodded, and patted Mordecais wrist.

Glad I ran into yer. Summat we needs ta discuss, anyway. He left the bathroom. Celia, you mind ifn I have a word with Threadbare?

Um, no? He doesnt talk.

He lissens, though, yah?

Yes! Hes great at that!

Right, then. Mordecai headed out the door, putting the teddy bear to the ground as he did so. Walk wi me a bit, Threadbare.

The bear nodded, and followed.

Mordecai headed out towards the setting sun, to where the woods grew thin and the hills started up again. Youre a bit moren ya seem, me friend.

Threadbare shrugged.

I knew Caradon was up ta somefing when he asked me ta bring him toys every week. Bunches of em. Rose some questions in town, I tell you that. But I did. An yer the result.

Threadbare considered it, and nodded.

Smart golems. Thas part of what we need. Figurin out a way to makeem work properly, so he can upgrade Emmet. Because we need Emmet, if this fing is gonna work.

Threadbare shrugged.

Ya know scouts of tha proper level can look at yer status screen, right? I did when I met ya. And for tha longest time I couldnt figure out why Caradon had given yer tha ruler job.

Threadbare shook his head. He hadnt gotten that from Caradon. Hed earned that through regicide, thank you very much. He wasnt sure what regicide was, but it was the word that had popped up, he remembered.

Two possibilities come to me, then. Both pretty ugly. Mordecai stopped in a field of grass. It was empty out here, with the sun well on its way down, and the wind riffling through the field. Just Mordecai standing there solemn and patient, and Threadbare looking up at the old wanderer.

First thing that come to me, was that yer tha way for Emmet to get the Ruler class. Emmet pops you, an then becomes king. But then I think nah, if hes found a way to give it ta golems, then he could just give it ta Emmet, right?

Threadbare nodded. That wasnt what had happened, but the statement was true. The part that he understood, anyway.

The second thought, an the one that makes the most sense ta me, is that yer how he wants to give the Ruler job to Celia. And it ent through marriage or adoption. Which leaves

Regicide, the grass seemed to whisper. Threadbare shivered, though he didnt know why. Hed have to figure out that word at some point. It boded.

Thas the one job we need for er, the hard one ta get. We need er ta have that job, an there aint many kings around these days. Or queens. Or other kinds of royalty. Balmoran has fallen in th North, and the Earls dead, along wi his son. The engagements not an option no more. Theres just one king left, an shell need everyfing shes got against im. And so will them what follers her.

Threadbare stood in the grass, staring at Mordecai as the wind swirled and howled across the hills.

Mordecai stared at the little toy for a long time. Hed seen it in action, first against the eagle, then during Celias test. Watched it every step of the way. He knew what it was capable of. At least, he thought he did.

I suppose the question I got fer yer, the big one, is simple. Will ya give yer life for Celia when the time comes? Give up everyfing you ave for that little girl?

Threadbare considered it.

For exactly three seconds.

Then he nodded.

Celia had saved him. Saved him from being dust, he thought, saved him from the cat the first time around, though that had worked out okay in the end. Shed definitely saved him from the Eagle, and theyd more or less saved each other from the troubles during that whole scouting run. He couldnt imagine a life without her, and though he didnt know what love was, he knew that he loved her. She was his little girl, and he was her teddy bear, and that was that.

Mordecai sighed. Cant say I like it, even if I unnerstand it. Hard times. Hard choices. But I respect yer creator, so if yer at peace wi it, then Im at peace wi it, regardless of what comes. Come on Mister Bear, lets go home.

Wondering what all that had been about, Threadbare followed him back to the hut.

THREADBARE'S CHARACTER SHEET

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Threadbare

Age: 8 days

Jobs:

Greater Toy Golem Level 7

Bear Level 4

Ruler Level 2

Scout 2

Attributes:

Strength: 47 Constitution: 54 Hit Points: 145 Armor: 22

Intelligence: 37 Wisdom: 55(60) Sanity: 92(97) Mental Fortitude: 12

Dexterity: 24 Agility: 33 Stamina: 65 Endurance: 32

Charisma: 35(40) Willpower: 27 Moxie: 61(66) Cool: 20 (30)

Perception: 37 Luck: 35 Fortune: 71 Fate: 7

Generic Skills

Brawling - Level 9

Climb - Level 6

Clubs and Maces - Level 7

Dagger - Level 4

Dodge - Level 1

Fishing - Level 1

Ride - Level 1

Stealth - Level 3

Swim - Level 2

Greater Toy Golem Skills

Adorable Level 12

Gift of Sapience Level NA

Golem Body Level 5

Innocent Embrace - Level 2

Magic Resistance Level 4

Bear Skills

Animalistic Interface NA

Claw Swipes 6

Forage 7

Scents and Sensibility 7

Toughness 7

Ruler Skills

Emboldening Speech - Level 1

Identify Subject - Level 1

Noblesse Oblige - Level 1

Royal Request - Level 1

Simple Decree - Level 1

Scout Skills

Camouflage - Level 1

Firestarter - Level 1

Keen Eye - Level 1

Sturdy Back - Level 5

Wind's Whisper - Level 1

Equipment

Rod of Baronly Might - (Level 5 Club, CHA +5, WIS +5, +10 Cool )

Quests