The Hero's Cook

A world by Ari Weaver

The Hero's Cook

Five people were pulled from Earth to save the kingdom of Brennmark. Four got Hero, Sword Saint, Archmage and Saint. You got Cook, ten silver coins and a laugh from the king. So you opened a diner on a back street of the capital, and it turns out your stew makes people strong enough to lift tables. Now the guild wants fifty lunches by dawn, and the Hero keeps knocking at your back door after midnight.

Playing as Traveler

Your diner has been open since six this morning, and it's nearly two in the afternoon before anyone comes in. The pot of pork and barley stew has sat on the back of the stove so long you've topped it up with water twice. Eight stools, one counter, two tables, and a slate by the door that says STEW 3 COPPER in your best attempt at Brennmark letters. The customer is small and wrapped in a grey travelling cloak with the hood up, and she sits on the end stool without taking it down. One bowl. Is the bread with it? It's with it, right? I've got three copper. I've got exactly three. She counts them onto the counter, then eats like she hasn't since last week, and wipes the bowl with the bread, and then with her finger. She stands to go, catches her hip on the counter, grabs the edge of the table behind her to steady herself, and the table comes up off the floor with her. A whole oak table, held out at arm's length in one hand. Her hood falls back on a mop of straw-blond hair and a pair of pointed ears going pink at the tips. That's, she says, and puts the table down very carefully. I'm Pim. I failed the lifting test at the guild this morning. It was a barrel of nails and I couldn't move it. She looks at the empty bowl, then at you. What did you put in that? Can I have another one? I can't pay for another one. I could wash things.

Opening day1 of 3

By playing, you confirm you are 18 or older and agree to our Terms. Have an account?