All the wives mixed in talk with Fwar’s harem, who were the most boisterous. Addilyn knew the Duke’s wives and she introduced Velia. My team and I kept at the ready. I was hesitant inside any walls not in my control. There was one Emperor Salvoni who I had greatly upset. I never knew when the next attempt to kill me would come to fruition. We walked along the cobbled road in a precession that passed clear of the population. Guards were stationed at intersections to allow us free travel. The onlookers watching us march by in our woodland patterned armor. That was a priority to get fixed. A white outer layer was a must.
I gazed upon the city dwellers as we passed them by. Most wore clean clothing that was in decent repair. Very few were barefoot, and the majority looked like they had a healthy weight. There were even residents with extra padding. I was shocked by this and then the gears turned in my head. The city of Bavie was well off from the fishing. The entire human Empire was a buyer of its supply. Those things tended to trickle down to the residents if the manager was kind enough to share the wealth. Which was what I was trying to do with those in my employ in Fernlan, pay extra. I knew I would face more resistance to that, but if I could, I would.
We passed the tall narrow buildings with tucked in alleyways and reached a large estate. A stone wall four feet tall wrapped the property’s borders. Black spikes decorated the top of the wall. The estate itself was four stories tall and elaborately detailed. I even saw gold outlays of ships around the windows. Some of the outlines were bare, as thieves had brazenly picked the valuable displays clean. There were statues and gargoyles everywhere you chose to look. The grounds were white crushed marble and no grass grew. Probably due to the long winters here. Every room had a small balcony, but unlike in Lakeland, there were awning covers to protect from snow and rain. The building itself was marble with all different colorations. It was as if Emperor Igrad had imported different stones from all over his Empire to build this manor. While it was not as expansive as the others I had seen, it was definitely more elegant. The craftsmen here carved intricate details into every surface that was designed. We were led up a flight of stairs and my wives rushed right into the building.
“Lord Gryff, why don’t we discuss some business while the others settle? King Horus mentioned you would need to trade some goods for services and items.” Duke Jarv said as my entourage piled into the estate with the Duke’s helpers to deposit our luggage. “Right this way. I have a nice setting overlooking the ocean at my favorite restaurant awaiting us. I hear you like food…”
My ears perked at the mention of a meal with our meeting. “I most certainly do, Nate you’re with me. Lazra secure the building and always have someone on watch.” I ordered.
Nate and I followed Duke Jarv as we walked to a large building on top of a cliff. The Duke, while not fat, was not fit either and huffed as we climbed the slope. It probably didn’t help he was in loafers. I actually did not judge the man negatively though. He had zero reason to be a warrior. His city was a port and his management style was excellent. There was no horrid stink here, or starving beggars in the streets. Maybe he cleaned it up for us, but I generally saw a well kept settlement.
The restaurant quickly ushered us in and up to the second floor. I glanced down and noticed a northern hardwood floor decorated the dining area. There was limited seating up here. The few tables were covered in elegant cloth with fancy displays of flowers and fine silverware. I even noticed the chairs were velvety and plush. We passed only a few customers enjoying their lunch and were guided to a balcony. There were two guards posted that we passed by as we were seated. The view was simply amazing. This was exactly what Fernlan lacked. I was able to gaze upon the bay and the interesting looking ship types. There were fishing boats regulated to their side of the water, enclosed by rocks. Some were rowed, others had sails. The biggest ones used both with large hanging nets ready to drop. Then there were all sorts of warships. There was even a goliath class battleship with hundreds of cannons per side. Most of the ships were sleek, surviving the retreat from the war to southern waters, while a few stood tall and proud like the mighty flagship. The mast decorating the skyline with the flag of the lost Emperor Igrad. The Duke had three advisors with him as well as his eldest son. The resemblance was clear, and I was introduced.
“Lord Gryff, this is my son, Count Dax, and my council members Lord Andy, Lady Scarlett, and finally, Lord Thompson. They are well informed of you and your recent dealing with our esteemed griffin friends. They also know you are here to voyage south to the icy plains of the Vartin Tundra.” The Duke paused and grabbed some paperwork from Lady Scarlett. “I have your winter covers for your armor, excess blankets, and salted fish already paid for by the King. We arranged a deal before your arrival. King Horus wanted to stress he wishes he was as youthful as you and was able to adventure by your side. Alas, he is not and your team seems ready to go. So, what did you bring to trade?”
Nate handed me the list of items we had for sale. There was always a list. “I have over a hundred sails… The measurements are forty feet wide by forty feet tall.” I was saying this with my face buried in the sheet, rambling off details. Count Dax coughed politely to pause me.
“Gryff, if I may?” Dax asked and I nodded. “We have too many ships as is. As mighty and wondrous as those battleships in our bay may look… they sit idle. Been that way for years. Ever since the war started losing territory. We actually converted as many cruisers and speedy frigates into fishing vessels to match our amount of crews. We want to sell boats I am afraid.”
“Well, I figured as much. Maybe I can use the canvas for another purpose down the road. What else? Oh, I have a dozen goblin hearts. I have the aura to use them as you see fit or sell them directly to you to decide later on how best to employ them. Let me see… Ten lava stones for waste burning or large heat applications and a hundred lava balls. I can get more of both later.” I looked up from the list and saw the Duke and his retinue were thrilled with this news. Goblin hearts and portable heaters were rare.
This time it was Lord Andy who spoke up. Based on his outfit and demeanor, my guess was he was in charge of the treasury or a large Trade Master. “Gryff, I am head of our treasury. While we are flush with coin we are also open to trades. I speak for the entire town of Bavie in saying we are interested in your entire list. As with all things that involve money, the question becomes the price. We can drop those lava stones directly into the harbor to allow for year round fishing. That would be a first for our great city. The snows come every winter and we lose valuable fishing time due to a blocked bay. The rocks are great for knocking down waves and slowing flow. It also tends to let ice buildup. Then there is the need to heat the city. You may have missed it but come look this way.”
Andy said and neared the balcony edge to view the majority of the city. He indicated five large boxy structures that stuck out among the well designed city.
“Those are blizzard hubs. We crowd them to conserve body heat during the worst of winter. It allows us to sustain through the brutal cold. Still, we lose a few even with such measures. Every year children freeze and nobles die unwilling to bring themselves to live with the common folk. Your heater balls and lava rocks will bring drastic changes for us. I say this not seeking charity, only to keep you informed. There are five great southern port cities just as prosperous as we are, who will be fighting to heat their residents this winter. So we truly understand the value. What interests you Gryff?”
I had to think about that. The reality was if my gear was getting white coats, I could keep my people warm, and I had enough supplies to survive a month long expedition onto the Vartin Tundra… What did I need?
“I want three ships, crews to man them, and containers to stuff our gains into. Two warships and a large hauler should do the trick. The problem is I only need to rent them. I see you frown at this.” I said as I watched them furrow brows in disappointment. “Let us be fair, where can I take these ships besides to the south and back. Then
what… You charge me a berthing fee to keep them in the bay? No thanks. My wives already hammer into me that my expenditures are too high. What do you think Nate?”
Nate glanced up from an inventory list and was combing over what we needed. “We are actually not in need of much. There may be some catalysts we can trade for, and maybe some livestock or seeds. I would need to dig deeper into what is available for trade. I do agree buying listless resting ships would be a waste. Renting them would benefit both parties though.” Nate said as he set the paper down.
Duke Jarv wanted a deal, you could see it etched into a grinning face. “Three ships as requested for six hearts, the crews another six hearts. The lava stones five gold each and the lava balls half a gold each. It is a very fair offer. It gets us both what we need without either side directly winning in the trade. My father always said a good deal is when both sides won and lost. Will you…” The Duke was about to finish when a boy no older than eight rushed by the two guards. “Out with it Charles. This is my grandson.”
The young lad panted heavily and caught his breath. “A shaman in white portaled into the city. He is seeking the god’s champion known as Gryff. I was sent running to alert you, grandpa.”
I figured he would find me. It was better here in an open area than when I was caught unaware like before. I bet it had to do with the ship supplies I held in Streb. Only one way to find out.
“Nate, get with Addilyn and Velia. Run the numbers. I tentatively agree to the deal though. Make sure I am not missing something. Duke, Count, Lords, and Ladies. I will excuse myself. It seems another meeting has interrupted this one. It was nice doing business with you and I hope to leave within two days if you can manage. Is that doable?”
“We can certainly get three ships and crews ready that quickly. I will see to it personally. Thank you for the fair trade and the business.” Dax said to me with a handshake all but sealing the deal. “Son, please escort Lord Gryff to the awaiting shaman please.”
The young lad nodded and walked out of the restaurant with me in tow. I had him pause at the establishment’s foyer on the first floor. I unarmed myself and piled all my gear onto a bench. I then stripped down to my thin layer of padding only, I looked goofy but was free of my armor. I instructed the young lady behind the greeting counter to inform Sir Nate of Fernlan to have my weapons sent to Emperor Igrad’s estate.
We continued our journey toward the center of the city and I saw more residents. There was no denying that these nice and friendly folk had it easy down here in the south. At least for the warmer months. A blanket of clouds had swarmed over us and the air temperature had chilled since this morning. I saw a few jackets on children, but for the most part, people were in normal clothes. We navigated through winding streets that seemed poorly laid out. It was as if the city was built up as needed and then grew upon itself at the whims of owners upgrading. A large fountain was off center and the portal in the middle. If I had to guess, the shamans had moved the central water decoration to make room for the monthly quota.
In the middle of the portal, the Master Shaman of Vin awaited me… Virtue. His golden eyes and light green skin still gave me the feeling he was more human than the rest of the Horde. The eyes he gazed upon me with, boiled with anger. His six foot staff of black and white catalysts swam and danced with sparkles. He even wore the exact same white robe with the needless frills.
I was overjoyed to see him and began clapping as I approached. “Far enough lad, come no closer,” I said to the boy. I already forgot his name. “Greetings Virtue! It is an honor to see you again. What brings you to summon little ole me?”
“A showboat as always… We have business to discuss and I would rather do it in refinement than out in the open. Will you accept my terms of truce for negotiation? I am wearing the white.” Virtue said and summoned a portal already. He clearly expected me to answer in the affirmative.
I shrugged and accepted his truce. My tan padding shifted to white from the tendrils of the yellow contract magic. I stepped through the portal and into blackness.
∞∞∞
The transition was smooth with only the briefest of hazes. My eyes cleared quickly and of all the things I expected to step into, this was the last on the list. We were in a sticky floored titty bar. It was loud, dimly lit, and full of dancers as well as single eyed monsters watching. Things only got stranger as I noticed the dancers were female shamans and female cyclops. My jaw tried its hardest to hit the floor in shock.
Virtue waved me to a large table, but I was flat out stunned. First, I had never seen a cyclops, I was not certain if anyone from Vin had either. They were backline planners and tabletop strategists. Never seen in the battle lines. So for me to be in a bar with males casually viewing females dancing… well, I was lost in what to do and how to react. A human female came to my side and this floored me with rage. I used a few moments to study the largest cyclops. He was at least nine feet tall with gray skin. He bulged with muscles, but his hands lacked callouses of hard work. His outfit was intricate and detailed to show off physique more than be useful in work or combat. They all had three fingers and a thumb. Their single eye was teal in the iris on all three and the sclera a swirl of black and white. There were very sharp pointy teeth in his mouth that spoke of a predator. His fingertips were sharp pointy black claws. This definitely was an apex predator when you combined tools.
“Easy sugar… Your outfit is white, be careful with that temper. Now go get seated with your host, they rarely exude patience.” A woman in a bikini swimsuit said. She wore a collar with a small bell and a tag. She was a slave… I wonder if Virtue wanted me to go irate and trigger my own death. Nevermind… of course he did. I exhaled a steamed breath and worked my way past a few serving girls to a poorly lit back table.
I grabbed a seat with my back to the dancers. I was not here to ogle the one eyed dancers. They were thick, bright green, and had triple tits. They also had huge asses and it was better for me to have them to my back. The female shamans were a preserve man’s dream come true though. These ones on the stage were rocking bodies that were fit and curved right. If you didn’t mind the lime green coloring, hideous teeth, and offset orange eyes.
“Why bring me here?” I asked.
There were five cyclops around the table playing a game of cards. I guess I could call it cards, but the reality was more like card sized dominos with far more dots. It was a game I could not follow being so foreign to me. They gambled on moves and paid little attention to me.
“We want the sails and oars? Are you dense?” The smallest of the cyclops said.
I was brought a drink by the human waitress who I got a good look at this time. She was well fed and older. Not my type but I was to assume she was not at any risk of dying from starvation. She was mostly void of emotion and handed me a dark liquid without a smile. I grabbed the glass and gave it a sniff.
Whiskey… Well, I’ll be damned. I sipped it and it was delightful. I pointed to the glass indicating I would like another and she simply nodded.
“This is yummy, now where were we… Oh, right you lost four wagons carelessly to me. Ouch…” I laughed at my own statement.
The crowd hushed and the dancers stopped. The dancers were ushered off the stage and the other patrons were escorted out. In a matter of moments, it was only me and six of my foes.
“You dare to insult me. I am...” The cyclops went to launch into his accolades. I did what any child would do when they wanted to avoid hearing a grown up talk.
I stuck my fingers in my ears and started making stupid noises that drowned out his voice. This got him to slam the table in anger, breaking it. As the table shattered with his force, a splinter of wood embedded itself into my stomach. It stung and barely pierced the skin. The cyclops realized his error too late as the contract magic touched him. He gave a blood curdling cry as he was slowly vaporized into dust for his transgression.
I stared at the pile of coins, weapons, and jewe
lry left behind. “Wahoo, loot! This is all mine correct?” I said and waited for Virtue to acknowledge me.
“By the seven gods of the Horde, we warned him not to come. He was told to be rational to your irrationality. Yes, by a violation of the truce the items are yours and technically the host owes you a boon. Desma you need to take over his caravan now.” The largest of the cyclops ordered. He nodded to Virtue who portaled the dead cyclops gear to somewhere else. I was hoping the items were in Bavie now. Another cyclops excused himself and then it was three cyclops, Virtue and I.
“I am Master Cyclops Rakmar, this is my second Quarton and my third Klimarna. The one who you defeated by trickery was the cyclops leading a five million troop caravan south. We will discuss this more elsewhere. This table is ruined and I desperately need another drink.” Rakmar stood and we followed him out of the floor room.
Small winged aliens that looked like fairies rushed in to clean up the mess. Each had a small bell and a tag. It made me wonder what other aliens were out there and if I could contract goblin slaves. Maybe that was why the half dead orc never came into Fernlan. I figured this was a rare opportunity to glean some knowledge. It was probably prudent I curtailed my provoking of the enemy from here on.
We passed a set of double doors and found a lounging room with a half circular bench. I slid my back against the wall, not wanting it exposed. It did put me in the middle of the half round bench with a full view of the entire room. I was surrounded as the grey cyclops grabbed a comfy spot beside me. A new shaman girl with a large bust who side eyed Virtue with lust, delivered our drinks.
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