“Who is the ‘he’ that left a marker in her bust and the bank is right there,” Barq said while pointing.
I looked over at the direction of his finger and felt dumb. The city was massive. Thousands of ten-story plus tall stone buildings dominated the skyline. Who knew how many were in between them. Based on the people in the park we were in the fancy section of this town. One of the tallest buildings had a massive flag over it. That flag was black with gold trim and had a gold coin emblem. Well, that solved that problem.
“The boss of everything and I will not say more. You were there but do not remember. That should further solidify the gravity of the situation. We are safe and hidden for now,” I said while checking my level. “Woah. I am at level one seventy. Damn, I wonder what they dropped.”
“We never got to find out. Kor killed seven of the nine and his impact was so close to the last two he knocked them out as they rode on. We each cast a spell on them to get experience before they died,” Nicole informed me while checking her wrist. “Barq and I are sixty-three while Zoey and Misty are sixty-two. Apparently killing high-level people is very rewarding. I too wonder what they dropped. The moment we slit their throats I felt odd and then woke up standing on this field.”
I started to walk through the park and my team followed me. Zoey ran up to my side and held my right hand. Barq ran up and goofily put his tiny hand in mine. I shook my hand free and he grinned. He was taking this better than I thought he would.
“Thanks, Red. I take it you asked about my family?” he said as we walked for the park exit. “You know I am useless here right? As in no people to get special deals with, where anything…”
I paused our walk and set my free hand on his shoulder. “I do understand any connection you earned being a merchant over the years have vanished. I am going to set up an adventuring guild and I am sure you can find a good place to fit in. Either helping run it, or adventuring, or both. I forgot to ask our host if all our stuff made it with us. Check the bags real quick.”
I pulled my bag off and inspected the inside. The calendar, some rope, flint, kindling, water bladder, pen and paper, and a few loose coins. I saw the others dig through and Barq held up the mount orb. That answered my big question.
“Why did we not get to loot those you killed, and later the ones we did?” Zoey asked with a scoff.
“Probably to reduce the ability for our foes to track us. If we showed off, sold…” I said and realized something. They could track the bear mounts. They were a specific drop. “I think we never looted the ‘bandits’ to avoid being found. We need to swap the mounts out through a middle person. While we walk to the bank think of what else we may have to secretly sell. We need hooded cloaks for the next few days anyway. If we add to our group then anyone trying to find three elvath, a big man, and a gnome will struggle.”
I went to walk and the chipper mood vanished from Barq into a muttering sour face gnome.
“Red will get us all mounts, everything will be okay Barq,” Nicole said in a soothing voice and I was shocked when he calmed. “We are not on Yariw after all. Maybe there is a better creature to ride that is cheaper here. The air is far more humid and the temperature is already warmer in the morning sunlight. Maybe a tropical world.”
The closer we got to the exit of the park, the louder the noise of the city traffic was. Horse hooves clomping against stones was somewhat drowned out by people talking over the noise as they walked. A vendor shouted out offers for tea and when we entered the street I was waved at. Very few people here were armed as there were guards with archer support above them at every intersection.
Teams of young snake humanoid aliens slithered between the flows of traffic to scoop up animal dung. There were hand carts, large wagons, and then fancy carriages. One alien beauty was being carried by a harem of cyclops. There was a lot to take in and standing still was not an option. The bank’s flag was easy to spot with a glance up high. I saw a seagull… well, a variance of one that squawked as it dove down for food. There were pigeons perched up high watching us walk down the city road. There were elevated sidewalks made of stone slats that we used to guide us to our destination. I heard rushing water under us and saw the sidewalks were on top of a fast moving sewer system. That would explain the lack of a nasty smell.
We left the road that the park put us on and arrived in a massive town circle. Vendors were selling breakfast food and drink. A fountain made water dance in the center with a mermaid as the projector of the liquid. There were thousands of tables and chairs spread out with umbrella covers being set up by crews. Pigeons hopped around those eating and even city squirrels were present. I was able to view the massive marbled bank from here. There was a winding ramp on the left side and stairs on the right to get to the building.
Everything was constructed with stone. A nice colored stone that had etchings of detail wherever it could. The designs spoke of wealth and patience. This city was not built overnight and each project - at least in the city center - was given meticulous care.
I halted us by a breakfast vendor and looked at Zoey.
“Coins still good?”
“I have them,” Nicole said and I had failed to realize her foot was healed. She saw me eyeing it. “Fixed at the park with the boot on. I feel great. Since I am the healer with two healing spells I will carry the money.”
“Actually take out a small amount for spending and hand it out to everyone. I want you all to have spending coins. The rest is going into the bank. Same with the orb Barq. Banks will facilitate such transactions privately,” I said while Nicole went to a table with six chairs.
She set the bag down and piled out five silvers five times. She then handed me the bag of valuables. Barq tossed his bear mount in. All the drops from the bear boss sadly went into the bag. Even the boar left Zoey and she gave it up. When I eyed Mysti she stomped her foot in denial.
“Do I have to?” Mysti pleaded. “Sharky is awesome.”
“The werewolves were not supposed to be there,” I said and let the sentence hang. “Fresh start for everyone. Well minus Barq. We are not going to piecemeal our builds based on random drops. See here goes my lightning. We are going to do things right.”
I think they were catching on. The orb that was Sharky went into the bag. The ladies dumped in what orbs they had and we were no longer were an effective fighting unit. Even the self-heal went in.
“Eat some breakfast and get me a to-go breakfast burrito or something. Find out where the nearest orb selling is. Get three options if you can,” I said while hoisting our loot bag. A few steps away and I shifted to look at them over my shoulder. “Do not roam far.”
With that said I was gone. I snaked through the busier section of the road until I hit the bank stairs. I bounded up the two at a time and when I hit the plateau to the bank I was halted by a guard.
“Woah big human,” a dryad with vines of flowing hair said. The lady had a light shade of forest green skin and was six and a half feet tall. Her armor was a mix of tree bark and metal. Her weapon was an elaborate staff with engravings of forest images. There was a lavender gem at the top that shined a sprinkling of light as the sun hit it. Her multi-colored eyes sparkled as she gazed at me giving my body and exposed muscled arms a hard look. “Where was I. Oh yes. No weapons in the bank. I am surprised the guards let you into the upper city with those. Normally nobles only carry.”
“Yes, well I happen to be a noble on my home world. I can be convincing,” I said with a charming smile while producing my marker. She gave a soft laughter and gently closed my hand letting me keep my marker.
“You sure are cute and it is so rare to see a man so bulky while handsome. Hey Dravo, cover my spot. Follow me to the weapon check in. I am Cyrene and welcome to Remi. I can tell you are fresh from the portal and no handsome man should be so clueless while alone.” Cyrene said with a sultry tone. I was no fool, she was clearly flirting with me. We reached a counter on the side of the entrance
. “Standard noble weapon drop off Yesic.”
Another dryad started to accept my gear when I got a second set of sparkling eyes inspecting me and ignoring my weapons.
“On my home planets, we did not have dryads. Assuming that the name is correct.”
“It is,” Yesic said with a smile. I was surprised to see human teeth revealed.
Besides the viney hair, they looked very human.
“Are all dryads as beautiful as you two?” I asked and a cough from beside me prevented them from answering. The girls giggled and went to side talking as I shifted to address the newcomer.
A human in a plain robe that had a nametag ‘Fred’ on it smiled at me. “Ah, new to the planet Thur I take it. Welcome to the fabulous city of Remi. Excuse me Cyrene and Yesic. Pester the client in your off time. I am Fred and will be handling your transactions today. Our elvath overheard you were a noble. Elvath and their superior eavesdropping. Nobles get special treatment. Can I see your marker?” Fred said and I handed him the token that James gave me. The last of my weapons hit the counter. Yesic inspected the bag real quick and then handed it off to me. Fred waved me forward now that I was past security. “Noble indeed. This is a rare marker from a very special planet.”
We walked past a line of aliens that included orcs, dwarves, humans, dryads, cyclops, and more. They all waited for tellers that stood behind clear glass counters that were occupied by customers. One of those customers was an ogre and I grinned at seeing them integrated into a busy society. A few guards eyed me as we shifted through the front area towards a back office. A lady gnome in a pink robe ran up to Fred and he handed off my marker. We turned left and I watched the gnome vanish into a back room.
Fred opened a door and a fancy table with trinkets on it greeted us. We were in his office. I saw drawings of children in happy poses with a smiling mother watching over them. He had a few orbs on display and even a boxy familiar. I thought putting up those items was interesting. I certainly was intrigued. Before I could study them the door shut and he spoke.
“Name?”
“Red,” I said with a smile and stuck my hand out. He shook it with a firm grip.
“Well Red, how often have you been to a bank of the creator?”
“First time,” I said while seeing the familiar on his desk being displayed was a harpy fairy mix. “Neat familiar.”
“Yes, I am no adventurer. I have a giant room full of collectibles I purchase and view fondly. I like to imagine the adventures that transpired to acquire them from the safety of my home as my children clamor about. Well, your time with us is confidential and privacy guaranteed. You see that painting in the corner. That is my familiar. The tool is a sound container.” Fred was paused as a knock at the door interrupted him. He rose from his wooden chair and opened the door. The gnome handed him my marker and a statement. “Perfect. Thanks, Shala.”
When the door closed and he reseated himself he handed over the paperwork. A rapid glance revealed those Justicars dropped a lot of loot. Then again if they were soldiers from a top faction one would expect them to be well equipped. One barium, twelve orite, and forty-six silver. I smiled at this.
“Were you hoping to conduct some business? I can issue some makers against this or accompany you for a day. There is a small fee but you will not find it too troublesome. Vendors tend to avoid gouging new arrival when we are present,” Fred said while he studied me intently.
“That would be most helpful. I do have a few problems to address that require discretion first. I have some orbs you might find as collectibles I need to secretly offload. Would these interest you?” I said and laid out the bear mounts and fishing vessel familiar. Fred gulp and his cheeks rose as he smiled. “I can even sell them at a discount if they were to go into a private room and not be spoken about for some time.”
“You intrigue me, Mr. Red. These bear mounts, they are from a boss on only a handful of planets. A prize for certain. I will find out their values…”
“How about we don't discuss it and you give me half of what you think they are worth. I am an adventurer and the boss loot is being sought by a rival.”
“Ah… this boat will not be tied to the boss. Familiars drop off everything at different rates. I can do the full price on this and half on the bears. My eldest, Marc is an avid fisherman. Loves to go out on the lake. I bought him a dinghy he endlessly complains about having to drag in and out of the water. This would be perfect. Hard to find the smaller ones available believe it or not. Would full price for this and half for the bears work?”
“Honestly, yes. Very much so. While I see I have some wealth there is much I need to purchase and get help with.” I muttered as he studied the boxy container the vessel was in with a grin. “Too small for me. Not sure what I will get as my familiar.”
“I saw you flirting with Cyrene, well, at least not scorning her,” Fred said as if he expected me to have a response. “Ah, you are not just new to the planet Thur or our city of Remi. You are new to the master verse. You must have upset someone with your arrival.”
“You are a smart man Fred. Your line of thought leads to paths I am trying to avoid. I want to buy some gear and adventure. Lead a quiet life for a bit and then move on,” I said sternly.
“How about we become friends and partners?” Fred said with a serious expression while leaning back in his chair.
“You lost me.”
“Red, you clearly are capable. This amount in your bank, the deposit came from… Ashrini. That is the capital of the universe. The place where technology is allowed, violence is not, and only the gods get to visit. I am at a fork in the road as they say. You are obviously someone of import. I can distance myself from you and indeed kept my solemn word you do not exist. That would be my standard modus operandi. But!” The man said while ingesting the bear and spawning it beside himself. He petted the little mount while grinning. “These kinds of finds at a discount give me a thrill. The oddities you could send to me before they hit the market. The money you can make with proper backing. I see a golden opportunity in you.”
“Ah…” I said while scratching my stubble that needed a shave. Maybe I would grow a beard. I shook off the distraction. “Fred, I do desire a business partner. Especially one in the background with connections in a city as vast as Remi. I would assume you would not be doing a lot of leg work and an assistant would instead?”
“Depends on what were you wanting to achieve here?” Fred said while returning the bear to his core. The length of the summons meant he had at least some levels. “You want to dominate or grow?”
“Grow quietly and peacefully for now. The violence will surely follow later.”
I expected him to scoff but there was little reaction.
“Okay, I will set up a few things. The first is Shala. She is ancient and well known as a banking representative. She will be leaving the bank employ for yours. Once we have contracts and a charter established at least. Not too uncommon and we are going to pay her double what she earns here. Justification is she will save you money and help you navigate the city.” I agreed and stuck out my hand. He gave a soft laughter. “Not done yet. Do you hate children or the thought of halflings?”
“Huh… Why… Nope, got plenty of both,” I said deciding to trust this was leading somewhere.
“Cyrene is a dryad and I am going to cover the negatives first. They love human males over others. All dryads are born female and the father changes the appearance. Cyrene looks human and part forest because her father was a human. Not sure why they favor humans or all are born female and I have never asked. Mainly because they become attached quickly and I keep our interactions short, terse, and concise. My wife would kill me if I came home with a dryad. If you couple once, or give the wrong impression they can bind intensely. Breaking that connection causes problems. They pout and stalk you if you scorn them. They also pop out babies quickly…”
“Why are you telling me this?” I said with my hand comin
g up into the air defensively.
“You need an adventurer guide. Cyrene is level fourteen hundred…”
“Okay, I am dumb. You have your reasons. I will try to stop interrupting you. Please tell me more,” I said wanting to admit my impatience was a character flaw.
“My wife’s cousin attached to a dryad. Six babies later and his hybrid wife became infertile. I guess the magic that forces them all to be girls also limits the amount of offspring they produce. Okay, I say this because… Cyrene can easily be added to our new adventuring company,” He said with a pause and I was figuring out some of his plans. “She is level fourteen hundred and if bonded will be insanely loyal. Just do not add a second dryad to the mix because one of them will end up dead in the night. Other females are fine. Now the good. Cyrene can guide you to new heights as a team. She has said multiple times in passing to me she has retired from adventuring to have a family. While I spurn her advances…”
“I can accept her as an addition while gaining a knowledgeable asset to the team. Okay I am on board with everything so far besides what am I paying you to organize all this?”
“So... adventuring companies are always structured. Sure some start out as three friends and never need any bylaws. Those that grow, end up with officers and a council. I will be a shadow council member. We can set the bylaws in the company charter. I will have a few options drafted up for you in say three days maybe sooner. Basically expect to turn in loot to the company. The company sells it to vendors or the company opens its own shop if it gets big enough. The profits are split to cover the costs and fees of operating the company while giving those at the top some extra kickback. All that will be in the paperwork.”
I stood and paced. This man was a backroom dealer and certainly knew what he was talking about. Three days. Nothing was solid for three days and I could have time to talk to the group about this. In the meantime, I was going to steal Cyrene regardless. I stopped pacing reaching a decision.
Gryff Boxset Page 131