by Marcus Sloss
We packed lava stones, torches, extra blankets, gloves, head warmers, and some basic survival items. The lava stones were the main trade item I was hauling south with me. We had a few hundred of the smaller ones as well as a dozen goblin hearts. Hopefully, it would help us acquire the extra materials and resources we needed.
Two days after the Streb fight, we launched into the air late at night to sleep on the ride down to Bavie. Without a lot of stops, it was an eight hour flight. The plus two included mostly wives, with Fwar buying other team members slots to take his full six. Well, we had to pit stop for potty breaks three times. Women and their bladders…
We left in the dark and arrived at the city with the morning sky in full bloom. I was flying with Velia and Addilyn who had used me as a pillow most of the way. I did check in with Sly often. She was the griffin with the task of hauling us. It was another conversation of glowing praise for Zenith and how she was looking for a mate. Apparently, griffin males were picky and it had nothing to do with demands in a mate. I chuckled at this. Sly was a tad bossy, but she would find some male to dominate. There were countless griffins in prides still inside barrier cities.
When we neared Bavie I absorbed the city with a long gaze. Bavie had no massive defensive walls. It was nestled between two eroded cliffs that faced the sea. As if some god had cut out that section of landscape to let a city develop. There was a standard six foot wall with minimal lookout towers and a large gate. The inner city was housing of all sorts of shapes and sizes. They were so different due to various upgrades. Many of the residents added custom deck rooms or another story altogether. I noticed two parks in the inner city and one central fountain beside a Horde portal. Down the slope to the beaches were docks intermingled with businesses. Every inch of land was crammed with buildings. You could see where clumps of tiny shelters were being torn down to make room for taller apartments. The economy here was booming and construction was in progress in many areas. In the bay, there were two sections for ships. Fishing ships on the west that drifted outbound for the day’s harvest. On the east, stationary warships bobbed along the water. The ships retreated to Bavie in hopes of being salvaged for later use. They reminded me of the horses in Lakeland. During their prime, worth a city, today now worth very little.
I had Sly fly us over for another pass and the locals were eagerly waving. The rest of the team had already landed. One of the items on our to buy list was a guide as well as a ship to hire. Looking over the old tilting empty vessels gave me pause. The sea rocked them with the gentle waves. I lingered about, watching them. I reflected on their might before the Horde. Maybe we could help each other, the Duke of Bavie and I. Duke Jarv was a good friend of King Horus, and Duke Riza never spoke ill of him either. This should be a much smoother reception than in Malvia.
King Horus sent word a week ago to expect us. Based on that, I predicted we would be received as friends. Sly landed us at a small roost that was already crowded by our additional griffins. One look at the locals resulted in Lord Nova yelling at his underlings. These griffins were fat, which I thought was awesome to see them so healthy. Lord Nova said nope, they were now on a hard rotation of flying. A muttering slow male complained, while hesitating to take off.
Lord Nova was an alpha through and through. He trounced that poor griffin into submission. That was my first, and I hoped, the only time I ever see a griffin pee itself. The mess was awful, and the poor handler nearby was drenched in the yellow projectile. The young lady screamed in frustration and raced for the frigid waters to clean off. There were multiple gasps from all those around.
I pulled an alpha move myself. “Silence!”
The gathered humans stopped the side chatter. I helped Lady Addilyn and Lady Velia down. When we were situated I noticed Duke Jarv himself was here to great us. No army at his back, merely a few wives and grandchildren.
The noble was in a fine purple robe, his cheeks pinked by the chill of the day. His breath was not frosty, but by my guess, it would be soon. He extended open arms to us as we approached and bellowed out a welcome.
“Fine guests of Fernlan and mighty griffins of Zenith, I welcome you to my home, Bavie.” The Duke proclaimed. This was nice to see and the fact that he knew of Zenith spoke of him taking the time to prepare for us. “I have a fine estate set aside for visiting nobles that rarely gets used. Before the war, Emperor Igrad used to spend the summer here to escape the blistering heat of the old capital. His estate is still retained to this day and we will utilize it, for your stay. The last he was seen was during a parley of talks with the Horde. We still classify him as missing instead of killed in action. And of course, I need the estate vacated in the same condition it was occupied in. Follow me please.”
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 w
hite 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.