Chapter 023:

Anton and Verona stopped when they exited the forest, looking at the city infront of them.

Maxill looked to be quite a large city, for a medieval one at that. The wall surrounding the city was made from wood, massive vertical pillars rammed deep into the ground. It looked to be almost four meters high, obscuring the sight of any building except those in the far distance. The wall itself looked old, rotted and damaged in some parts. Only rudimentary repairs were taken in these sections, another few pillars of wood placed against the damaged areas.

Along the top of the wall were a few people walking along and looking out. Guards. They all wore the same type of armor, or at least color, mainly green with a white diagonal stripe going right to left.

Anton looked around finding a gate inside the city almost infront of them. Another four guards, dressed in the same uniform as those on the wall, rested against the gate. They looked completely disinterested in their duty and more concerned about not being in the sun.

With a whip of the rein the beast started to move forward. Almost immediately the guards spotted them. They got off of the gate, grabbed their weapons and looked at each-other, evidently they had not expected to see them coming from the forest.

Anton lightly bumped Verona with his arm.

“We just need to play this cool, and definitely don't mention the bandits. We don't know how they are related to this city. They might be expecting them any moment.”

“Got it...what does 'play this cool' mean?”

“It's an expression. Basically, don't do anything to upset them and keep as quiet as you can.”

Verona nodded, looking forward to the gate.

When they reached twenty meters away one of the guards stepped forward. He raised his hand to tell them to stop. Anton pulled back lightly on the reins, slowing the Ix down to a complete stop when they reached the guards.

“Hello there.” Anton said heartily as the guard approached.

The guard looked a little like the bandits, somewhat dirty but nowhere near as bad. He wielded a spear and iron helmet. Anton guessed that he wore leather or steel plate armor underneath his green and white uniform.

He looked Anton and Verona up and down before looking towards the forest.

“Where have you come from, sir?” he asked. “There haven't been any travelers,” The guards looked at the back of the cart, to the thick blanket covering the back, “Or merchants...since before I was a boy, coming from that way.”

“We have travelled very far and have not seen anything that resembles a city in many winters.” Anton began to explain. “During our travels we have managed to collect quite a few valuable items from the remains of the Kar Kingdom. We wish to trade them in your city.”

All four guards looked at one another like they could not believe their story.

“Just you two?” another guard asked.

Anton and Verona nodded, the guards looking increasingly interested in such an odd tale.

“Yes, just us. We keep quiet and only moved through areas where there are no monsters or beasts. Not being seen is the easiest way to stay alive.”

“You still want to go in?” the guard asked, Anton nodding in response.

One of the guards at the back shook his head and turned away, Anton just able to hear his voice.

“I would stay out on the road if it was me.” he muttered, the other guards either not hearing or ignoring him.

“In that case, we'll need to check what you have in your cart. Check that you're not carrying something that's against the law.”

The guards moved either side and peered underneath.

“Anything in particular that I should be aware of?” Anton asked as the guards rolled back the cloth.

They looked over the crossbows and bolts and made no sign at seeing the blood still on one, he hoped that they would think it was his own.

“Can you please open the chests.” the guard asked, seemingly unaware that they were crested chests. They peered inside, saw that they were empty, and closed them.

“I don't know exactly what you are going to trade, the crossbows might go for a bit, but you don't seem to have anything bad on you.”

Anton felt a wave of relief overcome him. They did not truly take their job seriously, not having checked either of them. It looked like they would get in.

“There is just the final matter...of the entry fee.”

Ah, here we go.

Anton lent back into the cart.

“How much are we talking?”

Anton had several gold coins on him, not to mention the silver and copper coins from the bandits, he hoped it would not be too extreme.

The guard looked around to the other three, who looked on expectantly at him.

“Since it looks like you don't have all that much...four silver.”

Anton looked to the guards, but they remained stoic. He reached into the chests and pulled out four silver coins from a bag, handing it to the guard. They all looked a little surprised, like they had expected Anton to haggle.

Anton pulled out another silver coin and twirled it through his fingers.

“Where would be the best place to buy weapons, armor, clothes and the like?” Anton asked, “I've never been to your city before.”

The guard that muttered before looked down and muttered something again, but the other guard was already speaking.

“Follow the main road from this gate. The second crossroads, take a right. You'll see a sign of a fish and a leaf. He has pretty good prices and a good selection, you should be able to buy most of what you want there.”

Anton handed him the silver coin which he pocketed very quickly.

“Thank-you very much.” Anton replied.

“Open the gate!” the guard yelled out, the gate groaning as it was opened.

Anton whipped the Ix again, driving it slowly into the city.

Verona leaned towards Anton when they were out of ear-shot.

“Do you believe that, about that fish and leaf place being a good place.”

“I honestly don't know. But it was bought at a decent price from them. We also can't just be wandering the city all day. We'll just have to trust them for now and make proper decisions after we go there.”

---[]---

The inside of Maxill was far worse than the outside. Dilapidated and ruined buildings were the first thing that greeted them. It reminded him of Verona's old house, a thought mirrored in her face. Their cart bumped and jerked around so Anton had to slow it down even further. The road's were not maintained in any sense of the word, grasses, weed and shrubs grew through the dirt.

Along the sides of the road were people, huddled outside the buildings, wrapped in whatever piece of cloth they could find. If he was honest, they looked worse than the people back at Atros when he first arrived. Hearing the sound of a cart they thrust their hands out, begging for money. He would have liked to help, but admission that he had money to spare on the poor would have hounded him for the rest of the time they were here and make them bigger targets for thieves.

Not a single cart passed them or was within sight as they traveled through the first crossroads. The city looked quite bleak. Anton did not have a clue as to why it was so bad, but there were a few possible reasons bubbling away in his mind.

Anton pulled the cart to a halt when he reached the second crossroads. In front of them, past a third crossroads, was another wall. Unlike the outer wall, this was made from stone and well maintained. Not a single piece of grass or greenery attached itself to the wall. Guards, of more clean and ornate uniforms, stood infront of the gate. They watched Anton and Verona but made no move other than to walk infront of the gate. Outsiders were not welcome inside the inner wall.

Past the stone wall, large wooden buildings stood proud and tall. These were kept in good condition as well. Beyond them, at the center of the city was a mansion, one that would put the nobility of Earth to shame. A gigantic square building stood in the center with another four large towers on each of the corners. There were hundreds of windows decorating the white exterior, the black tilled roofs girdled with gold. It oozed excess and greed. He did not want to know what the probable garden would look like. Why the outer sections looked so poor started to make sense.

Not wanting to gawk, Anton led the Ix towards the merchants building.

It was not hard to find, the sign of the fish and leaf stuck out over the road. The building itself appeared to be in good condition, as did the surrounding buildings.

Anton pulled the cart up next to the building and both hopped off. There were many people watching them, many with the sunken face of the desperate. Anton was regretting the decision to not take a few more villagers with him.

“Verona? I want you to stay by the door and make sure nobody tries to steal our cart. If one of them tries something, make a lot of noise to get me and try stop them without killing them. I cannot stress that last part enough.”

Verona nodded.

“Don't want to start something bad. I understand.”

She hopped off the cart and lent against it, keeping her spear in both hands. The people seemed hesitant to approach, especially as she had been left to guard the cart.

Anton was about to open it when the door flung open, nearly hitting his outstretched hand and feet. Out came four large men, not the haggard and desperate kind. These wore a sash of green and white over normal villager clothes, but also had another mark on them. Before he could get a good look they pushed past him, Anton keeping his hands close so as to not loose his bags of gold. They tried nothing but did not look very happy.

Is that a 'shakedown' or something? If it is, these people's greatest threat are themselves.

Waiting until they had clearly left and were not coming back, he entered the building.

It looked like a jewellery store with large display cabinets showcasing a wide variety of items, weapons, jewellery and armor. There was broken glass all over the ground, with most of it infront of the glass cabinets that looked like they had been smashed in.

The room was very brightly lit, despite there not being many windows and those few were barred to prevent people entering. In each corner of the room and in the center were small octahedron shaped white crystals. They gave off a warm light, not so bright as to hurt his eyes.

A clunk from near the back of the room brought Anton's attention back down. It was a man clutching at his hand. With a groan he removed a shard of glass, dropping the bloody shard on the ground.

He was a middle aged man of average height and build, dark brown eyes and hair along with a roughly cut short beard. The clothes he wore looked quite old and worn. Anton thought looked to be a man of gentle disposition. Probably why he was being bullied.

Anton coughed lightly, the man stopped and looked up at him. He looked down to his bloody hand, knelt down and recovered a rag which he wrapped around tightly his hand.

“My apologies sir,” the man spoke with a soft tone, though unlike Bertram it felt like it was put on, “We've had a few incidents of late with some...disgruntled members of our community.”

“You seem rather calm about this whole thing,” Anton looked him in they eyes, “Like this happens often.”

The man returned his stare, frowning a little.

“You're not from around here, are you?”

Anton held his gaze.

“No. I'm something of a traveler-”

“What made you decide to come here?” he asked in the same tone as the guard outside the city wall.

Anton shrugged as he looked down at the broken cabinet infront of him. He had no idea as to what he was looking at, it might have been a watch but he could not tell.

“It was the first place I came across, though you seem to be in a bit of trouble with those thugs. I presume they were the one that did this?”

A twitch graced the man's face, not that there was any doubt. He sighed as he knelt down and started to pick up the pieces of broken glass, Anton started to help.

“Thank-you for helping me....My name is Lester. And yes, those are the local thugs. They've started asking for more money of late and nobody here except for me can pay anywhere near what they're asking.”

“Whatever passes for law around here is either in on it or deliberately blind.”

Lester laughed.

“My good sir, they're the ones that started it.”

Most of the large shards of glass had been picked up.

“If you're still in business, I have a list of things that I need to acquire.”

Lester's interest spiked, looking up at Anton as he stood up. Anton handed him Jonathan's note. He studied it for a moment before frowning.

“I don't mean to be rude, but these are for a forge. And you do not look like a blacksmith or an apprentice.”

“Correct. Can you get them?”

Lester nodded.

“Yes, but it won't be that cheap. Some of these are rare and prices around here tend to be...high.”

Anton leant on a solid part of the glass cabinet.

“How much are we talking?”

Lester shook his head side to side as he thought.

“Two hundred and fifty silver at least.” he looked a little nervous, probably thinking that Anton would not have the money.

He did not nearly have anything like that in silver, but more than enough in gold.

“I have a gold coin, if you can give give me the change. I need to get some other things like crossbows, bolts and shoes for my lady friend out there.”

Lester's eyes nearly popped out of his skull when Anton said he had a gold coin, he did not know if he had heard the rest of his list.

“Hello?” Anton asked awkwardly.

“Oh, yes,” Lester brought himself back to reality, “I also have those other things in stock out that back should...should you still want them.”

Anton reached into one of the small pockets of gold, bringing out a single gold coin. Greed was not on his face, but confusion and suspicion. Such wealth coming from a complete stranger.

The bloody hand was starting to annoy him. Without asking Anton held his hand, turning it over to inspect the wound. Lester watched in amazement as it healed infront of his eyes.

“You healed me...thank-you.”

He rubbed his healed hand as he frowned in disbelief.

“A mage capable of healing in my shop...I...I have a few good crossbows that I could sell to you for a discount.”

Anton smiled, offering his hand for Lester to shake, who heartily returned it.

I think I've just made a good investment.

---[]---

Nearly an hour later they had gathered what they needed. All of Jonathan's gear had been collected apart from a few pieces, they would need to wait until tomorrow. This had filled almost half the cart with boxes storing the items.

Lester had tried to explain what they were, but most looked like they had nothing to do with working a forge. One looked like a metal spider with a gem embedded in the middle. Anton was told that it somehow uses Earth Mana to help make a fire hotter with less fuel, by some process that confused Anton. Having his mind grounded in the science of Earth was hampering his knowledge of this world. Regardless, it was what he was asked to get so bought it.

The remaining space had been filled with eight good crossbows and four hundred bolts, all kept in large wooden boxes packed with hay and dried grasses. These crossbows where basically brand new, unlike the slightly rusted bandit ones. After healing Lester and telling him to keep the change he had given Anton the best ones in his possession.

Verona was ecstatic to finally receive a pair of boots. They had a black, hard and thick material as the base, probably some sort of treated leather, with thinner leather forming the rest of the boot halfway up her calves. Leather straps were used to tighten the boots and tied off with small wooden toggle. She seemed very happy to receive them. Anton got a pair for himself for himself, it felt so much better than his worn Earth shoes.

It was a little odd that Lester had such a variety of goods, but Anton put it up to having a diverse portfolio.

After tying down the thick cloth covering the cart, Lester walked out to them.

“I'm very sorry, but I'll still need some time to get the remaining pieces. Just come back tomorrow...there's still the matter of your change.” Lester seemed like the kind of person that did not like to owe people.

“Keep it.” Anton waved his concern away. “By the looks of it you'll need it to replace the glass.”

He still looked a little annoyed about the incident with the thugs.

“You're going to need a place to stay.” He raced back into the shop and returned with a few silver coins. “Head that way until you see a large building with a rat on the front. It's a good Inn that will keep your goods safe. Even the thugs know to stay away from there. The woman in-charge is very strong.”

“Thank-you. I'll see you tomorrow.” Anton nodded in appreciation before whipping the reins to get the Ix moving again.

They traveled through more desolated streets before finding the Inn. It too looked to be in comparatively good shape. To the side appeared to be a barn, presumably where they would be able to store the Ix and their cart. Outside of the door were two very large young men sitting on some chairs. They did not wear the green and white uniforms, instead normal clothes but rested two very large steel maces on their laps.

Their eyes met, but they did not seem hostile. Rather they seemed cautious and wary, like everyone else in this city.

“I've been told this is an Inn.” Anton asked the two. “Somewhere where we can rest and keep our goods safe.”

The men nodded. “Aye, this is an Inn....”

“Well, in that case, I would like to stay the night.”

One of the men got up and went inside, emerging a minute later with a woman. She appeared to be middle aged, the lines of worry and work covering her face. A quite tall and large frame showed off her large muscles and strength, Lester was right about her looking intimidating. She had her sleeves rolled up, exposing may scars and tattoos. Keeping her arms folded she looked over the both of them.

“My boys say you want to stay the night?” the woman asked in an unusually deep baritone.

“Yes.”

Her whole demeanor and attitude changed in a second.

“Well in that case, come on in.” she turned to one of the men, “Open the barn would you?”

He nodded and opened the barn, Anton leading the Ix inside. The woman followed him in. There was enough room for several carts but, apart from theirs, it was completely empty. Some straw had been left out, which the Ix quickly started to eat.

“The name's Isobell.” she said as she held her hand out for Anton to shake. “You don't look like you're from around here.”

Anton stifled a laugh. “I've been hearing that all day. My name is Anton and this is Verona.”

“Well Anton, you'll be safe here. My boys Bill and Ted make sure that none of those rough thugs come here looking for trouble.” the two boys nodded as their mother said their names.“You haven't got into any trouble, have you?”

“Not yet. I don't intend to stay longer than tomorrow anyway.” Anton said as he helped Verona down.

Isobell led them through a side door as her boys locked the door from both sides. Inside was a bar, many tables and chairs, all deserted. Beyond the bar was a set of stairs that led upstairs and an open door to the side that led to a kitchen of sorts. A small fire burned underneath a small pot, the faint smell of cooking meat filling the air.

Anton thought he heard her sigh at the sight. She walked around to the back of the bar, placed three empty small glasses and reached for a bottle behind her. It was large and full with a blue liquid. She motioned for them to take a seat on the front of the bar.

“This is the pride of one of the nobles of the Kingdom.” she explained as she poured out the liquid. “The Blue Devil they call it, one of my favorites. I made a promise to have some the next customer I had....that was almost twenty days ago.”

A melancholic look overcame her face.

Must be really tough here. This could be a good chance to get some information.

All three downed their small portion. It tasted a little like blueberries, but the alcoholic after-taste was powerful. Verona coughed and spluttered, only having had a few sips of Zac's alcohol back at Atros.

“Yeah, it's the good stuff.” Isobell said as Verona calmed herself down.

“You said that you thought we weren't from here?” Anton asked, trying to change to direction of the conversation, “Do we not dress right?”

Anton wanted to know.

“No. It's just that you're here,” she shook her head and downed another glass, pouring another round, “Nobody would be here if they could. This is where everything bad seems to end up.”

“I've been out of civilization for some time, can you tell me what's happening?”

“Sure,” she walked around and grabbed a stool for herself, “I just want to check that you have some money first.”

Anton reached into his bags, pulling out ten silver coins.

“This should be more than enough right?.” he said as he placed the coins onto the bar.

Isobell looked at the coins, shocked at the amount of wealth being offered. She took it off the bar, keeping an eye on Anton.

“I suppose I'll start from the beginning.” she pocketed the coins and reached underneath for three small bottles of a black liquor, pouring it into the empty glasses.

Verona moved to drink the whole glass in one go.

“Calm down Verona. You don't want to go too fast with this stuff.” Anton explained as he stopped her from drinking. Verona nodded and took a little sip. Anton took one as well, it tasted like licorice.

“This city, Maxill, is on the far east of the Qaiviel Kingdom. Eight thousand people call this hole their home, including me. I'm guessing that you came from the east? Otherwise you wouldn't be asking.”

Anton nodded, there was nothing in it for him to lie.

“The Kar Kingdom then,” she poured herself another drink, “That place really fell apart near the end. My grandmother told me how bad it got, everyone taking whatever they wanted from the people. Corruption and vice wherever you went. Here isn't much better if you ask me. We're heading for the same end.”

“Are all the cities like this?” Anton asked as he took another sip of the drink.

Isobell shook her head. “Thankfully no. If the nobles mess up too much they will be removed by the royals...and that's the problem.”

“Someone who's related to the royalty is running this place,” Verona said, looking to both of them, “Right?”

“Yes.” Isobell continued. “The lady of the land, Duchess Belinda, is a close relation of the queen's family. That makes her untouchable, we're so far away from the capital that nobody with bother to listen to our complaints. Most of think it's made her snap, being so far away other people like herself. She wears all these elegant dresses and speaks with the most condescending voice. You can't miss her.”

Isobell took another swig.

“She takes everything that she can from this village, using those loyal to her as her personal soldiers. If anyone stands up they get beaten and their property burned.”

“Everyone inside that inner wall?”

“Yeah. They're all on her side, to varying levels. Anyone that could resist has been bought out or bullied. Even the guardsmen, though some are still good.”

“But people like you and Lester are still able to resist.”

“Hah!, that old fool. He still thinks he can fight.”

“He didn't look like it before, a whole bunch of people left his place after breaking all his cabinets.”

Isobell shook her head.

“He's going to get himself killed if he keeps it up. They'll keep coming back until they've got their money.”

Silence fell over the room, only the thunk of the glasses being placed onto the wooden bar.

“Anything else you want to know?”

“I think that covers enough for now. It seems that you all have many problems.” Anton said, downing the whole glass. “Actually, I'm feeling quite tired. Do you have somewhere that we can sleep.”

“Absolutely. The Limping Rat has the best beds outside the inner wall.” Isobell triumphantly stated.

“The what?” Verona asked.

“The Limping Rat. I didn't choose the name.” Isobell explained as she led them upstairs.

The floorboards creaked and groaned under their weight. Like everything else, it was old but kept as clean as possible. There were six doors, probably the rooms of the Inn. Isobell opened one near the end. Inside was a large bed along with a wooden cabinet and wardrobe.

“This is the best room we have. I hope it's up to your standards.” Isobell said with a hint of hesitation.

“It looks great.” Anton replied. “Is there a dinner meal included with this.”

Isobell nodded.

“Yes there is. I'll come and get you when it's time.”

She flashed a smile as she closed the door.

Verona walked over to the bed, sitting and bouncing up and down.

“It's not as good as ours but it's so much better than sleeping on the ground.” she said as she lied on the bed, closing her eyes and enjoying the sensation.

Anton pressed onto the bed, Verona was correct in her judgement. He lay on the bed next to her, seeking out her hand and held it onto his chest.

“I don't like this place. Everyone looks so tired.” she turned and looked at him, “But, we got most of what we wanted. Are we going to try and get some people to come with us back to Atros?”

Anton was not honestly sure about that. He felt while some would not need much encouragement considering their current conditions, it would probably upset the current rulers. They would need every person to continue to extort, fewer people would mean less money.

“I'm not sure, I hope I'll haven an answer by tomorrow.”

---[]---

The next day Anton still did not have an answer. Isobell had tried to give some of the money back but Anton had insisted that she keep in. In return she gave them a full dinner and breakfast.

As they reversed the Ix out of the barn, Isobell came up to them.

“Well, Anton and Verona, it has been a short time but it was good to meet you.” she said as they hopped onto the cart.

“I hope that things go better for you. If we do come back we'll swing by here.” he said, waving and whipping the reins.

They lumbered through the deserted streets. Now, early in the morning, there were a few people actually trying to engage in trade but they were very few in number.

When they arrived at Lester's building it was surrounded by eight thugs, all wearing the green and white sash. None were trying to actively enter but they seemed to be trying to stop anyone that may want to.

Anton brought the cart to a halt just outside, the thugs stopping and staring at them. They all stared at him as menacingly as the could, Anton ignoring them.

He started to walk towards the door but was stopped by a thug grabbing his arm tightly.

“Is there a problem?” he asked.

The thug seemed dumbfounded that Anton actually asked.

“You can't go in there.” he said, puffing out his chest, Anton felt it made him look weaker and over-compensating.

“Why not?”

“He hasn't paid his...taxes.”

The thugs laughed. They must have always been able to bully the people into submission.

“That means you should have no problem with me. I bought something from him and I need to collect it.”

Anton tried to move forward but the thug moved to block him.

You're getting annoying.

Anton focused the mana near where the thug was holding him and formed lightning, not out of his hand but from his arm. He made it with enough strength to shock him but not kill, just like at Atros.

He released the mana, a slight crackle emanated from his arm. The thug remained perfectly still until he slowly started to fall over, his body going limp. Everyone watched on in surprise as the thug feel unconscious onto the ground.

“What did you do?!” a thug roared at him, charging and throwing his fist.

Anton backed off, catching the throw as he moved back to take out some of the impact. He formed the same magic again, the crackle emitting. This thug continued forward and slammed into the wall, breaking his nose.

The others looked on shocked.

Verona had jumped down from the cart and had her spear ready to attack. One of the thugs made the connection between the two and moved to attack her. He was rewarded with the but of the spear colliding with his knee, a sickening crack sounded through the air as it broke and folded in.

He screamed in pain as he rolled about on the dirt.

“You wanna' keep going?” Verona asked the thugs. She was not using her power but was still intimidating, despite her lack of height.

The remaining five thugs no longer had the strength to fight. They held their hands up to signify they would not continue and dragged their friends away, towards the inner gate.

“Verona. You might want to get some blood and quickly. Hide one of your containers and put the blood in there.”

“Where?” Verona asked as she ran up to him, grabbing his hand.

“In there.” Anton pointed between her breasts.

“Oh, okay.” Verona puffed her cheeks a little but did not argue.

“It's a decent enough hiding spot for now. Hang on, better use your power inside.”

Anton opened the door, finding Lester hiding behind a wooden cabinet.

“Are they gone?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Anton replied, holding his hand out for Verona, “Though they kind of got beaten up for their trouble.”

“Are you insane?!” Lester asked angrily, the calm business-like tone from yesterday gone.

“Possibly. We have dealt with things far more powerful than a few guards.”

Verona glowed red, cut into his hand and drew up the blood. Lester looked horrified at the sight though was too stunned to speak.

“Is she...is she a Blood Berserker?” his voice was a mix of fear and awe.

“Yes.” Anton replied.

Is that what blood mages are called here.

“I've never seen one before.” Lester walked to them. “If you don't mind me asking, how powerful are you?”

Verona shrugged.

“I've never seen another mage apart from Anton before, so I don't know.”

Lester rubbed his head. He knew that Anton could heal, though Anton had not confirmed it, but knew nothing about the lightning and fire powers he held. Thinking over it, he could probably burn the entire city down with not much effort.

“Do you have those pieces, we'll need them right now.”

He scurried away, immediately retrieving three small boxes.

“These are what you need. Now, get out of here before they come back.”

“Thank-you Lester.”

Anton reached into his pocket and tossed him a gold coin. Lester was gobsmacked by the frivolous display of wealth but accepted in regardless.

They both started to head outside.

“Okay Verona, let's load these up and...ah, crap.”

Outside, waiting around the cart, were fifty thugs and the same number again of guards. These looked just like the ones protecting the inner gate, ones that were part of the corruption of this city.

A guard moved forward. This one had a gold pin on his uniform of a wolf's head surrounded by a wreath, he looked to be important.

“What is your name?” he asked gruffly.

“Anton.”

“Anton, Duchess Belinda would like to see the both of you. For your own good I advise you that you come willingly.” They all clutched their weapons tighter.

Anton looked about the crowd, seeing the one that Verona injured hiding in the back.

It's too quick for her to know what we've done to her thugs. It's even too quick for them to have come from the thugs calling them, they must have been planning to do this anyway. Someone out here yesterday must have told them what we had bought and that we were staying at least another day. Who knows what else they may have planned.

“Of course. I would like to bring my companion and my cart as well.” Anton asked as he slowly moved towards them.

“You may.” the guard replied. Anton figured that he meant he may lead the Ix but not ride on the cart.

Verona looked a little worried at him. He lent down to her ear.

“Just keep your head calm and if things get too bad, we can just break out of this.”

She nodded and stayed very close to him.

They walked in silence as the reached the crossroads before the inner wall. From either side, dozens of guards appeared. The ones escorting Anton stopped and twitched in response, they were not friends.

“What is going on here?” one of the new guards said loudly. This man had a full grey beard, as in fact, did most of the others. They even looked fairly old, maybe in their late fifties at least, while none of Anton's escorts would have been past thirty.

“The Duchess wants to see this man, Hemiskr.” the lead guard replied. “You shouldn't get in the way.”

The guard known as Hemiskr frowned but did not move forward.

He and his fellow guards must the good ones Isobell was talking about.

As Anton walked past he caught a glance from Hemiskr. It was full of worry, but there was something else. Self-loathing or regret perhaps, Anton did not know. He started muttering something, Anton used a prayer to improve his hearing for a few seconds.

“We can't keep going on like this.” Hemiskr muttered.

It filled him with a little worry as the gates opened and they were ushered in.

------------------

Hello.

Some important characters for the next arc have been introduced, another few still to go.

Now they are in potentially greater trouble than before. Splashing around so much cash would defiantly bring attention, and now it's about to bite them.

So, hope you enjoyed it.

Thanks for reading!