For the first time Anton saw something other than endless dunes from the top of Temur’s sled. The dunes abruptly stopped in the distance, not through magical means but a short but sheer stone wall plateau that stretched from one horizon to the other. Given their advantage in height Anton could see the land extended far beyond his sight, dotted by yet more tall, brown mountains.

“We are nearing our first destination.” Zuhura said softly. “Al Qadikha. The Last City.”

“That’s a bit dramatic, isn’t it?” Zuhura turned slowly to meet his gaze. “There are surely Feral Beast-kin cities on that plateau?”

Zuhura’s blank face slowly turned into a smile. “Of course. But I do not know their customs or even locations. I’m afraid that we will have to gather local assistance if we...You, wish to proceed.”

"Hopefully there's an actual trader or something." Anton nodded to the sheer cliff face. "A series of pulleys and platforms, rather than some winding donkey track up those stones."

The city was no mere collection of shacks at the edge of the world. It was surprisingly large, with a high roughly cut stone wall to keep out intruders and, most importantly, sand. A few wisps of smoke rose into the air, so Anton knew someone was still alive in this place unlike The Mesa. That place still worried him. The metal badge still worried him.

Heavy footsteps announced Cetina's arrival to their platform.

"So how are we going to do this?" Cetina wrapped an arm around Anton's and pulled close. "Are we just going to ask Temur for directions or are we going to strike out on our own?"

"Definitely Temur's advice. The chances of us finding someone else like Zuhura is slim, to say the least."

Zuhura raised a black brow. "Another?"

"You've brought us this far." Anton tapped the wooden railing. "Without incident, at least with the Nomad Tribes. Those other ones were a little weird, just insular."

"I did my best." Zuhura bowed her head. "But, in all honesty, I have not been that necessary. Your magical healing has allowed any transgression to be forgiven, not that there have been any."

"Regardless, I intend to honour my agreement with Hazm and have you set free after we make contact with the Feral Beastkin." Anton smiled. "Not that I actually have slaves, but the idea doesn't fit well with me. You can go wherever you want, we'll even drop you off if it's somewhere beyond Frindal, or you can come and live in Atros. It doesn't...It is entirely up to you what you do from then on."

Zuhura's brows furrowed as she thought intently. Anton caught her eyes flicking back and forth, pondering and weighing up her options.

"I do not know what I wish to do." Zuhura softly spoke. "But I am grateful that you are keeping your word."

Honestly, you could just wander off in Al Qadikha and I probably would never be able to find you again. Doesn't make me a good slave owner, now does it?

"I could use a housekeeper..." Anton trailed off before clapping his hands. "A discussion for-"

"Okay."

"Okay for what?" Cetina asked. Judging by the way her fingers held his arm she knew the answer.

"I believe that when we first met I explained my duties and abilities." Zuhura spoke a little louder and more confidently than normal. "I know all types of housework and domestic duties. And I saw that your...Wives, in...that place, will be giving birth some day soon."

Zuhura placed a hand on her chest. Again Anton noticed how it did not move far before it found resistance. "I can assist with such matters. Unlike the rest of your companions I do not know combat nor do I wish to learn."

"Self defence is always important to know." Anton said. Cetina squeezed his arm tighter and nodded like a knowledgeable tutor. "But that doesn't sound like a bad idea. We will discuss it further tonight. When we're safe and have lots of time on our hands."

"As you wish, Anton."

"I wonder what they're going to say when we have to say goodbye?"

---[]---

"Please don't go!" Bedes's voice was a strange mixture of a cry and a wail. "I still want to hear about the rest of the world!"

They stood at the border of Al Qadikha. The Nomads were disembarking and establishing a trading camp. The people of Al Qadikha surged out of their town to barter, mostly metals and even some gnarled wood, though Anton had not seen any trees that would produce such twisted wood. They stood to the side of the swirling mass, protected by Temur's warriors. Most of the city folk regarded them with equal measures of confusion and fascination. None had skin as pale as theirs.

"We'll meet again." Anton smiled, knelt down and patted Bedes's head. "But if we don't go now how will we have more stories to tell?"

"I...I guess so." Bedes softly sighed. "Thank you for healing my sickness. I don't think I would still be here if it wasn't for you."

Anton stood up and gave his hair a final ruffle. "Just remember to stay out of those strange places. There's always a reason why no one goes there, be it people or animals, even if it's not apparent at first."

Bedes suppressed a sniffle and returned to his minders. He didn't think he had made much of an impact on the boy, they had spoken at length over dinner regarding the wider world. For a boy that had never seen fields of grass or air that did not burn the skin such stories and tales would have been truly alien and fascinating for him.

"I believe you shall be talked about for some time." Temur offered his hand which Anton took. "It's not often that we have guests, let alone ones that can mend our sick and save us from the Sun Walker fanatics."

"These people?" Axia nodded to the town gate. "Is there going to be any problem with that?"

"Shouldn't be. Their religion has not reached this far. And I don't think it ever will." Temur scoffed. "I don't think they would like the idea of paying massive tithes to some arse living it well on the coast. Not to mention the fanatics hate the Ferals, so there goes their entire income to please that same arse living easy along the coast."

"Money..." Anton smiled. "Money always wins in the end. For better or worse. Now. We need to speak with someone that can get us to speak with the Feral...Beastkin leadership. Lamia's, or whatever form it takes. As a final favour to us, any suggestions?"

Temur glanced at Zuhura. "In lieu of better alternatives I would try Mike's Bazaar. He acquires most of his goods from the Ferals so he should have some connections. Tell him that you know me and have helped our entire Tribe. He can be a little bit of a twat, but he'll come round if you're nice enough. Oh, and this is important, don't let him think for a moment that any of you are available. If he gets rebuffed he'll throw a tantrum and you'll never get anything out of him."

"What a charming man." Anton said dryly.

"That means you too."

"Me?" Anton frowned deeply as he pointed to himself. "He...I thought that sort of thing wasn't acceptable in Frindal."

"It's not. But he's one of the most powerful and certainly the richest man out here. That gives him a certain amount of leeway when dealing with such matters." Temur frowned deeply. “And get to his head.”

"Is he handsome?" Sheso asked flatly.

Temur smiled. "Not exactly. But I wouldn't call him ugly either."

"I see..." Sheso's eyes raked over Anton. "I see..."

Calo pulled a strange face. "Do I even want to know what you're thinking right now?"

"Probably not." Sheso smiled. "I...No probably not."

The wind loudly whistled through their silent group. Bedes frowned at everyone, he didn't understand what was being said. Their youngest, Axia, did and only pulled a disgusting look towards Axia.

"Is-Is there a reason that you cannot come with us?" Anton asked. "Surely it would be easier for everyone if you came with us."

"It would. Certainly. But the other Elders..." Temur looked to the other Sleds as their Weevils settled down for a long nap. "They want to discuss where we're going next. I don't see a problem with me not attending but they'll throw a hissy fit if I don't. They can behave like little children at times."

"And a fantastic excuse to get high while others do the work." Anton said dryly.

Temur laughed. "That it is. I'm sure that's an important reason. Nevertheless, unless things go poorly at the Bazaar this is where we must part ways."

"Before we do that." Anton lightly tapped Cetina's side. "There is something that we would like to give you, on the express promise that you keep it hidden and don't tell anyone else. That means you, Bedes."

"I can keep a secret." The young boy smiled. "So what presents do you have for us?"

Cetina passed over a bag of portal stones and a linked pair of communication pens. He explained how they worked, they listened intently but it was clear to Anton that if it were anyone else they would have dismissed them as a scam.

"Fascinating." Temur held the hessian bag close to his chest. "This way we can keep in contact, should the worst befall us." His eyes fell upon Bedes's minders. "I don't think you need to be told what will happen to you if anything happens to them."

The two nodded furiously while Bedes did not understand the implied threat.

"Just remember that if something happens to them it'll be extremely difficult to replace them. So...Do keep that in mind."

"I have the perfect place." Temur nodded back to his Sled. "I have to be going now. Good luck with your research."

"Thank you." Anton could not help but smile. "I'm sure in a few winters everyone will be talking about it."

Temur did not know his words were not egotistical bravado. He simply smiled, gave a final wave and left. Bedes minders were a little more enthusiastic but Bedes himself waved frantically, all of which was returned until they were swallowed by the crowds. Temur's warriors quickly began to disperse, giving them quick nods of approval before returning to their Elder.

"Are we sure we can trust this Mike?" Cetina asked. "Sounds a bit like a creep."

Zuhura scoffed. "I will not be entertaining any notions from such a debased man. No matter what for or for whom." Zuhura threw Anton a long, sideways glance.

"I have no intention of trying anything like that." Anton said. "Or even asking, even in jest."

Everyone's faces brightened.

"Hopefully money will be enough for him." Anton frowned. "But if he thinks he has an advantage over us, that I don't want to see any of you pretending to make soppy eyes with some stranger, then he might try to bleed us dry."

"An advantage to the veil." Zuhura smiled. "We can hide a portion of our disgust from you men. Though revulsion...Is another matter entirely."

"I have yet to see it, personally." Anton said nonchalantly. Zuhura smirked and shook her head. "But don't invite trouble either." he looked to the gate. "Enough wasting time. Let's get going."

While there were guards posted outside Al Qadikha's walls they were not very attentive. They simply allowed them to pass without so much as a glance. Anton presumed they didn't want to impede trade with one of the few groups that would journey so far through the desert, but a little caution was probably necessary. Al Qadikha's interior reminded Anton of Khoradeh, the first Frindal city, except a little poorer. The men and women walking past wore more rugged and plainly coloured clothes compared to theirs. Anton felt rather conspicuous, though being followed closely by a half dozen women did not help matters.

Anton pushed the lingering looks away and focused on the city itself. It looked remarkably similar to the Desert Elves Mesa, the buildings were obviously not in a state of decay. Everything looked very normal for an arid city, except for the stone wall which the city lay nestled against. While only twenty odd meters tall there was no obvious natural way to the top. What he did see were eight large wooden platforms and dozens more lengths of thick rope, reaching from the bottom to the very top. One slowly ascended while another descended, their speed was not related to one another, both laden with goods. The other six lay empty and abandoned but showed no sign of damage or disrepair.

"A-Anton." Calo nudged Anton's side. "I see one. Right at the top."

Calo did not point, as to not attract unwanted attention, but Anton quickly saw what she meant. Above the ascending platform he saw a humanoid covered in a thin fur. A Feral Beastkin. Two large ears, even larger than Rasha's, stood out underneath a large straw hat. The Feral wore a simple long sleeved shirt and pants, Anton could not see if the Feral was wearing boots but it was wearing thick gloves. When the platform reached the top three more Feral Beast-kin emerged, also wearing the same attire, and began unloading the platform.

“Certainly beats climbing up there.” Anton mused. “I wonder what’s powering it?”

Mezot grabbed Anton’s elbow and pointed along the street. At the base stood a large winch with four large wooden bars radiating out from the centre. Eight Nomad men leant against the bars, two a piece, shirtless with great rivers of sweat running down their backs.

“You’d think they’d give them a little shade.”

“They’re criminals.” Zuhura said calmly. “See that they are bald?”

“Yes...Actually, they all are.”

Zuhura nodded slowly. “Men and women who commit crimes have their hair cut with a razor. For minor crimes the punishment lasts until the hair grows back to its original length.”

“That’s bad for women then.” Calo muttered. She pointed to Zuhura’s head. “Your hair is quite long.”

“Indeed.”

“Let’s keep moving.” Anton ushered them onward. “The sooner we’re done here the better.”

They continued walking through the busy streets, all letting Anton take the lead. Like every city they were hounded by stall and store owners. Utter chaos surrounded them as criers called out to them only to move onto the next traveller when they gave no indication of interest. Food them one of the Nomad Tribes visiting was of huge economic importance but Anton also completely understood why Hazm restricted such trade to a single area.

“Normally.” Anton stopped and turned around. “Normally, since we didn’t get directions, normally we would buy some food and get instructions that way…”

“Why are you smiling?” Axia chuckled.

“Normally Verona would be the one to do it.” Anton spied a popular food stall. “And I would be worried about Kal, for obvious reasons. But this time...Tell me, Zuhura, is it allowed for women to eat outside?”

“Yes…” Zuhura raised a brow. “I don’t...Oh. The veil. That won’t be a problem. If they don’t they won’t make money.”

“We’ll buy something simple and get directions that way.” Anton quickly singled out a simple food stall with a number of people, mostly Nomads, surrounding it. “That seems like a good place. And we probably won’t get food poisoning.”

“What poisoning?” Axia asked.

“You don’t want to know.” Anton chuckled nervously. “Let’s just say it’ll be one of the worst days of your life.”

---[]---

With simple directions, and a quick meal, they slowly walked towards Mike’s Bazaar. Calo and Sheso were starting to act odd, their heads ducked and weaved as they looked down the tight alleyways spreading off the main street.

“We’re being followed.” Calo said softly.

Cetina clicked her tongue. “I thought we were.”

“It is our clothes.” Zuhura raised her hand. “We stand out like an oasis in the desert.”

The blue cloth shawl was of a higher quality that anything most of the people wore. And they all wore such clothes, even Anton.

“Not much we can do.” Anton took a deep breath. “But be ready to fight. Zuhura, stay in the centre. We’ll do the fighting-”

“Understood.” Zuhura did not argue and moved behind Anton. Cetina smirked and shook her head.

As they neared the Bazaar, the largest building in Al Qadikha, the crowds began to dissipate and move to the sides. Anton raised his hand for everyone to stop. He clicked his tongue as they stopped in the centre of the street. The gang, for lack of a better word, began to fan out. They sneered and held their hands on the simple blunt clubs and even knives. One at the centre, not the biggest but one that appeared to command some sort of authority, pointed his blade at Anton.

I’m getting sick of this shit.

“What do you want?” Anton asked loudly. “Is there something on me? Some kind of smell that attracts this sort of thing?”

“What are you talking about?” The man at the centre said, a slight waver to his voice. “We just want to have a chat with those beautiful-”

“You know what the fuck I’m talking about.” Anton clenched his fists tight. “You and the rest of your friends, quite happy to sit in the shade but when we turn up all of you do this...Thing! Where you spread out to try and intimidate me for some stupid fucking reason. Some inane stupid reason to try and puff up your pathetically deflated egos. Am I standing in your pissant little patch of dirt and you want me away? Afraid that a measure of a backbone is within a hundred feet of you? Your little hang-out where you giggle inanely and fantasise about assaulting those walking by, never brave enough to do it without the rest of your bum buddies?”

“Oh.” Calo clapped her hands. “I’m liking this Anton.”

“Right?” Sheso sniggered. “No wonder Mezot fell for him.”

Mezot’s face turned red as she looked away.

“What the fuck?” One of the thugs to the side asked those at the centre.

“What?” Anton felt strangely antagonistic and confident. For the tiniest moment he felt his Dragonoid tail, coiled tight around his waist. “Never had someone talk back to you? You haven’t done anything yet, so why are you getting your panties in such a twist?”

“You…” The man blinked and tightened his grip on his knife. “You’d better watch your words-”

“Or what?” Anton folded his arms. “What are you possibly going to do about it?”

All attention now lay upon him. Those previously walking past gave them a wide berth, many looked happy they were receiving a verbal lashing, even if it was Anton’s incoherent ramblings, but it had a distinct disadvantage. There was only one way for them to save face now.

“Y…” The thug took a deep breath. “Fine. Let’s head out of the city and I’ll teach you a lesson.”

“Fuck off.” Anton spat on the ground. “I don’t have the time or energy to deal with you. So get back to the dirty alleyways where you belong.”

Again the thugs looked utterly stupefied. Clearly no one had spoken to them like this. Ever.

Actually, this might be a bad thing. If no one’s done anything, and there are more shopkeepers than them, there’s a chance they’re connected. Maybe to this Mike? Well, not much else for it but to wrap everything up before they have a chance to say anything.

“I’ll fight you.” Cetina said softly. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a fight.”

“You?” The thug laughed, the others joined in. “A woman?”

“Yep.” Cetina removed the toggles beneath her shawl and let the outer cloth fall down. “And I can easily beat you all into a bloody mess.”

Some of the thugs and bystanders whistled, a mixture of surprise and bemusement. Cetina did not wear her normal Qaiviel armour, she would have cooked under the desert sun, but a heavy set of coastal Frindal Armour. While not as effective, it still offered considerable protection, not to mention the Arachnid Silk underlay was more than sufficient to stop most blades.

“Are you sure about this, Cetina?” Anton asked. “I’m sure I could scare them away.”

“You could. But I’m feeling a little...Rusty? I think you would call it rusty.”

The thug leader couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “Teach this bitch a lesson. Show her what happens when someone crosses the Sand Vipers!”

“Oh for fuck’s sake.” Anton grumbled.

Despite their advantage in numbers they were not attacking at once. For them it was unheard of for a woman to know and practice combat. Not to mention Cetina had still not drawn her sword, hanging from her hip.

“Calo? Sheso?” Anton spoke softly without looking back. “Keep an eye on our surroundings. This would be the perfect time for someone to attack us from behind.”

“Got it.”

“Don’t worry about trying to hide it. The more overt you are the less likely they might be to try something.”

Anton had no way of knowing for sure but it paid to be prepared.

Cetina stood perfectly still, her eye scanning all of the thugs for any sign of weakness. The first, a normal sized man, tried to swing his club at her but Cetina easily dodged before punching him hard underneath his chin. With one hit, a mighty crack, the thug’s body dropped while his head still looked to the sky. He landed in a plume of dust and refused to move.

“Is he dead?” Mezot grabbed the back of Anton’s shirt.

“No.” Anton smiled. “Just unconscious.”

He was glad to see the thug was still breathing, even if it was just barely. Cetina resumed her fighting stance and beckoned the other thugs to attack. The downed thug groaned and his head twitched.

“Time to go.” Anton said softly. “Or do you all want to be the one to be knocked unconscious by a woman, of all things.”

Cetina shot him a quick glance. He would never speak ill of her, they simply needed some encouragement.

The lead thug began to back away, the others were already several paces back.

“Come on.” Cetina smiled. “I haven’t had the chance to practice my sword arm for a while. So, come on. Let’s send the next one.”

The leader thug snarled as he brandished his weapon at Cetina. Despite his sneer Cetina did not even budge a muscle, she had faced a dozen things more intimidating than this man, and even Zuhura when she was beating the Sun Walker Fanatic was more intimidating.

“Come on! I don’t have all day.” Cetina dropped her stance. “If you don’t want to fight then get out of the way. We have business here.”

The other thugs began to back away, leaving just the leader. What little remained of his sanity, and ego, snapped and he charged at Cetina, swinging his knife like a lunatic. Cetina took a step forward just before he reached her, catching him when his hand was far away and grabbed his wrist tight. His eyes widened in fear and realisation. Cetina punched his elbow with all of her might, snapping the bone. The thug screamed and collapsed. Cetina kicked him hard in the side of the head and knocked him completely unconscious.

“I’ve fought starving bandits that are more threatening.” Cetina tossed the simple blade aside. “You’ve clearly never fought before.”

Anton waved them forward, Calo and Sheso silently told him they had seen nothing. He tapped her back and ushered her forward. No one said a word as they left the two thugs in the street. Anton glanced back and smiled. Already some of the younger children were riffling through his clothes for anything valuable, his blade had been stolen.

Maybe they’ll learn. Probably not, since they got such a beating and they’ll probably put all of the blame on me.

---[]---

Mike’s Bazaar was a surprisingly large open building, far larger than anything else in Al Qadikha. It had no roof, only pieces of cloth strung together from raised corner posts to block out the sun. Just like everywhere else in Frindal they did not have to worry about rain.

“I don’t see any of them here.” Calo said softly. “They weren’t running in this direction but that doesn’t mean they didn’t take a back street and run...I liked your anger, by the way.” She held a hand to her mouth. “They didn’t even get a chance to be creeps.”

“I just don’t understand it.” Anton softly sighed. “I wonder, in this world’s history, how many women have had that happen to them and thought ‘Yes, I will go with you because you’re such a cool and awesome guy. Let’s have sex’.”

“Cool?” Zuhura raised a brow. ‘What do you mean by that? People like to stay warm during the night.”

“It’s one of Anton’s things.” Sheso smiled. “Verona and Kal told me you get used to it very quickly.”

What else did they tell you I wonder?

The interior of the Bazaar was overwhelmingly cluttered, to say the least. Amazingly it was still neatly organised; everything sat in organised groupings and on small shelves, there was just so much that it threatened to spill out at any moment.

This organisation...What does it say about the person that owns this? Or is it just a servant trying their best to deal with their junk?

Many other people pursued the bazaar’s wares, some Anton vaguely recognised from their journey with the Nomad Tribe but he could not see the owner. Women, dressed similarly to Sultan Hazm’s servants, mingled through the customers, asking if they needed assistance. Anton was glad when he saw one approaching them.

“Hello.” She spoke very softly, though Anton could tell it was forced. “Welcome, travellers, to Mike’s Bazaar. How may I be of assistance?”

“You can tell that we’re not from here?” Anton asked.

The woman’s eyes conveyed her laughter for her mouth did not smile. “Of course. No one has skin as light, or as dark, in Al Qadikha.”

“Well, you’ve certainly got us there.”

The woman glanced behind him to Zuhura. She did not look particularly impressed by what she was seeing.

"We need to see Mike." Anton said. "It will be easier to explain it once, but we have a need to get onto the plateau above us and meet the Feral Beastkin."

The woman's eyes darted between them all. Whatever she was searching for she did not find it. Perhaps markings of the Sun Walkers? Fearful they had finally extended their reach to the very edge of human civilisation.

"Temur." Anton nodded towards the Nomads. "Said he was a good place to start. He would have come but he has business with the other Nomad Elders."

"Getting high." Cetina softly added. Zuhura glumly agreed.

"Mike is currently in the back of the Bazaar, handling another customer." The woman turned and motioned for them to follow. "But it should not take long. We can ask him when he is done."

"Thank you." Anton smiled and followed the woman.

He turned back and silently told everyone to be ready for anything, even Mezot and Axia. At the moment their Charms were hidden but looked incredibly suspicious all the same. No one else had something so large mounted to the top of a staff. Cetina, Calo and Sheso readied their own hidden weapons while Zuhura patted her side where he could make out the faintest outline of a sheathed dagger.

The woman led them past other customers, quietly haggling with the servant women, all careful not to touch any of the unstable stacks. Eventually they arrived at a door where another servant waited patiently, her hands clasped together and her head bowed low.

"He will be done shortly." The waiting servant said. "Just a bit longer."

Once they had stopped moving, and there was no sound of stomping boots Anton could hear something. A rhythmic creaking of wood interjected with soft moans.

"Is this what he means when he says you can get a discount?" Anton asked dryly.

"Oh." Axia almost began to laugh. "He's-"

Mezot covered Axia's ears and quietly hushed her. Axia shrugged, she was old enough to know what was happening.

"No one entertain such a thought." Anton said sternly. "Even in jest."

He only received nods.

The creaking wood stopped, followed by a long groan. Cetina shook her head while Zuhura tried to look away so they would not see her reddening face.

"Sure." A gruff male voice came through the door. "You can get that discount. Just be sure to tell my servants that you've worked for it."

The voice laughed, Anton just made out a softer laugh, extremely forced, as someone approached the door. The servants ushered them back. A Nomad woman emerged, her clothes at strange angles and her veil incorrectly fastened. Anton did not recognise her but she did. The moment their eyes made contact her body flinched and she scampered away, almost knocking over a precariously placed stack which would have ended the Bazaar.

"You've got more for me?" The voice reminded Anton of Mahdi. "So what do they want to buy?"

"I...I am not entirely sure." The servant said softly. "I am not sure."

"Well, did you ask them?"

A middle aged man emerged. While sweat and a flush covered his face he looked, as Temur said, rather plain. He finished buttoning the top of his shirt and ran a hand across his face.

"Apologies." The man smiled. "It's always amusing just how far some people will go to get a good deal."

Easier when you're the only person in town. What choice do they have?

Anton glanced back at one of the stacks. While he didn't know if the price was reasonable, judging by the faces of those walking by it was anything but.

“We have a need to enter the Feral Beast-kin territory.” Anton said. Mike continued to try and make himself more presentable, if such a thing was possible when he was drenched in sweat and reeked of sex. “And in such a manner where it does not cause alarm or any incidents. Temur said that you should be the first person we contact.”

“Temur?” Mike’s brow rose slightly. “He’s here?”

“Outside the city walls currently. But he told us to go on ahead.”

“Ah...That old goat. I’m glad to know that he’s still alive and kicking.” He motioned for them to enter. Mike stopped before he had even made a step into the room. “Maybe somewhere else. No? Seems like it would be a bit rude to make you sit in there. Especially when you have young ones amongst your group. Not that I haven’t seen them in there before.”

Axia grabbed Anton’s shirt and held tight. He too did not like the predatory look he gave her.

Mike led them to the side to another cluttered room. Thankfully it did not have any smells, apart from dried wood and had more than enough room for all of them. Both of the servants entered with them. They did not look like they carried weapons but neither did someone like Zuhura.

“So…” Mike sat behind a large wooden table, Anton was shocked to see it was partially made from black and red marbled wood from The Shadow Isles. “So what do you want to know about the Feral Beast-kin?”

“We are researchers.” Anton motioned to Mezot. “We have come from Graterious to study the Feral Beast-kin. All of the different species, which we cannot do from simple hearsay. So we need to meet them. I am especially interested in the Lamias. The Seocurians killed all of them, creating the Cobra’s. I would like to meet the originals.”

“I see…” Mike slowly nodded. “So what is in it for me? If someone like you, who I barely know, where to use one of the few people the Feral’s trust to gain access to their lands and then to do something, it would reflect very poorly on me.”

“I...Can appreciate that.” Anton said. “But I can demonstrate that we are trustworthy.”

“Oh?” Mike lent back into his chair. “How could you do that?”

“I have considerable funds.” Anton pulled out a small purse of gold. “We can pay you to ensure that you are fully compensated for any issues that may arise. However, my companion Zuhura knows most of the intricacies of the Nomad Tribes and can act as a mediator, should the need arise.”

Zuhura kept her face flat. Again the veil displayed its unique advantages.

Mike slowly mulled over the idea. The servants, however, did not look happy.

“That is tempting.” Mike peered through the small purse. “And these do look real. But I need something...More. Something that proves you aren’t going to act up during your research expedition.”

I don’t like where this is going.

“And what would that be?”

“Them.” Mike nodded to Axia and Zuhura. “A Nomad isn’t going to know anything about the Feral’s way of life. Especially one from the south.”

Zuhura kept perfectly still.

“And...It’s been a while since I’ve seen a Graterian in these parts. And blonde hair-”

“Surely...Surely there is another way.” Anton said. “We have a lot of money and other-”

“It’s going to be those two.” Mike tried and failed to hide a smirk. “They’ll stay here and entertain me while you’re doing you little expedition. I’m that Nomad you brought with you knows a fair bit.”

“I…”

No way that’s happening. But...Could this be like Gerin and the Dark Elves? If it’s only his word that’s needed…Those women servants don’t look particularly happy by this.

“If we were to agree to something like that,” Anton felt murderous gazes from behind. He raised his hand slightly, to let them know he wasn’t seriously considering the offer. “How would this work?”

Mike, entranced by the prospect of two women, and one forbidden, simply smiled. “Well, I would have to let the guards know, then I’d have to arrange you to have a Feral Beast-kin guide. Since your Nomad wouldn’t be with you.” Mike leant back into his chair. “Or any good.”

“I see…” Anton glanced at Zuhura and winked. “Well...If we were to agree to something like this…”

“Please.” Zuhura whispered.

“How long would it take for us to get up top?” Anton turned back to Mike. “We need to get this done as soon as possible.”

“Right away.” Mike rose from his chair. Axia squeaked when she saw his very obvious erection. “Since they’ll be staying here.”

“Well.” Anton clapped his hands. “I think that settles things. Calo? Sheso? Could you please make sure the door is closed and the servants don’t escape.”

“Right.” The twins smiled. Mike didn’t understand yet.

“Cetina? Why don’t you take this chair beat him senseless for me?” Anton smiled as he stood up, moving his chair in front of Cetina. “I think I might go a bit overboard.”

“What-”

Cetina picked up the chair and threw it with all her might. Mike grunted as the wood smashed into his head and sent him prone. Cetina jumped onto the table and leapt onto his prone body, he only managed a single short cry before she landed on his chest, bones cracked under the strike and a bloody spray erupted from his mouth. He tried one last cry before Cetina began to punch him in the head over and over. Anton turned to the twins. Calo pointed her sword at the servants, who kept their hands up and refused to move, while Sheso secured the door.

“Thank you.” Zuhura breathed a deep sigh of relief. “Thank you. I didn’t think you would actually do that.”

“I just wanted to get more information out of him.” Anton held her shoulder. “I’d hardly give him to you...You saw the way he was looking at Axia.”

“Can I burn him?” Axia gripped her staff tight. “I want to use my magic to burn it off.”

Mezot held the same look.

“We’ll see.” Anton looked to Cetina, continuing to pummel Mike. “Cetina? Hold off for a moment.”

“You’re not worried what Temur is going to say?” Cetina gave him a final kick as she backed away.

“No. He said that he wasn’t a friend. And,” Anton shrugged. “I don’t think it was a good idea to try and hit on my friends.”

“So…” Axia lowered her Charm towards Mike, struggling to breath through his bloodied face. “Fire?”

Anton turned to the servants, tensing the moment his eyes laid upon them. “Mike. Who is he to you?”

“He’s my husband.” The servant who had waited outside of the room spoke.

“And you?”

“Third wife. Not...That I had much of a choice.”

“I see.” Anton motioned to Mike. “And do you approve of what he did?”

Neither replied.

“I see.” Anton folded his arms as he leant against the table. “So while he would be fucking Zuhura or Axia, probably both.”

Zuhura and Axia shuddered at the thought.

“I take it that it would be you that would disseminate those orders?”

The servants looked at each other. Thoughts were forming behind their eyes.

“We would.” The wife said softly.

“And Mike doesn’t seem like a popular man. No?”

“No. But he does have some protection. And…” The wife looked at her brutalised husband. “Despite what he was he...No.”

“I’m sure that you two would be far better owners of this Bazaar.” Anton smiled. “I’m sure you’d have less stuff, better prices, and a more friendly demeanour.”

“What are you saying?” The third wife asked.

“You take over the Bazaar.” Zuhura softly replied. “And give us the guide and access to the Feral Beast-kin. I do not believe Anton wants a share of the profits…”

“No. It will all be yours.” Anton unfolded his arms. “No more sex for payment. I’m sure whoever took care of the expenditure did not like this.”

“No.” The first wife said. “But if someone were to find out about this…”

“You essentially run the place as it is. Who’s going to miss someone humping their way through the populace?” Anton shrugged. “And if someone does ask, just say that he’s sick with Desert Lung or something. You’ll figure something out. But...That’s only going to be if he’s not alive anymore."

Mike tried to roll onto his side. Cetina kicked him again and knocked him out.

“I need to get up to the Ferals and begin our investigation.” Anton leant forward. “And I don’t think you’re going to have a good time if he lives. He’s seen how you didn’t come to his aid, nor cry out for us to stop, even if you couldn’t do anything.”

Now the wives shared a more concerned look.

“So? What’s it going to be?”

The servants pulled close and began to whisper. Calo nodded. Though her Dark Elf ears were hidden she could still hear better than humans.

“I believe that Noori would be the best guide.” The first wife said. “He does not like Mike but is very good at his job. And the Ferals are friendly with him. So-”

“Fuck-”

Cetina kicked Mike’s head again. Despite looking rather plain he was quite durable.

“I think that answers your question.” Anton turned to Axia. “I’m afraid that we won’t be using your Fire Magic, even though it would be fun and I love seeing you able to practice your magic, it would draw far too much attention. Mainly the smoke.”

“Shame.” Axia did not seem very disappointed.

“I’ll do it.” Cetina drew her sword. “If you don’t want to do it yourself. I understand if you don’t…”

The wives shared another glance and turned their eyes away. Mike snarled at Cetina. She simply shrugged and plunged her sword into his jaw. She grunted and twisted the blade, snapping his jaw apart. Mike let out a final tiny gurgle before falling still.

“He’s…” The third wife trailed off.

“He’s dead.” Cetina wiped her sword clean of blood. “How do we get rid of the body?”

“We send it to Atros. Might want to have someone on the other side to explain it. Otherwise there’s going to be a terrible panic in Atros that something terrible’s happened to us.”

“I’ll go.” Cetina said as she crouched and began to set out the portal stones. “Just a quick message should be enough.”

Anton and Cetina hauled the body onto the portal. It flashed away in a bright burst of light, swiftly followed by Cetina. The wives of Mike remained perfectly still as Calo continued to point her sword at them. They didn’t know Anton could use magic so he wasn’t particularly worried about them.

Cetina returned, holding a hand to her temple. “Still pretty bad. The guards were pretty concerned but they understood. Well, I don’t think they did. But it won’t be a problem. You might have Verona or Kal contact you when they find out.”

“I’ll tell them when we’re somewhere safe.” Anton turned to the two wives. He summoned a small Fire Bomb, the two looked utterly terrified. “Now. How about that guide and pass to the Ferals?”