First of all we went to the merchant quarter of the city, quite near the inn where we were staying. Funnily enough, going there was as much a first for me as for Alexius and Helena. I mean, I am a dwarf, so I live by the motto that one should never buy something that one can craft. The Therynias are famous craftsmen of the some of the best crafted equipment that can be found in this whole continent and I am no exception. Having been trained from a very young age in the intricacies of crafting all manner of weapons, armor and useful magical objects, I can very easily analyze whether any given item or weaponry is any good. My two companions looked quite doubtful as I boasted of that, but it doesn't matter, I will prove it to them.

Once we started looking around, things started going downhill fast. I must say, what a sad collection of things that pass for equipment in this city. I thought equipment was a matter of life and death for adventurers? How could they ever buy such shoddy products? Although, I suppose I shouldn't get so heated about it. It was quite embarrassing for Alexius to have had to part me from a merchant that was not very appreciative of my very pertinent criticisms of his products. If only I had an access to some crafting tools! Curse those guilds of various professions, they can't keep up with their less than mediocre equipment so they limit who can have access to the appropriate tools. Although I suppose that the tools would be pretty low quality too. Still, on the hands of a master like me none of the garbage that they try to sell here would compare.

As noon approaches, we stop at a decent-looking tavern in order to have a light meal and exchange impressions of what we've seen so far.

“Kardenon, it's not like I don't understand you, but you have to understand that adventurers usually aren't the richest kind of people. Look, many are little more than more limited mercenaries that only fight monsters.” That attracted some unpleasant stares. “You can't expect them to buy the kind of equipment that a dwarf noble like you might.”

Well, that was a good point. But what about Alexius and Helena? At least one of them was a noble. Would they be satisfied with that kind of low-quality equipment? Now I am curious about what kind of equipment they are sporting.

“I understand that, but am I mistaken when I say that this is not the kind of quality you're looking for?” Alexius shook his head. “I mean, an antidote stone that you have to stab yourself with is beyond low-quality, really.”

Helena joined in the conversation.

“We are well-aware of that, but what can we do? It sure doesn't look like there's much better equipment being sold in this city. I think you can agree that having low quality equipment in this case is better than having nothing at all. Stabbing yourself with a stone is... very unpleasant, but it is better than dying to poison.”

She did have a point, but once again I think that the question should go back to one important point...

“But do we really not have these kinds of things on hand? The people who can put down the kind of money to obtain a Treasury Sack, such as you, should have a lot of other really expensive and really useful things. Instead of wasting time and money on what this city has to offer in terms of equipment, why don't we take stock of everything that you have available?”

The fact that the two were startled at my comment was actually kind of confusing. I wonder if they thought that I didn't know what that was hanging from Alexius' belt? Anyway, they started a furious back and forth of whispers between them, probably to decide whether they could trust me enough to show me the extent of the things they have in stock. It kind of hurts that they even have to discuss it, but I suppose we have barely met yet. I must redouble my efforts to earn their trust! After some time, the two of them seemed to have reached a decision. Alexius seemed satisfied while Helena seemed slightly unhappy.

“We will show you what we have in terms of weapons, armor and magical items back at the inn. It's a good opportunity to have a master appraise everything. As far as I know, it should be quite the expensive service, but I hope you might be generous enough to not charge for it. Also, this will have to wait until later on today, as Helena wants to take a look at the tailors and jewelers in town.”

I wouldn't be surprised if they also have garbage, probably not even worth taking a look. Is what I wanted to say, but I resisted it. Besides, I was never the biggest fan of the beauty aspect of crafting. As long as it doesn't look like trash, beauty is in a well functioning thing. Unlike those snobs from Gresha Khaaran, the dwarves from Tharaz Eron always preferred function over form. Also, there was no way that I would even think of charging the people who so generously helped me for appraisal, especially when I get the feeling that I might see quite a few really high-quality pieces of equipment.

The next few hours were full of mind-numbing boredom, but I can get through it! I know that following those two here and there while Helena pelts Alexius with questions of how this or that looks on her is just another trial that I must go through. I really want Alexius to just say everything looks good, but he surely knows that this isn't a good idea. I must have patience.

The sun had already set when we finally arrived at the inn once again. To say that I was close to my limit is an understatement. But it's all good now! Now, I can finally take a look at what they have. Now!

“Okay, I think it's reasonable if we first eat something.”

Alexius said so the moment he entered the inn. I... well, of course. It's not like we can go on without a meal...

“I agree. Should be a good way to compensate a bit since there really was nothing all that great, especially if compared to the capital.”

Curse you, need to have meals! You always stood in my way when I were studying and developing things back home and once again must you delay me? Curses!

After a quick meal and an agonizing almost eternal wait for Helena to calmly eat at her own pace, the three of us finally went to my room to take stock of everything that was available. Yes! Now, finally!

“First of all, would you mind letting me take a look at your weapons?” I pointed at the sword and projection talisman that Alexius carried, then at the two projection talismans that Helena carried. “Oh! This really is some really good... Tch. Them...”

I couldn't resist clicking my tongue.

“What? Is there some kind of problem?”

The three talismans looked pretty much the exact same: A metallic cross with all arms the same length, small enough to be grasped with one hand and with appropriate grips. At the center of the cross on one side is a red gem, with a projection chant written inside. Delicate lines on the cross form a supporting symbol for the spell. On the other side of the cross there is a small inscription, a signature that I know belongs to a member of the Paremy family. They are something of a rival family to us Therynias. Really, there is nothing lacking in their craftsmanship, but still... It is still to see their work this far away from home.

“Ah no, nothing, it is just annoying to see a rival family's work travel so much. These are superbly made talismans.”

It actually took quite longer than expected and was slightly overwhelming. As expected, there was all kinds of things useful in there. Great armor, many utilities such as poison stoppers and a proper antidote stone that you just had to keep touching the affected area. The only problem was that there was only one of each of those items. I might not have a problem since I intended to use my Magic-armor-construct, but between the two of them there would be a limited amount of protection against the more problematic elements of a dungeon. Even as I commented on that with them, the two of them said that it wouldn't be a problem. Such confidence!

Anyway, since the whole thing happened without incident, even if it was slower than expected, there's at least the fact that I managed to obtain some more trust from them. Both of them seemed happy with the results. There wasn't a single fraud of an item with them. Tomorrow we will challenge the dungeon!