Kailen was quietly grumbling to himself in discontent as he tried to think up a solution to his predicament, he hence didn't notice the young man slowly approaching him.
"Hello, friend trouble getting into the city?"
The voice brought Kailen back to reality as he looked questioningly at the speaker, a young man near his age he presumed from his appearance. Fairly well off taking into account his fine clothes and well-groomed hair that was combed over his head to the right.
"Yes actually, you wouldn't happen to have any ideas...?"
"Hmm, how about you act like my servant until we pass through the gates?"
"Hm, that might work... what do you want in return?"
"I want you to come and drink with me inside the city."
The request puzzled him, though he couldn't think up any other fast solutions so he agreed with the man and rejoined the line.
"So, what's your name? I'm Kailen."
"Nice to meet you Kailen, I'm Kenneth Carth. Maybe you've heard of my father William Carth, he's a rich merchant here in Lanza."
"I haven't, it's my first time here as you can see. This drink we're going to get, why ask some random stranger to join you?"
"Helping a stranger creates connections, connections being the lifeblood of all good merchants."
"Hmm, so you're a merchant like your father?"
"I'm trying to be, anyway meeting new people is always interesting. Everyone has a different story to tell."
Kailen reflected on what he said, he had always stuck to himself and never branched out. Distancing himself from worthwhile connections was a defense mechanism to avoid pain, isolation was a position of strength. Kailen's thoughts went back to his childhood as images of Sandy were flashing through his mind.
They eventually reached the front of the queue where the same man at the desk looked at him coldly.
"Get out, we don't want no scroungers here!"
"Now now, my good sir. This gentleman is working for me now, so there shouldn't be an issue allowing him to pass right?"
The man at the desk observed his rich clothes and well-groomed hair before coldly barking.
"You pay five silvers and he can pass."
"Fine fine, here..."
Kenneth sighed while throwing five silver coins onto the desk before striding past, Kailen walked up alongside him. The gates opened and Kailen saw the bustling streets of Lanza, street stalls covering both sides of a wide street with a stream of people flowing steadily. The sounds of chatter and animals were overwhelming, though the different smells aroused his nose.
"So where are we going for that drink? I will pay you back the five silvers Kenneth."
In the end, he had to pay five silvers and now he was in this merchants debt. Kailen sighed at his naivety and misfortune, though he was confident he could earn some money somehow.
"Well, it's about a five minutes walk."
Kenneth led the way through the stream of locals effortlessly, obviously well versed in city life. Kailen and Kenneth chatted, and as young men, the inevitable topic of women was broached.
"So Kailen, how about we try to meet some women?"
"Well, I'd rather not."
Kailen would love to but the issues of his funds prevented him, he only had one gold coin currently and he needed to find lodgings for the night. From what he understood, finding women was an expensive affair.
Kenneth looked at him with a raised eyebrow, before asking teasingly.
"Eh... do you prefer sword fighting instead?"
"Well, I like both-"
Kailen stopped as he realized Kenneth's meaning, he replied hastily.
"I'm into women."
"Now now, there's nothing wrong with it..."
Kailen chuckled seeing the teasing expression on Kenneth's face, he didn't clarify further allowing him to think whatever. Kenneth laughed seeing his resigned face.
They continued walking through a variety of different streets before approaching the river, they arrived outside a luxurious building overlooking the river. It was raised off the street, steps leading upwards with large thick pillars supporting a balcony overlooking the street. Kailen observed quite a few beautiful women standing there conversing with a variety of different men.
Kailen followed Kenneth inside slowly realizing he wouldn't be able to afford anything here. A thick extravagant red carpet lined the floor with a large staircase directly opposite the entrance, a mature woman approached dressed in an expensive dress displaying her lovely body.
"Good afternoon gentlemen, how may I help you?"
"Hello, Lily. I would like a table upstairs in the flower room for me and my friend here."
"Sure, please follow me."
The lady named Lily turned and heading up the stairs as Kenneth and Kailen followed suit.
"Kenneth, I can't afford to drink here."
"Don't worry, the drinks are on me."
"That way I'll owe you more money..."
"Don't worry about it, you'll be helping me soon."
Kailen didn't reply, he didn't know how he would be helping this rich young master. He put the money issue aside, he could always find the arena here and fight for money there. Arena's were popular all over this side of the world, martial arts being the main entertainment.
They arrived at a fairly small room, with a few different couches placed against the walls all facing a small stage in the center where a harp and stool stood alone. Kailen didn't realize it was this kind of establishment, he and Kenneth sat on one of the couches and ordered two drinks off a small drink menu.
"So, do you come here often?"
"Of course, this is where the famous Lady Celia performs live."
"Lady Celia?"
"You don't know? She's a famous musician from the Capital of Nictra, she's also beautiful so she really pulls a crowd."
"That so?"
Kailen was eager to witness such a famous musician up close, he was never one for the arts being raised a servant and all. The performing arts were a privilege of the upper classes in society, after all, the poor could never afford to waste money listening to beautiful music.
A few other men gradually entered the room and took their places on their respective seats, a particularly handsome young man entered and approached Kenneth and Kailen. The man was tall with slick back blonde hair, he exuded an air of arrogance his chin naturally raised.
He was the type of man Kailen despised, the useless men who had never done a day's work supported only by daddy's money.
"What are you doing here Kenny?"
The man spoke in a disdainful manner befitting his arrogant appearance, Kailen had the urge to slap him.