The great avian market was large enough to be a challenge to the most avid shopper. Money flowed through it like blood flows through our veins. It is in this commercial labyrinth that our friends had been lost for almost two hours, it being nine o'clock in the evening when they were finally able to meet in the center, as they had agreed, with empty bags, but with the satisfaction of having gotten what they wanted, or at least as close as they could find with the coins they had available. Faye on the other hand, was the only one who arrived with the object and a not so empty bag.
- Ufff it really is quite an odyssey to go through this place.... - Runkdar said, sniffling and wiping his sweat.
- I thought dwarves were tireless. - Said Kunoichi teasing him a bit.
- In battle, yes, but shopping? not really, at least not the ones from my house. - Runkdar replied, forgetting for a moment that he had only been a dwarf for a couple of days.
- I like it, it reminds me of comic conventions where there were things to buy everywhere and people walking around in cosplay left and right. - Said Zafiro eating the candy that Kunoichi had bought her.
- Although the people here aren't wearing cosplay, they're actually bird people. - Mila clarified, checking her new scroll for the fourth time.
- What spell does it contain? - Ashram asked.
- It's a secret, you'll find out in due time. - Mila answered.
- How is it possible that after all this time, you still have those damaged armors? - Faye asked Mathew and Runkdar.
- There is no way to repair them here, besides we spent all our money buying these shields. - Runkdar said, pointing to the round shield with metal reinforcements on his back and Mathew's shield. - I hope they last longer than the previous ones.
- You are very quiet today Mathew... - said Kunoichi.
- Me? no, I'm just a little tired. - Replied the paladin.
- Yes those prices were exhausting. Hahahaha - replied Runkdar with a laugh.
- Well young ones, if you have bought everything you need, let's go to the inn so you can rest and have something to eat. - Said Sergeant Pepian.
No one objected to that suggestion, if the long trip or the fight at the gates of the city had not tired them completely, the pilgrimage throughout that temple to the god of commerce, finished with their strength. They did not want to do anything else but sleep, although having a snack beforehand was perhaps a better alternative.
They walked for a long time and noticed how the chaotic city was calming down, the passersby disappeared into their homes, ending a busy day. After several blocks they arrived at an establishment that looked very cozy. Over the door hung a wooden sign and it had a picture of a gold button served on a saucer. The interior was beautifully furnished and had flower decorations on the walls. The diners tasted the different dishes calmly and drank with the same attitude. Upon seeing them enter, a young avian lady of short stature and bright yellow plumage approached them, wearing an apron and the attire of a maiden.
- Greetings sergeant Pepian, also greetings to you travelers. - She said bowing. Welcome to the Inn of the Golden Button, my name is Amarilis and I will be in charge of attending you, I will take you to our best table.
They had not had such a warm reception in quite some time, which spoke very well of the establishment. She took them to a very large round table on the right side of the room, where there were more flower arrangements.
- I will be back in a moment to take your order. - Amaryllis said before hopping away.
- What are we going to order? the food seems to consist entirely of seeds... - I'm not a bird. No offense Pepian. - Runkdar said.
- No offense taken. - Pepian replied.
- I assume there are no human dishes because few humans are admitted to the citadel. Isn't that right? - Ashram asked.
- I am afraid that is partially true, however there are things you can eat without fear, for example a vegetable soup, bread, pastries with honey. There is also beef, those of us who eat only vegetables would never try it, but among the Avians there are those who like meat. So a grilled steak I hope will be to your liking. - Pepian said saving the dinner with his timely suggestion.
The sergeant ordered for everyone and ordered for himself only a grain dish. They all ate with good taste, so hungry they were that they practically did not say a word. Just as they were about to finish, they heard a great BAM! coming from the door. When the door opened, they saw a young pigeon-like bird, wearing a cap with an emblem and carrying a bag of mail. He was a messenger.
- I am looking for Sergeant Pepian! Urgent message for Sergeant Pepian! - he said, looking all around.
- It's me boy. - Pepian said raising a wing.
- It's an urgent message from Captain Aguillen. - Said the boy. - Please sign here. And you must give me your answer sir.
Worried the sergeant read the letter in a jiffy and reread it to be sure he was not mistaken. The others did not know whether to ask or not, for they did not want to be branded as intruders.
- The letter is an invitation. To an audience with the king, he requests to see you all immediately. - Pepian said.
- What? They all exclaimed in surprise.
- Why would he want to see us? - Kunoichi asked.
- No idea, but I hope it's not to punish us. - Runkdar said.
- No, you don't send a messenger for that, several guards would have arrived, not one boy. - Said Ashram
- What answer do we give him? - Asked Mila
- Well, we accept, you don't say no to a king. - Faye said.
- Yes, it is certainly the best and only option. - Ashram confirmed, while Faye was already preparing to write a sealed message in response.
- Here, boy, and this is for your trouble. - Said Pepian handing him the letter and three coins. - Take the letter as soon as possible.
Without waiting for them to repeat themselves, the young messenger took flight as if it were an airplane, and took off, narrowly missing crashing into the wall of the building in front of him.
- Do we have enough time to take a bath? - Faye asked worriedly. - I don't want to go before the king all sweaty and covered in dust.
- I'm afraid there's no time to waste. The message said to go immediately, I'll pay the bill and we'll leave. - Pepian replied, standing up and taking some coins out of his bag.
Reluctantly, they took their things to go to the hearing, left their rooms reserved, and departed without time for anything else. Runkdar and Zafiro picked up their dessert and ate it on the way.
Although the entire city itself was a castle/fortress, the center of the city, where the residence of King Aquilion the Third of House Chrysaetos was located, was called "the castle". As they approached, the walls were better maintained, however if you looked closely, every few steps, there was a battlement or guard post to ward off attackers, even in the part closest to the royalty of the city, the functionality of the defensive walls was not neglected. They had to climb many stairs to the audience, for the Avians it was not a problem because they could skip them flying, but being surface beings, they had to settle for the long way. There were a lot of soldiers, mostly hidden, but they watched them carefully, the distrust of foreigners was more extreme in the corridors of the castle.
- But what a long way, I don't think I can take another staircase. - Runkdar said, almost giving up.
- Come on, there's only one more to go, or so I hope. - Said Kunoichi pointing to what seemed to be the last one, covered by a red carpet with golden edges.
The paving improved greatly when they reached the top, the stone walls were now of white marble and of the same material the columns that surrounded the magnificent hall, the walls were covered with fine tapestries with native motifs, coats of arms on both sides of the great hall and a red carpet that reached from one end of the wall to the other.
The soldiers at the door carried spears, dressed in impeccable armor that made them feel bad to wear theirs so damaged. Seeing them enter with the sergeant. The latter spoke to the guards to announce their arrival to the king.
A great trumpet burst into the stillness of the hall, deafening them for a moment. At the end the tallest guard announced them, and signaled for them to enter.
- Sergeant Pepian Quail and the adventurers of the gate. - Said the guard.
It was obvious that they needed a better name than "the gate adventurers." They also needed better clothes, but there was no time for anything on that busy day. For once Ashram regretted not buying a more appropriate shirt.
They walked about thirty meters to approach the throne, so huge was that hall, there were guards guarding right and left. In front of them, our friends could see a stepped platform about two stories high, carved from a single piece of marble, richly worked, on it rested the throne, of the same material, but covered with gold and a silk lining plus cushions for the king's comfort, to his left was the queen's throne, smaller in size, but as luxurious as the first.
From that height the Avian monarchs watched them, they had all the traits of imperial eagles, taller than the average citizen and with a regal bearing. They watched them for a while as if studying beings they were not used to seeing. Down the stairs was Captain Aguillen, who looked at them with approval.
- Greetings strangers, come closer, so I don't have to raise my voice so much, sometimes it is so tiring to talk in this wide room. - Said the king good-naturedly.
The group obeyed and approached slowly, until they were only seven meters away. Sergeant Pepian, in a low voice, told them to keep their heads below the height of their majesties.
- These are the adventurers you told me about Aguillen? you mentioned they were very young, but by the gods that was an understatement. They are almost children Aguillen. - Said the king
- Indeed your majesty, they are very young and have much to learn, but they make up for it with their great courage. Said the captain. - Thanks to them twelve of our soldiers were able to return home alive.
- Aguillen tells me that you behaved like heroes in the midst of the attack of the evil corvus. - Said the king.
- Your majesty, Captain Aguillen with his natural kindness, has overstated our participation. - Said Ashram taking the word for the group. - We did nothing but defend ourselves.
- You need not be so modest young man, Aguillen told me the incident in detail. I know your group wiped out almost all the enemy and protected my wounded soldiers, I am grateful for that. - Said the king
- You honor us with your words majesty. - Said Ashram bowing, the others followed his example.
- Then how shall I repay you? let's see... - Said the king thoughtfully.
- There is no need to give us anything your majesty. - Said Ashram. His companions would have liked to jump on him to shut him up, but it was not possible.
- Nonsense, modesty is one thing and refusing gratitude is another. - Replied the king. - I trust you will not refuse a gift from me.
- We would not dare to do such a thing, your majesty, whatever gift you are willing to give us, we will treasure it as a family jewel. - Faye said before Ashram went to refuse the monarch's generosity.
- Well then, Gallius, go to my chamber at once, rummage through my clothes and bring me what you find, there should be a decent sum as I beat Count Peregrilus this morning at craps. Also send what I ordered to be prepared.
- At once your majesty. - Said Gallius who was the king's advisor, and left in haste.
A short time later, some ladies came in carrying the presents, which were richly embroidered silk cloaks, with a silver feather pin to hold them. Gallius ran back and handed the king a bag full of coins.
- Here young men, I hope you make good use of this, I do not know how long you intend to stay in the city, but you are welcome as long as you want, as long as you are willing to come before me to tell me some of your past deeds, I am sure that the defense of the gate is not the most daring thing you have done. - Said the king without knowing that he was completely right.
Once the audience was over, they took their leave respectfully and retired to the inn. Captain Aguillen apologized for not accompanying them as his duties would keep him there all night. In the end it had not been so terrible, the king was a kind enough person. The cloaks were not simply beautiful garments, but possessed properties that would be useful to them on their journey, according to Captain Aguillen although they would not allow them to fly, they would save their lives in the event of a fall, no matter how high it might be. The bag of coins contained an important sum, their fortune now amounted to seven thousand gold coins, if they used that money correctly they could finish equipping themselves for the next stage of their journey.
They arrived at the inn late at night, everyone was so tired that they didn't even have the strength to talk about what had happened or even take a bath, the day had been long and exhausting so they all fell down like logs as soon as they entered their rooms. Even Faye was no exception this time.
It would be two or three in the morning, when Kunoichi's fine hearing woke her up, a strange noise made her get on her guard. Maybe it was nothing, maybe it was a thief but she didn't plan to underestimate the importance of a noise in the middle of the night. She stood up, grabbed her daggers and went out to investigate, without waking the others as she wasn't sure if it was really something dangerous.
As she went out into the passageway, she saw Mathew walking down the stairs as if trying not to make any noise. That was very suspicious, so she went back to the room, grabbed some of her equipment and went out after him.
The young paladin left the inn and went to get lost in the streets of the city. Kunoichi followed him at some distance, being careful not to be discovered.
Where could he go? He didn't know anyone in the city, he didn't have any business to deal with, it was all very mysterious. Although Mathew had been behaving strangely for quite some time. From the moment he thanked Ashram, it seemed strange to her, since he never did that before, not even when he was on the verge of death did he thank his brother. If that wasn't enough, he had also stopped contradicting him, or being selfish. When shopping the normal thing for Mathew would have been to want to use the money for himself. Instead he demanded nothing, and almost didn't even buy a shield, were it not for the fact that Runkdar was going with him.
At first she thought it was all due to shock from the explosion, but that couldn't be the reason, they had already been attacked with fireballs several times and this time he wasn't even seriously injured. Maybe he was under the influence of a spell, probably something was controlling him, but to what end? There was only one way to find out. Kunoichi adjusted her scarf to cover her face and lost herself in the shadows of the city following her friend to find answers.