They exited the room and went across the lines to the outside. Riley looked around and pointed.
"That way," he shouted.
Osmond walked between tall men and women, grazing the legs and trying not to fall. He bumped into a man carrying a basket of potatoes. He fumbled and dropped five onto the ground. Osmond stopped stunned and went to help the man.
"Watch where you are going the man," the man shouted.
Osmond put the potatoes one by one into the basket while the man kept grumbling.
"Keep up kid or I will leave you back," Riley called from ahead.
Osmond put the last potato into the basket, stood up and bowed. He ran through the pavement taking care not to hit anyone. Riley stopped in front of a shop and Osmond came behind gasping.
Over the door, from a handle, a wooden board was hanging. A sword and a shield were engraved on it. Riley pushed the door and the bell inside ringed.
Osmond fell his body being soaked because of the heat. The sound of the hammer rang and made him dizzy. To his left, he saw swords, daggers and spears stacked over racks. Their edge glimmered to the light that entered the room from the window to his right. He saw a row of shields placed on a desk, near the window. They walked to the counter, but it was too tall for Osmond to see the other side.
Riley banged on the desk and the hammering stopped. His eyes frowned and met with Riley's. He was a story man with large hairy hands. His hair was balding and it was I bet coloured and straight. His beard was shaggy brown. He stood up and he towered Riley.
He was wearing a grey apron over his green robe. He wiped the sweat and dust on his apron.
He closed towards Riley, his stride was intimidating. He placed his hands, covering Riley's.
"Hey kid, what are you been up to?" He said smiling.
"Just going here and there, Jerome," Riley said shaking Jerome's hand.
"So, why are you here now?"
"To get this kid over here a set of gear. Kid, this is Jerome. He is... Well..." Riley trailed off.
"Well, I am the guy who creates art and this guy here clobbers them," Jerome said laughing out loud.
Jerome looked at Osmond from head to toe and scrubbed his beard. "Isn't he too young for this?"
"Can you get him gear or not?" Riley asked.
"I am not judging, just asking. And I am not the one who is putting the neck on the line," Jerome said walking to his workspace.
"I will alter the stuff that I already have to fit his size. Will boiled leather do?" Jerome asked shuffling through his collection.
Riley looked at Osmond. The boy was standing with his fingers crossed and his eyes downcast, not understanding anything. "That will do," Riley replied.
"Wait some time," Jerome said and pulled out a piece of boiled leather armour.
He came and measured Osmond. He went back and forth, doing that again and again. After some time, he came carrying Osmond's armour.
He knelt and put chainmail, covering Osmond's body and hands. He then strapped a coffee-coloured boiled leather vest around his body. He then put shin guards and elbow guards, both made of boiled leather. He then gave Osmond a pair of leather gloves and boots.
"Well, try moving and tell me how you feel," Jerome said folding his arms.
Osmond rotated his arms, then moved his legs and his head.
"It's a little tight over here," Osmond said showing the chest.
Jerome knelt and loosened the straps.
"Now?"
Osmond tried moving and felt comfortable. He nodded.
Jerome stood there with his arms folded and smiled. He was proud of his work.
"You will need a weapon now. I think daggers will be better for your size," Jerome glanced at his rack. He walked up to it and called Osmond to his side. He picked up a dagger and gave it to Osmond.
Its handle was black like a raven. He showed the blade to the light and it glimmered like a white sun. Its hilt looked like a shadow. Osmond touched the edge curiously and blood trickled from the tip to the floor. He pulled his hand back in pain.
"Sharp, isn't it?" Jerome asked and Osmond nodded.
"So I guess you will be taking that," Jerome smiled.
Jerome went to his counter and pulled out a paper. He filled in the rate of the gear and gave it to Riley.
"I trust you but don't try running away. Go to the guild right now," Jerome peered at Riley.
Riley took the paper and smiled awkwardly. They exited the shop, saying thank you to Jerome.
"We need to go to the adventurers guild and show this paper. Normally, they will only give the gear after getting this paper signed. You got it now because of me," Riley said flapping the paper.
They went back to the room to see Tony. He took the paper and looked it over.
"Looks good," he said and stamped the paper. The king's face looked at them from the page.
"Now to give you your starter quest," he said smiling at Osmond.
"It's a small request. A bunch of boars are ruining the crops of the farmers living in Greenflower."
Riley frowned, "That will be nearly two weeks of travel."
"Where is Greenflower?" Osmond asked.
"It's near the south of Arag," Riley answered.
"The request for being an adventurer has risen lately and the starter quests are given by a lot. You were unlucky this time," Tony said.
"Well, it's just boars. We can finish it easily," Riley replied.
"Just don't let the boy die," Tony said rubbing his temples.
They exited the guild and stood outside.
"Can you ride a horse kid?" Riley asked.
Osmond had some practice riding but he felt a little scared. But he wanted to ride again, so he nodded.
"Carriages are way too slow. We will be going by horses and I think we should get one for you."