"ALRIGHT...quite down we still have little to talk about. " - he couldn't stop smiling at the reaction.
After people understood what his offer was and how those games sounded infite fun, the tavern exploded into loud cheers which lasted minutes.
Not just the crowd of soliders.
We all felt the same way. He made enough event to include everyone in the whole village. Offered unbelievable prizes and a chance to prove ourselves in something of the many event he already thought out.
After everyone sat back down their eyes shined with a beautiful fire of competition already burning in them.
" I'm glad you all like it. We will start quiet preparations soon and by the time our new residents settled..we can begin. Now.." - he sat back down the 3rd time. " ..those who on guard duty in the morning can go. Thank you for coming. "
About a dozen or so said their good nights and left busy discussing the upcoming tournament.
The ones who stayed are those who will start building tomorrow in earnest.
" Metill will be your coordinator on the big house. He studied the prints and has been involved with all of his village building projects. I myself will leave for the City tomorrow for a personal matter. " - he said.
I think it's for the missing soldiers but I'll ask him later at home.
" The Monroe company will hold a little performance each night at the tavern. The hall will be temporarily unavailable. Now .. as some might heard there's a girl who can read your futures.."
He lost his playful attitude and turned dead serious.
" ..for 20 bronze coin you can find out some..of your future. But be aware..you might hear things you don't wanted to. Things you don't needed to..once in possession of such knowledge can change a person for better or worst, but it can't be taken back. " - he said seriously.
His words reminded all that somethings better left alone. Ones own future might be amongst them.
" ..Cheer up..I'm not holding your hands. You're all adults and can decide yourselves. " - he tapped a few slumped down shoulders. " Keep it in mind whatever you see is not set in stone. The future is ever changing..we know this better than most. "
He had a strange ability to set the room on fire and cool it whenever he wanted it to.
" Now..I took enough of your time. All dismissed, and good night. " - he said dismissing them.
The people left slowly some asked Metill for instructions for tomorrow but our family surrounded the author of tonight's show.
" Big brother ..where did the idea came from. " - asked Lucian.
He hugged me first before answering Lucian question.
" It wasn't me..Ciren read a story where they held some sort of tournament and told me about the ones the knights held for fame and coin, from there it wasn't hard. " - he said shrugging.
" It's the perfect thing to raise peoples spirits son, well done. " - Granny reached out smiling proudly one of the few women who can make my husband embarrassed with compliments.
" Thank you dearest Vistellia. I would like to task you with being one of the judges as organizers of the talent show. " - he said
She smiled brightly at proposition and he continued.
" You know our people better than anyone and now that the infirmary won't be so busy all the time. "
They, along with the rest gave Master Lucian a quick look who was stone faced almost immune at this point.
"..you have enough time to look for contestants. The combat part will be filled to the brim but, I want those who decided not to fight ..to have fun as well."
He was considerate .. his brilliant smile was infectious and spread to everyone.
Carlos looked extra happy and pushed aside to get closer.
" I'm sure they will Zeph, the people arriving will have a blast as well..I personally can't wait to participate..you and me..
" I won't take part in the competitions.." - he said quietly.
He quickly poured some water on his fire...ironically. Others looked disappointed as well, but he had reasons.
" Remember what I said..I promised to fulfill the first place winners wish..whomever.." - he taunted all with a provocative look. "..they might be. Don't think it will be easy..I saw enough of our soliders to know you're all in for a fight. "
From our expression, he understood we couldn't wait for the day.
——
"..tell me. Why you have so much gold? " - I asked.
He looked up incredibly confused. " ..is that your idea of sexy talk? Babe you getting rusty..."
He kept up his assault of my stomach but I had to stop him.. if he reached further down, all my resolve will evaporate.
" ..Zephyr, I'm serious. " - I said.
He rolled off me and on his side.
" ..I guess it's time. " - he said.
Oh oh..
He looked guilty and my heart sank..did he seduced some rich women..no that's insane..or is it?
He poked my forehead.
" Before that vein pops in your forehead, it's not what you think...probably... I was offered payment for my services. "
" .."
Wha...WHAT!?
" Alright..I can see my phrasing was bad there...khmm.. I'm training soliders of Malai my style of Martial arts...the end. " - he explained it quickly.
" ..So..the gold for the bride..
" Yes.."
" ..and you..since when? "
He turned toward me. "...2 months? "
I wasn't angry...if anything I was relieved.
He did sell himself but..not the way, I thought.
" So how much they paid you? " - I asked quickly.
I wasn't materialistic but he said soliders of Malai did that mean...
" One silver coin for a month, per person of course...for..khmm..the whole army. " - he finished looking sideways.
1 silver coin = per soldier. 100.000 thousands soliders for two months...= 200.000 silver coins.
200.000 silver coins = 20000 gold coins.
Oh... my ... God...
He saw the steam coming out of my head and offered some water..which helped a great deal.
" I'm sorry..I was a little ashamed to be swayed by coins.." - he said giving a genuine apology.
" My love, God would be swayed by that much. Where ..
" Carlos vaults..he will be so relieved.." - he looked pretty relieved himself. " ..anyway. We need a vault. "
" Yeah..or? Buy a city? " - I offered thinking .. how much it actually cost?
He smiled at my fancy..not so insane idea and pulled me up on him. " Whatever you want...but seriously...let's get nasty. "
As we..did..
I wondered, if it's any different doing it on gold than bronze or silver?