Two or three hours after leaving Rimen, the group arrived at the city of Tamak. A cultural centre for the empire, the city possessed the most skilful artists, being responsible for most of the significant cultural exports in the region. From canvas to fabric, from paint to music, you could find everything there.
It was a beautiful city overall, Ano got lost seeing all the art stores and the street painters, truly a remarkable site. He thought that the political system in the city was a bit complicated - democracy, senate, president, votes - He didn't grasp those new concepts arriving in the country, but maybe they had a good idea? Only time would tell. Anny and Mehel walked behind the other two laughing at the boy's wander in the new found passion for art. Anny also took some glances at the stores, maybe they could pass by one of them to buy some paints for Ano.
They soon found a mixed establishment, a tavern and an inn. The old man thought it wasn't a good idea for two young nobles to be among the types of people that attend those places, but reconsidered going against it when he saw they were having genuine excitement.
Orm entered first. The looks the drunk people gave him were not the best, with black eyes and a heavy armour he seemed like the perfect threat for fun, but as soon as he arrived he ordered a full round of drinks, and the tavern owner - who took care of the place - smiled and accepted his presence, so there was no conflict.
The kids and Mehel joined Orm right after, being very happy to be in a common place at last. They were a little uncomfortable with the creaky wooden benches, but that wasn't a big let down for them, as the drinks arrived.
Fermented? Distilled? They had no idea, but when they drank it, it was good.
A minute or two after they sat down a blindfolded man walked in. What covered his eyes wasn't exactly a blindfold, but a piece of white cloth, stained from continuous use. His clothes were for the common people, but his appearance was well maintained. Red hair and a non shaved beard attracted even more attention to his appearance.
He immediately went in the group's direction, avoiding any drunks in his way despite being blinded. Mehel seemed to know the man.
The old man got up from his bench and greeted the blindfolded man:
"Long time no see, Zilman!"
"It has surely been a while Mehel, those must be your friends? I am Zilman de Erlin, an old and blind artisan here in Rimen. Nice to meet you."
"Excuse me, sir, but I must ask, how do you see us?" asked Orm with a curious expression on his face.
"It's okay, I'm well used to it at this point… You see, I have vision, but not in a conventional way really. It's complicated." said Zilman in a hesitating voice.
"I will ask no further questions, I'm sorry." Orm clearly understood the mood of the situation.
After this awkward interaction, the whole group introduced themselves:
"I am Ano Irkheim Kertaz de Orhim"
"I am Eimanny Yerehm de Lirem"
"Orm, second rank knight of Orhim"
"You already know me, so no introductions for you, young man."
Zilman kindly bowed, and seated at the table with them for a drink, and soon asked:
"Why don't you stay at my store? It's not much for nobles, but it surely is enough for four people and myself. And you could also see my artwork, I'd be glad." Suggested him with a warm smile on his face.
Ano's eyes shone in bright red. When Orm looked at him, he realised that the boy was using some kind of magic, but some that he had never seen his father Ark nor his brother Johann use before. "Is he toying with the man? It doesn't seem like it, feeling his blood, maybe?" Thought the knight.
No one else noticed.
They went to Zilman's atelier, it was located in a street to the right of the main square, quite a prestigious place for a man dressed like him "What a humble guy…" thought Orm. A giant glass panel with intricate paintings in it was the front wall of the small store, but everything seemed to be made out of luxury materials. Among the purple pigments, silk, marble and more, what really grabbed the attention of who walked by were the beautifully painted canvases on the white walls, mostly marked by a surrealistic style and bright cold colours. Truly pretty.
Ano got lost seeing one single painting, hung to the left of all others and with a bright red colour scheme. The picture depicted a man in dark metal armour with blood jewels studded all over it, and with a blade sheathed in his waist. The man had blonde hair and blood red eyes, Anny thought he was quite similar to Ano:
"Is he a Kertaz, Ano?"
"He is Johann Kertaz, the first son of Duke Ark Kertaz, and my brother…"