36 Chapter 36:

The city of Vishall, even from a distance, was truly a beautiful sight. I can't remember when I saw the shear amount of people moving around!

"Now lord Druid please just let us do the talking okay?" Gazin said with a heavy tone.

"Yeah, yeah, that's fine." Waiving it off we continue on our way towards the the portcullis that closes of this entrance to the city. It seems like they are doing some kind of inspection on the wagons that enter, and even of a few of the citizens are randomly stopped.

"Wow, the security of this place is actually pretty good!" I can't help but comment. This has been the first real sign I've seen of any kind of real law.

Thankfully with Gazins lofty status we were not only able to enter through the gates without a hassle, the guards even recommended an inn to stay at. From the blushing looks on Gazins face, I have feeling they rent a lot more than just rooms.

Once, we've entered Gazin and Gavin started to keep their distance from me. Doing it very slowly and carefully, but not in my eyes. I've been watching them warily since the moment they stole from me. Until they actually pay up on their end of the deal, I have not plans on letting them escape.

"Gavin, go get our room setup at that inn, the Tipsy Pony. Gazin, you're coming with me." I announce suddenly. Both Gavin and Gazin stop instantly. Gazin, even jumps a little bit when I bark my orders.

With a glance to Gazin, to make sure it's okay Gavin is once more off to get our accommodations ready.

With a smile I drape my arm around Gazins shoulder pulling him close to my side. "Alright Mr. Baron, since you were trying to steal 'em I bet you know where I can sell 'em. So take me to the rock shop, or whatever."

Gazin looks at me shocked again, but his only ounce of resistance is to struggle to get my arm away. After a few ineffective pushes, he seems to get the hint well enough.

"Yes...Yes Sir." He says meekly.

The shop in front of us was eye catching in a lot of ways, from the solid marble floor, to the red drapery lavishly thrown about.

'Wow, it looks like Rome just threw up in here. The guards even have Centurion helms!'

I lower my head and draw Gazin close to me. "Gazin, how much do these rocks usually sell for?" I ask in a furtive whisper, but I'm denied my answer with the sudden bombastic entrance of what I would assume is a receptionist.

At a glance, the person before me would be by far, the most unusual creature I have seen so far. It has a harsh black and shiny exoskeleton. The shiny armor covers the person from head to toe, save for the face. The face in a word, looks a lot like an old sponge. There are no features just a porous looking surface.

"Greetings, kings. How can the Carthi help you?"

I raise an eye at the word king, but I quickly drop it.

'I mean just look at me. It's right to assume I'm a king! King of the Druids!'

I slowly take out one of the bigger rocks I found. I refuse to sell my purple and green rocks, those are for my girls after all! The rock currently in my hand is a bit smaller, and of a sea foam green coloration.

"Carthi, I wanna sell my rocks. Do you buy 'em?"

The Carthi seems to jump slightly at my words, but quickly bends to examine the stone....I guess..

To be honest it seems like he's just pressing the rock against his...sponge face?

"Yes, Carthi buy. Carthi, offer trade to changeling. Rock for bronze?"

My eyes go slightly dead at that response. Since those two already told me they are worth a lot of money.

I don't even respond to it. I look at Gazin, "Hey, I thought you were going to bring me somewhere that wanted my rocks. They don't let's go."

Saying that I forcibly move Gazin, my arm still around his shoulders. With one hand on the door knob the Carthi finally acts.

"Wait. Carthi, sorry. Carthi think you are ignorant. Is Carthi mistake."

'Well can't really blame him for trying to get a good deal I suppose.'

"Okay, then Carthi." I close the distance between us, and even get significantly closer. Gazin, was long abandoned by the door as my face is mere inches from the sponge like area. "Give me an offer, one befitting the one and only King of the Druids!"

I figured giving myself an impressive title, could help a bit...and I'm a bit of a narcissist.

"Carthi offer 2 Platinum for rock."

I look over to Gazin, who is nodding fiercely. 'Good kid'.

"Deal, do you want these ones too?" I quickly pull out my other spare rocks. I have a maroon, an off white, and a silver one. "Same deal?"

The Carthi remains silent for a moment. It even examines all of the rocks individually. Finally after roughly 10 minutes of silent examination.

"Carthi want but.... Carthi only have 4 Platinum. Would King accept trade?"

'I really like being called king!'

"Well, I suppose so. Only if the items are of a high enough value of course."

With a nod, the Carthi leaves, and I'm once again left in the silence of the the marble waiting room.

I walk over to Gazin, and start petting his blue hair. "How much do you clean your hair kid, I swear your like a puppy or something." I mumble out.

During our little jaunt together I have discovered one thing acutely. Gazin, hates physical contact. He hates it to his very core, but due to his fear he never actually manages to run away. So I made it a point, to rub and pet him for the entire trip. He needs a proper punishment as well.

"Please Masamune....." He whines out with tears threatening to fall from his eyes. I smile softly and stop the petting.

"Carthi find thing King need!" I turn around to see the Carthi standing where he was before. In his hands he seems to have two items covered by a sheet.

I walk up and he unviels his prizes. One is a pill, slightly pink in color, with a brilliant luster to it. The other is a piece of paper.

Curious I look to the Carthi, "Yes King. Two prizes have Carthi for rock trade. First is pill. Pill do many amazing things, and can even allow a Snake person to bear spawn."

My heart thunders in my chest. This is...exactly something I needed! This would give Maya a child, something she had long thought impossible to her!

"What's the paper?" The Carthi shuffles a bit closer and says in a quiet voice. "If pick up, then know."

'Huh, weird'

I slowly lift the paper, and turn it over. On it is a list of names, and next to each name is a price.

"Slaves?"

The Carthi quickly shakes its head, "No king. No slave. They sell time to Carthi for price. Is temporary. Some for years, others decades, some only few hour. It all depend on what is need. Carthi have everything!"

My mind goes slightly blank. These guys are....intense. The idea of selling yourself like this is...odd. "So, what do they do? These people who sell their time."

"They do what told. You are Big Boss. Follow order."

I nod my head slowly. Honestly, having a servant wouldn't be a bad idea. It would make securing camp significantly easier, and even allow me to pass the occasional note to my wives when I'm training.

I sigh softly and place the pill in one of my many pockets. Folding up the paper. "Okay, Carthi Trade accept. I'll be back before I leave to look at your....options."

The Carthi nods at me once before quickly scurrying away. I clap my hand back onto Gazins shoulder. "Alrighty kid, let's go pop that cherry! To the Tipsy Pony!