Page 68 of Storms & Sacrifice
“Shouldn’t I get reimbursed or something?”Or maybe I can just swap it for some of the much better tasting food theyhave here?
“I will file an expense report.” From the way he rolls his eyes, I don’t think he will.
I look over my sword next. Just look because I don’t think Khazak would appreciate me swinging it around in here. My trusty shortsword, no worse for wear than when I last used it. It’s nothing fancy, but it could use a good polish and some sharpening. Maybe I can pick up a second one. I sold my last one in Holbrooke before we got here. Especially now that I’ve got some of my strength back, wielding a weapon in each hand should be even easier.
That just leaves my armor. It’s a tunic and some leggings, both padded with leather. They’re light, and I have to hold each one against my body just to be sure they’ll still fit. Looks like they might be a little tight, but I could probably get them on with some squeezing. That means a lot of chaffing though, and that’s not good for armor. It’s a shame too because it’s still in pretty good condition. Considering it was removed from me while I was unconscious, I’m surprised they didn’t just cut itoff of me.
“If you are worried about the fit, the armorer should be able to make any necessary adjustments.” Khazak tells me when he sees me holding the tunic against my body. “And if not, they also sell new armor.”
“Thanks.” I know I supposedly havesomemoney to my name, but I’m still gonna try to be as cheap as I can. “Who took it off me anyway? They were surprisingly gentle.”
“That would be me,” he responds, and then seemingly finishes his letter, putting down his pen. “I was also the one who carried you from the temple to the healer.”
“You were?” Something about that makes me feel warm inside. “Well...thank you.”
“It was the least I could do, seeing as I was the one to knock you out,” he teases. “Actually, I was not even originally scheduled to be out there that week.”
“You weren’t?” I can’t decide if that makes me lucky or not.
“I traded shifts with Ragnar the week before after he forgot about his mother’s birthday.” Khazak smirks to himself. “I suppose I should thank him.”
“Damn, I was so close to ending up owned by him instead,” I joke to cover for the warm fuzzy feelings I’d rather ignore. “So, since we are on the subject of me buying new armor... How much money do I have,exactly?”
“Let me see...” He leans over to open a drawer on his desk, pulling out a book I think is called a ledger. Almost looks kinda like the inventory lists in the burned book. “At the current moment you have... 4768 gral.”
“Wow, that’s a lot.” Okay, so I’m not actually sure I know how much that is. “...Isn’t it?”
“It is approximately 480 pieces of gold, so I would say so.” My eyes go wide.
“Holy shit.” I sit on the couch. “I don’t think I’ve ever had this much money before.”
“You have earned it, David.” He puts the ledger away with a smile. “You can expect another hundred or so by your final day. I have been keeping your earnings with mine, but I am happy to hand them over starting now. I can take you to the armorer on our lunch break.”
“We can go get some other clothes too, right?” Might as well get some other shopping done while we are out.
“Of course, we can make some other stops if you would like as well.” He folds the letter on his desk while he answers. “But first, I need you to deliver this letter to Councilman Murbank’s office in the tribal hall.”
After putting my things away, I run out for my first couriering act of the day. This seems a little below my pay grade (seeing as I actually know what that is now), but at least this way, I can see if I notice anything odd. Once I’m at the hall, I have to ask for directions to his office, but I find it easy enough. Knocking on the big double doors, I am let into a very large waiting room. His secretary, a stout, shrewd looking orc woman, promptly informs me that the councilman is busy, takes the letter from me, and sends meon my way.
I inform Sir of this once I’m back at the station, and with a sigh, he contemplates his next move—which I think may be a more strongly worded letter. But before he sends it out, it’s time for lunch. We eat quickly, scarfing down leftovers from the night before, and then it’s time for someshopping.
The first stop is to the armorer. With all his leatherworking skills, I think at first that we might be going to see Brull, but Khazak informs me that making armor isn’t something Brull does. Instead, he takes me to the person responsible for crafting the armor for all of the rangers, both because he trusts the quality, and because it’ll get me a nicediscount.
She’s an older looking woman, and one of few words as she inspects my old armor and then my body. She takes my measurements quickly and efficiently and tells Khazak she can have it ready by the end of the week for what works out to be about five gold. Considering a good set of armor can cost five times that, it’s a steal.
With my armor taken care of, the next thing I want to grab is some new clothes. The stuff I have that still fits is nice but not really suited for extended traveling. We head to the same clothing shop we came to on my first day in the marketplace. I think about looking at weapons, but assuming we aren’t immediately kicked out of the city after their release, my friends are probably gonna want to do a little shopping oftheir own.
“Zratza, tik—Oh, hello!” The shopkeeper swaps to Common once she sees us both, remembering me from my last visit. “How can I help you today?”
The question is directed at Sir, and though I am tempted to speak up for myself, I just roll with it. I won’t get to enjoy having someone do the talking for me for much longer.
“My avakesh appears to already be outgrowing the last set of clothing we purchased here already.” A green hand pulls me closer. “We are looking for items more suited to travel this time, that can be worn under armor.”
“Going on a trip?” She looks at the both of ushopefully.
“He will be,” he responds as I am gently pushed toward the shopkeeper.
With a nod, she pulls out her measuring tape and gets her own set of updated measurements. Once she’s satisfied, she sets to work picking things off shelves for me. More things that are long sleeved to better protect from the elements. A lot of greens and browns, possibly to help me blend in with my surroundings better. There are also a few lighter shirts with shorter sleeves, probably for the days spent under the hot sun.Summer is right around the corner.
