Despite only being the morning of the second day of his well-deserved break, Anton was already being asked to do something more than a little odd.

“Shopping?” Anton asked, resting an elbow on his dining table. The early morning sun streamed through the small wooden slat window, giving Anton a bout of extra energy. “You want to go shopping?”

“Yeah.” Calo shrugged lightly. “Something wrong with that?”

“I suppose it is since we don’t have any money.” Sheso added. “We’ll be relying on Anton’s money...Um. Can we trade something for-”

“Don’t even worry about that sort of stuff.” Anton waved them down. The twins visibly relaxed. “Unless you’re planning to spend thousands of gold coins. Which I don’t think you are. Right?”

“No. We want to buy a few things.” Calo put a strange emphasis on her last word. Her eyes even glazed over slightly, back to normal the next moment. “And we really didn’t want to go by ourselves.”

“Are you trying to steal our husband?” Verona playfully rubbed Anton’s arm. “You know he’s got a lot still to do here. And there are more people than just me and Kal that would be upset if you think you can just take him.”

“I do have a mind and will of my own.” Anton said.

Verona stuck out her tongue and returned to her meal.

“I think this is acceptable so long as the next few days of everything being calm.” Anton looked around the table. “Right?”

“Sure.” Kal slowly nodded. She did not wear her boots yet, her clawed feet idly scratched his legs up and down. “So long as you don’t go on any stupid adventures. I don’t have a problem with it.” Kal picked up the cooked piece of meat and ripped it apart with her teeth. “I want to spend a little bit of time here, relaxing. And we can’t do that if we’re on a boat heading towards the capital of Bebbezzar.”

“It’s probably too dangerous to just leave a portal on some rented ship.” Cetina sighed as she idly played with her food. “Right?”

“I don’t think we’re strong enough to do much in the battle itself.” Anton said. “I mean we are, but for a whole country? We need more than just a half dozen. Perhaps in a winter or two we would be strong enough to affect the outcome beyond just the few of us. I don’t like putting everyone at risk, especially when Verona and Kal are stuck here.”

“Only for a little bit longer.” Kal rubbed her stomach. “But surely you could help Bebbezzar without us.”

“It’s just not the same.” Anton held their hands. “Verona always knows how to get people talking and Kal knows when someone’s trying to act suspiciously.”

“You can’t avoid a Feline’s eye.” Kal smiled.

“What were you originally talking about?” Rasha asked.

She said a silent thanks as Zuhura laid a plate of steaming and lightly burnt vegetables. Zuhura returned the smile. She wore her standard Nomad attire, it was apparently quite warm underneath, except that she did not wear her headscarf as she did in Frindal. She kept it wrapped tightly around her neck like a simple scarf. Her hair was still bound up tight beneath the golden netting. Verona had asked for her to let her hair out but Zuhura said she did not like the feeling, especially amongst so many people that were not her family. Verona merely muttered something under her breath and dropped the issue, for now at least.

“Shopping.” Calo laughed. “We wanted to go shopping.”

“Not hear Anton fawn over women who lap up every minor compliment.” Sheso added.

“I seem to recall you two weren’t much better.” Verona chuckled. “No?”

Neither of the twins replied, Anton saw the very tips of their long ears turning faintly red.

“I would like to travel to Alcanares too.” Anton smiled. “I think that I might just want to bring Cetina with me, at the very least. Not that I don’t think that you two aren’t capable in a fight but Cetina isn’t someone that some lowlife thug is going to try and jump.”

“That’s fine.” Calo said. “We’ve been travelled with Cetina for the past little while.”

“Do you think Mezot and Axia should come?”

“Axia will be spending most of her time wrangling her mother.” Anton smiled, glad that neither had joined them yet. “There are many places in Alcanares that sell magical tomes, books and artefacts. I think we could just leave her in one and pick her up at the end of the day.”

“Oh dear.” Cetina mumbled softly.

“But I think we will be enough. Alcanares is still a safe city.” Anton tapped the table. “Despite the chaos that is overwhelming Bebbezzar. If it is no longer we will retreat immediately. Unless it’s something like a bandit or a Revolutionary attack. Otherwise…” Anton sighed as he looked at Cetina. “We still have Atros to worry about, first and foremost.”

“Maybe Thessos will become the new capital.” Cetina laughed. “Wouldn’t that be a strange outcome?”

“If it’s safe it might just be.” Kal smiled. “Your aunt seems to know what she is doing.”

Cetina nodded. “She was always smart. So, Anton, when are we leaving?”

“After we’ve had breakfast and we’ve spoken with Mezot. Calo, Sheso. If you haven’t had anything to eat you are more than welcome to have some of ours. Zuhura cooked quite a lot today, far more than what we should honestly be eating.”

“It’s not often that I get the chance to cook freely.” Zuhura smiled as she prepared plates for the twins, both eyed off the laden plates. “Normally Sultan Hazm would ask for something ridiculous and the other servants and I would almost hit our heads on the wall to try and work something out.”

“Sounds like you got a pretty good deal.” Verona smirked as she leant back into her chair. “If you wanted to go I’m pretty sure they would.”

“That is a wonderful offer, but I need to understand the layout of Atros better. So far I have been escorted everywhere, not that I have ever felt under threat…” Zuhura ran a finger along the hem of her shawl. “Some do look at me strangely. I’m sure it’s the colour, everything seems so muted here. Anyway, I wish to spend my time in Atros learning the city’s layout. If that is acceptable, of course.”

“Of course it is.”

Calo and Sheso took their plates from Zuhura and squeezed into a section beside Rasha and Verona. They had bought a slightly larger table but there was no way they could make it bigger, and Anton didn’t want anyone to sit at another while they were eating. As if they were lesser and not worthy of joining them.

“But I haven’t heard anything from Mezot about the Green Dragon Crystals nor the artefact we found in the Desert Elves Mesa. I don’t think she’s forgotten but she might have become a little too focused on them.”

“I was a little surprised she said she had to return home.” Kal shrugged lightly. “I thought she meant here, but she does have Axia to look after…” Kal smirked. “More like the other way around.”

“They do go very well with each other.” Anton returned the scratch on Kal’s foot. “Even better now that Mezot’s thinking clearer. But we’ll finish this, find out what’s happening and finally go for some shopping. How does that sound?”

---[]---

Anton held the extensive list in his hands. Even the salty Alcanares sea air could not clear his mounting anxiety.

“How much is this going to cost me?” Anton muttered him himself. “Though, I did buy her a Wyrm Heart...I still want to know how that helped her create that ice sea urchin thing.”

He glanced back as the shimmering portal flashed and Calo and Sheso stepped through. They wore their standard Dark Elf attire; thick and loose black clothes that provided warmth and muffled their actions but were surprisingly poor in an actual fight. Both wore an Arachnid silk shirt underneath, provided by their only Arachnid, Ulyaa, which was far superior in strength compared to a cloth or wool gambeson. They had yet to test it in actual combat but Anton sincerely, and rather selfishly, hoped it would not be anyone he knew personally.

Anton ran his finger along the many things on Mezot’s list, shaking his head the further he went down. “This is...The most ridiculous list I have ever seen. But I have no idea if it works or not...Money is to be spent but...I just have no idea if Alcanares even has most, let alone some of these.”

“I would say that she was acting a little odd.” Sheso stretched her arms over her head. “But we have been travelling together for some time. And…”

“She’s really not.” Calo shook her head. Her eyes widened as she ran a hand over her distinctive long ears. “Do you think we should hide these? Like in Frindal?”

“I don’t think it will be necessary. Besides, you’ve been here before and no one’s said anything.” Anton shrugged as he turned back to the paper. “Honestly, I think you look better without doing that. It was a necessity in Frindal but not here.”

“Then we won’t do it.” Calo said adamantly. She folded her arms and nodded seriously. Sheso raised a black brow but did not say anything.

The portal flashed again and Cetina stepped through. She wore her normal armour, he had not seen what happened to her Frindal clothes, with her sword fastened tight to her hip.

“At least here I’m not going to be looked at like I’ve just shat on someone’s grave.”

“That was annoying.” Calo said. “Very annoying.”

“Let’s get going.” Anton opened the door, a rush of fresh salty air washed over them. “Such a shame that Atros isn’t a port town. But then again, I don’t think I would like having to wring salt out of my hair every day. I know the Beast-kin would hate it.”

“As would I.” Cetina smiled. “Mine isn’t long but it doesn’t mean that I don’t try and look after it.”

The twins nodded too. Their wavy hair was seemingly unique amongst the Dark Elves and to have it ruined by salt, of all things, would be a tragedy.

“Perhaps we can get something in Alcanares for that. They do have a lot of things to sell.”

Alcanares looked nearly identical from their rented warehouse on the dock. As they neared the burnt buildings had clearly already been dealt with and the smell of smouldering buildings was replaced with the hearty smell of cooking food and a slightly dirtier smell of burning coal. The port guards barely batted an eye, mainly towards the twins for their dark skin and long ears, but even they did not even ask where they came from.

Inside, however, was a different story. The bustling and thriving city remained but an air of nervousness had crept into the stalls, into the normal customers. They still cried and tried to hawk their wares but undoubtedly something had rattled them.

Either the Revolutionaries are close...Or maybe they’ve received the letter of help from the Royals and are worried what that means. Mercenaries would undoubtedly be flowing out to fight for gold, leaving Alcanares militarily weakened. Perhaps they’re worried about how the Royals will treat them if they win. Alcanares decided to stay neutral, but perhaps being neutral is the same as being hostile, in their minds.

“So where do you want to go first?” Anton looked back only to find the twins standing in front, almost skipping on the spot with happy, expectant faces. “Didn’t we do some shopping in Frindal?”

“But that was mostly you.” Calo said. “Mostly you.”

Sheso smirked. “And the Hamtaro’s don’t count. But today is a bit different. So we’re just going to relax. All of us. Normally we’re going on some sort of ridiculous adventure.”

“That’s true.” Cetina muttered.

“Alright then.” Anton stepped forward. “Lead on. But don’t get too far away. This city doesn’t look as safe as it once did.”

“Then you just need to keep up!” Calo laughed.

The twins stepped towards him, linking their arms with his in one swift motion.

"Cities are always dangerous." Calo pouted. "You honestly weren't going to let us go alone, were you?"

"Of course not." Anton pulled them in as tight as they could before spinning to face Cetina. The twins yelped in surprise but didn't let go of him. Cetina merely shook her head and smiled.

"That's a good idea..." Cetina smiled and stepped closer. "But your bodyguard should be even closer. Right?"

Anton leant forward and kissed her. Cetina was initially surprised but quickly returned it, she began to breathe heavily as their tongues wrestled for dominance.

"Satisfied?" Anton asked as he pulled away. He felt Calo and Sheso squirm in his grip, their fingers gripping tight on his arm but not out of a desire to escape. They looked at one another then to Cetina as she wiped her lips with the back of her hand.

"For now." Cetina looked around. Some of those walking past had stopped to watch the spectacle, most held some level of smirk as they shook their heads but a few looked on in disgust. "Let's keep moving. Before we get any weirder looks."

Once properly inside Alcanares the nervousness of the people was barely noticeable. If they hadn't come through the port it was likely they would never have known something was amiss.

"So what do you actually want to buy?" Anton had to raise his voice slightly. "Other than just perusing."

"Clothes." Sheso’s voice was oddly light and distant. "We'd like some better clothes."

"These are fine." Calo pulled on the front of her black clothing. "But it always looks like we're about to fight. Since...This is what we normally wear."

"And our other clothes..." Sheso ran a hand over her free hip. "Really, probably, isn't the best for outside."

Anton laughed. "They certainly are eye-catching."

"Dark Elves wear them all the time." Calo smiled widely. "But when others see them-"

"People that aren't used to us." Sheso continued. "They can stare quite a bit."

"Hungrily too." Calo nodded seriously.

"Can't imagine why." Anton shrugged. "It can't possibly be because they're seeing trained men and women wearing basically nothing. Long, toned brown legs...Can't imagine why. Honestly can't."

Calo opened her mouth but quickly shut it.

"Did you just get it?" Anton asked snidely.

"No..." Calo looked away, watching the stores they walked past.

"Regardless, I do think they are very beautiful. Do you think you could get them in some larger sizes?"

"Larger?" Sheso raised a black brow.

Anton looked back to Cetina. “I think it would look good on them. Don’t you think?”

“Yeah…” Calo chuckled. “That would be a sight.”

Anton imagined each of his women trying to wear the Dark Elven clothes, each in their own way trying to cover their bodies, squirming with shame...Except for Verona. She would merely stick out her chest with pride, without a care in the world.

“Surely there is somewhere that sells something like that in here.” Sheso pointed to a distant store, a large store with criers showing off their fine clothes. Anton managed to catch a glance at the prices on display. Nothing was cheap. “That looks like the perfect place to start.”

“What were you imagining us wearing?” Cetina asked. “Are they talking about those clothes that they wore after we’d dealt with the Goblins?”

“Exactly. I’m thinking of getting it a size too small.”

“Why?” Calo asked.

“Trust me. Just trust me.”

The three shared a look, shrugged, and continued towards the distant store. As they neared Anton began to slow. He wasn’t sure how they had missed it but, for some reason, a voice cut over the general hum that the criers voices had merged into. It was not one Anton was inherently familiar with but it still irked him. Cetina lent close and tried her best to follow his eyeline to the side of the busy street. Where a market stall should have sat lay a large raised platform where a man shouted into the crowds, calling for the end of the current oppressive system and other violent calls to join the growing Revolution. A shocking number of those passing by were stopping and listening, those that looked the poorest and had the most to gain from such a radical shift in ideology and economics. Anton hoped it was only out of a sense of morbid curiosity rather than actual interest.

“Something we want to get involved with?” Cetina asked.

“No. No, we can’t stop everything.” Anton continued walking. “Besides, they would have someone new up there in a very short time. And then everything we want to do would become that much harder. Not just from people harbouring revolutionary sympathies but those that want nothing to do with them and would bar us to avert their ire.”

“So long as Alcanares isn’t destroyed in the process I think we’ll be fine.” Sheso’s face slowly contorted into a frown. “Cetina? How is your aunt going to deal with them? Eventually they’re going to make their way to Thessos. I’m sure of it. Doesn’t seem like there’s all that much to stop them.”

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“And it appeals to the most vulnerable.” Calo nodded to those who looked little more than beggars and vagabonds, those that stood at the front and listened the most closely. “Shame...They shouldn’t listen to such madness.”

“It’s not entirely madness.” Anton said. “Those that are actually listening.” He nodded to the gathered people around the Revolutionary crier. “If we were in their place...We are incredibly wealthy compared to most people in the entire continent, I think we might just be listening.”

None spoke as they passed the crier, ignoring the frantic but short lived words directed at them until the man turned to toher, more interested targets.

Anton’s eyes were drawn away from the high priced clothing store towards a group pursuing a stall selling long-life food and packaged water. Erico, and his group, politely argued back and forth with the older female stall owner about prices.

“They made it back.” Anton spoke softly. So far they had noticed them approaching. “Do we want to say something?”

“It’ll look worse if we don’t.” Cetina said. “Like we’re trying to avoid them.”

“I’m seriously wondering if they even want to speak to us.” Anton said. “Erico wasn’t in the best moods after...After everything that happened.”

Anton removed his hold of the twins, much to their annoyance, and called for Erico. The Ninja woman, Gioia, standing at the rear, snapped her head towards them, hand on a small dagger, and nudged Erico’s side. He frowned at her, the expression changed when it lay upon them.

War is a very nasty business. I’ve been lucky to have dealt with most of it from afar. But the few times I’ve been up close...Doesn’t seem to affect me so much…

“Hello.” Erico took a measured breath. “Anton. Cetina...I’m afraid that I don’t remember your names.”

“Calo and Sheso.” Anton smiled. “How is your group doing after we parted.”

“Very well.” Sara tapped Melanie’s shoulder and motioned for her to keep bartering. The Crossbow wielder looked far more interested in dealing with them than buying dried meat and hard vegetables. “Very well. A few small odd jobs, mostly dealing with monster and beast attacks that have been growing more frequent as the civil war continues to rage.”

“Hard to control those pests when you’re fighting your fellow man.” Erico scrunched his eyes tight. “I-”

“It was not my intention to try and hurt you by not stopping those people.” Anton waited, making sure that Erico was not about to speak. “But they deserved something for what happened to them.”

“I know.” Erico shrugged. “I’ve killed men and women before...More men, since most bandits are men. But usually it’s quick and painless...Not…” He shrugged again. “So where are the other two?”

“They’re currently resting.” Anton smiled. “This is just a little excursion into Alcanares. A bit of shopping, really.”

“What’s all the food for?” Cetina lent around Anton. The willowy twins turned back and gave a synchronised smile and wave. “Seems a little bit much for a day or so walk from the city. Looks like you’re gearing up for a big adventure, if anything.”

“We are.” Sara smiled. “Though...I am a little nervous, actually.”

“You?” Anton raised a brow. “Even with that crazy gravity magic?”

Sara laughed, nervously tapping her staff. “It is very powerful. But it uses a lot of mana. We’re about to get some mana potions...Such an expensive thing.”

“But necessary.” Gioia said sternly. “If you were no longer able to use your magic we would be in serious trouble. Especially against a numerically superior foe...Which is generally all of them. And this will be no different.”

I doubt Sara would know anything about those Green Dragon Crystals. Mezot’s older and has more knowledge...Perhaps Xiam has libraries...I think that I might just lose Mezot to those pages if we let her go.

“Is that what you’re here for too?” Eirco asked. “Are you signing up?”

“The last time we signed up for anything my companion lost an eye.”

Cetina shrugged. “I can see just fine. But...We did make it to Thessos, by the way.”

“How is it?” Sara stepped forward. “Being so close to the border with the Deweth Clansmen. The stories that we heard were not great.”

“Surprisingly well.” Cetina smiled. “The Clansmen had returned just about everyone...Except one, I think, has been returned. Not as part of a ransom either. I really don’t know what to make of it.”

The Bebbezzarian soldiers that followed them deep into the snow probably has something to do with it. Now that they know they aren’t safe in their wintery home…

“But everything’s doing pretty well. All things considered.”

“Well that’s really good to hear.” Sally smiled, an honest smile, and even Erico looked a little happier. “I’m glad it wasn’t as bad as we thought.”

“And what about you?” Anton asked. “You asked if we were signing up. Signing up for what?”

“The Royals have put out a general call to arms.”

Erico pointed further down the street, towards a small obelisk at the centre of the crossroads. A smattering of guards, different to the normal Alcanares guards; the armour more complete and painted white with gold trim, all wielding matching short spears and a shield with a slot to accommodate the spear, stood around the obelisk. Three people, dressed normally, shouted into the crowd, directing their words at anyone with weapons and armour, anyone that could pass as a soldier.

“They’re desperate if they’re coming this far to recruit people.” Anton mused. “We’re a decent way from the capital…”

“Santaría.” Cetina said.

“Santaría…” Erico looked to the obelisk and the Royal recruiters. “I’ve only been there once but I remember that it was a very beautiful place.”

“Are you going to join?” Sara asked.

“They are paying extremely well.” Gioia said. She snorted, the face veil pulled tight against her nose. “Not that they have much choice. Gold means nothing in death.”

“True...Very true.” Anton looked to the Royal Recruiters. “Though I think that there are many that try.”

“True.” Gioia’s eyes softened, he was certain that she was smiling beneath her veil.

“But we have given it some thought.” Anton glanced at Cetina. She didn’t seem too thrilled by the idea. “But...We are a little stretched thin at the moment. We have a number of other projects...So no. There would only be a few of us, not to mention I’m a still a little bit concerned about fighting a Principle Mage of Mezot’s calibre, which I’m sure could be in the employ of a Merchant Prince. Even Axia would be quite messy...And it’s all over when you die, obviously.”

And I have no idea if the Royals are even any good. Under their rule the country fell into a civil war...I guess I could say the same about Qaiviel and King Leo. It’s not something that we’ve really discussed. Qaiviel had direct implications for Atros, if Harold won, but Bebbezzar is so far away. This would be something to discuss with the Council.

“Anton?” Calo tapped his arm.

“Sorry. But I don’t think we’re going to sign up. For now, at least. But...You understand that you’d be killing humans. And not just bandits. Soldiers. Professional soldiers. Not to mention farmers and peasants pressed into service.”

“I understand.” Erico said sternly. “I understand...Doesn’t mean I like it, but it is paying extremely well. More than we would normally make in...Yeah. A very long time.”

“Mercenaries are often looked at as disposable.” Anton said, receiving an odd look from Eirco. “To your employers, the only reason that you are fighting for them is gold. And that’s all. Not to mention it would be advantageous to them for you to die, after completing your objective, so they don’t need to pay you.”

“It is something that we have considered.” Gioia gently nodded. “Something that does not occur during most of our missions. One of the advantages of dealing with beasts and monsters. Our employers would rather us die than them.”

“That’s a little macabre.” Anton muttered. Sara and Gioia glumly agreed.

“That it is.” Eirco smile returned. “So just shopping? What could Dark Elves want in Bebbezzar? Surely you have all the clothes and food you could want in The Shadow Isles?”

“We’re still pretty thin.” Calo slapped her stomach. “But there are a few things that we cannot get there.”

“Like what?” Sara’s brows furrowed.

The twins lent forward. “It’s a secret.”

Anton smiled. “They’ve been like that all day. But...” His eyes were drawn to a small store to the side. A dejected man slowly trundled out and hanged a sing on the front. A sign that said they were going out of business. “I thought everything would be booming, with the war happening. At least for now.”

Sara followed his sight until it rested upon the store owner. “For a little while. But it’s difficult for business to thrive when half of your customers are dead, and the other half heavily armed, hungry and have no qualms about violence.”

“What are you thinking?” Cetina nudged his side. “I can tell from that look you’re planning something.”

“We have more money than him.” Calo muttered. “Especially...Especially if he’s closing his shop.”

“I want as many sources of income as I can.” Anton began. “And I don’t just mean...” His eyes flicked back to Erico and his companions, all waiting patiently. “That mine. I want coins as well. And I don’t fancy myself as a thief.”

Melanie scoffed. “You won’t get rich doing that here. Everyone’s poor, or has enough wealth to hire someone like us to deal with it.”

Sara and the Willowy twins threw her odd looks but Anton agreed.

“So I want to make another line of money. One that takes care of itself and just brings us money. I really don’t care if it doesn’t make all the money that it possibly could, but a decent stream of copper and silver coins would be nice.” Anton touched a hidden pouch. “At least everyone would stop staring at us when we have to ask for change.”

“And your plan?” Cetina asked dryly.

“An idea from another place.” Anton winked at Cetina. She understood but Calo and Sheso were still a little lost. “One that I know will make tonnes of money. Erico? That guild that you introduced us to. Are there young women that are in need of work?”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to start up a brothel.” Erico laughed nervously. Cetina grabbed Anton’s side hard. “And it looks like there’s a few people that don’t want that either.”

“Not a brothel.” Anton gently tapped Cetina’s hand. “But it is in the same area, so to speak.”

---[]---

Calo and Sheso gave each other wary looks. They held the contents of their shopping, two large bags each, between them, as they turned their attention back to Anton and Cetina.

“Is this what you meant?” Calo asked, shuffling closer. “This whole thing seems...”

“A bit like one of Verona’s plans?” Anton looked up from the box of silver and copper coins. Cetina muttered under her breath as she counted the coins, placing them into neat stacks on the table. “I’ll admit that it certainly does sound like one of hers, but I can assure you that this comes straight from my memories.”

“You remember something?” Sheso asked excitedly. “Do you remember where you come from? Is it Graterious? Or somewhere much further away.”

Calo scoffed and gently shook her head. A sly smile finally broke through her face. “I don’t know where it is, but I know Verona would love to see this.”

She nodded towards the open store. The dejected store owner was more than a little dubious at Anton’s suggestion to open a restaurant, of sorts, but when the gold coins were floated before him his mind changed immediately. Whatever doubt remained was washed away when he offered the man a very generous portion of the profits for himself.

Anton smiled and leant back. “She is going to be jealous when she learns about this.”

Before them almost a hundred workers sat on stools, stood against bars and enjoyed a simple meal of steaming hot chips, battered fish and ice cold beer. While this world had potatoes, many of which he had cooked for Rasha, there didn’t seem to be anyone that was slicing them up and cooking them in boiling oil. He still remembered the look of the first customer, wary of a new product but instantly in love with it the moment he bit through the crunchy outer layer. The ice cold beer, cooled by a Cold Stone, only added to the novelty. But there was one extra ingredient that helped to attract so many within an hour of opening.

Between the tables fluttered young women carrying plates and mugs of cold beer, all of whom wore very little. While they weren’t naked, each wore a small pair of shorts and essentially a sports bra, there was little left to the imagination. Merely the word of such a place attracted attention. Male attention mostly, but it didn’t matter from where the coins flowed, only that it did.

“Look, but no touch.” Anton smiled. “That’s the rule here.”

“But with alcohol...” Cetina muttered as she finished arranging a stack. “We’re going to have to put a bit of this back into hiring security.”

Anton nodded to the open front door, where the smell of freshly cooked fish and chips wafted out into the streets to lure in more customers. Either side stood two burly older men. Though their beards had greyed and they lacked some fingers, they were far, far stronger than most of the compatriots.

“Old mercenary veterans looking for easy pay.” Anton smiled at the twins, both of whom merely tilted their heads. “And they’re well liked by the staff too. What innocent young girl doesn’t want a powerful daddy to look out for them?”

Calo and Sheso silently raised their hands. Cetina began to laugh, desperately clamping her mouth shut but it was a loosing battle.

“But you two are older than me.” Anton folded his arms. “You’re probably as old as Rasha-”

A startled yelp echoed throughout the restaurant, cutting through the raucous conversation. A waitress furiously patted down her rear. A clearly drunk man tried reaching for her rear once again. Before he could move but an inch he was set upon by security. He wouldn’t stand a chance when they were sober, let alone when so intoxicated. Only a single punch was thrown before he were disarmed and dragged from the restaurant kicking and screaming. The waitress held the empty plate to her chest, breathing a deep sigh of relief once they were outside. Once they had passed through the doors the normal conversations and tempo returned. The only mention of their passing were a few rude gestures and laughs before they were swiftly forgotten. Both men returned while holding a coin purse. One returned to the counter while the other checked on the waitress. She seemed fine, more startled than anything, but kept a slender hand on his chest for a very long time.

“See? They’re doing fine.”

“And how much have we made so far?” Calo asked. “I’m not into...Money?”

“Economics?” Sheso offered.

“Yes...Eco...” Calo frowned at her sister. “How did you-Anyway, Economics. How are we doing?”

“Alright.” Cetina smiled as another small bag of copper and silver coins was dropped off at their table by a waitress. She winked at Cetina before scampering away. “Was that for me?”

Cetina shrugged. “Anyway, I’m not into women like that. But...But we are doing extremely well. We’ve more than made up our investment, which was quite a bit, and almost everything here will be profit. After we’ve paid the workers, obviously. We can’t expect them to work for nothing but well still make a good profit.”

Cetina lent back into the chair and nudged Anton’s side. “You’re right. At least now we won’t have to try and explain why we’re using Kar Kingdom coins. Gold coins at that.”

“Yes...It is good.” Anton looked out the door. The shadows were almost non-existent as the sun lay directly overhead. “But we’ve stayed here long enough. It’s getting pretty late.”

“Verona and Kal haven’t said anything.” Cetina placed a hand below her neck, where her necklace lay.

Anton smiled. “They trust us. But I do think it is time we were leaving.” He nodded to the busy crowds. “There’s not much more for us to do here. Anything else would just be interfering. Micro-managing. And I’m sure that my Bebbezzarian bodyguard would say that’s a terrible thing.”

Cetina nodded once as she collected the coins and locked the small chest.

“Excuse me.” A man came towards them, the former store owner. “Are-Are you leaving?”

“We are.” Anton tapped Calo and Sheso’s legs. They eagerly picked up their shopping and held it close to their chests. “There’s nothing more for us to do here, so we’re going to leave everything in your capable hands. Is...Is that a problem?”

“No. No, of course not.” The man nervously laughed. “I was just surprised that you would be so willing to give someone like me another chance.”

“Everyone deserves another chance. And I didn’t have time to go through all the paperwork and rigmarole of getting permission to open a store here. And you will be making quite a tidy profit from this yourself. No?”

“Of course.” The man smiled. “I will do my utmost to make this as profitable as possible.”

Anton stopped and raised his finger. “Just make sure that you’re moving more product before thinking of raising prices.” He nodded to the crowded restaurant floor. “Most people are here because it’s cheaper than anywhere else. Even at these prices we’re make a decent profit, but if you raise it you might just scare some people away.”

“I understand.”

“Oh. And no sleeping with the staff.” Anton winked. “That’s a very good way to lose the waitresses. And without them I just don’t think it would be the same. Do you?”

“No...No I wouldn’t dream of such a thing.” The man looked to one of the waitresses. Anton knew it was a blatant lie, no one’s eyes would linger on a rear for that long if they were not interested in the tiniest amount. “I don’t particularly want to sleep on the streets again.”

Anton merely patted him on the shoulder as he walked past. Cetina did not immediately follow him.

“Make sure that you detail all of your income and expenditure.” She spoke sternly. “We will be checking them, and will have someone drop in from time to time. I don’t think you need to be told what would happen if you steal from us.”

She tapped the hilt her sword. The man quickly nodded, a bead of sweat ran down his face, as Cetina walked past, Calo and Sheso right behind.

Not every day you’re threatened by an eyepatch female swordsman. Then again, if you do the right thing by us then you’ve got nothing to worry about. I do wonder what Verona’s going to say? Probably make this the first place she’s going to visit when she comes back to Bebbezzar.

Anton found himself smiling as Cetina stopped behind him.

I wonder if any of that’s going to rub off on our children? Only the Gods would know.

---[]---

The salty air of Alcanares faded away, replaced by the cold crisp air of Atros. Cetina stepped through next, with the small chest of silver and bronze coins held tight in her hands.

“I’m surprised we made that much.” Cetina stood next to Anton. She opened the chest and gently jingled the coins. “It’s not as much as a silver mine.”

“At least now we don’t have to worry about using just gold coins all the time.” Anton picked up a silver plate. “Everyone gives me these weird looks when I try and use them. No wonder, really. It’s like I’ve just waved more money than most have seen in their entire lives. Especially if we’re trying to buy something like food.”

“True…” Cetina took the silver plate back. “Very true.”

Rasha stood at the far end of the portal room. She smiled and waited for them to emerge fully.

“Everything has been calm?” Anton asked. The portal behind him flashed white, Calo and Sheso stepped through with their bags of clothes.

“So far. But that’s what you want. Right?”

“Yes.” Anton slowly smiled. “It is. I know everyone was talking about having a few relaxing days...But it really is a strange feeling when I’ve finally stopped.” Anton rubbed his arms. “Almost like I don’t really know what to do. Everything’s going rather well. Like...Like I don’t like that feeling.”

Rasha smirked. “I think Cetina would say that’s the wrong thing to say.”

“Almost certainly. Calo? Sheso? That was everything you wanted?”

“It was.” Calo slyly looked to her sister. “Didn’t expect Anton to be a cook, but you learn something new about him each time you travel with him.”

“Guess you know a fair bit then.”

Rasha tried her best to hide her displeasure. Almost everywhere outside of Atros was forbidden to her To see what he saw, having to rely on the stories told and her own imagination. It would still be some time before she could freely walk beyond the walls of Atros.

“I guess.” Sheso shrugged. “But there’s not much to talk about when you’re watching endless dunes of sand. Rocking back and forth on the backs of those giant beetles.”

“Giant beetles?” Rasha chuckled. “I can’t imagine what seeing nothing but sand would be like.” She looked towards the door. “Just like I couldn’t imagine seeing snow for the first time either.”

“Anton.” Calo stepped forward. “We’ve got what we wanted. But we haven’t had a chance to show you them.”

“No...No. You seemed to not want me to have a look earlier.” Anton leant closer and tried to peek in. “Why? It cost a fair amount, all things considered. Surely I deserve a little peek.”

The twins pulled away, giggling and smiling.

“It would ruin the surprise.” Sheso said. “But we would like to show you something.” She bounced the small bag. “And these are a part of it. You’ve done more for the Dark Elves than anyone else.”

“Especially for our clan.” Calo continued. “We would have all been killed.”

“Little more than skin and bone.” Sheso laughed. “We were very, very thin when you all found us.”

Honestly you are still quite thin. Though that’s a good thing.

“So we thought it was about time that we repaid you.” Calo’s smile looked almost identical to Verona’s when she was scheming something, so too did Sheso’s. “And we’ve been with you longer than Mezot and almost as long as Rasha, and yet-”

A loud knock on the door stopped Calo. She grumbled underneath her breath as Rasha gave a small smile as she moved to the door.

“There’s always something in the way.” Anton mused as he smiled.

Calo clicked her tongue but still smiled. “It’s for a very advanced Dark Elf technique. One that is said to be able to woo over any man, no matter who or what they may think about them.”

“Our mother told us this.” Sheso said. “So I know it will work.” Sheso chuckled nervously and raised her hand. “No drugs, or anything like that. Nothing bad. But...I think we need these to make sure that we are prepared.”

Let’s not mention the small fact that your mother had an affair and got pregnant. I wonder how they’re doing?

Rasha returned with a Dwarf behind her.

“My Lord Anton.” The Dwarf bowed low. “Please forgive the interruption but I was told to find you no matter what. I have been told to tell you that the sealed door is readied to be opened at any time.”

“It took them so long.” Cetina said. “Not that I doubt the Dwarves abilities, of course.”

Anton glanced at the twins. “When we’ve worked through whatever we’ve found behind that door, we’ll talk more about what you’ve got there. Alright?”

“Okay.” The twins replied in unison.

“Better prepare some Dark Elf warriors.” Cetina straightened her back, resting her hand on the pommel of her sword. “We don’t know what’s lurking behind that thing. The Blood Hammer Dwarves sealed it for a reason.”

“These will just have to wait.” Sheso smiled and waved as they ran for door. “We’ll get everyone ready. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.”

“Maybe a pile of old weapons and gold.” Calo laughed. “Then we really wouldn’t have lost anything. Wait for us by the portal to the Dwarves. We’ll be back soon!”

The twins gave Rasha a quick nod as they passed, their black cloaks billowing behind as they ran into the snow.

“They’ve got a lot of energy.” Rasha gently jabbed his shoulder, though gently for her was quite hard for a normal human. “But I’m sure you’ll do something about that. Right?”

“Like you?” Anton winked and gave her hand a squeeze. “But we need to focus. Cetina’s right. The Blood Hammer Dwarves sealed that place for a reason.”

“You don’t want to wait for those weapons of yours?” Cetina asked.

“No. We’ll be fine. We’ll have the Dwarven warriors and Dark Elven archers with us. Not much can get through that. We’ll have more than enough strength to see through any obstacle.”

“You can count on us.” Rasha thumped her armoured chest. “Don’t worry about that.”

Anton pushed aside the thoughts of Calo and Sheso as he looked to his feet. Though he was more than interested he was a little anxious. Just what had the Blood Hammer Dwarves sealed away and why did their Thane abandon his people to make sure it shut, the piles of desiccated food and rotting crates of wood. In a few moments he’d know.