A few more hours, and here they were, the capital. Giant stone walls were protecting it from any disaster, with a second inner wall protecting the castle. Both Mark and Luke stared at it in awe, memories of giants chasing men inside the walls flooding their minds. Angela, still focusing on the road, didn’t pay them any mind, being used to them doing the unexpected even in normal situations. The distance between them and the gate came to a close, the guards ready to do their trivial inspection.

"State your business," said one of the guards as he came closer.

"We came here to trade some artifacts." responded Angela, calm as the morning sea. The guard, his interest piqued, asked to see the goods, so he could confirm it.

Luke uncovered the few artifacts sitting beside him, a small pile of nothing but cheap looking rings and chains.

"Artifacts, you say... These things look way to cheap to be artifacts."

Mark put on a smile as fake as possible, leaning in closer to the guard.

"Listen, they are artifacts, even if not much. I do have something more interesting." whispered the boy as he stealthily handed him a ring, this time one that would put even nobles to shame. "You can keep this as a token of our future friendship." followed by a wink, to which the guard responded in the same manner.

"Open the gate!" yelled out the man, his face covered by a smirk.

Angela could only look at Mark with a surprised face.

"How did you?"

"Where I come from, these things make the difference between a lost day or smooth sailing."

Inside the walls, medieval style houses were scattered all around the streets, making for a maze of buildings. The main road led to the central plaza, the place they aimed for. The city itself was organised well, and the people were making moving as easy as going trough an empty field, despite the roads being crammed.

"We’re here." announced Angela as the group stopped. An empty stand, ready to display whatever it is you want to sell, was waiting dilligently. Mark pulled out his magic storage bag, which he just couldn’t let go of. He took out enough jewelry to last someone a lifetime, yet he wanted this pile’s worth in money.

"Well, you stay here. I’ll go around and have a look at what else I might find.", those were the words left behind by Mark, who went on his way before anyone could even react.

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"Not fair!" pouted Angela, followed by Luke’s "Just you wait." Mark continued on, pretending that their words had not reached him.

A road filled with nothing but stands, presenting different products for everyone. From vegetables to weapons. Mark had a plan. He put aside some things which he thought to have a fair price, wishing to trade with them. "Perhaps I can pull it off." thought Mark, his lips twitching up in a swift movement.

A few minutes later, Mark stood at the end of the road, having bought nothing. "Is there nothing interesting to buy?", thought the boy before seeing a shady path leading in the shadows. He smirked confidently, "I guess this is that part when I find an interesting store, hehe."

He walked in that direction, moving and acting carefree, like he knew what to expect. A few meters walked, and there it was, a wooden door slightly smaller than him, waiting to be opened. He did the obvious and went in.

"Good day, dear customer." whispered a voice, barely audible, yet a glimpse of hospitality could be heard.

"Good day to you too, sir." answered Mark, his tone of voice opposite to the one he just heard. He glanced around, watching certain armours and swords on the walls. Some of them looked bland, while others were pulled out straight from legends and myths. His interest was piqued.

"Oh, dear customer, it seems you have a good taste for quality since you chose to come here."

Mark looked at the owner, a little old man, slightly above his waist, grey hair covering his head.

"Indeed, all of these items do look like they are of high quality, yet I have no money on me-", the eyes of the old man slightly closing, "-yet I do have some things I wish to trade.", followed by Mark pulling out his magic bag, showing the old man a few items held within. He grasped his hands, moving them in a satisfied manner. A quick use of his appraisal skill showed how good the items were.

"So, what do you say, old man? Do we have a deal?"

"Hah, I like your boldness... Fine, you can trade what you have for a few items."

Mark did his shopping fairly quickly, thanks to the owner helping him with his skills and showing him what would fit him best. Not so long after, Mark left, covered in solid armour from head to toe, a breathing iron shield with a magical sword.

"Damn I’m so happy ,I’m gonna burst!", thought Mark before forming a smile not even time could erode. He decided on going back to his group, yet fate had a different plan for him. An encounter with a general led to him being mistaken for a soldier. He was taken to their base, which he had no choice but to go to.

On the other side, Luke and Angela were drowning in boredom. Most of their products did sell, yet it was a boring way of life.

"Damn, making money is plain boring. I think I might just lay down over here."

Angela nodded, forcing herself to stay awake. Her mind was tormented by thoughts regarding Mark. Where did he get lost again?

Well, her worries were cut down to nothingness by the spectacle taking place in the vicinity. Four guards, all struggling to take Mark to who knows where, while he kept yelling at the top of his lungs that he was no soldier, only to be ignored. Luke couldn’t help but chuckle at this rare sight, four grown men, fighting for their lives, all focusing on moving a stubborn teenager.