The rest of the day went without incident. Nelva went around doing more heals on those whose wounds could use a bit more work. Jack went around asking questions and getting as much information as possible. That, and teaching a few of the guests new dice games. John helped many move about for things they needed. Fetching water, food, and carrying a few to and from the bathroom. Zilta just got to lay in bed. Slowly grumbling and yipping in frustration more and more at not being able to do anything. She did try once, but John quickly made her return to the bed.
That night came and went just as expected. They let those in the ship out to get some fresh air while those in the caravan got to wash and enjoy a nice warm meal just like the others had before them. This time the four sat at the entrance of the cargo bay, watching as this new healthy bunch lined up at Pol’s instructions and guidance for their turn to first get a shower, then a nice hot meal. The injured were less happy to hear that their meal would be the camp food they had been eating before, but they were silenced by a simple “its our turn.”
Once it was all done those less injured got to chose between tent or floor and many chose to return to their friends in the caravan camp. The remainder took their spots for the most part with some moving t be closer with people they met earlier that day. Once more John and Zilta relaxed in John’s room, this time listening to some music before falling asleep. Jack showed Nelva some nature documentaries with her fascinated by how creatures formed without using any magic at all. He did avoid the frogs and stuff though.
Soon the town came into view. Sure enough it was far larger than they both had expected with he walls alone towering into the sky. There was a clear outer, middle, and inner wall with a castle straight out of a fantasy park (that shall legally be left unnamed) towering above it all. They soon set down in the clearing just beyond the walls as they had planned.
One: There was nowhere really in the city for them to land besides a manor or castle courtyard. While it would make for quite the dramatic entrance it would understandably upset whoever’s yard they used as a dock.
Two: The entrance would be a bit too exciting and showy. Chances were it would make doing anything a major pain as it would undoubtedly attract a crowd of onlookers.
Three: They still had to pay gate fees and go through an inspection. While they could get inspected after they landed it would be simpler to just not bring the ship inside, skipping the need for it. Besides, the process was designed to be handled at the gates so any deviation would simply cause a ton of headaches.
The caravan went first with all of the injured piled on wherever they could fit. As one last parting gift Pol gave them enough coin and a letter of recommendation to get through the gates before they got into the caravan line. Zilta, however, stayed behind with the trio.
“I am just a mercenary. I don’t have to stick with them and it sounds like we will all be going to see the big boss for final payments anyway.” She grunted out as she used her huge crossbow as a cane. They waited in line casually talking with Jack and John opting to wear some clothes they had bought from the caravan to help them blend in a bit better. They figured walking in with high end modern clothing and fabrics would be a bit eye-catching to start. They knew they wouldn’t be keeping their origin a secret, but no need to draw all of the attention right away.
They went through the check, paid the fees, and handed over the letter. Normally one would have to go through a much more in-depth check without proper papers, but the letter, and more notably who signed said letter, got them in just fine.
They soon found themselves surrounded by countless species all walking around in a massive group. They were still on the main road towards the merchant district which sat between the residential district and the upper class area of the city. Not having anyone to visit the group simply started up the street following the main crowd, watching as people came and went from the flow to either go home or join the horde moving towards the center of the town.
Soon they found themselves walking through the large archway into the merchant quarters. Shops of all sorts and colors were everywhere and the crowds instantly thinned out to go to their stores of choice. The four started to wander from store to store, looking in to see what they could find only to pause for Jack to have one of the gold coins exchanged into smaller coins for easier spending. With their new funds in hand they quickly started to go from shop to shop.
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Then slowed down as Zilta struggled to keep up.
Zilta bought a healing potion from a stall they were walking by. It was not cheap, but she said if she drank it before bed she would be much better off the next morning.
Nelva didn’t want much to start, but Jack bought her a new notebook, a fine quill, and a dress. The dress was rather fetching as well being a sleeveless ensemble with smooth dark green fabric that went down to her ankles. The fact it was rather form fitting did get a side eye from the other two, but they didn’t mind at all.
John simply bought a few bits of food here and there to snack on. Happily munching on some meat he shared with Zilta. This too got a glance from Jack and his amphibious significant other, but the duo just simply ignored them and enjoyed their snacks. The only other thing he bought was a cap to put on his head. His hair was much shorter than most of the others around him and he was starting to get a little self-conscious about it.
Jack bought the most since it was his money. He bought a few decorations for the ship, a beautiful dagger he quickly attached to his waist, a few snacks of his own that he also shared with Nelva, and a few bits of clothing. Most notable of which was a long black cloak. “All good rogues have one!” He insisted when John gave him a look as he came out of the store with his new gear.
From there they decided to finally go find out where they had to go to meet the Dragon’s horde. Jack warned them to not ask and to simply walk down the back alleys. The four of them would be able to handle most trouble if any did pop up, but he insisted that if the horde was what they said they were then there would be no issues at all. In fact, it would be the best way to get their attention.
With that they slipped into the back alleys and started to wander. All of them caught glimpses of people with far worse gear slipping into shadows and other hidden spots, mostly fearing anyone bold enough to walk through the slums with such clear wealth and health. Jack’s idea, however, did bear fruit. Slowly the poor people were replaced by those in far nicer gear keeping an eye on them. Following them closer and closer until a familiar face popped out of a doorway.
“Hey. Sorry I kept you all waiting. The boss wanted a full report on what went down out there.” Pol explained with a sigh. “But she does want to meet you four. In person.” He explained as he started to walk down the narrow alleyways while motioning for them to follow along. “Particularly you Jack. My boys and girls were keeping an eye on you the moment you walked into our turf. I was expecting you to go to a tavern and ask around, not walk around these back alleys like you owned the place. Youa re lucky we have as much control as we do.”
He then paused and looked them over rubbing his chin. “Or maybe not. I do not know human bodies. I do not know how capable you are outside of that enchanted armor you have.” He admitted with a shrug before they started to go towards the upper area of the merchant quarter. Still staying in the back alley with a few more robed figures stopping to watch them walk by.
“Alright. Here.” He then knocked on the door and slid a black coin through the window. There was a pause and soon the door swung open revealing a room full of guards in black leather armor. All relaxing around tables and more while still clearly keeping an eye on the door.
And the newcomers as well.
Pol flashed a small copper plate and they all nodded, quickly going back to their own tasks. Even John could tell the things they were doing were simple little time-wasters that could easily be dropped in just a moment’s notice. Nelva even made a note that the chairs were very far away from the tables so the guards could get up with ease.
The next thing they knew they were led down some narrow halls and a few doors. The path winding and twisted as they went through the underground fortress until they finally reached a large metal door.
“Alright. Be on your best behavior around her.” Pol warned with a huff. “She is important to us all and we are NOT afraid of dragging you out, or worse, if you make us need to. You saved our asses and that got you here with a reward waiting on the other side. It does not mean you can cause trouble.” He stood by the door. “Ready?”
The four delvers nodded and he knocked on the door in a specific rhythm. He then waited a moment before knocking again getting one loud tap in return.
“Come in.”
The voice was loud, feminine, and… high pitched?
The four looked at each other in confusion as the door opened revealing the boss. She was sitting on a large chair made of black ebony wood. Intricately designed with the scenes of her slaying a dragon. Her bright red scales gleaming in the torch and candlelight as countless gold coins and other treasure gleamed around her throne. Her horns were short, sticking straight out the back of her head with elegant rings wrapped around them and a couple of hoops pierced through. Her tail held a few bangles and was tipped with a fantastical bit of armor that clung to her tail and moved with it. Her feet were mostly bare, but bore black silken straps carefully woven around her ankles, paws, and through her toes leaving her toes and claws exposed. The black sharp talons gleaming in the light. Her fiery golden eyes looked across them, taking in their reactions to a fact that everyone in the horde knew well, but few outside did. Just learning this secret was a sign they were trusted.
There, seated before them, was a kobold. A kobold who smiled up at their confused expressions with gleaming white fangs.
“Hello. I am Tezira the dragon slayer. Boss and leader of the Dragon’s horde. It is a pleasure to meet you four who have done so much for my most valued treasures.” She calmly, and slowly, called out to them in her high pitched voice.