Violet and Kenrich had finally made it to Fril. Fril was one of the largest cities within Admia and was a major powerhouse in the ways of magic, knowledge, and weaponry. There was no doubt that a city of this amount of importance was filled to the brim with Admian soldiers and, most likely, more members of the secret organization that they had just encountered. The city itself had a population of over 20,000 residents and looked, in all ways, civilized. The roads were perfectly clean and made of a handsome assortment of cobblestone that looked both elegant and sturdy. The buildings were much the same being made of mixtures of brick, stone and wood, showing that the city planners cared a lot about the appearance of even the most insignificant buildings within the high city walls. Violet had been to many cities of this size in her life and therefore was not phased in the slightest, but Kenrich on the other hand, had a heavy feeling of insignificance as he spotted the massive wall with cannoneers and soldiers patrolling the massive city’s entrance. He knew it would only get worse when they entered. Living your whole life in a small village without seeing just how large the world truly is would be a lot for anyone to handle their first time. The large amount of people would certainly help with keeping them hidden though. Insignificance is safety to a wanted man.

Violet and Kenrich approached the gate of the Fril which looked much more serious than the one of Lampeer. Whether this would make it easier, or harder to enter quietly would be anyone’s guess. Two soldiers dressed in the traditional plated armor that the Admian military frequented walked towards Violet and Kenrich as they slowed Atlas’s trot to a stop before the gate.

“Welcome, travelers,” said the handsome soldier on the left. “What business do you have in Fril?”

“Just travelers looking for some guild work,” Kenrich answered.

“I see,” the guard responded. “How long do you think you will be staying?”

“Not long,” Kenrich said. “Two or three days depending on the work available.”

“Any magic stones on your person?” The older guard on the right asked.

Kenrich had a slight bit of panic at this question. He could not afford to look like he was lying as they might check their baggage and, in turn, find the ring. If they expressed that they were there for adventuring missions, then he must prove that they have gemstones of combat ability and make it look believable enough that the guards would have no reason to think they were hiding gems. He thought quickly and came up with the best answer he thought he could give.

“Just some jump stones and a fireball stone.”

“A fireball stone?!” The older guard said.

“Now, how did you get your hands on a powerful gem like that?” The handsome guard said. “Those should only be in the hands of Admian soldiers!”

“Is-is that so?” Kenrich said. “It was passed down by my late father, I didn’t know that they were of such importance. I’m from a very small village.”

“Your father must’ve been a former soldier,” The older guard said. “He gave his life for the war effort it seems.”

“A strong-willed Admian through and through,” The handsome soldier said, nodding. “Sorry young man, but we must confiscate that gemstone. I know it’s a family heirloom of sorts, but we’re at war and gems of these sorts must all be turned over to the military.”

“Oh, I see,” Kenrich said. “That will make our adventuring a little more difficult, but I understand.”

“We apologize, young man,” The older guard said. “We can tell that you knew no better though, so there will be no citation for withholding military gems. Just turn over the gem and we’ll allow you to enter the city.”

“Thank you, sirs. I appreciate your understanding and hospitality.” Kenrich got off of Atlas and put his fireball gem in the hands of the older guard.

“Don’t worry about it,” The young guard said. “We wish you luck in your adventuring, and hope you enjoy your stay.”

The guards both hit their spears on the ground three times and after a few seconds, the gate started lifting. Kenrich got back on Atlas, with Violet’s help, and they made their way into the city.

“That was some quality acting,” Violet said as they made their way down the street.

“Thanks. It’s a shame we lost our fireball gem, but I couldn’t think of a better way to keep them from searching us.”

“It’s okay. Once we begin your training you won’t need a gem like that. Close quarters combat is much more thrilling and honorable anyway.”

“I hope you’re right, but I don’t think I’ll find cutting off people’s heads ‘thrilling’.”

“What could be more exciting than a life-or-death battle?! There’s no feeling like it in the world!”

“You’re starting to sound like an adrenaline junkie. Keep your psychotic tendencies to yourself.”

“Don’t call me psychotic!” Violet threw her fist back at Kenrich’s ribs. “More people would agree with me than you, village boy.”

“A-and that’s why this country is always at war,” Kenrich said, holding his ribs.

“Don’t count me among them!”

“You basically did that yourself!”

“Whatever. I’m just saying you better get used to hand-to-hand combat soon because the time of your face not being known is most likely over. The second we leave this city and head towards Aquarium, your training starts. Every night we will spar until you can hold your own against me.”

“Sounds good to me. I want to become stronger, and I know with you as my teacher, I will be.”

“That’s the spirit! Now, focus on being invisible. Our quarreling will definitely put more eyes on us than we need.”

“Understood.”

The city was bustling as they expected. Carriages were zooming down the roads constantly with bystanders crossing the streets between them seemingly playing a dangerous game. That is how life is in large cities though. Customs were a lot different here than in a place like Millin and you could tell that easily just by witnessing how the citizens of Fril acted towards one another. None of them opened doors for eachother, nobody was striking up conversations with strangers on the streets, and the homeless were ignored. It was as if everyone was treated as either invisible or an obstacle. Once again, this was a good thing for them, but the total disconnect between these people made Kenrich slightly sad.

Even though trotting by horse had them going much faster than they would have been going on foot, it still took several minutes to locate the guild, which was in the middle of the city, as most of them were. After locating the guild, they entered to ask for directions to the gem shop. The guild at Lampeer never looked like it fit into the city because of its elegance compared to the rest of the underprivileged city, but, with this guild, it almost looked lesser compared to the buildings surrounding it. It seems like most guilds are built on the same blueprints regardless of the importance of the city. Things were much different once they entered the building though. The guild was absolutely packed with people of all different sizes, ages, and origins who left very little space to move around except for the path down the middle that went from the front door to the reception desk. Violet took the lead, and Kenrich followed her to the line that started in front of that desk. Luckily, even with the massive population of the building, the line only consisted of one tall and skinny man wearing a bright green robe and a hat reminiscent of something a conquistador would wear. It was black with a gold feather poking out of it. Judging by his conversation with the receptionist, he did not seem to be an adventurer.

“No, no! Think of it like this! A partnership would benefit you most! This guild would gain much, MUCH more than I would! I’m giving you this deal on a silver platter. Please just let me speak to the guildmaster and I’ll convince her, and she’ll thank you for it. She might even give you a promotion!”

“I’m sorry, sir, but guilds aren’t allowed to make partnerships with independent merchants. That’s the policy of this guild and all others in the country.”

“The amount your guild would save on the purchases of paper and burlap would vastly outweigh any risks involved; I swear it!”

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“We have no issues with our current vendors and while I appreciate your passion, I must ask you to leave before I call security.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll come back later. All I ask is that you think about it and mention it to the guildmaster. Tell her about all the money that she’ll save and I’m sure she’ll be begging for my return!”

“Sir, you’ve never even given me any real proof to back up your claim, and also, do not come back later with the same request. I don’t want to have to put in a ban for you in this guild.”

“I appreciate your time,” the green merchant said before turning around. He paused for a second and looked at Violet. “Just a fair warning, the receptionist is both unfair and uncooperative today.” He whispered to her.

“Kinda seemed like you were trying to scam him and the guild,” Violet responded bluntly.

“I would never! I follow through on all of my deals correctly!”

“I’m sure you do, now step aside please-”

“Hold on,” Kenrich said. “Excuse me, sir, do you happen to know where the gem shop is in this city? We’re new here and you seem like you’re pretty knowledgeable, being a merchant and all.”

“Of course I do, and because of your politeness, I won’t even charge you for the info!” The green merchant said enthusiastically. “Once you leave this guild, go down the street to the left of the front of the building and take the first right you find. I imagine the building will stick out quite a bit once you locate it.”

“Wonderful,” Kenrich said with a smile. “Thank you very much for the information. We owe you one.”

“Cashing in favors is the most important currency to us merchants, so expect me to call upon you someday!”

“I thought money was the most important?” Violet asked.

“Ignore her,” Kenrich said. “She’s not usually so combative. If we cross paths again, feel free to cash it in. I’ll be glad to repay the debt.”

“Such a polite man! Your kindness is wasted in this horrid city. My name’s Farrell, what should I call you?”

“I’m Ricardo,” Kenrich said, shaking Farrell’s hand. “And this here is Isabella.”

“Nice to meet you both,” Farrell said. “May our paths cross again and fortune guide our paths!” Farrell then left the guild with a pep in his step.

“Ricardo? Isabella?” Violet said, annoyed.

“We need aliases, don’t we?”

“Maybe you do, but I don’t. Like I said before, unless we head up north, no one's gonna know my name.”

“Won’t the military try to look for you? Do they not look for missing soldiers?”

“They don’t. Dead and missing soldiers hold no significance to the Admian military. They’d never devote resources to locating what they consider insignificant cannon fodder, living or dead.”

“If you say so. Well, we have the info we need, so let’s get going.”

“I still can’t believe you promised a favor to that con artist.”

“I mean, what are the chances we’ll run into him again?”

“Hopefully, low.”

They then left the guild and followed the directions that Farrell had given them. Making their way down the last street, they saw what he had meant when he said ‘...the building will stick out quite a bit once you locate it.’ There was a building that had a massive line wrapped around it that immediately put both Kenrich and Violet in a sour mood.

“If that’s the place, then I say we throw the ring in a sewer grate and give up,” Kenrich said.

“The wait might take hours…” Violet said, dejected.

“Let’s just get in line…” Kenrich said.

They took their spot at the back of the line which was difficult to locate due to it being behind the building.

“Are you two also here for the new shipment of glitter gems!” The excited woman in line in front of them asked.

“No. We’re not,” Violet said in a very irritated tone.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard they were getting more in!” The woman continued. “That’s why we chose to settle down in Fril, don’t you know! This city has the best gem selection in all of Admia!”

“Sure sounds like we chose the wrong day to come,” Kenrich said. “We weren’t expecting it to be so busy.”

“Oh, it’s always like this,” the woman said. “This is the most popular spot in the city! I’m here every day to look at their new stock. Also, to get a look at the purveyor…My, what a handsome man he is! And a gentleman too!”

“The purveyor of the gem shop? Is he well liked?”

“Yes! If he ran for mayor, it would be an easy victory, but he’s much too humble to try something like that.”

“He must have access to the description stone then.”

“Not only that, but he is also the owner of the stone! That’s what put Fril on the map. This city was almost as disheveled as Lampeer before he came with such a powerful stone. You two must not be from around here if you don’t know the history.”

“We’re just travelers looking to stock up on some gemstones before taking on some requests at the guild.”

“Oh? Where are you from?”

“Lampeer, actually.” Kenrich could see the immediate look of disgust on the woman’s face after he finished saying that.

“Lampeer?! Keep some distance then, welp! Wouldn’t want to catch whatever assortment of diseases you might be carrying. Whatever you’re hoping to accomplish in this wonderful city, you better make it quick.” The woman then turned around and took several steps away from them.

“I guess that’s one way to get her to stop talking our ears off,” Violet said.

“I didn’t know people held such contempt towards Lampeer here…” Kenrich said.

“It could just be an issue with her. Lampeer might not’ve been the nicest city, but there were some good people there.”

“Maybe she had a run-in with that old con artist.”

“He sold us a wonderful horse! Take it back!”

“You’re really gonna defend him?”

“I’m defending Atlas! Say you’re sorry!”

Kenrich looked up at Atlas who was standing behind them still being led by Violet and apologized. He figured he should not try to piss off Violet any more than she already was from waiting in this line.

An hour had passed before they finally made their way inside the building. Taking a look inside, it was clear to see that they were not exactly the clientele that the business was hoping for. The shop floor was filled with workers all dressed in tuxedos looking like a parade of penguins. Each one was behind a glass case that were lined with gemstones that had descriptions under each one saying their functions. There were stones that promised higher stamina, night vision, healing, and the ability to breathe underwater, all located in one case that were labeled “Quality of Life” gemstones according to the banner above them. Another banner labeled “Music/Arts” had music playing stones (with a different song labeled under each), picture stones, and pencil stones, which were described as being able to write in “any color you could imagine.” The last case had a banner that read, “Recreational.” Inside were the aforementioned, “glitter stones” which were advertised as “portable party makers,” as well as game stones which each had games written under them including freeze tag, hide and seek, and catch. There were also projection stones which had a list of programs that could be viewed on them. After taking in the sights, Kenrich immediately felt out of place. Even though they had washed their hands and faces in a steam on their way to Fril, they were both still quite dirty.

“These prices are outrageous,” Violet said. “Way above market value.”

“That’s what good rapport with the citizens does,” Kenrich said. “Let’s try and locate this ‘handsome purveyor’.”

“Over there would be my guess.”

Violet pointed at a large group of people who were crowding around something that could not be seen from where they were standing. Heading closer to the group, they found out that Violet was right on the money.

“Oh, please won’t you show us again, Sir Verect!”

“Yes! Please do that trick again! The one with the water stone!”

Kenrich and Violet managed to push their ways to a spot within the group where they could view the spectacle and saw a very handsome man in a tuxedo and a top hat with a red ribbon wrapped around it, thrusting his hands out at his sides. He had blue eyes, a chiseled jaw, and a bushy handlebar mustache.

“Now, now! Please don’t push one another! There is plenty of me to go around!” said the man who must have been “Sir Verect.”

Everyone in the group heeded his words and stood silently and patiently waiting for Verect’s next trick. Verect took a blue stone in his hand and put it in his cheek. He then cocked his head back and a huge spout of water started protruding from his open mouth. He then started to spin in circles on the tip of his toe with one leg thrust behind him making him look like a mix between a ballerina and a magician. Suddenly, he thrust his hands in his pocket, grabbed more stones and shot glitter all around him without stopping spinning or spitting. The crowd cheered and then Verect stopped his motion and took a bow.

“You too can perform tricks like me by buying my stones! Impress your friends, family, or maybe that special someone…” He winked at the crowd. “Thank you for your time!”

The crowd clapped furiously and then made their way to the gemstone counters. Violet saw this as an opportunity to get Verect’s attention and called out to him before he was able to make his way towards the back of the room.

“Sorry, lady. No autographs,” he said, waving her off.

“That’s not what we want,” Kenrich said. “We have a request.”

“Make an appointment with my receptionist. Goodbye.”

“Wait!” Violet said. “Please, I’m your biggest fan!”

Verect turned around and looked at Violet up and down.

“Hmmm…” he grasped his chin. “Now that I get a good look at you, you’re quite the looker. Fine. You may join me in my room, and I’ll hear this request of yours.” He then looked over at Kenrich. “He can’t come though.”

“Very well,” Violet said. “Stay out here, Ricardo.”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Kenrich whispered.

“Leave it to me,” she whispered back.

“Okay, I’ll wait outside by Atlas.”

Violet nodded and made her way to the back of the store with Verect.