As they left the market square, the group stumbled upon a small alleyway that led deeper into the heart of the Blackmarket. The alley was narrow and winding, lined with ramshackle buildings and dimly lit by flickering torches. The sound of raucous laughter and drunken singing drifted out from the doorways of various establishments along the way.
King Alexander and his entourage stumbled upon a humble bookstall, standing out for its simplicity. Four books chained to the table caught the king’s eye, and a tired-looking merchant behind the stall looked up as they approached.
“Ye can settle yerself and peruse any tome ye fancy,” the merchant said. “A mere gold piece fer each o’ them two, and a hefty three gold fer the rarer orc jest book.”
The king surveyed the books, taking in their worn covers and well-thumbed pages. The way he chained them to the table spoke of a greater value than the coins the merchant sought.
With a nod, King Alexander drew out a gold coin from his pouch. “I shall partake in the reading of the Smelly Chelob,” he said, sliding a coin across the table.
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
The merchant unchained the book and handed it to the king. As he opened its pages, he found a crude rhyme scrawled across them, one that spoke of a green and stinky creature that dwelled in a well. It was not the most inspiring of reads, but it was amusing in its own way.
The king read on, flipping through the pages of the other books. Each contained its own unique tales, from skipping rhymes to orc jokes.
“Indeed, this assortment of books doth hold great intrigue,” mused Haemon, as he perused the pages of a particular tome. “It stirs memories of a bygone era, when life was simpler and the weight of responsibilities felt less burdensome.”
“Yes, it’s quite fascinating,” Old Croll added. “These books grant us a window into the past, allowing us to peer into the lives of those who once inhabited this illustrious city.”
Bloud nodded in agreement. “And who knows what other hidden gems await us as we venture further into the depths of the Blackmarket.”
Alexander smiled. “Let us press onward, for there is much yet to uncover,” said the king. “May we fill our journey through this realm with wonders and revelations?”
With a gracious nod and a warm smile, King Alexander expressed his gratitude to the merchant for their wares. He turned away and walked towards the bustling marketplace, navigating through the throngs of people.