Paladin by Alex Itsios

Author:Alex Itsios [Itsios, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-02-23T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

They get to the city of Ikonion just as the sun hits it, making all the windows and glass decorations sparkle and glimmer in the light. As they stroll into the marketplace, tents are being set up and a group of wealthy-looking men and women are waiting patiently to spare their coins.

“Oh my,” Damianos says, rubbing at his beard. “This is a city of delight.” His eyes wander to a table where women sit, giggling and drinking morning wine in the sunshine.

With permission from Rostam, Damianos and the other mercenaries leave to wander the marketplace and the city of wonderful splendor. Before the sun reaches its high point in the sky, Sanaz and Parviz sell through their goods at high prices and make away with more than a fair share of gold, silver, and more goods that they can sell later for marked up prices due to their uniqueness and how hard it is to reach the city that manufactures it.

Closing up shop for the day, Rostam pricks up at the approach of an officer and his crew. The officer’s Threat Level is 3 and the rest of the guards 2.

The customs officer examines the caravan and eyes each of them in turn before breaking into a wide grin. “Merchants? I love merchants! We all do. So few of you come through due to the, well…”

“Horde of undead?” Sanaz offers.

With a shy smile, the customs officer nods his head. “My name is Kir. Welcome to Ikonion. Please feel free to stay as long as you like, but may I ask you about the man who stands with you?” he asks, eyeing Rostam.

Rostam flexes his muscles under the gaze of the customs officer. “What interest do you have?”

“Well, my fine warrior, when a caravan comes to a city that doesn’t get caravans and brings with it a man of your stature, it makes me wonder what has truly brought you all here to our city,” Kir asks, stepping around the crew. He picks up some pieces of clothing and armor dinged up from past battles.

“Fear not,” Damianos offers. “We do not come to ransack your city.”

Cutting in, Parviz steps toward the officer with a kind, wise grin. “Do not mind my guards. We are all road weary and tired. The roads that lead here are dangerous, which is what keeps most of my fellow merchants away from this beautiful city of yours. But I’m sure you know that. If it wasn’t for this man here, this brave and courageous warrior, not one among us would have made it. We owe him our lives. And I have no doubt that he will continue to ensure the safety of this caravan until we return to the city of Derbe.”

“I understand,” Kir says. “Please take no offense at my questioning. I am simply trying to ensure the continued safety of my fair city.”

“Then you should welcome Rostam with more than just questions. He could be a great savior of your city if you treat him right,” Sanaz says with a flirtatious smile.

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