Chapter 98: Bargains & Brotherhoods

It wasnt the array of polearms, or the shields of all dimensions and shapes, and even the flails, maces, talwars, or greatswords that caught Virs eye.

Certain, these had been all very spectacular, crafted of all grades of steels starting from the mundane to the unique. No seric, although. Vir had but to see a single seric weapon in a retailer.

The shop carried chakrams! They carried katars!

Properly, one katar, and a handful of chakrams. It wasnt a gallery, however the truth that that they had them in any respect made Vir practically leap with pleasure. Since his encounter at Daha, he’d been armed with solely a pair of fundamental iron knives. Nothing that impressed confidence in a battle.

However Vir knew how this sport was performed. He restrained himself; the nicely dressed, slim shopkeeper together with his waxed handlebar mustache had monitored Vir from the second he entered the store. Realizing this, Vir dilly dallied, placing on a bored look regardless of his pleasure.

Can I allow you to with something? the clerk requested.

Vir had anticipated a extra stern-looking particular person working a weapon and armor store, however whereas the person lacked affinities of any type, Vir may inform he was a warrior, nonetheless. Not a warrior after the Kinjalswho had been heavyset and constructed like Ashvabut a extra refined warrior. The person had not a shred of fats on him, and the hourglass form of his torso spoke of muscular tissues constructed for a goal.

Simply perusing. Thought Id see for those who had something fascinating in inventory. Not likely seeing something of curiosity, although, Vir replied, idly trying out a spear.

What kinds of weapons are you curious about? Maybe I will help.

Oh, daggers, shortswords that form of factor, Vir replied, angling the dialog. Leaping proper to katars would cue the shopkeeper to his intentions. Itd inform him he was after one factor particularly, which might give his opponent the benefit.

The clerk confirmed Vir a number of choices, all of which Vir handed over with indifference. It was solely then that he sprung his entice.

Actually, Im not in search of a weapon for myself. Simply one thing I can use as a present. For an acquaintance. Im on a price range.

Ah! In that case, why not have a look at these weapons, right here? the person stated, pointing to a rack with kukris and different brief swords… together with the unadorned katar.

Vir perused the choice of weapons with disinterest.

Whats this? Such an odd weapon, he requested, slowly transferring to it, relating to it with suspicion.

A katar! An unique weapon, certainly. And uncommon. It could take some observe to make use of in fight, however as a present? It could be superb.

Hmm. Theres nothing particular in regards to the weapon itself, Vir stated, feigning disappointment. The blade was mid-grade ironnot splendid, because it may break throughout an Empowered thrustbut the blade itself had minimal rust potting, and the profile and taper had been good. The weapon was of respectable building and had seen some use, however itd been cared for, and that was practically as necessary. This can be a bit plain, Im afraid. Do you’ve got any katars which might be a bit extra adorned?

Vir, in fact, thought it was good. He hated the gold on his armor and most well-liked the weapons easy type. However bargaining this manner would get him a greater deal.

The person returned a pained smile. Im afraid few consumers are available in the market for a katar. That is the one one we now have. Most shops don’t even inventory these weapons.

Vir set free a sigh. Very nicely then. At the very least it wont set me again a lot, being as fundamental as it’s. How a lot?

For you? I can promote it for 5 silvers.

5 silvers? Out of the query. This isnt even metal! Its mid-grade iron, and have a look at the rust. Its barely match for a present. I can do a silver and a half.

Vir turned away from the blade, however the shopkeeper didnt let it go, and for good motive.

When Vir first held the blade, he seen a superb sheen of dustnot on the blade, the store would hold that cleanbut on the hilt. Which meant the katar had been there for some time. Owing to katars rarity, they had been unpopular gadgets. The shop hadnt been capable of promote it, and that gave him bargaining energy, simply because it had again at Daha.

Three and a half can be the bottom I can go. Fairly the low cost, dont you assume?

Vir turned again to the katar. Look, it’s apparent to me that you simply want to promote this blade. From the mud on the hilt, I can inform it has occupied area in your rack for a while. Im afraid the best Id be prepared to pay is 2.

Two is a bit the person stated, trailing off.

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So, what can I do ya for?

I want data on the Pagan Order. One thing deeper than what rumors and rumour can get me. I’ve little Brotherhood karma, however Im pleased to pay or do jobs to build up some.

Hmm, nicely, youre out of luck, buddy. Contracts are few out right here. I imply, simply have a look at the place. Do you see anybody else?

I seen, Vir replied, additionally noticing this department’s lack of an armory. It lacked most of the providers he’d taken as a right in Daha. Why is that?

Not even prana beasts hassle individuals out right here. Had been about as removed from the Ash as you will get. Its peaceable out right here, however meaning much less work. As for data, Im sorry, however Ive solely heard rumors in regards to the Pagan Order, and Im the one Executor round right here.

What are my choices, then?

Properly, if its data yer in search of, youd do higher on the Avi department. Rani capitals far livelier. If its work you need nicely, you can all the time attempt catching that man, she stated, thumbing to a wall of the sales space, the place a small flier was pinned.

On it was a picture of the face Vir had used again at Daha.

Wished Useless or Alive: Neel. Final seen fleeing Daha, Hiranya. Suspected location: Rani Queendom, Kinjal Empire.

Reward: 3 Seric Cash.

Vir chuckled nervously. He had, in fact, modified his face paint the second hed left Daha. Hed by no means use that face once more, nor would he ever go by Neel.

He didnt fail to see that the bounty was for Neel, and never Apramor, which was his designated Brotherhood identify. Little question Hiranya wouldve contacted the Brotherhood, nevertheless it appeared that the group held true to their phrase; they hadnt given up Virs identification.

Not seeking to go on a wild goose chase, Vir replied. Acquired some other contracts for me? There should be one thing?

Properly, the veiled lady stated, scratching her neck. Theres one however you in all probability arent gonna need that.

Why? What’s it?

Safety element. For a caravan certain for Eshana. Thats a small little city on the opposite aspect of the Legion vary. Pay just isn’t nice, and yell be going by some steep mountain passes. Only one silver and 100 karma.

One silver? Vir requested. Why do the payouts by no means make any sense? Generally they appear acceptable. Generally it is extremely low.

They’re set by the purchasers, buddy, in order that they run the gamut. Brotherhood rejects contracts that do not pay sufficient, however that is just for the actually lowball ones.

Uh, and this is not?

Borderline, the Executor stated. Tiny department like us has to take what we get, y’know? Apart from, ought to solely take you just a few days. Hardly something out right here that may hurt a caravan, anyway. And whereas Eshana aint Avi, its no less than the correct path if youre headed that approach. Plenty of mercs certain for Avi lately, too. Rumor is theres gonna be a giant ash beast subjugation contract close to Avi soonish.

That was fascinating, however Vir wasnt actually seeking to tackle Brotherhood contracts except he had no different selection. His prime precedence proper now was gathering details about the Pagan Order.

This caravan safety mission. Aside from the poor pay, why didnt you wish to inform me about it?

Properly, its the purchasers, ysee? We nearly rejected their contract because of the uh nature of the purchasers.

What do imply?

Sorry, cant say any greater than that with out breaching confidentiality. However you must know that theres no penalty for abandoning this mission. No reward, in fact, however youre not gonna undergo any karma loss.

Virs eyes narrowed. Hed by no means seen a contract like this one till now. There needed to be a catch.

Even so, cash was cash, and Vir was assured he may deal with this one, even when issues went south.

Alright, he stated. Im in.

Nice! Now let me inform ya in regards to the Brotherhood get together youll be working with on this one.