Almog's POV
I woke up later than I should have after a long night at the bar. I felt a throbbing pain in my head. I guess I should expect a hangover after drinking two bottles of vodka. The guy from last night seems useful. I think I may be able to use him in my revenge.
I got on my feet, making my way to my closet. I had only a few items. I put on a white shirt and trousers. Brushing my hair, I looked presentable. I suppose this will have to do. I had a lot of things to do on my list today. But from now to two o'clock I shall be in the gun shop below to tend to customers.
I went down to meet my first customer of the day. It was a man who looked like one of the King's guards. He bought a number of guns along with some swords.
Another customer came in a little later. Another man. This time, he only bought a dagger.
The business was slow and steady with only five customers in the last five hours. I considered closing shop early until a woman entered. No, she's not a woman; he's a young lady. She had long, straight, black hair, piercing black eyes, and a height of at least five-three. Judging by her clothes—a long, lavender dress and a golden velvet cloak— she must be rich. She was accompanied by two guards and another lady that looked like her maid.
"I shall look at the gold he has on display," she says, "You may wait outside. I must choose something of value for tonight's festivities."
"Yes, Miss Grandidierite," the guards obeyed. The maid, however, stayed by her side.
The young lady—to my surprise— didn't look at the gold. Instead, she was rummaging through my guns, swords, and weapons.
"Good morning, Miss," I greeted, "May I help you with anything? Gold earrings? A necklace? A ring?"
She ignored me. What a surprise.
The maid smiled at me. "The lady shall have a bracelet if you have any."
"What is your most efficient gun?" asked the young lady. Her voice sounds oddly familiar. She looked at me waiting for my response. "Sir, I asked you a question; I expect an answer."
She looked oddly familiar as well. Where have I seen her before? Her face, her voice, her attitude.
"How long do you wish to stare at me?" she arched a brow, impatiently waiting for my response. "Sir, if you don't reply, how could I purchase? I must make haste."
"Rapid Shot," I say, "A one-of-a-kind short-barrelled flintlock musket. I don't recommend it to ladies such as yourself. Though it will be great once you get the hang of it. It's good for short to medium range and fast recharge"
"What makes you think a lady such as myself can't handle it?" she arched a brow.
"I never said that," I defended.
She glared at me. "Apologies, then. Why don't you recommend it to women like me?"
"Apologies if I have offended you," I say, "Now, you must know that I sell these for quite a price for I am the only one selling them."
"Name your price," she groaned. She's annoyed alright. She must've really been offended when I said I didn't recommend it for her.
"Fifty gold coins, Miss," I sighed.
Her thick brows furrowed. "I beg your pardon?"
"You said, "Name your price," I smirked. "Is it too much for you?"
"That price is too much even for a noble lady like me," she glared, "You're ripping me off?"
"I'm just telling you the value of my creation," I say, "So, will you take it?"
"Yes," she said, "A Rapid Shot."
I wrapped the gun up in its velvet case as she gave me the payment. "Anything else?"
"A bracelet," she said, "Just give me the finest."
I picked up a box that kept a gold bracelet encrusted with rhinestones. "This—I hope— is to your liking."
She took one look and nodded. "My lady, Miss Herbert, shall give you the payment. As for the gun, I shall have someone pick it up."
I nodded. "What is your name?"
She chuckled, eyeing me from head to toe. "You seem like a nice gentleman, but I assure you it's not gonna happen."
What was she talking about? I am truly confused.
"Don't flirt with me," she says, "Surely other women will be interested in you."
What the bloody hell! Why do I feel like this has happened before? It's strange. Very strange. It really is familiar, but I can't pinpoint what it is.
"I, Ma'am, am not flirting with you," I clarified, "I just need your name for the gun. Someone will pick up your order, yes? I need your name and the name of the man picking it up."
"Ah," she covered her mouth. Her cheeks turned crimson. "Apologies for my accusation then, sir. Put it under the name of Grandidierite."
Grandidierite! That's it. She must be the daughter of the old, corrupted hag! I can't believe I sold this to a Grandidierite!
"A problem?" the maid asked.
"No," I say, writing the name, "And the delivery man is?"
"Kifa,"Miss Grandidierite replied. "Kifa will pick it up tonight."
"I hope your mother enjoys your gun," I said.
She glared at me, threatening to slit my neck with a dagger. She must have hidden it under her sleeves. "This purchase is between me and you. No one shall know or I shall have your head on a pike."
I didn't expect a girl like her to be quite fast. She completely caught me off guard. Note to self: Beware of strange, rich women shopping for weapons. I nodded. "Between you and me; got it. Good day, Miss Grandidierite."
"And you, sir," she smiled, "If it works wonders, I shall return again." With that said, she left. I never in my life have encountered such crazy women. She must be as ruthless as her mother. I will be more cautious next time. A gun like that into the hands of that mother of hers will be a devastating scene for the innocent.
I must admit, it fascinates me how she wants this to be at her discretion. Could there be something between mother and daughter? Perhaps bad blood? Well, whatever it is, I shall not be part of it.
I closed up shop shortly after she left. I went up to seal away the thirty percent of the money I earned today. The rest of it will accompany me as I go on a twenty-minute walk to our base of operations. It's in an old shaft with a secret underground basement. As I climbed down, I was met by my band of troops. We're called the Dark Wolves. We hope to gain independence and free slaves and make equality between men and women. Both must serve the same years in the military and both must respect each other.
The members of my band are people who are like me—their country was destroyed and taken over by a tyrant. Like me, they crave revenge. They want a better place for the future. Unfortunately, our numbers are still down. In order to actually take revenge, we need more people to support our cause. Soon enough, we'll have them.
I've been building my forces for the last ten years. Shortly after they took over my dynasty, my family died. My people died. After the tragedy, I lost my brother, Johnathan. No one knows if he's dead or alive. Assuming that he is, I will make sure that the man behind this will perish. My mother died the following year. I suppose it's true what people say. You should fear a person who has nothing left to lose; and I certainly don't have anything to lose.
