Ethaendra: Rise of the Storm Mage

Chapter 3: Premonitions

Youngwood City
Arlon

I headed to various stores around Youngwood, designated to get the most efficient equipment possible. First shop was the Weaponsmith. I purchased arrows, yet for prices so invaluable that I assume the weapon smith makes no profit out of this.

"What's with the unusually low price sir?" I asked. "Your weapons and ammunition drastically dropped their values."

"Have you not be updated?" he replied. "Be aware that the goblins are attacking, son. People grew desperate for protection. The king considered the military flaccid compared to the attackers, now the Royal Council ordered all weapon markets to reduce costs, and assures everyone to equip weapons as mandatory."

This is cruel. Why did the king spring up with such a terrible conviction? I feel remorse for weapon merchants in Ethaendra. I am concerned about the current situation, as everyone's possession of weapons could lead to a situation far more chaotic than war itself.

I strolled all over Youngwood to gather and repair my equipment for my upcoming journey. I roamed around the market area, drafting the sorts of food to be carried along. Witnessing nigh citizens here steeled with deadly weapons prompt me anxious. This is not normal. I finally found the food I needed, yet I was shocked by the price.

"What is this phenomenon to our economy?" I asked the fish merchant. "These prices make no sense."

"Look kid," he replied. "This is what the Ethaendran Royal Council allocated. Edible materials have surpassed the price ceiling, and weapon values crashed lower than the price floor. This is how it shall be, whether it pleases you or not, and we, food merchants, don't like it either. Felony prevails among us."

This has to be ridiculous. Buyers are desperate that they try their best to persuade the merchants for affordable, ethical prices. I had no choice, but to spend more than usual in order to purchase the food I need.

This is all really confusing and does not add up. What is happening to the Ethaendra? Why would everyone want to be armed, in exchange for lack of clean, edible food? These staggering events just give me the terrible feeling in my gut. Sooner or later, food will be the only stocks left.

The law shall make up for this messed up and confusing instance to the economy, because this is indeed disturbing and unnatural like the way it used to before.

I'll have to drive away these bad thoughts in a good night sleep. I hope tomorrow is a better day.