Illinois [#wattys2016 Writer's Debut]

Chapter Seven

"Sorry, milady. This store was robbed. We're a bit paranoid now so... umm..." A woman in her forties gestured to my face.

"Eh, it's - err - fine, I guess. No worries."

"Of course, it's not! You're bleeding! See what my shop's reputation say about that." She said as she came to me with a warm cloth. "My apologies, miss. Please, have a seat. I'll get you something warm to drink."

"No, I don't want to trouble you," I reassured her.

"Well, it's no trouble at all. Please," she said as she ran towards the double doors behind the counter top.

I started to walk over to the left side of the room where all the swords were hung on the wall with price tags. One of them was 700 Sebs. I guess it's their currency. The sword was very light but strong. It's very gentle yet it's strong enough to kill a man.

The price goes higher, after that it was 1 600 Sebs and it kept on increasing.

"Is the young lady looking for a sword to buy?"

"Actually, yeah. I'm looking for something light weight but strong. Something that suits for a beginner. Oh, and something affordable too. I don't really have much with me," I said, considering the few Sebs Will slipped me.

"Wait right here, I got just the thing," she says as she goes to the back door behind the counter.

She comes out with a pretty looking sword. The handle was encrusted with what looks like mini Orb Stones that was also encrusted on the blade with less amount. "Isn't she pretty?" she asked, handing it to me.

I took the sword from her hands and marveled at it for a little while as I run my fingers across the light weight blade. "Yeah."

"She's a designer blade, one of a kind. The name's Night Blade, swiftest sword around. It suits with beginners and experts."

"How much Sebs?"

"10 000."

I laughed my lungs out looking at my small pouch of 1 000 Sebs. "Did you keep in mind that one of the qualifications include 'affordable'?" I said, giving the sword back.

She laughed and handed the sword back. "It's in the house. A trade for your forgiveness and your silence." She winked.

"No, it's too much. I wouldn't tell anyone either way! Please, let me get those that cost around 1 000 Sebs, that way I can pay for it."

"Miss, take it. Consider it a welcoming gift for your first time visit here."

It feels like she wouldn't budge so I nodded. "Thank you so much. But I actually have one more thing I need from you, Mrs. Asgrave."

"And what will that be, dear?"

"A lesson from a Pyrokinesis."

"For you? An unspecified Illinois?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

Is that too much of a favor? "Well, yes."

"Of course! I'd be glad to but Mr. Asgrave has gone out hunting and he hasn't been home in a few days. Until that day comes, I can't leave the shop unguarded unless I close my shop for the day and I can't do that, I need the profit."

"Oh, right, of course. Maybe you can swing by The Council House if he's back and notify me or anything like that."

"Sure. That sounds good."

"Great! See you then," I said as I thanked her for the sword and mounted my steed.

I don't really have anything on my schedule or a place I'd have to go to but the Council House.