Espex The Demon Mage. (1)

Chapter 4: Gord Gates

The closer she got to the great white gates of Gord the more she felt overwhelmed at the size of the walls. How did humans make this? Was it giants? It had to be. People using horse and carriage passed Espex and Samth as they walked closer to the gates and the hustle bustle of the city gate. People wore all manner of clothes. Some wore just one piece of cloth that covered their entire body. Others wore thick animal hide much like Samth and Espex. People didn't even stare at Grix on Samths shoulder all far too busy trying to get in the city and into shelter from the rain. People shoved and pushed each other from side to side almost fighting to get into the very large gates of Gord. The guards wore matching helmets that were made from steel and had the crest of a bird on the forehead. They wore a white cloth over chain-mail that also had a picture of a red bird. Spears held by each guard to be used to enforce the law. It was a scary sight to see for Samth. Weapons were not allowed in her village and seeing them close made her feel on edge. Espex kept his hood up as did Samth, as not to attract attention. Espex left hand was always on Samths shoulder not to lose her in the wave of bodies trying to get in to Gord. It was a struggle and a pain as it was almost getting squished out. Steam was rising from the head of all the bodies huddled together doing everything in their power to get passed the great gates. Finally after five minutes of pushing Espex, Grix and Samth all got passed the crowd and into the city. A great lane with buildings on each side was the grand view Samth got. Each side of the great lane had people shouting at stalls trying to sell exotic wares. Food she had never seen or even knew could exist. Clothes and objects from other lands, people of many cultures all with unique distinctions.

"Know this Samth this is where we shall split up for a bit, Do not worry I will not dessert you. We will meet here again at dusk. Agreed?" Samth just nodded, and then Espex took out his seal gloved hand holding a large pouch. "Take this. It is spending money. You will need to buy a pouch to hold water and a bag like mine to hold a good amount of objects. Whatever change is left is yours to spend fruitlessly." He had a grin in his white face as did Samth on her skinny face.

She took the coin purse and wondered off towards the stalls without even thinking of what Espex was going to do. Grix stayed on her shoulder unmoving but always watching and looking around him and Samth. His blue fur made him a good target but he would surprise anyone wanting to nab him. Espex with his hood still up simple disappeared into the crowd. Samths first stall she went to was selling strange objects from other lands. He was a rather large man. He was very tanned and possessed brown eyes. His hair was hidden under a wrap of cloth and the clothes he wore were colourful and bright.

"Hello young girl would you like something special...hmm." He leaned forward looking at Samth and Grix.

"Am sorry I am just looking unless you have a pouch to hold water and a bag to hold items?" her voice steady and firm. She was a bartender she knew how to talk to people.

He leaned back a little rubbing his face. "Hmm... I think I have what you are looking for. It may not match your current...fashion." He bent down under the stall and came back up with a water pouch that was pure white and off a strange leather, and a large bag that went around the person. It was also colourful, full of red, white, blues and greens. "For you...let's call it, twenty five copper." Samth looked at it being new to the city she just agreed. She opened the coin purse for it to nearly explode with silver, copper and gold coins. She pulled out one silver and placed it on the guy's hands.

"Oh pretty girl this is too much and I don't have the change... I know I'll give you something else as a thank you." he placed a small white gleaming charm on the table on the pouch. "In my land this necklace of white jewel is only given to the most pure. I see something in you and that strange pet of yours I think it will give you luck." Samth picked it up and placed it over her neck. The merchant clapped his hands and laughed "It suits you perfectly." Grix stood barking on her shoulder.

"Thank you, good sir." a red faced Samth declared.

"Why thank you girl, and none of this sir call me Xam I hope you luck in this great city." He waved to her as he put the bag around her body and the water sack into her pouch.

Samth spend the day going from stall to stall looking at strange objects and fabric. She acquired a lot of books on mana and of great stories of adventurer's. Grix never left her side and always kept a lean look out for danger or a robber but the day went without a hitch. The weather died down and the rain disappeared. The people still seemed to be charging and brawling their way through the gates when Samth made her way back to it. It was close to dusk but it was still a good hour away so she found a nearby stool and sat to read with Grix, the book was about wind mana. Grix would point to the words of the book and display how to stand when preforming them. Samth was dying to practice but was warned beforehand by Espex that magic is always frowned upon. So she killed her urges and kept reading with Grix. Time flew by as she read and Espex appeared in front of her.

"How was your day?" He asked in his low voice.

Samth looked up at him putting her book into the bag. "Good thank you; here is your pouch back."

She placed the coin purse on Espex hand. He juggled it a little in his hand. "You didn't spend much. You could have spent it all."

"No it's not my money I bought what you told me to get, then some books on wind mana. Grix has been showing me the stances and hand formations."

Espex smiled and looked at Grix. "He did the same thing for me when I was a child. Though I hate wind mana." Grix barked in response. "Anyway I have found us an Inn to spend the night and to get some food. There I will tell you what we will be doing next."