The King's Gamma (#Wattys2024)

Twenty Six

Na'hal took us towards an alley before going down a staircase.

"Master." Jin said hesitantly from behind me. "This way leads to the slums..."

I eyed Jin for a moment before giving a snort. "Is that supposed to scare me, Jin?"

"The slums are dangerous for those from the upper regions." He spoke again.

I gave a snort. "I'm not even from this Isle."

At this both stopped and stared at me.

"What do you mean by that?" Na'hal asked.

"I snuck onto this Isle today." I stated.

"How did you... That is impossible."

"I told you earlier." I said as I held out a blood coin, the currency of Daxis. "My money is useless here."

"T-that... That's a b...blood coin... Are you from...?"

"Daxis? Yes and no. I was stolen from my home and taken there when I was twenty one. I recently came to this realm with some help. Though I'm only allowed to stay here for five hundred years before I am required to return to Daxis. I had to find a way to get some of your currency and fortunately stumbled on that couple. A shame so much money is in the hands of such idiots." I stepped forward. "Let us continue."

Some time passed as the buildings in the underground region seemed to be more and more decomposed and uncared for. The creatures that roamed the streets were mostly orcs but some other species here and there. Their eyes watched us but jumped away when they looked upon Na'hal. I assumed he was a leader's son.

The sound of a hammer beating metal soon entered my ears and we rounded a corner to see several orcs working on weapons and armor. I stepped past Na'hal, watching as one who looked most similar to him work on a silver sword.

"Master..."

"Sir..."

The hammering stopped and the large orc glared at me.

"Our work is not for the eyes of a spy!" He grunted at me.

"You are from the Glendor Clan." I said as I picked up the glowing red blade in my bare hand. I eyed the blade for a moment. "This metal is stressed. It will break if you continue to work it. You will need to melt and reforge it." I placed the blade down, waving Na'hal closer. "Your brother has shown me kindness." I took the cloth filled with coins and placed it on the table. "This is my show off appreciation."

A female orc stepped closer, opening the cloth and then looking at me. "Is there a reason for such a payment?"

"He loaned me twenty copper coins, with which I tricked a vendor out of a bronze sword and a new master out of ten thousand gold more. I also picked those coins from the master's wife's pockets and managed to get a new personal guard from them."

They frowned at me, their eyes seeming hostile.

A deep laugh rumbled from behind me and I turned to see two older orcs laughing as they looked me over.

"I like your new friend, Na'hal!" One of them said. "You've come with my son for a reason, I presume?"

I nodded. "Make Jin an armor for me. Make powder from this and mix it with silver and titanium. He should be able to wield a great sword as well, make one for him. Under the armor he will need a garb made from white mountain bison leather. It tends to be tougher with the harsher environment they endure, if the bison is at least ten years or older. Here is ten thousand gold in advance for the materials you will need and for my lodgings whilst you make it."