Fires of Prophecy_ Book Two of the Morcyth Saga - Brian Pratt [84]
After inspecting all the swords and knives, feeling for balance and sharpness, they settle on the ones that are the best of the lot. Unfortunately, the blacksmith doesn’t have any shields, they’ll have to find an armorer for that. James lets Jiron do the haggling and then hands over the coins.
When James asks if they can be delivered to their caravan, the blacksmith says, “My apprentice is currently out for his midday meal, but when he returns I can have him take them out first thing.”
“Thank you,” says James, “we would appreciate that.”
Leaving the blacksmith’s shop, they go in search of an armorer for a shield for Yorn, there’s no way they’ll be able to afford any armor. They find a shop boasting a sign bearing a shield upon it not very far from the blacksmith’s shop. Inside they find many different shields available in different sizes, thickness and strength. Jiron finds one that he says is similar to the one Yorn had used back in the pits.
Handing over the coins, James realizes that they’ve all but exhausted the money that he brought with him. They take the shield with them, since it would be no burden to carry back.
After leaving the armorer’s shop, they head on back to the caravan. On the way, they again run across the group of Parvatis, only this time the Parvatis see them first and alter course to intercept.
Seeing them approaching, James fears the worse and readies one of his slugs. The Parvatis come close before stopping in front of them, the leader of the group takes a further step forward and says something.
Roland replies to him and then he says something else. Turning to the others, Roland says, “He’s asking if you’re the man who fought the blood duel with the Parvati earlier in the slaver compound.” Looking worried, he asks, “What should I tell him?”
“Tell him the truth,” Jiron replies and turns his gaze to fixate on the leader.
Turning back to the Parvati, Roland tells him that Jiron is in fact the one, pointing him out.
The leader turns to Jiron and reaches into his tunic, bringing out a necklace with three spherical stones. He says something to Roland as he hands it to Jiron.
Taking the necklace, Jiron looks questioningly to Roland.
“He says that to defeat a Parvati in a blood duel is an amazing thing,” he explains. “He also says that it shows great skill and this necklace will show any Parvati that you are to be treated with respect. It kind of makes you one of them.”
Jiron gives the Parvati a slight bow and says, “Tell him I am greatly honored to be accounted as one of the Parvatis.”
Roland translates for the Parvati, who breaks into a smile and says something else. Then he turns and the group walks away.
“What did he say?” James asks.
“He said ‘May your knives drink deeply’,” Roland tells him.
Jiron places the necklace around his neck as he watches the departing Parvatis.
“Thought we were in trouble for a moment there,” admits James.
“Me too,” adds Roland.
“Let’s get back to the caravan,” Jiron says as he begins walking.
It doesn’t take them very long to find their way back and they’re surprised to find that the packages containing their clothes have already been delivered.
“If we keep buying stuff,” James observes when he sees the water wagon is beginning to be filled with their things, “we’ll need to get another wagon just for belongings.”
“Probably,” Delia admits.
Shortly after the sun crests the horizon the following morning, James, Jiron and Roland are again heading back into town for the auction. Before leaving, James fills his money pouch once more from the chest and realizes that they’ve spent almost all of it. He mentions the fact they’re running out of money to Delia and she says, “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Alright,” James replies.
As they leave, Delia hollers out, “Don’t get into any fights this time!”
When they arrive at the slaver’s compound, people recognize Jiron from the day before. Many come up and congratulate him on his victory over the Parvati. Due to his notoriety, they are allowed to proceed