The ride over was awe-inspiring as Avi’s tall walls loomed ever closer. A mist had settled upon the lake, limiting visibility and making the journey feel a little eerie. Shadows would sometimes appear suddenly—other boats—before veering away. Both Neel and Bumpy fared well, remaining quiet during the entire journey. It was as if the fog had muted the entire boat—no one spoke, and when they did, only in hushed whispers.
It was a wonder how the boats never crashed into each other, but their Magic Lanterns placed high atop a post helped identify them in the fog. Only two rowers were needed to propel the Lighten Load-equipped boat, which seemed to glide atop the water, rather than cut through it.
Then they crossed through the canal into the city proper, and the fog lifted almost immediately. Under a bright blue sky, canal boats thronged, negotiating around both each other and the tight waterways. Innumerable short bridges soared overhead. At only twenty paces across, they arced heavily in the center to allow boats to pass underneath as Ranians bustled above them, going about their business.
And above it all loomed not only a glorious Vimana, but several dozen hot air balloons of all colors, idling above the city.
The city felt like an upsized Zorin. The multicolored roofs were present here too, though the dominant themes were red and pink. Roses decorated the bridges, and Avi’s denizens wore all manner of outfits, many of which were even zanier than the ones Vir encountered in Zorin.
After spotting two dozen, Vir lost count of the number of bridges. Even generally placing where they were within the city became a chore, as their boat took turn after turn, navigating the many crisscrossing waterways. It seemed nearly all parts of the city were accessible by boat.
They finally put in along the side of the canal. A stone platform at water level allowed them to debark, and a stone ramp led up to the street level.
Vir followed Tia’s example and led Bumpy, rather than riding him. With the number of people who thronged Avi’s streets, the poor animal would’ve had a rough time.
“Let’s check in at the Brotherhood first. They can stable our Ash’va. Just hope they have rooms left for us. Never seen this many mercs in Avi before.”
True enough, warriors in armor filled the streets. The upcoming mission seemed to have drawn in mercenaries from all over, just as it had them.
Vir did his best not to gawk at Avi’s opulence. Unlike Daha’s castle district, Avi’s wealth was far better distributed. Nearly every street boasted immaculate roads and multistory buildings of stone construction. Painted artwork was common, and roses were everywhere, decorating anything and everything.
Each major city he saw, Vir swore to himself that he wouldn’t be so easily impressed. And yet each city he’d visited was impressive in its own way. Except, unlike the country bumpkin he used to be, at least now, he could analyze the various features and cross reference it against his experience. It made him come across as just a little less of a bumpkin.
The Brotherhood Sanctum was no less impressive than the one in Daha. Built with nearly identical architecture, it seemed the Brotherhood cared little for local customs. There were no roses adorning the Sanctum, though some locals had certainly tried to decorate the building—trampled roses lay on the ground out front, making Vir wonder whether the Brotherhood actively removed them when people placed them on its carved stone sculptures and busts.
Inside, the building was downright packed. Chatter and laughter echoed across the stone, creating a lively din. The receptionist spoke with three parties at once, and mercenaries pushed past each other.
Unlike the one at Daha, there was a bulletin board here with a large piece of paper. Vir let Tia handle the accommodations while he meandered over to the board.
On Behalf of the Avi Mining Company:
We seek talented Mercenaries to rid the Nihira Mine of dangerous prana and Ash Beasts that have appeared recently. Suspected to number in the several dozens, this contract is open to all willing to brave the danger.
Rewards will be issued per confirmed kill, as follows:
Prana Beasts ranking Balar 1-5: 10 coppers and 5 Brotherhood Karma
Ash Beasts ranking Balar 6-50: 3 silvers and 50 Brotherhood Karma
Ash Beasts ranking 51-100: 7 silvers and 100 Brotherhood Karma
Ash Beasts ranking 101-150: 25 silvers and 300 Brotherhood Karma
Ash Beasts ranking 151-200: 40 silvers and 700 Brotherhood Karma
Ash Beasts ranking 201 and above will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Please feel free to attend our complimentary banquet on the eve of the extermination.
Vir whistled upon seeing those figures. Sure, a Balar 200 Ash Beast was beyond the means of the vast majority of mercenaries—himself included—but those rewards sure were something. And if someone managed to take down several beasts? They’d be swimming in cash. While he wasn’t in this for the money, it’d certainly help. With nine silvers in his coin bag, he wasn’t exactly strapped for cash, but didn’t have nearly enough to afford better weapons and armor. Maybe after this, he would.
He regretted having to burn Mina’s robe, but carrying it was a danger to him, and selling it without having it traced back to him was a risky proposition, even if he found a reliable fence.
“I got us a room!” Tia said, her eyes twinkling.
“How?” Vir asked. “With this many people here, I was sure they’d be booked out.”
“Our wily leader has her ways… and her connections,” Vason said with a sly grin.
The room was situated on the second floor and wasn’t just a room. It was a suite. They entered to a common dining and lounging area, with four doors splitting off into their own room. Overlooking a canal, and with Magic Lanterns set into the vaulted A-frame wooden joists, it was bright and open.
“I’ll pay my share,” Vir said, but immediately regretted it. He couldn’t even fathom how much a room like this must have cost. It even had its own private bathtub.
“Nonsense! I’d have rented this room even if you weren’t here, so it’s no sweat off my back. Now!” Tia said, eager to change the topic. “About the banquet. I think we oughta attend.”
Haymi and Vason both nodded.
“Good food at these banquets. Free food,” said Vason.
“An opportunity to make connections, and to scope out our competition,” said Haymi.
“And!” Tia added, “a chance to dress up!”
Vir narrowed his eyes. “I, uh, don’t have any clothing suitable for such an occasion.”
Even if he hadn’t burned Mina’s robe, it was far too conspicuous to wear.
“Well then, you know what this means!” Tia said.
The glint in her eye forced Vir to step back unconsciously. “Tia? What are you planning?”
“It’s time for some shopping!”
After several hours of perusing stores, Vir concluded that Avi had far more shops than was reasonable. They’d been to a dozen already, and there was no end in sight.
Vir initially looked forward to the occasion. He’d never shopped for formal wear, so he went in with an open mind. But the moment he laid eyes on the prices, his excitement became dread.
Ten silvers. Twenty silvers… It was more expensive than armor!
Sure, the designs were smart and made him look like a different person entirely—disguises in their own right—but at what cost?
Tia volunteered to pay for the clothing as a gift, but Vir shot her down. The thought of being so indebted to her made his skin crawl.