Chapter 28: The union market
The registration went smoothly. After paying a hundred coins as entrance fee, they received a small badge with a number etched on it.
Hex looked at the number 33 etched on his badge. The person helping him disclosed that they expected to end with forty participants in the Squire tournament. They were also told that the final list of participants would be announced the next night.
"Hey Hex, we know of a few massage tents. I guarantee complete satisfaction," Vitor asked in a hushed voice, after leaving the gambling den. The others grinned knowingly.
It certainly sounded good, but Hex wouldn't be able to join them. He promised Hestia to visit the Union market with her. It would conclude her lessons on resources needed by Squires.
They parted ways. The tents of relaxations were at the back, whilst the Union market was at the center of the plaza.
He met Hestia at the agreed place and entered the market. The Union market was inside a wooden multistoried building. The Merchant Union had set up the building for business purposes and would break it after the festivities were concluded.
Inside the building Hex noticed rows and rows of stands, selling different things. The Union was not a single entity. It was the alliance of hundreds of merchants.
"The first level is where you can find things at the Squire level. The second is for Knights and so on." Hestia walked Hex through the set up of the market.
"We will first check the weapons and armors. At the end we will check the potions and pills. Okay?" Hex didn't have a particular preference. He would need all three.
They went to the counter on the left. A man clad in shining armor received them. On top of his armor he wore a blue silk robe with silver linings. On the right side of his chest a symbol of a golden canary was sown into the robe. "How can I help you guys?"
"Give me the swords of Squire rank. All three grades. And do you have an unembedded sword of the Knight rank?" Hex listened with interest as Hestia listed the types of weapon they needed.