Chapter 28: This is where we start
Albert took him to the place where his friend Tony lived. He reiterated that Aric wanted a place to stay. Tony looked deeply into Aric’s eyes as he couldn’t understand why a child like him, who wasn’t even of mature age, was living away from his parents.
"What kind of irresponsible parents were they?" These were the same thoughts Albert had, and that was why he was going out of his way to help Aric.
"I do have a place, but it’s a single home and the rent will be high," Tony said, not wanting to deceive. Tony worked as a blacksmith and lived above the shop. The shop belonged to him, as did the home above it. Unlike most blacksmiths, he was in the profession because he loved it since he was a child.
Since he loved being at the shop and the home built above it, his own home could be rented out. Albert was a great friend of Tony’s, so he brought Aric here.
"How much is the rent?" Aric asked, having no idea about the cost of living here.
"Two silver coins a month. And the home is quite big," Tony said as he led them to his other home. He was expecting an apartment of some sort, as he didn’t know Tony’s background, but when he saw a two-story home with three bedrooms and a workshop, he realized that Tony wasn’t as simple as he sounded.
Tony could see the confusion, so he gave a little background to Aric.
"I am ready to move in," Aric said, not giving much thought to the two silver coins, as he had plenty to spare. The fact was that two silver coins were the cheapest Tony could afford to give to someone. In the market, it was at least three silver coins, but Albert had told him about Aric, so he trusted his friend.
He didn’t need the money anyway. He was happy with the blacksmith shop, and he had more than enough to live alone and even had savings for his old age. With the two silver coins, he wanted to help Aric, and also giving that big home would be a security, since the home was quite close to the guard quarters.