Chapter 18 - Part 3

"It's useless!" Maree cried. He slumped in the library chair sighing loudly and over the top letting the other know that he is foregoing all will to live.

"Stop being so dramatic. We'll find it..." Camila made a pause. "Eventually." she laughed nervously. "This library is huge, we found that book on the Hund'ui people, I'm sure there's something on the Az'teh as well. Though I was sure I put the one I read back near that bookshelf over there." She took a moment to trace her steps then looked for it once more.

"Give it up, Cams. Someone probably took it." Maree said disparaged.

"Who else would be interested in the Az'teh?" Tasgal pitched in then saw Camila's annoyed gaze land on him. "Aside from a talented Wielder we all know and love." After an approving nod, Camila returned to her search and Tasgal looked at Haiden with a raised eyebrow to which Haiden shrugged.

"Right, I think we should call it a day. It's already past curfew." Maree said with a yawn. "We can always ask the librarian, if we ever find her again. Where is that old lady anyways?"

"Who knows! She's always missing when you need her." Camila said over her shoulder.

"You two go ahead, I'll help Haiden look for a moment longer. The curfew for Ashen is not as strict anyways."

Maree and Camila looked at each other but didn't say anything. They silently gathered their things and said their goodbyes. Haiden waited for them to be well outside the building before he turned to Tasgal.

"Way to make it seem weird, Tas." He finally said.

"What? I just wanted a moment alone with you." Tasgal approached Haiden, brushing his hand gently over his.

"What if the librarian comes in?" Haiden said and took a step back. Tasgal followed suit and took a step forward.

"She's just as blind and deaf as any two hundred year old." His hand wrapping around Haiden's waist, he pulled him closer so that their bodies touched, sharing the warmth.

"This is not the place, Tas." Haiden tried to push him away, but his resolve was not there. He too wanted it with every fiber of his being. Tasgal's breath washed over his face. It was surprisingly fresh, tickling his skin. "You let your beard grow." Haiden said in a whisper.

"Do you like it?" Tasgal scratched as his stubble. "You said you liked the way it felt." He said in Haiden's ear as he leaned over, slowly rubbing his cheek on Haiden's.

"I do," he said, choking on his own breath. "It suits you quite well, mister Ashen warrior."

"It does? Good to know." He chuckled then turned his head, landing his hot lips on Haiden's jaw. Shivers went through Haiden's spine as his legs weakened. "Your face is so red and adorable." Tasgal said reaching with one hand to take a stray lock of dark hair away from Haiden's face. He involuntarily winced as Tasgal's trained coarse fingers touched his delicate forehead.

"Shut up!" Haiden said embarrassed and quickly nestled his face in Tasgal's chest. It fit to perfection. "If you keep this up, you'll have to scrape me off the floor. You idiot." Haiden whispered in Tasgal's shirt.

"Just one kiss, and I'll let you go." Tasgal tightened his hold on Haiden's waist with his left hand, and his right reached for his chin, lifting his head up to meet his amber gems.

"Just one." Haiden repeated and squinted his eyes shut, preparing himself for a flood of emotion. Tasgal leaned further in and hovered just above Haiden's lips, taking his time, teasing him. He allowed himself to be drawn in by Haiden's breath as he craved to be touched. It burned. Every time their lips touched together a smoldering sensation overcame them, a sensation which implanted itself in their minds for hours and even days.Haiden opened his mouth letting Tasgal's tongue in and their jaws moved in a synchronous dance of desire.

They wanted more, of course, but this was not the time. Tomorrow, or the day after that, maybe. They had plenty of time in the future to spend in the privacy of Tasgal's small room. Which Haiden dreamt of day and night.

Haiden wasn't the one who broke the kiss and cleared his throat. "Save some of that for later." He said with a teasing smile then both of them suddenly turned feigning interest in something else while trying to sneakily adjust themselves.

"So," Tasgal tried to act casually like nothing happened. "Did you really figure out that Maree could be an Az'teh by yourself or did it help you?" he asked.

"It was mostly Screech." He turned around. "You can show yourself if you want to." And immediately the hovering green glob showed from behind Haiden somewhere, as if it was there all along.

Tasgal cringed internally as he saw it. He didn't enjoy looking at the poor creature, it made him sick but felt pity for it. Haiden had told him that he too, just like Haiden, had lost his memories, the only difference was that Screech had lost his in time.

"Big buffoon," Screech greeted and gave one of his whole body nods.

"Were you always this ugly? Or have your eyes drooped even lower." Tasgal laughed.

"Behave you two. I don't want another fight between you." Haiden warned. They did not necessarily enjoy each other's company, more like tolerated each other. Every night that Haiden had spent in Tasgal's room half of the time Tasgal spent arguing with Screech. But thanks to Screech's limited vocabulary it was short-lived and ended with Screech disappearing for a day. It was not an ideal situation for Haiden, since he really valued Screech's input and thoughts on all matters, and in truth, he enjoyed talking to him.

After seeing that debacle Haiden kept trying to help on a regular basis with improving Screech's speech. Haiden felt a twinge of guilt as he was the one who taught him the word 'buffoon.' which he used on the regular.

Tasgal apologized, looking like a little boy that was just told off and Screech puffed his chest in victory. Haiden rolled his eyes at the creature.

"So, you know a lot of things?" Tasgal asked, curious.

"Bits and pieces." Screech replied, looking around the library. "Faded, not..." He paused and looked at Haiden trying to find his words. "Uhm..."

"Complete? Whole? Intact?" Haiden helped.

"Yes! Intact!"

Tasgal nodded. "What other pieces of things do you know?" he asked and screech raised his bony arms in a shrug and continued looking at the books. "Very helpful."

"Don't start! Screech was actually more than helpful." Haiden patent gently the green glob. Haiden only felt the static brush his palm. "Thanks to him, we know that Maree is part Az'teh, and needs a bonding stone to...How did he put it?" He took a moment to think. "Ah, forge a contract with the awakened."

"Contract?"

"Yes, Screech tells me that the awakened must agree to bond to Maree. Just like he bonded with me during that ritual."

"If you know all this, then what are we doing in the library?

"They don't know about Screech, remember?" Haiden said impatiently. "I can't just go and tell them I just know. They'd think I'm crazy."

"More than you already are?" Tasgal laughed.

"Yes! More!" Haiden acted offended and turned his back to Tasgal. A smile crept on his face. He loved the banter between the two of them. It gave Haiden a sense of freedom, loosening the mood, calming his nerves. Tasgal always had this effect on Haiden.

"Then no reason to stay past curfew." Tasgal said with apparent disappointment.

"Don't worry, we'll see eachother tomorrow, and maybe after curfew." Haiden gave him another teasing smile.

--

The next day went as usual; the three young Wielder attended morning class with Coner, where they learned more about the functions of the liver, a great and important organ in the lives of heavy drinkers and how, in theory, of course, to purge the toxin built up. As for Tasgal, his training was cut short giving him enough time for a quick wash and a snack at the canteen.

"So, any luck last night?" Maree said as soon as Master Coner finished. Camila quickly turned around in her seat to face Haiden.

"Actually, yes." He said, avoiding looking them in the eyes. "We found something on the Az'teh," He lied. Everything he knew was from Screech. "it confirmed that they used bonding stones to form contracts with awakened ones. But they have to agree to it. And the fluctuations, Maree, is not your Fios going crazy all the time. They are your own thoughts. The book said that you externalize your thoughts without realizing it in the form of energy. That's how you will be able to communicate with them, even if they don't speak. Well, only the most powerful ones can speak. And once an awakened agrees to the contract, you funnel Fios through the stone, in the creature. You will also have to keep the stone with you at all time otherwise it weakens your connection." Once Haiden finished both Maree and Camila's mouths were agape.

"Where did you find this book?" Camila asked. "The one I read had very little information on them."

"Must've been another one." Haiden shrugged. "Found it in a pile way in the back."

"Where is it, can I see it?" Maree said excitedly.

"No...I didn't, it, uhm." Haiden panicked, stumbling on his words. "Master Liv came and threw us out since it was past curfew. I didn't get a chance to grab it." Haiden lied again. He felt bad for lying to his friends but he didn't think they would understand, and Maree certainly would not trust a floaty green thing that sometimes drooled Creators knew what.

"Oh, I can go back and find it another day, I suppose." Maree replied without thinking too much into it. "One problem. I don't have a bonding stone."

"We can go into town and buy one. I know the perfect place!" Camila jumped off her seat. "A friend of papa owns a stone shop near the market."

"Hold on a second!" Haiden replied shocked. "You're telling me we're allowed to go into town?" He asked, shocked. Both Maree and Camila nodded giving him a weird look.

"Of course we are, dumb dumb. Where do you think Cams and I go every other freeday." Maree laughed it off and headed for the door.

"Then how come you've never asked me to come along!" Haiden was furious with them.

"You always say to want to read in your room or that you have training with Tas." Camila replied, quickly spotting Tasgal waiting on an empty bench. "Speak of..."

"Did you know we're allowed to leave the Academy grounds?" Haiden quickly went to Tasgal.

"Of course, although you need permission from one of the Masters and Ashen barely leave since we have daily training and we don't have the funds to go too often." He laughed.

"How am I the only one who didn't know this?" Haiden yelled. All three of them shrugged.

"Never asked?" Maree added in. "Let's take lunch in the garden. It's such a nice day outside." He said as a few Yunnipers landed in a tree nearby chirping away merily.

"So it's settled! Shopping trip!" Camila was excited.

"I do need some new pen nibs." Maree added in agreement

"Great! I'll go ask Master Omnelia tomorrow for permission after class since we have the rest of the day free. She likes me." Camila replied.

"Good thinking. Last time I asked Master Rwoy he had too many questions." Maree said ignoring Haiden fuming with annoyance next to him. "You coming, big guy?"

"I'll tag along." Tasgal gave a quick grin to Haiden. "I have something to get too."

---

The next day, just as planned, the four of them met in the courtyard. It was going to be a very hot day and sunny day. Tasgal was as always early, meeting with Maree and Haiden first, and Camila joining after some time.

"Did you get it?" Haiden asked, curiously looking over to see the piece of paper she held triumphantly in her hand.

"Of course! Master Omnelia is easy to bribe. She always asks for a few things while we're out." She answered. "Everyone ready." With that they nodded and went for the main gate.

The grounds were awfully big, covered in green grass, shrubs, and flowers. The stone tiled ways broke off every hundred feet or so into small pathways that lead to now ivy covered trellis that shaded a few benches, just perfect for private conversations. It was no surprise that they saw Malticia and her crackle and Bras and his goons in these places. Gave them the perfect spot for gossip and planning Haiden's demise without being overhead.

They tried to rush over to the gate, ignoring everyone else. At the bug metal gate Master Uligarth came out of nowhere.

"And where are you ..four headed to?" He made a slight pause at the sight of the Ashen. The old man stayed true to his character and had a few blankets wrapped around himself. Haiden looked briefly at the scorching sun, even he was beginning to feel the overwhelming heat and briefly wondered if the old man was missing a few upstairs.

Camila took the lead and with unwavering confidence said. "Just in tow for quick visit to the market, Uli. Here," She handed the paper that had Master Omnelia's signature.

The old man took a while to read the paper as he held it as far away from him as his arm allowed it and squinted his eyes. "I see." he said. "Well, don't let Miss Turst wait too long." and handed over the paper back. With a flick of his hand the massive gate opened on it's own and allowed them to pass through.

"That was easier than I thought." Haiden mumbled to himself.

"And why wouldn't it be?" Camile chuckled.

Haiden shrugged. "I feel like Master Uligarth is everywhere."

"He moves too fast for an old man."

"Right, Tasgal? That's what I've been saying. He's like a hundred!" Maree replied.

The four of them moved on foot on the sole road towards Elo'yn. Everything was coming back to Haiden. He recognized the place. They walked past huge properties once outside the Academy, filled with greenery and trees. People, mostly servants, recognized their uniforms and chose to avoid them at all costs even moving to the other side of the road. They did not want to risk any interaction with them.

Familiar lamp posts flanked the road, just as Haiden remembered. Soon, they crossed a bridge over a fast moving stream bringing back memories of Tasgal carrying Haiden on his back. A surge of emotions surged back. He stole a few glances from Tasgal, which was smiling ear to ear, he too probably was thinking back to the day they met.

The other side of the river bank was greatly different. The huge properties that stretched for what seemed like miles turned into small stone houses that were tightly knit together. The bridge gave way to a wide street filled with vendors on either side along with houses turned into stores. A few people shouted their wares while others were whole stores on two feet, going from one end to the other finding customers.

The road, now polished cobblestone, stretched at a feint downhill allowing them to see up to the other side of the city. There was a mishmash of architectural styles, some buildings looked old as time, while others newer made of wood or cut stone. The roofs of the buildings and houses were connected by ropes, some holding banners colored in the Empire colors and signs, while others just had a few wet clothes left to hang.

They moved forward down the street, Haiden looking around the stores just like he first did when he arrived in Elo'yn. He almost forgot how vibrant and bustling it was. He loved the noise of the city.

People minding their own business, just going where they needed to, not caring who you are. He enjoyed the anonymity. At the Academy he had to be careful at all times, he never knew when Bras decided to attack and bring a few other dozen Wielders with him.

"We need to go to the marketplace, the store is right on the corner with the tailor shop." Camila said.

"Good, It's next to the plaza then, we'll split there. I won't take long." Tasgal said. Haiden itched to ask what Tasgal wanted to get, but he kept quiet and thought if he wanted to tell him he would have. There was no point in interrogating him, even if he was dying of curiosity.

"Let's go this way, I know a shortcut." Maree said and pointed them through an alleyway. Haiden dreaded going through another alleyway after what had happened in the past.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Tasgal quickly said.

"Don't be such a baby, we'll get there in no time." Camila said and pushed through leading the way. They all followed but Tasgal slowed down his pace, stepping in line with Haiden.

"Try to not look to your right, Haid. Trust me." Tasgal said and maneuvered himself in Haiden's right to try to block his view.

They have been walking for a great deal of time, now. Haiden didn't want to know how long it would have taken them if they went the long way around. A rancid smell began to flood into the side street they were on. Tasgal gave Haiden a nudge. "Don't look." he whispered, then distanced himself away from Haiden. Maree and Camila were up head, unbothered.

"Why?" Haiden whispered but Tasgal was already too far away to hear him. Curiosity won over Haiden and without even giving it a second thought he glanced over to his right. They were on a terrace that overlooked a canal, in which the river was artificially derailed. Haiden's blood chilled as vomit pooled in his throat. He choked a gasp and forced his legs to move.

On the opposite side of the canal, on it's tall wall, there were people hanging from their necks. They all had their hair shaved and their genitals cut along with their breasts regardless of their sex. They were indistinguishable between each other.

Blood painted the wall behind them as they swung in the summer breeze now tainted with carrion. The smell was unbearable. Rotten flesh that didn't seem older than a few weeks or days was left in the sun, not even the Dregs dared feast on them. Along the wall all sorts of slurs and foul words were written in both blood and chalk.

One word in particular caught Haiden's attention. Next to a swinging body that was filled head to toes with flies and insects digesting the rotten flesh was written in big bloody lettering the word "Yeva'Ah"

The world spun around Haiden like it was about to collapse. Tasgal didn't risk touching Haiden but he stopped to encourage him to move.

"Come on, Haid. Just a few more steps. Don't let them see you get upset. They're ruthless." He furtively pinched Haiden's side to wake him up from his stupor. "Come one, please."

Haiden forced his legs to move and looked the other way. Those few minutes it took to go past the atrocity seemed like an eternity of torture. The Creators wanted him to see what would become of him if he pursued his love. Beyond the pity he felt for the lost souls that hang, rotting away, he felt anger.

Neither Tasgal nor Haiden said anything until they were well past the sight and they found themselves back on Camila's and Maree's trail. The back street opened to a large area that was filled with merchants and shops of all kinds. Makeshift stalls littered the center will all types of goods: fruits, clothes and wares, knick knacks, and even weapons.

"Oh! If it isn't the young Wielder. I see that you end,ed up going to that scary Academy." A blonde woman dressed in gray with a deep blue shawl approached Haiden.

"Lady Aliza?" Haiden asked carefully. The woman had changed since he first met. Her face had gone gaunt and her hair had lost some of its shine.

"In the flesh, Haiden, was it? So glad to see you looking so full of life. Thought you'd get your soul sucked right outta those pretty little eyes of yours." The woman laughed with intense hunger for life, contrasting greatly with how she looked. She was accompanied by a serious looking man that did not even crack a smile and kept quiet.

"No, still live and kicking." Haiden smiled. His friends looking mildly worried at the exchange. "No more stray demons attacking your birds?"

"Don't be silly, dear. That was an evil soul eater released from one of the Master Wielders from the Academy. There was one incident where a mysterious man had unleashed a few evil creatures resulting in a few deaths, luckily I was out of town that day so no birds were harmed. Good day that was too. Lovely stew, wasn't it Tick?"

The man simply groaned and Aliza patted his arm.

"Do you know more details?" Camila asked, her curious nature taking over. Tasgal and Maree looked at her as if she was crazy, hoping for this interaction to end as soon as possible.

"Everyone knows, lass. You been living under a rock?" Aliza said with disbelief. "Why, the butcher's wife told me that her sister got caught up in the incident she did. Her own two eyes saw the evil creatures that attacked. It all happened on Pinwheel street, the corner with Sven's in. Helga, the seamstress on Pinwheel street was there too on a commission from the chief himself. Chief of the in that is. They say the creatures busted into the in and began killing people left and right. Innit so, Tick." The man groaned again. "The oddest was the creatures looked much like everyone round here, probably on the less fortunate side. Were it not for the scaly skin and bad attitude could've passed them as foreigners."

"Scaly skin?" Haiden asked, his stomach suddenly tightened. Tasgal glanced over at him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. That was the extend of his affection that he could risk in town. He hoped his feelings were conveyed through this simple gesture.

"Quite so, black scaly skin. Slimy too. Helga swears they had yellow eyes and bad breath that could kill a grown man. Well, they did kill three." Aliza laughed but Haiden didn't share the same amusement. "Lest not keep you youngins from your business." She finally said. "We got important business with the movement. Quite an important meeting tonight." Aliza smiled obliviously and gave her goodbyes to the group of friends. "Come on, now, Tick, people are waiting, plans to be made, systematic op..." she continued talking as she walked away.

"You sure know some weird people, Haiden." Camila laughed.

"She gave me the creeps." added Maree.

"Same here." Tasgal said looking down at Haiden he was still in shock. "You alright? You look pale, Haid."

Haiden nodded "Yeah, let's just go."

"Wait here, I need to buy a few things for Master Omnelia." Camila quickly said.

"Oh! And my pen nibs, the guy was around here. Give me five." They both rushed towards the stalls to not keep Tasgal and Haiden waiting for long

"How do you know that cooky lady." Tasgal asked concerned. "You want to sit down? Here." He guided Haiden towards a stone that looked mildly clean and not grimy.

"Thanks," Haiden said as he sat down. "I met her when I first came here, she gave me a few directions though they didn't end up being that great." He laughed. "Did you hear what she said?"

"Yeah." Tasgal's voice was somber.

"Scaly human like creatures. Just like Mara." Haiden groaned as the pain in his stomach grew.

"Try to calm down, Haid. It was probably a coincidence. Don't think too much into it." Tasgal tried to comfort him.

"Yeah, you're probably right, what are the odds." Haiden laughed it off. Yeah, coincidence. Once he began thinking of it that way the pain subsided.

"Feeling better?" Tasgal asked.

"Yeah, thanks to you, you big buffoon." Haiden teased with a smile.

Camila went quickly around looking at buying a bag of fresh prickly fruit and a bunch of different pouches that were meant for Master Omnelia. The fruit was her favorite and the pouches were all kinds of supplies for class. A few of them came with a red mark warning of its toxicity.

Maree had stopped by another merchant and purchased a hand full of pen nibs which were shiny and pristine unlike the ones Haiden had been using which were free from the Academy.

Satisfied with their purchases they reunited swiftly and Maree said to the group. "Alright, we can go to the stone shop now. Cams, lead the way."

Camila took a sharp turn around another street and they walked for a short while until they stopped at a freshly painted store in a tawny color with a grand sign that said "Marley's stone shop"

"Well, here we are. My papa's been doing business with Marley since the Empire allowed the commercialization of fios stones. Been good businesses ever since." She grinned.

Tasgal gave Haiden a concerned glance and a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder. "I'll be right back. Wait for me here, I won't take long." and then jogged out of view.

"Well, that leaves the three of us." Maree smiled and pushed through the door.

Inside the shop, hundreds of stones were displayed on wooden shelves on the walls and glass cases that were securely locked. At the end of the store a young woman looked at them with keen eyes to see if they pocket anything.

"Good day, Madam." Camila began walking straight up to the counter. "Is Marley around?" she asked casually.

"No, he's out all day for business. What have you with the owner. Miss?" She said in a bored tone.

"I'm a personal friend of his, a trust partner to my papa." she continued. "I just wanted to give my greetings and hoping he would give us a good deal." She leaned on one elbow on the counter.

"Sorry you missed him, Miss. Though I'm not allowed to give off discounts to strangers, I'll gladly help you pick something out." She pushed Camila's elbow away then whipped her counter. Camila's smile fell and she bit her lip turning back to Maree and Haiden.

"She's a tough one." Then turned back to the young woman. "This is Maree and Haiden, we're Wielder Adepts at the Academy." She said hoping to impress her, but nothing worked.

"Right." the young woman said uninterested.

Haiden and Maree waited patiently behind Camila. "We're interested in your finest bonding stones, can you show us what you have in store? Only the best."

The young woman went around the counter to one of the locked class cases that housed a variety of brown stones. Some large, some polished while others were rough and uncut. The woman glanced over her brows to Haiden and Maree to make sure they didn't steal anything.

"Well, Maree?" Camila said and beckoned him to come closer and take his pick.Haiden let them talk among each other which one suited him most. Camila insisted on a stone that was cut with multiple facets while Maree was more interested in a light brown one that was smooth and oval.

The store was packed with lightstones and other jewels and all sorts of jewelry. In one of the glass cases there was a red ruby stone, encased in a golden frame with a very familiar crest. It was a locket just like Regor's. Haiden trailed his hand over the glass casing. It was surrounded by other items inlaid with rubies and next to them a jar of red glitter powder.

"Interested in anything, sir?" The young woman asked. She had left Camila and Maree argue on which bonding stone was better and made her way to Haiden.

"Can you tell me more about this, red stone over here." Haiden asked, pointing over the glass.

"A fine eye. This is a rare nordic Yn'lan fire ruby. Found only in the caves of mountain Thas'alun. This right here is a family crest jewel from an Yn'lan noble. Marley found himself in the possession of this beauty a few years ago and goes for five thousand gold pieces. Fire rubies react to Fios and wielders can use them to conjure fire out of nowhere! I'm no wielder myself, otherwise I would be stuck in this shit hole, so I can't exactly show you, but you can take my word for it."

Haiden's stomach clenched. He traced a finger over the scar in his palm as memories flooded through his mind. He tried to push those away, but little to no luck. He then simply decided to put those memories back behind a door and open it once it was safe in his room. He didn't want to cause a scene and cry in front of everyone. The moment he locked the door he felt a weight lift off his shoulders and managed to take a deep breath. "And the others?" He asked.

"This right here, is ruby dust. It's cheap and made from what's left over after these beauties are made. Over here, to the right," she pointed at a milky stone. "It's one of the rarest stones in the Empire, and costs a few hundred thousand gold pieces. A levitation stone. No one knows how it works." She said. Haiden let out an involuntary gasp. The young woman looked at Haidan with a smug face. She was trying to make him feel inadequate. That didn't sit well with Haiden.

"Oh, that's what it was." Haiden took a pause scratching his chin. "It looked dirty to me and I thought it was just a plain rock. I've seen clearer ones, right Cams?"

"Uhum." Camila agreed without even listening. She was in a heated debate with Maree. Still set on the faceted stone.

This aggravated the young woman. "Are you ready to purchase, Wielder adepts, was it?" she asked, trying to expedite them from the store.

"Yes!"

"No!" Maree and Camila said in unison.

"Yes! Actually I am ready to purchase." Maree said looking at the woman with a grin on his face and ignoring Camila. "I would like to get that stone over there." Maree pointed at one of the smaller rocks. It had two startlingly blue lines through it that crackle like lightning over the surface. It was formed into a leather bracelet the same color as the stone, with a few silver beads at each end.

"Fine choice, sir. Should I wrap it up for you?" The woman asked, taking the stone from the casing.

"No, no need." Maree replied and pulled out a big pouch filled with gold coins. The woman's eyes darted to the pouch and a surprised gasp left her lips. "How much?"

"60 pieces of gold, sir."

"25, and throw in that lovely hair pin with the blue stone." Camila interrupted. The woman was severely aggravated by that and didn't spare her one look.

"60 pieces." she repeated to Maree.

"We both know that stone isn't worth more than 15, maybe 16 if you count in the workmanship of the leather bracelet. Throw in the pin for 25 and we have a deal." Camila insisted behind Maree.

"40 pieces." The woman, she began to bite her lower lip.

"25, the pin and I'll throw a good word in with Marley." Camila pushed back with a grin.

"35 pieces for the stone and pin."

Camila let the woman boil over for a few moments. "I don't know. I think we had a better deal down the road at Gilly's. Don't you think, Maree?"

"Definitely! She wanted 15 pieces for a much larger stone." Maree said without even thinking. Haiden was amazed at Camila's haggling skills. She did not relent and Maree made for a great wingman.

"30 gold pieces, and that's as low as I'll go!" The woman placed both hands on her hips and frowned her thin brows.

"Deal!" Camila accepted taking her price and paying the woman from her own pouch, then turned to Maree and said. "My treat." and hugged her friend with a happy grin on her face.

In truth she was more glad to get the pin, she had been looking for something to get her bangs out of her eyes and this was perfect.

Once outside the store Haiden broke his silence. "You were amazing out there, you got half off and something extra!"

"I am the daughter of the greatest merchant in the Empire after all. My papa would be furious if I wouldn't have tried to bargain. He'll be so pleased when I write about it later." She stuck out her chest with pride. "And now Maree got his stone!" Camila flexed her arms.

"Ready to go?" Tasgal was already behind the corner of the store waiting for them. Around his waist he had a sword in a scabbard that had a stone at the bottom of the hilt. He had seen it before but couldn't place a finger on it. Screech, who was only visible to Haiden, floated gently to it, intrigued.

"All set, let's go!" Maree said while trying to put on his new bracelet. "All that's left if to find an awakened!"