“That’ll be 20 bits, sir.”

Roughly two months had passed since I’d first encountered the stranger, and I’d finally found myself within the bustling city of Citruv. At the very heart of the city, stalls lined almost every street with a plethora of varying merchandise. Ranging from the most common to the rarest, it was no wonder people flocked here from around Verkun and the surrounding quadrants.

I currently stood before one of the shadier stalls, the merchant rubbing his grubby fingers together. The man was short and stout, and wore creamy purple velvet robes in an attempt to hide his many rolls; his beady eyes bulged as he studied me. Sitting between us on the counter top was a small clear vial filled with dark liquid.

“You’re sure this will work?” I question, lowering my tone to mask my voice as I examined the vial critically, raising the tiny jar up to eye level so as to analyze the contents better.

“Oh, yes!” He responded eagerly, continuing to rub his hands together, the light sheen of sweat glinting off of his hairless features. “One drop could fell the mightiest of warriors.”

Shifting my gaze to him, evident by the slow shift in the hood that hid my identity, I scrutinize him. Reaching beneath my cloak, careful not to show my attire, I pulled out a small jingling pouch and unceremoniously dropped it on the counter top. The merchant quickly swept up the pouch, a victorious grin splattered across his face.

“This better do what you say it does, merchant.” I growled threateningly as I slipped the vial into a specific satchel meant for carrying small bottles. Upon my words, the portly man’s head snapped up, his beady eyes wide with fear. “If it doesn’t, I will hunt you down.”

The obese man paled considerably, and the thin sheen of sweat now condensed into thick beads of sweat. The wringing of his hands became more rapid and anxious as he stared up at me with wide terrified eyes. “I-it does what I’ve said. I-I swear!!”

“It better.” I warned as I turned away from him, beginning to walk off.

Just as I’d passed the nearest stall directly after the merchant, an unexpected yet familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.

“You certainly have a way with people.”

Instantly recognizing the voice, I give a mental sigh before half-turning in the direction the voice had originated. You’ve got to be kidding me…