Hello all, I have news!8964 copyright protection215PENANA1Wyfq5TUl5 維尼
Yes, been a while I know. Still. News! In two and a bit weeks, store is getting stubbed! Why? Cause we're releasing book 1 on Amazon! YAY!8964 copyright protection215PENANAVl147ZTYWK 維尼
Is it stressful? Yes8964 copyright protection215PENANA4Umpt5dp8k 維尼
Should it be fun? Hopefully!8964 copyright protection215PENANAS4gmnoSJo3 維尼
Don't worry, all book three chapters are 100% still coming out for free, not going to leave you all hanging. I'll also be putting this announcement in the blurb, and on chapter 1. I want to say, thank you for all the support. It honestly has meant the world.8964 copyright protection215PENANARifennLWjN 維尼
“What else is there to check out?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAWgrDK5bqeD 維尼
Applause surrounded Arthur, and he joined in as he watched the knight in the makeshift ring hold up his hands. The fight they’d witnessed had ended with a single victor who had displayed his strength against two foes. Both of the blacksmith apprentices were on their backs, gasping for air, as a squire brought them water. They’d fought bravely, but in the end, they couldn’t compare to the knight’s training.8964 copyright protection215PENANACBjhN80cES 維尼
He knew the whole thing was a tactic to get more people to join the knights disguised as a free show. That didn’t stop him from feeling a slight sense of awe at the prowess on display. Rab, who stood next to him, looked thoughtful as he tapped at his chin.8964 copyright protection215PENANA2o9Km8MfEa 維尼
“There are other games and challenges to partake in. Though, if I may beg a favor?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAMtwyiF3Pdj 維尼
“What do you need?” Arthur looked towards his companion, whose eyes were frilly locked toward the ring where two squires were being handed weapons.8964 copyright protection215PENANASG4FG2CYFk 維尼
Excitement filled Rab’s voice. “I would like to be back for the sign-ups for the participation matches.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAqmDkoFwmQY 維尼
“You want to fight?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAEQGgUq8mhw 維尼
He almost grimaced at the sheer stupidity of the question. Of course, the bigger knight would want to fight, and he wasn’t sure why he expected anything else. Around him, people glanced over, and he saw coins change hands—familiar golden disks.8964 copyright protection215PENANAP6OOJbrOtt 維尼
“Are they betting using my currency?” Arthur thought to himself as he watched the coins all flow to one man. “That might be worth getting into.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAcna3Pmm4Us 維尼
“I do. Someone needs to show these pups what actual combat looks like,” Rab said as he broke away from the ring and the knight, explaining the rules to the squires.8964 copyright protection215PENANAtB0J8Pojrl 維尼
“Then I can’t see an issue with getting back here in time.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAqjfAw67TbH 維尼
“Excellent!” Rab’s large hand clapping him on the back didn’t make him stumble; instead, it simply felt heavy. “Then what catches your fancy? Games of chance? Contests of skill? Drinking with the serving girls?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAfEepWzfqYl 維尼
A laugh accompanied that last statement, and Arthur shook his head. “Let’s see what’s on offer.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAyMsMbeVKl1 維尼
“As you wish. Onwards!”8964 copyright protection215PENANAiziF2g8tgr 維尼
For the next hour, Arthur followed Rab around the small collection of stalls that people had set up. The games and events were simple things, but the sheer joy on the faces of those who visited them warmed his heart.8964 copyright protection215PENANAiUhQzXGSZy 維尼
At one, children played horseshoes, while at another they bobbed for apples. A trick-shooting archery contest drew a large crowd, which spilled over to the nearby spear-throwing event. Both contestants eventually started trying to hit each other’s targets, one upping the other with displays of strength and dexterity.8964 copyright protection215PENANADdqiATXozS 維尼
As they walked, he noticed the wary looks people showed towards their small group, with some parents pulling their children away from them. While each stall was polite and didn’t stop them from trying their hand, the relief on their faces was visible when they left. Rab said nothing, but he noticed the way the knight looked around as though half-expecting an attack.8964 copyright protection215PENANA6bXKbyGQOt 維尼
The entire thing annoyed him, even if he understood it. They might have accepted him and even Theobold to an extent, but Augustus was a step too far. More beast than man, they’d grown up being taught to fear things like him from a young age.8964 copyright protection215PENANA1mRENOdTB1 維尼
He did his best to smile at those whose eyes he caught, then stopped when he saw them flinch away from his teeth. When they did, he felt his skin itch, and he scratched at the side of his arm. Rab shook his head, a sure sign that he’d noticed.8964 copyright protection215PENANAE2qxHP6er8 維尼
“I wouldn’t take it personally, Arthur. They are afraid and weary of being afraid. It had little to do with you.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAWeHYQbn73c 維尼
“They don’t need to be,” Arthur said as he resisted the urge to pull out a coin to feel the warm metal flick through his hands. “At least the knights who visit don’t make an issue out of my employees. A fact that’s going to become more important soon, I think.”8964 copyright protection215PENANANXDd3QDZJl 維尼
“Oh?” Rab asked, sounding cautious.8964 copyright protection215PENANA5phS4IoT9m 維尼
“One of my staff requested to be mutated. If things get more dangerous, others deciding to do the same wouldn’t surprise me.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAc1pVVNnewb 維尼
He didn’t bother sugarcoating the truth. If he wanted Alyssa and the knights to come back to the store, they would realize that Carly had changed and probably learn why. Plus, he didn’t want to hide it. If the knights were his allies, they would learn to deal with it.8964 copyright protection215PENANAc3YCPzC9wD 維尼
“And if they don’t?” Arthur thought to himself as he pushed the ember of rage down. “Then I shall deal with it.”8964 copyright protection215PENANALTr7Pg8726 維尼
His arm itched again, and he idly scratched it before he turned to look at Rab, who’d stopped walking. The knight’s face showed a mix of emotions, though anger was prominent. Others who’d overheard their conversation held similar expressions, though, to his relief, none approached.8964 copyright protection215PENANAvvR4IMnm8J 維尼
Augustus shifted his position, clearly sensing the same mood. Arthur gripped his cane, though he tried not to show any outward aggression.8964 copyright protection215PENANA4Fu9UFFtLP 維尼
“I don’t agree with it,” Rab said eventually, his voice soft. “You know that?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAhpnXUPNVx6 維尼
Arthur nodded. “Of course.”8964 copyright protection215PENANA1CWur7nNic 維尼
“It was their decision.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAyscv6zCqJB 維尼
“They asked during their interview, but it’s only recently that they’ve wanted to go through with it.” Honestly appeared to be the best policy, a fact that Rab’s nod confirmed.8964 copyright protection215PENANAvWfNFlG2HY 維尼
“As long as you’re not forcing it on anyone, I suppose there isn’t a true problem. Besides, this is supposed to be a party. Let us not ruin the mood with such talk.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAM7OHp5snzp 維尼
“Agreed.”8964 copyright protection215PENANA2JPUlpAEid 維尼
A smile crossed Arthur’s face as he nodded and followed the knight back to the festivities. He knew the knights wouldn’t be on board with the mutations soon, which was the reason he hadn’t brought Jemima. Though that Rab’s response wasn’t to make demands or lecture him on the issues he had was a start, even if the look on his face told him he wanted to do nothing more.8964 copyright protection215PENANAgI0DX77i5v 維尼
While they played more games, Arthur did his best to chat with the stall owners. His conversation with Cyrus let him know the knights weren’t the most well-stocked group, and so he wanted to find out what they needed. At first, they didn’t want to talk to him. Then he started taking the games seriously, and the surrounding whispers changed.8964 copyright protection215PENANAvwH58RDj7q 維尼
He remembered his boosted strength, but he hadn’t realized how much he’d changed. Pins flew under the speed at which he tossed small metal balls; bells clanged to signify his tests of strength; and even his pain tolerance seemed to have gone up. The last one he found out was when he allowed a rather eager knight to punch him directly in the side.8964 copyright protection215PENANAQT4VWWHvD9 維尼
The blow was heavy, but he didn’t even wince while the knight walked away, shaking out his hand. After a moment to calm Augustus down, he collected his small prize, a wooden trophy in the shape of a fist. He placed it in his briefcase, an immense joy filling him at the idea of growing his hoard with all the small trinkets he’d gathered.8964 copyright protection215PENANA1qvLUy5ICk 維尼
After that display, people opened up to him and were more than happy to give him lists of things they needed. What that was ranged from small trinkets to more raw materials like wood, and some even mentioned being interested in his coins.8964 copyright protection215PENANAlRNOyjNpsn 維尼
He did his best to nod and tell them he would work on it, and now when he left a spot, the murmuring was mostly positive. Though it didn’t stop the stink eye, he got from some of the patrolling knights. At one point, a small squad split off, abandoning their patrol route entirely.8964 copyright protection215PENANAqqULdLt01C 維尼
Before he could ask about it, Rab’s hand clapped down on his shoulder with a thump.8964 copyright protection215PENANA2hZ9BaTaCm 維尼
“It’s time.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAj5khswE5P0 維尼
Arthur nodded and said his quick goodbyes to a woman who sold carved wooden dolls. They’d discussed getting them paint, and he promised to talk to Cyrus about finding the best way to supply her. The last thing he wanted to do was directly undermine the Trade-Captain’s authority.8964 copyright protection215PENANAp5mgsNEMIQ 維尼
That done, he moved off with Rab and a large section of the crowd to see the fights. Good spirits surrounded him, and he couldn’t help but look up at the larger knight.8964 copyright protection215PENANAA1jabBLrEG 維尼
“What do you think the odds are going to be against you?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAnfec5t9zke 維尼
“Oh, you’re planning on gambling?” Rab laughed. “I would say you have little to gain by betting on a sure thing. Will you step in the ring yourself?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAHD3HqDEGbJ 維尼
“No, I’m content to watch and make my meager coin from your victory.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAAFDS3OR17E 維尼
The two continued to chat as they made their way to the ring. Arthur couldn’t contain his excitement at watching his friend take the crown.8964 copyright protection215PENANANHR7WsM9qY 維尼
***8964 copyright protection215PENANAIEts3PxMbu 維尼
When they arrived, they found the area packed with people there to watch, place bets, or deal with those volunteering. Arthur watched as Rab marched off towards a group of knights who were clearly vying to enter the competition, all standing before a red-faced man trying to take names on a small notepad.8964 copyright protection215PENANAKr53hhewzH 維尼
He turned in the opposite direction, heading towards the betting pool. Knights and civilians alike were waving everything from Golden Pennies to handmade goods. The men taking the bets stood in front of a chalkboard that showed signs of being cleaned far too many times. Names and numbers covered it, and Arthur understood none of them—not that it mattered.8964 copyright protection215PENANAjWHyuNNRyx 維尼
“Three hundred golden pennies on Rab,” Arthur said to the man when he finally reached the front of the crowd.8964 copyright protection215PENANAzbLa2CGgzc 維尼
“That’s a fair amount,” the broker said as he took the money. “Confident?”8964 copyright protection215PENANA5wI5uIwPwp 維尼
“As he should be.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAKQkq5UiP3a 維尼
People moved to the side as Alyssa moved up to stand next to Arthur, a smile on her normally taciturn face. With one hand, she reached into a small bag and pulled out a handful of Golden Pennies of her own.8964 copyright protection215PENANAt8Kg3VFAum 維尼
“Fifty on Rab. I know which of my knights to bet on.”8964 copyright protection215PENANALhYwJ14Jjl 維尼
“As you say, Knight-Captain.” The broker smiled as he took the money and wrote something down on a notepad.8964 copyright protection215PENANADTR9eUgHfA 維尼
Behind them, people clamored to bet on Rab as well, and Alyssa shook her head. “Come, The Council has our own seats. Won’t you sit with us?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAvbfn1Dwhz2 維尼
“What about Hulvin?” Arthur asked.8964 copyright protection215PENANAo0QwyIuXMS 維尼
Alyssa shrugged as they walked away from the blackboard and the people shouting out names and fights they wished to bet on. “He’s off drinking somewhere, no doubt. I doubt we’ll see much of him until tomorrow evening.”8964 copyright protection215PENANARXhWulI30j 維尼
“In that case, I’d love to.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAWrLsMZ6muv 維尼
Arthur smiled as they walked through the crowd, with Augustus more than once needing to brush people to the side. Some turned to complain, but upon seeing Alyssa, anything they were about to say died on their tongues. As they approached a small seating area, Arthur noticed Cyrus and Kourtney wave at him.8964 copyright protection215PENANAphNRUQxUHQ 維尼
For once, Kourtney was without her book, and flowers decorated her now-loose brown hair. Her smile was genuine as she gestured towards an empty seat.8964 copyright protection215PENANAVpm7k48kFn 維尼
“Arthur, it’s good to see you. Cyrus has told me about your desire to copy my tome.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAFA8bUfb2nc 維尼
“If that’s ok,” he said while he slipped into the empty seat.8964 copyright protection215PENANAFpScHd3AcH 維尼
Alyssa sat next to him, while Augustus loomed over the four from behind, though none of them paid much attention to the giant rat mutant. Kourtney nodded, excitement entering her voice as she spoke.8964 copyright protection215PENANALWf2EKXzXd 維尼
“That would actually solve one of my bigger problems. Through the years, we’ve lost sections because of accidents and other issues. A pristine copy would be invaluable and give more people who wish to learn to scribe the chance. When can we get started?”8964 copyright protection215PENANApqwcXZoubT 維尼
“As soon as you—”8964 copyright protection215PENANAyeJkvMr5zj 維尼
A group of knights barging their way into the arena interrupted him. Among them was Hulvin, who stumbled slightly as he waved a sword in the air. Beside him, Arthur saw Alyssa tense and rise, but before she could stand all the way up, Hulvin started yelling.8964 copyright protection215PENANAxbQvaFpcGy 維尼
“Knights! Citizens of the compound, head my call! I would like to issue a challenge!”8964 copyright protection215PENANAuFZT6ft4tg 維尼
“What are you doing, you idiot?” Alyssa whispered as he continued waving his sword in the air.8964 copyright protection215PENANAFeWokVOL6B 維尼
All around them, the crowd murmured, and the other members of The Council looked nervous. Arthur could feel the man’s eyes boring into him, and he knew exactly where this was going. Even from this distance, the hatred was almost palpable.8964 copyright protection215PENANAfYTdBVauvP 維尼
“I see you, shopkeeper! You have brought mutants into our home, and from what I’ve heard, you plan on making more. You shall not bring more of your filth into this world! When we come for the new entrance to the pit, your mutants will be the first thing we destroy!”8964 copyright protection215PENANAyNbjmJ1tyx 維尼
All around him, his pack of knights cheered. Some of the crowd joined in, a fact that made Arthur look around him. Alyssa placed a hand on his shoulder as she leaned in. “This is hardly an official challenge. You don’t have to accept it.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAyiNgp1Iyaa 維尼
“I wasn’t planning—”8964 copyright protection215PENANANGtmDzSyLs 維尼
Once more, Hulvin cut him off with a sneer on his face. “And before you act like the coward you are, Arthur. Let me tell you this: I know of your deal with Cyrus, and I will have none of it. My people will touch no goods soiled by your hands.”8964 copyright protection215PENANA69emOCzcos 維尼
The ember fell into place, and his skin itched as he understood what the man was saying. Cyrus shifted in place, and when Arthur looked at him, the man shrugged. “If he carries out his threat, we may have to cut our deal off. There is no point in me buying metals I can do little with.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAaJLwt1MSsw 維尼
“Another thing!” Hulvin called out even as Arthur stood from his chair, shoving his briefcase towards Augustus, who took it with a squeak. “No proxies. I will fight myself, and so shall you. What do you say!?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAqY13lSN6Iw 維尼
Heat filled his throat as he looked at the man who stood in the center of the ring. The old drunk who dared to threaten his people, his business, and his hoard. His suit felt like it stuck to his skin from the seat, the fabric stretching with every movement, and his cheeks hurt from his smile.8964 copyright protection215PENANAlzdzyvl9WK 維尼
“Hulvin!” He called as he moved into the ring. “You challenge me?”8964 copyright protection215PENANA4tqR61xYO6 維尼
“I do!” The knight said this with his sword wavering in his grasp.8964 copyright protection215PENANAIhhzqDnB2S 維尼
“Then I would like to add my own terms.” Arthur didn’t know if that was an option, but he didn’t rightfully care. “If I win, you shall give me free rein over your craftsmen. They shall make what I need them to make with the materials sold to Cyrus. Plus, you shall never again threaten my employees as you have done today, nor shall you harm them.”8964 copyright protection215PENANA06YsJeMt1P 維尼
Hulvin sneered. “Is that all?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAvDvvEDeyd9 維尼
“No,” Arthur said as he stepped fully into the ring.8964 copyright protection215PENANABqv3oLpYNq 維尼
The crowd was silent as he squared up against Hulvin, his back straight and his arm steady. While his opponent had the skill and knowledge of combat, it was obvious spite and booze propped him up at this point.8964 copyright protection215PENANAnivjN9zcNf 維尼
“Then what, boy?”8964 copyright protection215PENANAIfWxdU7hFi 維尼
“A public apology, and you need to stop drinking so much.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAv1Mf0ySjJt 維尼
He’d added the last one to be cruel, but from the sounds of laughter and jeering from the crowd, it had support. Hulvin looked taken aback before he snarled and nodded his head. “It hardly matters what a future failure wants.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAsMhMHpgebB 維尼
“Then prove it.”8964 copyright protection215PENANAYOYgljtUsL 維尼
With that, the last of the knights left the ring, and Hulvin moved forward—the fight was on!219Please respect copyright.PENANAxKbslPPuYI
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