Wheel Of Life

Mark headed down the street towards the outskirts of town where the weapons shop was. It was located closer to the forest and was quieter in comparison to the other stores.

The store looked like a winter log cabin, with a sign of a hammer on the front. weapons were stacked on wooden racks at the front, ranging from swords and axes, to shields and spears.

To the side of the store was a large stone forge that was used by the weaponsmiths to forge the blades that they sold. Grey smoke billowed from the top of it.

As they approached the door to the store, it opened, with an old man with a long grey beard leaving it. He wore a long leather apron, covering his soot covered clothes.

Character Information

Name - Theodorus

Position - Blacksmith

Age - 64

Relationship - Positive - Always happy to see a customer

Level - 5

Additional Information - In a past life, Theodorus was an exceptional Weaponsmith during the Greek wars, he had traveled the country, creating blades for famous warriors and kings.

Skills - Master Metal Mover, Blacksmithing, Weaponsmithing.

More information upon level up.

"Welcome to my forge" welcomed Theodorus, "I am Theo and this is my abode."

"Good evening Theo, I would like to have a look at what you have available." replied Mark.

"Then come inside and have a look!" He happily replied.

Little Tai was looking through the racks outside whilst Mark, Gan Ning and Boudica followed Theo in to the shop.

The inside of the shop was huge, with long walls made from timber beams. Racks of weapons were everywhere, with some glass cabinets holding the more special pieces. At the opposite end to the entrance was a large counter, where Theo headed after bringing them inside.

"So are you here for anything in particular or just to look?" Theo asked.

"I am looking for some new equipment for my team, only the best." Mark replied.

"Ok then, tell me what you want and I'll show you the best." Theo replied.

Gan Ning went forward first, excitement on his face.

"Two short swords, light, with equal balance. I also want two daggers, sharp with a slight curve to the blade." He asked quickly.

"Very good! A man who knows what he wants." Theo replied. "This way please."

Theo led Gan Ning to a selection of short swords, A huge collection was available from Roman Gladius to Falcatas and Pirate Swords. He automatically headed to a pair of black handled locking short swords. These could form two weapons, in one case they were a short staff and in another they could separate in to two short swords. The black handles were embroidered with images of Deers.

"They were created by an old friend of mine, the speed and versatility works well for a quick and agile fighter." Theo commented.

"Please, please, please boss can I have some?" He asked Mark politely.

"How much?" Mark asked, impressed by the workmanship and multiple uses.

"If you chooses this and the pair of matching daggers." Theo pointed to a pair of black handles curved daggers, that could easily fit in the sides of someone's belt. "I will charge you 20 gold."

"20 Gold!" Mark exclaimed, almost falling backwards. No wonder this shop was so quiet. Of the 100 he withdrew earlier, he was down to his last 30 coins, after spending 10 bathing and on clothes.

"20 is a fair price, I would charge more if not for the fact they seemed to have been made for your friend." He replied, before continuing, "Young lady, what would you be looking for?"

"A bastard sword and a long bow." She replied sternly. She was a princess and not a lady.

"Hmmmm, a noble woman I sense." He stated, "Follow me then."

Theo headed to a different part of the shop towards a glass table filled with swords. He pointed at one, which instantaneously got a reaction from Boudica.

"This bastard sword is built with a slight curve to the blade, the steel has been folded in on itself many times, creating many hundreds of layers. It is hard and strong as a bastard sword should be, but lighter and easier to control with one or both hands. The Falcon headed pommel is curvaceous enough for you to be able to rest on the pommel comfortably." He explained.

Boudica's eyes lit up, the falcon was once the national bird of the Haven kingdom that she originated from. The falcon itself was changed to a griffon as time went by, but seeing this made her imagine the warriors of old in her clan. It made her blood boil for revenge.

"I'll take this and a bow." She stated matter of fact. Mark felt like she had forgotten she was a slave a few hours ago and was spending his money.

"We have several long bows made by a friend of mine. He is a master of the art. He has created this one out of a rare white bark tree, that can only be found in the highest of places." He stated, pointing at a beautiful white long bow in the distance. He walked over and grabbed it, placing is gently in Boudica's hands. "It also comes with a quiver of matching arrows, which from experience fly straight and true."

"This will be acceptable." She replied.

"How much?" Mark asked despondently.

"30 for both, so including the earlier weapons, you are at 50 Gold." he happily replied.

Suddenly the shop door flung open and Little Tai ran in.

"I love my Sabre, I have had it for as far as I remember. I dont remember my father, but I remember his blade." Little Tai said, probably the most he had ever said. Mark stood there in shock, he could actually talk?

"He's silent, unless he is discussing weapons." Gan Ning whispered.

"However, I would like two blades by my waist. My Sabre is thin with a slight curve, similar to a Katana, I would like also like a Tachi to wield." He asked politely, before taking a slight bow. A Tachi is a longer curvy version of the katana, at around 1.3m long. For someone of Little Tai's height, the Tachi would look like a short sword, but for the normal person this big sword would be an imposing sight.

He walked across the room, with a warriors aura. There was a glass cabinet on a far wall which held a singular Tachi. The blade had blue swirls throughout it, with a long black handle with a blue and black wrap. Its scabbard was also black with blue swirls, that made those that looked at if think of thunder striking in a storm.

"This one." He pointed, and with that went back to silence.

"Good choice." Theo responded, a look of deep thought on his face. He then looked towards Mark, "So just you left."

Mark thought deep, he had played games and was athletic, but he has never wheeled a weapon before.

"Wilson, what do I get?" he asked.

"A spear." Wilson replied seriously.

"Why a spear?" he asked.

"Because you are a clumsy, have never uses a weapon before, and will most likely hurt yourself with anything sharp."

Mark shook his head in embarrassment. Damn system.

"I'll have a spear." Mark Asked.

"A spear?" replied Theo, "Erm, have you used one before?"

"No." replied Mark.

"Stick em with the pointy end." Theo instructed. "You have the aura of a leader, I think I have the spear for you."

He headed over to a rack of spears, neatly stood together. He grasped a tall one, nearly 2 metres in length. The blade at the top was around 30cm in length and sharp on both sides, with a small point on the tip. Beneath the blade was a coiled dragon, it's mouth on the blade base, whilst the tail coiled down on to the shaft. There was a red ribbon which dangled from the dragons mouth, which matched the ribbons worn by the team.

"I believe this one is made for you." Theo nodded proudly, and Mark could not disagree. He looked at the spear and felt longing for it.

As Mark reached to grab it, Theo stopped him.

"So that's a total cost of 120 Gold coins."

F.u.c.k! Mark shouted in his head, I need more cash. He opened the app and withdrew some more, suddenly realising he wasnt a spendthrift anymore. Theo on the other hand was ecstatic, he had made more money today than he had in the last 2 months, selling some of his best equipment, rather than the cheap weapons the pirates and city guards normally bought.

Mark traded his gold and the team attached their new weapons. He looked around and was impressed with his squad. Now to meet with Teech and get himself a base.

They headed outside and walked back in to the centre of the town.

"Where to now?" Gan Ning asked.

"To Teech." replied Mark.

"Yes I know that, but where too?"

Mark suddenly realised he hadn't asked about the location! He wasn't managing this as well as he thought.

"Rupert's Rage." added Little Tai.

"Makes sense," Said Gan Ning.

And with that, The 4 of them headed towards Rubert's Rage, equipped like the mercenary group they wanted to be.