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Chapter 1.2. Erden.

Lilith handed him coins, but raised her hand, when he gestured to servants to remove chains. Just like with Cian, she placed a slave collar around his neck.

– I am ordering you never to harm me and follow my orders. And do not even try to run away. Do you understand?

Minotaur nodded, and Lilith gestured towards servants to remove the chains.

– Follow me, – ordered Lilith. Minotaur roared and raised his fist. Next moment he fell on his knees. Disobedience was punished and slave collar inflicted unbearable pain on him. Lilith watched him with her cold eyes, while Kragor was experiencing agony.

– Follow me, – she repeated and this time minotaur obeyed.

They left the slave market, and Lilith took them to food stands.

– Do you prefer meat or grass? – she asked minotaur.

– I eat meat, – answered minotaur. Unconsciously he touched his slave collar. Minotaur were proud species, who hated slavery.

Lilith nodded and ordered meat skewers for both of them. She watched them while they ate, and then looked ahead.

– You will need weapons and new clothe. What weapons you prefer?

– Axe, – growled minotaur.

– A sword, – said Cian, and averted his eyes, when Lilith looked into his.

– Fine. Follow me.

As they strolled through the bustling streets of Erden, Lilith found herself surrounded by a world that seemed both familiar and foreign all at once. The ancient town was an architectural marvel – towering columns made from gleaming white marble lined cobblestone pathways, while ornate fountains bubbled merrily in public squares.

Kragor lumbered alongside his mistress, drawing curious stares from passersby, with his imposing minotaur physique and fierce expression. His horns glinted menacingly in the sunlight as he kept vigilant watch over surroundings – never letting guard down for even moment, despite seemingly peaceful atmosphere all around them.

Cian walked quietly at Lilith’s other side, taking in sights sounds smells that assaulted senses from every direction. The air was thick with exotic spices wafting out from open windows and shops selling strange goods imported from distant lands.

As they ventured deeper into the heart of Erden, Lilith and her companions found themselves on a bustling street, lined with shops catering to mercenaries of all stripes. The air was thick with the smell of leather, metal, and exotic spices, wafting from open doorways.

The first shop they passed boasted an array of finely crafted weapons – gleaming swords and axes displayed prominently in windows alongside intricately carved bows and quivers filled with arrows. Next door, a tailor’s establishment offered custom-fitted armor made from the toughest hides available – scaled breastplates, studded iron rivets catching light just so as they swayed gently breeze.

A few doors down stood apothecary brimming with strange potions and elixirs, which guaranteed heal of even most grievous wounds…for price. The shopkeeper himself peered out warily at passersby through thick lenses perched upon nose, muttering incantations under breath, while stirring steaming cauldron bubbling over flame.

As they continued onward past rows brightly colored banners advertising various wares and services offered by enterprising merchants, eager make quick profit off unsuspecting visitors.

Lilith entered one of the shops, which specialized in armor and clothe. Once they were inside, they were greeted by an overwhelming array of textiles, leathers, and metals. The air inside was thick with the scent of fresh-cut fabric and polished metal.

A tall, slender man approached them from behind a counter stacked high with various trinkets and baubles. He wore a crisp black suit that accentuated his pale skin and dark hair, giving him an almost ethereal appearance.

– Welcome, travelers! – he greeted warmly, bowing slightly at the waist: – I am Darian – master tailor to all who seek finest garments this side of our kingdom.

Lilith raised an eyebrow behind her skull mask, intrigued by his flamboyant greeting. She stepped forward then gestured towards Kragor and Cian.

– My companions require new attire for upcoming journey, – she explained curtly, not wasting time on pleasantries: – Something durable yet stylish – capable withstanding rigors of road and useful in battle.

Darian’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of a challenging commission. He clapped hands together once, before whisking off towards back room where racks upon racks of colorful fabrics awaited his discerning eye.

– Leave it to me! – he exclaimed over shoulder as hurriedly selected swatches, silks, velvets and leathers.

In a flurry of activity, Darian emerged from the back room laden with an array of armor pieces and finely crafted garments.

Kragor’s new ensemble consisted of a sturdy leather breastplate, paired with matching greaves to protect his powerful legs.

For Cian, Darian had selected a flowing tunic made from soft black silk embroidered with intricate patterns of vines and leaves around hemline cuffs. He also offered delicate bracer bracelets for wrists, and comfortable, but sturdy looking pants and boots.

Minotaur and Cian went towards changing area separate for customers’ privacy, while Lilith examined the products on shells.

As they waited impatiently for companions return, Lilith’s gaze wandered over shop interior once more – taking note of various trinkets, baubles displayed carefully arranged shelves and tables throughout.

Her attention snagged particularly shiny black dagger resting prominently on center of a shell case near entrance. Its hilt was adorned intricate silver filigree, twining blade itself almost seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it, giving off eerie aura of mystery and danger.

– Fascinating, – Lilith whispered softly, leaning closer to examine strange weapon further. Near it was pair of gloves. They were made of supple black leather.

– They are reinforced for extra durability – said merchant: – Made for use in battle. Won’t  fall apart mid-fight! – he grinned.

Lilith nodded and tried them on. They fit perfectly on her hands. Glossy and sleek, fitting snugly against her skin, while still allowing full range of motion needed for swordplay or other adventurous pursuits.

She tried using the dagger. It felt light, but reassuring as a weapon.

– Made from a stone, that fell from the sky, – proudly said merchant. Lilith glared at him, and he bit his tong.

Just then Kragor and Cian emerged, freshly outfitted with new attire.

– Does size fit you? – asked Lilith. They both nodded: – Price?

– Will you be taking the dagger and gloves as well?

– Depends on their price.

Lilith took of the gloves and placed them back, alongside the dagger.

– Thirty gold coins, for minotaur’s armor. Three for human’s clothe and two for boots. Thirty for dagger, and one gold and two silvers for gloves.

Lilith nodded and counted the coins.

– I’ll take the gloves and dagger as well.

Darian nodded, and she fastened the sheath to her waist, on the opposite side of her sword.

Next was weapons shop. As they stepped inside it, Lilith and her companions were immediately assaulted by an overwhelming array of deadly implements. The air was thick with the scent of metal and oil, mingled with the faintest hint of blood.

– The walls were lined floor to ceiling with various blades – from finely crafted daggers no larger than palm to massive two-handed swords, capable of cleaving man clean through. Bows and quivers filled with deadly arrows sat alongside racks of crossbows. Glittering maces studded iron spikes hung menacingly beside gleaming halberds axes designed to tear flesh and bone alike.

A grizzled old warrior approached them, from behind counter, piled high with assorted weaponry. He wore well-worn leather armor patched numerous times over years of service, his face etched lines of experienced battles.

– Welcome travelers, – he grunted, nodding curtly towards Lilith, Kragor and Cian: – What can I help you find today?

– Axe for minotaur and a sword for the boy, – answered Lilith.

At Lilith’s request, the old warrior nodded, then disappeared into back room to retrieve requested weapons. Moments later he returned carrying several axes and offered them to Kragor. Minotaur tried several, but then took a gleaming axe – its double-edged blade capable of cleaving through thickest armor. He tried to move it around and threw a glance at Lilith.

– Perfect for you big fella, – grunted shopkeeper, watching Kragor: – Feels good doesn’t it?

The minotaur grinned savagely, then hefted the weighty implement above his head, testing its balance. Satisfied nod, he slung the axe over broad shoulder ready go. Lilith rolled her eyes, but nodded.