When we got even closer to the port, I was able to see at least eight large ships stationed around its vicinity. The port itself was lively and there were various groups of busy people moving about. You could hear the voices of the townsfolk all chattering on as it echoed across the waters. The town itself seemed more like a city. With the number of people and beautiful architecture of the buildings it was hard to believe this was just a regular port town. What really stuck out was the gorgeous red leafed trees that densely populated different areas around the port. When we had just entered the bay, I asked Navy, "Is it always like this? It just seemed like there's so many people here." Navy raised an eyebrow at my question. "Of course it's always like this. This is the central trading hub for the southern part of the Cashmere kingdom. Since it's one of the largest kingdoms, the southern region of Velantere has its own local government and they are fairly wealthy. We try not to get involved with the local merchants since we collect our own products for our Tavern. But we have to come through here pretty often. However, before we actually port… There are some things you need to know about this place. So listen up Sid. No matter what, do not get involved with the local defense force. They are scum, but they are strong and will create probable cause to make your life hell. The last thing my family needs is to be involved with them. The second thing is that you need to avoid the merchants. As I said before, we don't associate with them and it's for a good reason. The merchant guild here is run by a guy who has his hands dipped into the pockets of almost every single kingdom. He's also the person who holds the leash on the so-called defense force. Steer clear of it Sid. We're only here for a day, just enjoy the time you have alright?" Navy said with a stern look. I was actually really surprised that Navy told me to just avoid them. He never seemed like someone who would turn a blind eye to bad people. I understand that it could put his family into a bad position, but just what was so bad about these people here? "…. Alright, it's not like I'm looking for trouble. I also would like to avoid any unnecessary problems. So don't worry about it" I responded, trying to reassure him. He was looking at me with squinty eyes and said, "I'm sure you won't be looking for it, but it certainly knows how to find you." "Will you cut that out already, it'll be fine! Let's just have fun!" I said as I socked him in the arm.
Our boat finally docked at the port and we were able to set off into the town. Pete said that he would take care of the ship and find lodgings for the night. He told Navy to watch over us and make sure nothing bad happened. I guess Pete was also a bit nervous. Dutch decided for herself to hang back with Pete and was happily trotting around wherever he went. I suppose this was for the best anyways since we may get some odd looks if a dog was walking around with a sword in its mouth, though I am not sure if she really understands that. Surprisingly, Sundi just followed along to the town without her mask on. Honestly, not using the mask was actually hiding her identity even better than wearing it, considering most people seemed to know all about the masked syndicate. Darwin was ecstatic to get to see the town and was smiling from ear to ear. Along the way as we made our way out of the port area there were various vendors trying to sell us all kinds of random junk. Each time, Navy would look them dead in the eyes with an interested gaze and then just keep walking. I swear I watched at least 8 people have their hopes crushed by Navy in a matter of seconds. He was ruthless… I had to spend the majority of the time grabbing hold of Darwin and dragging him away from vendors who wanted to rip him off. He was constantly getting distracted and even I could tell the things he wanted to buy were useless. First it was the mishmash skeleton of a "new species" that was actually just bones of other creatures smushed together. Then it was a special water locating device that was literally just a stick shaped like a Y… This buffoon was going to make me carry around a stick for him… I sadly was unable to stop him before he bought it. Darwin continued on holding his stupid stick for the remainder of our walk through the town with a giddy smile on his face. All the while I was maintaining my peace and avoiding trouble as directly requested by Navy. I didn't want to give him any leverage in the future to rag on me. But of course, that peace can never last long, right?
We ended up finding a quaint little restaurant and went inside to get some food. The four of us got a table and ordered the specials they were advertising on a wooden sign outside. The food wasn't amazing but it was good enough for me. We ate something called Boar Minten which was a local delicacy made from wild boar that was rubbed and cooked in various different herbs and spices. It definitely sounded better than it tasted to be completely blunt. Nonetheless, it was nice to try new food I had never seen before. As time went by in the restaurant, eventually a very strange looking person entered. This person wore all black dyed leather and a wide brimmed hat that was covering his eyes. He was also wearing some kind of short cape that covered his arms and it had a strange rough looking sun symbol stitched onto it. Something about this guy was very off. The energy he brought into the restaurant with him made all of the other guests clamor in their seats, too afraid to look up and too afraid to leave. The man approached the bar counter of the restaurant and knocked on the bar top with a gloved hand. The bartender immediately brought him booze in a tall metal mug. The man stood there calmly drinking, without moving from his spot at the counter. For some reason I was so caught up in what I was doing I didn't even notice the looks on my friends faces. Darwin had covered his eyes and nervously shaking. Sundi was staring down at the table with wide and concerned eyes, which seemed very strange for someone like her. Then I looked to Navy and he was staring at me with an irritated and frantic look as he began mouthing the words, "Look down!!!" Unfortunately for him, I did not know how to read lips and was very confused by all of their reactions. So I turned my head back towards the man only to see him looking right at me, revealing a dangerous grin. I was a bit taken aback and disgusted by the guy's creepy smile, but he began approaching our table. In the middle of walking over he commented, "Hm what do we have here?" I had no idea what was going on, and looked around myself before asking, "Are you talking to me?" He had a deep voice with some kind of twangy accent I was unfamiliar with. "You must be new to this place seeing as you don't know who I am. Welcome to Velantere, I am the head of the defense force here… My name is Vanta Noire." "Oh, I see… Well it is nice to meet you, Vanta. Is there something I can help you with?" I asked in a polite manner. This seemed to stir something within the man. "You can address me as Sir Vanta, as I am an official guard of the Cashmere Kingdom. But will you not introduce yourself?" He said with a hint of irritation while still maintaining the fake smile on his face. I could tell at this point that he was clearly trying to get something out of me, but based on everyone else's reactions and the fact that even Navy is not willing to speak up I did not want to put us into a difficult position. Seeing as this guy is the head of the defense force that Navy has warned me about, I needed to get out of this situation somehow. "Ah, my apologies Sir Vanta. I am not familiar with the customs here, as I am not originally from this area. My name is Sid, but you shouldn't bother yourself with me. I am no one of importance, just a lowly country folk." I said, as I was trying to sound as convincing as possible. "Is that so? Well then, carry on Sid…" He said as he turned and walked back to the bar. Damn, that was too close for comfort. I don't know why he felt the need to greet me in that way, but I knew we all needed to get out of this restaurant quickly. I don't want to get us tangled up with that guy, something was off about him. Unfortunately just as I had stood up from the table in order for us to leave, the man spoke out again with his back still facing the bar counter. "Ah! That's right, just one more thing Sid… If you are really just some nobody from the country, then why do you and all those people sitting at that table smell like people with BLESSINGS." He said with an aggressive tone. Just as he had finished speaking, I saw something shoot out from beneath the back side of his cape at an incredible speed. Instinctively, I reacted and snatched the object out of the air before it could hit me. When I looked down at the object in my hand, I was surprised to see that it was some kind of pointed horn. But as I looked back at the man, he was peering over his shoulder with a crazed look on his face. "I KNEW IT." He said with a devilish smile. F*ck… We were screwed.