I looked at Danuja. He seemed both calm and surprised. Maybe because his weapon maintenance was always done for him is the reason why he never had to pay for such things out of pocket. Just now hearing the cost would be surprising.
At least anyone hearing it for the first time. In fact this price is more expensive than the other places I went to before.
What was it he said? Hernando told me that if I was lucky I might even get a discount on the price.
Seems I'm in fact not lucky. Hernando didn't seem bothered by the price. In fact there was a slight gleam in his eyes.
As if he was delighted to hear the price. And ready for the challenge known as bargaining.
"Well Lorenzo, Lorenzo my dearest friend."
The man in question squirmed a bit at Hernando's words.
"As a friend of a friend, and a friend of a friend the other way. Don't you think, just a little bit, that you could give me, and them, your future customers, just this one time freebie. Hell, even a tinsy winsy discount would suffice."
It seemed like Hernando was trying to butter Lorenzo up. But from where I was standing it was having the opposite effect.
Which isn't surprising. I would do the same after hearing that nonsensical statment.
I wouldn't have been shocked if Lorenzo suddenly doubled the price. Of course if that happened I'd exit with utmost decorum.
Soon Lorenzo spoke. Regaining his composure.
"Well from time to time I don't mind giving the occasional discount. But normally the customer would have the courtesy to stop by a few times first before mentioning something like that if at all. Not to mention it isn't like I'm running a charity here."
"I have things that I myself need to pay for after all."
Lorenzo had a smile on his face that didn't quite reach his eyes. Hernando mirrored the look.
Soon after some back and forward banter they came to a compromise. Two gold Tyro and ten bronze tyro. After which I spoke up.
"Thats nice and all. But then how am I supposed to pay?"
Hernando looked at me smiling.
"Well, Brian if you have two gold Tyros lying around somewhere then, by all means, be my guest and pay your own tab."
He gave me a knowing smile. Probably guessed that I don't have the means to pay any form of gold Tyro.
He's holding it over my head. He's set on getting me to owe him so Danuja and I join the committee.
I tried to think of something and asked.
"How do you intend for me to repay you for this?"
I know he said he wouldn't but, If he wants to use this to force me to join the disciplinary committee I'll be strongly inclined to decline that arrangement.
He thought for a moment then smiled.
"Oh it's simple really. Don't forget this is separate from you joining us. Unless you've made up your mind of course."
I nodded my head in disagreement.
"No, I haven't made up my mind. I intend to deliver my answer tomorrow as I said yesterday."
He appeared a little dejected. Then quickly recovered.
"Well, no problem. There's no rush. As for you paying me back. It won't be an arduous task. I'll arrange some things so that on a free day you can help me with an errand."
"It'll be well within your capabilities. And if you do things right you can even earn some on the side for yourself."
"In the meantime you should pick up on your studies and training. It will come in quite handy."
Hearing that he had me quite curious about what he was going to have me do. But it seemed like he didn't intend to share more.
Thinking about something I decided to ask how much Lorenzo's weapons on display cost.
"Hey, let's say I wanted to buy a weapon. And since I'm more or less paying for the spear you will be forging. Do you think you could sell me a weapon with a knock or two taken off the price?"
I asked not expecting much but to my surprise Lorenzo agreed.
"Sure why not. You're a paying customer. Not to mention that you've just made your first purchase."
"I don't see why you can't use that privilege early. That is of course if you plan to continue your patronage at my shop."
I readily agreed. As I was now somewhat desperate to get a weapon within my grasp. Lorenzo pointed me towards a selection of spears.
Although I'm no smith I could tell they were well made. I chose a single edge spear with a curve.
I had already told Lorenzo the general way I wanted the finished product to be. So in that case, I decided it would be best to get a slightly different spear head.
It gives me more options to fight with. I'll just have to put more effort into getting used to using it.
I made my choice. This time I paid what I could up front and Hernando paid the difference. Putting me even more into debt.
I can only hope that whatever Hernando wants me to do to reimburse him truly isn't out of my means.
After all accounts were settled Sinoda, who was already outside waiting, Hernando, Danuja and I left. Riding all the way back to Prisms campus grounds. Danuja and I got off at the main gate on Kensington street.
"Tommorow none of you have important task for the day?"
Hernando asked this when we arrived to Prism.
"No, at least nothing to dire."
Danuja answered with a curt nod indicating he didn't.
"Perfect, stop by tomorrow. You can give me an answer and pay me back."