Free Weapon of the Guild [The Chronicles of Grimm Dragonblaster, Book 2] by Alastair J. Archibald

one that the guards have no idea I gave him forty golds—they probably think I gave him four or five."
    "I reckon I'd have to be pretty stupid to take your bet, Crest,” Grimm replied, smiling. Hustle, bustle and buzz! Even though the four companions were on horseback, high above the milling populace, they were nudged and bumped by seemingly oblivious pedestrians at every step. Grimm noticed their glazed facial expressions and wondered if the people were ensorcelled; they shouted out for exorbitantly-priced goods, their faces eager and their voices loud. Vendors exhorted everyone to buy, buy, buy !
    At last, the adventurers won free from the insane throng of baying townsfolk, and they took shelter in an empty back-street yard.
    "Something is wrong here, Dalquist,” Grimm said with concern. “I don't think all those people wanted to buy. It's as if they're under some magic to do so."
    Dalquist nodded. “I checked the crowd with my Sight. They are under a spell, a powerful one. I believe this is intended to create the impression of a normal market crowd. We must all tread carefully here."
    "Could Starmor have been alerted to our presence by the Eye?” Grimm asked, worried. Their careful plans could fall apart if the Baron knew their intent.
    "I don't think so,” Dalquist replied. “I get the feeling this is some form of madness that happens every day, perhaps for Starmor's conceit and amusement—who knows? Nonetheless, we must be on our guard."
    Harvel nodded. “I don't like this situation, Lord Mage. If there's strong magic around here, we'd best move as quickly as possible."
    Crest nodded and pointed towards a tall, grey tower dominating the landscape. “That's the biggest building around here, and I'll bet it's where Baron Starmor lives. Hold on..." He collared a man rushing past them to the market place. “Excuse me, sir! Whose dwelling is that imposing edifice? I could not help but be inspired by the magnificence of the structure." The man struggled for a moment against Crest's strong grip and gave up the fight. He spoke quickly, with what seemed to Grimm a bizarre mixture of desperation and forced cheerfulness.
    "Why, that's Great Lord Starmor's tower, good sir,” the beaming man crowed. “I'd love to stay and chat, but I have urgent errands to run before nightfall. Please excuse me." With a wrench, the man tore himself free of Crest's hand and dashed away. Dalquist sighed. “Then that's our goal. Let's mill around a little until the sun sets, and then scout the tower."
    Harvel pointed out a tidy-looking inn calling itself The Jolly Merchant . Giving a few coins to a boy standing outside, Dalquist bade him water, feed and rest the horses for a few hours. The boy's face lit up at the sight of the gleaming money. He knuckled his forehead and led the mounts to the stable. A few patrons sat in the bar, drinking themselves into stupor with the same fanaticism the market shoppers exhibited when pursuing their purchases. Harvel stepped up to a bar staffed by a vigorous, cheerful, rosy-cheeked barman, a ghastly parody of the stereotypical gentle host.
    "The very best wishes of the afternoon to you all, gentlemen,” the red-faced man carolled. “How may I serve you? A lovely day, isn't it? What brings you here? Have you come to trade? The market is in full swing, as you can see. Let's hope the weather holds out, eh?"
    The landlord gave no time for the bemused group to respond to his stream of empty questions. Indeed, he showed little sign of expecting an answer as he rushed to bring them four ruddy, foaming ales. He accepted the coins offered by a bemused-looking Harvel with a gracious, cheery smile as he scurried away to serve another customer, who seemed just as happy and loquacious as he. The cheery inn seemed as much a toy as the frantic market. It seemed that all of Crar's citizens were Starmor's playthings, and the whole city a sham intended to give the impression of a thriving, healthy metropolis when it was