"I have a friend who keeps getting kicked around like a ball..."
"Your friend should fight back," Copperbeard advised earnestly.
"He can't. He's a prisoner," Annan said. "Do you think Mountain Copper Armor could protect him?"
"Have you tried Fine Iron?"
"I'm afraid that wouldn't work either. No material can withstand the attacks I... that friend of mine takes. He's worn plate armor, but it might as well have been a sheet of paper."
"I don't mind, but are you really going to spend twenty or thirty thousand gold coins on Mountain Copper Armor for your friend?" Copperbeard, still in the dark, marveled at Annan's kindness.
"I don't mind. If it doesn't work, I can always send the Mountain Copper back and have it turned into building materials."
They sourced their Mountain Copper from a Royal Alchemy Room in Wilhelm. They could have bought it from the Tartun Empire too, but everyone at the City Lord's Mansion agreed this was a good chance to build ties with the powers in Wilhelm.
Besides, the Royal Alchemy Room charged fair prices and always delivered on time. Arrogance was its only flaw.
"Remember to hurry them along. It has to arrive before the end of this week."
As for how he would get through the meantime... as long as he didn't sleep, he would be fine!
"And remember to save some orcs for me!"
With Copperbeard still nagging, Annan stepped out of the sweltering Blacksmith Shop. He had one more thing to do today: see Girardi off.
The Street was much quieter than usual. People no longer crowded both sides of the road to sleep outdoors. Some had found room in the expanded Free City; many others had gathered outside the city, ready to go home.
Annan spotted Girardi surrounded by a crowd