“No," Kein answered eyeing me critically.

“It sucked in air quickly. Human slaves sometimes do that, but it will not happen again.”

We stepped out of the shop a little while Later. Damien walked us to a different part of the market to look at weapons. They didn't usually take me when they shopped like this. I was glad they did, it was interesting.

I'd seen a man making weapons once at a Renaissance fair held back on Earth. The small portable forge the man used there was nothing compared to the operation here. It was loud and hot in the large, open air work space.

The appearance of Warriors at the forge got the men's attention. Several men approached Damien and they talked about what he wanted. The smiths had several items Damien might like and pulled them out.

The new weapon must be for Christof. Damien would check it and then hand it to Christof. They talked and discussed, weighing the benefits of one over another.

My assumption was the short sword was to be strapped to Christof's Leg the way Bane kept knives. It was much too short and thin to be strapped to Christof's waist. He must just want an extra weapon

“Ciara," Damien said with authority, “reach out a hand and hold this."

I did as I was ordered. The men all stepped back and Bane told me to swing the sword. I arced it back and forth.

"Grip Lower down and use both hands," Bane sighed. I did as he asked and repeated the arc I had made.

“Is that how my Brothers instructed you to wield a weapon?" Bane asked sounding absolutely exasperated.

No, it wasn't, so I shook my head.

Placing my feet shoulder width apart I swung the sword the way Christof had taught me to. Bane finally seemed pleased and smiled at me. The first sword was taken and a second put in my hand. They ordered me to do the same thing.

The smiths watched the display impassively. They didn't even seem to find it odd Damien had just handed me a weapon. Despite the Lack of interest, I found it really strange.

They bought the first sword. The second would be too cumbersome, everyone was agreed. The first sword had better weight.

The men seemed pleased with the purchase as we walked to the wall where the Warriors with slaves usually shopped. We went to the small eatery and I was taken out of my brown outfit.

Damien put us in a corner and ordered before Looking down at me.

“why did you speak in the clothing shop?" he asked.

“It was very inappropriate."

I explained very quietly it had surprised me to realize the man with all the questions was the son of a human slave. Making a sound had not been intentional, I was just surprised.

“It seems to me," I told him, “human ancestry makes more curious men."

Bane grunted and Kein laughed, “So that is what's wrong with you, Brother," Bane said addressing Christof.