around and continued only after a long pause. -However, I've lived long enough, boy, to recognise when something disturbing is happening. And although I'd like to be wrong, it seems to me that we're in for a somewhat turbulent period.
James froze for a moment and looked up from the page he was writing on. The man standing a few steps away from him was looking at one of the armour displays again. He seemed calm, but he grimaced slightly.
-I didn't think war was coming.- The elf lowered his gaze and returned to writing down the order.
-Oh, contrary to appearances, war wouldn't be so bad.- The customer came closer, tearing himself away from admiring the exhibits.- We will face new skirmishes among the aristocrats and the powerful.- He waved his hand dismissively. - At least in war, you know who the enemy is, whereas it's so difficult to tell who will stab whom in the back. - He shook his head gloomily. - And everyone will suffer, from the poor in the slums to the magnates. - He sighed and paused for a long time. - How I wish I were wrong. Oh well, maybe this time it won't come to the worst.- James didn't comment.
-Here's your order.- The elf handed Mr Wells two written pages.- Please sign one card, and the other is your confirmation.- He handed the older man a pen. Mr Wells only glanced over the list and signed it with a flourish.- Thank you.
-Thank you.- The man folded the confirmation in four and tucked it into his coat's inside pocket.- I hope that when I come next time, I'll want to talk to Master Matheo about tournament armour decorations, not another shipment of weapons.- He smiled faintly.- You don't have to walk me out, boy, I can find my way to the exit myself. Goodbye.
-Goodbye.- James bowed and watched the old man leave. When he disappeared from the elf's view, the boy walked to the front of the shop, glanced at the street, which was strangely busier than usual, and closed
