Zach and Nick burst out laughing, they heaved and heaved until the capital guard arrived. Whipping tears from their eyes, Zach and Nick gave their report to the Captain. When The Capital guard rounded up the henchmen and carried the Leader to where Zach guessed that prison cell he stayed the night in, Zach gave a sharp whistle and Gilder trotted up. The Captain had found Nick’s mount a block away from where the incident took place and had brought The horse back to Nick.

“Oh my lord, that was the funniest thing I have ever seen in my life. Where did you get such a horse?” Nick said, still chuckling to himself.

“I got him from a close friend of mine. He is a horse breeder for the capital scouts, he owed me a favor and I asked him if he would train Gilder. Luckily he said yes.” Zach said.

“The Capital Scouts? I didn’t know they breed that-” Nick hesitated, “What breed is Gilder?”

“He is a descendant of the Mongolian War horses.” Zach said.

“What’s a Mongolian War horse doing all the way here?” Nick asked, bewildered.

“I found him in a field next to his mother, who had died in childbirth. My guess would be that his mother was part of a caravan, she must have gotten hurt or something because she was cut loose.” Zach said.

“That’s sad.” Nick said, solemnly.

“I didn’t have the money nor the space to raise a horse so I gave him to Old Bob, the Capital Scouts horse master and he raised him. Later I did some reshoeing for some of the Scout horses and Old Bob gave Gilder to me as a thank you.” Zach said, smiling at the memory.

“Wow, You must have had a fun and adventurous childhood,” Nick said, “Speaking of which. Where did you learn those fighting moves? The only person I know who can move like that Is Lieutenant Avner Seax, the Training master.”

“That’s exactly who taught me. Before Avner was promoted to be the Training master, he was posted in the streets of Chapin.” Zach said.

“Oh that’s cool. I never knew that.” Nick said.

“Every day after he made sure I did my community service, he would train me. After the first month He became my father figure.” Zach said.

Before Nick could answer they had trotted into the market which had started to close down for the day. Zach hurriedly got the rest of the materials he needed to forge Nick’s sword, which was the Red Oak wood for the handle, Charcoal and normal Coal, various stamps and tools for the fancy design, and just some groceries for the blacksmith. He was able to sell his sword for some extra gold. He always sold his sword to the merchants whenever he came to the Capital market without any stock swords.

“Do you have everything that you need?” Nick asked.

“I do, it was a little expensive but the quality makes up for it.” Zach said. 

“Excellent! How long will it take for you to finish it?” Nack asked.

“Well you will need to forge it. This isn't just some sword you get from the rack in the armory, this is your sword so you need to put your blood, sweat, and tears into it.” Zach said.

“Oh… Well how am I supposed to do that? It’s not like I can take time off from my training.” Nick said.

“Oh I promise you, you won't. You need to train to be able to wield your sword.” Zach said, “Just talk to Avner and he will give permission to have your training transferred over to me.”

“I don’t think my Father would agree to it.” Nick said speculatively.

“Just ask, after what happened with the Muggers and our conversation this morning I assume he wouldn't mind at all.” Zach said.

“You're right! I’ll ask. But how long will the process usually take?” Nick said.

“About a month, month and a half,” Zach said. “Depends on your combat skill level.”

“Ok. I’ll go and arrange my leave. You should go and get back to your forge, you have been away from it for long enough,” Nick said. “I’ll join you soon.” 

And That was that. Nick bid Zach a farewell for the time being and Zach waved back.