The nights were cursed with sorrows of souls, stained with blood and tears.

At Reinwestport, the sun had just risen. The dew still clung to the rust, and smoky mist drifted from the factories. A small boat with a crate docked that very morning.

From the cargo stepped out Yudha, a tall, strong, brown man. His hair was cut short, as if he served in the military. Three men followed: Thoma, a strong muscular figure with scary eyes; Jacob, a rather older man; and Zune, a lean younger boy wearing round glasses.

Yudha: Okay boys, look alive. THIS IS Reinwestport. Let's get into business quick. Jacob and Zune, move the crate somewhere safe for now. Don't forget—we are spice sellers here to sell some. Get to know the market. Got it?

Yudha handed over some cash to Jacob and Zune.

Thoma: What about me, Yudha?

Yudha: You and I will scout around the city, find the dealer we’re looking for. Hopefully we’ll find him—or someone more suitable for our deal.

Zune and Jacob moved the crates while Thoma and Yudha headed to the nearby market. After some time, the market was opening. Yudha spotted a man setting up his stall.

Yudha: Good man, how do you do?

Man: You don’t look familiar.

Yudha: We aren’t quite from here, you see. Can you help me find one Mr. Old Copper?

Man: Old Copper’s estate is to the west, fifteen minutes’ walk from here.

Yudha: Well, thank you, good sir. Have a nice day.

Yudha and Thoma walked west.

Thoma: It’s weird. We were told he was just another person here.

Yudha: Not quite. If he had enough supplies for us, it’s not surprising he’s rich. And this man we’re going to meet has a reputation for his guns. It’s not a big matter—the thing is if he has an open market.

Thoma: Why? We just need guns.

Yudha: Not quite. Old Copper is the exclusive gun supplier for them. So if he has an open market, the twofold action won’t work.

Thoma: Then how is he going to sell us guns?

Yudha: Because we have something of value.

Thoma: But that’s the same as before.

Yudha: Well, if he is a licensed gun maker, he’s just another seller. But if he is not...

Thoma: They would make a scene for selling to us!!

Yudha: Yes, indeed. I think so.

Thoma gave a concerned look to Yudha.

Thoma: Think so??

After a few minutes, they reached the estate’s entrance, greeted by a guard.

Guard: Who the hell are you? What do you want?

Yudha: We are here to meet Mr. Alex Old Copper.

Guard: No, you can’t.

Thoma: Are you sure?

Yudha: Calm down, Thoma. This man here is just doing his job. To the guard: Good sir, we are merchants from the east. We are here to sell and buy some products from your boss. Won’t he be angry if he realizes his guard is ruining his business?

The guard hesitated. He wasn’t worried about what Yudha said—he was worried about getting punched by Thoma.

Guard: Wait a minute here.

After some time, he returned.

Guard: Go on.

Yudha: Thank you, good sir.

Yudha and Thoma were welcomed by two rifle‑wielding guards. They led them to Old Copper’s office. The mansion was huge, dimly lit with yellow lights. There were no exaggerated decorations, but the golden frame hanging on the wall lit up the whole mansion. It wasn’t a picture but a mirror. A lady dressed as a maid opened the door to his office.

Yudha: Good day, Mr. Old Copper. Sorry for troubling you this early morning.

Old Copper: Take a seat.

Yudha: How are you, Mr. Alex Old Copper?

Old Copper: What’s the purpose of your visit?

Yudha: Straight to business, I see. Well, I am a merchant from the east. I sell spices and things.

Old Copper: I don’t buy spices. Thanks for stopping by.

Old Copper stood up, busy gesturing Yudha to leave.

Yudha: Well, you might be interested in something else then. I heard you sell good guns, Mr. Old Copper.

Old Copper sat back in his chair.

Yudha: From a trusted acquaintance, of course.

Old Copper: I can see you aren’t an ordinary merchant. But I won’t sell guns to a stranger, mister.

Yudha: Well, but—Thoma...

Yudha gestured to Thoma. He placed a box on the table and opened it.

Yudha: Maybe you’ll sell to these four ladies here.

The box contained four shining crystals, each cut to perfection, mimicking the four elements of nature.

Old Copper: Elements of the King of Elexia.

Yudha: Indeed. I see you’ve got a good eye for these beauties.

Old Copper: What do you want?

Yudha: I want guns and ammunition as per order. Until the value matches the value we agree on, the stones will be four batches.

Old Copper: That’s a lot.

Yudha: It is. That’s why we came to you. We need the best models.

Old Copper: Payment?

Yudha: Each stone for each batch.

Old Copper paused for a moment.

Old Copper: Alright then!!

Yudha: It’s a deal. I’ll send my first order and place to be delivered soon.

Yudha and Thoma smiled at each other and walked out with the stones. They bought a few guns for their own use from Old Copper: four pistols, two rifles, and a shotgun, with some ammunition.

After some time, it was almost noon. On the first day, they managed the first step. They met Jacob and Zune back at the deck. They had found a warehouse attached to a small room with bunk beds for them.

Yudha: Well, gather around boys. Come—stand there, stand there, and there. So here is the plan.

Zune: Finally.

Yudha: We will buy weapons and ship them back to our place for their struggles there, while keeping what we want from it. Once the first batch reaches the shore, they will send some men—ten as promised, more or less—for our assistance. With the amount of money we were promised, we will take that money, buy a pub, maybe a bar, start our jewelry business, and maybe Zune might marry a young lady, making us all his children’s uncles.

Jacob: What about the stones?

Yudha: Well, I have promised a man called Alex Old Copper.

Zune: Oh God.

Yudha: The stones in exchange for guns.

Jacob: You bastard.

Yudha: Calm down, Jacob. It’s the King of Elexia’s jewels. And with the men we will be getting, we will—as per our mission here—do as we must. Now all of you take a pistol each. The pistols must be fully loaded at all times, with extra bullets in your hand. Now we are going to buy a good horse.