Chapter 75: Rhian
This is Champion, he has been bred specifically for stamina. If you are looking for a centaur that can ride for long distances then look no further, Karlok explained.
Champion was a skinny centaur compared to the previous Maximus. Yet, by no means was Champion frail. His long legs were taut with muscles. There was not an inch of fat over his body. Unlike Maximus, Champion walked in circles around his pen, prancing about in an effort to show his skills.
He looks fast, Stryg said with bright eyes.
Stamina and speed are definitely desired traits in any centaur, Loh turned to Karlok. But, what about weight?
Karlok scratched his cheek, Champion can comfortably carry up to 200 pounds, which may not seem ideal for larger beings such as some orcs. But! If we are looking for a centaur for this fine young man, then that is more than adequate.
Loh sized Stryg up, Im not so sure about that. My apprentice is heavier than he looks.
Karlok glanced between the goblin and drow. Are you implying that Champion cant carry the weight of a goblin?
Im not implying, Im telling you. Strygs weight coupled with his travelling supplies will be too much for Champion, Loh crossed her arms.
Surely, you jest, Karlok barked in laughter.
Wanna bet? Loh raised an eyebrow.
Oh, I dont wish to take your money, Karlok shook his head.
Mm, she nodded. Stryg is the one paying today, but if I lose the bet Ill match the price of whatever centaur he buys. Youll get double the gold. How does that sound?Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
Karlok swallowed, And if by some horribly unlikely chance I lose?
Then Stryg only pays half-price for his centaur. So, what do you say?
Thank you for your patronage, Karlok grinned.
Perfect. Lead us to a balance scale, she gestured.
Right this way, Karlok bid them to follow.
Stryg looked at Loh questioningly. Sure, she had said he weighed more than normal this morning. But, he couldnt weigh that much. He was only 4 feet tall. He looked at his palms. Then again, his body had changed a lot the past year. He was surprised to realize he wasnt really sure what the outcome of the bet would be.
Karlok led them up another flight of stairs. There were only a few pens and trainers here. In the corner lay a scale. It was quite large, spanning about a dozen feet. It was no doubt meant for weighing the centaurs. The flat rectangular plates lay between a fulcrum.
Why do they even have this? Stryg asked.
Karlok smiled, Excellent question. One of the factors for the price of a centaur is its weight. Its important to know how much a centaur can weigh when you're traveling by boat. Ship captains often charge their passengers based on space and weight of the cargo, including centaurs.
Stryg, why dont you hand me your satchel and take a stand on the plate, Loh pushed him forward.
...Right, Stryg nodded reluctantly.
He stepped onto the right plate. The plate sank as the left plate shot up high. Karlok called some of the nearby trainers to place weights on the left plate. After several large slabs of metal were laid on the plate it moved down, barely.
What the hell? Karlok furrowed his brow.
He motioned his men to put more weights. After a dozen or so more were placed the scale became balanced. Stryg fidgeted, he wanted to get off already.
Thats a little over 340 pounds. It cant be Is he using a durability spell? Karlok turned to Loh.
Stryg isnt a chromatic yellow and as you can tell there are no yellow scales on him either, she shrugged.
Karlok ran his hands through his grey hair. He was going to lose a lot of money.
Thank you for your patronage, Loh chuckled.
Shes not the best warrior, Maximus is. She doesnt have the best stamina, Champion does. She doesnt have the best weight limit, Ann does. Do you see what Im getting at? Loh spread out her hands.
Stryg glanced at the vampire breeder, Karlok, can Rhiannon carry my weight?
Oh, most definitely. She also has great stamina. She may not be as strong as Maximus, true, but in terms of overall balanced traits, Rhiannon surpasses all others.
Dont listen to him Stryg, he just wants to make up for his losses from the bet. She probably costs twice, if not thrice the price of the others, Loh said.
But, shes the best overall, right? Isnt she worth it? Why would I not want the best? Besides, shell be half the price thanks to the bet, Stryg argued.
Judging from the way Rhiannon moved she would undoubtedly excel in battle. Her coat was the color ebony, as was her hair. It was almost like fate was bringing her to the Ebon Hollow tribe. Stryg could see it now. Him as chief, riding into battle on a shadowy steed, casting bolts of flame at their enemies. It would be glorious.
Stryg Are you sure thats the only reason you want her? Loh pursed her lips.
Huh? Stryg looked up from his daydreaming.
It wouldnt be because said centaur is prancing about naked with an incredibly large bust bouncing up and down? Loh raised an eyebrow.
Stryg blinked. ...What? N-no, of course not. Do you really think I would make such a decision based on her breasts? As if a warrior could be distracted by such a petty thing.
What about a horny teenager? Loh crossed her arms.
All our centaurs are willing to serve as comfort companions as well, Karlok interjected. Most are not bred with that main purpose mind you, but they can fulfill that need. Based on Rhiannons upper body I don't think she would fail in that regard, even compared to Ruby.
How am I not surprised, Loh sighed. Stryg, were not here to get you a comfort companion. If that girl, Feli, isnt satisfying your needs at home, just go to one of the brothels in the Night District. What you need right now is a centaur for travelling, not a show horse. However, I wont stop you from buying her. Its your money after all. But, if you do, I believe this experience will ultimately teach you an important lesson.
Which is? Stryg tilted his head.
To not think with your dick, Loh grinned maliciously.
People think with their brain, Stryg pointed out.
Its a saying. Trust me, youll understand soon enough, Loh rubbed her temple. Karlok, well buy her if the price is reasonable. But, I want your guarantee that we can return her if she isnt what Stryg truly wants.
Miss Noir, all sales are final, Karlok chuckled.
My warning is final, Loh tapped her mage necklace.
Karlok cleared his throat, Did I say final? I meant very much disputable. If you are not satisfied with any of our centaurs I will personally make sure you have your money back guaranteed.
Good, Loh smiled thinly, Now, bring that damn centaur over here.
Right away. Karlok walked over to the obstacle course.
The trainers ceased their routine. Rhiannon paused in her steps. Karlok walked up to her and began talking. After a moment, she chuckled and followed Karlok back over to Loh and Stryg. The centaur stopped a few feet from the mage duo.
Karlok held out his hand, May I introduce you to Rhiannon, incredibly talented show horse, and prized centaur of the Swift Winds establishment. This is high master mage Loh of House Noir.
Rhiannon bent her forelegs and bowed her head, Miss Noir, it is my utmost pleasure. I cannot honestly say I am surprised to be chosen by a scion of a Great House. Nonetheless, it is the greatest of honors and one that I will strive to live up to.
Shes a cocky one isnt she? Maybe they are a perfect match, Loh burst into laughter.
Karlok coughed. Rhiannon gave him a questioning look.
He signaled his eyes over at the goblin, And this is Miss Noirs apprentice, Stryg of the Ebon Hollow tribe. He is the one who has chosen you and will become your new rider.
Rhiannons jaw went slack, Eh?
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