"That's it. All we require now is the setup fee and your initial deposit into the account," Devin said.
The cost for the account had been five gold, which SJ knew many could never afford, and the process for them to open a joint account had been quite simple and hadn't taken long. Each of them was given a coin that was directly related to them as individuals. SJ had no idea how the specific device had worked, which had been used, and all she had felt was a slight tingling sensation in her hand when she held the coin and Devin triggered the device. The device looked like a UV light for drying nails under, and the three of them placed their hands under it in turn.
"Any other being can't use the coins, but if you lose one, there is a cost of three gold coins to replace them," Devin added, seeing SJ turn the coin in her fingers. Her coin was larger than the one Lurtew and Yawnee had. It was silvery coloured with a blue sheen that appeared almost holographic when she turned it in the light. Around its edge were four small gemstones. The gemstones were all different colours—blue, yellow, red, and green.
SJ snapped back to reality and looked at Devin. "How much do you need for the initial deposit?"
"There is no limit. Whatever you wish."
SJ had the money from Malvon and withdrew some of it from her inventory. Six shiny platinum coins, thirty gold, and forty silver were placed on the desk. She kept the remainder in her inventory for now. Yawnee and Lurtew both gaped in amazement at the coins, and Devin smiled as he scooped them up. "Did you wish to set a limit?"
"A limit?"
"Yes. A limit for withdrawals. If over a certain amount is attempted to be withdrawn, then authorisation from yourself as the main account holder is necessary. It also is a maximum daily withdrawal limit, meaning that once it is reached, then even if the amount was triggered, you would receive notification of activity on the account."
"Oh. Yes, say anything over." SJ looked at Yawnee and Lurtew. "What do you think?"
Lurtew stared at SJ for several moments before replying. "I think the most expensive item we have ever purchased wasn't even a gold before."
SJ shrugged. "Set it at five gold to cover any eventualities."
"That is fine. If a transaction above that is requested, then your coin will activate, and authorisation will be necessary."
SJ looked at the coin again.
"Here, I will show you. Press and hold the small blue gem on its edge," Devin said. SJ did as Devin suggested and stared at the gem in disbelief as a message appeared on its surface. It showed the balance of the new account they had set up, and the figures appeared in the small text across its surface.
'6.30..40...0'
"The amount of a transaction would appear underneath your balance, and to authorise a transaction, you are required to hold the yellow gem for ten seconds," Devin said, holding a blank coin in his hand and showing her.
"What do the other two gems do?" SJ asked, amazed at the technology that mana provided them. It did not differ from using a mobile phone to authorise or access her online banking account back on Earth.
"If you hold the red gem for ten seconds, the coin is deactivated. The green reactivates it again after holding it for ten seconds."
SJ held the red gem, and after the allotted time, the figures on the coin vanished. The blue sheen that had been showing faded, leaving it looking more like a jewelled coin than anything else. She then held the green gem, and the blue sheen reappeared. After holding the blue gem, the balance again appeared on the coin. She released her finger and then pressed it again, turning the balance back off.
"How far does this work?" SJ asked.
"The coins are no different to communication stones. They use the mana lines, so as long as you are in an area that has mana, which I know of no place that doesn't, then they will work."
"So, we can check the balance from anywhere? That's great."
"No. You may check the balance as the main account holder. Yawnee and Lurtew do not have the right to view the details. As you can see, their coins are smaller, and they are only authorised to withdraw funds at a branch and use them as proof of being account holders."
When the account details were discussed, Yawnee and Lurtew were both emphatic about not having full access to the account. They were both terrified as it was over the prospect of the coin that SJ had and didn't want the pressure of it being available to them. Lurtew's eyes had almost glazed before he had stated that temptation could be an evil he didn't wish to be drawn towards. He had made enough stupid decisions over the rent from District 3 previously and didn't trust himself not to do something stupid. SJ could understand their reservations and wasn't going to argue. It gave her added security and allowed her to use the account as she wished without worrying about someone coming along and emptying it.
The office door opened, and Otherlisar walked in. "Apologies that I took so long. How are you getting on?" Otherlisar asked.
"We are nearly finished, ma'am," Devin said.
"Excellent. I hope everything is to your satisfaction, SJ?"
"Absolutely." SJ was still astounded by the bank's operation. "I just have one final question for now. As there is no branch in Killic, how can I add funds?"
"Through any auction house, you can make transfers through their facilities. They do charge a handling fee, but it is fixed per transaction."
"Can I also withdraw through an auction house?"
"No. Withdrawals can only be made at branches. Some of the larger city guilds will use the banking system, but nearly all traders and merchants don't have the facility."
The financial capability and depth that SJ was becoming aware of within Amathera had her tingling with excitement. Money had always been her forte, since her life as a forensic accountant, and she knew she would eventually have to spend more time fully understanding how it worked on Amathera. All her previous interactions had involved coins and written logs, yet there appeared to be a system that was inaccessible to most, providing almost modern Earth functionality in comparison.
SJ checked her display; her inventory showed the adjusted coin she now held. 'I wonder if there is a way to add the bank details to my interface?' SJ thought.
"I can do some digging," Dave said. He had been quiet again, and SJ believed that the overarching potential of the system attacking him again was making him more subdued than usual. If only there was a way that she could support in proving his evidence of life to the system. It was now just after ten, and she wished to be at the Broken Toe before the meeting was due between the district lieutenant and who she hoped was Mas, the gang leader.
"I think that is everything for now," SJ said, looking at Lurtew and Yawnee, who both nodded their heads in agreement.
"Oh, I must dash as well," Otherlisar said. I have a client meeting to attend. It was great seeing you again, SJ, and I hope to catch up soon."
"No problem. Thank you for your help," SJ said, smiling at the bugbear.
"Anytime," Otherlisar said as she left the office again.
They thanked Devin for his help and left the bank, SJ still holding her coin in her hand. She pressed and held the red gem before eventually adding it to her inventory.
"I think we are going to head to the gardens again," Yawnee said, smiling, grabbing Lurtew by the crook of his arm. Lurtew let out an audible sigh.
SJ couldn't help but laugh. "No problem. I need to get going myself. At least now, anything in the house should be covered. Especially with the work that I have asked to be done there, you will now be able to pay for any of the costs."
"Are you in for dinner later?" Yawnee asked.
"I'm not sure yet. It depends on how things go today. Do you mind taking Kibble with you?" SJ said.
"Not at all, and we have enough food in any way if you do make dinner. Right, come on, you time to visit the gardens again," Yawnee said. SJ handed Kibble over to Lurtew, and he settled on his shoulder before Yawnee dragged Lurtew towards the gardens.
SJ watched them go, smiling, before heading towards a small park close to the bank. She would go and meet Carlito, then head to the Broken Toe. As SJ was entering the park, she heard Otherlisar's voice. She called to one of the bank staff before climbing into a wagon that was parked outside and heading off towards the outer city.
SJ changed and flew to the Griffin. Carlito was sitting casually in his room when she arrived. He looked fresh and full of life. She still felt a little tired from the previous evening's activities.
"Shall we go then? We should get there before the meeting is due to start. I do have a concern, though," SJ said.
"What concern?" Carlito asked.
"I am not as easy to disguise as yourself. I know I can change my clothing, but my hair is another story entirely, and I don't think I can sit in a bar without being noticed by someone at this time of day. I doubt it will be busy."
Carlito mulled over her comment for a few moments before standing and walking to a cupboard. He opened the cupboard and removed a backpack, bringing it back to where SJ stood. "This should be large enough."
"For what?" SJ asked, confused.
"For you to hide inside. I can carry you in miniature form. Beings carry backpacks everywhere with them."
The statement was true, but SJ wasn't sure how she felt about being carried around inside a backpack like a handbag dog.
"I suppose it would allow me to get inside without being seen," SJ said, frowning a little, dismayed by the concept.
"You will be fine," Carlito smiled. "And as you say, no one will even know you're there."
"True."
"Here, give it a go, and we can check," Carlito said, placing the backpack on the table and opening the flap.
SJ shrunk before flying to the backpack and dropping inside. It was easily large enough for her to fit inside comfortably, and the backpack was made of soft leather, which made its smell pleasant. Carlito then reached for the flap and placed it over the backpack. There was a gap around its edge, and SJ manoeuvred herself so that she could see out of it. "Okay. I think this will work," SJ said.
"Excellent. Shall we go then?" Carlito said.
"I'm not staying in here yet. I will change nearer the bar again," SJ said as she climbed from under the flap and dropped to the floor again before growing.
Carlito chuckled. "It would have been fun, Shadow Stepping around the city with you on my back."
"For you maybe," SJ huffed.
It was only fifteen minutes before the meeting was due to be held, and SJ had climbed into the backpack in a nearby alley to the inn. Carlito is currently walking across the road. He disguised himself as a human male today, wearing what would be classed as average clothing. There was nothing excessive about him, and he would disappear amongst a crowd of normal beings in the city.
SJ tried to look out of the backpack flap, but she was jostled by Carlito's movements and struggled to keep her balance.
"Good morning," a female voice calls as Carlito enters the bar.
"Morning. Can I get a breakfast and an ale, please?" Carlito asked.
"Of course, where would you like to sit?" the being or whomever it was that was speaking to him said. She couldn't see a thing.
"Over there looks good," Carlito said.
"I will bring it over when ready," the voice replied.
SJ bounced about as he removed the backpack from his shoulder and placed it on the table. She wondered if he had been a little more violent than necessary, as she was sent crashing to her rear inside the backpack, letting out a low groan. The bar sounded very quiet, and she hissed in a whisper, "Be careful."
Carlito let out a soft chuckle, hardly audible. SJ felt hands on the backpack, and the flap was lifted slightly, making it easier for her to see out. The bar was a dark oak, and lanterns provided light inside its darkened interior. It didn't look very appealing, and from SJ's hidden perch, she could see a goblin and a dwarf sitting at a table having a hushed conversation, leaning close to each other. The goblin kept looking around nervously as they spoke.
'This place doesn't look very pleasant,' SJ thought.
"It's a typical bar, by the looks of it," Dave said.
'I have been meaning to ask you about my vision. Why does it work outside? I can see 360 degrees, but when inside, it is reduced. I would have thought I would be able to see outside of the bag with it.'
"If your natural vision is affected, then so is your 360 vision. Can I explain how it works? No," Dave laughed.
'That's helpful then.'
"Sorry, but I have no idea how it operates. I know it is similar to how I see your world; it is as though I am looking down in the third person, but yours isn't the same, as you are looking out from your body, not down exactly. It's just that when your natural vision is blocked, it will affect your ability to see in the same context. It's way beyond my current capability to explain its intricacies fully."
"Here you go," the female voice SJ had heard before said as SJ watched a plate of food being placed on the table and a tankard of ale. Carlito picked the ale up and took a swig before handing the girl some copper coins.
"Thanks," Carlito said.
"Let me know if you need anything else," the female voice sounded flirtatious.
SJ couldn't see Carlito's face but imagined him smiling in response.
The door to the inn opened, and SJ heard footsteps and a deep male voice.
"I will get my usual, please."
"Of course, sir," the female replied. SJ watched as a being moved across in front of her vision, walking deeper into the bar area.
"That was Harmyster," Carlito whispered.
SJ had never met the Lieutenant, so he had no idea what he looked like.
"Where did he go?" she whispered.
"Towards the back," Carlito replied. I will move the pack in a minute and see if it helps."
SJ waited impatiently as Carlito ate his breakfast before lifting the backpack and placing it down again. Steadying herself again, SJ peered from the interior. The bar stretched back from where they were by probably a further thirty feet. The rear of the bar was even darker than the front, with a single lantern only lighting the area. At this time of the day, the inn was so quiet.
"See you later," a voice called, making SJ jump as she heard a being leaving the bar. She had been focusing on Harmyster and watching his every move. He was a large bugbear, very broad and barrel-chested. His clothing looked delicate and expensive, and this didn't look like a bar he would ordinarily frequent, although the female voice had addressed him as sir, and he had asked for his usual, meaning that he must have been there often.
There was a scraping of chairs and footsteps as SJ heard the goblin and dwarf call thanks to the bar staff as they left. This left only Carlito, SJ, and Harmyster in the inn at the moment. The barperson was whistling, and SJ vaguely recognised the tune from one that Ptolemy had sung in Killic on several occasions. The door creaked again, letting in the noise from the street before closing again. No voices were heard as a person walked down the bar, footsteps getting nearer as the cloaked figure passed the table and headed towards Harmyster. The being sat down at the table opposite Harmyster and pulled his hood back. SJ could only see the back of his head from where she was looking.
"That's Mascol," Carlito whispered.
SJ could feel her tension building, knowing that the gang leader and Samwell's brother was only thirty feet from where she hid.
"Do you want to do it here?" SJ asked.
"Both?" Carlito said under his breath as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and blocking SJ's view.
"If we hit one, we would have to take the other," SJ replied, looking at the very close and large eyes of Carlito's current form as he looked towards her from where he was resting.
"At this time of day, we are in the open, so it's possible to take them easily. The problem we have is that we don't know what is outside. I doubt Mascol came alone."
"I've seen you take out eight men before?" SJ said.
"Low-level rogues. I have no idea what Harmyster is or if he has anyone nearby."
"Let's just watch them for now, then, and see what happens."
Carlito moved back, calling for another ale, while SJ viewed the scene at the end of the bar. Mascol partially blocked Harmyster, and she couldn't see their facial expressions or hear them from this distance, even with her enhanced hearing.
"I wish I were closer," SJ said.
"Not possible without drawing attention," Carlito replied. "The bar's empty."
SJ watched as Harmyster signalled for the barperson to bring them two ales and a glass of brandy. She watched as they were delivered to the table. As she viewed them talking, apprehension built in SJ. It was only the sound of the bar door opening again that broke her from her trance-like state of staring at them.
Another being walked by the table and passed them towards the rear of the bar. Again, they wore a cloak, but their cloak was tailored from expensive material and had a feminine edge. It was as the hood was pulled down that SJ suddenly realised what had been happening.
