The port reminded Xaloc of the seaport that he had visited once with his grandfather. The moment he left the hallway, he was greeted with the sight of different shops and restaurants.
The building was a bit weird. There were five floors and Xaloc was on the top floor. Even though the floor was mirrored, he could not see the floor beneath him.
The lady had also talked about sticking to this floor. Xaloc was curious about the floor beneath.
His heart pounded in excitement and novelty as he watched the colourful scenes before him.
Some of the people did not look like humans or were human but with animals' lower parts, or animals with human lower parts.
Maybe it was even wrong to use the word, animal here. If someone could speak, walk and communicate effectively were they still human? What is even human?
Xaloc paused. He might be getting a little philosophical. It is best to backtrack.
His stomach growled. He had not even had breakfast before they had started preparing to leave.
The way his parents had dropped everything, their friends, and their fortune to leave with his grandma shocked Xaloc a little. According to his speculation, it would take at least two days.
Mason and Mara really have good parents. Nope, don't think about that either.
Xaloc attention went back to the building, the way the floor opened up into a dome with streets, almost like a small town was an architectural impossibility.
Should not be impossible for the gods though?
"Ranking of the top high schools in Atlantis. A better education for a brighter future." One man shouted as Xaloc reached the books side of the dome.
"First time in Shangri-La? Come buy your Dos and Don'ts. Be careful not to offend some…" The man seemed to be some kind of goat. Half man, half goat. What were they called again, Satyr?
The moment he grinned like a chemise cat showcasing a set of black sharp razor teeth.
"Young Lad. Are you going to Shangri-La to look for a job? Here this book would tell you the best jobs you can do, each job here would give you at least two vials."
Vials. Xaloc noted the unfamiliar word.
He glanced at the bookshelf and the piles of books lying on the floor. His eyes met one.
It was a blue book with orange lettering, very eye-catching. Introduction to the gods and customs of Shangri-La.
The bookseller was very observant and he noticed what Xaloc was looking at and grinned.
"One of my rare books. The book had all the gods that survived the Ragaronk from the Greek gods to the Hindus. Everything is included here."
"How much gold is it?" Xaloc asked.
The Satyr hesitated before he seemed to agree with something, "Alright! Ten gold. One should learn to let go of things. Ten gold and it is yours." The Satyr finally said.
Xaloc paid and the Satyr gave him the book. He had not even worked fifty steps when he saw a similar book.
"How much is this book?" The woman looked at his clothes. Mortal clothes, he should not be rich then. She sighed. Recently, she had bad business but it was still better than the other floors.
"Twenty silvers. That is the final price. I won't go any lower." She said dismissively.
"Twenty Silvers?" Xaloc looked back and was sure the Satyr was gone. His bookshelf and books had all disappeared, it was as if he never existed.
He had actually been scammed. How much gold for it. Xaloc thought that gold was the lowest form of currency here.
Even though he still had a pouch of gold coins, the thought of being scammed was a terrible one. He took the man's image into memory, the man owned him and he would definitely collect it.
Xaloc sniffed, he could perceive some kind of food. Was that jollof rice?
"Sorry. Is there a restaurant this way?" He asked the woman who nodded.
"Oh! Juliet. They make good food. Cheap too. You should try it out!"
She waved her hand off, not in the least bothered that he did not buy. any book.
Xaloc walked down the road before turning left to the restaurant. It was not kike the elegant restaurants his parents took him to or the cosy restaurant that his friends like to eat it.
His one looked like a hastily put together restaurant with benches outside in a haphazard manner.
Someone pulled him to the wall, hugging him tight and bending down as if he was kissing his neck.
Xaloc wanted to push him away but he could feel the bony structure that clung to him trembling slightly.
Really the boy was all bones and had a weird smell about him.
"I swear I saw the little wolf run this way about an hour ago." A tall thin man who had skin as red as blood said.
He looked around and saw the two boys frolicking in public and whistled, "Get a room."
The shorter fat man watched the two before he knocked the tall man on the head, "An hour ago, he must be long gone. "
"Big boss! Why are you worried? He does have any gold or vial, he can't hide in the Crossroad for long. He would need to use his ticket to Atlantis sometime soon. We just need to wait for him there."
The man seemed to have no fear shouting in public. Not to mention that even though he was speaking, his mouth did not seem to be moving. However, Xaloc could understand the man's language and the boy could too as he shivered uncontrollably.
Xaloc held him tight to steady him. The men looked around for a while before leaving.
The moment they left, the boy slumped on the ground, his courage and strength leaving him.
Xaloc took a close look at the boy. He was dressed in a black robe that did nothing to hide the thin frame underneath. Little scars stretched out from the robe hinting at more beneath.
The boy had wavy brown hair streaked with an occasional blond. Almost like a poorly done dye job. His brown eyes were almost golden in color and a thick line of lashes laid against pale skin.
Those eyes stared at him coldly but Xaloc could see the wariness and fear within their depths.
"Thank you. Sorry." The boy struggled to say. His voice was scratchy and harsh like someone who had not used it better.
"My name is Xaloc. Xaloc Night. What is yours?"
Golden eyes watched him for a long time as if appraising him, "Ozias."
"Ozias." Xalox repeated as if tasting the name with his mouth, "I would like to treat you to a meal. I have a business offer you would be interested in. What do you say?"