22. Beyond Master and Servant

Eryndor's eyes sparkled with a minute ray of hope. "If only I could find the ancient teleportation spell diagram and a little bit of Angel's blood, I might be able to return to my world."

The Shadow, sensing Eryndor's thoughts, suggested, "You should visit the 'Eternal Eclipse' Auction. Precious items often find their way there, and although it's a long shot, Angel's blood might make an appearance."

Eryndor's face lit up with determination. "I'll do it. When does the auction open?"

The Shadow replied, "The Eternal Eclipse Auction will commence in three days. You have some time to prepare."

And so Eryndor left the Shadowed quill.

With nothing to do for the moment, Eryndor turned his attention to his subordinate, Krog. The goblin's tattered hood, old worn-out shoes and dull dagger caught his eye. Eryndor realized that Krog wouldn't last long in a decent fight. He decided to take his subordinate shopping.

Their first stop was the clothing store, "Moonlit Garments." Eryndor approached the merchant, a slender man with a well-groomed beard, and asked, "I'm looking for some decent clothes for my... associate. Something sturdy and practical."

The merchant, intrigued by Eryndor's request, replied, "Ah, I see. Well, we have some fine leather tunics and breeches that might suit your needs. Let me show you some of our best pieces."

Krog watched in surprise as Eryndor browsed through the clothes, eventually selecting a sturdy leather tunic, a pair of durable breeches, and a warm cloak. The merchant packaged the items, and Eryndor paid for them without hesitation.

Krog's eyes widened as he accepted the clothes from Eryndor. "M-master, why are you doing this for me?" he stuttered.

Eryndor smiled, "You're my subordinate, Krog. I want to make sure you're well-equipped and comfortable. Besides, a good servant deserves good clothes."

Krog's eyes welled up with tears as he looked at the fine clothes. No one had ever shown him such kindness before. In the Netherworld, it was every creature for themselves. Krog had grown up alone, fending for himself, and had learned to rely only on his wits and cunning to survive.

Their next stop was the "Ironforged" Armor shop. Eryndor purchased a new dagger, a pair of light leather boots, and a suit of light chain armor for Krog. As the armor shop owner helped Krog into the armor, the goblin's eyes shone with gratitude.

Krog's voice trembled as he spoke, "M-master, I... I don't know what to say. No one has ever done something so kind for me before."

Eryndor's heart swelled with emotion as he looked at Krog. Back in his own world, people had shunned him, afraid of his bad luck. His parents had abandoned him, and he had grown up alone, fending for himself. But here, in the Netherworld, he had found someone who was grateful for his presence.

Eryndor's eyes misted as he replied, "Krog, you're my subordinate. I want to help you, to make sure you're safe. You don't have to thank me, just... just be yourself, okay?"

Krog nodded, tears streaming down his face. "I will, master. I promise."

Eryndor and Krog stood there, holding each other, as the tears flowed. For the first time in Eryndor's life, he felt a sense of belonging, of being appreciated. And Krog, well, Krog had found a master who truly cared for him, a rare commodity in the harsh world of the Netherworld.

The armor shop owner looked on, bewildered by the scene unfolding before him.