They make their way to a small port settlement named Azento on the outskirts of the former Sanoran empire, supposedly Abbarang went there before he visited Halipawa island. You can still tell by all the symbols that they're in former Sanoran territory. The people are said to be fond of pranks and a little too direct for some tastes. But directness is often valued in merchant societies, and the Sanorans are no different, their former empire was built largely on trade, not military strength. After they find a hostel, Foley decides to go out on his own. He knows it's bad but his hands are itching, itching to steal. He hasn't stolen anything in a long time and he wonders if his fingers are still slippery enough. Normal people wouldn't get it, but there's a sense of pride in being able to take items without anyone noticing. Knowing that you could get caught any moment, it's exciting. He makes his way to the market. As is the case in most port or border towns, there's quite a diverse cast of people. But catfolk are clearly the dominant type here, being native to the Sanoran region and all. Still he shouldn't stand out too much as a wood elf.

  He checks out the various stalls. There's all sorts of wares, tapestries depicting recent war scenes or famous bards, paintings of beautiful buildings and nature, and food, plenty of exotic food.

  But he's only interested in one thing. He's been looking for new daggers for a long time. His old daggers growing blunt from fletching and practise. There it is, a weapon stall. Sanoran fighters are revered for their dagger and bow skills, so finding a good one shouldn't be difficult. He spots a set of beautiful twin daggers. "Twin scorpio desert stalkers" the sign reads. The handles are encrusted with green gems, which provide an enchantment boosting one's strength. A big, broad mean looking man wearing a towel on his head and another covering his mouth looks attentively at his wares.

  How much for these daggers, he points at a set of different daggers, "Serrated twin claws".

  Make an offer, the man says. Hm how about 5 gold pieces.

  The merchant starts laughing, you're going to have to do better than that. How about 50 gold pieces. Well I'll be honest they're not that good. If that's your budget I recommend a different set. What sort of purpose are your daggers for, do you want something flashy or more practical? Are they going to be poisoned or not? Hm I need something that quickly gets the job done but also looks impressive, Foley says. He knows how this goes, he has to distract him and lower his guard with friendly conversation first. What region are you from, you're not from around here I can see that.

  Mainly the Cavas region, but I travel far and wide. The Cavas region? My cousin goes there, he sells bows to the elven tribes. You heard of him? The name is Rashnar. As he talks with the man he directs the conversation to the swords behind him. Right as the man turns around he tries to snag the daggers. But they're gone already. He turns to his side and catches a glimpse of a young hooded catfolk rushing off. What the hell, those are supposed to be my daggers, I did all the setup.

  He runs off, while the merchant is still busy with his swords.

  The hooded figure runs through the crowds. He's small and fast, it's hard to keep up with him. Hey, come back here! He decides not to yell thief, knowing that would attract similar unwanted attention to himself.

  The catfolk quickly climbs up some barrels and makes his way up one of the flat roofs, but right as he tries to jump the ledges, Foley strikes his cape with a knife, which removes the balance from the guy and he trips, falling backwards. Foley grabs his chance to catch up to him. Hey those are my daggers, you think you can just steal them from me after I do all the setup? Don't thieves have a code around here?

  What does it matter to you, you're not from around here, if we get the authorities involved they'd side with me! the catboy replies, now that he can see his face it's clearly another young thief.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Well I'm not so sure about that, they despise thieves no matter what race. He tries to grab the daggers and they struggle over it.

  Hey, give me back my daggers. It's the merchant, he chased them all the way.

  Shit, this isn't good, let's get out of here. They make their escape over the rooftops, jumping from one to another before he finally loses track of them, becoming lost in the crowd.

  Why did you spend so much time talking to the merchant then, if you're a thief? The cat boy asks.

  The trick is to distract them first, then once they turn around you disappear along with the loot. That way they have to take a moment to adjust which allows you to get away.

  I just smash 'n grab usually. The name is Zadkiel, but you can call me Zad.

  Smash 'n run is way too risky in my experience, Foley says.

  How about we team up? Zad suggests. You talk, then I come in and run off with the items, unnoticed. They won't expect an elf to have allies around here. Here, you can have these daggers, there's another weapon stall just two streets from here.

  They go to the weapon stall and try out their new tactic. It works flawlessly, and Zad is the proud owner of a new pair of expensive twin daggers. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling hungry Foley, there's a nice bakery stall over there.

  Let's go for it! A few moments later they are stuffed with cake. Then they try a clothing stall. And a tapestry stall. Neither of them even cares about tapestries, but they wondered if they could get away with stealing a large tapestry. Then they try a jewelry stall. As Zad snags several chains and prepares to run off he bumps into a large man.

  Alright kiddo, I saw what you were doing. Trying to snatch jewelry are we?

  The guard takes him away and brings him to an open cell on the market square. He puts up a sign in front of him that says: Thief, caught stealing jewelry.

  People passing by throw rotten fruit and tomatoes at him.

  Foley walks over to the guards and asks them how long it will take before he will be freed.

  Why does it matter to you? You're friends with this scum? After the market ends today we'll throw him in jail, at least for a few months. That ought to teach him a lesson about stealing. If you want to see him sooner you're going to have to pay his bail, 50 gold coins.

  Foley walks over to Zad.

  Foley, you should go to my family's house, my little brother can help me.

  He gives him directions to his house.

  Foley arrives. It's in the bad area of town, you can tell by the amount of trash on the streets and the poor condition of the houses. Lots of them are made from junk wood.

  He knocks on the door.

  A young cat boy, about 8 or 9 opens the door. He looks almost exactly like Zad.

  Hey, I'm a friend of your brother Zad. He got captured by city guards and he said you would know what to do.

  Really, not again. The little boy is shocked.

  Don't worry, think about what your brother told you. He said you know how to get him out of there.

  Maybe.. maybe he means this. The boy disappears for a short while and returns carrying a vase.

  What's in the vase?

  Coins. They count 50 gold coins, put it in a bag and return to the market square.

  Alright Zadkiel you're free to go, but if we catch you one more time there won't be any bail. The stall owners have been complaining about thieves.

  Thank you Foley and Zerach. He pats his little brother on his head. These are for you by the way.

  He gives him his old set of daggers.

  Wow, so cool!

  Be careful though, only use them on the strawman for now.

  You know if we had smoke bombs I could've escaped. It's a must have for a thief or assassin. I know a guy who can hook us up. Come visit me again tomorrow morning, and we'll buy a set of them.