Chapter 2

Only a few hours into the afternoon and Mero's demise was already the talk of the market. The alchemist's guild were notorious for changing heads often and suddenly and it was the fuel for the fire of gossip shooting from the merchants mouths. Iskander meandered around, feigning an inspection of the second-rate fish the men weren't able to sell in the morning.

A sly voice pierced the assassin's ears.

"Efendi, take a look at our fine produce, I am sure you will not regret."

"Really, it looks like second rate produce, you might as well give those apples to me for free before I get offended at your price."

"Arrogant boy, get away, you are scaring off my customers. Do not return."

Iskander smiled mischievously at the trader and snidely answered back.

"No I probably won't, but I'm sure Mehmet will be wondering where his order went. I can recognize those barrels from a mile away." Iskander mentioned towards three oak barrels beside the stall. "Oak doesn't come cheap here."

"I am sorry, who is this Mehmet you speak of? I am Adil! And if he could afford those oak barrels he would be worth knowing." The merchant defiantly exclaimed.

"Really? I'll have you know the guardsmen are looking for a missing order this very minute and if your barrels are found to have a meem symbol, you'd best get your hand ready." The assassin smirked.

The merchant's eyes focused and started to tear up.

"I… I am so sorry Sayed! Please do not tell them of this. I will give you the produce right away! How much is it that you desire?"

"One okka of apples and two of oranges. Half again one of figs and another of olives."

The merchant paled, inhaled one sharp breath, looked like he was about to reconsider and wrung his hands.

"One days profit of stolen goods lost, or your hand." Iskander sing-songed. "Choose wisely oh master." He bowed at the waist in his most mocking fashion.

"Curse you. Take it and begone." The weasily man piled the produce on a scale, then into Iskanders pouch.

"Teşekkür ederim!" The assassin swiftly disappeared into the crowd and made his way to the guards post…

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Efendi: Turkish word meaning master/lord. Usually a term of respect. Derived from the Ancient greek word Afendes.

Meem Symbol: م Arabic letter M. The Ottomans used the Turkish language, but for writing they borrowed the Arabic script.

Sayed: Arabic word for Master/Lord, usually used for descendants of the Prophet.

Okka: Unit of Measurement about 1.3 kg

Teşekkür ederim: Thank you in Turkish (literally I give my Thanks)