Arthur stood dumbstruck as now several others joined the bid. [i]No. Why? It was going to be mine.[/i] He watched as a few surrounding merchants joined the bid, before a strange hand-like creature joined in with his pot and stick. A woman joined in with ten coins, almost making Arthur laugh. [i]As if ten measly coins could contend with a pot and stick that magnificent.[/i] He gave a defeated sigh and looked down at the lute in his hands, then he looked back up at the merchant. [i]No, not unless there's no other choice.[/i] Arthur grabbed his coin purse and held it up for all to see. "23 gold coins!" he shouted. It was all the money he had. If this wasn't enough then he'd have only one other choice.