Empal's kiosk was in the same place as it had always been. This brought for Boyce some degree of security and stability, and it also helped his confidence to go ahead with the plans that have been made for his retake of Phoride.
Empal had seen the two men and was now finally relieved from the worry that he had for them throughout the passed month, since they left Besten.
He knew that they were supposed to have arrived in Pomperaque long ago, having taken the shorter route, but he knew that there had to be some good reason and he was certain that they would be told to him.
He saw the strange crow perched upon Boyce's shoulder and he saw how dirty and ripped their clothing was. Other than their wandering appearance and their stale smell, Empal thought to himself the traveller's prayer of thanks, to God.
They came up to Empal's stall and they stayed around there for a while choosing fruits that were the ripest and biggest for their price.
"You have good fruit here, old man!" said Lloyd, as he picked up an apple and bit into it.
"Would you trade or pay money, for that?" asked Empal as he pointed at the apple.
Zoro jumped down onto the stall, from Boyce's shoulder, and started to pick at some grapes
and corn. Empal waved it away and he looked somewhat annoyed.
"We'll have that, which my bird began to eat, and a kilo of apples, and two pomegranates!" said Boyce.