A/N: Thank you for clicking to view this story. Please note, this story is a piece of complete fiction and does not intend to accurately portray any real people, nations, or religions.
Dictionary: Yuánfèn—缘分, instances of fateful or serendipitous coincidences that may be driven by our actions in our past life or other factors unseen in the universe.
Black eyes peer forward from underneath a straw hat.
"How much longer?! Are we there yet!" a voice blares.
Violet sits at the helm of the horse-drawn carriage next to the Driver. She turns slowly, her eyes peering from underneath her straw hat to meet his.
The Driver gives her a knowing look before clearing his throat. "Not much longer sir, we're almost at the city gate."
"Well hurry the fuck up!" the Silk Merchant's shrills boom from inside. "You bastards sure have been taking your time this entire trip!"
Violet rolls her eyes. With that tone, you'd think the silk they're carrying is headed for the Imperial Palace. But inventory at the Port City is always sold overseas, where buyers are usually less than discerning.
The forest unfolds in front of them, cut down the middle by a narrow dirt road. For three weeks the party traveled non-stop in order to arrive at Port City today. The Silk Merchant was insistent, to-the-day, on-the-dot. His beady eyes have been dogged and secretive, darting towards the cargo wagons every five minutes. No one is allowed to look at or handle the merchandise, which has been sealed under the covers of the wagon the entire trip.
"We better get to the port before closing today!" He screeches. "I need to get these...my silks on the ships today! Hurry up! Or I'm cutting your pay if you miss the deadline!"
The Driver takes a sharp breath and mutters "He sure has nerve, considering—" he stops short of the next word.
Violet turns to him. "Considering?"
The Driver lets out his breath slowly. "Nothing...I'm just imagining things."
Violet turns forward to the road. The Driver gives her a questionable look but says nothing.
The road widens slowly, a good sign they're approaching a city. Humidity begins to soak into everyone's skin.
"Ughh, what's that smell?" one of the carriers groans.
The scent of metal pierces their noses. Violet closes her eyes and grits her teeth. It's the unmistakable smell of seawater.
She grips the jade pendant attached to her waistband, rubbing her thumb across the carved patterns. Her left hand grasps her wallet, counting the coins leftover through the outside of the cloth satchel. Four-five-six. Barely enough for 3 days of food, and that's if she skips lodging.
The Driver peers again at Violet. He clears his throat, lowering his head to be on her same level. "Miss, once we get to the port, I will leave" he whispers "You should do the same. Don't stay for the ship-loading." He straightens his back upright, picks up the pace a bit.
The city gate finally emerges within view. The sun is high, a sign it's around mid-day. A few other travelers can be seen entering and exiting the city. There are guards posted by the gate, but they don't seem to be checking cargo. Violet hears a raspy cough from behind. She turns to see that the Silk Merchant has poked his large, bald head out of the side window, also eyeing the guards. Their eyes meet.
YOU ARE READING
Violet's Journey through Lakes and Rivers
AdventureViolet is a lone, wandering swordsman. She meets Li and Yao, two other swordsmen from vastly different backgrounds. As time goes on, the three begin to question their morals, but ultimately find inspiration for their virtues.
