Chapter 2
The scene outside the protective walls of Hope was impressive the closer one drew to the small meadow by the Southern Forest. A tent city, a third the size of Hope, appeared in less than a day's time. The various workers and stand holders too poor to afford a wagon slept in the small tents with no more than a couple of feet between them. Across from the tents sat wagons of all sizes, belonging to the wealthy merchants. Lined along both sides of the wide alley were pavilions of various sizes and colors, creating a thoroughfare that lead prospective customers past the available wares on their way to the large pits that were dug out for the upcoming fights.
Items of every description could be found under the pavilions along both sides of Main Street, the name given to the thoroughfare. The size and diversity of the stalls put the market place in Hope to shame, which wasn't lost on one of those walking through the once open field.
Janessa wondered at the scene in silence, allowing her eyes to take in everything. She paused by one stand filled with some of the finest rings, goblets, and other metal objects whose craftsmanship was unparalleled. It was little surprise to her when a Dwarf stepped forward as she drew nearer. Dwarves were renowned for their metallurgy skill across the realm, but it was the first time she'd ever seen one. He was about six inches taller than her, but twice her size in bulk. She found it shocking that he didn't look fat or clumsy, but solid and sure of himself.
"What can I do for you, lass?" The Dwarf was just over a hundred years old and had noticed a minimal amount of gray hairs in his fiery red beard that morning. At seeing the Halfling, he was certain he'd find more.
Janessa used her warmest smile on the Dwarf. "Thank you, sir, but I'm just looking."
Now, in his hundred years on Pyrain, he'd seen many things most took for myths, but one thing he was certain of was he knew a thief when he saw one. So, it was then he decided to watch her at all cost. "As you wish, but I'm afraid I don't have much of anything that you could use or wear."
She understood his hidden meaning: "you're not welcome". Instead of being insulted by his remarks, her smile broadened and her voice sounded sincere. "Thank you, sir, your help is always appreciated." She was about to leave when she spotted a small dagger; a perfect compliment to the Halfling sword hanging on the wall in the room she shared with Viola. She picked it up, smiling as the sunlight shone off the blade, causing it to glow. "How much is this?"
Damn it, she spotted something! As soon as those words ran through his mind, his heart leapt into his throat at watching her pick up the white steel dagger. At the sound of her inquiry, he couldn't help but allow the bartering side of him to step forward. "Ah, you have good taste, lass. That's a white steel blade, one of the rarest metals you'll find. Twenty gold."
The price was high for a dagger, but Janessa couldn't shake how beautiful it was when struck by the sun. Mesmerized by its beauty, she swore the blade called to her, causing her to hesitate before responding. When her gaze turned to the Dwarf, her cunning instinct was no longer distracted. "Twenty gold? I could buy a sword fresh from the forge for that." She tried to look indignant. It sometimes worked. "I can't see it being more than five gold... if that."
The Dwarf smiled. He'd made the price that high hoping to scare her off, but she had some spunk. He loved a challenge. At her offer of five, it was his turn to look indignant. "That may be so, but I guarantee you won't get craftsmanship of this quality." Reaching out, he plucked it from her fingers, an act he was surprised proved so easy. "Humans and Elves can't come close to this — she's worth every bit." He paused as if he was lost in thought.
"Sixteen gold." Janessa offered, smiling. This was going to be a fun day.
*****
Viola watched the exchange with mild amusement. While she wasn't much of a trader, she did find it interesting to watch others as they attempted to outwit each other. It reminded her of her craft in a way. Throughout history, mages have opposed each other on the battlefield and the outcome of the battles hinged not only on the power the mages could wield, but on their ability to control it and think as they conjured the counter spells. Knowing her history, it came as a surprise to her that bartering held such little interest for her.
Before long, she became bored with the exchange and started to glance around at the other merchants and their wares. It didn't take her long to find something of interest. A couple stands over, an elderly man stood over various trinkets and books set out on a plank table. Viola thought about waiting for Janessa, but her curiosity got the better of her and she walked over to his table.
"Good afternoon, my dear, how may I help you?" The old man's pleasant voice and warm smile helped her feel more comfortable and relaxed. He reminded her of her own grandfather, and for a moment, they seemed to be the same person to her. She couldn't help but return his smile.
"Thank you, sir. I'm just browsing at the moment." Her eyes went to the trinkets — nothing of value to her as far as she could see — then to the books. These were the true treasures: books on herbology, mystical lore, and animal husbandry to name a few.
The elderly man watched her face light up when she saw his old textbooks. "Ah, I knew it when I saw you."
Viola's face twisted into a look of confusion, "What?" She became aware she may have done something to offend the merchant.
"No, no, my child, I didn't mean anything like that." He couldn't help but smile and laugh to himself at the sudden look of terror on her face. He wondered if he'd been mistaken. No, he hadn't been wrong; her destiny was set. There was a lot for her to learn before she was ready for the path fate had prepared for her.
He saw some of her tension disappear with his gentle assurance. Being more relaxed allowed him to see her as she truly was, or rather, as she was meant to be. Feeling she needed more, he allowed a small laugh to escape. "You must forgive me, sometimes I'm far to blunt."
Her unease disappeared and she returned his smile. "No, it was my fault. I just..." Her voice trailed off while her mind tried to grasp what had happened. I just panicked, that's what! She grew angry at herself for not having more control.
The merchant watched her while she chewed on her lip. Probably out of embarrassment and anger at herself. He suppressed a chuckle at the thought. With great ease, he guided her towards the books that caused their current situation. "I knew when I saw you that you were coming for these books."
Viola's eyes widened, she hadn't realized she'd been so eager for them, but she did feel drawn to them like a moth to a flame. It took a little effort for her to speak as her mind raced to figure out what was wrong with her. "Yes, I find them very interesting. Especially Herbology."
The merchant smiled. "I understand. It's not easy to be a mage in the world today. Unless you're powerful and serve a king, herbology is one of the honest ways to make a living."
Viola flushed. She never thought of it that way. Her interest was for the knowledge of the craft and to grow her own spell components. "Something like that."
The merchant smiled. She seemed so naive he couldn't help but to think of her as his own granddaughter. At least, she didn't have any predetermined mindset about how things should be. "I think you'll find these books indispensable during your studies. In time, you'll learn to unlock their secret power."
Viola continued smiling, but her mind focused on his words. Was he trying to tell her something? She shook her head; she was beginning to sound like Janessa. Behind every spoken word wasn't always a hidden meaning. She set the herbology book aside and began to look through the others. She could feel the merchant's eyes watching her, but she pushed away the awkwardness while she browsed. Had she looked up, she would've noticed the intensity in his eyes as he tried to will her to pick the correct books.
*****
"You drive a hard bargain, lass." The Dwarf, whose name Janessa learned was Galin during the bartering, narrowed his eyes. It'd been quite some time since he last met one that could match him stroke for stroke when it came to money. The truth was, he was about to make a profit on the dagger. She'd view it as a cunning victory, but he knew the truth. He was still the best.
Janessa stood in front of the Dwarf, her face alive with the exchange of offers, counter offers, and the occasional curse from Galin. "Eight pieces, that's my final offer." She was certain he was feigning his indignation for Dwarves had a reputation for never taking a loss in any negotiation, no matter how trifling it may be. Although watching Galin's face turn bright red on a couple of occasions made her wonder if he followed the same legend or was he a rare occurrence for a Dwarf.
It took a few seconds for the light headedness to pass from the sudden blood flow into Galin's head. Moments like those filled him with pride; were he human he'd be in the theater. "Fine, lass, we have a deal then?" The Halfling nodded her head in triumph, as he expected. He watched her count out the eight gold pieces into his hand. When she got to the eighth and final piece she paused before letting it drop. He recognized the look in her eyes; she just spent a years worth of money if she was a farmer. Buyer's remorse was a constant irritant to him. People always wanted their money back moments after they thought they had the deal of a lifetime. "Spent more than you wanted, lass? Sorry, I don't give discounts for buyer's remorse."
Janessa glanced up at him and shrugged. "I know, I thought I had more." The Halfling's mood changed into one of enthusiasm. "Still got more than enough for the fights. Bye." She turned and trotted off with her new dagger and change purse.
Galin watched her for a moment as what she said registered. A Halfling betting on the pit fights? That could prove to be dangerous for the other gamblers. Halflings weren't known to lose many bets, and even if they did, they usually reacquired their money and then some.
"Hold up, lass!" He stepped out of his stand to try to catch her. He wasn't sure why, but he liked her and would hate to see her swinging from the nearest tree. He lost sight of her before going two steps and, unwilling to leave his items out in the open, he returned to his perch. He knew where she'd be later on, but he didn't understand his role in her life. Since when did he care about a Halfling? In particular, one that may get him hung as an accomplice. "Damn Halflings; more trouble than they're worth," Galin muttered as he began to close up his store.
*****
"A wise choice, my dear." The merchant nodded, satisfied. He watched with boundless patience while the young mage looked through the small stack of books. She glanced over them, only taking time to read the parts that interested her. Yes, he was surer than ever before that she was the one. The fact she selected the herbology and mythical lore books was proof of that. Only one with as great a potential as the brown robed mage before him would've been drawn to them.
Pleased with herself, Viola smiled at him. "How much are they?" She wanted them, that much she knew, but she wasn't sure why. She could feel the magic flowing from them, guiding her hands to their covers. The sensation was like a mother handing her child a fresh baked cake to eat. Love and kindness flowed from them and into her. Knowing Master Poumous would tell her she imagined it and that books of their nature held no magic, she wondered why someone would go to the trouble of enchanting them. There were many things her master was knowledgeable in, but she knew he would be wrong in this.
The old man smiled at the wanting in her eyes. "Five coppers each."
Viola's eyes widened and her mouth fell open in surprise. "That's all?" Books such as those cost at least a silver piece, maybe two. The price seemed too good to be true, and after a moment, her enthusiasm began to fade.
Sensing the change in the young mage, he smiled, disarming any misgivings. "Have no fear, child, these books are old. If anything, they're worth less. Besides..." he paused, looking into her eyes, "they were mine when I was about your age. I want you to have them. It'd be such a shame if someone bought them only to toss them out in a year or so. I know you'll take good care of them."
The last part caused her face to flush. Aside from Janessa, Viola never experienced anyone showing so much faith and trust in her. Even if it was just a couple of books, it meant the world to her. "Thank you... I don't know what to say."
The old man smiled. "Your gratitude is enough, child." He accepted the coins from her and put them in a small pouch tied to the sash around his waist. She noticed the aged gray robes she mistook before for traveling attire. Viola knew she needed to be more observant of the world around her, but it was all right, there was plenty of time for her to improve.
"Viola! Viola, you gotta see this!" Janessa's call caused the young mage to flush with embarrassment when she was about to thank the man again.
Seeing the Halfling, he smiled and waved his hand to dismiss the interruption. "Think nothing of it. But I must warn you, if other mages see you with a thief, they may make things difficult." The smile of Viola's eyes was replaced with a cold resolve. He could see his warning was late in coming. "I see. Well, who are they to judge, am I right?" He smiled, helping the good natured happiness return to her eyes. "If ever you need anything — spells, books, or have questions to ask — come to see me."
"I thought you were with the others here?" Viola was confused. She assumed the merchants followed the fighters across the country.
The old merchant chuckled. "Heavens no. Many of us just happen to cross paths here and there. I've been thinking of settling down somewhere peaceful for my retirement."
"Oh, that'd be great! Old Man Winston has a room for rent in town." Neither of them had noticed Janessa's approach after her initial hail to her friend. She had come upon them as the merchant, a bit old for her taste, finished talking. Without hesitating, she offered what help she could, since it was obvious he and Viola were friends of sorts. That made him one of her friends as well. Such was the enjoyment of having a Halfling as a friend.
Though Janessa's sudden appearance startled her, Viola was quick to recover. "He didn't say he was staying, just thinking about it." Viola appeared calm, but inside she was elated. She couldn't remember the last time it felt like her soul was doing flips. Having another magic user in Hope, and one willing to help her outside of the school, was an answer to her prayers. "But there is a room open," she finished as she clung to her hope.
Ah, the impetuousness of youth. He remembered those times very well. With a hearty smile, he bowed his head. "Thank you for your assistance, my dear. I shall look into it." Viola's heart leapt for joy. "Now, I don't want to be rude, but the first fight will be starting soon. You only have a few minutes to place your bets."
Janessa's eyes opened wide. "I nearly forgot, thank you, sir." She paused before running off. "Do you know who's fighting?"
"Janessa!" Viola's shout was a mixture of anger and amazement, though she thought the latter was impossible after what she'd seen her friend do often enough. She was wrong.
Janessa returned the look with her own shrill reply. "It can't hurt to ask!"
The old merchant raised his hand; part of him enjoyed the scene. "If I may be so bold, bet on the Minotaur. He hasn't lost yet."
Janessa's eyes gleamed in the afternoon light. "Thank you, sir! C'mon, Viola, we don't have much time!"
Viola allowed the smaller Halfling to pull her away. "Thanks again for the books."
Watching the two of them run down the throughway, or Main Street, he smiled to himself. The last thing he heard was the Halfling telling her friend he was too old. If they only knew.