Chapter 5
In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 87):
For Want of a Shoe...
Whatever his expectations, Ciryl finds Bryce less than willing to be a shoe lackey, and is forced to carry the wares himself.
However, once they get underway, their mutual grumpiness forms a sort of silent bond. One that doesn't need much talk to maintain.
The morning sun is already solidly above the treeline when you emerge from the Inn, and the locals well on their way to a full days work.
Ciryl's cart is where he left it, true to the Guildmistress' word, the guards kept it safe overnight.
Ciryl locates a cobbler easy enough, and is offered a penny each for the pair of shoes.
Two Arms
Brennan stalks out in his usual manner. He weaves through the artisans and peasantry, and easily finds a few guards to speak with.
They ask probing questions, but Brennan's demeaner is able to convince them that he's unlikely to be a common ruffian, and they direct him to the forge, where the Master of Arms is said to be inspecting new steel.
At one end of the row of artisans is a large, squat, building of stone mostly open on three sides about an enormous chimney.
There, a thin man with an unruly tuft of hair is inspecting some knives while the smiths watch.
Boys Be Shopping
Titus and Deev dress for success, or for inconspicuousness anyhow, and venture out.
They sweep past the local artisans and to the docks.
The fishing boats are already all out, and the fishmongers already at work with the preliminary catch: selling, salting, smoking, and kegging.
Slightly further inland, a small but bustling market has opened up, mostly food, but a few who sell random odds and ends.