Chapter 32: The Traveling Merchant

  “Who are you?” the Paladin demanded, pointing the business end of the javelin at the would-be creeper.

  He was indeed human, the first she’d met in Sk?rselden: no diminutive stature, no pointy ears. Despite a flamboyant sense of fashion, he was dressed like he belonged to this world (although considering Chastity’s own transformation or ‘translation,’ that mattered little). She scarcely had time to process.

  The stranger slowly turned to face her, eyeing her up and down. With hands raised, he let out a low whistle. Chastity sensed nothing predacious in the gesture; it wasn’t like a catcall back home, but more like the man was appraising an antique in a shop, or some thoroughbred horse.

  “You’re the second human I’ve come across in these parts in recent days,” the man said. “And far from any human town! But I must say you are a far finer specimen than the last. A Knight aspirant perhaps? A waylaid Gladiator?”

  “Name. Now,” Chastity ordered, inching the javelin closer.

  “Okay, okay. Steady now. Steady. I am known in these parts as Honeytongue. A silly name, really. I can’t recall if it was the dwarves or halflings that first called me that, but the moniker stuck. I am but a humble traveling merchant. And now you have me at a disadvantage Miss…”

  “You’re a human,” Chastity said, stating the obvious.

  The merchant grinned broadly. He took the liberty of lowering his hands, which were adorned with multiple rings, and began to smooth out his clothes.

  “Last time I checked. I guess we have that in common! I can’t quite place your accent though. Are you acquainted with the River Folk? They know me well and will vouch for me.”

  Chastity slowly lowered her weapon, feeling the cold winter air against her still-damp face and clumpy wet hair.

  “The traveling merchant. Yes, I’ve heard of you,” Chastity admitted. “What were you thinking to sneak up on me at the hot springs?”

  “An honest misunderstanding!” Honeytongue pleaded. “I simply heard a song drifting on the breeze and thought to seek its source. I had no idea I would find someone in a… compromising… state. I saw nothing, if that is what you are worried about–on my honor as a merchant!”

  Little by little, Chastity let her guard down. She stowed the javelin in her quiver and crossed her arms in front of her.

  “Well… I couldn’t have actually struck you blind. That was dishonest of me. I apologize.”

  Maybe I overreacted. But that’s all you’re getting from me!

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  The merchant arched an eyebrow. A sly smile played at the corners of his mouth.

  “A woman of conviction, then,” he said. “As I said, I am a merchant–traveling my usual circuit. My next stop is Goldenberry. I assume you are acquainted, as the halflings are all tromping about nearby with their baskets. I have a wagon waiting by the road a ways back. I like to set up camp west of the river and do some trading. I could give you a ride to the village if you would like.”

  Chastity realized her basket and all its contents were spilled across the rocks by the springs: Maybe I can salvage some of my haul and get back before dusk, she thought. Also, there was something about this slick salesman that didn’t quite sit right with her.

  “No, I’ll walk. Thank you.”

  “As you wish,” Honeytongue said, offering another theatrical bow before turning to leave.

  “Wait–” Chastity began.

  “Yesss?”

  “You mentioned something about encountering another human recently.”

  Could it be somebody connected with the Order of Paladins? she wondered. Maybe even somebody who knows the Exemplar himself? This could be another strand of Providence, leading me to my goal.

  “That I did! He was a foreigner, like you.”

  A foreigner?

  “We conducted a small bit of business and I sent him on his way.”

  “Oh. What was he like? What sort of person was he?”

  The merchant clicked his tongue and shook his head.

  “Oh, no no no. I could not divulge the personal information of a most cherished customer. That would violate the Merchants’ Code! You see, we both have principles we must follow. Now, excuse me. I must return to my ponies before they get restless. Maybe I’ll see you at the village later? I’m sure I could set you up with some equipment more fitting than those javelins, for the right price of course. Although I do admire the elven make of your quiver…”

  “Hmm. Maybe…” Chastity answered distractedly.

  They parted ways, Honeytongue stalking off deeper into the woods. If there was a road that cut through the Silfurfast, especially one large enough for a wagon, Chastity had certainly never come across it in her earlier wanderings.

  She returned to the hot springs and scooped up her overturned basket, searching around for the scattered pine cones. Some of them bobbed in the steaming water. Did that mean they were ruined? Chastity didn’t know. She eyed the warm pool longingly, although the prior tranquility it offered was now somewhat tainted.

  Where can a girl find a good swimsuit and beach towel in this world? she wondered. Where do Paladins do their shopping? The image of a chainmail one piece flashed in her mind, and she snickered at the thought.

  Just as she had about refilled the basket, she thought she heard the sound of voices in the distance. Two or maybe even three persons, shouting angrily–and in an unusual timbre. She did not think it was halflings. The clamor was coming from the opposite direction, further up the incline beyond the springs.

  She strained to listen, catching only snatches.

  It sounded as if someone was crying out, “Help … Help! They’re gunna kill … somebody help!’”