Chapter 40 "Siltbrook's Fair Deals"

The streets leading to Liras Port were always busy. Even at dawn, carriages rumbled by, carrying goods of all kinds. Wrapped in my robe, I walked toward Liras City, my mind heavy with the journey ahead. Today, I was returning to the place near that cursed land. I didn’t want to go back—but I had no choice. I needed to retrieve the treasure.

As I reached the port, I scanned the ships docked along the harbor, searching for one heading to Fromel Port.

"Excuse me," I asked a nearby worker, "do you know which ship is bound for Fromel Port?"

He glanced at me before nodding toward a vessel. "That one over there."

The ship sat at the dock, its wooden hull sturdy but not towering like the great merchant vessels nearby. It was neither too big nor too small, just large enough to carry a good number of passengers across the sea.

"But you’re too early. They’re not taking passengers yet—it won’t leave until noon."

I sighed. "I see. It’s still morning, after all."

"Yeah, you’ve got time. If you want to pay the fare, wait until the crew is up. They’re probably still sleeping."

"Understood. Thank you."

I had done my investigation before coming here. To bring goods into Liras City, merchants needed a permit from the city council. Security was strict, ensuring that every transaction was authorized. New merchants faced thorough inspections, but established traders with a strong reputation received more leniency. That was why I sought Arthur’s help—I borrowed his family’s business emblem to avoid scrutiny. With it, the guards wouldn’t waste time checking every item I carried.

While waiting, I observed the constant movement of goods being unloaded from carriages. Watching the merchants and workers kept my boredom at bay. Time slipped by unnoticed, and before I knew it, noon was approaching. I stood up, ready to board the ship.

I stood in line with the other passengers, waiting to pay my fare and board the ship. The crisp autumn air bit at my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of summer. As soon as everyone was on board, the ship set sail without delay.

"Hey, aren't you going inside? It's pretty cold out here," one of the crew members asked.

"I'm fine. I'll head inside if it gets too cold," I replied.

He nodded and left. I remained on deck, watching the restless sea. Unlike our summer voyages, the waves were rougher, stirred by the chilly winds. Eventually, the cold became too much, and I decided to go inside.

Stepping below deck, I was met with the thick scent of seawater and damp wood. Lanterns flickered, casting shadows over weary passengers hunched at wooden tables, eating and murmuring in tired voices. Barrels and crates lined the walls, some used as makeshift seats. A few passengers dozed against the beams, their clothes worn from travel. In the center, the mast rose through the deck, a narrow staircase leading back to the open air I had just left behind.

I went to a corner, sat down, and leaned against the wall. Exhaustion crept over me, and before I knew it, I had drifted off.

A voice woke me.

"Hey, we're here. Fromel Port."

I blinked, my neck sore from sleeping in an awkward position. Pushing myself upright, I rolled my shoulders and stretched my stiff limbs. The ship had stopped moving. With a quiet sigh, I adjusted my cloak and made my way out.

Fromel Port was smaller than Liras Port, but still lively, even at night. Carriages loaded with goods lined up to board, merchants haggled over prices, and dockworkers moved cargo under the dim glow of lanterns. A bustling marketplace stretched along the waterfront, lined with wooden buildings and canopied stalls. The dirt road was packed with sailors, traders, and townspeople, their voices blending into a constant hum of commerce and conversation.

Having a port in a territory was a true advantage—it kept trade flowing at all hours.

I needed a place to stay for the night. After some searching, I found a modest roadside inn. It was a sturdy, two-story building with a steeply pitched roof and half-timbered walls. Warm light spilled from its windows, casting a welcoming glow onto the cobbled street. Ivy crept up the stone walls, adding to its aged yet cozy charm.

Before turning in for the night, I decided to visit a nearby tavern, hoping to pick up useful gossip I stepped into a dimly lit tavern, the door creaking behind me. Warm, stale air wrapped around me, thick with the sour scent of spilled ale and damp wool. The room buzzed with voices—loud, fast, and full of empty boasts.

Near the bar, a man waved a tiny glass vial, his grin wide. “One drop, and your warts vanish overnight!” His words met with groans and laughter. Across the room, two traders argued over a pile of dried fish, their fingers jabbing at each other’s chests.

I listened, waiting for something useful. Nothing but drunken talk and sales pitches. With a sigh, I turned and stepped back into the cold night.

With nothing gained, I returned to the inn. Tomorrow, I had work to do.

At dawn, I made my way to the port, keeping to the shadows as I observed the guards. It didn’t take long to notice a weakness—they only checked carriages entering the port, not the ones leaving. That worked in my favor.

Now, all I needed was the schedule for the next ship bound for Liras City.

I spotted guards stationed at both the entrance and exit. Approaching one, I spoke up.

"Excuse me."

The guard turned to me, looking mildly disinterested.

"Do you know when the next ship to Liras City departs?"

"It left just a while ago," he replied.

"Oh, so it departed early this morning?"

"Yeah. The next one's not until the evening. But if you're in a hurry, you could try hiring a private ship heading that way. It'll cost more than the usual fare, though."

That caught my attention. "A private ship?"

The guard shrugged. "Most cargo ships heading to Liras City take on passengers for extra coin. Since they're privately owned or rented for transporting goods, their crews sometimes accept travelers who don’t want to wait for the next scheduled trip."

"I see… but what if I have cargo?"

"That depends. If the ship’s already packed, they won’t take you. But if there’s room, they might let you onboard—for a price. Carrying cargo is different from just taking a passenger spot. You’ll have to negotiate with the crew."

"Understood. Thanks for the information." I gave him a slight bow and walked away.

That was crucial. It meant I didn’t have to wait—I could leave anytime as long as I found the right ship. A private cargo vessel would be far better than a crowded passenger ship. With fewer people on board, the treasure would be safer. I just had to make sure the crew didn’t inspect my carriage too closely.

Now, I needed a carriage and horses.

The port’s public market pulsed with life. Merchants called out to customers, their voices blending with the chatter of townsfolk bartering and travelers passing through. The scent of fresh produce, roasted meat, and the occasional stench of livestock filled the air. Laborers carried crates on their shoulders, weaving through the cobbled streets lined with stalls overflowing with spices, fabrics, and trinkets.

I navigated the crowd, scanning my surroundings. Let’s see… where can I buy horses?

After some searching, I spotted a stable at the market’s edge. A wooden sign hung above the entrance, a crude carving of a horse’s head marking the place. The scent of hay and damp earth mixed with the musky smell of animals.

Inside, a row of horses stood tied to wooden posts. Some were large and well-muscled, fit for travel, while others looked more suited for farm work.

"Looking to buy, traveler?" a gruff voice called out.

I turned to see a stern-looking blonde man watching me. He wore a brown leather vest over a slightly unbuttoned white shirt with rolled-up sleeves. His sharp eyes studied me like a merchant sizing up a deal.

"Yes," I said. "I need a strong horse for travel. Maybe a carriage, too."

The man grinned. "You’ve come to the right place. Best horses in town. But quality doesn’t come cheap."

He led me to a sleek, well-muscled stallion. Its black coat gleamed in the sunlight, and it pawed the ground with restless energy.

"One gold coin," he declared.

I frowned, my hand tightening into a fist. 'One gold? That’s absurd. He was taking me for a fool, and I was in no mood for games.

"Last I checked, a horse should cost around fifteen silver."

The man shrugged. "That might’ve been true elsewhere, but here? Prices have gone up. Demand’s high, and good horses are hard to come by."

I crossed my arms. "That’s more than double the price. Do you have anything more affordable?"

The merchant stroked his beard, then smirked. "I do have one that fits your budget."

He led me to the farthest stall, where a scrawny, underfed horse stood. Its ribs jutted out beneath its patchy brown coat, and its dull eyes stared blankly ahead. When I stepped closer, it let out a weak snort, its legs trembling as if standing was a struggle.

I raised an eyebrow. "You’re joking, right?"

The merchant spread his arms. "It’s a horse, isn’t it? You wanted cheap."

"This thing can barely stand, let alone pull a carriage."

I sighed. There was no way I was wasting my money on this. I needed another option. With a final glance at the poor creature, I turned on my heel and walked away, frustration tightening in my chest.

I made my way to the tavern, hoping to find information about a better deal. Despite it being just before noon, the place was still busy. The scent of ale and roasted meat filled the air as patrons spoke in low murmurs or laughed over their drinks.

I found an empty table, and soon after, a waitress approached.

She wore a long navy-blue dress with a white apron and a matching headpiece. Her dark brown hair fell in loose curls around her shoulders.

"Can I take your order?" she asked politely.

"I'll have the grilled fish with sauce and a bowl of vegetable soup," I replied.

"Alright, I'll bring it out shortly," she said and turned to leave.

"Wait," I called after her.

She stopped and looked at me. "Yes? Anything else?"

"Not food," I said. "I was wondering if you know where I can buy a good horse for a fair price. I checked the market, but the prices are too high."

"Oh, I see," she said, nodding. "That’s true. Prices in the public market are inflated because many travelers arrive at the port looking for horses. The merchants take advantage of that demand. But if you want a cheaper horse in good condition, you should try buying from a nearby village."

"Really? Where is that?"

“There’s a village on the way to the Kingdom of Solaria called Siltbrook,” she explained.

"I see. How do I get there?"

"Just take a carriage heading toward Solaria and ask the coachman to drop you off at Siltbrook. They know the way."

"Thank you very much," I said with a grateful nod.

I followed the waitress’s directions and now stood by the roadside. The coachman had told me to head straight along the narrow road stretching into the woods, and I would reach Siltbrook Village.

After walking a while, the trees thinned, revealing a peaceful rural village with small stone-and-wood houses, each topped with a thatched roof. The bright sunlight bathed the village in warmth, casting a golden glow over the lush grass and vibrant flowers surrounding the homes. A dirt path wound through the village, leading toward the distant mountains.

Not far ahead, I spotted a man standing by a wooden fence, observing the horses in the pasture. He had a rugged, muscular build and a strong, determined expression. His straw hat sat slightly tilted, allowing messy dark hair to peek out from underneath.

"Excuse me," I said, approaching him.

He turned to face me, his gaze sharp and assessing.

"I'm here because someone told me I could buy a good horse at a fair price in this village."

He studied me for a moment before asking, "What do you need the horse for? Traveling or pulling a carriage?"

"For a carriage," I replied. "I need it for deliveries."

"I see," he said, nodding. Then he pointed to a brown horse grazing nearby. "That one should do the job well."

I turned to look at the horse. It was strong and well-fed—clearly in excellent condition. In fact, most of the horses in the pasture looked healthy and well cared for.

"How much for that one?" I asked.

"Fifteen silver," he said.

That was a fair price. "Alright, I'll take it," I agreed. "By the way, I also need a carriage. Do you sell any? It doesn’t have to be brand new—just sturdy, in good condition, and secure enough to transport cargo."

"We have one like that," he said, "but we don’t usually sell them."

"I’ll pay eight silver for it," I offered.

The man paused, considering my price. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. Wait here—I’ll go get it."

A short while later, he returned with an old but solid wagon. It was built from sturdy wooden planks reinforced with metal brackets. The four large wooden wheels had metal rims, ensuring durability on rough terrain. It had a rectangular shape with high sidewalls, perfect for keeping cargo secure.

As I examined the old wagon, I mentally calculated the space, ensuring it would conceal the treasure. The sturdy construction was a welcome surprise.

I examined it and nodded in approval. "Just as I need. Eight silver, as agreed."

"Done deal," the man said, shaking my hand.

Before leaving, I also purchased some barrels and wooden boxes from the village, along with a load of potatoes and vegetables. These would serve as the perfect cover for the real cargo I planned to transport—the hidden treasure.

Now, all that was left was to return to the bandits' hideout.