City of Jade by LaBarthe L.J

Author:LaBarthe, L.J. [LaBarthe, L.J.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2013-06-05T22:00:00+00:00

DANIEL, with his two brothers, had a mule hitched to one of the smaller carts that made up Stephanos’s goods transport. The mule looked bored, and the three sons of Stephanos appeared haughty. Gallienus and Misahuen exchanged a long, amused look.

“I do not think they will cut many sharp details with such expressions on their faces,” Gallienus said softly.

“Nor do I,” Misahuen said. He raised his voice as he addressed the three young men. “Would you like us to guard the cart?”

“Yes,” Daniel said. Suddenly, his expression became worried. “Would one of you stand with me when I bargain? I do not want to be cheated because of my youth.”

“Of course. Lead on and we will follow.”

Daniel took the mule’s halter rope and clucked to the patient animal. They started off at a walk, Daniel and his brothers in front, the mule and the cart behind them, and Gallienus and Misahuen bringing up the rear.

It was a pleasant day, warm and dry, and Gallienus was enjoying himself. They walked around the bazaar once, and then Daniel made a beeline for the stalls he wanted to buy goods from and began to get to the business of haggling.

He was good at it, Gallienus thought. He watched, keeping his expression impassive as Daniel bargained down the price of a side of lamb, and then, to assuage the merchant’s annoyance, bought a large basket of pomegranates at only a tenth less than the asking price. The merchant seemed less annoyed after that transaction, and they moved on.

“What else must we buy?” Gallienus asked Daniel as they stopped at a stall selling goat and sheep’s milk, cheese, and butter.

Daniel looked at Gallienus shyly. “Nearly everything, it seems. We ate much while in the mountains.”

“But we ate delicious meals, thanks to Cook.”

Daniel smiled. “He does make wonderful dishes, you are right.”

“So, what are we buying here?”

Daniel pursed his lips and consulted his list. “Cheeses and butter. Do you think we should get some milk as well?”

Gallienus thought about it. “I do not think we could finish a huge amphora before it went bad, but a small one might be all right. Cook could use it with fish.”

Daniel squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. “Then that is what I shall buy. Thank you, Gallienus.”

“You are welcome.” Gallienus watched, amused, as Misahuen stood beside Daniel and the bargain was struck. As the brothers, with Gallienus and Misahuen to help, loaded in cheeses, the small amphora of milk, and a crock of butter, Gallienus wondered if they’d need another cart.

“There is not much else I need to purchase,” Daniel said, crossing things off his list. “One more stall… no, two, and we can return to camp.”

His brothers grunted at that, looking bored and hot, and Gallienus, nudging Misahuen’s side discreetly, saluted the young man. “Lead on, young Daniel,” he said.

Daniel nodded gratefully to him and did so, and his next stop was a stall selling produce. He bought vegetables, herbs, and fruit, then a large box of tea leaves.

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