Geo and Lake arrived at the trade fair, their journey grueling and tiresome. The scorching sun beat down on them mercilessly, leaving them parched and covered in a thick layer of dust. They had pushed their horses to their limits, their urgency driving them forward.
Setting up their trade blanket in a less than ideal spot, Geo couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. Time was of the essence, and he didn't have the luxury to secure a better position. He needed to talk with Jove. Geo's mind wandered back to the days when he Jove and Rolly were close friends and trusted business partners. He wished it was still so, first Geo and Rolly left to find and work a farm together leaving Jove behind. Then their relationship had soured when Rolly insisted on arranging a betrothal between their children Willow and Zerin. Geo wanted his daughter to have the freedom to choose her own path, but Rolly took it as a personal insult. And so, Geo and Ali left the Stone Circle and started their own farm nearby, their bond closer than brothers shattered. As Geo reminisced about the past, a glimmer of hope flickered in his heart. Perhaps, in helping Rolly's daughter, they could mend the broken ties between them. With Geo's guidance, they swiftly arranged their trade goods and settled down for a moment of respite.
Lake, lost in the comforting warmth of the fire he had skillfully ignited, found solace in its embrace. The past few weeks had been a nightmare for him, his sister's illness casting a shadow over his every thought. The fire brought him a fleeting sense of security, a temporary escape from the dread that weighed heavy on his heart. But as Geo's voice broke through the tranquility, Lake snapped back to reality, reminding himself of the task at hand.
Geo leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper, "I can't emphasize enough the importance of discretion. Speaking of illness here will earn you a swift eviction from the Trading Circle or worse." Pausing to let the threat sink in he reminded," Let anyone who stops by know I am looking for wire, nails, and throwing knives. I will be back in a couple of hours and can discuss trades then."
Lake rolled his eyes; he had lost count of how many times Geo had given him those instructions. Lake's face took on a look of growing concern, his determination to find the medicine for his sister unwavering he nodded solemnly. Failure was not an option, not when his sister's life hung in the balance. He could keep his mouth shut.
Geo seeing his frown reassured him" I still have connections here an old friend and business partner the three of us were like brothers. He will know where we can find the information we seek and will give us any aid he can in our quest."
As Geo left, Lake's frustration was palpable, but he knew he had to stay strong for his sister. Watching Geo disappear into the bustling crowd, Lake unhitched the horses from the wagon and tended to them, his mind filled with a mixture of annoyance, worry and determination.
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As Geo hurried through the bustling trading circle, his eyes darted from stall to stall, taking in the vibrant array of goods on display. Countless treasures beckoned, tempting him to stray from his course. But Geo's focus remained unwavering. He sought specific items, ones that were notoriously difficult to find, because everyone wanted them.
As he perused a stall filled with an assortment of colorful fabrics, his thoughts drifted to his wife, Ali. Her everyday dress was worn and faded, and he longed to surprise her with something special from the trading circle. Fabric for clothing would be just the thing. Lost in his thoughts, Geo was abruptly interrupted by a velvety, self-assured voice that danced through the air.
"In search of something truly remarkable, sir?" the trader chimed in, gracefully approaching Geo. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Trolane, the unrivaled purveyor of all things exquisite. The Circle is my domain, and I boast the most exceptional assortment of fabrics and goods this side of the Wild Wood." Trolane's charisma radiated, infusing the atmosphere with a contagious blend of confidence and cheerfulness.
Geo inspected the fabrics, his keen eyes noting their quality and unique properties. The cloth had a peculiar scent and was covered in dust from the road, but its minor imperfections didn't deter him. It was amazing to find such selection after the downfall of civilization.
Torlane, sensing Geo's interest, hurried to offer more options. "Ah, my friend, you have stumbled upon a treasure trove of rare cloth, cotton, silk, and tapestries that are sure to captivate your senses," Torlane suggested, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Come, come, let me show you the most valuable materials hidden behind this dusty facade. Trust me, you won't be disappointed."
Torlane moved to the back of his wagon and lifted a brown well-worn canvas reveling goods protected from the dirt and weather. Geo followed as he quickly scanned the vibrant colors, feeling the luxurious thickness of the fabrics, and inspecting the intricate weaves. He was excited at what he saw but was proficient at hiding his enthusiasm his face remained blank.
"I do have a list of items to trade, my good sir, but first and foremost, I am in dire need of six feet or more of insulated wire, a couple of boxes of nails, and some new throwing knives," Geo's voice carried a tinge of sorrow. "If I could find these essential items, then, and only then, would I be free to consider some of your fine wares."
Torlane's eyebrows raised slightly, realizing that he might lose the sale. Geo was not just any customer he was his first customer of the day this sale would set the tone for his last day at the Trading Circle. He had hope that on his last day customers would be falling over themselves to strike a deal. He had beautiful items, and no one had better prices. But Geo his first customer, it seemed, had his sights set on something far more important than mere material possessions.
In the end, Geo couldn't decide on the colors or quantity when he had essentials to get first. As he walked away, Geo's mind remained fixed on his true mission - finding the elusive herbs that he hoped would save Fern's life. The trading circle sprawled before him, a vast maze of possibilities. The search for the cure has been take up by many who failed and would undoubtedly be a daunting challenge, but Geo was determined to succeed.