With the revelation of what was keeping customers from making the journey to Tyra’s establishment, the two knew something had to be done. Which is why Tyra had decided to close shop for the day, and instead take her business directly to the streets of Umbradium, the nearby town where the majority of Tyra’s previous clientele had come from.

Tyra stood near the door of her shop, pulling up her boots. “Are you ready yet, Aramin?” She said, turning back to look at him.

“Yep…” He said weakly. Adorning his body were multiple harnesses that held boxes and bags in place. The weight of it all proved almost too much for the demon’s capacity.

Tyra made her way to him, placing her hand against her chin as she examined him. “Hmm, maybe a change is in order…” She trailed off, walking behind her subordinate.

With a distinct click a hefty weight was dropped from Aramin. “Oh thank the God’s…” He said, catching his breath and regaining his footing.

“This cauldron won’t do at all if I plan to do a live demonstration of my skills.” Tyra said to herself happily. Aramin’s eyes became worried. And sure enough his fears came to fruition as he felt an even greater weight be attached to him.

Tyra practically skipped ahead of Aramin, happy with herself.

“Hey, you wouldn't happen to still be mad at me, right?” Aramin asked, wondering if his stunt last week was the cause of this torture.

“Hmm?” She had opened the door to head out, but stopped her pace to smile back at Aramin. “Who do you take me for? I would never be so petty. You’re obviously the only one strong enough to carry this stuff.” And not giving Aramin a chance to retort she swung the door open and stepped down the stairs.

“Now come on, paying customers await!” She called back to him.

With heavy steps he followed behind her, kicking the door shut on his way out.

Her pace was much quicker than his, but she didn’t falter in her steps. Aramin was glad to see her in higher spirits today, but he felt that it was coming at the expense of his own sanity.

“Today is going to be a long day…” He mumbled to himself as he tried to keep pace.

The two made their way through the small amount of forest that separated their home from the main road. Leaves falling along their path, signaling the coming of the fall.

“You know I’m really hoping to sell some of my insulation jelly today. With the days getting colder, I know that customers will be in the market to make the inevitable winter more bearable.” Tyra rocked her head back and forth as she talked to herself.

“If the problem was someone besmirching my good name then the solution is simple.” Tyra continued to hype herself up, the breath from her nose practically becoming visible to Aramin, who was still keeping up, but barely.

She whipped around, catching him off guard. “Together we’ll show them how great an apothecary I am, right!?” She was inches away from him. “Of course…” He said, hoping it would get her off his back.

Sure enough she reclaimed her lead ahead of Aramin. Her exuberant mood carrying the party of two to town in no time.

~ A short time later ~

The two now stood at the crest of a hill, with the final stretch of road in front of them. And now within their view was Umbradium.

“Well, we’re finally here.” Tyra said happily.

“Yeah… Finally…” Aramin huffed out, already over today.

Tyra pursed her lips. “That’s no way to act, I can’t have you being all gloomy like this in front of potential customers. Remember, this is for the good of my business!” She poked his chest with her finger. “And if you want me in good moods then we better be raking in that dough.” She rubbed her fingers together with a sly grin on her face.

He rolled his eyes. “I got it, I’m obviously going to put on a smile for the customers… This isn’t my first time.”

She crossed her arms. “Uh-huh… Tell you what, if we can sell one hundred products today I’ll start letting you go out on your own one day a week.” She taunted him with a single finger.

The prospect of having a day to himself, AND being allowed out of her supervision struck a deep chord with Aramin. A gleam of light danced across his eyes. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get in there!” He declared, before rushing forward.

Tyra looked on with a satisfied look on her face. “Like clockwork.” She said before following after him.

As they quickly approached the town the artificial darkness within became more apparent. Over the top of the town a metal roof had been built, with holes being opened up to allow sunlight to slink in.

“I’ve always wondered about this place. It’s basically cut off from other town’s so the culture is sure to be different. But, what purpose does that roof serve?” Aramin asked, craning upwards to catch the size of it before they entered the main gate.

Tyra waved to the guards stationed at both sides. Their gazes fall on Aramin, giving him a narrow look, before looking forward once more.

“It’s not really because of any cultural reasons. Back when the Demon King was still active, they were on their own to defend against assaults. The metal roof kept the enemy military from launching projectiles or attacking from the sky.” She took in her surroundings. Of course the town was in bad shape.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“That so? That’s pretty smart, but sounds really annoying to deal with.” Aramin laughed to himself.

Though it had been over a year since the war ended, this town was still dealing with the aftermath. With no major cities backing them they were forced to fend for themselves.

“You’re not wrong about that. It took all of the town's funds to construct it, but now people won’t trade with them since it’s such an eyesore.” Tyra said, looking for a spot to set up shop.

“Is that really it? Sounds shallow.” Aramin said to himself, not expecting an answer.

“I guess it’s more than that.” She stepped in front of Aramin. “Demon’s took refuge here after the war. Trying their best to integrate into society. That is what keeps people away.” She said before taking charge again.

“So it’s our fault then…” Aramin looked at his feet, trying to not meet the gaze of anyone else.

“There, we’ll set up there.” Tyra said, pointing to an empty spot. Towards the heart of the town was a market. Merchants from all around were allowed to set up shop, so long as they paid their due to the mayor. Luckily for Tyra, she had paid extra in addition to her land tax so that she could come into town directly and sell her wares.

The weight falling off of Aramin, and the sound of many items made of glass were heard hitting the stone ground.

“Hey, careful with the merchandise, moron!” Tyra barked at him.

“R- Right! Sorry!” He turned to the pile and as quick as he could began unpacking it.

She huffed, watching the poor demon set up her mini store. The quality of which was very poor.

“No, no, not like that. Here, let me show you.” She said, taking the cauldron from him.

With the two of them working in sync the task was soon complete.

Once the two were behind the makeshift booth Tyra grabbed a handful of crushed dragon’s root and set it in a mortar. And with a spark from Aramin’s fingertips the ingredient came to life, a plume of fire flowed upwards like a dragon’s flame.

The new light now illuminating their stall was sure to draw attention.

And sure enough, not long after a small line had formed. Their first customer was a middle aged woman.

“Is there something you were looking for in particular? Or would you like me to give you a rundown of what I have to offer?” Tyra asked.

The woman had her hands clasped together. “I was… You see… My wife has been awfully sick lately and she hasn’t been able to work… Nothing anybody does seems to help. I was hoping you had something that could help cure her of whatever is ailing her.” The woman looked into Tyra’s eyes, hopeful.

She rubbed her chin. “I’m no medical professional unfortunately. And my potions of healing only relieve physical injury. I wouldn’t want to sell you something if I knew it wouldn’t work. Can you give me some more information on her condition?”

“She’s lost all the strength in her body, so she’s been unable to move without help. Which is tough for her, she’s normally so full of energy. It hurts to see her like this.” She averted her eyes.

“Does the loss of strength seem to be the only symptom then?” Tyra questioned.

The woman nodded.

“Could be a curse.” Aramin spoke up.

The two women turned to look at him. The woman’s face becoming more fearful, and Tyra’s intense unwavering expression not leaving her face.

“Oh, don’t mind me. I- I’m sure it’s nothing that serious.” He stumbled over his words, trying to alleviate the obvious panic the woman was feeling.

“No, you’re probably right. It does sound like a curse.” Tyra interjected. The two could see the woman’s heart sink at the diagnosis.

Tyra cracked a grin. “Fear not, for I have just the thing for your cursed wife.” Tyra began to turn up the theatrics. “One of my patented curse release potions.” She produced a potion from beneath the counter.

“One drink of this for three days should break any low to medium level curse no problem or your money back.” Tyra gave a wink to the woman and a bright smile.

“T- That’s amazing! How much is it?” The woman asked, now placing her hands on her side of the booth.

“Normally these run about twenty gold pieces. However, seeing as you’re my first customer of the day, I’ll knock off five gold.” She held up her hand for added effect.

“I’ll take it!” The woman produced fifteen gold coins from her small purse and ran off with the potion. “Thank you so much!” She called back to the two merchants.

“Don’t you usually charge ten gold coins for those?” Aramin whispered to Tyra.

“Shut. Up.” She said through her teeth.

“I thought this place was supposed to be poor…” Aramin thought to himself.

More and more customers came and went, each seeming happy with their purchase.

That was until a group of three came up to their booth. They looked rugged and like they kept bad company. That did not deter Tyra from giving them a warm welcome however.

“Hello! And how may we assist you today?” She asked them.

The biggest of the three stepped forward, presenting his arm. There was a shallow cut running along it.

“I was wanting to see if the commotion you’ve been causing was just gossip or not.” He said to her; his deep voice was resonating with the booth they had set up.

“Soooooo, did you want a potion of healing?” She asked, tilting her head.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to sample one before buying the whole thing.” He plainly.

“Ahhhh, we don’t really do samples here.” Aramin leaned against the booth.

Tyra put her hand out, a small vial of red liquid was kept within. “You want a sample, here’s a sample. But promise to buy five of the whole thing if this satisfies.” She said, brimming with confidence.

The man chuckled. “Sure, I’ll do that.” He said, uncorking the vial.

As he went to drink it the sound of glass shattering could be heard behind the two vendors. They whipped their heads to see where the sound had come from.

Right behind them was what looked like a glass jar that had been tossed their way. And from the immediate alleyway it looked as if someone had just darted away.

“What?” Aramin said in confusion, which was all he could get out before he and Tyra heard an awful sound.

“Koff! Hurk! Blagh!” The man that had taken the sample was having a coughing fit, blood coming from each cough.

“What the hell?” Aramin said in disbelief.

“Buddy! Are you alright?!” One of the other men shook their friend. The other pulled a vial of their own from their pouch. Feeding it to their friend.

The coughing calmed down and the man seemed to be okay.

“Trying to poison me eh?” He declared “Is this how you treat your customers?” He snarled.

“Woah, hold on, we didn’t try to poison you. That stuff is the same as Tyra’s potions of healing she makes.” Aramin tried to calm the situation.

“Shut it! You saw what happened. If my friend here didn’t have any anti-venom on him then I could have keeled over.” He leaned in closer. “Now how are you going to make this right?”

“Well, not to go pointing fingers, but I think all three of you are full of it.” Tyra said confidently.

“And how do you figure that?” He said, Tyra was able to feel his hot breath reach her face.

She pointed to the man’s friend. “For starters, your friend there was quick to act. There could have been a number of things wrong with you. You know that some folks are unfortunate enough to be allergic to potions of healing?” She crossed her arms. “But your buddy knew exactly what to give you. Strange, don’t you think?”

The man gritted his teeth. “That’s besides the point. Who cares if he gave me anti-venom, that still means that what you gave me was poison.” He fired back.

“Right, and you drank it while we were turned away. You could have easily switched it out with something else.” Aramin watched as his friend picked apart their argument. His eyes wandered down to her hand which was below the counter, where no one else but he could see. She was pointing her finger behind her.

Confused at first he looked behind him, and there was nothing there. And that was when he saw it. Once again when he looked towards the alleyway he could have sworn that he saw someone move back into it.

“That doesn’t mean anything, woman!” He slammed his fist against the booth. “If you just give us some of your wares as compensation then we’ll forget this whole thing happened.”

Aramin made his way over to the alleyway, without so much as a word.

“Hey, what’s your pet doing!” The man yelled.

Tyra stepped in front of the man’s vision, blocking Aramin from view. “Nothing that you need to concern yourself with. And I’d refrain from calling him a pet. He’s my employee.”

The man looked to be on the brink of a meltdown.

None of this arguing stopped Aramin though. Once he looked into the alleyway he saw a figure running further down the alley.

His eyes went wide and his body tensed up. “Tyra, I’ll be back!” He yelled before darting off.

“HEY!!!” The man’s voice boomed.

Tyra gave a glance back to where Aramin had run off, she smiled with glee seeing that her signals got through. “It’s all on you now.” She thought to herself, looking back at her three angry “customers.”