Cade knew this trip south to Quill Market would be the last one before the snows set in. A chill wind cut down the road, and brought with it the tides of changing seasons. He pulled his coat tighter, and was glad that he brought it. Cade was tall and lean, and he bore the look of a man older than his 20 years. His hair was a thick shag of dark brown, and the heavy beard he sported had hints of red. He looked down the road, his green eyes scanning the land ahead. The sun had not risen far off the eastern horizon, and its warmth would not take hold until nearly midday. They had left Pinewood before dawn, and the cold was still held within the shadows of the trees. He spurred his mount, and the horse moved at a quicker step. The sound of hooves to his left brought his partner, Roland, alongside.
Roland was several inches shorter than Cade and more heavily built. His fair hair was close cropped but his sandy blonde beard hung thickly to his collarbones.
“Not much farther now.”
Cade nodded his head in response. The trader’s town lay just over the hill. He glanced back over his shoulder and saw the train of wagons driven by the traders was keeping up a good pace. The furs and meat they were bringing would be needed for the coming months. As he turned back to looking up the hill, he saw a dusky wolf come from the trees. He felt no fear at the sight of the wolf, because it was a familiar companion of his. The large, gray wolf sat down beside the road and awaited their approach. Cade heard Roland snort, and looked over at the big man.
“Look at that lazy wolf, just sitting there. Probably tired from frolicking in the woods.”
“I don’t see your fat ass out there scouting ahead, Rol. Of course, Zaka’s a better scout than you anyways.”
Roland glared at Cade, but there was a hint of amusement on his face.
“Whatever. Piss off, Cade.”
Cade smiled, and they continued riding in silence. When they reached Zaka, the young wolf fell into step alongside of Cade’s horse, loping along easily. Roland had always ribbed Cade about Zaka since he found him in the forest. Cade thought it was just a bit of jealousy. Zaka was lean and smooth, his smoky gray coat still sleek from the summer. The wolf’s thick winter coat would come in soon, and judging by the signs of the weather, Cade hoped it would come in time.
They crested the hill, and Quill Market came into view, sprawled out in the valley below. The large town was the nexus for trade in the area, and it served as the main waypoint into the nearest kingdom city of Covenhall. A large market square dominated the center of the town, and shops lined the streets surrounding it. Traders from the surrounding towns would come and set up in the square to sell their goods, and during seasonal changes, like now, Quill Market could be incredibly busy. Cade hoped that they would miss the big rush. This is why they had insisted on coming days before the weather truly changed. He knew that the first hard freeze would bring everyone for miles looking to stock up for winter. Prices would rise as the stocks dwindled.
They moved down the hill towards the main road through the town center. The first building they came to was the archer’s tower that was manned by the town guard. Pinewood was not big enough to need a garrison, but Quill Market needed one to keep the peace, especially when the market was doing brisk trade. More than once, Cade had seen fights break out over prices, thievery, or a patron getting fleeced by a seller. The archer nodded down to the group, and Cade returned the gesture. They passed by the tower and into the town proper.
The group traversed into the market square and halted the wagons next to the empty stalls they always used. Cade knew that the people in the town were wary of a full-grown wolf wandering their streets, so he told Zaka to stay with the wagons. The traders began unloading their goods from the wagons, while Cade and Roland secured the horses in the market stables. When Cade and Roland returned to the wagons, they helped the traders finish getting things ready.
The sun finally broke through the clouds and removed the chill from the air. Cade loosened his jacket, but Roland had already stripped down to his tunic and vest. Cade had substantially less heft packed onto his frame, but he knew it wouldn’t be long until he removed his jacket as well.
“What do you think, Cade? Should we go get what we need now, or wait until tomorrow?”
“Might as well get it now. We never know when the other towns will send their folk.”
“Point. You got the list?”
Cade pulled out a piece of parchment from inside his coat. He looked at it quickly, and then tore it into two pieces. He handed one of the pieces to Roland, along with a small bag of coins.
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“What’s this shit? My list is twice as long as yours!”
Cade smiled at Roland slyly.
“That’s because you’re a big, dumb ox. You can carry all that!”
Cade dodged out of the way, moving deftly as Roland swiped at him with a big hand.
“Fine, you go fill your little nancy list, and I’ll handle the manly share.”
Cade gave Roland a quick shove, and Roland returned it. Cade knew they shouldn’t fool around so much, but he found it hard to resist teasing Roland. They were brothers, even if they shared no blood.
Cade looked to see where Zaka was, and saw him sitting under one of the wagons, watching the people passing in the square. His dark gray fur made him inconspicuous in the shadows under the wagon, and Cade knew his wolf would try to stay unnoticed. He walked over and crouched next to him.
“We’ll be back. You watch for trouble.”
Zaka sniffed the air and went back to watching the square.
Cade and Roland left the main square and made their way down the side streets where the local shopkeepers had their wares on display. They passed by the weaponsmith’s shop, and Roland slowed to look.
“Merrick will skin you if you spend all of our money on a new blade.”
Roland gave Cade a sidelong glance.
“I ain’t hurtin’ anything by looking. Pa will get what he asked us for.”
“Look with your eyes, oaf. I know you. If you put your paws on any of those, you won’t put it down.”
“Lords, if I wanted to be nagged the whole time, I’d have brought pa.”
“Fine, but if you don’t get your list, that’s your ass, Rol.”
Roland waved a hand at Cade dismissively, and walked closer to inspect the swords. Cade sighed, and walked on searching for the tailor and the cobbler. They needed cloth and boots for the coming winter.
By midday, Cade had acquired several bundles of cloth and threading from the tailor, boots from the cobbler, and tanned cowhides and thronging from the tanner. He brought the goods back to the wagons, and saw that Roland had still not returned. Zaka came out from under the wagon, and greeted him by leaning against his leg. Cade never really felt the need to talk to Zaka. He would often speak to him out of habit, but most of the time, the wolf and Cade seemed to understand each other without words. Cade ruffled Zaka’s ears, and turned to check on the traders in their stalls. One waved at him. It was Holt, who was selling pelts, and looked like he needed more stock. Holt had been trading his furs longer than Cade had been alive, but the older man still had the look of someone many years younger. He grizzled black hair and beard only carried hints of gray, and his eyes always danced with energy. He was short and thin, but had strength that belied his size. Cade grabbed a bundle of the pelts and carried them to the stall where Holt was waiting. Zaka followed along.
“Good business today, Holt?”
“Aye. Everyone needs fur to line their coats now that winter is breathing down our necks.”
“True enough. It’s coming early this year.”
“Gerard won’t be happy with his cut, but then again, the fat fool never is. He knows better than to push it with the older of us, but he likes to bully the younger traders.”
Gerard was the trade marshal for Pinewood, and was much disliked by those in his employ.”
“If he tries anythin’ sneaky with the younger lads, you let us know.”
“Oh I will, Cade. Nothin’ I like more than seein’ you and Roland twist up some poor unsuspectin’ fellow.”
Holt gave Cade a wink and a pat on the shoulder.
“Let me know if you need anythin’ else,” Cade replied with a smile.
Holt thanked him, and Cade began walking back towards the wagons. He made another visual sweep of the stalls, and saw that no other traders needed his attention. He caught sight of Roland coming down the lane, pushing a loaded cart, and carrying a large sack on one broad shoulder. Cade narrowed his eyes to see if he spotted the glint of fresh steel in the goods that Roland was bringing, but he saw none. He continued to eye Roland suspiciously as he neared the wagons and finally stopped next to them.
“Don’t worry, I got everything we needed. Pa will have nothin’ to skin me over.”
“For now. Trouble is bound to find you eventually.”
Roland tossed the sack of grain he was carrying into the wagon, and shrugged his shoulders.
“Bah, you’re just as likely as me to get in trouble. Get over here and help me unload this.”
Cade walked over and helped him unload the cart. When they were finished, Roland handed over his list and money bag. Cade checked the list and saw they did have everything that they needed. He checked the coins that they had left, and knew they had more than enough for lodging and food for the rest of the trip. Merrick always made sure they never ran short. He put the coins back inside the sacks and tucked them inside his belt. Cade unfastened his jacket and pulled it off. His cotton tunic was slightly damp with sweat. He tossed the coat up on the wagon, and adjusted his vest. He was feeling hungry, and was sure that Roland was as well.
“Take the cart back, and find some food?”
“That’s the best idea you’ve had all day.”
Cade felt Zaka give his hand a lick and brush by his leg. The wolf was returning to his spot under the wagon.
“Don’t worry, Zaka, I’ll get the butcher to cut you something to eat.”
Zaka clacked his teeth lightly, and gave Cade a look that Cade understood as approval. Roland began pushing the cart and Cade fell into step beside him, heading off in search of lunch.