Chapter 8

The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air, an unexpected comfort after days of constant light hunger.

The joyous expressions on the faces of Henley's daughters quickly faded as they rushed to claim the very first morsels of the meal.

The older daughter darted forward, her hunger driving her to grab the food first. However, she paused and, with a glance towards her father, politely asked, "May I have a bite?" The girls sat in a loose circle.

Henley nodded with a smile and responded, "Of course, sweetheart, but don't forget to thank Khan; he's the one who provided us with this delicious feast."

"Really? Thank you, Brother Khan!" She beamed, her eyes lighting up with gratitude, eagerly digging into her meal. Her younger sister joined her, echoing the sentiment.

Khan nodded at the girls' thanks, his mind occupied with thoughts of his plans. The warmth of their smiles barely registered— his expression polite but distant.

Henley’s family had been kind, but Khan couldn’t afford to let himself get too attached. Gratitude was fleeting; he’d learned not to rely on it.

He reciprocated their thanks by saying, "You're welcome, but I couldn't have done it without your dad,"

While Khan thanked the girls, their focus remained on their meal, too absorbed in savoring the food to notice much else.

Beside him, Henley sighed and said, "Doesn't seem like they’re listening."

Khan offered a calm smile in response, though his mind was elsewhere. Outwardly composed, he was lost in thought, turning over the day's events and what they meant for his future.

Having earned ten copper coins for his day's labor, he examined the ten coppers in his palm. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. The real question wasn’t how much he had—it was how he’d use it to grow. Was ten coppers a decent start, or barely anything at all? He couldn’t tell yet, but he knew it had to be enough—for now.

More pressing on Khan's mind was the looming question of how much wealth and influence he would need to genuinely become a valuable asset to cultivators.

As night fell, Henley and his daughters settled in for the night, but Khan lay awake, sleepless, his thoughts refusing to quiet.

The hunting quota was no challenge for someone with his skills, and the extra income from selling surplus animals would help. But even with that, it wasn’t enough to make him truly valuable to cultivators.

His mind circled the day’s lessons—success wasn’t just about skill; it was about leverage. And today, he’d taken a small step toward finding it, toward understanding how to gain it. If he could master the network of bargains and alliances necessary to get it, he could do more than just survive—he could thrive.

Still, Khan knew it wasn’t enough. If he wanted to stand out in a world that dismissed him, he’d have to do more—something extraordinary. The path ahead would be grueling, requiring years of relentless effort, but he was ready to face it.

Late into the night, Khan finally decided to return indoors. Before settling onto his mat for some much-needed rest, Khan rehearsed the cultivation technique, running through the technique Hoffnung had shared with him, committing every detail to memory. It wasn’t much, but it was a step—one he wasn’t willing to skip.

Though no groundbreaking ideas came to him that night, Khan knew nights like this—restless and filled with planning—would only become more common as he started building his future and accumulating wealth.

Khan eventually drifted off, grabbing a few hours of rest.

Henley looked at Khan through the shoddy wooden opening in the wall, thinking back to how the boy had handled himself in the fields. 'If he’s going to make it, he needs a foot in the door.

***

Henley woke up earlier than usual, clearly planning something. He glanced at the slumbering Khan, his expression thoughtful. Today, he had something special in mind, a plan that could potentially open doors for Khan in the bustling maze of the district marketplace.

First, he had to prepare the girls to stay with Healer Kim, before taking Khan out to meet who he wanted him to.

Not long after, Khan woke up, the pull of responsibility already tugging on him. Another day of work waited but was ready to face it with determination. To him, each task was another step on a long, uphill climb toward a future filled with promise. He wasn’t about to let any chance, no matter how small, pass him by.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the trees, Henley glanced at Khan, choosing his words carefully. “You’ve been doing well with the hunting,” he said, adjusting the straps on his daughters’ satchels. ‘But if you want to get anywhere in this city, you’ll need more than skill—you’ll need connections. I’ve got someone in mind who might be able to help.’

“Really? When do we meet him?” Khan asked, his interest piqued, but a bit confused.

“Give me a moment,” he said, adjusting his stance. “I’ll get the girls settled with Healer Kim. You don’t remember? I told you I would help you out. It’s good to see a kid like you with some ambition.”

The city’s heart was alive with energy as the duo made their way through the crowded market. Stalls overflowed with goods, the scent of fresh bread mingling with the sharper tang of meat. Khan kept pace with Henley, eyes scanning the sea of people. Every vendor had their own story, but Henley had one in mind for him.

With a friendly smile and a purposeful stride, Henley led Khan toward a well-known figure in the market—a butcher who stood out from the rest. As they approached, Khan couldn’t help but study the man’s unusual appearance.

The butcher had the build of someone who’d spent years in the trade—broad shoulders and thick arms, muscles honed from hours of slicing through meat and bone. There was no mistaking the strength in him.

But what really caught Khan’s attention was the butcher’s facial hair—a perfectly groomed horseshoe mustache that curved up from his lip and spread out to the sides of his mouth. It gave him a mix of charm and eccentricity that was hard to forget.

Henley, with a touch of pride in his voice, enlightened Khan about the figure before them. "See that big guy with the mustache? That’s Tarig. Don’t let the fancy moustache fool you—Tarig means business when it comes to his craft. He's a master of his trade."

“‘There’s our man.’ Henley grinned, slapping Khan’s shoulder when they reached the stall. The butcher, looked up and broke into a grin of his own.

‘Henley, you old dog! Finally decided to show your face again, huh?’ Tarig called out, his voice gruff but warm.

Henley chuckled. ‘Had to bring this one to meet you,’ he said, nodding at Khan. ‘He’s sharp—and more useful than he looks.’

Tarig gave Khan a once-over, his eyes narrowing as he sized him up. “Henley, you’re bringing me kids now?”

“What? You think I’d bring him here if I wasn’t sure of his skills? Just hear him out.”

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“You’re sure he’s useful, huh? Fine. We’ll see about that.”

Tarig eyed Khan for a long moment before picking up one of his bird carcasses. “Alright, kid. Let’s see if you’ve got an eye for quality. What do you think of this one?”

Khan stepped forward, his gaze sharp. “It’s plump, but the feathers are patchy. Probably had a run-in with something before it was caught.”

Tarig squinted at him, his face unreadable. “Henley, I don’t usually deal with kids.” He paused, then sighed. “But for you, I’ll see what he’s got.”

“Well, what’ve you got for me, kid? Let’s see it.”

Khan and Henley presented their catch to Tarig, who meticulously examined each animal, checking for quality and condition.

Khan’s surplus was the result of a good day’s hunting—better than most would expect from someone his age. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to start building connections.

Tarig lifted a bird, turning it over with a practiced eye. “Plump enough,” he muttered, tugging at the leg. 'You’re not bad at this, kid. But let’s talk prices—don’t expect me to go easy just because Henley’s the one who introduced you.

"It's a pretty nice catch, my friend. I'll offer you one copper per bird, a half-copper for each rodent, and 15 coppers for each swine. Additionally, I'll let you in on a hot tip; you can sell the fox skin to the tanner for 50 bronze. How does that sound?"

Khan hesitated, unsure of the value. Henley nudged him forward. However, Henley decided to negotiate for better terms himself. "Nice try, Tarig. The birds are worth at least 4 bronze each, and the swine should fetch you 20 if you're not being stingy."

Tarig raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Four bronze for a bird? You’re dreaming, Henley. Two coppers, take it or leave it.”

Khan’s gaze darted back and forth between them, soaking in the back-and-forth like a lesson in negotiation.

Henley wasn’t about to let it go. “Three coppers per bird, and 18 for the swine,” he said, his voice steady but insistent. “You can’t undercut this kid like that, and let’s not forget the rodents. Half a copper each is a fair price, don’t you think?”

Tarig squinted at the rodents, his lips twitching as he considered. “Fine, three coppers for the birds, and 16 for the swine,” he replied. “Rodents, though… they’re small time. One copper for all of them.”

Henley leaned in, a spark of mischief in his eyes. “I’m not giving up that easy. Three coppers for the birds, 18 for the swine, and half a copper per rodent. Take it or leave it.”

They haggled back and forth for a bit longer before a deal was finally struck: 17 coppers per swine, three coppers per bird, and half a copper for each rodent. The exchange ended with a firm handshake, followed by a little good-natured banter as they wrapped things up.

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Once the deal was concluded, Tarig slapped Khan on the back with a grin. “Let’s get your meat processed and ready for sale by the end of this week. You can leave the fox with me, and we’ll visit the tanner together to get the skin. Consider it a gift from me, something to start you off right.”

Henley gave Khan a nod of approval, the kind of quiet acknowledgment that meant more than words. “Trust him, Khan. Tarig’s a good guy.”

Khan looked up at the butcher, feeling a mix of gratitude and respect for the man’s straightforwardness. “Thanks, Tarig. I appreciate it.”

Tarig waved a hand dismissively, his eyes already on the next customer. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t waste my time, kid. Now, get out of here. I’ve got work to do.”

With that, Khan and Henley made their way back toward the fields. As they walked, Khan couldn’t help but reflect on the exchange. He had just made a deal that could lead to something bigger, something that went beyond the basics of hunting. It wasn’t just the copper or the swine that mattered—it was the connections. Tarig had trusted him enough to offer advice and support, and that was worth more than any single transaction. Khan didn’t yet know where this path would take him, but he knew it was one worth following.

Khan readied himself for the work ahead, though his mind still lingered on the conversation with Tarig.

By the time the day came to a close, Khan had bagged four deer, a decent haul by any measure. However, he didn’t catch any foxes this time, leaving him to wonder if his earlier luck was just that—luck. Still, he’d exceeded his quota, which was no small feat.

The supervisor arrived shortly after the hunt, to claim his share of the spoils. Two of the deer were taken away, leaving Khan with the remaining animals and his earnings of 10 coppers. It wasn’t a huge sum, but it was enough to keep going for now.

As the supervisor and his guards eyed the remaining deer, Khan recalled Henley’s advice about making allies, about keeping people close and earning their trust. He’d noticed the envious glances they’d cast at his haul in the past, and now it was time to act.

Khan sliced the choicest portions of the deer and offered them to the supervisor, his voice steady but respectful. “Here. Take the best cuts.”

The supervisor’s eyes flickered in surprise, but he accepted the gesture without hesitation, a nod of appreciation in his eyes. The guards murmured among themselves, eyeing the meat with a mix of envy and respect. It wasn’t much, but it was a gesture that spoke volumes, a small step toward gaining the trust of those who could either help or hinder him in the future.

The farmers once again gathered for a communal meal. Khan's generous acts gradually improved his standing among the local community, and he believed that such goodwill might serve him well in the future. If his reputation continued to grow, opportunities might arise that would enhance his life and further his dreams.

After the feast, Khan and Henley made their way to Tarig’s butcher shop, the air still thick with the lingering scents of meat and woodsmoke. Khan felt a quiet sense of pride in the day’s work, but his thoughts were already shifting toward the next task at hand. Henley, walking beside him, seemed equally lost in thought, though his pace remained steady.

When they reached the butcher’s shop, Tarig looked up from behind the counter, his face breaking into a rare smile. “I’m glad you at least listen,” he said, eyes appraising the young hunter with a nod of approval.

Khan wasn’t sure how to respond, so he simply returned the nod. Henley shot him a sideways glance, as though urging him to stay composed.

Before they could settle into conversation, the door creaked open, and a new figure entered—a tall, wiry man with an air of quiet intensity. Azul, the tanner. His dark skin was an odd contrast to the usual paleness of the people in the area, still lighter than Khan’s, and his narrow, yellow eyes scanned the room with a sharpness that made Khan uneasy.

“Tarig, my friend,” Azul greeted in a voice low and steady. “What have you called me for today?”

Tarig stepped forward with a grin, his tone one of camaraderie. “Azul, I’ve got a couple of hides for you. The boy here came through for me.”

Khan could feel Azul’s gaze lingering on him as the tanner sized him up. Something was unsettling about the way Azul looked at him—not overtly hostile, but sharp like he was measuring Khan for something Khan couldn’t yet comprehend.

“Let's see them then,” Azul said, his voice barely rising above a whisper,

As Tarig unveiled the deer and fox hides, Azul inquired about Khan's role and skill, intrigued by the young man's contribution.

Azul leaned back, folding his wiry arms. 'I don’t take just any hides, you know. Merchants and nobles rely on my work—they expect perfection. So, what makes yours worth my time?'

In response to Azul's question, Khan explained, "I'm a hunter. But when it comes to preparing the hides, I only know how to maximize the meat, not preserve the skin. That's not my expertise. But I’m an excellent marksman, just take a look at the hides.”

Azul studied Khan with an intense gaze, assessing him like a cat sizing up a new human. Tarig and Henley exchanged a smirk, aware of Khan's inexperience in bargaining.

Azul proposed a price for the hides, but Tarig, Henley, and Khan all vocally contested it, believing it to be too low.

Azul leaned back, crossing his wiry arms as he eyed the hides. “Decent quality. I’ll give you 40 coppers for the fox and 25 for each deer.”

“40 coppers?’ Tarig barked a laugh. “Azul, you’ve been sniffing too much tanning acid. These hides are worth at least 60 for the fox and 35 each for the deer.”

Azul’s yellow eyes glinted, his voice sharpening. “You forget who you’re talking to, butcher. I don’t just sell to farmers; my clients have gold to spend—and standards to match. These hides need work before they’re worth your numbers.”

Khan, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward. “Work you’re the best at, right?’ he said, his tone even. ‘A merchant’s only as good as his product. What’s 5 coppers more if it gets you a reputation as the best in the city?”

Henley, looked at him, a bit of surprise in his eyes, before quickly turning into a touch of appreciation.

Azul studied him for a moment before smirking. ‘55 for the fox, 31 for the deer. Final offer.’

‘Done,’ Khan said before Tarig could protest.”

Amidst heated negotiations, Azul refused to budge, and they finally reached an agreement of 55 coppers for the fox and 31 coppers for each deer hide. Khan learned a few choice words during the process.

Azul ran his fingers over the fox hide, nodding with approval. 'Fine work. Not many in this market could handle this quality—not like I can. The merchants from the capital come to me, you know. They want the best. And I don’t settle for less.'

Tarig also agreed to buy the fox and deer meat from Khan once Azul had completed the skinning process. Though Khan suspected he might have undersold the meat, he recognized that the lessons learned in the marketplace were worth the expense.

As the deal concluded and the coppers changed hands, Khan couldn’t shake the feeling that today wasn’t just another step—it was a turning point. He had made new business partners, but more importantly, he had made a choice: start building. The path ahead was murky, but it no longer felt impossible."