55

Kenric glanced down at Diadra. She was sitting on the porch floor beside the driver’s seat. In fact, Diadra had been sitting there for over an hour practicing her letters using a pan as a small brace or tabletop to write on.

“I suppose I need to buy a couple of stools,” Kenric said. I also need to get one of those scholar boards or whatever they’re called I’ve seen people use to write on.

“What for?”

“Well, it’d be nice to sit on them while seeing patients and we could use them around campfires at night instead of staying couped up in the vardo,” Kenric said, explaining his reasoning. “Plus, that way you could sit beside me and not in the floor.”

“Yeah, that sounds nice,” Diadra agreed with a smile on her face. “But I don’t mind sitting here. It’s sort of nice.”

“Oh?”

“Yep. I can feel the cool air in the wagon plus the heat from the sun on my face.”

“You can feel the same on the seats,” Kenric said.

“I know,” Diadra replied. “I just want to be close to you. Plus, I could stretch out if I wanted to and nap here on my throw blanket.”

“Should have known you weren’t sitting just on the floor,” Kenric said with a grin. She smiled. “And yeah, being able to stretch out would be nice.”

“Can we stop to eat a late lunch?” Diadra asked, changing the subject. “I can make some sandwiches.”

“I can make sandwiches for us,” Kenric offered. “I’ll even let you drive the wagon while I do so.”

“I… I would rather make lunch for us,” Diadra countered.

“Am I that bad of a cook?” Kenric asked. She nodded. “I’ve improved.”

“Keep practicing,” Diadra murmured. Kenric laughed. She laughed too.

“I can see the river ahead. We’ll stop there so the mules can drink easier.”

“You’re not worried about monsters in the water?”

“Not really. I’m going to cast the new ward spell over where we stop at including part of the river.”

“Oh. I guess that will be alright then.”

“I’m glad my plan meets with your approval, my lady,” Kenric said, twisting slightly and bowing slightly to Diadra. She giggled and slapped at his arm. He laughed again.

*

“So much for stopping at the bridge. I hadn’t anticipated that the bridge would be so high up over the river or so long,” Kenric said. The old stone bridge that spanned the Yadkin River started and ended a couple of hundred feet or more past the riverbanks on either side of the water because the ground steeply slopped towards the river. “Looks like there is a clearing on the other side of the bridge. We’ll stop there if there is a clearing.”

“Okay,” Diadra agreed. “We could snack on fruit instead of stopping.”

“No, we’ll stop. Jack and Jill need some water and a break too,” Kenric replied. Diadra nodded and turned her attention back to her letters. Kenric glanced down at the river as they started to cross the water. Huh. It’s not that deep looking. “Diadra, you can see fish in the water.”

“No thanks. I don’t like looking down from high places.”

“Yet, you like living in the hills.”

“Most of the ground is covered by trees and they’re tall,” she replied with a shrug. “That makes it easier not to notice how high up I am.”

“Perhaps,” Kenric laughed. He pulled wagon over into the little clearing past the bridge a few minutes later and set the brake once the mules had stopped. Kenric then cast the Overlapping Ward three times. “Alright. The ward is up and I’m going to water Jack and Jill.”

“I’ll fry some bacon and we can have bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches,” Diadra said, putting away her paper and his pen. “Unless you would rather have some ham?”

“Whichever you prefer kitten,” Kenric replied.

“I like bacon more than ham,” Diadra informed him.

“So do I,” Kenric said before hopping down from the wagon.

“Good. Ham is too salty!”

*

“We should reach Lewisville in an hour and a half or so,” Kenric said as he consulted his map after they had finished eating. “We could also stop over at West Bend and see if they need a healer.”

“This big mark is Winston Salem?” Diadra asked, pointing to a spot to the east of where Kenric was pointing at.

“Yes. This mark is Lewisville.”

“Both look close to Winston Salem,” Diadra said. “They might go there for any healings they need.”

“True. West Bend is probably three hours away while Lewisville is about two hours away from Winston Salem,” Kenric replied. “That’s close enough for anything except an emergency.”

“Emergency? What’s that?”

“Like the hunter that had been shot at Yadkinville, a mother giving birth, a monster attack, or a few other situations like that,” Kenric answered.

“Oh. Yeah, those are mostly bad,” Diadra said. Kenric agreed. She pointed at several words on the map north of Winston Salem. “Are all these villages?”

“That or the name of mountains and hills,” Kenric said. He pointed at one. “This one says Pilot Mountain.”

“I know that one! That’s Jomeokee or the Great Guide,” Diadra excitedly said. She rushed over to the little window over the sink and looked out. “We’re too close to the trees, but if we weren’t, you could see Jomeokee from here.”

“Interesting. Does Jomeokee mean Great Guide?”

“It does. Could we go visit it?” Diadra asked. “Jomeokee isn’t as tall as the mountains to the west, but everybody has always said people have used it as a guide or landmark for generations.”

“I don’t know,” Kenric said. There are a lot of villages along the way that I might be able to find some work in. Plus, there’s a town called Mt Airy to the northwest of Jomeokee. But that takes me further away from the coast.

“Please! I’ve never seen it before,” Diadra said. She gave him the puppy eyes. “Jomeokee is supposed to be a spiritual place, and you could heal people along the way.”

Oh no! She’s already figured out that look! Kenric thought. He sighed. It’s not like I need to get to the ocean this year. I suppose we could travel a bit and explore, though some protection wouldn’t hurt if we do.

“I’ll think about it, and we’ll talk to some folks in Winston Salem. If the trail isn’t too dangerous or we can hire some trustworthy guards, we’ll go,” Kenric said after thinking about it some more. I really do have a hard time saying no to her.

“Thank you!” Diadra exclaimed. She hugged him and kissed his cheek.

“You’re welcome, but I did say it depends on what we find out in Winston Salem.”

“I know,” Diadra replied. She then grinned. “You need a shave.”

“I like my scruffy beard, thank you,” Kenric retorted. She giggled. “Alright, let’s get back on the road. And you get back to your letters.”

56

“There’s the Great Guide,” Kenric announced. Diadra put away her papers and his pen. She then moved over to the passenger seat and sat facing him so she could stare at distant Pilot Mountain.

“Jomeokee is so far away that it looks like a waterskin’s cap from here,” Diadra remarked. “Except it looks like it’s covered with trees, and you can barely see it.”

“That’s an unusual comparison,” Kenric replied. “And the mountain is many miles away.”

“That’s what it looks like to me,” Diadra said, shrugging her shoulders.

“We’re almost to Yadkinville and I can see the tops of its wall,” Kenric said. Diadra turned and looked.

“I think I was told wrong. This place looks a lot larger than Hamptonville,” Diadra said as more of the village’s wall came into view. They could see a line waiting to enter the gate.

That wall is at least 40 feet tall with the bottom fourth or so made of stone. Looks like there’s a watch tower at each cardinal point, though I can’t be sure of that until we enter the village and look around, Kenric thought.

“It’s possible the village has really grown since the last time your folks had visited,” Kenric suggested.

“Yeah,” Diadra agreed, nodding her head. “If Lewisville is much larger than I thought, do you think you might find some work even though it’s so close to Winston Salem?”

“Not really,” Kenric answered. “If anything, if the village is as large as that wall suggests, they’ll most likely have their own healer.” He grinned. “Hopefully, that means we can find you a decent pair of boots there too.”

“These are fine,” Diadra said, sticking her feet out to show off her sandals. She then frowned.

“They’re falling apart already,” Kenric pointed out.

“Yeah,” Diadra said. “You got ripped off no matter how much or little you paid for them.”

“Yeah, I did,” Kenric agreed. That made Diadra grin. “Hopefully, those sandals hold together until we can get you some proper boots.”

*

“Don’t recognize you or your wagon,” one of the gate guards said. He glanced into the vardo’s open doorway. Diadra had needed to use the bathroom and was still in there. “What are you peddling?”

“I’m a traveling healer,” Kenric said. “Name’s Kenric Mender.”

“I’m George Peterson,” the guard replied. A second guard was looking under and around the wagon. Kenric wasn’t sure what he was looking for. “We have a retired healer living here that handles emergencies and for everything else, we go to one of the clinics in Winston Salem.”

“That’s fine and I sorted expected as much once I saw how big your village is,” Kenric said. “So, we’ll spend the night here, buy some supplies if the village has what we need, and move on in the morning.”

“We?” George asked.

“My ward,” Kenric replied. “She’s inside.”

“I didn’t see anyone inside when I glanced through the doorway,” George said.

“My wagon has a water closet,” Kenric explained, gesturing to the bathroom’s door.

“Ah. I’ve seen a few merchant wagons with those, but never got a close look,” George replied. The man looked thoughtful.

Please don’t think about asking me to let you inside, Kenric thought. Diadra chose that moment to exit the bathroom. She glanced at the guard and smiled nervously. “Diadra, this is George. He’s one of Lewisville’s guardians.”

“Hi,” Diadra said. She then backed further into the vardo and sat at the table. Kenric saw her pull out her papers and his pen.

“She’s an elf!” George exclaimed.

“Yes,” Kenric agreed.

“But you’re human,” George said. Kenric nodded and the guard frowned. “Are you sure she’s just your ward? You’re not some flesh peddler, are you?”

“I…”

“We’re good, decent folk in Lewisville. We don’t want any flesh peddlers here,” George added.

“Speak for yourself, George,” the other guard said. George gave the other guard a rude gesture, making the man laugh.

“Go, check the next wagon,” George ordered his comrade. The man kept laughing and moved down the line.

“George,” Kenric said, getting the guard’s attention again. “I swear by the heavens that I’m no flesh peddler, that I care for Diadra as my ward, and that I’m just a traveling healer.”

“I’ll trust your word,” George replied. “It’s known healers can’t lie after all.”

“Thank you,” Kenric said. The guard nodded. “Is there a tavern or inn in the village where we could eat a meal that we don’t have to cook?”

“A few of both,” George answered. “Would you prefer good food or cheap food?”

“Both, if I can get it,” Kenric answered. “But good is the preference.”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Looking for a couple of rooms to rent as well?”

“I’d prefer just the meal and a place I can park my wagon so we can save some silver,” Kenric answered.

“Can’t blame you for that. Head into the village until you get to the first village square. On the left you’ll find Alex’s Tavern. There you can get a good meal at decent prices,” George said. “North of the Tavern you’ll find a stable that will rent you a spot for your wagon and a stall for your mules.”

“Thank you, George,” Kenric replied. I wonder if you get paid for the recommendation. The guard nodded and waved him past. “I have one more question, George.”

“Make it quick. We’re holding up the line.”

“Is there a tailor, cobbler, or shop where I can buy my ward some new boots?”

“There is. Head past the first and second squares. You’ll find the Country Market on the left,” George answered. “At the market is a tailor, seamstress, and cobbler. The cobbler usually makes all the boots and shoes but works with the other two on special orders. You’ll probably get cheaper boots in Winston Salem though. More competition there.”

“Thank you. I’ll check with them on the morrow. Diadra’s sandals aren’t going to last much longer,” Kenric said. The guard nodded again and stepped away from the wagon. Kenric clicked his tongue and snapped the reins. Jack and Jill got moving again.

57

“I’ll rent you a spot for your wagon tonight and stable your beasts for 25 silvers,” Ryan Pepperidge, the stablemaster, said. He coughed.

That’s steep, Kenric thought. The stablemaster coughed again and spit up some yellow phlegm. This isn’t a big town or city either. That’s where I would expect to pay so much for what he’s offering, not a village.

“As I said before, I’m a healer,” Kenric replied. “I’ll analyze and heal whatever is wrong with you in exchange for stabling my mules and the spot in your yard.”

“I don’t know. I’ve never heard of a healer traveling alone before,” Ryan said. He coughed once more and that turned into a coughing fit. One of the stableboys ran up and handed his boss a waterskin. After he was over the coughing, he said, “Thanks Toby.”

The boy nodded and ran back to his fellows.

“So…”

“I’ll take your offer Mr Mender,” Ryan said. The two shook hands. “Toby, you and Frank come take care of Mr Mender’s mules.”

“Yes sir,” the boys shouted. They started to do as told and unhitched the mules from the wagon.

“Um…” Kenric said.

“I’ll have the boys push your wagon out of the way and turn it around. It’ll be easier,” Ryan replied. Kenric nodded.

“My Analyze spell will only take a moment,” Kenric advised the stablemaster. “Then we’ll see what kind of healing you need.”

“Sure.”

“Just a sinus infection,” Kenric said after dismissing the results notice.

“Blasted ragweed,” Ryan muttered.

“I’m surprised it has affected you this much this late in the summer,” Kenric said. “Still, it’ll only take a moment to heal.”

*

“Are we really going to the tavern the guard mentioned to eat?” Diadra asked a little while later.

“Yeah.”

“I don’t mind cooking.”

“I know you don’t,” Kenric replied. “But I figured you would like to eat something you cooked or that I attempted to cook.”

She doesn’t look happy.

“I…”

“Are you worried about me dumping you if you’re not being useful?” Kenric asked gently.

“You promised you wouldn’t dump me,” Diadra answered, shaking her head. “You’ll keep your promise.”

“I’m happy that you believe me,” Kenric said. “What’s wrong?”

“I… I’m not sure how to phrase it.”

“Hmmm,” Kenric said. She wasn’t thrilled about the guard looking at her. Being afraid of men could be the problem. Yet, she trusts me and I’m still mostly a stranger. “Are you afraid of being around a bunch of strangers, especially what will probably be a bunch of men?”

She nodded. “Men staring at me makes me uncomfortable, but I’ll go if you want me to though.”

“No. I’ll go order two meals and bring them back,” Kenric replied. “People staring at us can be uncomfortable even without what you’ve been through. Perhaps we can talk about it later.”

“Thank you, Kenric,” Diadra said, nodding her agreement. She hugged him and he returned it.

“You’re welcome, kitten.”

“I’ll eat whatever you get,” Diadra said, sitting back down at the table.

“Alright,” Kenric said, walking toward the door. “Come and lock the door. I have my key.”

“Alright,” Diadra replied, getting back up. “Are you going to cast a ward too?”

“Not yet,” Kenric answered. “I’d have to take it back down when I get back, and I think the wagon’s enchantment will be protection enough. It’s not like we’re camping outside the walls.”

*

Kenric turned the corner to enter the stable yard and saw one of the stableboys go flying away from his vardo. “What the blue blazes?”

He ran over.

“Get up Frank!” the other stableboy said.

“What happened?” Kenric asked. The boy looked up in fear. What did the stablemaster call him? Toby. “Toby, tell me what happened!”

“We saw the girl in your wagon looking out through that window,” Toby said, pointing at the window over the sink. “We thought she was pretty, and Frank wanted to talk to her.”

“And?” Kenric asked, casting Analyze on the boy.

“He…” Toby fell silent. Kenric gave him a warning look. “Frank climbed up onto the wagon and tried to open the door. Then he went flying into the side of the stable.”

“Is that all that happened?” Ryan, the stablemaster, asked coming up behind them as Kenric checked the results notice.

“Yes sir. I swear!” Toby answered.

“Damn it boys!” Ryan swore. He glanced at Kenric. “You didn’t say your wagon was spelled, healer.”

“You didn’t ask either,” Kenric retorted. “The boy is unconscious and has some swelling in his skull. That could be deadly.”

“Damn!” Ryan swore again. “How much to heal him? Frank and Toby are my nephews.”

“30 silver and I’ll use two spells to heal him,” Kenric said. “The first should do the job, but the healing sleep I’ll put him under will make sure he wakes up in the morning feeling just fine.”

“Can we move him?” Ryan asked.

“After I use the first spell,” Kenric answered.

“Do what you have to do,” Ryan said. “Toby, go get the pushcart. We’ll use it to take Frank home.”

“Yes sir,” the stableboy said and rushed away. Kenric cast Greater Heal and then Analyze again.

“The swelling is gone as is any possible brain damage,” Kenric announced.

“Why isn’t he awake then?” Ryan asked.

“Because I didn’t want to wake him,” Kenric replied. “The important thing was to fix the damage first.”

“Can’t you just cast that same spell on him again, so he wakes up?”

“Yes.”

“Then why don’t you?”

“Because a healing sleep is better for the body in the long run than the other healing spells,” Kenric answered. “At least that is what is believed by some healers.”

“Do you believe that?” Ryan asked. Kenric nodded and cast Somnus on Frank. “You said he’ll wake in the morning?”

“Yes. Bring him by and I’ll check him over again.”

“Thank you, healer,” Ryan said. He paid Kenric the silver.

The two men loaded the sleeping boy on the cart Toby brought. Kenric watched them leave the stable yard. He climbed up the wagon and unlocked the door. Diadra looked up from her letters. She smiled.

“Diadra, are you alright?”

“Yes. Why do you ask?” the girl answered as Kenric shut and locked the door. He explained about the boys. “I saw them in the yard rough housing but hadn’t realized that one of them climbed up onto the porch. I’m glad you healed him.”

“Me too,” Kenric replied. “Clear that away and let’s eat.”

“What did you get?”

“Fried beef sandwiches they called hamburgers and fried potatoes cut in strips,” Kenric answered, pulling out the food after she had put away her papers and his pen. “I’ve had them before and they’re good.”

“Me too,” Diadra said. “Except the potatoes were cut into then round slices instead of these strips.”

58

“You’re healed and in better health than you were before last night,” Kenric told the stableboy.

“Thank you, sir,” Frank said.

“You’re welcome,” Kenric replied. “You did learn your lesson about not trying to open another’s property, didn’t you?”

“Yes sir,” Frank answered. “I apologize sir. But the girl in there is so pretty.”

“Enough of that!” Ryan said, smacking his nephew on the head.

“Don’t make me have to heal him again,” Kenric said.

Ryan snorted. “Frank’s head is harder than that. Alright boys. Get back to work.”

“How far is it to the country market?” Kenric asked. “I need to see if the cobbler has some boots that’ll fit my ward.”

“Three blocks,” the stablemaster answered. “Should only take you 15 minutes or so to walk it if you want to leave your wagon.”

“Thanks,” Kenric said. “I’ll see what my ward wants to do.”

“Is ward another term for slave or courtesan?”

“Nope. I’ve never personally owned a slave or courtesan, nor do I intend to,” Kenric replied. And I’m not fond of that tone in your voice or look in your eyes. “Diadra is someone I healed and took responsibility for.”

“Fair enough. I’ll expect you to be on your way by noon or pay for a longer stay,” the stablemaster said before walking away.

Asshole. He hasn’t even seen Diadra and is disappointed anyway, Kenric thought. He shrugged and headed back to the wagon. He shut the door after entering it.

“Is the boy alright?” Diadra asked.

“Yes. He’s in better health than he was before his accident,” Kenric answered. She nodded. “So, should we take a walk to the cobbler’s shop, or should we ride in the wagon?”

“You’re asking me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Two reasons, well three reasons. First, I don’t want your sandals to fall apart, and you get something nasty on your feet,” Kenric answered. She giggled. “Second, we can get back on the road quicker if we take the wagon. And finally, and most importantly, your fe… issue with others,” Kenric added. “As I’ve said before, I want the best for you Diadra and to take care of you.”

“Thank you!” Diadra exclaimed as she slammed into and hugged him. She sniffed.

“You’re welcome little one,” Kenric replied, returning the hug.

“I don’t like being called that.”

“I know,” Kenric said with a grin on his face. “So, want to take a walk or should we ride?”

“It’s really my choice?”

“Yep.”

“This might be a big village, but it’s just a village,” Diadra reasoned. “Let’s ride and leave quickly.”

*

Kenric stopped the wagon behind another wagon that was parked on the right side of the main path in the village. He set the brake and looked at Diadra.

“Ready?”

She took a deep breath and nodded. “I guess.”

He stood and offered her his right hand. She took it and allowed him to help her to her feet. Diadra then pulled the door shut behind her as Kenric jumped down. He hobbled the mules’ front feet. He returned to Diadra and helped her down.

“Just a second. I want to cast a ward around Jack, Jill, and the vardo,” Kenric said.

“Why do you call the wagon a vardo?” Diadra asked as he cast the Lesser Ward.

“That’s the name for the type of wagon it is,” Kenric answered as they crossed over to the market. They entered the market square. Kenric looked around at the various signs.

“Is that the shop you’re looking for?” Diadra asked while pointing at a large wooden shoe hanging in front of a door across the market.

“Good eyes. That should be it,” Kenric answered.

Diadra stuck to his side very closely as they walked towards the shop. He noticed she barely glanced at the other stalls and what was offered. Others didn’t pay attention to her either, though people did move out of their way after a glance at him. Guess people still think of me as a warrior or someone not to mess with because of my size.

Motion caught Kenric’s eye. Diadra was reaching for his arm. She moved her hand away and reached out to him again a few seconds later.

“Here,” Kenric offered, holding out his arm, while slowing his walk. She glanced up and smiled shyly. She took hold of his wrist. “Not like that, like this.”

Kenric showed Diadra how to loop arms.

“Now I have you and you have me,” Diadra said. Kenric nodded.

*

“Welcome to Moser’s Boots and Shoes,” an old dwarf said as Kenric shut the shop’s door behind them. “I’m Rhett Moser.”

“Well met Mr Moser,” Kenric replied. “I’m Kenric Mender and this is Diadra.”

Rhett nodded. “How can I help you?”

“Diadra needs some new boots. I was hoping you might have something already made that would fit her,” Kenric answered.

“Come here child. Let me measure your foot,” Rhett said after stepping around his counter.

“I’m right here,” Kenric whispered. Diadra nodded and stepped towards the old dwarf.

Rhett glanced down at her feet and frowned. “Those sandals are crap! You need some socks or stockings too if you want boots.”

Diadra nodded. “Yeah.”

“This might help,” Kenric said. He cast Cleanse on Diadra’s feet.

“That’s a right handy trick. You’re a mage?” Rhett said as he knelt beside Diadra.

“Healer,” Kenric answered. The old man grunted and measured Diadra’s left foot with a tape. He did the same for the right.

“That tickles,” Diadra said.

“Most people are ticklish on the bottom of their feet,” Rhett replied. “I know I have some socks and stockings that will fit you young lady. I think I have some boots too but look around and see what you like. I’ll then check the back for your size.”

“Go ahead,” Kenric added. “The boots are for you, not me.”

She smiled and nodded. Then she started checking out Rhett Moser’s wares.

*

“You didn’t have to buy me two pairs of boots and another pair of sandals,” Diadra said as they exited the cobbler’s shop.

“Sure, I did. Now you have something to wear when it’s hot and cold,” Kenric replied, lifting a sack with Diadra’s new knee high, fur lined boots, new sandals, and three pairs of socks in it. He put the sack in his inventory. “Then you have those ankle boots for whenever else.”

“It’s still too much.”

“Nonsense. You needed the boots, so that’s that,” Kenric said.

“Thank you. I like them all.”

“I know and you’re welcome. No come on. Let’s go see if that general goods shop Mr Moser mentioned has camp stools, Kenric said. “We also need to stop by the seamstress and see if they have any small clothes that will fit you.”

59

“State your name and business,” the Winston Salem gate guard said. A scribe or other official sat at a small desk to write down whatever he answered. “If you’re trading or selling, you’ll be expected to pay a tax on your profits in addition to the entry fee. The fee is based off what you’re offering.”

“Kenric Mender, traveling healer,” Kenric answered. “And this is Diadra, my ward and assistant.”

“Healer?” the guard asked with a raised eyebrow. He looked back at the official at the desk. “Reginald?”

“Just a moment Jefferson. I’ll have to look at what we tax healers and what we would charge them to be allowed to offer their services in the city,” the official replied. He pulled a book from his inventory and started to read it. Reginald looked up for a second. “Have the healer pull off to the side so as not to disrupt traffic.”

“But I don’t plan on offering my services here,” Kenric said. He was ignored by the guard and official.

Jefferson, the guard, looked at a boy standing in the shade of the wall. “Timmy, run and fetch Gaston to take over for Reginald while he looks up the information.”

“Right away!” the boy replied, before taking off through the small gate beside the larger one.

“Mender, do you see that courtyard on the right just past the gate?” the guard asked.

“I do,” Kenric answered.

“Pull your wagon into it and wait. Reginald or another official will be with you presently,” Jefferson said.

“Sure. Is this normal?”

“Everyone pays a fee to enter Winston Salem. You’ll be offered a chance to purchase a permanent pass,” the guard replied. He then waved Kenric through.

“This isn’t what I expected,” Kenric told Diadra when they entered the courtyard a couple of minutes later.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect at all other than the city being big,” Diadra replied. She kept looking around. “This place is huge and there’s so many people!”

“Let me know if you start feeling there’s too many people,” Kenric said.

“I will,” Diadra replied, nodding her head. They fell silent. A few minutes later, she said, “It’s hot.”

“Yeah, it’s warmer here than it was further west,” Kenric agreed as she moved the passenger seat to the doorway floor. He smiled. “Cheater.”

“Nuh uh! I’m taking advantage of my smaller size,” Diadra countered as seriously as she could. She ruined it by giggling.

“Anyway, it’s warmer the more we head east out of the mountains. This city’s walls, the buildings, and all these people don’t help.”

“How does all this make the city hotter?”

“Basically, the walls and buildings trap the air, keeping it from flowing as it does out in the open.”

“Like in the woods?” Diadra asked. “Sometimes the trees keep you from feeling the breeze.”

“That’s right,” Kenric replied. “Then here, in the city, the body heat of the people and animals just add to that.”

“Sorta like when people huddle together for warmth in the winter,” Diadra pointed out.

“Good point,” Kenric agreed. He stood and stretched. “Do we have any milk left?”

“We drunk the last of it at breakfast,” Diadra answered. She grinned. “Have you forgotten already?”

“Shame,” Kenric said. “And yeah, it slipped my mind. I’m getting old!”

“You’re not that old,” Diadra said.

“No, I’m not an old man yet,” Kenric agreed. “Let me slip past you so I can get a cup of water.”

“But what about if the official comes?”

Kenric shrugged. “I’ll be right here.”

*

“Healer Mender?” a feminine voice called out.

“Yes?” Kenric replied from inside the vardo, where he and Diadra had started working on a few simple two and three letter words. He stepped onto the porch.

“I’m Grace Ardsley,” an attractive woman about his age said. “I’m a city official here to discuss your options for entering the city and applying your services here in Winston Salem.”

“I don’t intend to offer my services here,” Kenric replied. “All I want to do is talk to a magistrate about a personal matter, do some shopping, and perhaps hire some guards or adventurers for protection. The other official and gate guard ignored me when I told them I wasn’t looking for work.”

“I that case, the city admittance fee is 20 silvers for one week or you can buy a permanent pass for 100 silvers,” Grace said.

“I’ll only be here for a few days and don’t think I’ll be back this way for quite some time,” Kenric said. He handed her the week fee. She gave him a wooden token after counting his coins. The token was signed by Grace.

“Leave the token with the gate guards on your way out of the city,” Grace instructed. “Now, if you are caught healing anyone without the proper license, you’ll be jailed one month for each offense.”

“That…”

“In addition, any silver made from your services and property you may own can and will be seized to pay any fines issued,” the official said.

“That’s… steep,” Kenric replied. Keep your temper in check.

“Those are the consequences of illegal actions,” the woman countered. “Do you have any questions?”

“I assume that my entry fee doesn’t cover the cost of renting a spot for my wagon.”

“Correct.”

“Where can I find a parking spot and stable for my mules?” Kenric asked.

“Green City Farm. Go up three blocks and take the first right. You’ll see the stable two blocks on the left,” Grace said. “They handle everything you need. Any other questions?”

“Where can I find a magistrate?”

“Town hall. Return to High St and head right until you get to the market. From there, take the next left and go four blocks. The town hall is the largest building, so you won’t be able to miss it. Magistrates are available from 9-12 and 1-4.”

“Thank you,” Kenric said.

“You’re welcome,” Grace replied. “Welcome to Winston Salem.”

*

“What do you need with a magistrate?” Diadra asked as they neared the stable.

“I thought I would see about adopting you,” Kenric answered. Her eyes widened in shock.

“Really?”

“Yes, as long as you’re alright with that,” Kenric replied. Diadra started crying and crashed into him. He wrapped his right arm around her. “I take it this is a yes.”

“Yes,” Diadra cried.