Chapter 28 - The Market

As soon as Saria stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in the fresh clothes Aric had tossed her, he rose from his bed.

The new attire made her look more like an ordinary traveller, washing away the appearance of someone who had recently been through a battle.

She still looked wary, her eyes scanning the room as if she was unsure of what Aric would do next, but she followed him obediently as he motioned toward the door.

"We're going to the market," Aric said curtly, strapping his sword back to his side. "Stick close to me. Try anything, and you'll regret it."

Saria gave a slight nod, her eyes downcast. Aric didn't trust her, and she knew it. She seemed to be toeing the line between cooperation and resistance, but for now, she was playing along.

They left the inn, stepping into the busy streets of the village. The sun was high in the sky, and the market was bustling with activity.

Stalls lined both sides of the main street, vendors shouting out the prices of their goods as villagers haggled over food, clothes, and trinkets. It was noisy and chaotic, but to Aric, it was an ideal place to blend in while gathering supplies.

They moved through the crowd, Aric scanning each stall with a practised eye. He wasn't here for luxuries—he needed practical items. Food, bandages, herbs, and maybe even a map if they could find one. Anything that would help him stay ahead of any enemies, especially after the recent attack in the forest.

Saria walked beside him, her eyes darting between the stalls and the villagers as if taking everything in. For someone who had been through so much, she looked remarkably composed, though there was always a tension in the way she moved as if she was ready to flee at any moment.

Aric stopped at a stall selling dried meats and fruits, quickly haggling with the vendor over the price. He paid with a few silver coins and tucked the food into his bag.

He glanced at Saria, noticing how quiet she had been. Perhaps she was biding her time, waiting for a moment to escape. He couldn't afford to let his guard down.

As they continued through the market, they passed a stall selling weapons. Aric stopped for a moment, his eyes resting on a set of finely crafted blades.

His own sword was reliable, but after the battles in the forest, he wondered if he should consider a backup. The vendor, an older man with a long grey beard, noticed his interest and smiled.

"Fine steel, forged right here in the village," the vendor said, holding up a blade for Aric to inspect. "Sharp enough to cut through bone. Interested?"

Aric took the blade, testing its weight. It felt solid in his hand, well-balanced. But he knew better than to buy a weapon on impulse. He had been through too many battles to rely on something unfamiliar. He handed the blade back.

"Not today," Aric muttered.

"Suit yourself," the vendor replied with a shrug. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me."

They moved on, the noise of the market a constant backdrop to their silent journey. Aric stopped again at a stall selling herbs and medicinal supplies.

He picked out a few familiar plants, ones that Vire had taught him about. Saria watched him as he handled the herbs, her expression unreadable.

"You know what you're doing," she said quietly, breaking her silence.

Aric didn't respond immediately. He handed the vendor a few coins and slipped the herbs into his pouch. "I've had a good teacher," he finally said, his voice tight.

Saria didn't press the matter further, sensing that his thoughts were elsewhere. Aric glanced at the sky—the sun was beginning to dip lower. It would be best to return to the inn soon, but something about the village felt… off. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, even in the thick of the bustling market.

As they made their way back toward the inn, Aric's gaze flicked around the crowd, searching for anything out of place.

A few times, he caught a glimpse of someone staring a little too long, but when he looked their way, they quickly averted their eyes.

When they reached the inn again, Aric pushed open the door and ushered Saria inside.

They walked upstairs to their room, the floorboards creaking beneath their feet. Once they were inside, Aric locked the door behind them and leaned against it for a moment, his mind racing.

Saria sat on her bed, quiet as always. Aric knew he couldn't let his guard down, not even for a moment.

Whoever had sent the mercenaries after Vire might still be out there, and this village, with its unsettling air, didn't offer much peace of mind.

He needed to stay sharp and keep his focus on what mattered—finding Vire and uncovering who was behind the attacks.

For now, though, all he could do was wait and see what the next day would bring.