Finding a Road

### Chapter 19: Finding a Road

*Trill's Point of View*

The terrain gradually began to change as the dense, oppressive forest receded behind them. The soft rustle of the trees was replaced by the sound of wind sweeping across the open plains. As they walked, the air grew less stifling, and the ground beneath their feet was easier to navigate. The faint glow of the moon illuminated a narrow path that appeared ahead, winding through the grass, and Trill's eyes narrowed.

He had never been one for trusting roads, especially after everything they had encountered, but it was the first sign of civilization they had seen in days. It was a chance—a chance they hadn't had since they left the forest. It wasn't much, but it was something.

"This looks like a road," Bren remarked, her voice tinged with relief. She slowed her pace, glancing down at the path ahead. "I thought we were just going to wander forever."

"Maybe this will lead us to something," Trill replied, his voice uncertain, though the thought of any kind of civilization lifted his spirits, even if it was just a glimmer of hope.

As they followed the path, the moonlight revealed more of the road winding gently through the landscape, worn down by years of use. It wasn't much—just a faint track that had been trodden over by countless travelers—but it was a road, and that was enough for now.

The faint sound of a horse's hooves clicking against the stone path echoed in the distance, and Trill instinctively motioned for Bren to stop. He squinted into the darkness, trying to make out the source of the sound. As the noise grew louder, a figure emerged, riding atop a large, well-groomed horse. The rider was cloaked in fine clothes, a tall, haughty figure with an air of arrogance. A merchant, from the look of it, his wagon trailing behind him, packed with crates of goods.

Trill's eyes glinted as he watched the merchant approach, his mind already calculating. It was an opportunity—a chance to secure passage, perhaps even some answers. But this merchant wasn't the type to give anything away easily. He'd need to be outwitted, and Trill was more than capable of doing that.

The merchant's wagon creaked to a halt in front of them. He eyed Trill and Bren with disdain, his gaze lingering on Bren for just a moment too long.

"Ah, travelers," the merchant said, his voice dripping with condescension. "And what do we have here? A pair of vagrants lost in the wilds, no doubt. Do you seek my generous aid? Or are you hoping to get a ride for free?"

Trill straightened his posture, stepping forward with a measured confidence. He didn't like the way the merchant's gaze lingered on Bren, but he knew how to handle people like this. A little charm, a touch of flattery, and some quick thinking would do the trick.

"We're headed toward the nearest town," Trill said smoothly, his voice calm, but his eyes sharp. "But it's been a while since we've seen any proper roads, let alone civilization. Perhaps you could help us reach the nearest town?"

The merchant raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking between the two of them, assessing their worth. "Hmm. You seek my generosity, do you? I suppose it's possible. But you must understand, a man of my stature—well, I have very specific standards for who I help." His eyes flicked once more to Bren, and Trill could feel the subtle hint of greed in his gaze.

"Indeed," Trill replied, suppressing a sneer. "But perhaps we can make it worth your while."

Bren, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, her posture as guarded as ever. "We're not asking for charity. What's the price?" she said bluntly.

The merchant smiled at her, a slow, calculating grin. "I'm glad you understand, dear lady. It's simple: for a price, of course. A ride to the nearest town won't come cheap, but I am willing to extend a little generosity for... the right price."

Trill's eyes flickered toward Bren, who stood with her arms crossed, watching the merchant like a hawk. She was sharp, he knew that. But this was a delicate dance, one that required finesse. Trill's mind was already at work, sorting through his options, calculating.

"I have some... items that might interest you," Trill said, glancing over at the merchant's wagon. The crates appeared to be filled with all manner of goods—trinkets, fabrics, herbs, and the like. But Trill had a different idea. He reached into his bag and produced a vial of alchemical ingredients. The glowing liquid inside shimmered in the moonlight. "This, for example, is a rare compound. One drop and it can accelerate the growth of any plant, even bring dead ones back to life. Quite a find, wouldn't you say?"

The merchant's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly masked his interest. "Hmm. That's... interesting," he said, his tone still skeptical. "But what makes you think I'll simply accept some obscure liquid in exchange for my services?"

Trill smiled slyly, knowing exactly where to press. "You wouldn't just be getting a rare substance, sir. You would also be getting the means to ensure your products grow faster, more robust. Imagine the crops you could grow with this, the herbs that would fetch a premium price in any town. This is more valuable than gold."

The merchant's greed flared at that suggestion, his eyes glinting with newfound interest. "And how much of this substance do you have?"

Trill's smile deepened. "Enough to ensure your entire crop flourishes for a full season. Enough to put you ahead of every other merchant in these lands. All I ask in return is safe passage to the nearest town. No questions, no delays."

The merchant considered this, his brow furrowing as he weighed the offer. It was clear that he was no stranger to making deals, but he also wasn't one to take risks. Trill could see the gears turning in his head. The merchant was calculating, trying to figure out if he could get more from Trill without losing anything in return. But Trill was a master of negotiation, and he knew how to play this game better than most.

"I'll agree to the deal," the merchant said finally, though his words were cautious. "But you'll have to give me the full vial now, and I'll take you to the town. In exchange, you'll be my hired hands for the rest of the journey, assisting me with any minor tasks. Fair?"

Trill grinned, fully aware of what the merchant was missing. "Fair enough," he said smoothly. "But of course, you understand that if I were to give you the entire vial now, you'd have no reason to hold up your end of the bargain. I'm sure you wouldn't want that."

The merchant's face darkened. "What are you suggesting?"

Trill tilted his head, his tone casual. "I'm suggesting that I'll give you half the vial now, and the other half upon arrival at the town. If you hold up your end of the bargain, of course."

The merchant hesitated, but Trill could see the greed flickering behind his eyes. The potential profit was too great to ignore. Finally, he nodded reluctantly. "Very well. Half now, the rest upon arrival."

Trill handed him the vial, taking care to make sure it was still tightly sealed. The merchant looked it over carefully before tucking it away in his coat.

"Agreed," the merchant said with a satisfied smile. "Now, let's get you two to town."

As the merchant went about organizing his wagon, Bren stepped up to Trill, her eyes wide with both admiration and disbelief. "That was... slick," she said with a grin. "You really know how to play people."

Trill gave a small shrug, his eyes glinting with quiet satisfaction. "Everyone has their weaknesses. You just have to know how to use them."

Bren laughed lightly, shaking her head. "I'm starting to wonder what other secrets you're hiding, Trill."

Trill didn't answer. Instead, he turned toward the merchant's wagon, his mind already on what lay ahead. The town would bring more questions, more challenges, but perhaps this time, they would find some answers. As they climbed into the wagon and began the journey toward the town, the night seemed to stretch on endlessly, filled with uncertainty.

But Trill felt something shift within him—he was starting to piece the puzzle together. One step at a time.

**To be continued...**