#2: The Book Worth Every Bronze
Traders are here!
18, Springmoon- Traders are here!!
The traders finally showed up—late, obviously—but the green-striped book wagon rolled in, and that’s all I cared about. The second Papa left to check on Elder Magda’s lungs, I slipped out. If I timed it right, I had maybe twenty minutes before he noticed I was gone. Fifteen, if Merrin was breathing well.
Elara beat me there. Of course she did. She always does. Elara was holding a silver coin like it was no big deal. A real silver with a snowflake stamped into it so clear it almost looked new. I’ve only seen them in Papa’s locked drawer. Never held one.
Gold coins? Those feel like myths. Supposedly they shine like firelight and have sun sigils pressed into them. I read that once in a merchant’s ledger.
I couldn't imagine holding something that valuable. Even silver felt like it might vanish if I look at it too long. Elara tucked her book triumphantly under her arm and walked away.
I was up next.
I asked about Frostbitten Hearts. It’s the one where the princess is supposed to be sacrificed to the Cold Winter Weaver. But instead of dying, she ends up melting his cursed heart with the power of love and secret embroidery skills. I need it. Desperately.
“That’s 20 bronze… 30… 35 bronze,” I counted. “Here you go.”
The trader was not happy. “Seriously? You’re trying to scam me now? 50 bronze or 1 silver. No bargaining!”
“I’m not paying that for a book with a bent spine and a coffee stain.” I said. He couldn't know I was desperate.
He rolls his eyes and jabs a thumb at another stack. “Fine. Pick one from the middle row, and those are thirty bronze. Happy now?”
Nooooo. I sighed, fine. I carefully counted remaining coins before handing it to him. I almost had a heart attack. I had counted them 3 times. This could not be happening. I could not be one coin short.
“Please I worked really hard-”
Please, please, please…
He hesitates. Then shrugged. “Bloomtide discount.”
“Thanks.” I muttered. I hand over every last bronze I’ve saved. Weeks of sweeping, sorting, labeling for this moment. But it was worth it.
He waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, alright.”
I clutched the book to my chest like it was a treasure (which, honestly, it is) and ducked out before he changed his mind. I ran back, not caring about thawing cobbles.
But I was late. Papa was waiting for me. He didn't scold me but confiscated the book. He told me to get back to work.
I cried as I finished restocking. I skipped supper, angry at Papa.
But when I went to bed I found the book underneath the pillow!
Papa came in and brought me dinner and hot chocolate. He did lecture me about responsibilities. But I was too excited. I would read all night and the hot chocolate was amazing.
My bet is that the princess falls in love around chapter four.
(Obviously.)
