She stopped at the spice merchant first.Now that she had cookware, the colorful powders and dried herbs were too tempting.She bought small amounts of cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and something called fire root that the merchant promised would add warmth to winter soups.Two silver spent, but worth it.
The honey merchant was next.She picked three clay jars of different varieties—wildflower, clover, and something dark called shadow honey that supposedly came from flowers that only bloomed at night.Another silver.
At a vegetable stand, she bought things she couldn't grow, like onions, garlic and root vegetables that would store well.The farmer was curious about her wooden horse but too polite to ask directly.
"Oh, and I should go back to Madame Lin's," Wren said, remembering.
Jin raised an eyebrow but followed.
The seamstress looked up hopefully when Wren entered."More silk already?"
"Not yet.But I realized that I only have velvet and silk.I need practical clothes.Cotton, linen, things I can work in that match local fashion."
Madame Lin's eyes lit up."I can absolutely help with that!Let me take your measurements."
Ten minutes later, Wren had ordered three cotton work dresses in simple, practical cuts that wouldn't look out of place in town, two linen shirts, and a pair of sturdy canvas trousers.Madame Lin promised to have them ready in three days.
"I'll trade you," Madame Lin offered."The next batch of silk you bring, I'll take half as payment for the clothes.Fair?"
More than fair, probably."Deal."
By the time they headed back to the gate, it was nearly midday.The safe window was halfway through.Wren's wooden horse was loaded with her purchases—the crate of metalwork, packages of food, jars of honey, bundles of vegetables.
Her dandelions rose when they saw her, alert and ready.
"Thank you," she said to Jin."For...everything.The escort.The introduction.The warning about Viktor."She smiled at that last part.He’d been a bit heavy handed in his hints, as if Viktor were some kind of villain.
"You’re welcome.Let me know when you’re coming to town again and I’ll show you another great place to eat.Or—" He paused."Or if Viktor becomes a problem."
"You think he will?"
"I think he wants your land.And he's used to getting what he wants."Jin's expression was serious.“It doesn’t hurt that you’re a pretty lady.”
She blushed.Wow!He thought she was pretty.
Tongue tied, she nodded and mounted her horse, settling into the saddle with the ease of childhood riding lessons coming back to her.
The ride home was quick and uneventful.Her escort flanked her, golden eyes watchful.The shield came into view, solid and strong with the fresh bulbs.
Home.
She dismounted at the gate and led her horse inside.The dandelions spread out immediately, resuming their patrol.
Walter appeared, whiskers twitching with curiosity."How was town, madam?"
"Profitable.Overwhelming.And I met Viktor."
"Ah."Walter's tail flicked."And?"
"Jin told me not to trust him."
"The Marshall is a wise man."
“He also said I was pretty.”
“Ah.”Walter chose not to comment.Even a squirrel could see the possible connections there.
Wren unloaded her purchases, carrying everything inside.The metalwork went into the kitchen; finally, proper pots and pans!The spices and honey were lined up neatly on the shelves, and the vegetables were tucked into the root cellar where it was cool.
