Chapter 7: The Riverside Town of Roka
Year 0003, Month VIII-X: The Imperium
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DAY 13.1: I Smell Profit
Another day had passed, and the morning breeze carried with it the first hints of winter's approaching embrace. The air had grown noticeably colder, a clear harbinger that the Winter Season would arrive within mere months. August found himself grateful for his current gear, which had proven to be a true blessing during their journey. The well-crafted armor maintained perfect temperature regulation, keeping him neither too cold during the crisp mornings nor too hot under the afternoon sun.
After he and Andy completed their morning exercises—a routine they had maintained even throughout their travels—they shared a hearty breakfast of Boarrre meat and vegetable soup. The rich, steaming broth was a testament to their self-sufficiency; every ingredient that bubbled within their iron pot had been locally harvested from the wilderness around them. Wild herbs, root vegetables, and tender chunks of meat combined to create a meal that provided both nourishment and warmth to their travel-weary bodies.
Despite the excellence of his armor, August didn't wear his full equipment at all times. During their quieter moments, he would shed the heavier pieces, allowing his skin to breathe and his muscles to relax. However, a small but keen-edged dagger remained constantly strapped to his body—a habit born of necessity and reinforced by experience. In the wilderness, one could never be too prepared.
Before departing their riverside camp, the trio took advantage of a shallow section of the great river for their morning ablutions. The water was refreshingly cool against their skin, washing away the grime and sweat of yesterday's travel. They also took this opportunity to launder their clothes using a peculiar, hand-made soap that Theressa had crafted specifically for their journey.
This soap proved to be remarkably versatile, serving both as a body cleanser and a clothing detergent. August found it particularly useful, as despite his armor's temperature regulation, intense trekking and hunting still caused him to perspire beneath the unique hybrid beast scaled-plates. The undergarments were the first to absorb this moisture, necessitating regular removal and cleaning of his gear. The soap's effectiveness in cutting through sweat and grime while remaining gentle on both skin and fabric made it an invaluable addition to their supplies.
Marcus, who had been observing their morning routine with growing interest, was genuinely surprised to discover that they possessed such a luxury item. Soap was not commonly available to travelers, especially not of such apparent quality. The product seemed thoroughly prepared and professional, indicating a level of forethought that impressed the young courier (from a merchant family).
The soap itself possessed a unique and pleasant fragrance—neither overwhelmingly strong nor disappointingly weak, but rather a carefully balanced scent that was genuinely pleasing to the senses. It carried hints of lavender and mint, with subtle undertones of something floral that Marcus couldn't quite identify.
Unable to contain his merchant's curiosity any longer, Marcus approached his companions. "Sirs, may I inquire about the origin of that soap? Where did you acquire it, and if you don't mind my asking, what was the cost?"
August and Andy exchanged a meaningful glance, and slow grins spread across both their faces. They recognized that particular tone in Marcus's voice—the unmistakable sound of a merchant sensing opportunity. Andy, whose own mercantile instincts were well-honed from his background, was the first to respond. He could practically smell profit wafting from this conversation.
"Well, Marcus," Andy began, his grin widening, "this is actually a homemade product that one of our companions crafted specifically for us before we departed from our village enclave. At present, we don't have an established price point for it, but I can tell you that every ingredient used was naturally harvested from our own garden fields back home."
Andy paused to gauge Marcus's reaction before continuing. "The production process is completely environmentally sustainable—it causes no harm to the natural ecosystem during harvesting or manufacturing. That's precisely why we feel confident using it directly in the river without concern for contamination. Additionally, it's remarkably gentle on the skin while providing excellent cleansing properties, and as you've noticed, the fragrance is quite appealing."
Andy leaned forward slightly, his merchant's instincts fully engaged. "But I'm curious—why do you ask? Do you see potential in this product?"
Marcus's eyes had brightened considerably during Andy's explanation. "Indeed, I do see significant potential. The scent alone is exceptional—I believe noble ladies would be absolutely thrilled to use such a product. The combination of effectiveness and pleasant fragrance could command premium prices in the right markets." He paused, considering the implications. "Please, let me know if you'll consider selling it once we arrive at my home. We could certainly include this in our broader business discussions."
Andy's grin transformed into a full smile as he extended his hand. "You've got yourself a deal, my friend. However, we'll need to work out the logistics carefully. You see, our village is so remote that most people would wonder, 'There's actually a settlement here?' when they discover its location. We're talking about truly distant wilderness territory."
They shook hands firmly, sealing their preliminary agreement. Andy continued, "We'll also need to consult with Theressa—she's the one who created this soap. Her input will be essential regarding production capacity, ingredient availability, and her willingness to scale up for commercial purposes."
Satisfied with their tentative business arrangement, both men returned to their respective activities. August, generous as always, provided Marcus with a sample bar to try for himself. Their magical item pouch still contained an ample supply of the soap, ensuring they wouldn't run short during their journey.
After thoroughly washing his clothing and armor, removing accumulated grime and animal blood from their recent hunts, August employed his wind magic to accelerate the drying process. The controlled air currents he generated efficiently removed moisture from the fabric and leather, leaving everything clean and dry within minutes.
Andy also entrusted his wet garments to August's magical drying service. Marcus, meanwhile, watched this display with growing amazement and bewilderment. The young man before him seemed to defy every convention of age and ability. Not only was August equipped with an impressive arsenal of weapons and combat gear, but he also demonstrated exceptional expertise in hunting, butchering, cooking, and identifying local flora. Now, he was casually displaying magical abilities as well.
What made this even more astounding was the revelation that August was merely twelve years old. Yet he stood nearly six feet tall—almost matching Marcus's own height of six feet five inches, despite Marcus being well into his twenties. The physical and intellectual development seemed impossible for someone so young.
Marcus made a mental note that offending this boy would be an extremely poor decision. August possessed capabilities that could make him incredibly dangerous if turned into an enemy. It was far better to cultivate friendship and alliance with someone of such remarkable potential.
Once their morning preparations were complete, they resumed their trek toward the Town of Roka, which lay approximately eighty kilometers ahead. Their pace was determined but sustainable, and they pushed themselves slightly harder than usual with the goal of reaching the town's outskirts by nightfall. The prospect of proper lodging and a real bed motivated them to endure the extra exertion.
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DAY 13.2: The Town of Roka
As the sun began its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and purples, they finally arrived outside the gates of Roka. The town's defensive walls presented an impressive sight that immediately captured August's attention. The fortifications represented a sophisticated blend of stone and wood construction—massive stone foundations supporting wooden palisades and walkways.
August studied the engineering with keen interest, his mind automatically calculating the logistics involved. "If they managed to construct stone walls of this magnitude, there must be a nearby quarry," he mused aloud. "The transportation requirements alone would be enormous and incredibly time-intensive."
Before they could enter the town proper, they were stopped at the gates for the standard inspection and identification procedures. Fortunately for August and Andy, their association with Marcus proved invaluable. The Meredian Trading Company enjoyed considerable fame and recognition throughout the region, and even the gate guards were familiar with its reputation.
This recognition led the guards to assume that August and Andy were Marcus's bodyguards or traveling companions, which significantly expedited their entry process. Instead of the standard fee of fifteen copper coins per person for a seven-day stay, they were granted a discounted rate of seven copper coins each, valid for their intended three-day visit.
August felt visible nervousness for the first time in recent memory. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as they approached the checkpoint. The formal scrutiny and bureaucratic process were entirely foreign to someone from his isolated village background. Fortunately, Marcus handled all the documentation and communication, presenting his identification plaque with practiced confidence. The guards accepted his credentials without question and waved the entire group through.
The immediate sensory impact of entering Roka overwhelmed August's senses. Even at this evening hour, the town buzzed with activity and energy that contrasted sharply with his village experience. Streets remained well-lit with lanterns and torches, casting dancing shadows on buildings and walkways. People continued to move about with purpose—shopping, socializing, conducting business, and simply enjoying the evening atmosphere.
This level of nocturnal activity was completely foreign to August. In his village, by this time of evening, most people would either be gathered in the longhouse for communal dinner or already retired to their private quarters. The concept of a town that remained vibrantly active well into the night was both fascinating and slightly overwhelming.
The bustling marketplace assaulted his senses with a symphony of sounds: merchants calling out their wares, customers haggling over prices, children laughing and playing between the stalls, and the general murmur of hundreds of conversations occurring simultaneously. The visual spectacle was equally impressive—colorful banners and signs advertised various goods and services, while the warm glow of cooking fires and oil lamps created an almost magical atmosphere.
Perhaps most enticing of all were the aromatic offerings from dozens of food vendors. The complex blend of spices, grilled meats, fresh bread, and exotic seasonings made their empty stomachs rumble audibly. They had been traveling all day without a proper meal, and the appealing scents reminded them just how hungry they had become.
Marcus, ever the astute businessman, recognized this as an opportunity to further invest in his relationship with his two saviors and potential future business partners. However, their first priority was securing proper accommodation for Marcus's six-legged horse. They located a hitching barn near the town gates, where Marcus paid thirty copper coins for three days of stabling, feed, and care.
With their transportation secured, they ventured into the heart of the marketplace in search of sustenance. August found himself captivated by every sight, sound, and smell. If he had never made the decision to leave his village and experience the wider world, he would have remained completely ignorant of such wonders. Now, walking through these busy streets, he felt profound appreciation for the richness and diversity of the outside world.
After several minutes of exploration, they discovered a food stall specializing in skewered delicacies. The vendor offered an impressive array of grilled meats and vegetables, each skewer carefully prepared and cooked to perfection. Accompanying these were various dipping sauces with different flavor profiles, from tangy and spicy to sweet and savory. The drink selection included local wild berry juices and other fruit-based beverages that promised to complement the grilled offerings perfectly.
For the first time since beginning their journey, August's childlike wonder and enthusiasm broke through his typically mature demeanor. This sudden display of youthful excitement surprised both Andy and Marcus, who had grown accustomed to August's remarkably adult behavior and decision-making. Upon reflection, they remembered that despite his physical size, capabilities, and maturity, he was still only twelve years old. They decided to let him fully enjoy this new experience and encouraged him to choose whatever appealed to him most.
Faced with the dazzling array of options, August found himself genuinely overwhelmed by choice. The various skewers glistened appetizingly under the cooking flames, each presenting a different combination of meats, vegetables, and seasonings. Unable to decide, he approached the merchant-cook with genuine curiosity.
"Excuse me, sir," August began politely, "what do people usually purchase here? Everything looks so interesting and new to me."
The food vendor paused in his cooking and looked at August with surprise. In all his years of operating this stall, no customer had ever asked such a question. Local residents typically approached with established preferences, simply pointing to their usual choices without seeking recommendations. Tourists and travelers usually made quick decisions based on appearance or price.
This young man's genuine interest and respectful inquiry touched something in the merchant's heart. For the first time in years, he felt the genuine pride and joy that came from being able to share his expertise and recommend his finest offerings. His weathered face broke into a warm, authentic smile.
"Well, young sir," the merchant replied enthusiastically, "since you've asked, I'd be delighted to share my recommendations. This skewer here features local river birds—very tender and flavorful. I stuff it with seasonal vegetables and grill it over hardwood coals. The secret is in my special sauce blend and the cooking technique I've perfected over twenty years."
He continued his explanation with evident passion, describing the optimal pairings of foods and beverages, the origins of his recipes, and the careful preparation methods that made his offerings special. August listened with rapt attention, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine appreciation for the craftsman's expertise.
Following the merchant's enthusiastic recommendations, August selected a skewer of local bird meat stuffed with aromatic vegetables. The vendor prepared it on his handcrafted grilling station, and they watched as natural oils began to drip and sizzle, mixing with the secret sauce applied throughout the cooking process. The resulting aroma was absolutely mouth-watering and irresistibly enticing.
When the meal was ready, the merchant presented it along with carefully selected beverage pairings. "Here you are, sirs. I truly hope you enjoy your meal."
August and his companions found seating at a simple wooden bench and table—another novel concept for August that didn't exist in his village's communal dining arrangements. He made a mental note to consider whether such individual dining setups might work in the village of Maya.
They began eating with enthusiasm, and August's first bite revealed flavors unlike anything he had previously experienced. The grilled meat was incredibly juicy and tender, bursting with complex flavors from the marinade and cooking process. The stuffed vegetables added textural contrast and complementary tastes that enhanced the overall dish. When he finished everything, August felt thoroughly satisfied and content.
Without considering the implications, August reached into his magical inventory pouch and retrieved a substantial portion of Boarrre meat. The shop owner's eyes widened in shock when he saw what August was offering. Boarrre was a notoriously difficult animal to hunt—even their town's most experienced and skilled hunters rarely succeeded in bringing one down. Yet this young man was casually offering him professionally butchered Boarrre meat as a gift, simply in appreciation for the meal he had provided.
"Sir," the merchant stammered, "this is far too generous, even as a gesture of appreciation. Are you certain about this? And this meat appears to be professionally butchered—where did you... how did you...? I couldn't possibly accept something so valuable just for that simple meal."
The merchant's reaction was entirely reasonable. No rational person would give away such precious meat after consuming such a modest meal. However, August's worldview and value system operated on principles entirely different from conventional commerce and social exchange.
"Please don't worry about it," August replied with characteristic sincerity. "I found your food absolutely delicious and fulfilling. I could tell that you put genuine care and passion into its preparation. Since I caught and butchered this beast myself, it costs me nothing to share. I also put my heart and soul into everything I do, so I consider us even now. Thank you again for the wonderful meal and experience."
With that simple explanation, August walked away, leaving the stall owner standing in stunned silence. The merchant remained frozen, holding the valuable Boarrre meat and trying to process what had just occurred. August's approach to the world was truly beyond conventional understanding.
As they walked away from the stall, August noticed that the merchant hadn't cleared their table yet. His village upbringing prompted him to return and clean up after himself, but both Andy and Marcus quickly stopped him.
"That's the stall owner's responsibility, August," Andy explained gently. "In establishments like this, cleaning the tables is part of the service they provide. Customers aren't expected to clear their own dishes."
This led to a broader conversation about urban customs and social norms that differed significantly from village life. Even Andy, who had spent considerable time with August, was discovering new aspects of the boy's unfamiliarity with conventional social practices. He could only shake his head and hope that these learning experiences would become less frequent over time. Unfortunately, August's curiosity and unique perspective on normal social interactions suggested that such educational moments would continue throughout their journey.
As the evening drew to a close, they located a comfortable inn to rest their travel-weary bodies. The accommodation cost five copper coins per night, with full-day rates at ten coppers. Since they planned to stay for three days, Marcus generously paid for all their rooms for the entire duration.
They each retired to their individual chambers, but August didn't immediately go to sleep. Instead, he performed his nightly routine of equipment maintenance, carefully inspecting each weapon and tool for damage or wear. He methodically sharpened blades, cleaned metal surfaces, and ensured that everything remained in optimal condition. Only after completing this ritual to his satisfaction did he finally allow himself to rest, prepared for whatever the next day might bring in this fascinating new environment.