The morning started quietly enough. Marla made a long list of things to buy, like flour, yeast, lamp oil, and more. Tristan offered to do the market errands and promised Marla he wouldn't linger in town.
It would be two hours there and two hours back. He could be home before sunset.
The market was busy as usual. He kept his purse tucked deep in his coat pocket for fear of thieves and for fear that he would succumb to vendor persuasion. He referred to his list to stay within budget and to complete the purchases in the shortest time possible.
Tristan was at the counter of the oil merchant when voices caught his attention. Not loud, just low enough that most people would ignore them.
Except they said Hearthstead.
And Alpha.
He turned his head away from the two men who were casually scanning for eavesdroppers. For lack of a better excuse, he pretended to study the oil samples on the shelf. This gave him enough time to hear the conversation.
