“Bold of you to assume that I only sell to otters,” Sam said, as the group followed her down the queue for ‘Mr. Steal your pearl.’

Five foxes stood in front of her as Uncle Brit made Chip accept the clams and produce pearls for change.

“So you don’t deny the hot sauce accusation,” River said, “Hmm.. I feel like I need to spend some time as an otter in order to get this taste sensation. Usually I just eat to not be hungry, or for other reasons,but not generally for the flavor.”

Sela nodded as the three of them took a step towards the front of the line.

“Is this one also going to be on the house, Chip?” Uncle Brit asked the otter, who upon looking up, lost count.

Chip turned to the fox who had given him the clam.

“I’m sorry milord, but did you give me a clam? Or did you give me pearls?” Chip said.

The grey fox laughed. A scar crossed over one unblemished eye.

“It was exact pearls, young one,” the fox said, “And I’m no lord. Just a hungry valet.”

Chip nodded as Sam finally made it to the front of the line. The grey fox stepped to the side inhaling deep from the savory grill.

“Ah, for her?” Chip’s voice almost cracked under his uncle's gaze, “On the house. She did supply the spices today after all.”

“I did that, yes I did. One please!” Sam said.

Uncle Brit deftly placed the stick in her hand, fish steaming off heat and salt.

“Well I should thank you for clearing my sinuses then, Miss?”

“Uncle Brit, this is Sam,” Chip said, “Sam, my Uncles Brit, owner of the cart.”

Sam nodded, stepping out of the dwindling line.

“Uncle Brit,” Sam said, “Were you a merchant when you did your mandatory service? Or did you decide to do this after you got out?”

Chips' chest tightened as he realized that he was about to hear the Uncle Brit origin story for the third time this week.

“Take over the grill, lad,” Uncle Brit said, “I’m going to speak to these young otters, and Kindness?” He nodded to the raven.

“I’m just a river running through this nation, I’m an apprentice druid, not an agent of the faith in any manner,” she said, “But please tell me about this mandatory service….”