Grelda and Kahriah moved on from the grey stallion, passing all sorts of horses, even some donkeys and mules. Making their way to the end, the horses got considerably smaller and noticeably less impressive. One horse, in particular, caught Kahriah’s eye. It was black, stood about 17 hands high, and looked in impeccable shape.

“What about this one?” Kahriah asked Grelda.

“I don’t know…something strange in his eyes looks like he’s got some will to be broken yet. Not sure Lo has the temperament for that. How about this one?” She pointed to the second to last stall on the right. Inside was a shorter brown horse with spots. Kahriah remarked on the pattern and thought it quite beautiful.

This one stood only about 14 hands but had sturdy-looking legs and wide feet. Kahriah thought it might suit Lohmen on his off-path trekking. She noted its number, seventy-forty-two, and made her way into the horseman tent to find its seller.

Grelda and Kahriah stood up a little straighter, walked into the tent, and sturdied their faces for the room full of mostly men.

About two dozen sellers had taken seats at the tables, ready to strike deals on their mounts. Some farmers, some travellers. Even some low nobles were among the collection of sellers. Higher lords wouldn’t attend such a market, but their brokers and horseman did in their place. Each seller had a table with charcoal numbers scratched onto milkpine boards out front. A middle-aged man sitting slouched in his chair behind his table was off to the left. He had a wide-brimmed hat and a full grey beard streaked with black. He wore typical riding clothes; leather chausses and vest over linen underclothes. Even though she didn’t know his age, something about the man made Kahriah think he looked older than he probably was. The brown horse’s number was marked on his board.

“Goodday, Ser. I’d like to inquire about horse seventy-forty-two,” Kahriah said confidently, trying to sound like she had done this before.

“Eight hundred.” the man replied as he stood.

“Humph,” Grelda exclaimed and crossed her arms. “Let’s go, Kahriah. This man is trying to take advantage of us.” Grelda grabbed Kahriah by the arm to lead them away. She resisted, but the horseman interrupted before the tug of war ensued.

“Now, now ladies,” he motioned for them to stay, “that’s how these things work. I say eight hundred, you say a number, and we find common ground.”

Kahriah paused before blurting out a number forcefully. “Five hundred.”

“That’s too low.” The seller rebutted. “Six hundred is the lowest I can go.

Grelda reached to grab Kahriah’s arm again.

“Fine. Fine, Five-twenty-five, and I’ll throw in a saddle.” The seller threw his hands up in feigned exaggeration.

Grelda leaned into Kahriah and whispered, “A saddle is worth a hundred lords alone, Kahriah; that’s a good deal.”

“Five-twenty-five and a saddle,” Kahriah said matter of factly, trying to hide her inexperience.

The seller stuck out his hand. Kahriah took it victoriously.

“Come by tomorrow, and we’ll sign the papers, and get you your horse.”

“Thank you.” This time Kahriah grabbed Grelda’s arm, thinking they should leave quickly before the horseman changed his mind. Back out in the open air, Kahriah let out an excited shriek.

“Thank you, Grelda! What a team we were in there. You saved me a small fortune on the saddle.”

“Sometimes I’m a pain in the arse. Sometimes I’m the cure.” She said jokingly.

“Let’s get some supper, my treat. I owe you that at least....”

“Thanks, my dear, but no. I should go find Marell, lest I be a grandmother before my time. I’ll see you tomorrow morning here at the stables. Make sure he doesn’t try and change the deal at the end. You can never be too careful.” Grelda bid good night and disappeared around a corner.

On her feet all day, Kahriah’s back screamed for the feather bed waiting at the inn, but her expectant cravings called louder. She stopped for dinner at the Long Face Lounge for a quick meal of venison stew with dragonleaf, the same meal she had every time she came to town. On this night, however, she dined alone and would forgo their signature bottomless ale.