We were in. The guards drew the big gate open for us and we were guided inside.

“Welcome to Meade. Hope ya do figure something about the crops here.” the scruffy guard said as we were going in.

“Alright, let’s hurry along.” mom said, trying to sound important.

The town at first glance seemed to be lively. Beyond was a massive city that seemed part medieval with a hint of modern architecture. Lines of stalls littered the streets. It seemed like a bustling medieval marketplace. Vendors were shouting the latest deals on their wares.

“New shipment on squid and octopus. 10 copper a pound!” one burly fisherman was calling out to a passing family.

“Fine silverware, 1 silver per set, haha! Get an extra half off!” shouted a female vendor.

“Hey did you hear that?” I asked. “He said 10 copper a pound! Isn’t the US the only country that uses the pound? Or maybe the UK?”

“Hey yeah.” joined Mario. “Good catch. Okay so it looks like we might still be in the US. But copper? Sounds like some kind of game money. We need to ask somebody.”

We dodged a ton of people in the crowded market, nearly got separated, and then had to hold hands just to make it to the quieter market area.

I stopped to catch my breath. My sister though, running on a kind of energy I didn’t have, went straight up to a jewelry vendor and said, “oooh, can I see this piece?”

“You have a lovely taste, young lady.” a smooth-talking man with a full face of makeup like a clown dressed in a colorful woolen tunic said to Flo, pointing to the silver moon-shaped necklace she was holding. “They would look divine on you.”

“We’re new to this town.” she said. “Would you mind telling us where we are? A nice man at the Gate this was the town of Meade, but I’m afraid we lost our map on the way.”

“Oh my!” the colorful man exclaimed. “How irresponsible of your suitors to mislead such a fine lady.”, he said pointing to Mario and I. Flo blushed and moved her hand femininely. She sure could play the part.

Sigh, just get on with it. What an annoying manner of speaking this guy has.

“Damsel, we are none other than in the illustrious town of Meade, one of the most important trade cities in the Kingdom of Renshire.”

My heart sank. I felt a freezing chill down my back despite how hot it was.

What did he say? Kingdom of Renshire? What the hell is he talking about? There’s no place on Earth by that name, as far as I know.

I stepped up to intervene. My nerves got the best of me.

“Please sir tell us you’re joking. You use the Imperial system of Units here. Only two countries on Earth do that: the United States or the United Kingdom. But I’ve never heard of the kingdom of Renshire.” I felt my tone get too rough, but I couldn’t hide a hint of desperation.

“Dear sir, you’re near the very center of the Kingdom and yet you do not know where you are? One might inquire if you’re castaways from an unknown land.” he said with a sly grin and a wink.

Then he got a bit more serious. I suppose it seemed to him we were not going to buy anything.

“But yes,” he continued, “we are neighbors with the United States to the south. We share many cultural similarities. Now my wonderful patrons, I do have a business to run.” he motioned his hands, as if to shoo us.

“Forgive us sir, we will repay the kindness once we are more established.” Mario bowed and took Flo by the hand so she wouldn’t be distracted by any more jewelry.

We hurried out of there. I looked back to see the colorful man eyeing us suspiciously, the high spirits he had displayed gone from his face, and an eyebrow arced.

A rich-looking, fat man in a robe walked up to his stand as we were leaving.

His gleeful look returned.

“Are we looking for something specific, good sir?” he chatted up.

“Just browsing.” the fat man grumbled.