Once on the road, Arnold had begun explaining the dangers that came with travel, especially as a merchant. Such dangers oft consisted of bandits, though there were limited cases of attacks by goblins, wargs, and even wild boar in some cases. Monsters such as goblins were commonplace in this world, though they'd for the most part remained disorganized, unable to form proper tribes or kingdoms of their own. With the one exception being the "Kingdom of Demons" a notion of Succubi, Daemons, Demons, and other such beings. Their nation had once sought to take over the world, but were thwarted millenia ago, now many of them remain either isolated within their nation, or enslaved within others.
Father would travel the roads with a crude bow and a chipped sword at his waist, crude weapons which made it even clear that we aren't wealthy targets. The trek was long, but calm, during the nightss, I was tasked with retrieving wood for fire, though I did grap a handful of stones and a larger branch to make a short makeshift spear for my own protection, as well as a feather stick to aid in starting the fire.
Father was not surprised by my idea to make a crude spear for protection, though the feather stick appeared foreign, going as far as jesting if I had inteded to brush the fire with it.
Landyn: "This tool will make starting the fire somewhat easier father, it's akin to using kindling, though more efficient than using such."
Arnold: "I've never seen anyone start a fire using such a tool, though I suppose we can try it."
the campfire was made, and father had used simple fire magic to ignite it. As I'd stated, the feather stick caught fire first, followed by the smaller sticks and logs. The result was a fire that'd burned through the entire night, even by morning the embers and few unburnt logs were still smoking. Though he'd said nothing and carried on with prepping the mule for the contiuation of the trip, my father was quite impressed, as though he'd learned something completely new.
within 3 and a half days, we'd reached the outskirts or Traer, before proceeding forwards, father had requested my aid in ensuring we had all of our supplies, as forgetting or losing any of them were detrimental to travellers, even moreso to merchants.
Aside from the rations we'd consumed, all of our products were intact and accounted for, it was then that we'd made our trip into Traer.
Landyn: "Will we be setting up to sell our wares upon entry father?"
Arnold: "No, first we will find lodging, we begin trading our wares tomorrow morning."
Landyn: "Understood father."
What he said made sense, as to begin selling anything now, when we're nearing sunset would be foolish. It'd be akin to painting a target on our backs that would say "I have trade goods, come rob me" to any bandits that prowled the roads at night. The promise of an actual bed was also welcoming, as we'd spent the last few nights sleeping on cheap mats filled with hay.
Upon entering Traer it was clear that this village was wealthier than ours by a fair bit, perhaps due to the fact that it was situated on the main road, and was a common stop for traders to and from foreign lands. Many merchants were already closing up their shops for the nights once we'd arrived, so I hadn't the opportunity to observe what most other merchants were selling. One merchant however, was still open, what was being sold at their stall was quite sickening, revolting even. Slaves, my father did his best not to gaze on their stall, but had noticed that I had my eyes on the stall.
Arnold: "Landyn, though it is in a merchant's blood to trade and sell goods, do not forsake yourself to such a lowly trade. promise me that."
I'd nodded in agreement, though he did not even need make such a request, as I'd vowed to myself that I'd not tolerate such practices. As we were passing their stall I'd taken notice of a wealthier looking man, in much finer clothing than those around him, behind him were 3 armored guards, along with 2 elven women in chains. Both were elves, though one had a much darker complexion, more than likely a dark elf. Besides the merchant was a horned girl, appearing no older than her early 20's. I was able to overhear some of their conversation as we'd passed.
Slaver: "Yes lord Caldwelle, she's a fine slave, hailing from the Demon Kingdom. Her breed is often referred to as succubi, as such she is sure to appeal to all of your tastes."
Caldwelle: "And what is her price?"
Slaver: "Ah, her price, well Demon women, especially succubi are quite rare sir, shall we say 500 Greater coins?"
Caldwelle: "rather expensive for a demon, 300."
Slaver: "I'm afraid I am unable to sell her for anything less than 400, Lord Caldwelle. As I'd said, Demon girls are a rarity, and a treasure of their own."
Caldwelle: "Very well, 400."
Caldwelle handed the slaver a large bag, jingling with coins before he'd ordered the girl to follow him. With nigh lifeless eyes, she'd followed, strapped in chains much like the elven girls.
I was disgusted, not only by Cladwelle, the slaver, and the enslavement of those girls, but my own inability to do anything about it. I was still only 5 years of age, and thus it was impossible to make any change to this system.
With anguish, I'd made my way to the lodge, along with my father, strapping the mule to a post nearby, and bringing the goods into our room before we'd gone to bed.