Kael's hand hovered over the satchel where he kept the tablet, his mind racing. Negotiation was usually his strong suit, but this wasn't some irate customer—it was a rogue mage.
Garen dismounted his horse, blade glinting in the sunlight. "We're not leaving the crates. If you value your life, step aside."
The mage chuckled, the green glow around his hands intensifying. "Brave words for a sellsword. Do you even know what you're transporting?"
Lila raised her bow, an arrow already notched. "We know enough to protect it. Last warning: move."
Kael held up a hand, his voice cutting through the tension. "Wait! Let's not turn this into a fight."
The mage raised an eyebrow. "Ah, the merchant speaks. And what do you propose, trader? Surely you know what's in those crates could fetch a fortune—or cause untold destruction."
Kael stepped forward cautiously, ignoring Garen's muttered curses. "You're after the crimson lotus powder. Why?"
The mage's expression hardened. "It's not your concern. Hand it over, and you walk away unharmed."
Kael crossed his arms, feigning confidence. "You must not know how this works. I don't give away goods without proper payment."
The mage blinked, clearly taken aback. "You're negotiating with me?"
Kael smirked. "I'm a merchant. It's what I do. If you can offer something more valuable than what I'll get from my buyer, maybe we can strike a deal."
Garen hissed, "Kael, are you insane? You can't just bargain with a mage!"
Kael ignored him, keeping his gaze on the robed man.
The mage hesitated, then lowered his glowing hands slightly. "You're either bold or foolish. Fine. What's the price?"
Kael's mind worked quickly. The powder was dangerous, yes, but in the right hands, it could be controlled. He needed leverage—and fast. "Do you have any shadowweave silk?"
The mage's eyes narrowed. "That's rare. Why do you want it?"
Kael smiled faintly. "Let's just say I know someone who's willing to pay handsomely for it. Ten rolls of shadowweave silk, and I'll give you one crate."
"One crate?" the mage snarled. "You think I'd settle for a third of your haul?"
Kael shrugged, deliberately nonchalant. "Take it or leave it. You don't have time to haggle, and I don't have time to waste."
For a long moment, the mage stared at him, the tension thick in the air. Finally, he sighed, muttering something under his breath. With a wave of his hand, a small portal shimmered open beside him, and ten rolls of dark, shimmering fabric appeared, their surface rippling like liquid shadow.
"Done," the mage growled. "One crate. Now."
Kael motioned to Lila and Garen. "Carefully."
Garen grumbled but lifted one of the crates onto the ground, retreating quickly as if it might explode. The mage snapped his fingers, and the crate vanished into his portal.
"Pleasure doing business," Kael said, his tone light but his muscles tense.
The mage gave him a cold smile. "Pray we don't meet again, merchant."
With that, the mage vanished into thin air, leaving Kael and his companions alone on the road.
---
As the caravan resumed its journey, Garen broke the silence. "That was the stupidest thing I've ever seen."
Lila laughed nervously. "Yeah, but it worked. Kael just traded one crate for a fortune in shadowweave silk."
Kael exhaled, the adrenaline finally fading. "It wasn't just about the silk. The less powder we're carrying, the less risk we have."
Garen grunted. "You're lucky it didn't end with us dead in a ditch."
Kael didn't respond. He was already thinking ahead. The silk would fetch an impressive sum, but he'd need to find the right buyer. More importantly, they still had two crates of crimson lotus powder to deliver—and who knew what other obstacles awaited them on the road.
---
As the capital's spires came into view the next evening, Kael allowed himself a small sigh of relief. They'd made it. But his relief was short-lived. At the city gates, a pair of guards in crimson armor stopped the caravan.
"Halt! State your business."
Kael dismounted, flashing his most charming smile. "Delivering goods for Lord Ardel. He's expecting me."
The guards exchanged a look, their expressions unreadable. Finally, one stepped forward. "Lord Ardel sent word. He'll meet you at the Crimson Hall. Follow us."
Kael's stomach tightened as he followed the guards through the crowded streets. Something about their tone felt... off.
When they arrived at the grand Crimson Hall, Ardel was waiting, his expression cold and calculating.
"Kael," he said, his voice low. "You're late."
Kael forced a smile. "Ran into some trouble on the road. But your shipment is intact."
Ardel's gaze flicked to the crates, then back to Kael. "Intact, perhaps. But lighter than it should be. One crate is missing."
Kael's heart skipped a beat. "I can explain—"
Ardel held up a hand. "Save it. The Crimson Court does not tolerate failure. You have one chance to make this right."
Kael swallowed hard. "What do you need?"
Ardel's smile was chilling. "There's an artifact I require. Retrieve it, and your debt is forgiven. Fail, and... well, let's hope it doesn't come to that."
Kael sighed inwardly. He had a feeling this was only the beginning.