Chapter 38: Little Shop of Wonders
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 38: Little Shop of Wonders
Tala grunted, looking around at the magical items filling Artias little shop. What if artifacts really do show up more often, here? HuhWell, assuming its true she looked at the knife, again, and I cant see any reason to put that to lie, I apologize for misjudging you.
No offense taken, Mistress.
Yeahright Tala put the knife down. So, all of the items without spell-lines are like that? Artifacts of magic?
Most of the items, yes.
Tala walked over to the wall of bags and found that many of them seemed to warp beneath her mage-sight, calling to her, beckoning her to look closer. Each of those was obviously a dimensional storage, and most didnt have spell lines.
Those without spell-lines, and some with, had a very familiar feel to them, despite a similar looping, twisting spiral pattern that was, again, familiar but not. The underlying magic creates an effect like the cargo-slots Mages study these items to learn spell-forms.
Artia made a happy sound. That had always been my husbands, Adrills, theory, though no Mage would ever take the time to discuss it with an uninscribed.
Im getting the feeling that you all arent great at finding accommodating Mages.
With all due respect, Mistress. I think I may have met more Mages than you have.
Tala turned to regard Artia. After a long pause, she nodded. I suppose thats probably true. She frowned. Are Mages really soyeah. As she thought back to her time in school, she had to acknowledge that most Mages, even most Mages in training, were not very kind to non-Mages. Fairs fair, I suppose. I never really got on well with most Mages anyways She felt a sadness flick through her but suppressed it. Nows not the time. So, these bags: Why are they here? No downside I can imagine. So, why havent they been snapped up?
Ahh! Yes. They degrade quickly once taken outside of the high magic region around a waning city, unless fed large amounts of magic, consistently. After a moment, Artia amended. At least, that is what I understand, not being a Mage, myself.
Really? Tala smiled. Thats quite interesting. She picked one up, keeping watch on Artia with the corner of her eye to ensure the woman didnt object to her doing so. She didnt. Does it simply take a raw power dump, or is it like empowering a storage wagon?
Artia shrugged. Not a Mage, dear. After a brief pause, she added. My husband would know more, and if you choose one of the bags, we can discuss a trade for any information he can offer.
Tala quirked a smile. Fair enough. Even so, Id think these would have substantial use around your fair city. Why do you have She did a quick count. Ten? Why do you have ten in stock?
That is a similar situation to the knife, dear. Sure, dimensional storage is useful, but they are very expensive, for simple, local use. Even so they really arent that rare, so those who want them, buy them. She shrugged. Weve enough travelers that come through and want to rent them while in town that it pays to keep them on hand and not lower the price. That and locals rent them out too, on occasion. Most folks dont need to have a dimensional storage of their own.
And that price is?
Artia looked at Brand, and he nodded. Well, as a member of the Order of the Harvest, we will bundle your purchases and give you a discount.
But I wont know what I can afford, unless you give me a starting price.
To rent one of those bags would be 10 ounces, silver, per day, and policy is: If you rent it for a year, its yours.
Tala blinked. There is no way you charge almost 40 ounces, gold, for one of those.
No? They never need to be reinscribed, and they never need new power sources, so long as you stay local. A standard dimensional storage would cost you 5 ounces, gold, plus another ounce for a power source. Then, youll need to reinscribe it every three months or so, to be safe, for another 4 ounces, gold, and youll need another power source every four months or so. When a year has passed, youve spent, what? 25 ounces, gold? And youll have to spend another 19, give or take, every year, forever, or the item loses all power and value. That isnt even factoring the increased cost of magical metals in a waning city. I think 40 to never concern yourself with that is a bargain.
Put that way, it was quite hard to argue with. I dont have 40 ounces, gold
Artia patted her on the shoulder. I assumed not, dear. You havent any shoes.
Tala glared, but there wasnt any malice behind it. I prefer to be barefoot. She really doesnt interact much with many Mages.
Sure you do, dear. I understand.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
You know, youre a bit of a-
Um Brand stepped forward, quietly cutting her off. I believe that this is going off track. Mistress Tala, there are likely arrangements that could be made, in lieu of monetary payment. You do, for example, have quite a few harvests to trade with, yes?
Tala looked away from Artia and deflated slightly. You are right, as usual, Brand. She glanced back at Artia. I do not appreciate condescension. I am aware that many of your clientele are of the type to loosen their purses simply to prove you wrong. I am not one of them, and I would appreciate it if youd forgo such tactics, for the sake of our amicable relationship. There. Maturely handled, Tala.
Artia smiled slightly. Very well, Mistress. I will not attempt to maneuver you. Shall we look at what all we have to interest you, here?
Tala nodded her agreement. Then, an oddity struck her. Wait
Artia paused, looking quizzically in her direction.
If the bags degrade in normal or low magic areas, how could they be found in ruins? This area is only high magic because of the waning city, and thus the bags couldnt have remained intact for the centuries since their creation.
The shop owner stared at her. Thatis an excellent question, actually. She frowned. It is possible that the item is an artifact, and the magic inhabiting it is new? She thought for a moment. That does actually align with more of the details that I know. She turned back to fully face Tala. I suppose that I should express a couple of things about artifacts, because you are new to them.
Artia almost gasped, as she snatched the talon from Tala, examining the small opening, through which magic poured. She rubbed her thumb across the surface, working the surrounding salve into movement to re-cover the small hole, and the magical light faded to Talas mage-sight.
Sealed, somehow? You coated them with something to contain the power and keep it from degrading?
Tala nodded.
Then, these are all as potent as if just harvested. The woman looked utterly astonished.
Tala made a hesitant sound. Id say they are as fresh as if harvested within the last few hours. Likely less, but I dont wish to oversell.
Artia cocked an eyebrow. Really? After that little demonstration?
It is what it is. But Tala was grinning.
Well, if a hunter brought in a fresh harvest, Id likely be able to give a gold per talon, and three per bone. She lifted a finger. Honestly, the larger pair would fetch four, and the smaller pair two each, but it still averages to three, which is the value of the middling set. She glanced to Brand. As Brand stands for you, I do not need to verify the source of your goods, and I can trust that they are what they appear. The thunder bulls horn is an interesting find, as the power it contains is mainly used for shattering defenses, though some fools take that power and invert it to heal maladies of the skeletal system. She shook her head. Why they dont use the beasts bones is beyond me, but Mages are an inscrutable bunch, and I suppose Im no Constructionist.
Tala cocked an eyebrow but didnt comment.
Artia cleared her throat. The horn is easily worth four or five ounces, gold. Now, normally, Id have to pass on some of these, as I have no ready buyers, and everyone knows that harvests kept out of an iron box degrade quickly, and even in one they dont have an eternity to wait. I was going to make an exception, but it seems I dont have to. She looked up to the left for a moment, seeming to do some calculations. So, all told, that puts the valuation of your harvests, generously, at 31 ounces, gold. I could never give you that much if I simply bought them from you, but as part of an exchange, I think we can consider that full valuation. The value of the items you selected inside is still higher, though.
THIRTY-ONE OUNCES! Rust keeping two bones as fighting sticks, Im selling all of it. She nearly had a fit of joyous dancing but did her best to keep it hidden. She remembered how her father would alter prices based on the cut and quality of a customers clothing, and shed needed to not only keep the numbers straight, but not let on that it was anything other than the ordinary price. Tala nodded. Shall we return inside?
Artia had been about to continue but frowned slightly before nodding. As you wish.
They walked inside, returning to Talas small pile. Tala looked around at the merchandise once more. Wait. The harvests are sitting out?
Artia smiled. These are past the point of selling, too degraded unfortunately, and are simply out for display purposes, demonstrating the type of thing we can acquire. It takes a very long time for the last vestiges of power to finally leave an item, and until then, the type of power they have is still easy to verify.
Tala nodded. That made a good deal of sense. She gestured to her small pile, turning away from the shop at large. What is the value we have, here?
Artia looked at Tala with suspicion but continued. Well, that is the least of our bags, so Id normally part with it for thirty-five gold, the knife is half an ounce, and the coin is one ounce, the whistle two, and comb really should be three, but Ill part with it for two.
Tala nodded, but didnt say anything further, simply flicking a glance to Brand, before returning her focus to Artia.
The shop keeper sighed. Because you are at least working with the Order, Im willing to bundle these all together and part with them for an even thirty-five ounces.
Tala almost grinned, then. She must rarely have use for this smaller dimensional storage bag. Shes willing to be quite flexible on the price. So?
So, if I take all your items, and you wish all of these, the balance would be four ounces, gold, from you to me.
Tala nodded. That seems quite fair.
Artia smiled broadly, opening her mouth to conclude, but Tala continued.
Unfortunately, Im not in a place to spare four ounces, gold, at this time. While the coin would provide many pleasantly cool drinks, I do not think I can justify it at this time. She moved the stone coin aside.
Artia nodded, opening her mouth, but again, Tala continued.
And the whistle could be a boon in a pinch, but it really isnt an effective use of my resources at this time. Even as she placed the whistle with the coin, she tittered a laugh, as if to herself. And if I cant justify such an obviously helpful item, I certainly cant allow myself to splurge on a comb. She nodded, as if conceding a point, and moved the comb over, to beside the other two items. And as you said, those together were valued at She paused as if she hadnt calculated beforehand. Five ounces, gold.
I did say that, but-
Tala continued as if she hadnt heard the woman. Thus, if my figuring is correct, Im asking for thirty ounces of product, and I have offered thirty-one ounces in payment. I do hope that it wont be too much trouble to transfer a gold ounce to my account?
Artia blinked at her a few times, then sighed. You planned that, right? You preselected those three items to nudge the numbers around.
Tala shrugged. Yes and no. If it had worked out, Id have loved to get every item here, and those stood out as interesting, for one reason or other. Im sorry that they wont come into my ownership at this time.
Arita huffed a laugh. Fine, girl. Its not worth fighting you. But no, Ill not transfer the ounce. Well do an even trade, and well both be happy about it. Yes?
Tala thought for a moment, then nodded, extending her hand. Very well. Thank you. She had to contain her excitement, partially at her exchange, and partially at what a piece of her mind had just discovered, or thought that it had. While most of her attention had been taken up with the transaction at hand, a small portion of her mind had been puzzling over the mysterious, miniature void in the pommel of the various artifact knives, the place where the magic seemed to be waiting for something. In truth, such was evident in most of the artifacts, though the positioning and ease of finding the small voids varied from type to type.
And a possible answer had just clicked.
Tala concluded her business with Artia. Part of that was getting assurances that nowhere south of the pass, within a days walk, would have low enough magic to harm her new pouch. She promised to return the following evening to discuss dimensional storage with Artias husband and join them for dinner.
Without further delay, she shoved her remaining things, including her backpack, satchel, and jerky, into her new belt pouch and departed.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 38: Little Shop of Wonders
Tala grunted, looking around at the magical items filling Artias little shop. What if artifacts really do show up more often, here? HuhWell, assuming its true she looked at the knife, again, and I cant see any reason to put that to lie, I apologize for misjudging you.
No offense taken, Mistress.
Yeahright Tala put the knife down. So, all of the items without spell-lines are like that? Artifacts of magic?
Most of the items, yes.
Tala walked over to the wall of bags and found that many of them seemed to warp beneath her mage-sight, calling to her, beckoning her to look closer. Each of those was obviously a dimensional storage, and most didnt have spell lines.
Those without spell-lines, and some with, had a very familiar feel to them, despite a similar looping, twisting spiral pattern that was, again, familiar but not. The underlying magic creates an effect like the cargo-slots Mages study these items to learn spell-forms.
Artia made a happy sound. That had always been my husbands, Adrills, theory, though no Mage would ever take the time to discuss it with an uninscribed.
Im getting the feeling that you all arent great at finding accommodating Mages.
With all due respect, Mistress. I think I may have met more Mages than you have.
Tala turned to regard Artia. After a long pause, she nodded. I suppose thats probably true. She frowned. Are Mages really soyeah. As she thought back to her time in school, she had to acknowledge that most Mages, even most Mages in training, were not very kind to non-Mages. Fairs fair, I suppose. I never really got on well with most Mages anyways She felt a sadness flick through her but suppressed it. Nows not the time. So, these bags: Why are they here? No downside I can imagine. So, why havent they been snapped up?
Ahh! Yes. They degrade quickly once taken outside of the high magic region around a waning city, unless fed large amounts of magic, consistently. After a moment, Artia amended. At least, that is what I understand, not being a Mage, myself.
Really? Tala smiled. Thats quite interesting. She picked one up, keeping watch on Artia with the corner of her eye to ensure the woman didnt object to her doing so. She didnt. Does it simply take a raw power dump, or is it like empowering a storage wagon?
Artia shrugged. Not a Mage, dear. After a brief pause, she added. My husband would know more, and if you choose one of the bags, we can discuss a trade for any information he can offer.
Tala quirked a smile. Fair enough. Even so, Id think these would have substantial use around your fair city. Why do you have She did a quick count. Ten? Why do you have ten in stock?
That is a similar situation to the knife, dear. Sure, dimensional storage is useful, but they are very expensive, for simple, local use. Even so they really arent that rare, so those who want them, buy them. She shrugged. Weve enough travelers that come through and want to rent them while in town that it pays to keep them on hand and not lower the price. That and locals rent them out too, on occasion. Most folks dont need to have a dimensional storage of their own.
And that price is?
Artia looked at Brand, and he nodded. Well, as a member of the Order of the Harvest, we will bundle your purchases and give you a discount.
But I wont know what I can afford, unless you give me a starting price.
To rent one of those bags would be 10 ounces, silver, per day, and policy is: If you rent it for a year, its yours.
Tala blinked. There is no way you charge almost 40 ounces, gold, for one of those.
No? They never need to be reinscribed, and they never need new power sources, so long as you stay local. A standard dimensional storage would cost you 5 ounces, gold, plus another ounce for a power source. Then, youll need to reinscribe it every three months or so, to be safe, for another 4 ounces, gold, and youll need another power source every four months or so. When a year has passed, youve spent, what? 25 ounces, gold? And youll have to spend another 19, give or take, every year, forever, or the item loses all power and value. That isnt even factoring the increased cost of magical metals in a waning city. I think 40 to never concern yourself with that is a bargain.
Put that way, it was quite hard to argue with. I dont have 40 ounces, gold
Artia patted her on the shoulder. I assumed not, dear. You havent any shoes.
Tala glared, but there wasnt any malice behind it. I prefer to be barefoot. She really doesnt interact much with many Mages.
Sure you do, dear. I understand.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
You know, youre a bit of a-
Um Brand stepped forward, quietly cutting her off. I believe that this is going off track. Mistress Tala, there are likely arrangements that could be made, in lieu of monetary payment. You do, for example, have quite a few harvests to trade with, yes?
Tala looked away from Artia and deflated slightly. You are right, as usual, Brand. She glanced back at Artia. I do not appreciate condescension. I am aware that many of your clientele are of the type to loosen their purses simply to prove you wrong. I am not one of them, and I would appreciate it if youd forgo such tactics, for the sake of our amicable relationship. There. Maturely handled, Tala.
Artia smiled slightly. Very well, Mistress. I will not attempt to maneuver you. Shall we look at what all we have to interest you, here?
Tala nodded her agreement. Then, an oddity struck her. Wait
Artia paused, looking quizzically in her direction.
If the bags degrade in normal or low magic areas, how could they be found in ruins? This area is only high magic because of the waning city, and thus the bags couldnt have remained intact for the centuries since their creation.
The shop owner stared at her. Thatis an excellent question, actually. She frowned. It is possible that the item is an artifact, and the magic inhabiting it is new? She thought for a moment. That does actually align with more of the details that I know. She turned back to fully face Tala. I suppose that I should express a couple of things about artifacts, because you are new to them.
Artia almost gasped, as she snatched the talon from Tala, examining the small opening, through which magic poured. She rubbed her thumb across the surface, working the surrounding salve into movement to re-cover the small hole, and the magical light faded to Talas mage-sight.
Sealed, somehow? You coated them with something to contain the power and keep it from degrading?
Tala nodded.
Then, these are all as potent as if just harvested. The woman looked utterly astonished.
Tala made a hesitant sound. Id say they are as fresh as if harvested within the last few hours. Likely less, but I dont wish to oversell.
Artia cocked an eyebrow. Really? After that little demonstration?
It is what it is. But Tala was grinning.
Well, if a hunter brought in a fresh harvest, Id likely be able to give a gold per talon, and three per bone. She lifted a finger. Honestly, the larger pair would fetch four, and the smaller pair two each, but it still averages to three, which is the value of the middling set. She glanced to Brand. As Brand stands for you, I do not need to verify the source of your goods, and I can trust that they are what they appear. The thunder bulls horn is an interesting find, as the power it contains is mainly used for shattering defenses, though some fools take that power and invert it to heal maladies of the skeletal system. She shook her head. Why they dont use the beasts bones is beyond me, but Mages are an inscrutable bunch, and I suppose Im no Constructionist.
Tala cocked an eyebrow but didnt comment.
Artia cleared her throat. The horn is easily worth four or five ounces, gold. Now, normally, Id have to pass on some of these, as I have no ready buyers, and everyone knows that harvests kept out of an iron box degrade quickly, and even in one they dont have an eternity to wait. I was going to make an exception, but it seems I dont have to. She looked up to the left for a moment, seeming to do some calculations. So, all told, that puts the valuation of your harvests, generously, at 31 ounces, gold. I could never give you that much if I simply bought them from you, but as part of an exchange, I think we can consider that full valuation. The value of the items you selected inside is still higher, though.
THIRTY-ONE OUNCES! Rust keeping two bones as fighting sticks, Im selling all of it. She nearly had a fit of joyous dancing but did her best to keep it hidden. She remembered how her father would alter prices based on the cut and quality of a customers clothing, and shed needed to not only keep the numbers straight, but not let on that it was anything other than the ordinary price. Tala nodded. Shall we return inside?
Artia had been about to continue but frowned slightly before nodding. As you wish.
They walked inside, returning to Talas small pile. Tala looked around at the merchandise once more. Wait. The harvests are sitting out?
Artia smiled. These are past the point of selling, too degraded unfortunately, and are simply out for display purposes, demonstrating the type of thing we can acquire. It takes a very long time for the last vestiges of power to finally leave an item, and until then, the type of power they have is still easy to verify.
Tala nodded. That made a good deal of sense. She gestured to her small pile, turning away from the shop at large. What is the value we have, here?
Artia looked at Tala with suspicion but continued. Well, that is the least of our bags, so Id normally part with it for thirty-five gold, the knife is half an ounce, and the coin is one ounce, the whistle two, and comb really should be three, but Ill part with it for two.
Tala nodded, but didnt say anything further, simply flicking a glance to Brand, before returning her focus to Artia.
The shop keeper sighed. Because you are at least working with the Order, Im willing to bundle these all together and part with them for an even thirty-five ounces.
Tala almost grinned, then. She must rarely have use for this smaller dimensional storage bag. Shes willing to be quite flexible on the price. So?
So, if I take all your items, and you wish all of these, the balance would be four ounces, gold, from you to me.
Tala nodded. That seems quite fair.
Artia smiled broadly, opening her mouth to conclude, but Tala continued.
Unfortunately, Im not in a place to spare four ounces, gold, at this time. While the coin would provide many pleasantly cool drinks, I do not think I can justify it at this time. She moved the stone coin aside.
Artia nodded, opening her mouth, but again, Tala continued.
And the whistle could be a boon in a pinch, but it really isnt an effective use of my resources at this time. Even as she placed the whistle with the coin, she tittered a laugh, as if to herself. And if I cant justify such an obviously helpful item, I certainly cant allow myself to splurge on a comb. She nodded, as if conceding a point, and moved the comb over, to beside the other two items. And as you said, those together were valued at She paused as if she hadnt calculated beforehand. Five ounces, gold.
I did say that, but-
Tala continued as if she hadnt heard the woman. Thus, if my figuring is correct, Im asking for thirty ounces of product, and I have offered thirty-one ounces in payment. I do hope that it wont be too much trouble to transfer a gold ounce to my account?
Artia blinked at her a few times, then sighed. You planned that, right? You preselected those three items to nudge the numbers around.
Tala shrugged. Yes and no. If it had worked out, Id have loved to get every item here, and those stood out as interesting, for one reason or other. Im sorry that they wont come into my ownership at this time.
Arita huffed a laugh. Fine, girl. Its not worth fighting you. But no, Ill not transfer the ounce. Well do an even trade, and well both be happy about it. Yes?
Tala thought for a moment, then nodded, extending her hand. Very well. Thank you. She had to contain her excitement, partially at her exchange, and partially at what a piece of her mind had just discovered, or thought that it had. While most of her attention had been taken up with the transaction at hand, a small portion of her mind had been puzzling over the mysterious, miniature void in the pommel of the various artifact knives, the place where the magic seemed to be waiting for something. In truth, such was evident in most of the artifacts, though the positioning and ease of finding the small voids varied from type to type.
And a possible answer had just clicked.
Tala concluded her business with Artia. Part of that was getting assurances that nowhere south of the pass, within a days walk, would have low enough magic to harm her new pouch. She promised to return the following evening to discuss dimensional storage with Artias husband and join them for dinner.
Without further delay, she shoved her remaining things, including her backpack, satchel, and jerky, into her new belt pouch and departed.
Chapter 38: Little Shop of WondersTala grunted, looking around at the magical items filling Artias little shop. What if artifacts really do show up more often, here? HuhWell, assuming its true she looked at the knife, again, and I cant see any reason to put that to lie, I apologize for misjudging you.No offense taken, Mistress.Yeahright Tala put the knife down. So, all of the items without spell-lines are like that? Artifacts of magic?Most of the items, yes.Tala walked over to the wall of bags and found that many of them seemed to warp beneath her mage-sight, calling to her, beckoning her to look closer. Each of those was obviously a dimensional storage, and most didnt have spell lines.Those without spell-lines, and some with, had a very familiar feel to them, despite a similar looping, twisting spiral pattern that was, again, familiar but not. The underlying magic creates an effect like the cargo-slots Mages study these items to learn spell-forms.Artia made a happy sound. That had always been my husbands, Adrills, theory, though no Mage would ever take the time to discuss it with an uninscribed.Im getting the feeling that you all arent great at finding accommodating Mages.With all due respect, Mistress. I think I may have met more Mages than you have.Tala turned to regard Artia. After a long pause, she nodded. I suppose thats probably true. She frowned. Are Mages really soyeah. As she thought back to her time in school, she had to acknowledge that most Mages, even most Mages in training, were not very kind to non-Mages. Fairs fair, I suppose. I never really got on well with most Mages anyways She felt a sadness flick through her but suppressed it. Nows not the time. So, these bags: Why are they here? No downside I can imagine. So, why havent they been snapped up?Ahh! Yes. They degrade quickly once taken outside of the high magic region around a waning city, unless fed large amounts of magic, consistently. After a moment, Artia amended. At least, that is what I understand, not being a Mage, myself.Really? Tala smiled. Thats quite interesting. She picked one up, keeping watch on Artia with the corner of her eye to ensure the woman didnt object to her doing so. She didnt. Does it simply take a raw power dump, or is it like empowering a storage wagon?Artia shrugged. Not a Mage, dear. After a brief pause, she added. My husband would know more, and if you choose one of the bags, we can discuss a trade for any information he can offer.Tala quirked a smile. Fair enough. Even so, Id think these would have substantial use around your fair city. Why do you have She did a quick count. Ten? Why do you have ten in stock?That is a similar situation to the knife, dear. Sure, dimensional storage is useful, but they are very expensive, for simple, local use. Even so they really arent that rare, so those who want them, buy them. She shrugged. Weve enough travelers that come through and want to rent them while in town that it pays to keep them on hand and not lower the price. That and locals rent them out too, on occasion. Most folks dont need to have a dimensional storage of their own.And that price is?Artia looked at Brand, and he nodded. Well, as a member of the Order of the Harvest, we will bundle your purchases and give you a discount.But I wont know what I can afford, unless you give me a starting price.To rent one of those bags would be 10 ounces, silver, per day, and policy is: If you rent it for a year, its yours.Tala blinked. There is no way you charge almost 40 ounces, gold, for one of those.No? They never need to be reinscribed, and they never need new power sources, so long as you stay local. A standard dimensional storage would cost you 5 ounces, gold, plus another ounce for a power source. Then, youll need to reinscribe it every three months or so, to be safe, for another 4 ounces, gold, and youll need another power source every four months or so. When a year has passed, youve spent, what? 25 ounces, gold? And youll have to spend another 19, give or take, every year, forever, or the item loses all power and value. That isnt even factoring the increased cost of magical metals in a waning city. I think 40 to never concern yourself with that is a bargain.Put that way, it was quite hard to argue with. I dont have 40 ounces, goldArtia patted her on the shoulder. I assumed not, dear. You havent any shoes.Tala glared, but there wasnt any malice behind it. I prefer to be barefoot. She really doesnt interact much with many Mages.Sure you do, dear. I understand.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.You know, youre a bit of a-Um Brand stepped forward, quietly cutting her off. I believe that this is going off track. Mistress Tala, there are likely arrangements that could be made, in lieu of monetary payment. You do, for example, have quite a few harvests to trade with, yes?Tala looked away from Artia and deflated slightly. You are right, as usual, Brand. She glanced back at Artia. I do not appreciate condescension. I am aware that many of your clientele are of the type to loosen their purses simply to prove you wrong. I am not one of them, and I would appreciate it if youd forgo such tactics, for the sake of our amicable relationship. There. Maturely handled, Tala.Artia smiled slightly. Very well, Mistress. I will not attempt to maneuver you. Shall we look at what all we have to interest you, here?Tala nodded her agreement. Then, an oddity struck her. WaitArtia paused, looking quizzically in her direction.If the bags degrade in normal or low magic areas, how could they be found in ruins? This area is only high magic because of the waning city, and thus the bags couldnt have remained intact for the centuries since their creation.The shop owner stared at her. Thatis an excellent question, actually. She frowned. It is possible that the item is an artifact, and the magic inhabiting it is new? She thought for a moment. That does actually align with more of the details that I know. She turned back to fully face Tala. I suppose that I should express a couple of things about artifacts, because you are new to them.Artia almost gasped, as she snatched the talon from Tala, examining the small opening, through which magic poured. She rubbed her thumb across the surface, working the surrounding salve into movement to re-cover the small hole, and the magical light faded to Talas mage-sight.Sealed, somehow? You coated them with something to contain the power and keep it from degrading?Tala nodded.Then, these are all as potent as if just harvested. The woman looked utterly astonished.Tala made a hesitant sound. Id say they are as fresh as if harvested within the last few hours. Likely less, but I dont wish to oversell.Artia cocked an eyebrow. Really? After that little demonstration?It is what it is. But Tala was grinning.Well, if a hunter brought in a fresh harvest, Id likely be able to give a gold per talon, and three per bone. She lifted a finger. Honestly, the larger pair would fetch four, and the smaller pair two each, but it still averages to three, which is the value of the middling set. She glanced to Brand. As Brand stands for you, I do not need to verify the source of your goods, and I can trust that they are what they appear. The thunder bulls horn is an interesting find, as the power it contains is mainly used for shattering defenses, though some fools take that power and invert it to heal maladies of the skeletal system. She shook her head. Why they dont use the beasts bones is beyond me, but Mages are an inscrutable bunch, and I suppose Im no Constructionist.Tala cocked an eyebrow but didnt comment.Artia cleared her throat. The horn is easily worth four or five ounces, gold. Now, normally, Id have to pass on some of these, as I have no ready buyers, and everyone knows that harvests kept out of an iron box degrade quickly, and even in one they dont have an eternity to wait. I was going to make an exception, but it seems I dont have to. She looked up to the left for a moment, seeming to do some calculations. So, all told, that puts the valuation of your harvests, generously, at 31 ounces, gold. I could never give you that much if I simply bought them from you, but as part of an exchange, I think we can consider that full valuation. The value of the items you selected inside is still higher, though.THIRTY-ONE OUNCES! Rust keeping two bones as fighting sticks, Im selling all of it. She nearly had a fit of joyous dancing but did her best to keep it hidden. She remembered how her father would alter prices based on the cut and quality of a customers clothing, and shed needed to not only keep the numbers straight, but not let on that it was anything other than the ordinary price. Tala nodded. Shall we return inside?Artia had been about to continue but frowned slightly before nodding. As you wish.They walked inside, returning to Talas small pile. Tala looked around at the merchandise once more. Wait. The harvests are sitting out?Artia smiled. These are past the point of selling, too degraded unfortunately, and are simply out for display purposes, demonstrating the type of thing we can acquire. It takes a very long time for the last vestiges of power to finally leave an item, and until then, the type of power they have is still easy to verify.Tala nodded. That made a good deal of sense. She gestured to her small pile, turning away from the shop at large. What is the value we have, here?Artia looked at Tala with suspicion but continued. Well, that is the least of our bags, so Id normally part with it for thirty-five gold, the knife is half an ounce, and the coin is one ounce, the whistle two, and comb really should be three, but Ill part with it for two.Tala nodded, but didnt say anything further, simply flicking a glance to Brand, before returning her focus to Artia.The shop keeper sighed. Because you are at least working with the Order, Im willing to bundle these all together and part with them for an even thirty-five ounces.Tala almost grinned, then. She must rarely have use for this smaller dimensional storage bag. Shes willing to be quite flexible on the price. So?So, if I take all your items, and you wish all of these, the balance would be four ounces, gold, from you to me.Tala nodded. That seems quite fair.Artia smiled broadly, opening her mouth to conclude, but Tala continued.Unfortunately, Im not in a place to spare four ounces, gold, at this time. While the coin would provide many pleasantly cool drinks, I do not think I can justify it at this time. She moved the stone coin aside.Artia nodded, opening her mouth, but again, Tala continued.And the whistle could be a boon in a pinch, but it really isnt an effective use of my resources at this time. Even as she placed the whistle with the coin, she tittered a laugh, as if to herself. And if I cant justify such an obviously helpful item, I certainly cant allow myself to splurge on a comb. She nodded, as if conceding a point, and moved the comb over, to beside the other two items. And as you said, those together were valued at She paused as if she hadnt calculated beforehand. Five ounces, gold.I did say that, but-Tala continued as if she hadnt heard the woman. Thus, if my figuring is correct, Im asking for thirty ounces of product, and I have offered thirty-one ounces in payment. I do hope that it wont be too much trouble to transfer a gold ounce to my account?Artia blinked at her a few times, then sighed. You planned that, right? You preselected those three items to nudge the numbers around.Tala shrugged. Yes and no. If it had worked out, Id have loved to get every item here, and those stood out as interesting, for one reason or other. Im sorry that they wont come into my ownership at this time.Arita huffed a laugh. Fine, girl. Its not worth fighting you. But no, Ill not transfer the ounce. Well do an even trade, and well both be happy about it. Yes?Tala thought for a moment, then nodded, extending her hand. Very well. Thank you. She had to contain her excitement, partially at her exchange, and partially at what a piece of her mind had just discovered, or thought that it had. While most of her attention had been taken up with the transaction at hand, a small portion of her mind had been puzzling over the mysterious, miniature void in the pommel of the various artifact knives, the place where the magic seemed to be waiting for something. In truth, such was evident in most of the artifacts, though the positioning and ease of finding the small voids varied from type to type.And a possible answer had just clicked.Tala concluded her business with Artia. Part of that was getting assurances that nowhere south of the pass, within a days walk, would have low enough magic to harm her new pouch. She promised to return the following evening to discuss dimensional storage with Artias husband and join them for dinner.Without further delay, she shoved her remaining things, including her backpack, satchel, and jerky, into her new belt pouch and departed.
