should have done this last night so it wasn't as long. oh well.

“Certainly this Walce is in the wrong box. What problem do you have with him? Them contents field guide I can all most see, But Walce’s animal study is invaluable for one planning to visit the lost lands, as Sandy said you are.” Wallace held the book out.

Shaid said. “I found that to be a poor copy. It is all right but I thought this one” She took a book off a shelf. “Was the better of the two. As to the field guide, I found it a waste of time. Good for a naturalist, but worthless in the field. Alens is much better.”

Wallace walked over to her and took the book looked at it as though expecting to disagree. His eyes went wide. “I bet this cost you a good bit. It is fully intact, and a hand done copy. Certified even.”

Shaid said. “I had it certified after I bought it, but it was one center. I seldom go over one, though a few items have gotten me to pay more. One that I still feel a bit bad about was twenty. I thought I would never hear the end of it. Couldn’t sit easily for a good week either. But it was worth it.” She had opened the chest as she was talking and now pulled a book out. “You see that is my second best copy, this is my best copy. Oh and anything I get out of this chest stays in the house.” She handed him the book and he nearly fell over.

“This is a first or second printing. I am sure. Twenty? My dear I would love to know where and how you managed it. I have been try to get one, but the only ones I have seen were more than the school could pay.”

Shaid said. “I thought it was a third. As to where. Well that I cannot say, but I can put out word that I have a buyer, should they find anther one. Give me two or three other old titles to go with it and there is more chance. They need to know that it will be taken care of. I am sorry but I must ask you not to cast any spells in my house my wards will not like it.” He looked at her. “Your pendent is glowing, I am not to familiar with Keatchin magic, but I do recognize it.”

“Interesting, there should be spells in and on this book. I was just going to see if they were there.” Shaid shrugged and the book glowed. “Ah you were right it is a third. I didn’t know they ever made a third using this cover. This twist here is the year mark, and this portion has been determined to be a preserving spell. The other there has been no agreement on.”

Shaid said. “I wondered why the twist was there. It was not needed, there were easier ways to close the spell. One time, and only one. Look at the floor.” He did and she let him see the wards. “You only saw what I wanted seen as you came in.” The spells fade and left. “Magic is like breathing for me.”

Anderson said. “Is there a problem?”

Shaid said. “No he was just testing me. It is to be expected, he sees a child, not knowing that I am not. Thanale the next books I take out of this chests do not exists.”

Thanale nodded. “Trade secret, would you rather.”

“I don’t care if you see them just don’t need it known I have them. These are the two I showed you.” She set the two books they had come about out then took out three more. “These are what I could not show you then. They are spell books, these one I know in Otherderm, this one I think is Keatchin. This one I should not have and wish I didn’t I hope I am wrong. But I believe it is Nateacian and I have no idea what to do with it.” She had set the others on the chest after naming them, but the  last she didn’t sit down.

Wallace carefully held out his hands. “Is it safe to open here? I will have to look at the inside of it. And if it is I do have a safe containment room if you will let me take it.”

Shaid said. “I can open, but the last guy who tried to look at it for me got knocked across the room just trying to touch it so I don’t know.”

He nodded. “Are you all right with me trying?” She nodded and he reached out and touched the book. “It stings but not to bad. Next step. Stay back, the rest of you.” He slowly opened the cover and staggered back. “Close it. I am sorry but you are right. However, I am not going to be able to get it to the lock up. You will have to bring it.”

Shaid said. “That is what I was afraid of. Can I? That is why I still have it, the others I knew of I could not enter the restricted areas.” She slid the book back into the chest. “It is safe enough, but I would feel better not to have it. No one needs the spells that are in it. Blood magic I am sure. I don’t think it has been used, I don’t get that fell, but it wants to be.”

Wallace said. “We won’t know until we try. If you can meet me at the library door the day after the fair, will work best I think, I will take you down.”

Shaid nodded. “I can do that, likely mid morning though. I will have to clean my stall after the fair closes so will no doubt be a bit late getting up and around.”

Wallace nodded. “That should be about the time I get there. Now then to more pleasant things. Which of these is the Quitn?” Sandy handed it to him He opened it and studied the writing a bit then and he took a letter out of his pocket. “I do hate to take this things out of the archives, but I see why it was needed. You are better at this then I am.” He handed them back to Sandy. “I will want a look at those maps, but you said thought you had a Keatchin spell book?” The rest of the day passed with talk of books and studding. Sandy agreed that the Quitn book looked to be real, and Wallace had to be forced to put the spell book down for lunch. At which he confirmed it was what she thought. They all left before dinner, with a load of books apiece.

As Thanale left Shaid said. “I will be over to go though yours in a few days.”

He laughed. “Any time. The door will be open.”

The next few days pasted in blur of activity for Shaid as she got ready for her first real solo sale. The first time she would be in complete control of what she had on display. She did make it over to Thanale’s and came back with a load of books and a list of the next ones she was going to take.

Chapter 3

The first day of the sale dawned clear and bright. Shaid jumped out of bed and rushed though her breakfast. She had set up the stall last night, but wanted to make a few changes. As she had walked home through the other stalls she had noticed more read and green than anything. But she had more yellows and blues out front. If folks were looking for reds they might just pass her by. All so she wanted to double check that her sign about taking custom orders was not to obvious. Latter she could move it, but right now having it out front, when an unknown, would drive people away. She got to the stall and started moving the items. When done she stepped back to look things over.

The lady across the way called over. “You are a new face, and must be new to the city.”

Shaid said. “Yes Ma’m I am. I came in for the school. This will be my first time trading here. I am used to the north, where the few winter sales they want bright colors, but I noticed that most had a good bit of dark reds and green out front here.”

She said. “Well at lest you are willing to change. Nice to bring in that bright red, it will grab the eyes, the light green will from the other way. Nice balance, but bring some thinner fabrics out as well. I know, winter sale, but the wealthy wear thin things and so it trickles down to the want-to-bes.”

Shaid said. “Thank you.” She changed a few dark reds for thiner fabrics of about the same shade and did the same with the greens. Then after a bit of thought she move a gauzy looking pale yellow out as well. “I just have to have a bit of yellow out, and if they want thin this will get them in. then once they try the weave I think they will be hocked. It is a tight weave and warmer than it looks. I make emergency blankets out of it, though not this color.”

“You make blankets out of that? this I have to see.”  She came across the road to look closer at the fabric.

 Shaid ducked back into the stall and got a dark red finished blanket and brought it out. “Why don’t you try this one and see if it doesn’t keep you warm. Not enough for deep winter weather alone, but added to other gear it will help.”

She moved and it sparkled, the lady blinked and reached for the blanket. “Sparkles? How did you do that?”

Shaid said. “I wove little glass beads in to catch the light. As this is an emergency blanket, changes are the person using it is lost, hurt or both. They need something to help those looking for them, but bright colors would attract predators, flashing lights though seem to drive off most animals, yet would aid a search party. Not sure why the lights drive them away, but tests hove shown it will most animals, thus it is a bit of a safety thing as well, but not one I would count on.”

The lady nodded and glanced in the stall. “I must get back to mine. Thank you for letting me try the blanket. If it works it will be a blessing. A lot lighter than what I usually have in the stall. Oh you have threads as well?”

Shaid said. “Some, in varying waits. I have not tried selling them before. Father thought it a waste of space, but I feel it is worth a try. It seemed the better way to use the odds and ends left over from weaving. I don’t like throwing them out, and there is seldom enough that look good together to make anything out of. Plus I have a small spinning wheel and had to try out the finer settings on it, just to see if I could.”

The lady nodded. “Well I think you have done a fine job set up. Folks will start coming by in a bit.” She went back across the street to her booth.

As she had said people started coming buy. The morning went fairly fast. Around noon the lady came back over. “I am sending a few of my little monsters out to get lunch would you like some? What do you want for the blanket and three more, if you have them? My kids are fighting over it, saying it is much warmer then the others. Even as nice as it is today.”

Shaid smiled. “I sell the blankest for ten rinas. This is what I have here, but I do have a few other colors at home. I would love some lunch let me get you a few coins.”

She said. “Why don’t we just take five rinas off the blankets and I will have them bring you over lunch all week? These three will be fine.”

Shaid nodded. “That is fine with me. Thank you.”

The lady handed her the coins. “Now don’t go tipping the kids. I am telling them they are earning their blankets. It is good for them.” Shaid nodded and she went back to the stall, carrying the three blankets.

A short time latter some kids came with a basket of food. Shaid smiled. “You can just set mine on the counter if you would. Thank you.” They giggled and took off, leaving the food behind them.

A short time latter a lady came by and looked at the thread and scoped up. “How much, and do you have more?”

Shaid blinked. “For all that is there?” She nodded. “How about one center? I do not have any more here today, but can have tomorrow. Is there a thinness you would prefer? I was not sure what weight to make.”

“You make it? Can you do custom colors? This one is best for clothing, but I can use all of them.”

Shaid said. “I will only use natural dyes but I can try and match anything. I do have thread to mach any fabric I make. I will bring a bunch of every color I have with me tomorrow. Most of what I have is this thickness, but I can make it thinner if you want.”

“No that will be fine.” She handed her the center. “I will be back. If the rest that you have is this good you will be seen me often.” With that she left.

Shaid looked after her and shook her head. Wondering if she should have asked more. But really that seemed to much for scraps. The rest of the day was unremarkable.

The next day she took triple the amounts of thread with her and made certain that there was some in each color. It was a bit after her lunch was delivered that the lady showed up. She went right to the thread. Shaid smiled. “There is more in the box, I ran out of room so had to pick which colors to put out.”

She smiled and looked at the box. “I didn’t expect there to be so many. Where did I” She pulled some scraps out of her pocket. “Ah there they are. Now then let me see what you have.” She sat down and started going through the box. There was a few others who came and made some purchases as she was going through it, but they didn’t seem to notice her sitting there, or care if they did.

A lady came and wondered around a bit then went over to Shaid. “I see some lovely tapestries here. Do you take custom orders?”

Shaid said. “yes I will, but I need a nonrefundable deposit of five percent, and I will not take any order that doesn’t give me time to complete it. I will not do a hasty job, no matter the money offered. The nonrefundable means I keep the deposit if you change your mind. Now if I don’t complete the work you will get the money back.”

She nodded and set a print down. Could you turn this into wall hang of around that size?” She pointed to a large one on display. “Without defacing the print, that is.”

Shaid said. “What I do when using a print is set it in a specially made try, like this but sized to fit then image.” The one she had was bigger than the print but she sat the print in to show what she meant. “That will make sure the print dose not get moved. Then I cover the tray with this invisible paper. See it lets me see the image but gives me a grid to work from. The second paper is tacked to the box. The print will not be touched. So yes I can do it.”

The lady nodded. “About how long and how much? I just think it would look so good as a tapestry. If I can get it done in time.”

Shaid looked at the image, she had a better copy at home using the two she thought it would work up nice. But it was complex. “If you want it done in fine details I need two months. I might get it done a bit sooner but don’t feel safe promising it any faster. Some of the colors here are premium so it will add a bit to the cost.  One center and ten rinas. That is for fine details. I can know it down some for the general image, but it won’t be as nice as you hope.”

The lady nodded. “Here is my address. When it it is done go to the front door with it, give the butler this card and he will bring you to me. As long as I have it by the end of three months it will be fine. Here is thirty rina for the deposit, and what do you want for that length of cloth my servant is drooling over there?”

Shaid looked and said. “That is ten rina, it is stronger than it looks, and color fast. It has been washed in hot and cold water.”

“That shade and it will not run? That is a nice bonus.” She added the coins to the others.

Shaid answered. “I do my best to make sure that all I sale is color tight. There is nothing worse then have a good dress ruined by a bit of water. I do use all natural dyes as well.”

The lady nodded. “Thank you. Come Jane, and bring that with you. I think it is time you had a new dress.” Jane picked up the cloth with a smile and followed her mistress.

The lady came up with the thread. “I want it all, but I will leave some. I got yell at by my friend last time as I didn’t leave any for her. Same price as last time?”

Shaid said. “Yes.” And took the coins. The rest of the week past in a blur. When it was done Shaid had made enough to see her through winter, even if the prices on food raised more than she expected. The next day she met Wallace and was able to get rid of the book and a few other things. After leaving the library she completed registering for classes and paying the fees, getting the identification card and books. Then before she knew it was the first day of classes.

She got her books and list up together and made her way to her first classroom.  She stopped just outside the door took a deep breathe.

Thanle said, making her jump. “It is a bit scary now that we are here isn’t?”

Shaid said. “That it is. I want this day for so long, but now that it is here I am worried I am not up to it. “ A group of loud students headed their way. “I think we had better go get a seat before they take them all.”

Thanle said. “Sounds like a good reason to me.” Laughing they entered and found two chairs in the back. The loud bunch they had seen coming entered soon there after. Thanle said. “They will surely settle down in a bit. Must have had a busy vacation form the sounds of it.”

Shaid said. No doubt they will when class starts. The other city schools I have visited are the same a lot of chatter until the teacher shows up. Think of it as the first days of the gather.”

Thanle nodded. “I don’t know what I was expecting really. It is not much louder than a family diner really. Just a bit much at first.”

Another boy said, sliding into one of the other chairs. “I think it is more the topic than the volume that is the problem. You would expect it to be about something other than who slept with whom and how drunk you got. Anyway that is why I was relived there were not enough seats for us to be together. I know I am to hang out with them and get to know them. But it gets to much. Looked like we forced you into the room?”

Shaid said. “Just a bit of first class jitters. Now that I am here I am a bit worried. It will pass.”

“So this is your first class of the day? Lucky I had to be here at seven for some art appreciation thing. If he keeps playing the string music I don’t know how I will mange to stay awake.”

Thanle said. “That is tomorrow. Thanks for the warning. I will remember to fill my thermos with extra strong Cavah.”

Anther came up. “They try to get the travelers in a different section for that class as you have a different way of looking at art and would be board in the other section.”

The first asked. “Are you two together?”

Shaid said. “Nope just neighbors though we do seem to have a lot of classes in common. I think you are to, our neighbor I mean, if you did buy the house you were talking about that puts you on the other side of Thanle. I am Shaid, by the way.”

The second boy said. “I am Rodger and he is Sam. Yap we are your neighbors. Sorry we have been around but his folks decide we need a trip before school and we just got back last night. Oh and those guys are there to. Both set of parents insist we have guards. At least we talked them down to four.”

Shaid said. “Ah so it is you they are with. I met one of them last night. Under less then perfect circumstances. He was chancing something and tried to cross my wards. Which do not like bladed weapons.”

One of them said. “Ya, sorry about that. But say could you put some wards up that would let us know when someone with a blade comes around. Not stop them just wan us?”

Shaid said. “You mean on the road and a ways around.  I might be able to set it so a light in your house changes color. Depending on the wards already on the house. I will stop by tonight and see.”

Sam said. “I don’t know that there are any wards on the house. Dad was talking about but I think he forgot.”

Shaid said. “In that case I will see that there are some, every house needs a few. Even though we don’t get much traffic, and you will want a pest repeal, trust me.” The teacher entered ending the conversation. The rest of the day pasted in much the same way. In all but the language class one of the boys would show up in the same class. It got to be a running joke with them.

At the end of the last class Sam said. “That’s it for me today, what about you?”

Shaid said. “Last for me to. Now I just have to get though tomorrow and then there will be no more first days. But a good bit of reading.”

Sam nodded. “But at lest most of it is interesting or will be.” They head out together, Sam’s bodyguard fowling. “You never asked about him.”

Shaid said. “I am trade. It is easy for me to see that your family has money. Money tends to mean enemies. For whatever reason you parents clearly think you need protection from those enemies. What is there to ask?”

Sam shook  his head. “Nothing I guess. I hope I am not being offensive but how is it that you come to be in this school, and with Eliction better than my expensive tutors pounded into me? I thought traders stuck to there own.”

Shaid said. “For the most part we do, but we need to know the world around us to. It is how we keep on top of what the cities want. Sometimes there are things the elders feel we should learn. All of our healers will spend a year or more studying at one of the city schools known for healing. Not all is better, but they bring back new thinking. Some is used some is consider and laid aside. I am here because I want the lost lands, and this is the place come if you want to improve the odds of returning. As the Eliction, well I had a bad habit of slipping into any city schools once I knew the spoken language fairly well. Eliction happens to have a lot in common with Etern, and that happened to be one of the areas we were sure to visit for a week each year.”

Sam looked out and pulled some gloves out of his pack. “Looks like winter is here. More snow. So you are from the north then. So then this must be new weather to you. I am from Inan. A bit more cities and less space, but a good bit colder. I want to go into the lost lands but likely wont get any closer, at least I can study them. Rod and I are considered rebels by our parents, but they are nice about it. Most of my family is into law and politics. Rod’s are merchants and a few engineers. But we are the only ones in the last three generations to have a wondering foot. Or so we are told.”

Rod said. “But they are forgetting my uncle Smith, who is a shipping captain. Which I would say is every bit as risky as going into the lost lands. Which I will do at lest once. Even if it is just to Slam.”

Shaid said. “Parents have a hard time seeing children as more than children. It will be easier to convince them after they haven’t seen you for a bit. As long as you do not get yourself hurt by take a foolish risk to soon. We got a good deal of now and ice at our winter camp. But I expect there to be more here.” They set off down the road.

Rod said. “You sound sure that they will come to see us as more than children.”

Shaid said. “I don’t know why, but I am. Things are a bit different among us. A child is an adult once he or she can prove they have the skills need to live. Your people have no test, but sat an age at which a child has the rights held by adults. That can make it easy for you to act like and be treated like children longer. There is nothing to show you are not.”

Sam asks. “Around what age to you take the tests?”

Shaid answers. “A boy start them at fourteen and continue until sixteen, or you pass for the masters test.  To marry a girl must have taken it at lest once and must be fifteen so will general take it in her fifteenth year. Before a man can marry he must have been judged able to run a family stall. That is to say the elders in the family have found him to be responsible.”

Rod said. “So how long have you had a stall?”

Shaid answered. “I took and pasted the test at fourteen. Though I wasn’t supposed to but father was a bit vague and so I sat it in my brother’s place. He wasn’t ready. Well he didn’t feel he was. We were not with our usual group that year, so the examiners thought I was older. I am sixteen which means I am the youngest here.”

Thanale said. “Boys in my area have to have a craft master before we sit the knot test. I was fifteen the year I got my craft master, and got my knot the next year. Which was two years ago. I was wondering how you got yours. It is not common among us for girls to take the test before sixteen, and less often that they will pass it. Though a craft mastery is more likely to be past.”

Shade nodded. “The rates are the same with us. Father was mad that I dared to pass, more than that I took the test. It was worse when he realized he had to let me get a wagon. He thought to stop it buy saying I had to buy it my self. Didn’t work. It is harder to find a good match for a daughter who has a knot as she has more independence.”

“A good match?”

Thanale said. “The heads of a family will arrange the marriages. Which are referred to, in family, as matches. A good one is one that has benefits for both sides. Though I am surprised being blood, that is a daughter of a head, you didn’t already have one arranged.”

Shaid said. “Well there had been one. Set to give anther member ties to us. But it fall apart when he left. But really it should have before then, but no one was paying attention to him. Even when he kissed his lover in front of them.”