Hero Wars
Issaries, Inc. |
The Travels of Biturian VaroshThe Market at Moonbroth
Long before the coming of the Lunar Empire, the oasis
of Moonbroth was an enigmatic source of wisdom and power in Prax. Even before
the Red Moon was known, the oasis exhibited some of the cyclical nature of
the Lunar way, raising its steamy jets high on each Wildday and whispering
prophecies of The Moon To Come. Now arrived, the Empire has driven the Pol
Joni tribe into the desert again, and taken the oasis as a stronghold. To
celebrate the completion of their new fort, the Lunar commanders opened a
marketplace, calling all merchants and buyers to come and to celebrate.
Delayed by the Humakti in Tourney Oasis, I was late for the opening. Already many tents were around the market space, and barbarian families camped in the plain. I was surprised to see large numbers of Morokanth here, for those animal people usually are kept from human markets. I feared that the Lunars might allow even broos to market here, which would test my vows unfairly, but such fears came to naught. Having viewed the market, I went to its High Priest and bought a booth site. He grumbled about my payment with furs, but I didn't get to choose my location either. Settled, I sent Discorporate my allied spirit about the other booths to join in the Issaries gossip of the traders, but he returned only with Lunar propaganda translated into perfect Tradetalk. Eye-whisper said the temple was Etyries, not Issaries, but thought that all right. I agreed, but the weighty Lunar presence grew ever more tangible. Leaving Eye-whisper corporate among my goods, I often walked about. Norayeep accompanied me, politely replying to all questions. She led Morak on a bronze chain leash not daring to leave him in the booth nor let him run loose, even if he had done nothing but rumble against the moon and make eyes at the food. Other merchants, especially of the Empire, sought my goods eagerly, particularly the wooden stakes made in the Paps and the Truestones from the Block. Lunar traders as yet had not penetrated those districts. A priestess of their Seven Mothers cult often sat at my booth and talked. She was pretty, and her voice always calm and sure. Her presence angered Norayeep, and made Morak more unruly then usual, but the priestess was not distressed. When she noticed Morak's horns, she was interested, and told of a houseful of horned boys and girls who live in the Empire, and who once each year dance for the Red Goddess. Morak listened quietly while she related that, but afterwards he slunk away and hid under the saddle blankets. The next day a well-spoken Lunar trader began to drop by, every day with a new offer to purchase Morak. If the Lunar priestess was present, they pretended not to know each other, though I had no doubt of their common purpose. At one point the fellow offered me exactly twice what I had paid for Morak and Norayeep, and said I could keep the woman. That was when Morak leapt up and bellowed, then stumbled and crashed unconscious across the lap of the buyer. Norayeep dashed to Morak's aid, the startled trader leapt up sputtering, his spell broken, and I lost the sale. That night Norayeep wept and told me of where the Lunars send their horned boys when they are older. She said she had sworn never to let this happen. Neither could I imagine Morak on such a journey. Secretly we prepared to leave. I did not know if I could resist another session of the trader's magic. His subtlety disturbed me, and I thought it possible he would succeed next time should Norayeep and Morak be absent from the booth. We left before dawn, before the market woke. |
