4 The Transaction

Demenik removed his shirt, folded it carefully, and placed it behind an empty barrel. After looking to make sure no one had seen him, he stepped into the street and entered the alley which he called home. The corridor was dim. Even in the daylight, light did not enter that area. He strode down the corridor and stopped in front of a large mound of rags.

"Oak." He nudged the pile with one foot. "Wake up. I need your help."

A voice groaned from the ground. "Go away."

"Come on." Demenik bent down. "I need your speed and strength and I don't have much time to waste."

"I don't have any speed or strength."

"You will. I have food."

"Food?" The mound shifted and a face appeared beneath the dirty rags. "It's my turn to find some and share with you, but if you want to feed me I'm not gonna complain. What ya got?"

"I need you to come with me to find out." Demenik reached for his friend's arm and tugged. "Time, Oak. We don't have much time."

Oak stood and let most of the blankets fall to the ground. He was tall and thick-chested. His arms displayed no muscular definition, but they were thick and solid. Large scarred hands with thick round fingers gripped a remaining blanket and held it around his frame. "Fine, I'm up. Where are we going?"

Demenik gave him the details.

"Sounds like you're gonna need more help than mine."

"Two more should do it."

"Maybe. Stick and Mouse?"

"Of course."

"If it were anyone but you talking right now," Oak said, "I wouldn't believe you."

An accented voice spoke from behind them. "I'm not sure we should believe him, anyway." They turned and saw a young man squatting in the shadows. His eyes were brown and bright, his features thin and angular.

"Stop doing that, Mouse." Oak scowled and Demenik chuckled.

"Stop doing what?" Mouse tilted his head and raised one eyebrow.

"Sneaking up on us."

"I did no such thing. I walked up as loudly as I always do. Maybe I should be upset, no? You care so little for me that you don't bother to notice me when I am nearby."

Oak looked at Demenik. "Seriously. When's the last time you heard him get close to us?"

"I hear him every time."

"No you don't."

Demenik shrugged and looked at Mouse. "Any idea where Stick is?"

"I'll go fetch him." Mouse moved further into the alley.

"Meet us at the exit."

Mouse raised one hand in acknowledgement.

***

"How long is he gonna take to check the place out?"

"Patience, Oak." Stick used a small knife to carve an intricate design into the bottom of his fresh quarterstaff, a six-foot-long shaft of hardwood resting across his knees. "No one rushes Mouse at his work."

"I don't want to rush him." Oak leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. "I just want to get some food."

Mouse dropped to the ground from the rail behind them.

Oak jumped.

"Everything is clear."

"For Christ's sake! I swear you could sneak up and steal a kiss from the Devil's backside without him knowing you were there."

Mouse grinned. "I see no one suspicious on the ground or the roof tops. The vendor has no one hiding to attack you in any shadow I can see."

"Good." Demenik nodded. "Stick and Oak, come with me. Mouse—"

"Into the shadows." Mouse pulled a scrap of cloth over his head and jumped to grab a second floor railing. He pulled himself upwards and soon disappeared from sight.

The three friends approached the vendor. Arkell saw them and smiled, raising a hand in greeting.

"Hello, Demenik. I see you have brought friends to help you carry your purchases home."

"Arkell." Demenik's gaze surveyed the shelves. "There is more food now than when I was here earlier."

"Only a little bit."

"I do not want to negotiate a new price."

"I am not asking you to." Arkell shrugged and pointed at the produce. "When I went to get change there were a few small snippets of food at my shop. Your price is a deal for me, and so I decided to throw the extra in." He smiled. "I'm certain you can put it to better use than I."

"That is kind of you. My thanks."

Arkell laughed and stepped back from the stall. He reached into his pocket and removed a small cloth purse. "This holds your change, Demenik. I assure you that there is no trap. I believe you when you say you will buy more from me. A good vendor does not bite the hand that fills it with silver. How would you like to complete the transaction?"

Demenik stepped close, removed the silver coin from his waist, and held it out. Arkell extended his hand and the boy dropped the coin into the man's palm.

Arkell inspected it and passed the change to Demenik. "Count it, if you like."

"I trust you."

Arkell laughed. "That's refreshing. I have provided bags to carry the food away which are included in the price. If you return them for your next purchase, I will discount the price accordingly."

Demenik glanced at his friends and pointed at the food. The two began to gather the sacks.

"You're going to share it with others aren't you?"

"Yes."

"That could be dangerous."

Demenik's gaze slid towards the older man, but he said nothing.

"When will our next meeting occur?"

"In four days."

"If you like, you can bring the money to me at a safer location."

"Where would that be?"

"Do you know the tanner's shop near the fish market?"

"I do."

"He is my brother-in-law. We can meet there and exchange money in a more private manner, if it pleases you."

Demenik thought about it, then nodded. "We can try that. So far you have been trustworthy, Arkell."

"And that is how I will remain, Demenik."

Demenik extended his hand and the vendor gripped it. "Next Tuesday, then. The tanner's by the fish market."

"I look forward to it."