Chapter 179 - Just A Day Out

Sonder wandered through the bustling market tunnel of the mine's district, a single passage lined with stalls on either side, each overflowing with wares of every imaginable kind. 

Vell had given her some money, urging her to treat herself. He didn't see why she should be stuck at the inn, bored, while he attended to his business. 

Spending time with Lunt Junior wasn't an option today, either. He was a nice enough boy, but his singular focus on smithing—and the endless discussion of metals and techniques—had left Sonder drained of interest in the craft, at least for now. 

Her attention was drawn first to a jewelry stall, where necklaces with polished gemstones glittered under the soft glow of lanterns. She lingered only briefly, her fingers brushing against a chain adorned with a gemstone that reflected the light.

But she quickly let it go. She already had a necklace—a gift from Vell—that was far more beautiful and meaningful than anything on this stand. 

As she moved on, another stall caught her eye. This one was tucked into a darker corner of the tunnel, away from the bright lanterns and the loud cries of merchants. The stand was small, its wares modest, but something about it seemed to draw her in. 

The table displayed curious objects: carved stones inscribed with strange symbols, vials of shimmering liquid, and a selection of books bound in cracked leather. The merchant, a wiry and unusually tall figure, was clearly neither dwarf nor human. His eyes were entirely green, like emeralds set into his skull, and his expression was unreadable. 

"Curious?" he asked as Sonder approached. His voice was higher than she'd expected.

"Maybe," she replied, her gaze falling on one of the books. Its cover was marked with an unfamiliar sigil, and the edges were worn as though it had been handled many times. 

The merchant noticed her interest. "A guide to dwarvish magic," he said. "Simple enough, even for a novice." 

Sonder picked up the book, her fingers tracing the cracked leather. "How much?" 

"Five silver," the merchant replied without hesitation. "Or something of equal value to trade." 

She hesitated. The price seemed steep, though something about the book continued to intrigue her. 

You're not trying to cheat me, are you?" She narrowed her eyes.

The merchant tilted his head slightly, his tone oddly sincere. "I am not," he said, and for some reason, Sonder believed him. 

Reaching into her pouch, she handed over the silver. The merchant took it without another word, carefully wrapping the book in soft linen and tying it with thick thread before handing it back to her. 

"Enjoy your purchase," he said as she turned to leave. 

Sonder continued through the market, now carrying her new book. Her curiosity soon drew her to a street food stand, where skewers of sizzling meat were roasting over an open flame. She couldn't identify the animal it came from—something small—but the aroma was enticing enough to make her stop. 

After paying a modest price, she left with a skewer in hand, taking a bite. The flavor wasn't too different from what she had tasted before, though it was slightly tougher and chewier than she preferred. 

As she strolled, savoring her snack, she passed a tavern. The strong scent of alcohol wafted through the air, mingling with the noise of muffled conversation and bursts of laughter. She tried to ignore it, but then she heard subdued laughter she recognized immediately.

Frowning, she stopped and peered through one of the grimy windows. 

Inside, at a table crowded with people of all kinds—dwarves, humans, and a few others she couldn't easily place—sat Vell. He leaned back in his chair, laughing at something someone had said, a half-empty mug of ale in front of him. 

Sonder blinked, momentarily stunned. He said he'd be busy with important business, she thought. Yet here he was, seemingly enjoying himself in the company of strangers.