Chapter 3.5: On the Road Again

The first light of dawn spills across the cobblestone streets of Kowlick, and I'm already shoving the last of my belongings into my weatherworn pack. Grimsby stands beside me, his eyes sharp as flint, scanning the empty market square with a merchant's calculated gaze.

"Today we skirt the Enchanted Forest," he mutters, adjusting the stiff collar of his travel-worn coat. "Elborne's beast tamer lies north, and our fortunes with him."

I nod, feeling the weight of our quest pressing upon my shoulders.

"What is this commodity that Elborne requires anyway?" I ask just hoping to keep the air filled with conversation to help ease the nerves.

"The rare fungus within that mystical forest is more than just a commodity—it's a lifeline for the guild." Grimsby shoots back quickly

Guess he wasn't feeling the same as I was today regarding the easing of nerves.

We set out, the town of Kowlick shrinking behind us as we tread the northern road. The cool morning air carries the scent of dew-kissed grass and the distant promise of adventure—or perhaps that's just my salesman's optimism talking.

"Keep sharp, Bert," Grimsby advises without looking at me. "The road's as much a marketplace as any bazaar. You never know who you'll meet—or what deals might be struck."

His words are prophetic. By midmorning, the rhythmic clop of horse hooves reaches our ears, and soon enough, a colorful caravan rounds the bend. Tapestries flutter from wagon sides, and atop each vehicle sits a wizard clad in robes embroidered with intricate runes.

"The Appraisers, a wandering order known for their uncanny ability to set value to the very essence of things." Grimsby informs me without prompting.

"Good morrow!" calls a wizard from the lead wagon, his voice carrying an enchanting lilt. "Travelers on the road to fortune or folly?"

"Neither," Grimsby retorts with a grin that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "We seek a friend to aid us in a venture of great import."

"Ah," the wizard chuckles, stroking his bearded chin. "And perhaps you have items of worth for appraisal? Our magic reveals the true value of all things."

I step forward, curiosity piqued by the possibility of appraising the magical supplement I recently reacquired back at the tavern.

"Indeed," I reply, holding out the Nutrahealth packet. "This supplement has a newfound magic since entering this world, and I am curious to learn its true value."

The lead wizard's eyes light up at the sight of the packet, and he beckons us to follow him to his wagon. As we approach, he reveals a set of scales, intricately crafted from a glowing crystal, and asks us to place the Nutrahealth packet upon them.

With a swift flick of his wrist, the wizard summons a brilliant flash of light that illuminates the scales. The crystal instrument begins to hum, and we wait anxiously for the result. After a few seconds, the scales settle, and the wizard's face breaks into a sly grin. "Ah, the item magic doesn't merely lie in its potency, but in its rarity as well," he says, his gaze locking with mine.

"This supplement as you called it, is a treasure indeed, worth far more than mere gold in the right hands."

Grimsby's eyes widen slightly at the wizard's proclamation, a glint of anticipation gleaming in his usually stoic expression. "What kind of value are we speaking of here?" he inquires, his business acumen coming to the fore.

The wizard leans in conspiratorially, his tone dropping to a hushed whisper. "This powder that lies within this receptacle not only enhances physical abilities but also bestows the gift of foresight upon its user. It is a rare and coveted item among those who seek knowledge and power."

My heart races at the wizard's words, realizing the true potential of the magical Nutrahealth packet in my possession. The weight of its value hangs heavy in the air, between the three of us before I break its tension.

"Is there any way to replicate the powder, you seem to know quite a bit about it, do you know what it is made of?" I know the normal ingredients of the Nutrahealth MegaFocus pre workout like the back of my hand in the real world, but just like the vitamins, clearly something had changed during the transportation across worlds.

The wizard's eyes gleam with a mix of intrigue and amusement at my question. "Replicate such a concoction?" he muses, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "The ingredients of this potent powder are not of this realm, sir. They hail from far realms beyond our ken—a mixture of starlight dust, dragon scales, and the tears of a phoenix."

My mind reels at the fantastical components listed by the wizard, so vastly different from the mundane ingredients I once knew. Grimsby's eyebrows shoot up in surprise beside me, his lips forming a silent whistle at the mention of such rare materials.

"Yes, I would offer to purchase this marvel myself if the appraisers were not restricted in their trade across Emoria, and even then I must admit sir I am still tempted."

The wizard's eyes twinkle with a knowing glint, as if he senses the temptation that lingers in the air between us. "Ah, the allure of such power is undeniable, but one must tread carefully when dealing with such rare magic," he cautions, his voice low and gravely serious. "The consequences of wielding such items can be more than one bargains for, some that drink a tincture made from such potent powder simply die from the stress that it puts upon their body."

I absorb the wizard's warning with a mix of apprehension and fascination, my fingers brushing lightly against the Nutrahealth packet still resting on the scales.

Grimsby's sharp intake of breath beside me breaks the tense silence that has settled over our small group. "A caution well given, good sir," he acknowledges, his gaze flickering from me to the wizard. "We appreciate your insight into the true nature of this...supplement."

The wizard nods sagely, his expression solemn as he carefully removes the packet from the glowing scales. "Knowledge is often the greatest defense against folly," he intones, his voice carrying a weight of experience. "Remember this in your travels, and may your path be guided by wisdom."

With the newly acquired information and wisdom, we bid farewell to the caravan of the Appraisers and continued on our journey towards Elborne's beast tamer.

Eventually, after hours of travel, we finally started to skirt the edge of the Enchanted Forest. The familiar energy of the thick magic that emanates from within almost reaches out and makes me sick to my stomach, remembering the events that had taken place beneath its shaded paths the last time I was within.

The looming trees of the Enchanted Forest are so tall that they cast long, eerie shadows that reach even to the forest floor outside of its domain. Grimsby's footsteps beside me are steady, but I can sense the tension in his every movement. The memory of Thorne's betrayal and the near-fatal encounter with his party still burns fresh in my mind, making my movement stiff and tense as well. Both of us locked into anxiety it feels like it has been hours since either of us has spoken. With tensions this high at the edge of the forest, I can not imagine how things are going to be once we finally must venture inside.

Suddenly, a rustling sound from some bushes ahead breaks the silence, causing us both to almost jump from our skin, and halt in our tracks. Grimsby quickly pulls free his dagger, and I post beside him with my hand firmly on Dealbreaker's hilt.

"Who goes there?" I shout at the bush, hoping my voice doesn't portray just how on edge I really am.

Eventually, slowly, a small figure with green skin and pointed ears emerges from the bushes with their hands raised in the air.

"A- goblin?" Grimsby whispers just loud enough for me to hear, seemingly asking himself if he was actually seeing a goblin.

"Are goblins rare or am I missing something?" I ask in reply

"No, I have heard stories but I think it is odd that this one is out here all alone, I think they usually have a pack or a tribe or something."

The goblin's eyes widen in surprise as it takes in our defensive stances, its hands still held high in the air. With a shaky voice, it stammers out, "N-no harm, masters. I-I mean no harm."

Grimsby and I exchange a quick glance, silently communicating our uncertainty about the goblin's true intentions. Despite its small stature and seemingly harmless appearance.

"What are you doing here, goblin?" Grimsby's voice is firm, his hand still gripping the dagger tightly.

The goblin swallows nervously before speaking, "Please, no hurt. I... I seek help. My tribe, they... they are in danger."

"See, I knew they had tribes" Grimsby, seemingly happy that he was right says turning to me with a smirk, momentarily ignoring the goblin, before seeing my face and changing his tone.

"No, no, absolutely not Bert. These things are vermin. Everyone knows this, No."

A pang of empathy tugs at my heart as I look into the goblin's pleading eyes and I know we have to help.

"We have to give him a deal Grimsby, it's in our nature."

Dealbreaker hums with energy in approval of my proposal.