Chapter 2 – Part 2
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Market District, Príbora. One week after the celebration.
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The sun was already blazing in the sky, casting golden rays over the horizon, when Aerin and Brylla made their way through the crisp morning air to the market. They had to do some shopping and meet Idrimis, who was waiting for Aerin to resume her fighting lessons. The city was alive with activity, as people opened their shops and carts, and the streets were filled with noise and color.
As they reached the marketplace, Brylla leaned closer to her sister and whispered, “So you haven’t seen him since that night?” She was referring to Gareth, of course.
Aerin felt a pang in her chest and shook her head. “No,” she said in a low voice, avoiding Brylla’s gaze.
She had told her everything that had happened that night, when Gareth had kissed her and then rejected her. It wasn’t out of malice, but rather because he believed it was for the best for both of them. She had been miserable ever since.
“It’s better this way,” Brylla said firmly. “For both of you.”
Aerin wanted to argue, to tell her that she still cared for him, that she missed him terribly. But she knew it was useless. Brylla never liked Gareth; she always thought he was a problem. It wasn’t because she thought he was bad, but rather because of the whole situation. And maybe she was right.
They were interrupted by a commotion in the crowd. A group of merchants had arrived in the area, wearing fine clothes and jewelry. They were among the richest and most powerful people in the city. Their father, Galadir, who was one of them, was out of town at the moment. He had traveled north on business. And their mother was with her parents in Befeld, a small town near Pribora.
The merchants seemed to be summoned by someone, for they were heading towards a wooden podium. Aerin scanned the group for the mayor, Aerwith, who was the leader of the merchants. But he was nowhere to be seen. That was odd.
She didn’t have time to think about it anymore, because Brylla pulled her towards a stall selling fabrics right in front of them.
“Look at this,” Brylla said, holding up a bolt of silk in a deep red color. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
Aerin nodded absently, and her eyes wandered away from the podium.
She didn’t notice the man who stepped up on the podium and raised his hand for silence.