Chapter 111: Conner's Trade House
Unaware of the storm brewing behind them, Ethan and Lirael strolled through the bustling streets, their laughter mingling with the clamor of merchants hawking wares and the jingling of coin pouches. The city was alive—spices perfumed the air, the cries of hawkers competed with the bray of donkeys, and the glow of late-afternoon sun painted the cobblestones gold.
Ethan leaned lazily against a fruit stand as they walked, biting into a crisp red apple he hadn't paid for—tossing a silver to the vendor only after taking the first juicy bite.
"So… healers," he said between chews. "What's the going price? If I'm spending coin, I'd rather know what I'm bargaining for."
Lirael gave him a sidelong look, her lips twitching despite herself. "Depends on the quality. Apprentice healers might go for tens to gold. Skilled ones? In fifties. But the best ones…" She held up two fingers. "…start at hundreds. And that's just the asking price."
