“My wares would be the safer for it,” Fafnir replied. “The roads are ever perilous and it seems not even the settlements are safe. And you might have better luck than I with the gnome. In dealing with these Fae-folk, you are skilled.”

Padric smiled at that. It was a lie of course, but a lie that allowed Padric to gain Fafnir’s attention in the first place. Fafnir had come to his village to peddle steel to the warriors of the fort and was met with little warmth. A few dirks sold, an axe head or two and little else, but while there, he happened to hear of a Piskie-kissed youth who was friend to the Fae.

Fafnir sought him out.

In the closeness of his father’s hut, Padric and his parents listened to the dwarf’s proposal. He told them it was often difficult to trade with humans and nearly impossible when dealing with Fae-folk. He saw a lad like Padric solving both problems. What Padric saw was an out. And so did his father. Little matter that the only Fae Padric knew was Rosheen and that he was not likely to sow welcoming feelings amongst his own kind.

Now it seemed he would be tested at last and he welcomed the chance. He would see the sword delivered so Fafnir could be on his way to the next town, the next fort, the next distant country, taking Padric with him.

The sound of approaching voices ended their conversation. They all went outside, Fafnir leading, to find the villagers returning from the hilly country to the north. Padric counted barely a dozen families and what appeared to be a husky child with thick white hair, which could be none other than the gnome herbalist. The group made straight for the alehouse, but Padric noticed the gnome pull up short at the sight of them and strike off alone down a narrow track leading away from the village. Padric thought he heard him muttering as he went. The rest of the group came steadily on.

“Still here, master peddler?” one woman said when the group stopped in front of them.

“I am,” Fafnir answered simply. “Along with my new apprentice and his companion.”

“They’re welcome, of course,” the woman said. “Come, let us make our introductions within. We all have a thirst and a good man to remember this night.” She gestured towards the alehouse door with a small, but genuine smile and the men made their way inside, each giving Padric a friendly nod as they passed, and some even bowed slightly to Rosheen.