Chapter 52 - 51: A New Kind of Shop
Kael packed the last of his supplies into his satchel and slung it over his shoulder. He turned to Seris, who was adjusting the strap on her scabbard.
"Ready?" he asked.
She nodded once. "Let’s go. You said today’s the big day."
Kael smiled, fatigue tucked behind it. "Yeah. Shop’s supposed to be finished. Let’s hope the dwarves didn’t blow anything up."
By mid-morning, they reached the southern end of the city, where the main street sloped gently downward toward the outer gate.
The building stood on a prominent corner, its wide storefront angled perfectly to face the steady stream of townsfolk and travelers trickling in through the southern gate.
Kael stopped at the edge of the stone walkway, staring at the shop for a long moment.
"Wow," he said quietly.
The transformation was subtle but unmistakable.
Gone were the weather-stained wooden boards and broken windows. The two-story stone building had been replastered with clean mortar, its window frames replaced with finely carved darkwood. The old hanging sign had been removed—and in its place, a group of dwarves was fastening a new sign above the main door.
Kaelmart