Chapter 34: Swordmaster’s Booklet
The noise of Graystone’s bustling market faded the farther Kaelor walked, replaced by the distinct, quieter murmur of wealth. This was no longer the realm of hawkers and farmers shouting over baskets of onions or squabbling over copper coins.
This was the domain of silver and gold.
The Golden Scales Merchant Guild’s camp was like a small city on its own, dozens of wagons arranged in neat rows, each one guarded, polished, and draped in cloth that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Silk tents with golden embroidery fluttered like banners in the wind. Guards in chainmail stood at the edges, arms crossed, their polished halberds glinting.
Kaelor’s eyes swept over the scene. Traders were dressed in fine robes and velvet coats, and customers moved in calm, confident strides, the way only those accustomed to power did. He could hear the muted discussions over prices, not in copper but in silver and gold, and in quantities that could buy villages.
"They must have paid the baron good money to stay here," Mildred whispered beside him, eyes wide.
Vi’s response was cool and immediate. "Maybe a hundred gold... or more."
Kaelor didn’t doubt it.
The Golden Scales weren’t just any merchant guild. They were the merchant guild, the backbone of high-level trade across the five kingdoms and three dukedoms. Their presence in Graystone Town meant one thing: goods from across the realm can now be found here.
And he had business with them.
Not for luxuries.
But for people.