You approach the merchant cautiously, Shila following behind you.
The man doesn't even notice you until he is nearly standing next to
where you have stopped.
'Oh!' The merchant says. 'Fellow travelers, I see! Friendly, I hope?'
You nod. 'No need to worry- I'm just here to talk.'
'Excellent! I have many things that the traveler may be interested in,
you know. Would you care to see what I have?'
You shake your head. 'Perhaps later- I have a question for you. Did
you come from over the High barrier?'
'Oh, yes I did. Of course, it's how I make a living. But I'm never
going back there again... too many things happening over there.'
You ignore this, anxious to solve the more immediate problem.
'How did you cross?'
'Cross? Oh no, I didn't cross. I took the Trayant Path.' The merchant
smiles crookedly at this. 'I couldn't cross this time of year, I'd freeze to
death!'
'The Trayant Path!?' You say in disbelief. The Trayant Path was
closed long ago- it was rumored that an abomination dwelled within
the mountains, and it enjoyed slaughtering travelers that chose that
particular path to go through.
'Of course! I had a little good-luck charm with me though!' The
merchant indicates a small brass bracelet on one of his arms.
'If you're looking to go through that pass, you'll need it! And, seeing
how I'm not going to be going there ever again, I might be willing to
part with mine... for a price, of course.'
