Chapter 14: The Merchant Who Smelled Like Apples
The village was buzzing.
A traveling merchant had arrived with a squeaky cart full of mystery boxes, strange candies, and clothes too colorful for anyone in Verdantreach to wear without blinding the goats.
His name was Barlo. His mustache curled like question marks, and he smelled like baked apples and trouble.
Elric was immediately interested.
"Do you sell magic rocks?" he asked, holding Mister Pebbles in both arms like a baby.
Barlo blinked. "Son, is that rock… breathing?"
Mister Pebbles let out a slow grrrrk and blinked one eye.
Barlo stepped back. "You know what? You can have a magic rock."
Elric's eyes lit up. "Really?!"
"Sure. One free shiny for the... rock whisperer." He tossed over a small gem that shimmered like frozen honey. "No refunds if it bites you."
---
By midday, Barlo had a full audience.
He juggled pickled turnips. He sold exploding confetti nuts. He convinced three children and one goat to wear matching wizard hats.
Then, he saw Elric again.
This time with every beast in tow.
Twig nibbled flowers. Fangshade lay upside down on a bench. Boneclaw was barking at his own reflection in a kettle.
Mossback Sprite floated over Barlo's cart, stealing berries.
And Mister Pebbles… sat in the middle of the road like a royal boulder.
Barlo narrowed his eyes. "Boy… where are your parents?"
"Busy."
"…And these?"
"They're my friends. My pack."
The merchant leaned in closer. "Kid… where'd you get the pack bond?"
"Huh?"
"Your beasts. They don't act forced. Or leashed. They follow you. That's rare, even in the Capital."
Elric shrugged. "I share my bread. And sometimes my bed. And I talk a lot."
Barlo stared at him for a long moment.
Then he nodded slowly and said, "Huh. You're dangerous."
Elric grinned proudly. "Thanks!