Crystal sat up, holding her head. She could not seem to remember all the details, but she was certain she had had a bad dream. A chill ran through her body, but it was not like when she felt a rush down her spine. No, this chill held her in a freezing embrace. She grabbed the blanket from the bed and wrapped it around her. It did not help.

Standing up, Crystal tried to walk around the room. Her bare feet were cold against the floor, but she felt the motion warming her body. After a few paces around the room, Crystal realized that Violet was not in her bed. Cocking her head to the side, Crystal went over to her friend’s bed. The blanket was thrown haphazardly aside, but that was usual for Violet. Maybe she went outside? Crystal thought.

Crystal was about to open the front door when it swung open, the door swiping just centimeters from her face. Violet rushed in and nearly ran over Crystal. She stopped herself from crushing her charge and took a step back. “Crys, a merchant is coming down the mountain. We’re gonna hitch a ride.”

“Is that not against the point of going on a journey alone?” Crystal asked.

“Come on, Crys,” Violet said with an exasperated sigh. “You are way too old to be worrying about that. Besides, your mom said to take every advantage, right?”

Crystal thought about it for a moment before allowing, “I guess so. It just seems a little…off, I guess?” Crystal was about to say more when she realized Violet was still wearing her sleep clothes. “Um, Violet, if the merchant is coming down the road, should you not be getting ready?”

Looking down, Violet let out a soft curse. “You hail him, and I’ll be out there in a second.”

Violet rushed past Crystal, and Crystal could not help but let out a small laugh. She had worn her travel gear to sleep, so she went out and saw the merchant rumbling down the hill on an old cart. She waived him down. The middle-aged man was wearing a simple merchant’s tunic. It was well-kept but clearly had been worn many times. He had short hair on top of his head, but he had a beard that reached down to the top of his chest. It was just starting to gray.

As the man approached, he had a gentle smile on his face. Pulling the reins, the merchant slowed the horse to a stop. He turned to Crystal and was about to speak when his eyes shot open. “Chief Crystal?” he asked, unable to hide his shock.

Why does everyone call me “Chief” Crystal thought to herself. I’m not chief yet. Out loud, Crystal said, “Yes, hello.” Crystal cringed slightly at her own greeting but continued. “I would like to request your help in traveling out of the mountains. Would you allow me this?”

“Of course!” the merchant exclaimed. He leaped up and ran to the back of his cart. There were cabbages, cauliflowers, carrots, and even a few vegetables Crystal could not identify in the cart. The merchant pushed his stock to one side of the small wooden cart, creating enough room for Crystal to sit. He tied a blanket around the vegetables so that they would not roll around. Standing up, he motioned for Crystal to sit down.

“Thank you, good sir,” Crystal said as she stepped towards the cart. The merchant gave her a hand as she stepped up and into the cart. There was a small bench built into the side of the cart, and Crystal sat down on it.

“Are ye by yerself?” the merchant asked, looking around.

“No, my knight will be out in just a moment,” Crystal replied.

As if on cue, Violet burst out of the scout’s hut. Her silver armor reflected in the morning sun to create an impressive visage. To Crystal’s surprise, Violet was actually wearing her helmet. Without a word, Violet stepped up to the cart and stepped up onto it. The wood groaned, and Crystal could not help but notice the merchant wince.

Once Crystal and Violet were seated, the merchant returned to his seat. “Ye may want ta hold onta yer seats,” the merchant warned. “The road can be a bit bumpy thra here.”

With a slap of the reins, they were off.