Morning light crept across the camp as Kane prepared his wagon for the road Travelers were already stirring Fires crackled people packed supplies children chased each other between wagons The air felt lighter than the day before but the note in Kane’s vest made his pulse heavy

He guided the wagon east following a dirt path that snaked toward the river The old mill was rumored to stand where the water curved around a ridge Kane had never been there but he had passed enough travelers who spoke of it to picture it in his mind A broken tower a missing roof a large half rotted wheel leaning in the water

The morning breeze carried the cold scent of the river long before Kane saw it Birds flew low over the grasslands and the sky stretched wide and pale The horse moved steadily but Kane sensed the animal felt the tension in his posture

After an hour Kane spotted the silhouette of the mill It stood alone like a wounded beast its stone walls cracked and its wooden parts blackened by time The river flowed with calm force beside it creating a low endless rush that echoed across the banks

Kane slowed the wagon He stepped down carefully and tied the horse to a post near an old fence The place was silent No sign of travelers no sign of guild members no sign of anyone

He approached the mill cautiously One step at a time His boots pressed into damp soil The air felt colder near the water A faint creaking sound echoed from inside the mill Kane paused listening It might have been the wind yet he remained alert

You came a voice said from the shadows

Kane turned A man stepped from behind a broken beam His clothes were plain but on his sleeve was the unmistakable gold circle of the Royal Commerce Guild He was middle aged with sharp eyes and a scar along his jaw

I am Varin he said I speak for the Guild in this region

Kane kept his voice steady Why summon me here What does the Guild want with a small trader

Varin stepped closer The frostroot The sudden sale caught attention More importantly the source is unknown When rare goods appear in the market without proper records the Guild investigates

Kane lifted his chin I bought the crate from a stall owner in town He did not know its value I recognized it That is all

Varin studied him for several long seconds Then he said You expect me to believe luck dropped a valuable crate into your hands

It was abandoned Kane said firmly I paid for it I sold it honestly

Varin walked around him as if measuring his truthfulness Kane felt the man’s eyes scanning every part of his expression You show no fear he noted Many would be shaking

Fear does not help trade Kane replied

Varin gave a faint almost amused sound Trade It is always trade with young hopeful merchants That is why the Guild rules the roads and not people like you

Kane felt his jaw tighten but he held his tongue His father once taught him that silence can be stronger than argument

Varin stopped walking Your story could be true And maybe it is But the Guild does not like surprises And you brought one

Kane waited saying nothing

Then Varin added The Guild does not intend to punish you You are not important enough for that Yet

The last word hung in the air like a quiet threat

Varin continued The Guild wants to know if you plan to operate independently If so we will watch you If you cause disruption we will intervene If you follow Guild regulations we may allow your growth Do you understand

Kane nodded slowly I understand

Varin stepped closer lowering his voice The Guild has eyes everywhere If you succeed too quickly we will know If you fail no one will remember your name

Kane met Varin’s gaze with calm determination I do not seek trouble I seek trade That is all

Varin studied him again then reached into his coat He handed Kane a small metal token engraved with the Guild’s emblem Bring this if you ever need to speak with us again And remember the Guild controls the rivers and the roads Do not forget that

Kane accepted the token The metal felt cold and heavy Varin then turned walked toward the riverbank and vanished into the morning mist leaving Kane alone beside the broken mill

Kane waited a full minute to ensure no one else was hiding Then he exhaled slowly The meeting had not been as dangerous as he feared yet it carried a message clear as iron The Guild had noticed him They would continue watching him

He walked back to the wagon untied the horse and climbed onto the seat He held the token in his palm studying the engraved circle It was meant to intimidate him but instead he felt a strange surge of strength being acknowledged meant he was part of the world The bigger world

He drove the wagon toward Riverbend Crossing The road soon widened revealing distant rooftops smoke rising from chimneys and the shape of a long wooden bridge The town stretched along both sides of the river crowded with stalls boats and warehouses

Trade It was everywhere Kane saw cloth piles traders shouting farmers carrying crates and barges gliding across the water The noise was loud but alive The kind of noise that promised opportunity

He tightened his hands on the reins The Guild had tried to warn him away But nothing in Riverbend Crossing looked like a reason to retreat

The road was calling him forward

And he would follow