Chronicles of Aurderia: The Balance Read Online Free Page A

arrived. He did it again soon after when he left. Why was he able to do so again so quickly?” Moona questioned.  
    “Either he was not traveling farther than a few hundred paces or he had a source stone to draw power from. My stone cracked from the effort of arriving in Drakkfoth directly from the Foresworn territories. This is why I have not the power to do it again so soon or for very far,” he replied.  
    “Biddley Diddles, All the way from the Foresworn territories!” she said.  
    “You have no idea where that is do you?” Andra asked.  
    “Well, no, but I guess it is far since I never heard of the place.”  
    Andra continued without stopping pace toward Middleton “It is far beyond the Great Sea. The lands where many of the persecuted fled during the Sikil Mah.”
    “You said many but not all fled did they?” Moona asked.  
    Andra just nodded knowingly.  
    “Thought so! I always wondered why my kin always lived longer than we ought. Most Aurderian humans don’ live beyond seventy or eighty harvests. And I been around three times that. Suppose that’s why we always moved around; keep folks from getting nosey,” Moona rambled.  
    “Good thing they did move about so, otherwise you would likely have been tried and sentenced to death,” Andra said.  
    “ANZILLU, The trials of abomination!” Moona spat. “They ain’ had one o’ them since I was a sprat. There’s them that throw the words around oft’ enough but only out of ignorance and superstition.” Moona shivered at the thought and they continued on to town in quiet.
    The Market in Middleton was already bustling with marketers and traders alike by the time they arrived into town. Stalls were setup along both sides of the streets and around the entire town square. There were farmers selling their foodstuffs and grains, town bakers, crafters, smithies, and weavers all.  
    “Well, if we can’t find what we need then we ain’ got our eyes open.” Moona quipped.  
    “Hopefully we can get what we need, I have not much to trade that would be legal in these lands and not much coin,” Andra started.  
    “Don’ you be worrin’ ‘bout that, Moona has more in the folds of her coverings than lard,” she grinned and pulled out a good-sized pouch. “You see as many harvests in Aurderia as me without learnin’ to save for a poor crop.”  
    Andra just nodded and they went about gathering supplies and goods. They gathered foods and water, garments and swaddling for Shuran.  
    “We can get horses and a goat for fresh milk down at the stables according to the baker,” said Moona. “I will be needing to freshen my supply of herbs as well if I can find a proper apothecary this far south.”  
    Andra took Shuran from Moona and said, “You get what you need and I’ll get us a goat, horse, and tack. I hope you are accustomed to sleeping in the saddle because we are likely being followed from the Stone Forest.”  
    Moona nodded and headed off to look for an herb seller. Both Andra and Moona agreed to attract as little attention as possible and avoid the city guard.
    It did not take Moona long before she found a woman selling herbs and concoctions from a covered wagon in the square. “Good morning young woman what wares have you for health, hygiene, and relaxation?” Moona asked winking with the last inquiry.  
    “I have plenty of all you seek ma’am,” the Herbalist replied. “Are you of the trade?” she continued.  
    “I am, but not from these parts. I wonder do you have any frost moss this far south?” Moona asked.  
    The young herbalist looked at her sideways and replied. “Never heard of it, but I do have dried creeping vine from the stone forest. It is good for the pains of age and helps one, shall we say, relax.” The woman smiled and Moona returned a wide grin.  
    “Are you traveling alone then?” asked the herbalist.  
    Moona turned to her and pause long enough to compose herself before snapping at the girl.