Chapter 3

• AERA
• "Ironvalley. Population 1500."
• I had finally reached the outskirts of the town where I dealt with business. The weathered sign should have been replaced a long time ago.
• I eased off the throttle of the shuttle. There wasn't a speed indicated. But the locals had asked for a preference. Craft operators didn't argue much, as this humble location still followed the ways that cities had turned their noses up to.
• Slowing down as I reached the main street, I stopped to allow an elderly lady to cross the road. Once I saw her safely on the pavement, I continued on my way.
• Finally, I arrived at the Local Fur Tanners and Dealers. With a gentle click, I turned off the shuttle. Several fox ears twitched. Their tails were placed between their legs. By nature, foxes were curious but also cautious. Outsiders always made them skittish.
• The moment they realized it was me, they relaxed. I smiled and nodded as a young couple studied me with interest.
• As I stepped into the warmly lit establishment, I noticed the owner already dealing with a customer. I briefly looked around the place. Other hunters' handmade work was on display.
• "I will be with you in a moment," Jorykos (JOR-ee-kohss) said.
• "I am not in a rush," I smiled.
• The buyer pulled out a pouch of coins and paid Jorykos the agreed amount. He rolled the item properly and tucked it under his arm. As he passed me, he politely tipped his hat, acknowledging my existence.
• Clapping his hands together, “Aera, what do you have for me this time?” he asked, his tone friendly yet professional.
• I began bragging about the assortment of hides and furs I had collected over the year. "Would you like to take a look?" I motioned my head toward the direction of the shuttle. "I have more than I can carry in one load," I commented, hoping he would follow me instead of making me make several trips.
• Jorykos chuckled. “Sounds like you had a good year,” he replied, his voice laced with genuine admiration. Rounding the corner of the counter, he followed me outside.
• Underneath the late morning sun, the shuttle was parked just outside the establishment door.
• I gestured for Jorykos to inspect my goods the second the shuttle's side door was open. One by one, he examined each piece with care. Humming with approval. His experienced hands brushed against the surfaces of my products.
• "Very good my dear."
• Jorykos continued to inspect each item. He calculated how much he could get for each item.
• With a satisfied grin, he began to separate the pelts.
• “Your technique is getting better, Aera,” he remarked. There was a hint of pride in his voice. "Your dad would be proud of you kid."
• "He taught me everything I know. Plus I can't allow his craft to die with him." I forced a smile on my face. The heaviness of the loss still bothered me from time to time.
• His fox ears twitched slightly. A habit of his when he was deep in thought. “200 beastcoins each for the small pelts and 500 beastcoins for the large ones,” he stated, "72000 plus 6000. Bringing the total to 78000. And," Jorykos strained his neck as he looked at the dried meat I planned on selling to Eljor (el-jor). "That looks really tasty." He licked his lips as his mouth watered.
• I began giggling. "It is my best blend. At least that is my opinion."
• "The citizens of IronValley would agree with you." Jorykos looked at me, then at the meat.
• "How much would you like? I will sell it at the same price as Eljor. 50 beastcoin per pound."
• "I will take three pounds then," Jorykos said as he carried in the furs.
• I gathered the seasoned cuts of meat that Jorykos had requested. The rich aroma had those wandering the street stop and sniff the air. Each of them was smacking their lips. I smiled at the gentleman who closely watched me.
• "I am heading to Eljors next if you're interested." The smile on their faces was promising.
• I didn't need to elaborate any further than that. I wasn't invited into their homes to break bread. But I was known by the locals as the daughter of Iron Coil.
• As I approached the cash register, Jorykos already had my payment sitting on the counter.
• "This is definitely your best year."
• The beastcoin was placed in my hands.
• "This is going to get me a few items of luxury. The first thing I am getting is a new pair of boots." The ones I had on were slowly falling apart. If I didn't get new footwear, the winter was going to be miserable for me.
• "Looks like your shuttle could use a few repairs as well." Jorykos had pointed out.
• "That too." I smiled as I pocketed my profit. "Well I should be on my way."
• Jorykos wrinkled his nose, his ears flattened as his tail had gone limp. "There is something I should tell you. I'm not sure how much this concerns you. But. We have had a bit of trouble. Nothing that we can't handle. But. There have been outlaws entering the town. Cause trouble with farmers. I don't want to see any trouble come your way. Nor see you get hurt. You need to take care of yourself."
• "Thanks for the heads up. You take care of yourself too."