Thank you for shopping at The Owl’s Eye!
Sprick dropped the last copper coin into his coin pouch with a sigh. Not a clang to be heard. The only audible source in the store past Sprick’s disappointment was the fireplace’s crackle.
“Thank you for shopping at The Owl’s Eye, sir. My apologies for our transaction taking so long; I’ve yet to secure the funds for an abacus, so it’s still counting coins by hand for me.” Sprick gave a small apologetic bow to the aged dwarf.
“Now now, there’s no need to apologize.” The old man waved off the half-elf’s apology off. “Yer’ one of the few merchants in Mythrite not tryin’ to profiteer off of all the chaos as’a late, young man; I’d gladly wait for a fair deal over gettin’ scammed.”
“Heh, well, my pop raised me well; It’s not right to take advantage’a folks when they’re in need.” The fireplace’s warm light grew stronger and stronger as the cold autumn sunset began to fade into night. “Ah, it’s gotten that late already?! Ah, my apologies again sir; it’s already closing time!”
The dwarf quickly grabbed his purchase off the store’s counter and took his leave carrying four clumps of coal in hands; three paid for and one tossed in secretly by Sprick. “Yes, I’d best be going before nightfall now.”
As the dwarf left through the door, a halfling entered with a whistle.
“Well, that’s a surprise; I didn’t expect ta see you sellin’ coal at yer store now, Sprick.”
“Ah! Marachar! Good evenin’, friend! I’ve got to sell what I can around here if I’m ever to succeed, and coal’s been lucrative!” Sprick looked down at his feet with a slight frown. ”I uh, learned from my old man that if you’re to succeed, you’ve need to adapt, or watch your business crumble... Ah! But enough about me; are you stopping by on patrol or are you on your way home for the night?”
“They’ve got me workin’ another night shift. After the goblin raid on the town, we’re still low on healthy men.” Marachar turned his head and gave a fake spat. “Peh, I’m unsure what’ve worse; bein’ worked like a dog day after day like I am now or if I got shot n’ sent to the field hospital like everyone not lucky enough to get a healin’ potion.”
“Eh… considering what I’ve seen when I tried to help out at the ER tents, I think you got the better deal here, Marachar…”
“Sure, if I was takin’ bribes like the other guards, yeah, absolutely. Lots’a rowdy rich folk celebratin’ a bit too much n’ eye’s bein’ turned away. Hell, I’d even be movin’ up the ranks if I was! But since I’ve got some sense’a dignity, it’s bitin’ me right in the arse.” Marachar gave a long sigh and propped himself against the store’s counter. “You dunno what I’d give to get away from this, Sprick. I envy you, my friend; you’ve somehow found a way to make an honest livin’ here in Mythrite.”
“Then why not quit? Now seems like the time to get while the getting’s good. And with the actin’ scene looking a little vacant as of late, why not take a chance at actin’ finally? With folks celebratin’ our victory over the goblins, now seems like the perfect chance to take up chasin’ your dream.” Sprick shrugged. “Or at least, that’s what my gut’s tellin’ me.”
“Eh, perhaps… “ Marachar pondered for a second. “Maybe yer right though… After all, yer a merchant; you’ve got an sense for these things, aye? And considerin’ that that gut’a yours helped yah stay in business ‘ere in Mythrite of places, I might just be inclined ta listen.”
As Marachar made himself more comfortable and readied for a longer discussion, a burly human man entered into the store, and started perusing its wares.
“Ah, looks like you’ve got once last customer for the night, Sprick. I’ll leave yah to yer business; best for me to get back ta mine anyway.” Marachar hopped back to his feet and took his leave from the store, leaving a hesitant Sprick alone with his midnight shopper.
“Oh, my apologies sir, it’s, uh, rather late, and I was just about to close up shop for the night…” Sprick made his way to the man browsing his wares. “I, uh, don’t mean to turn you away but erm, do you think you can come back tomorrow?”
“No, no. I’m not here ta shop, Grimmer.” The man turned his gaze from the store’s stocked shelves and onto Sprick. “Sprick Grimmer, my name’s Zarian Dai, and I’m here to talk business, my good man.” He produced a lump of coal from his pocket and shook it in front of a stunned Sprick’s face. “I know what you’ve been up to, and boy, do I have a proposition for you.”
The store’s fireplace roared and rampaged as Sprick tossed in some more fuel for the fire. Yet, no matter how much brighter the inferno grew, the air between him and Zarian was ice cold and biting. As the flame’s flicker rolled across Zarian’s face, the light made it seem demon-like… Sprick swallowed the lump he had in his throat and prepared to himself to deal with a devil. “So, what’s it gonna be, Grimmer? For a more competent or cruel businessmen, this deal would be of no issue… And regardless of your morals, you know my offer’s too good to pass up.” “My-… my apologies, Zarian sir, but I believe you may have my intentions confused…” “What’s there to be confused about? While everyone was off dealin’ with the goblin raids, you saw your chance and took the opportunity to buy up all the coal in the town you could get’cher hands on. Yah made quite a good bit of coin off of that stunt too, yeah?” Zarian pointed at the half-empty coin-purse left on the counter, then towards a crate full of coal on one of the shelves. “But not enough coin as you’d’ve liked, it seems. And now? You’ve been trying to keep this little scheme going in secret; but don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing…” “And just what would that be, Zarian sir…?” “Want me to spell it out for yah? Fine by me.” “Most newbie merchants ‘round here? They hear ‘mithril’ in the town’s name and think they’ll get their grubby lil’ hands on some no problem. But most can’t come to terms in reality it’s more ‘myth’ than ‘rite’……” Zarian got up and tossed another piece of coal into the fire, and stared down Sprick. “But you? You’re goin’ for what’s obtainable… you’re goin’ for as much coal as yah can, right under everyone’s noses…” Zarian patted Sprick on the shoulder with a grin. “So, color me impressed that someone so such as yourself’s not only just makin’ ends meet out here, but carvin’ himself a piece of the pie while no one’s looking.” “Well, er… of course; any businessman worth their salt would realize that the first step to mithril would be through coal, no? And if I could control the coal market, the mithril market’d be right in my reach and follow.” “Hmm… smart plan… No… no rather… It’s genius!” Zarian let out a sinister laugh which, regardless of how strong the fire was, chilled Sprick down to the bone. “The new guy in town comes right waltzin’ in and starts takin’ over… nobody’d suspect a damn thing, let alone somethin’ so sneaky from someone so innocent as you, Grimmer!” Zarian raised up his arms and shrugged. “Not even me! I’d’ve not believed someone so young n’ sweet’d be capable of pulling off such a scheme!” “Just what, exactly, are you getting at, Zarian? Zarian’s pompous grin morphed to grimace. “Mythrite’s only been around for a bit more than a year… Brand new minin’ town full’a potential… And yet, not a single soul’s tried to monopolize the coal-market.” He pointed a finger towards Sprick. “Not till you came along. And now? Now’s your chance to swoop in and take it for your own, Sprick. And I want in.” “But… Mister Dai, your proposition- it seems rather, illicit, to say the very least, if not morally corrupt!” “Well, that’s how it is out in this potluck town, Grimmer. It’s dog-eat-dog out here, buddy. And if you don’t take it, I dunno just what I’ll do ta get by…” Zarian started pacing back and forth, from the store’s counter straight to the door, and back again. “Who’s to say I don’t just go n’ spill the beans on this little stunt’a yers, half-elf? Or better yet, I could take my dealin’s elsewhere and make my offer to someone else’d ‘preciate it better, like that Qai-Chai lass.” “B-but… still. I don’t know if I could agree to this… It… it goes against what I stand for…” “Seems to me that yah got two options, Grimmer. You don’t like this offer? Well either take it or leave it. Either’s fine by me, boy.” Zarian leaned in closer to a more than intimated Sprick. “So, boy… What’ll it be?”
“Six lumps of coal? That’ll be sixty copper coins, sir.” As the customer put their payment atop the counter, Sprick drew his abacus and swiftly counted the total. “My apologies sir, but you appear to only have fifty-three copper coins… Do you have the remaining seven? If not, please leave one of the coal lumps.” The man clicked his tongue and grumbled as he searched his pockets for the remaining change. “Had to walk all the way across town to get to this damn store for this coal…” After finding no spare coin, he dropped a piece of coal on the store’s counter stormed towards the door. “Ah, thank you for your purchase sir! Have a nice day… Er, uh, next customer, please!” The next shopper took to the counter, five clumps in hand. “I’ve only got 47 copper coins… Can you cut me a deal and give me the fifth? Took me all day to find a place this place… Can’t get coal anywhere else…” The elven woman was clearly tired. “I-… is that so now…? I, uh, suppose I can give you the extra lump for your troubles… M-my apologies, miss…” Sprick choked on his own words, unsure to feel pleased or pitiful. Less than a month ago, the Owl’s Eye struggled to see more than a dozen customers a day, yet Sprick always tried to memorize each of their names and faces. Its shelves were fully stocked and ordered, its fireplace was always lit, and was always filled with a welcoming sweet cinnamon scent. Customer’s satisfaction was guaranteed then, but now…? “Since when was it this troublesome to find coal…?” “We’re in a mining town, yet this is one of three stores that sells coal!” “…I heard he’s been threatening miners into only supplying him…” Now there’s customers lining outside of the door, with more and more queueing up in the cold for the chance to buy coal to keep warm through the night. It reeks of coal dust, with its shelves sparse and disorganized, while its fireplace grew dimmer and dimmer due to a lack of care. Try as he might’ve, but it was impossible for Sprick to see to every person who stopped at The Owl’s Eye, with more than twenty potential shoppers going home with no coal to fuel their homes.
As night fell once again unto Mythrite, so did the new daily occurrence of a wave of guilt and remorse fell unto Sprick once more. As he finished turning away the last of his customers, Sprick walked back over to the counter and let collapse atop of it. “Good evening and good tidings, my fellow companions!” But his stupor didn’t last long, for a familiar halfling figure busted through the store’s door. “How art thine dealings on this fine day, O’ merchant of Mythrite? Judging by appearances, my good man, I must say, they seem unfortunately dour.” “Ah! Marachar! Good evening, friend! Eh… practicing your lines once more off-stage, I see.” “When thou art as busy as I…“ Maracher glanced at Sprick. “And we both know you are, you take whatever chances yah get. But uh, unlike me, yer lookin’ rather worse for wear there Sprick. You sure yah’ll be able to keep up the business like this, mate?” Sprick waved him off. “Nonono… I’m fine… just been a long day is all.” But to Sprick’s surprise, his friend was staring. “Sprick, yer hand’s stained black. Just how much coal’ve you been sellin’ recently?” Sprick stumbled back and hid his hand. “Ah, why do you ask that now, friend?” “Well now, yah must’ve heard at least… some of the rumors goin’ around, no...?” Maracher paused for a response, but got none. “Now I’m not one to believe that it’s you threatnin’ folks, not one bit mind you, but word round town is that ‘parently miners’re bein’ strong-armed into business with yah…” “I-is that so now…?” Sprick slowly inched more and more behind the store’s counter. “Like I said, I don’t doubt it’s not your doin’; yer an honest man Sprick. I know it’s not you… Yah wouldn’t take advantage of no one.“ Marachar paused to choose his words wisely. ”But, uh, yah haven’t made any unruly business partners now, have yah?” Sprick visually hesitated. “Uh, well… not that I can imagine… no…” “Well, I’ll leave those matter be; that’s your business, and yours alone. Regardless, that’s not why I’m here. I came here tonight for more than just a visit, Sprick; got an interestin’ proposition for yah, actually.” Sprick winced at the word “proposition” with an immediate cold sweat. “Ah… and just what would that be, Maracher?” “Well now, no need to scrunch up there! Honest, I’d’ve been insulted if it were anyone else who’da done that! Here I was comin’ with some good word ‘bout how there’s a theater in town that’s for sale…” “And what would that have to do with me now?” “Well, now you’re askin’ the right questions! Yer the one who talked me inta this, so, why don’t’chya put yer money where yer mouth is n’ take up some stake in the theater? And hey, if this works out for us, we’ll both be rich!” “Wha… Beg pardon, but I run a shop, Marachar; I’ve no sense for theatrics!” “Sure yah do! You’ve got a nose for business! And think’a the opportunity! Right now it’s starin’ yah right in the face! Think’a the common good!” “Common… good?” “We’ll be providin’ an honest service ta the town, Sprick! “A service?!” “Of course! Ain’t no greater callin’ in life than the theater Sprick! We’ll be bringing earth-shattering performances to the town for a more than affordable price my friend! We’d keep tickets sales low n’ focus on sellin’ as many seats as we can! This way even the most unfortune miner’d be able to afford a ticket! And what better way to lift their spirits than’a show?!” “Eh… I’ll, uh, have to think on it Marachar. I’m not quite truly sold on the idea…” “What’s there to think about? It’s good n’ honest work; that’s right up yer ally, chum! I get a place to perform, the folks’a the town get a show, and you make some decent coin! It’s a win-win-triple-win, matey! Everyone’s happy, and nobody gets taken’ advantage of! Besides, from the look’a things round here, you’ve got enough gold linin’ yer pockets to take the gamble along with me!” “Ahaha... perhaps so Marachar. you do drive a hard bargain as always, my friend… I’ll still need some time to consider it…” But as Sprick was readying to go more in-depth with Marachar’s plan, an all-too-satisfied Zarian entered into the store, about an hour ahead of schedule as it seemed. “But regardless, thank you for this conversation… Now, if you pardon me though, I’ve got other business that I must attend to…”
The store’s fireplace roared and rampaged as Sprick tossed in some more fuel for the fire. Yet, no matter how much brighter the inferno grew, the air between him and Zarian was ice cold and biting. As the flame’s flicker rolled across Zarian’s face, the light made it seem demon-like… Sprick swallowed the lump he had in his throat and prepared to himself to deal with a devil. “So, what’s it gonna be, Grimmer? For a more competent or cruel businessmen, this deal would be of no issue… And regardless of your morals, you know my offer’s too good to pass up.” “My-… my apologies, Zarian sir, but I believe you may have my intentions confused…” “What’s there to be confused about? While everyone was off dealin’ with the goblin raids, you saw your chance and took the opportunity to buy up all the coal in the town you could get’cher hands on. Yah made quite a good bit of coin off of that stunt too, yeah?” Zarian pointed at the half-empty coin-purse left on the counter, then towards a crate full of coal on one of the shelves. “But not enough coin as you’d’ve liked, it seems. And now? You’ve been trying to keep this little scheme going in secret; but don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing…” “And just what would that be, Zarian sir…?” “Want me to spell it out for yah? Fine by me.” “Most newbie merchants ‘round here? They hear ‘mithril’ in the town’s name and think they’ll get their grubby lil’ hands on some no problem. But most can’t come to terms in reality it’s more ‘myth’ than ‘rite’……” Zarian got up and tossed another piece of coal into the fire, and stared down Sprick. “But you? You’re goin’ for what’s obtainable… you’re goin’ for as much coal as yah can, right under everyone’s noses…” Zarian patted Sprick on the shoulder with a grin. “So, color me impressed that someone so such as yourself’s not only just makin’ ends meet out here, but carvin’ himself a piece of the pie while no one’s looking.” “Well, er… of course; any businessman worth their salt would realize that the first step to mithril would be through coal, no? And if I could control the coal market, the mithril market’d be right in my reach and follow.” “Hmm… smart plan… No… no rather… It’s genius!” Zarian let out a sinister laugh which, regardless of how strong the fire was, chilled Sprick down to the bone. “The new guy in town comes right waltzin’ in and starts takin’ over… nobody’d suspect a damn thing, let alone somethin’ so sneaky from someone so innocent as you, Grimmer!” Zarian raised up his arms and shrugged. “Not even me! I’d’ve not believed someone so young n’ sweet’d be capable of pulling off such a scheme!” “Just what, exactly, are you getting at, Zarian? Zarian’s pompous grin morphed to grimace. “Mythrite’s only been around for a bit more than a year… Brand new minin’ town full’a potential… And yet, not a single soul’s tried to monopolize the coal-market.” He pointed a finger towards Sprick. “Not till you came along. And now? Now’s your chance to swoop in and take it for your own, Sprick. And I want in.” “But… Mister Dai, your proposition- it seems rather, illicit, to say the very least, if not morally corrupt!” “Well, that’s how it is out in this potluck town, Grimmer. It’s dog-eat-dog out here, buddy. And if you don’t take it, I dunno just what I’ll do ta get by…” Zarian started pacing back and forth, from the store’s counter straight to the door, and back again. “Who’s to say I don’t just go n’ spill the beans on this little stunt’a yers, half-elf? Or better yet, I could take my dealin’s elsewhere and make my offer to someone else’d ‘preciate it better, like that Qai-Chai lass.” “B-but… still. I don’t know if I could agree to this… It… it goes against what I stand for…” “Seems to me that yah got two options, Grimmer. You don’t like this offer? Well either take it or leave it. Either’s fine by me, boy.” Zarian leaned in closer to a more than intimated Sprick. “So, boy… What’ll it be?”
“Six lumps of coal? That’ll be sixty copper coins, sir.” As the customer put their payment atop the counter, Sprick drew his abacus and swiftly counted the total. “My apologies sir, but you appear to only have fifty-three copper coins… Do you have the remaining seven? If not, please leave one of the coal lumps.” The man clicked his tongue and grumbled as he searched his pockets for the remaining change. “Had to walk all the way across town to get to this damn store for this coal…” After finding no spare coin, he dropped a piece of coal on the store’s counter stormed towards the door. “Ah, thank you for your purchase sir! Have a nice day… Er, uh, next customer, please!” The next shopper took to the counter, five clumps in hand. “I’ve only got 47 copper coins… Can you cut me a deal and give me the fifth? Took me all day to find a place this place… Can’t get coal anywhere else…” The elven woman was clearly tired. “I-… is that so now…? I, uh, suppose I can give you the extra lump for your troubles… M-my apologies, miss…” Sprick choked on his own words, unsure to feel pleased or pitiful. Less than a month ago, the Owl’s Eye struggled to see more than a dozen customers a day, yet Sprick always tried to memorize each of their names and faces. Its shelves were fully stocked and ordered, its fireplace was always lit, and was always filled with a welcoming sweet cinnamon scent. Customer’s satisfaction was guaranteed then, but now…? “Since when was it this troublesome to find coal…?” “We’re in a mining town, yet this is one of three stores that sells coal!” “…I heard he’s been threatening miners into only supplying him…” Now there’s customers lining outside of the door, with more and more queueing up in the cold for the chance to buy coal to keep warm through the night. It reeks of coal dust, with its shelves sparse and disorganized, while its fireplace grew dimmer and dimmer due to a lack of care. Try as he might’ve, but it was impossible for Sprick to see to every person who stopped at The Owl’s Eye, with more than twenty potential shoppers going home with no coal to fuel their homes.
As night fell once again unto Mythrite, so did the new daily occurrence of a wave of guilt and remorse fell unto Sprick once more. As he finished turning away the last of his customers, Sprick walked back over to the counter and let collapse atop of it. “Good evening and good tidings, my fellow companions!” But his stupor didn’t last long, for a familiar halfling figure busted through the store’s door. “How art thine dealings on this fine day, O’ merchant of Mythrite? Judging by appearances, my good man, I must say, they seem unfortunately dour.” “Ah! Marachar! Good evening, friend! Eh… practicing your lines once more off-stage, I see.” “When thou art as busy as I…“ Maracher glanced at Sprick. “And we both know you are, you take whatever chances yah get. But uh, unlike me, yer lookin’ rather worse for wear there Sprick. You sure yah’ll be able to keep up the business like this, mate?” Sprick waved him off. “Nonono… I’m fine… just been a long day is all.” But to Sprick’s surprise, his friend was staring. “Sprick, yer hand’s stained black. Just how much coal’ve you been sellin’ recently?” Sprick stumbled back and hid his hand. “Ah, why do you ask that now, friend?” “Well now, yah must’ve heard at least… some of the rumors goin’ around, no...?” Maracher paused for a response, but got none. “Now I’m not one to believe that it’s you threatnin’ folks, not one bit mind you, but word round town is that ‘parently miners’re bein’ strong-armed into business with yah…” “I-is that so now…?” Sprick slowly inched more and more behind the store’s counter. “Like I said, I don’t doubt it’s not your doin’; yer an honest man Sprick. I know it’s not you… Yah wouldn’t take advantage of no one.“ Marachar paused to choose his words wisely. ”But, uh, yah haven’t made any unruly business partners now, have yah?” Sprick visually hesitated. “Uh, well… not that I can imagine… no…” “Well, I’ll leave those matter be; that’s your business, and yours alone. Regardless, that’s not why I’m here. I came here tonight for more than just a visit, Sprick; got an interestin’ proposition for yah, actually.” Sprick winced at the word “proposition” with an immediate cold sweat. “Ah… and just what would that be, Maracher?” “Well now, no need to scrunch up there! Honest, I’d’ve been insulted if it were anyone else who’da done that! Here I was comin’ with some good word ‘bout how there’s a theater in town that’s for sale…” “And what would that have to do with me now?” “Well, now you’re askin’ the right questions! Yer the one who talked me inta this, so, why don’t’chya put yer money where yer mouth is n’ take up some stake in the theater? And hey, if this works out for us, we’ll both be rich!” “Wha… Beg pardon, but I run a shop, Marachar; I’ve no sense for theatrics!” “Sure yah do! You’ve got a nose for business! And think’a the opportunity! Right now it’s starin’ yah right in the face! Think’a the common good!” “Common… good?” “We’ll be providin’ an honest service ta the town, Sprick! “A service?!” “Of course! Ain’t no greater callin’ in life than the theater Sprick! We’ll be bringing earth-shattering performances to the town for a more than affordable price my friend! We’d keep tickets sales low n’ focus on sellin’ as many seats as we can! This way even the most unfortune miner’d be able to afford a ticket! And what better way to lift their spirits than’a show?!” “Eh… I’ll, uh, have to think on it Marachar. I’m not quite truly sold on the idea…” “What’s there to think about? It’s good n’ honest work; that’s right up yer ally, chum! I get a place to perform, the folks’a the town get a show, and you make some decent coin! It’s a win-win-triple-win, matey! Everyone’s happy, and nobody gets taken’ advantage of! Besides, from the look’a things round here, you’ve got enough gold linin’ yer pockets to take the gamble along with me!” “Ahaha... perhaps so Marachar. you do drive a hard bargain as always, my friend… I’ll still need some time to consider it…” But as Sprick was readying to go more in-depth with Marachar’s plan, an all-too-satisfied Zarian entered into the store, about an hour ahead of schedule as it seemed. “But regardless, thank you for this conversation… Now, if you pardon me though, I’ve got other business that I must attend to…”
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