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There was nothing else to see. Nothing else to do, in other words.
Gwen lay her head back onto the babyish bed she had slept in when she
was younger. She was roused by the sound of wagon wheels. She
scrambled downstairs. Outside, a tall man was displaying objects to an
interested crowd.
“Stand aside. Make room for me, Gwen, daughter of Lord Esper,”
Gwen said. The crowd parted to let Gwen pass.
“Merchant,” Gwen said, “by whose license do you wander the lands
of my father Lord Esper?”
“Forgive me if I was trespassing,” the merchant said, “but know this,
young maiden, I am Guliset, and I have traveled from faraway, and I have
seen many sights, and I have acquired many things. It would please me
greatly if you could take a look.”
The Realm of Possibilities
29
“Bring your items,” Gwen commanded. Guliset bowed and waved
another man over.
“Show her the objects, and be quick with it,” Guliset said to the man.
“Yes, sir,” the man said, hastening away. Gwen, thinking she should
follow the man, walked after him. A long tablecloth was laid across on the
grass, with many items waiting on it.
“I have knives, which you most certainly would have no interest in,
brooms for elderly spinsters, embroidered and perfumed handkerchiefs.
Perhaps you would like one?” Guliset said.
“What other things can be purchased?” Gwen asked, pursing her lips.
“Ah, I see you already want to see more of my fine wares! There are
crystal vases, fine china, all kinds of cheeses, fancy gowns, ribbons,
everything,” Guliset said.
“Show me the gowns,” Gwen said. Guliset took a number of
packages from the wagon. He carefully unwrapped the packages.
“My colors are green, blue, yellow, brown, and white,” Guliset said.
All of the gowns were so stunning Gwen could not decide which color to
choose.
“I think I will have all of them,” Gwen said finally.
“And that will be thirty silver coins,” Guliset said.
Gwen dug in her pouch to find the coins. Finally she scraped the coins
up and handed them to Guliset. After carefully wrapping the gowns again,
Guliset handed them to Gwen.
“Thank you for having a look,” he said.
“Oh and one more thing,” Gwen said.
“What?”
“I want a knife.”
“But you are a girl!” the surprise on Guliset’s face was obvious.
“And so? I want a knife with a long and sharp blade,” Gwen said.
Before Guliset could say anything, Gwen took the best knife, pressed
some coins into Guliest’s hands, and ran off to the castle.
That night, at supper with Lord Esper, Gwen told her father about
the encounter with Guliset.
“Hmm, I wish to see this merchant. He has a variety of things, you
say, daughter?” Esper asked.
“Yes, Father. He has everything!” Gwen cried.
“Very well. On the morrow, then, we shall go out together, and you
must show me the things,” Esper said, delicately tasting a bit of the
perfectly-cooked salmon.
THE JOY OF WRITING
30
After dinner that night, as usual, Gwen retired to her room, brushed
her teeth, undressed for bed, and continued to read Hannibal: A History.
When she had finished reading, she turned the lights out.
Early the next morning, Gwen awoke, quickly dressed, and ate a hasty
breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast. At the Grand Archway Esper was
waiting to escort her.
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