The wooden gates of Redhaven loomed in the afternoon sun, iron bands glinting brightly. Guards in chainmail and polished helmets eyed Liam and Tomlin's muddy boots with a mix of surprise and welcome as they entered. Beyond the gates spilled the sounds of the city: shouting merchants, clattering carts, and laughter loud as bells. Liam's pulse quickened; Tomlin practically danced in place. After the quiet forest, Redhaven was a riot of color and sound.
Inside, Redhaven was everything Tomlin had imagined. Stone streets wound through markets crammed with stalls bursting with goods from every horizon. Tents of bright cloth flapped in the breeze overhead. The air smelled of fresh bread, tangy spices, and roast meat.
Tall timber-framed buildings flanked each street, some with open balconies spilling over with townsfolk. Colorful banners and pennants fluttered overhead, giving the market a festive air. A minstrel in patched clothing plucked a lute under a striped awning, and children darted between legs selling fruit, squealing happily.
Liam and Tomlin wove through the crowd, stepping over stray chickens and dodging pack mules. At a stall with baked loaves and salted fish, an old woman shook her head at their shabby swords. "Foolish lads," she muttered. Tomlin scowled at her back. "We are selling monster parts, not honey cakes," he whispered. Liam laughed and led him onward.
Finally, near the center of the market, they spotted a narrow shop marked by a carved mortar and pestle sign. "Try here," Liam suggested, pointing to a stooped man in a stained green apron behind a cluttered wooden counter. Bottles of dark liquids bubbled under dim lamps, and dried herbs hung from the rafters. The man looked up, peering through crooked glasses. "Good afternoon," Liam said, stepping forward with Tomlin at his side. "We have something rare to sell—monster parts."
The alchemist's one bushy eyebrow rose. He pointed to the sack of grimy hides and strange jars behind the boys. Tomlin laid one hide on the counter with pride. "Fleshburrower hide," Tomlin declared. The leather was dark and oozing a bit of thick oil. "Thick as a shield," he added. The alchemist raised his nose to sniff it. It smelled awful. "Hmm," he muttered.
Liam emptied a jar onto the counter. Something black and viscous dripped slowly. "Venom sac," Liam said, wiping his hands nervously. "From its bite." The alchemist gagged. Tomlin winced. "Delicate, that," the alchemist said, wrinkling his nose. "And fang," Liam said, producing a curved tooth two hands long and laying it next to the hide. The alchemist's eyes went wide. "Sharp as anything you'd find in the king's armory," Liam said.
The alchemist, who introduced himself as Master Merik, muttered to himself as he eyed each item. He picked up the fang and tapped it thoughtfully against the counter. "Monster parts, eh?" he said after a moment. "I need them for a potion." He produced a cloth bag from under the counter. "Ten silver coins for the hide, plus ten each for the fang and venom," he said. "Thirty silver total. I'll pay it now."
Tomlin's face fell. "Thirty?" he echoed. "That all?" He exchanged a hopeful glance with Liam. "Could we do forty? This hide's very tough, and the fang is from the beast itself," Liam countered calmly.
Merik paused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm. A daring pair of adventurers," he said. "How about this: I'll give you thirty-five, but that's my final price."
Tomlin dropped his jaw. "Alright," Liam said quickly, stepping in. "We accept. Thank you." The coins clinked in Tomlin's palm. They had never seen so much wealth at once.
With their heavy pouch of silver coins jingling, Liam and Tomlin left Merik's shop grinning like kings. They couldn't believe it: they had done it. As they wove back through Redhaven's crowded streets, their hearts raced. The marketplace, which had seemed so large at first, felt smaller now. With coins in their belt and proof of their deed at hand, they truly were adventurers.