Kara by Scott J. Kramer Read Free Book Online Page B

Grace let out a low chime.
Kara’s hopes faded.
    “But maybe someone at market might know.”
Hambone said
    “Let’s go to Aladedas.” Dante said. “Even if
we don’t find an answer, Hambone will get some good food to feed
us.”
    Grace twittered a rallying support to Dante’s
decision.
    “What do you say, Kara?” Hambone asked.
    With only a glimmer of hope sparking, she
hesitated just a moment. “Sure, why not? It’s our only hope.”
    Hambone pulled a chest from under his bed and
flipped the lid open. “First, we will need to disguise you,” he
said. “Humans are very rare in the Territories, and you will stand
out like a sore thumb.”
    They draped a shawl over her head and across
her face, allowing only her eyes to peer between the folds. Dante
gave her a pair of riding gloves to hide her hands. Grace also
twittered and chirped something while fluttering about Kara.
    “What did she do?” Kara looked over herself
and saw no difference.
    “She cast a weak illusion charm over you.
Anyone who sees you will not take any notice. Her spell will make
you blend in, as if you are one of the regulars. The market goers
will still see you, but pay you no heed.” Hambone explained.
    “Can we get going or what?” Dante was very
anxious to go.
    Hambone merely stared at him. “Do you want
her to get picked up by slave traders the moment we get in the
market?”
    Dante dropped his head.
    “Slave traders?” Kara’s eyes widened in
shock.
    “Pay that no mind. You will be fine as long
as you keep covered.”
     
    ***
     
    A smell wafted from the marketplace when the
party still had a quarter of a mile to go. Kara tried to determine
the different aromas and smells: the aroma of food cooking and the
smell of unwashed, dirty feet. Smoke thick with cedar wood, apples,
and maybe a hint of cherries passed by her after a couple more
strides toward the market. Her stomach grumbled as more delicious
scents floated by.
    As they rounded the bend of a large maple
tree, Aladedas appeared. Kara’s eyes grew wide. “This place is
bigger than the village market!” she said.
    And indeed it was. Row upon row of booths,
tables, and carts made up the center of the market. Around the
outside of the town were buildings, possibly other shops. Cooking
fires and blacksmith kilns plumed smoke from several places
throughout the rows.
    Kara’s head turned to the left and then to
the right, trying to catch all the sights. Bright colors dotted
places in the sea of trading. There were flags catching some of the
morning breeze in the distant corners, and she could see streamers
of ribbons closer in.
    It wasn’t just how large the place was that
caused her mouth to drop open. It was the inhabitants. She first
caught sight of a small wiry creature with green leathery skin. But
before she could ask about it, another creature, one that stood
over seven feet tall and was covered with hair, caught her eye.
    Soon Kara felt she might burst from shock and
excitement. Each step they made toward the market, she saw
something new to focus on. Little men stood on stools looking over
a bubbling caldron. A laugh escaped her and they turned to look at
her, their expressions turning sour. When she quickly looked away,
Kara jumped back seeing a large snake. Or, at least what she
thought was a snake. It turned out to be part human.
    “That’s an echidna.” Dante whispered, “You
might not want to be caught staring.”
    “And the little fellows are gnomes, not as
temperamental as the echidna.” Hambone added.
    Every which way she looked, Kara glimpsed new
oddities, her curiosity causing her to stare more. But instantly
her mind forgot all, because a new sight took its place. Apparently
run by sprites, one booth had glowing balls, similar to Grace. They
drifted about potted flowers that were just as colorful as their
caretakers. Kara felt drawn to them and didn’t realize she had
stepped away from the group.
    “So pretty…” she muttered to herself.