A Golden Dragon Chapter II Section II

Chapter II section II



         Hapstown colony, nicknamed Haf-Spring, was a miserable place, but it was miserable in an endearing way. The way the wooden gate wasn't quite level over the top just added to the charm. The Kessekan colony was presided over by a man by the name of Argus Savec. He governed fairly and did nothing without a purpose and everything to please the king. The town itself was about fifty years old and had several hundred residents. It was built around a deep well that used magic to pump water to the surface, the mages worked hard on, and were quite proud of that. It was mostly wooden buildings and a small harbor for shipping. The colony's main purpose was to produce enchantments and other magical items to be shipped out and sold in Kessek. The problem was, none of this was enough to pay for the immense work force required for the production of magical items and the production of food.

         The town market was always busy so no one would notice a poor man selling a bag of grain. Perrault sat down on the side of a dirt path at the edge of the market and began touting his small prize. Most people simply ignored him, walking past as if he weren't there. Others eyed the bag for a moment before deciding against it. Every once in a while, someone would ask about it and he would advertise his low price.

         He was on the verge of selling it to a woman with an exceptionally deep pocket, slowly working his price up, when several of the town's guard rounded the corner several yards away. If he ran then he would scare his potential customer away, but he doubted getting arrested for petty theft would help sales either. So he simply sat and waited hoping that they would pass him by. They passed slowly in a painfully slow march through the square. They were almost clear when it happened, just a small glance by one of the armored guards, a look of recognition, and then it was over.

...

         Argus Savec had a small meeting chamber on the square. It was a tiny wooden building with one room. At the center of this room was a small desk at which sat Perrault and Argus. Both men studied each other a moment before Argus spoke.
"Another, Perrault?" He said calmly. It was more of a statement than a question. "Your hand." He said plainly after another moment of silence. Perrault placed his left hand on the desk next to the stolen grain bag. On the palm a small seal was magically branded, around its edge were the words "for serial theft's second offense"
"You do know what a third offense means" Perrault's distress was beginning to show on his face now, deepening old lines of worry.

         "I know" Perrault said, his nonchalant tone beginning to waver.

         "Well?" Argus said Perrault gave him a questioning look. "Give me one reason not to just take you up to the gallows right now... You don't do much of anything useful."
Perrault sat for a moment, thought creased his face further. "Choose wisely" Argus' face was hard to read in the dim room, the lack of windows and the candlelight reflecting from Argus' green eyes, as well as the slightly raised chair in which he sat, made him look far angrier and imposing than he really was.

         "Because," Perrault began hesitantly "because I know a secret." He said, all of his confidence had returned. There was absolutely no way Argus could turn this opportunity.

         "Well out with it." Argus said impatiently.

         Perrault leaned over the table “you see there's this hole..."