<div dir="ltr">Misha was as good as his word, buying the top four rugs and six carpets. The rugs were of good enough quality to go in his more exclusive rooms at the inn and the carpets would work well in the halls. “Pity, I rather fancied that red and gold one,” said Kasaima. “Well, you can have it, if you want,” said Misha. “Now just a moment!” Gwayn stepped forward, but Kasaima glowered at Gwayn, who retreated back to safety. Though Kasaima had not moved, to Trey it seemed almost as if *something* about Kasaima had gone forward. “You have been paid for the merchandise. What Misha-san decides to do after is none of your business.” His nose widened and he sniffed. “I can smell your greed.” He leered at Gwayn in a way that caused him to pale. “We oni are cousin-kin to ogres. We can smell emotions, and the baser ones are almost like wine to us. I take care to not drink too deeply, but do not think I can be fooled.” Gwayn and the others made no reply, but both Gwayn and Jerrod seemed to be unable to look away from Kasaima, as if terror and something else kept them still. Kasaima chuckled and turned, which seemed to break the spell–if spell it was. “I can make the carpet fly within a week. Then I shall return to my homeland and see about setting things right there. I could wish for companions, but it is a long, long way. It took me almost a year overland by the safest and fastest paths I could find. I hope it will be less returning.” “I’d like to go with you!” said Trey. “I’m not sure what help I could be, but I’d love to see more of the world!” “I’d like to go too,” said Aldwin, almost to his own surprise. “This mission was well enough, but my contract ended when we got here safely.” “Mine did too,” said Reed, “I’d like to find out more.” “But…” Gwayn started, then seemed to think better, “very well. Go your ways! It will be less for me to pay out!” He turned and Howel, Jerrod, and Gallus went with him, though the latter turned to look back for an instance.“Well, I can tell you all of it in Misha-san’s wonderful establishment. It’s the least I can do for the rug. Trey-san was telling me you’re a maker of mechanical marvels. I might buy one to take back too. A token of the mysterious Occident.” Misha chuckled. “I have some ready for sale. There’s another fellow named Lodo you might want to visit. And, of course, other artists here in the Keep.” Kasaima smiled. “I like you Mista-san! Not a hint of greed–only a desire to help! Most delightful, like a rare attar!” “What do you mean Kasaima-san?” asked Trey. “Ah, I smell all emotions little one. As I mentioned, the baser ones are like fragrant wines: enticing and tempting, appealing to parts of me best left in slumber. Nobler ones, however, are like a beautiful bouquet: refreshing and invigorating. Usually I let them pass my notice, but occasionally it is good to remind myself.” Just as they were going into the Jolly Collie, a robin flew over. “Misha! We’ve caught a couple horses loose here in the city. Poor things were terrified! They’re calm now, but we’ve no idea who their owners are! Also there are a couple people going south like an army of lutins are on their tails! Loaded like bandits, and we think they are!” “Ah! Well, bring the horses here. I’ll send someone to inform Gwayn we’ve found them. Once those two have been stopped, keep them and report to me immediately! They’re indeed wanted and the Duke will want to give them justice!” The robin nodded and flew off. Kasaima smiled. “If my country’s needs were not so pressing, I would love to stay here. This place is like a story made real.” ***In the darkness, after he was sure everyone was asleep, Jerrod snuck back to the Collie. He found the boy and frog and then tracked them silently in the night. They’d surely lead him back to his things. He caressed a lone dagger he’d taken. They’d be unable to object to him taking what was his--or anything else they had--by the time he finished with them. --[Next Part Below]--</div>