Rhiann studied the youth and said, “Iyaca, how did you come to live in Gnome-town?”
Iyaca Vassi shuffled his feet and hesitated. Finally, he replied, “Do you want a sarsaparilla? My main task is crushing the plant stuff that makes the base of the beverage. People come from near and far to taste Gnome-town’s sarsaparilla.”
Rhiann said, “I am thirsty. That’d be fine.”
Iyaca Vassi hurried away and soon returned with a frosty mug. Rhiann took a sip and said, “It’s very good. How long have you been in Gnome-town?”
Iyaca was again evasive and said, “Would you like a pastry? Madam Darktop’s Gnomish waybread will keep you filled up all day. And it tastes good too!”
Rhiann answered, “Fine.”
The youth again scurried away and soon returned with warm, buttery slices of bread. Rhiann sampled it. Flavors of honey, byneberries, and ginger dominated the taste. Iyaca beamed as he watched Rhiann enjoy the repast. Rhiann nodded his appreciation, and Iyaca was clearly pleased with his efforts.
Rhiann said, “My name is Rhiann Klarje. I’m a sorcerer from Thynna. I’m following in my uncle’s footsteps. I’m sixteen years old. My Uncle Mayard and I are on a quest to the Copper Mountains. I’m grateful for the sarsaparilla and waybread.”
Iyaca sat on a bale of hay, chewed on a thick piece of straw, and said, “As Longbeard said, my name is Iyaca Vassi. I’m 8 years old. I live with Burgomaster Darktop’s servants. The Gnomes took me in two years ago after highwaymen ambushed a merchant caravan that my parents and I were traveling with. The highwaymen killed everyone but me. They laughed about doing me in. The biggest one was called the Man in Black. He stopped the meanest one Kris from cutting my throat. My parents were sorcerers like you. Well, Magick touched them.”
Rhiann said, “I’m sorry about your parents, Iyaca. I’ve traveled with my uncle a lot and have been away from Thynna. I remember hearing of the attack. The Council of Thynna sent guards to investigate and try to recover the stolen merchandise. The guards failed to capture the highwaymen and some were killed by arrows from snipers. It was believed the fearsome foursome fomented the deed.”
benjamintowe 