One week later

Julienn walked back into the Hammer and Anvil. He had stepped out ten minutes earlier because he didn't like seeing his brother fail in anything, as he was doing in his negotiations with the merchants. He saw a different group at the table when he got there but their expessions were the same. Intrigued, but incredulous.

"So lemme get this straight," one, and older black woman said, "You want us to drop everything we're doing to run off on a wild skreep hunt?"

Julien narrowed his eyes. Skreep were from Veertor, very elusive birds. James said they were a cross between sparrows and cornish hens. Sweet meat, but spoiled quickly. Because of that it was only traded within Veertor. The hairs on the back of Julien's neck stood up. The black woman made him uneasy.

James shook his head, "I know it sounds fantastic..."

The other merchant shook his head, "Unbelievable. I can not pay my crew on a maybe. Sorry sons, I can not help you."

Both stood up as James slumped in his chair.

Julien shook his head. "Come on...let's go see grandpa's old friend."

James sighed. "Fine..."

James allowed himself to be led out of the establishment. They passed the older black lady as they did who was talking to someone with a decidedly military bearing.

Julien strained his hearing as she talked, "What do you mean you lost her? You better find that red headed wench..."

The rest was cut off as the twins got out to the crowded merchant district.