The wheels spun, kicking up dust. Tiny stones were caught in the ruts from time to time, struck the hubs with a crack, then flew off again with the dust.
Carriages were rare in the Golden City. Only people of standing rode in them. But carriage seats there had no springs, so the ride was far from comfortable. Even on a level road, the violent jolting took a toll on passengers. By the time the carriage stopped, the Hook-Nosed Merchant ached all over. The slightest movement made his tailbone and knees creak as though they were about to shatter. He rubbed his sore thighs and sighed irritably. Then he squeezed the heavy purse in his hand, and his aches and exhaustion seemed to vanish.
A full fifty percent return!
The interest from this one payment alone matched several months of hard work. The thought left him giddy, as if the whole world had grown unreal.
"Heh, heh." He could not help chuckling. Just then, the carriage door was pulled open.
The blazing sun poured in, accompanied by waves of hot air. The Hook-Nosed Merchant frowned and wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief. Then he stepped out of the carriage onto the "human footstool" that had long been waiting for him.
"Has our honored guest arrived?" he asked the slave at the door, putting away his handkerchief.
The slave nodded, the chain around his neck clanking.
The Hook-Nosed Merchant, who dealt in slaves, patted his stiff cheeks and forced a smile before striding into the house.
He passed through the corridor and around the open-air courtyard to reach the reception room. A Sun Priest wearing a silver mask was already waiting for him. "Where have you been?" the priest demanded impatiently before he had even come to a