Durnholde Keep sent people to Lydell Town every day to buy fresh vegetables, meat, and fruit.
Usually, Theresa took two older people with her to shop, but today, Thrall specifically made time to accompany her to town for supplies.
The wagon's wheel hub had broken, so Thrall got up early to repair it. At six o'clock, he and Theresa set out.
The horses were old warhorses retired from the army. Thrall was heavily built, and with a wagon bed to pull as well, the two horses began panting and losing steam after only a few miles.
Considerate of his two old friends, Thrall willingly removed the saddle and sat beside Theresa.
Theresa nestled naturally against his shoulder, gently swinging her slender legs as she hummed a folk song from Southshore.
Thrall held the reins firmly and watched the road ahead, occasionally glancing at the girl in his arms.
Since the fighting at Southshore ended, Thrall had reestablished his standing in Durnholde Keep.
The bodies of those dozen or so troll soldiers had become proof of his achievements. He had regained the soldiers' respect and Blackmoore's trust.
Thrall no longer had to toil in the Arena or stay in the dungeon. For the time being, he had gained his freedom.
At least Durnholde Keep was no longer his shackle. Even when he went out with Theresa to buy supplies, no one watched him.
Lydell Town was bustling. Dawn had barely broken, and vegetable sellers had already lined the streets with the day's produce.
The vegetables had all been bought in Southshore and delivered overnight. They were fresh and cheap.
Southshore now had a merchants' guild called the Norwington Branch, whose members often supplied large quantities of fresh, delicious produce at low prices.
"Has pork gotten this cheap?" Theresa asked with a