Bound to Survive (The Magic Within Book 1) by Sharon Gibbs Page A

towards the marketplace. People were out early to buy what they needed for the day. The market had all sorts of goods to buy from apples and carrots to bread and meats. If milk or cream was what you wanted, you had to be early as the sun came out and it didn’t take long to spoil. Further along there were cobbler shops and tailors who hawked their fine materials to be made into clothes. He saw two women, one spinning wool while the other sat weaving at a large loom. As he looked across the market place he spied Gustov as he talked to some men. He crossed the road and walked over to where they stood.
    ‘Morning, Gustov,’ he said. Gustov heard his voice and turned in his direction.
    ‘Mornin’, Sir. You’re up fine and early.’
    ‘I thought I’d take a look around, seeing how I’ll be staying here for a while.’
    ‘I’ll take you for a tour if you like,’ Gustov said. He turned to his companions and bid them a good day.
    The two of them set off up the street and Gustov pointed out places that might interest the young lad. After they’d toured the market they went down a road which led out of the village. They came to a small house, its white washed walls and thatched roof made it stand out amongst the houses in the street. A woman swept the paths out front and she waved to them as they drew near. ‘This house is where the villagers come to be treated by the Healers. If somethin’ ails them, they can come anytime of the day, except on the Solstice. If someone is sick at night the healers travel to their house or they go up to the Keep, just dependin’ on how sick they are. They also sell lotions and potions that people may need for everyday ails.’
    They continued down the street until they came to another group of houses. One in particular was larger than the others and Gustov pointed it out. ‘An that one there is the school for girls and boys ta learn their readin’ and cipherin’.’ At the edge of the village the road veered out into the countryside. ‘This road leads to the mill. The farmers take their grain to be ground into flour and then sell it to the stores that sell all sorts of things like salt, n sugar, they even take it to the towns.’
    They turned around and headed back into the village. Horses pulled carts stacked with sacks of grain past them, on their way to the mill. They waved to the drivers as they passed. It was a peaceful walk and they watched the people as they worked in their gardens.
    Back in the marketplace, Gustov showed Gerard where the blacksmith lived and worked and he was able to look at some of the fine work he’d crafted. Swords, knives and shields were made for the small garrison of the village. He made axes and chisels and all sorts of tools for the carpenters and stonemasons.
    Most people only went to the towns if they wanted to trade, sell or buy things that weren’t made in the village.
    Gerard was quite enthralled with the variety of goods and foods that the village sold, from cakes and spicy sausages to gold rings and fine candles. As they made their way back to the inn they passed the clock maker’s and further along there was another inn called the Black Sparrow. There was a small library and the village hall where social events would be held.
    Gerard and Gustov walked into the inn and Gerard went to sit with his father. ‘Well how was the village, son? Did you get a good look around?’
    ‘Yes, Gustov took me for a walk and showed me where the village school was and many of the shops. I think I will be fine here, father.’
    ‘Good.’ Devon was happy. His son would be fine here, he just knew he would. ‘Well you better pack up your things, we need to leave for the Keep.’
    Gerard left the main room of the inn and went upstairs to pack. He returned twenty minutes later excited and ready to leave.
    ‘I’ll collect Gerard’s luggage, Mr. Antrobus,’ Gustov said as he headed for the stairs. ‘We’ll be ready to head up to the Keep as soon as I’m