Soron's Quest by Robyn Wideman

laughed, women were beyond his understanding. The girls of the north were always flirting with him, but he never found one interesting enough to make an effort to know, nor did he think himself worthy of anyone special. He was content to be alone, be here exploring a new world and making new friends. Life now was as good as he had ever known it. Soron was happy.
    “Before we get too carried away discussing a suitable bride for Marin here, I have business to discuss with our northern friend. You have caused me great distress brother. I am lucky to be live right now.”
    Soron looked at Ramon with concern, “What happened?”
    “Those damn women almost tore me to shreds when I only had two pieces of jewelry to show them. I had to swear on my mother’s soul I would bring more soon just to leave with my skin intact. You better have more pieces hidden somewhere, or I am going to be in trouble.” Ramon threw a heavy sack of coins on the table, “there is your payment for the first two pieces.”
    Soron took the sack of coins and inspected it. Handfuls of golden coins filled the sack. He looked up at Ramon “How much is there?”
    Ramon laughed, “Two hundred gold coins, I probably could have gotten you more with other buyers but I have a particular fondness for those two, and they will be repeat buyers, so you get a little less now but in the long run will be better off. You will live well in Venecia friend; you will have no shortage of income as long as you can make more of your jewelry.”
    Soron was surprised, he had no idea his artwork had such value. He would be able to live comfortably in Venecia without worrying about an income. He could do whatever projects he wanted without having to worry about eating. The idea was very appealing. “Thank you Ramon.”
    “Just make sure you bring me more of your jewelry,” said Ramon with a smile. “Now back to Marin’s situation. Let me tell you about Lady Lucille…”
     

6
    Trouble in Paradise
     
    FOR A WEEK SORON roamed the city, exploring its streets, going through its large open market. He spent time checking out the vendors selling their wares on the streets, inspecting the different shops. The city had a strange and diverse culture. The range of different tribes and sailors from distance land that came through Venecia made for a colorful melting pot of people. Every day Soron heard a new accent, or saw something new to him. The sailors that roamed the docks, and the nearby bawdy houses, were a breed unto themselves. Hard working, hard playing with a colorful language that would make the hardest man blush at times.
    The famed Thieves’ Guild of Mithbea had not made its way across the strait yet, but that did not mean there were not plenty of pickpockets and con artists roaming the streets. They were just not as talented as those on the southern continent. Soron learned early to keep only a couple coins on his person and the rest safely stored with Ramon Ventego his new friend. 
    After a day of wandering, Soron returned to the Dew Drop Inn, the friendly inn having been his home for the last week. When he got there, he could see something was amiss. Mariah the inn keeper’s daughter was nowhere to be seen and her father Howard was serving in her place. The man had a troubled look on his face.
    “What’s troubling you Howard? Mariah late for work?” asked Soron.
    Howard shook his head, “No, Mariah is not well today. Nothing serious,” replied Howard as he cleaned a table.
    Howard was a terrible liar; his troubled face told a different story than the one coming out of his mouth.
    “Come on Howard, I know you well enough now to know when you are lying. Is everything okay?” Soron was concerned. Howard was normally a jovial sort, laughing and smiling. The inn keeper was always happy to be interacting with his customers.
    Howard sighed and sat down. All day he had stewed over the situation. Perhaps the friendly northerner would have an idea on how to deal with