The Kingdom of the Stars

Chapter 2: The Market

Asha winced, stepping through the crowd as she pulled her shawl even tighter. She continued making her way down the path, past the statues and banners of the royal family that seemingly adorned every street corner. She'd always hated those statues, especially the king's. It made her feel as if she'd been watched every time she'd come to the market.

She paused, fighting down the nerves and paranoia, as now and then, she'd spare a few glances behind her. Sometimes it was for the uncaring crowd that nearly swallowed her. Other times it was at the merchants who stood by their stalls, talking and waving to the crowd that passed by.

The day had just started and already the market was filled to the brim with regular customers and tourists alike. Everyone was crowding around stalls to listen to those who'd begun to entertain them with stories.

"They say those who own this tapestry will always have their wish granted," she heard one merchant woman call to the large crowd that had formed around her stall. Her fingers swept over the intricate patterns of the tapestry. "It will bring you everything you need and then some- you'll never be wanting again!"

"Ay poppycock and hogwash!" came another voice from nearby as a middle-aged man waved dismissively at the woman. "Listen to me, the king and I go way back!" He straightens himself, proudly showing his display of jewelry that decorated his stall. "You show the king one of these, and he'll grant your wish."

A small chorus of oos and aas seemed to rise from the crowd as she saw the elderly woman point accusingly at the man hissing, "Lies! You've never seen the king in your life!"

She watched as the man scowled, yelling back as the crowd continued to watch on.

Asha hurried on. You didn't have to be a sorcerer like the king to be able to tell that this would probably get nasty very quickly, but it was how things were every month the wishing ceremony approached.

Asha was quite certain that half of the people selling things, like most of Rosas, had never had their wishes granted. But, like the rest of Rosas, they were probably being paid a nice sum of money and privileges to act like they had been.

To their credit, their ruses seemed to work, as the people were always so enraptured. Everyone asked questions about what they (the merchants) did to have their wish granted. All of the answers were convincing, that had she not known better, she would've fallen for their ploys as well.

She continued making her way past the next stall. Unlike most of the others, the boy here had been the lucky attendee who'd managed to get his wish granted at the last ceremony. It had been what most would call, a true lightning-in-the-bottle moment, as not only had he had his wish granted, but it had been his first wish as well.

As per tradition, the minute he'd turn eighteen he'd handed his first wish over to the king, who'd shockingly granted it the same night it had been wished. The kid had become an overnight celebrity in town, with more people clamoring to his stall than anyone else's.

Asha had to admit that it was nice to see, as at the very least all this attention had meant that he was making more money that he could use to support his family, which was arguably one of the more practical things someone could wish for.

She continued her venture into the market. Save for the heat and crowd, the day was almost, nice. The sun was out and the sky was a marvelous blue, with a few clouds here and there. Maybe if she hadn't been so busy she could've stopped to enjoy the wonderful weather of the early morning...

"Well if it isn't our favorite customer! Always early as usual." comes the blacksmith's voice as he and his stall come into view. "Come to pick up another shipment?"