Hundreds of merchant stalls filled the wide square between the outer wall of Istarinmul and the rambling tavern. Most of them focused on selling boots and weapons and blankets and travel rations, all the things traveling merchants and their guards might need. Caina saw a merchant charging double for what a pair of boots would cost elsewhere in the city. Before the gate itself stood the Imperial Guards, standing watch over dozens of pack mules. The roads in the Kaltari Highlands were often impassable to wheeled carts, so Martin had purchased mules to carry their food and supplies in case the wagons broke down. Claudia oversaw everything, directing the drivers and the Guards both.She had always liked telling people what to do. The wife of a powerful Imperial nobleman was her natural calling. She could tell people what to do for the rest of her life…Caina shook her head, dismissing the unfair thought. Claudia had her responsibilities, as did Caina. She had saved Caina’s life in the Golden Palace.
