NOVEL NEXT Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Zedd walked through the dense forest trail, his pouch of freshly acquired silver coins jingling with each step. The exchange had gone smoother than he'd anticipated—aside from the shopkeeper's failed attempt to scam him. With 90 new silver coins in his pocket, along with the 30 he had earned from doing odd jobs around the village, Zedd now had a total of 120 silver coins.
He also mentally calculated his remaining gold reserves—540 coins. "Not bad," Zedd muttered to himself, a small smirk tugging at his lips. The silver coins would keep him covered for a while. At least he wouldn't have to worry about running out of smaller currency anytime soon.
As he approached the village square, Zedd's eyes caught sight of Elara and Reina sitting on a low stone wall near the marketplace. Reina's shy demeanor was evident as she played with the hem of her simple dress, while Elara was her usual fiery self, speaking animatedly to a vendor about the price of apples.
Zedd decided it was time to show some gratitude, especially since Elara's information had proven reliable. Adjusting the strap of his pouch, he strolled over to them.
When Elara noticed him approaching, she straightened up and crossed her arms, her sharp eyes narrowing. "What do you want now?" she asked, her tone both suspicious and teasing.
Zedd stopped a few steps away, glancing at Reina, who immediately looked down, avoiding his gaze. "I just wanted to say thanks," he said, his voice calm but sincere. "Your information checked out. The place was legit."
Elara raised an eyebrow. "Really? You didn't get robbed or scammed?"
"Well, he tried," Zedd admitted with a smirk. "But I'm not exactly easy to fool."
Reina gave a small smile, but Elara's expression remained calculating. She tilted her head and extended her hand toward Zedd.
"What's this?" Zedd asked, eyeing her hand warily.
"My fee," Elara replied smugly. "Two silver coins. Information doesn't come free, you know."
Zedd's eyes twitched in irritation. "You're charging me for something you offered willingly?"
"Offered?" Elara scoffed. "You asked. And I provided. Now pay up."
Reina fidgeted beside her, clearly uncomfortable with the exchange. "Elara, maybe we shouldn't—"
"Quiet, Reina," Elara snapped, though not harshly. She turned her attention back to Zedd. "Well? Pay up, or next time, I won't tell you anything."
Zedd's jaw tightened as he stared at her outstretched hand. He could easily pay the two silver coins—it was pocket change compared to what he had. But the principle of it irked him. He'd just thanked her, and now she was shaking him down like a street thug.
A sly idea crossed his mind. If Elara wanted to play games, then so would he.
"Fine," Zedd said, reaching into his pouch. He pulled out two silver coins and held them out as if he were going to place them in her hand.
Elara's smirk widened as she reached for the coins.
But just as her fingers brushed against them, Zedd closed his fist and yanked his hand back. "Catch me first," he said with a mischievous grin before turning on his heel and bolting down the street.
"ZEDD!" Elara's furious shout echoed through the marketplace, causing several villagers to turn and stare.
Reina gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "Elara, wait—!"
But Elara was already chasing after him, her fiery red hair streaming behind her like a banner. "You're dead when I catch you!" she yelled, her voice a mix of anger and amusement.
Zedd laughed as he sprinted through the narrow alleys, dodging crates, carts, and startled villagers. He didn't know what he enjoyed more—the thrill of the chase or the fact that he'd successfully tricked Elara. Either way, he wasn't about to make it easy for her.
Behind him, Elara's footsteps grew louder, and Zedd knew she wasn't going to give up without a fight. "Let's see if you've got the stamina to keep up," he muttered under his breath, picking up speed.
For now, the game was on.