In Bram's shaded lane, the earlier heat feels like a bad dream. Crow and Carrot lift the first grain sacks down from the wagon, and the harvest at last starts becoming trade instead of burden.
Carrot
We made it here. Gods, I was starting to think the village would never see it.
He shoves a sack into place with a grunt, then straightens with a tired smile. The pile grows neat and honest, each thud of burlap sounding like another step toward home.
Raven
The lane holds better sightlines than the square. Good. Less room for trouble.
Raven stands at the lane's mouth, one hand near her belt, her gaze sweeping the passersby. A few villagers slow to look, then linger at the edge of the stall, drawn by the smell of fresh grain.
The Woman with the Basket
You brought a full harvest after all. I knew the road would not beat you.
Crow sets the last sack into the stack. Around him, the lane settles into a working hush, and the village begins to gather toward the promise he came to keep.
✓ Quest Accepted
Sell the grain harvest
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure a fair buyer for the grain