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packs.”
    Methvas asked Fidel to sign both items with his name. Fidel complied. Once Fidel was all packed up, Shar informed him there was a merchant group heading out to Puldechra and she was able to secure him a spot with the caravan. She informed him of the meeting point and gave him his farewell hug. Methvas shook Fidel's hand and pulled him in for a long hug, reminding him to stay safe in his travels.
    Fidel departed his home with no small amount of tears shed among them. As he walked away from his home, he looked back periodically to see Shar and Methvas still standing in the doorway, waving every time he glanced back. He felt a sense of excitement as he made his way through town to the rally spot. He also felt a sense of sadness every time he looked around. Every building of Harlow's Hovel carried a memory to him, a memory that flashed into his mind as quickly as his eyes picked up on the scenery. He invited the memories, knowing they were good feelings, for he had lived them. Onward he walked to the meeting spot, filled with memories and excitement. The start of a great adventure.
    He observed the merchants just outside the gates of Harlow's Hovel for a brief time, trying to determine the make-up of the group. A few moments passed then he approached.
    “Hold!” called one of the sentries for the caravan. “State your business.”
    Fidel stopped his approach. “My name is Fidel Austempes. Shartivus Aranongo informed me I would be a welcome addition to your caravan. I bring magic and martial skills to help ensure a safe journey to Puldechra for us all.”
    The sentry called out to the captain of the caravan, Fardicus, to approve the addition to the group. The captain opened the flap of the merchant tent, and stared at Fidel, sizing him up. He raised his scrawny hand with a single finger up, indicating he would attend to the new arrival in a moment. Laughter could be heard from the tent. Shortly after, Fardicus emerged and walked toward Fidel. Fardicus was a very short man, slightly taller than five feet high and very thin. His brownish-red hair was shoulder height and his eyes appeared to reflect the flames of the torches around the caravan.
    “Well met, Fidel. Shar and I have been doing business for years. You are welcome to join us in our travels.” the merchant captain said as he approached. “But I do have a few rules you must abide by before traveling together is fully approved.”
    It was Fidel's turn to speak. “What name do I refer to you as and what rules should I expect?”
    Fardicus responded, a slight smile crossing his lips. “Well, the name is Fardicus, only first names needed here, but my full name is Fardicus Merc. The rules are simple. We only travel with people who share our food, drink, and stories. Are you able to comply with such conditions?”
    Fidel smiled, thankful there were no oddities to the rules. “Of course! So where do I set camp?”
    Fardicus pointed to one of the tents and informed Fidel there was no need to set camp as it was already done. He gave Fidel the rundown of sentry schedules and his role in such duties.  Fardicus finally led the way to the larger tent in the middle of the camp.
    “We call this the leisure tent. You will find people playing cards, and other various games, as well as stories being told inside. Plenty of drink and food available. Go, enjoy yourself. Get to know your fellow travelers. I will be in shortly to share in the joy. Glad to have you aboard!” Fardicus slapped Fidel on the back then headed over to his tent. Fidel entered the large tent, his heart excited to meet the group.
    Fidel scanned the tent and saw exactly what Fardicus had explained. A large table to the right catering to several people playing cards. Straight ahead was a buffet table loaded with food and drink. To the left was a fire pit with people laughing and sharing stories with each other.
    Fidel headed straight to the food table to grab a drink. He then headed to the card table