Read Techromancy Scrolls: Adept for Free Online

embarrassed. I couldn't help noticing there was no comparison between Goliath and the old swayback mare, Tulip, we had years ago before we sold her to the butcher so we could survive a winter. I loved Tulip, but she was nowhere near as grand as Goliath.
    Once we hit market, I sent Jace off with the eggs and a half penny as I promised. I called after him, “I'll see you at home at sunset!” He just waved me off and disappeared into the hustle and bustle of the crowd and all the market carts and tents.
    I made my way to the livery stable beside the blacksmith, I set the wagon brake and hopped down and brought the letter and the mare to the big liveryman who was washing down two chargers that had the Wexbury Keep brand on their flanks.
    He looked up at me and I said, “Excuse me sir. I was wanting to sell my mare if you are buying.” He dropped the thick bristle brush and wiped his hands on the huge work apron he wore and stepped up to me. He looked displeased.
    I didn't see it coming, I was seeing stars and my ear was ringing after his big ham fist backhanded me. I kept my footing and refused to cry out like mother taught me. If you cry out and show weakness, then people above your station show more cruelty. He said with a accent of the Northern realms, “Whacha doing ya fool girl! Horse thievery will get ya the gallows!”
    I looked at him, fighting off tears from the stinging pain. “But I own her sir, I have the papers that say so. With the official seals.” He raised his hand to backhand me again and I just stood tall. He gave a growl and lowered his arm.
    I dug the letter from my tunic and handed it to the man. He unfolded it holding it roughly in his hands and wrinkling it. I fought back a exclamation at that, I wanted to keep it in good shape and put it in my hope chest. He looked the letter up and down with a studious look on his face, but I noted his eyes did not track side to side, the man could not read. His eyes dwelled on the easily recognizable wax seal of the treasury.
    He nodded and thrust it back at me. I took it and folded it carefully to slide it back into the envelope as he said gruffly, “Aye. Why didn't ya just say so in the first place?” He just ignored me as he stepped up to the mare to run his hands along her examining her and looking at her hooves, and asked, “How did a young thing like ya come to own a horse?” Proving to me that he indeed could not read.
    I said meekly, “Spoils of battle.” He stopped his examination of the horse and looked back at me in disbelief and I quickly said. “Truly, just like the letter stated.”
    He looked at the corner of the envelope sticking out of my tunic near my modest cleavage then nodded and said gruffly, “Of course. I just didn't believe it.” I gave him his dignity and nodded like I understood.
    Then he stood after looking at the last hoof. “Unshod, swaybacked. I'll give you a gold coin for the nag.”
    My eyes went wide, “Swaybacked? Nag? She's no more than three or four. Strong back and true footing. I could get three times that at the livery in Flatlash.”
    He squinted at me then he smiled slightly in appreciation then said, “Maybe so, but Flatlash is a two days ride. Then how would you return? Two gold and not a penny more.”
    I smiled at how quickly he had countered, the mare must be in better shape than I had anticipated. I let my voice go a little sing song as I shrugged and said, “Two gold five penny and a trade for proper saddle and tack.”
    He looked at me and just squinted for a very long time then asked, “Trade fer what? I stepped to the back of wagon and showed him the bearskins, saddles, and tack. “I'd need something suitable for Goliath there.” I pointed at the Stallion.
    His mouth was watering as he stared at Goliath. “Would ya be selling him too?” I shook my head and his shoulders slumped. I knew Goliath was worth four or five gold. Draft horses had many uses.
    He looked at me then just started throwing