Tori Transmigrated

Daybreak Garden was the name of the marketplace filled with various craftsmen and workers that catered to adventurers, hunters, and mercenaries in the twelfth district that her brother took her to on their first full day in Horizon. It was almost an hour-long horse ride from Lycée to the twelfth district. Axton also made them stop to pick up some bread stuffed with jam to eat on the way.

“Going to Daybreak Garden is a good idea,” Axton said. “Not only in itself, but the surrounding area has numerous workshops that you can source raw materials from.”

“What do you plan on buying there?” Piers asked, half a horse beside them.

“If I can, six sets of everything,” Tori said in a droll voice. “We couldn’t find any supplies for the excursion, so I need to find and buy all of them. Do you think the marketplace will have what we need?”

“They’ll have the ability to make them, but you’ll have to order them. If they have any stock, it’ll be low. Most clients put in orders to pick up,” Axton said. “They made Blue River’s bridle and reins, and his saddle. It took a month for the saddle.”

Tori wanted to groan; refusing to acknowledge the possible delay in orders. She shook her head. “We’ll take what we can get. By the way, why do they call it Daybreak Garden?” It was walled from all sides by the extended shops and businesses. The name in general did not match.

“The twelfth district used to all be property of a lord directly under the old kings,” Piers said. “The place where the market sits now was once a garden. It’s difficult to notice with all the buildings and the change of landscape, but it was a small hill.”

“The story goes that the lord liked to go there to watch the sunrise, as it was on the edge of Horizon, before the city sprawled out further and enclosed it in the latest iteration of the city walls,” Axton told her. “Since the garden couldn’t be enjoyed any more, the lord’s family opened it up to allow for trading so local hunters could sell their goods. Then more services sprung up from there, making it what it is now. Even if you can’t get everything you need there, I’m sure you can get most of it.”

Tori let out a low breath. “I really hope so.”

They reached the marketplace and Axton took the horses to be corralled nearby while Piers went with her inside. Daybreak Garden opened at dawn, but that early, there were few actual clients. Piers led her to the front counter and lifted his hand to get the attention of a man in a leather apron on the other side.

“Good morning!” Tori gave him a bright smile. “I was wondering if you could help me.”

Several sentences later and Tori’s bright smile was wiped off her face. In its place, a look of stunned horror. The grizzled looking man behind the counter gave her an apologetic look.

“I’m very sorry, Lady Guevera,” he said in a hoarse voice. “We did have a small ready-made stock available, but....”

“There are only 180 students going on the excursion. Considering that every store within several blocks of Lycée is out of bedrolls and tents, it’s impossible that you guys would be sold out, as well.” Her voice didn’t raise, but the frustration fueled anger it was laced with became more and more apparent.

The man looked torn and lifted his hands. “I’m sorry, Lady Guevera. We did have a stock at the beginning of the week of more than thirty bedrolls and twenty tents in preparation for the last hunt, but we didn’t expect to be bought out.”

“Who bought you out?” Piers asked.

The man furrowed his brows and seemed to try to remember. “The owner of a new merchant company came by to try to source items.”

“What’s the company’s name?” Piers continued to press.

Tori could see the beads of sweat on the man’s forehead as the first prince seemed to interrogate him. “The...The Golden Cow, I believe.”

Tori sucked in a sharp breath and froze. “The Golden Cow.” She repeated the name, as if asking if she was right. The man nodded and she narrowed her eyes. “What did the owner look like?”

The man squinted. “He was a rather young fellow. Auburn hair...blue eyes. Slightly taller than average with a lean build. He didn't look like an average merchant. We normally wouldn’t sell all our stock at once, but he made a generous offer.”

Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She knew that company name and she knew those unique features.

Well, well, well, Tori. Your shit luck keeps on giving.

It looks like she’d indirectly stumbled upon the well-connected, genius merchant archetype target, Adrien Rosiek, the “secret” owner behind the Golden Cow.

“If it was purchased by a merchant, the items are going to be resold,” Piers said.

“Why don’t we go find the Golden Cow and see if we can buy some for your group?” Axton suggested as he stood on her other side. Tori shook her head.

She already knew that her luck with Adrien would be terrible, if only because of the opposing roles they had in the game. She wouldn’t be surprised if the very last of Adrien’s stock was given to Alessa and her group for the excursion.

“If he bought them at the beginning of the week, it’s likely that he’s already sold them,” Tori said. It was the only legitimate excuse she could think of.

Axton frowned and leaned over the counter, his eyes boring into the older man on the other side. “Daybreak Garden only accepts specific clients. Why was a merchant allowed to purchase goods?”

“Items for sale up here in the storefront are open for purchase to anyone,” the man said, now looking regretful. “As the last hunt is upon us, we had a small stock ready for immediate purchase.”

Tori closed her eyes and lifted her hand to rub the space between her brows. With how cold it was getting at night and with Alpine Valley being a day north of Horizon and having a slightly colder climate in general, she worried most about her group’s sleeping situation. It was too cold to just lay on the ground; hypothermia was real.

She didn’t just want bedrolls; she wanted tents to keep the heat in and the wind out. She’d heard classmates say they were foregoing tents altogether, as tents in the game world were heavy pieces they’d have to carry, but after explaining her concerns to her group, they agreed to bring tents, even at the expense of lugging around that much weight.

Noticing her sudden silence and complicated expression, Piers leaned towards her. “I can commandeer supplies from home.”

If he were a normal guy from a normal home, Tori would have agreed in a heartbeat. However, in this case, she lifted her head and narrowed her eyes. The home he was referring to wasn’t his flat near Université. It was the Imperial Palace.

“Who exactly are you commandeering them from?” she asked. She highly doubted his parents had spare bedrolls and tents for long, woodland hikes.

“We have a warehouse with supplies.”

Every sentence that came from his mouth sounded more and more suspicious. “Supplies for whom?”

He hesitated and from her other side, Axton sighed. “The Imperial Knights.”

Tori slammed her hands on the counter and shot Piers a glare. “I can’t take things from the Imperial Knights! Are you insane?” At that moment, he wasn’t a prince, but an idiot.

Piers shrugged, appearing blasé about the whole thing. “You’ll return them when you’re done.”

“I am a Lycée student; I have no right to steal-”

“Borrow.”

“Fine, borrow the property of the Imperial Knights!” Not only that, but her aunt was a purchaser for the Imperial Knights. If she found out that Tori swiped some imperial stock, she could get in trouble.

“Then if that’s not an option, what are you going to do?” Axton asked. He leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest, looking at her expectantly.

Tori reached into her satchel and took out her shopping list. “First, I’m going to see what I can buy in there,” she said, pointing down the hall that led to the yard where all the craftsmen were. “Second, I need to find some things and I want you to look for them for me.” She lifted her head and looked at Axton.

He blinked and uncrossed his arms as he stood up straight. “What do you need me to find?”

She lifted her hand and held up one finger. “I need a fabric manufacturer. The kind of fabric that is rough and durable, but also light. Good quality is a must, but they also need to have a large stock available.”

“All right,” Axton said, tilting his head up as he thought. “What else?”

“An artisan that can work fast. We have no choice but to commission tents and bedrolls. I'm flexible on the price and will of course pay extra for the rush job as long as quality isn't sacrificed,” Tori told him. “And lastly, a poultry farm.”

“A what?” Axton jerked his head back.

“I need a poultry farm that raises geese and ducks,” Tori said. “I want to buy their down.” Both Axton and Piers stared at her, as if unsure what to make of her madness.

“Are you...buying pillows?” Piers asked in a quiet voice.

“Yeah,” Tori said as she took her list and stepped away from the counter. “Let’s say I’m buying lots of pillows. Axton, I leave it to you.”

He looked a little bit at a loss, but nodded and looked towards Piers as he turned to leave. “Keep an eye on her.”

“I’m not a child!” Tori almost snapped as she stormed down the hall. Piers shook his head and went after her.

Her first stop was Old da Silva. First, it was to greet him and show him that she was wearing and enjoying the lamb leather cloak he made, as well as had her dagger strapped to her thigh. Second, it was because she didn’t know anyone else and asked him for advice.

The old man happily led her around, introducing her to other craftsmen as ‘Young Lady Guevera; the Marquis’ daughter.’ If there was one thing she learned working in a transnational company, it was that introductions by a mutually known party were extremely beneficial. It automatically eased doubts surrounding the other party, as someone essentially vouched for them, and that pre-established trust made the whole process go smoother.

In this case, as Tori walked around and met new craftsmen, she told them what she was there for and they were more than happy to assist her. In this way, she was able to order various tools and cookware for her entire group. She would’ve been satisfied with those, but it seemed Daybreak Garden sold more than just tools and hunting equipment.

In the hall that led to the yard, there were several stores and Tori slowed to a stop as she looked inside. It looked like clothing and accessories for outdoorsmen. It kind of fit there. “Are these stores open for purchase by anyone?”

A young, well-dressed man who looked out of place in the market, was inside. In contrast to the craftsmen outside, often caked in sweat, ash, and grease, he was fair with smooth skin and neatly combed, short black hair. There wasn't a speck of dirt on his fitted clothes. He craned his head as he saw her and shook his head, giving her a gentle look of apology. “No, miss. Only items at the front can be purchased by anyone. We only sell to specific clientele.”

Tori cocked her head, about to ask what kind of clientele, when Piers spoke up.

“She is Lady Victoria de Guevera.”

The young man’s face lit up and Tori wondered if it was because he knew she had money. “In that case, she is part of our specific clientele, isn’t she?” he said with a laugh. “Come in, Lady Guevera. May I help you find something today?”

She had questions, but decided to ask about them another time. “I noticed you sell rucksacks and clothes here. Can I take a look?”

“Of course!” The man beamed and stepped aside. “My name is Armando. My family has run this store for three generations. We specialize in leather bags of all sizes and durable clothing suitable for hunting and adventuring.” Tori stopped beside a mannequin wearing a buttoned up, long sleeve shirt and brown pants. She touched the fabric and her eyes widened.

She looked at Armando. “I want a dozen sets of these.”

By the time they came out to find Axton, Tori already had a look of accomplishment on her face. “Did you find everything you wanted?”

“Everything except the bedrolls and tents,” Tori said. “I even found some extra things. Did you find what I was looking for?”

Axton nodded his head. “There is one place that may be able to meet all your requirements. When I was on the field with General von Schwert, he took me there to get my bedroll and tent.”

“Uncle took you there?” Piers asked. Tori looked over at him. Piers' mother, Empress Monica, was the daughter of the former Western Marquis and her younger brother was the current marquis, commonly known as General von Schwert.

Axton nodded. “He was very particular about what he wanted, so he got his things custom ordered. It’s across the street and I spoke to Madam Midstrom about you.”

“Perfect. Take me to her.”

Once more, introductions by a mutual party were invaluable. All Tori had to do was walk up and show a gray-haired NPC lady her drawings and, while both the woman and her husband and daughter who ran the store with her were a bit hesitant, the hiking pole tent and down-quilted sleeping bags Tori put forward intrigued them enough to be willing to give them a try.

Worst case scenario, if they couldn’t get her ideas to work, she’d take their most generic tents and bedrolls.

They went over the fabrics available and Tori was pleased to find ‘fantasy fabric’. It was essentially cotton and wool spun into spider silk that shimmered a litte, but the practical effects were more than satisfactory. A bolt of fabric was like air and the silk-cotton proposed tent material was not only difficult to tear, but waterproof, too. The more Tori and the Midstrom family talked, the more interested both Axton and Piers became about her order.

“Madam Midstrom, Tori’s designs are quite unique,” Axton said. “Similar to General von Schwert, is it possible to get a privacy and exclusivity contract?”

Tori whirled around to face him with stunned, wide eyes. Was he talking about an NDA? “You have those here?” He raised a brow.

“They don’t have them in the south?”

Because of various documents, lunch was very delayed and, knowing that Tori had plans to go to see her aunt for dinner, Axton and Piers settled for a relatively filling afternoon coffee with Tori before dropping her off at the di Biancci estate. Auntie Lucia tried to talk the two into staying, and Tori could’ve sworn that Piers was going to agree, but Axton dragged him off, citing that they still needed to feed the horses.

Tori was going to be sent back by her aunt’s carriage after dinner.

“Do you have everything you need?” Auntie Lucia asked as dinner was brought out to them. Tori nodded.

“Just about. I ordered everything and I’ll be returning to the artisan's workshop tomorrow to look at the samples they’re putting together before we proceed further, so as far as equipment we’re set.” Tori dipped her spoon into her bowl of soup and squinted at it. “What we need is food.”

“Ah...cured meat, cheese, and day old bread.” Uncle Maurizo chuckled from the head of the table. “They go fast this time of year.”

“He’s right, Tori. Have you put in orders for food yet?” Auntie Lucia said. She sat across the table, on the opposite end from her husband. Tori was on her right while Marco and Mateo were on her left, digging into their meal without a care in the world.

Tori hesitated and shook her head. “I’m going to the market tomorrow to see what’s available.”

“We have some cured meat here if you need it,” Auntie Lucia told her with a firm nod. “Don’t hesitate. We also have some cheeses and dried pasta.”

Tori’s head snapped up. “You have dried pasta?” Her aunt nodded and looked towards her husband.

“Your uncle’s grandmother sends it from the peninsula every season.”

Tori looked towards her uncle. Before she could ask, he laughed and nodded. “You can have as much as you like Tori, but do you know how to prepare it?”

She nodded. “Yes! I can even give you a sample.”

“Oh, a sample?” Auntie Lucia’s eyes sparkled. “I didn’t know you could cook.”

“I can cook a bit,” Tori said. Actually, she could do more than that. She spent so much money in her original world taking cooking classes, if she could only make spaghetti, she’d slap herself. “I can make it for you next weekend if you’ll lend me your kitchen to prepare my group’s food.”

Auntie Lucia looked across the table to her husband, pleased. “That’s not a problem at all. Have you cooked at home before?” Tori shook her head.

“No...I got interested in it while at school.” I’m sorry for lying, Auntie. I love you.

A devious expression appeared on Auntie Lucia's face as she snickered to herself. “Heh...I guess I’ll be the first in the family to taste your cooking. I can’t wait to tell Gregorio.”

“Oh, Tori, did you get a chance to look at the medicinal plants book?” Uncle Maurizo asked. “Alpine Valley has a wide array of medicinal plants if you want to get in some practice.” It seems he was still trying to get her interested in medicinal plants.

“Not yet, Uncle. I still have to get and review a map of Alpine Valley.”

“You don’t have a map yet?” Auntie Lucia frowned.

“The library’s maps and books are all checked out and all the bookstores are sold out.” Tori shrugged, helpless. “Piers said he’d try to get me a copy of the latest one from the Imperial Cartographers.”

“The one that came out last month?” Uncle Maurizo asked. He lifted his serviette and dabbed his mouth. “You can borrow mine. If you need copies, I have a few.”

“I thought there were only two copies?”

“Yes, that the Imperial Cartographers have, but I helped put the map together,” Uncle Maurizo told her. He lifted his hand and called over their butler. “Prepare the latest Alpine Valley map for my niece in my study.”

“Yes, sir.”

Tori knit her brows together. “You’re an Imperial Cartographer, Uncle? I thought you studied medicinal plants.”

“He does,” Auntie Lucia laughed. “It’s his passion.”

“Only second to you, my love.”

“Oh, you....” Her aunt blushed a bit and Tori smiled, but pretended she didn't witness that.

Uncle Maurizo seemed to smile to himself, pleased to have flattered his wife. “Because of Alpine Valley’s location, it’s a prime place to collect medicinal plants. I spend a week or two there every summer. This year, the boys went with me.”

“It’s kind of boring, though,” Marco said with sigh. “There are a lot of trees and plants and stuff, but not animals. We didn't even see the snakes Dad told us about.”

“They're not deadly to humans, but still venomous. It's good we didn't run into them. And I wouldn’t let you go if there were dangerous animals,” their father told them.

“Yes, at least until you can properly defend yourself,” their mother said. She looked back at Tori. “I don’t think anyone knows Alpine Valley as well as your uncle. Ask him any question you have about it. He may look weak and helpless, but he can cross that valley blindfolded.”

“My love....” Uncle Maurizo looked a bit aggrieved.

“Just because you look weak and helpless doesn’t mean you are. I think I’d know that better than anyone.” Auntie Lucia threw him a flirty wink, causing his face to turn red, and again, Tori pretended she didn’t see it.

Instead, she silently rejoiced that she just hit the jackpot. What was a single map compared to firsthand experience and someone to pretty much help her plan an entire hike’s details?

Hehehe...suck it, Gideon.

She looked up and beamed. “Uncle, I’m going to depend on you, then.” He looked happy to help and Tori looked back at her aunt. “You know, this entire week, my group has been trying to find supplies and a map and everything was sold out. I didn’t want to bother anyone since it’s our first project as first years, but I ended up calling you and Axton and Piers.”

“Dearest, that is what we are here for,” Auntie Lucia said as she stretched out her hand and clasped Tori’s. “Don’t ever be afraid to reach out to us for help.”

Tori’s eyes began to redden and she nodded. “I know, Auntie. I’m glad I did. I got so much done today, I almost don’t believe it. Axton and Piers also got me into Daybreak Garden. I didn’t know that they only served specific clientele. I wouldn’t have been able to even get in if they weren’t with me.”

Both her aunt and uncle looked taken aback by this. Uncle Maurizo gave her a curious look. “Isn’t it just the opposite?”

Tori furrowed her brows. “What do you mean?”

“Axton and His Highness only got in because of you.”

“Me?” Her head jerked back. “I thought they only let in guild members or something?” Or because Piers was the first prince of the empire.

“Yes, and of course the owners,” her uncle added. Tori remained looking confused and her aunt squeezed her hand once more, drawing Tori’s gaze back at her.

“Didn’t your brother tell you when you went?” Auntie Lucia said, not bothering to hide her surprise. “The land it’s on is the ancestral property of the Gueveras, Tori. We own Daybreak Garden.”

Holy shit.

For the first time since she transmigrated, Tori came to the realization that she did have that ‘special power’ or ‘cheat ability’ as a transmigrator. It wasn’t just money or power or an extensive reach of resources, knowledge, and formidable history. It was all of that put together and it had been right in front of her face, showering her with love and affection since she opened her eyes.

It was her family.

And she almost cackled with glee.

“This is the first time I’ve ever gone,” Ewan said as he sat in the wagon Ilyana rented to take to the twelfth district. He rubbed his hands together. “This is so exciting.”

Across from him, Tori grinned and leaned back against the side of the covered wagon. Beside her, Ilyana was reading a book, and next to her, Henrik was reviewing invoices and other documents that Tori gave him.

“Are you sure the items will be ready by now?” JP asked across from them. “You only put in the orders two days ago.” They were all still in their school uniforms, but Tori didn’t want to waste any time and arranged for them to go to Daybreak Garden immediately after classes were done.

The majority of their orders were completed that day and she wanted to get them before they could possibly be picked up and stolen by others. She couldn’t help but have that lingering paranoia, especially after learning about the Golden Cow.

“The craftsmen I made agreements with are reputable,” Tori said. “If they say they’ll be done today, then they’ll be done today.”

“I still can’t believe you were able to make orders at Daybreak Garden.” Henrik shook his head in disbelief. “The merchant guild has been trying to work with them for years and they’ve refused. They’re very selective of who they work with. You either need to be part of the adventurer’s guild, the empire-wide hunter’s guild, or an empire-licensed mercenary.” He lowered the papers to his lap and looked at Tori, as if demanding answers. “How’d you get in?”

Tori gave him a toothy smile. “Trade secret.”

“Ugh....”

The wagon rolled to a stop and Tori peeked out. “We’re here!” Ewan jumped off the back first and pulled down the steps so his friends could come down.

“Why are you smiling like that?” Sonia asked as she looked at him. Ewan was staring at the modest, rustic building with an embarrassing amount of awe.

“I can’t believe I’m here...you know you can get swords made here? Really expensive swords?” His voice was almost shaking and Tori patted his shoulder.

“Okay, calm down. We’re just here to pick up orders.”

“Can we look around?”

She felt like she was talking to a child. “After we pick up our things, but not for long.” Tori walked ahead of them and entered.

It seemed that they weren’t that busy that afternoon and two of the attendants in the front of the store greeted her with a respectful ‘Welcome, Lady Guevera’.

“Hello!” Tori gave them a wave and walked straight ahead. She planned to go straight to the yard to pick up their tools and cooking supplies, but was stopped in the hall by Armando.

“Lady Guevera!” He smiled, his eyes shining. “Are you here to pick up everything? Your bags and clothes are ready.” He stepped aside, leaving the entrance to his store open for her.

“Great!” The bag would be useful to hold their things, so this was good. Her group followed her inside, and Ewan in particular seemed surprised to see such a dandy man in a marketplace for adventurers and other outdoorsmen. Tori turned to face them as they entered what looked to be more a boutique than a workshop. “Everyone, this is Armando. I saw some of his work the other day and after touching the material and examining the items, I decided to order not only our excursion bags from him, but also two sets of clothing each.”

“What?” Sonia furrowed her brows and frowned. “We were just going to wear what we already had.”

“I know, I know,” Tori said. She waved her arm at Armando, who was placing neatly folded clothes on top of a glass countertop. “But feel them.” Aside from Ilyana, the others had hesitant looks on their faces as they stepped forward. “Armando, tell them about the durability and heat retention of the fabrics.”

Tori eagerly watched their faces go from doubt to surprise to reluctant acceptance as they held out the light blue button ups and the light brown colored pants. Armando explained in detail and then encouraged each person to go and try out the clothes to make sure they fit. Tori had only given him an approximation of their size.

A few people had to get their sizes adjusted, but otherwise, the clothes were comfortable and moved well with the body.

“How much are they?” Sonia was almost reluctant to ask. Armando looked at Tori.

“They’re my gift to you,” she said. She looked at the group and gave them a little smile. “As thanks for accepting me into the group, even knowing that other students may look down on you because of me.”

The four Horizon natives didn’t seem to know what to say, but Ilyana threw her arms around Tori and hugged her. “Don’t say that! I wouldn’t want to be with any other group!”

“Okay, okay,” Tori said, stroking her back as she sniffled. She looked at the others. “Please accept these as a gift with my thanks.”

The twins looked at each other and Ewan and Henrik seemed unsure of what to say. Finally, Henrik spoke up.

“We agreed to be in the same group. We don’t need your thanks.” He looked at the clothes. “But we’ll accept them.”

Ewan grinned and slapped Tori’s shoulder. “Thanks, Tori!” The others echoed his gratitude and Armando smiled. He then threw in a bonus: some canvas hats with a brim that were an experimental design he made, but weren’t popular.

“The sun is terrible on the skin,” he said as the group put on their hats. Even if a bucket hat wasn’t fashionable, Tori acknowledged his point. They should wear hats while hiking. Armando bent down and picked up something before putting it on the counter. Ewan’s eyes lit up and even JP stepped forward to touch the tan canvas rucksack. “Durable canvas, double lined, sewn with waxed thread, with water-resistant leather bottom, brass alloy buckle straps, and top handle leather embellishments. There is a buckle over the chest, as per Lady Guevera’s instruction, and a leather strap that can go around the waist to help distribute the weight.”

“They also come with a smaller satchel to keep our water canisters and hold any small item we may need to have more urgent access too,” Tori said.

“And to make them easier to identify, you’ll notice that the two top buckle straps are different colors. No charge,” Armando told them, proud of his idea. “One color per-”

“I want red! Do you have red?” Ewan blurted and Tori sighed.

“Just hand them the bags, Armando.”

The man chuckled as he lifted the bags one by one. Tori gave her groupmates time to decide on who got what color and examine the bags’ pockets, straps, and buckles. The twins thought they could also use it to carry some riding equipment. Ewan looked as if he was going to cry with joy and Henrik put his book bag inside.

“All right,” Tori said, heaving her rucksack with light blue straps on to her back. “Let’s go get the tools, cooking gear, and shoes.”

“Shoes?” Ilyana asked, looking up.

“We can’t wear our school shoes on the hike; they’re just not suitable for the environment and will be ripped apart,” Tori said. “That’s why I asked you for your shoe measurements that day. It was calculated into budget. I also put in an order for leather sandals.”

“What are they for?” JP asked.

“When I was looking over the map, I realized we have to cross a river at one point. I don’t want to get our shoes wet; they’re uncomfortable to walk in afterwards. Moisture and rubbing cause blisters. At the same time, walking barefoot in a river is dangerous. It’s far too easy to slip on rocks,” Tori said as she waved at Armando and walked out of the shop with her group following. “So...sandals.”

Little by little, their bags were filled with supplies. Even with the clothes, shoes, and various tools and cooking pots and pans, there was a surprising amount of space left.

“Since we’re going to be wearing half of what’s in these bags, isn’t carrying something of this size too much?” Sonia said as they left the market. In the end, they had spent a few more coins than planned because Ewan, it turned out, liked to shop. “I don’t think we’ll even need these...what are they called?”

“Hiking poles.”

“Right....” Sonia looked at the tall wooden object in her hand that had a metal cap and a ring around the base.

“Ewan, take everyone’s poles back to the wagon and meet us in that alley,” Tori said, pointing to a narrow walkway across the street. Ewan didn’t ask questions and gathered the five hiking poles. He went off to put them in the wagon while Tori led the others into the alley. They waited for Ewan by what looked like a wooden gate more than a shop door.

When everyone was there, Tori led them in.

“Lady Guevera, welcome back!” Madam Midstrom welcomed her and looked at the group of young people. “Is this the group for your excursion?”

“Yes, Madam,” Tori said. “Are the prototypes ready?”

“Oh yes, my husband and daughter were so excited by your designs, I couldn’t get them to rest!” She locked the door to the shop and led them further back.

Ewan leaned forward and whispered. “Why did she lock the door?”

“Because what I gave them is something I designed and highly confidential,” Tori said. “Relax. She’s not taking us back there to kill us.”

“What?”

Madam Midstrom opened a back door to reveal a wide room with foot-pedal sewing machines to one side and bolts of drab colored cloth leaning against the far wall. There was an open space in the center where a large square pile of cloth was laying. Tori’s eyes crinkled up with joy.

“Is that it?”

“That’s it!” Master Midstrom stood up from where he was seated by a sewing machine and grinned. “It works better than imagined, Lady Guevera.”

Tori giggled with almost maniacal glee. She looked at her friends. “Ewan, JP, Henrik. Each of you grab a corner. Master Midstrom, if you’ll hold the last corner.”

“Well...we’ve come this far,” Henrik sighed. He knelt down near the nearest corner and held on to a sturdy canvas loop sewn into the corner.

“Where is my hiking pole?” Tori asked.

“Right here, Lady Guevera!” Helga, the couple’s widowed daughter, who had been in the corner cutting fabric, abandoned her scissors and rushed over with the pole. “Shall I push it up?”

Tori nodded. “Please do. Guys, hold the corner loops back firmly. Make sure they don’t slip from your fingers.” As they did so, Helga went down on her knees and lifted a sheet of cloth then crawled towards the center. She placed the top of the hiking pole in some metal cup at the point where all four triangular sheets met and pushed the pole up.

Ilyana gasped beside Tori and her hand shot out and grabbed her arm. “It’s a pyramid!”

“It’s our tent.” Tori smirked as Helga secured the pole into a short metal cup on the floor and released it.

Even though what she was most proud of was the down quilted sleeping bags made of spider silk, everyone was more impressed with the ‘pyramid tent’. Folded up, it didn't take up a lot of room and was very light for what it was. Far lighter than the traditional tents they'd seen. They took turns holding the corners so everyone could crawl inside. Though they couldn’t stand up inside it, there was enough room for two people and their bags to lay out.

“That’s why you only ordered three,” Henrik said. They were in the wagon as it lumbered along, the sun starting to set after they left the seamstress’ workshop. “Two in each?”

“You and Ewan, me and Ilyana, and the twins,” Tori said, pointing to each person as she said their names. “The sleeping bags are more complicated, so they’ll be done in a few days. They’ll be delivered to my aunt’s house, too.”

“We don’t need to trouble your aunt to hold all our excursion gear,” Ilyana said. “Once the sleeping bags and tents come, it’s quite a bit of equipment.”

“Yeah, we can just keep them in our dorm rooms,” Ewan agreed.

“To be honest,” Tori said, meeting their eyes. “Considering how people have been treating us, mainly because of me, I don’t feel comfortable leaving our things in our dorms. I am worried that someone might see them and act against us.”

“You’re worried about someone sabotaging our things?” Sonia knit her brows together. She leaned back against the wagon and rubbed her chin. She seemed to acknowledge that there was such a possibility.

“Or steal them or ‘make them disappear’,” Tori said with a resigned breath.

“You’re overthinking it.” Ewan gave her a dismissive look. “No one is going to sabotage our supplies just because you’re in our group.”

He let out a weak laugh, but Tori’s dead-eyed stare met his eyes and she slowly watched the confidence fade from Ewan’s face. His lips pulled into a tight line and squinted.

“So, where does your aunt live?”