Journey To Ventis

By Susi Pearson

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Table Of Contents

Chapter 1: Recruitment..............................................4

Chapter 2: How Good Are You.....................................12

Chapter 3: Returning...............................................20

Chapter 4: Party For Riches.........................................26

Chapter 5: Escape...................................................37

Chapter 6: Riverport................................................43

Chapter 7: On The Dotted Line.....................................54

Chapter 8: Making Our Way.......................................58

Chapter 9: Lorus...................................................68

Chapter 10: Race...................................................78

Chapter 11: And It Starts..........................................85

Chapter 12: How This Works.....................................,92

Chapter 13: The Royal Path.......................................100

Chapter 14: Storytime.............................................109

Chapter 15: Kilwind.............................................113

Chapter 16: Enjoying The Town.................................123

Chapter 17: Continuing The Sights...............................132

Chapter 18: Roll For That Cheese.................................146

Chapter 19: Thinking It Through..................................157

Chapter 20: Following Heart.....................................170

Chapter 21: We Can’t.............................................180

Chapter 22: Misfortune..........................................192

Chapter 23: Home................................................200

Chapter 24: Approaching The Desert.............................210

Chapter 25: The Windy Sands....................................216

Chapter 26: Attack!.....................................................................230

Chapter 27: Sweet Relief.........................................243

Chapter 28: Getting Out Of The Desert..........................252

Chapter 29: Darkmir Forest......................................259

Chapter 30: Breaking Point......................................272

Chapter 31: Done................................................278

Chapter 32: Moving Forward....................................284

Chapter 33: Bliss................................................293

Chapter 34: Can We Talk?.........................................................298

Chapter 35: Draka...............................................302

Chapter 36: Exposed.............................................311

Chapter 37: Nice Little Chat.....................................322

Chapter 38: Now Is The Time...................................331

Chapter 39: Waiting.............................................344

Chapter 40: Good Riddance.....................................351

Chapter 41: Back On Track.....................................360

Chapter 42: Vrolia Dynasty....................................363

Chapter 43: Happy To See Me?.................................................373

Chapter 44: That Night.........................................382

Chapter 45: Party At The Castle................................389

Chapter 46: Fun To Be Had....................................398

Chapter 47: Lunch And Dance.................................408

Chapter 48: Being Formal.......................................414

Chapter 49: Enjoying The Night................................425

Chapter 50: Final...............................................436

Chapter 51: Goodbye............................................450

Chapter 1: Recruitment

The sun was setting in the city of Yosa. The poorer of the residents were closing up their vendors and heading home from the long day of barely getting by.

The richer of the folks were still mingling together. Drinking, partying, and not caring the time of day.

A thief, not by choice but by necessity, slowly made his way to a locked storage building the rich owned.

The thief, Barret Durwood, looked around casually as he approached the door. He wanted a few more supplies before leaving this city once and for all. Nothing good resides here for him now.

A few folks strolled nearby, but no one really giving mind to the cloaked individual. Not uncommon for the poor to try their hand at unlocking the storage building with a nasty surprise inside.

Once Barret felt comfortable enough to try to pick the lock with no eyes on him, he went for it. He took out his metal lockpicking tools from his secured pocket on his belt. Never goes anywhere without them.

Barret gave one more scan of his surroundings before picking the lock. He had to bend down at some point to get a better maneuver, but eventually the lock was successfully picked. He gently and slowly opened the door, then heard what made everyone fail at stealing from here.

A growl from a big dog was right at the crack of the door.

Barret froze. He had to think of his next move, if he had the time too.

The dog began to growl louder and more vicious as it tried to get its snout to push the door opened more.

Barret held the door as it was, so he could reach into his lockpicking pocket for the half bone that was chiseled to a point. It was his first tool he had when he was younger. He put the bone to the dog’s nose.

The dog stopped growling and started sniffing it instead.

Good doggy, Barret whispered. He slowly opened the door more as he continued to let the dog check out the half bone.

The dog gingerly walked out from the storage. Barret waited until the dog was fully out before throwing the bone away. The dog ran after it and Barret quickly went into the room and shut the door behind him.

Barret exhaled sharply as he leaned forward against the door. That was close.

After a minute to compose himself, he turned around to see crates upon crates of different goods. There was enough to help all the residents of Yosa. Of course that meant the rich wouldn’t be so different than the poor if it was evenly distributed.

Barret hurried to look through a few crates to find bags of grain, rice, and potatoes. He grabbed a small bag of rice and put in his satchel. He opened another crate to find bottles of alcohol.

Voices were heard outside and Barret feared he was going to get caught. He swiftly grabbed a few apples he noticed in a basket on the floor. He went to the door and opened it. He looked to his left to see people gathering after the dog ran up to them.

Barret quickly walked out and nearly jogged away from the area.

The people that gathered began to make their way to the storage building to investigate what happened.

Someone from a distance watched Barret’s every move to get inside. He smirked to himself at his cunningness. He headed to where Barret went to.

Barret had his horse tied up to the rail outside the tavern. He hurried to put his stolen supplies in the saddle bag. He kept looking around to make sure no one was coming for him.

The watchful stranger walked past him and went to the few steps leading to the entrance of the tavern. Are you aware of The Rogue Mask?

Huh? Barret questioned as he looked over at him.

The Rogue Mask. You heard of ‘em? the watchful stranger inquired.

Who hasn’t? Barret asked as he untied his horse. He got on and moved his horse to leave. Sorry, I have no time to stay and chat.

The watchful stranger position himself in front of the light brown horse. I’m instructed to bring in any thieves that can get inside that storage.

The sounds of people coming towards them grew louder and Barret started to worry he was going to get caught. I said I have no time to talk. He pulled the reins to get his horse to move around him, then got it to trot away.

The watchful stranger watched him ride away.

Oi! Did you see anything happened at the storage? a resident asked, as he held the big dog close to him.

Nah, haven’t noticed a thing, the watchful stranger replied.

The resident turned to the others and grumbled. They had to return to see what was taken and who may have done it.

The watchful stranger went to his horse that was tied to the rail of the tavern as well. He got on and followed after Barret from a distance.

Barret got his horse to full gallop once they left the city. He beamed to himself knowing that awful place was finally behind him.

When they reached the small wooded area near the river, Barret stopped. He got off his horse and went into the saddle bag. He took out two apples and bit into one. Well, Peanut. We are finally away from all the heartache that Yosa gave.

Peanut neighed while nodding her head. Barret chuckled as he handed her an apple. She happily munched on it.

Barret went to grab the bottle of ale. For celebrating. He gave Peanut the second apple, so he could open the ale. He took a big blissful gulp. Ahh, that’s good. Come on, Peanut. We need to keep going.

The two of them continued on the path and crossed the rickety bridge.

There was an inn close by that Barret noticed. He felt his coin bag that was attached to his belt near his lockpicking pocket. Not many coins in it, like usual. He hoped there was at least enough for the night.

Barret tied the reins to the rail. He only took his half bottle of ale inside the inn.

Tad late in the evenin’ don’t cha think? the innkeeper inquired as he was gathering his cleaning towels together.

Started late in traveling, Barret replied. Can I get a bed?

I guess since ya caught me, the innkeeper answered. Two coins.

Barret went into his bag and retrieved two coins, only three left. He handed them to him.

To your right, the innkeeper revealed.

Barret smiled a little, then headed to the only door on the right of the inn.

Oh, and if ya spill any of that, you clean it, the innkeeper instructed before heading upstairs to his room.

Don’t worry. I will be finishing this tonight, Barret stated. He headed to the large shared sleeping room. He went to the first bed and sat down. He was already feeling the slight effect of the alcohol.

Barret looked at how much he had left, then downed the rest as he slowly laid down on his back. He dropped the empty bottle to the floor.

The thought of that stranger asking him about the infamous thieving group that no authorities seem to touch, spontaneously came back to him. He thought it odd that he would come up to someone and talk about them.

He didn’t have much time to process that conversation before he passed out.

The alcohol kept Barret asleep for most of the morning. When he finally came to, he saw that watchful stranger staring down at him.

Is this a better time to chat? the stranger asked.

Why are you here? Barret questioned while sitting up.

I said I have to bring in the person that unlocks that storage. I was stationed there, the stranger responded.

Bring me where? Barret asked with hesitation.

To The Rogue Mask in Rosefield, the stranger smirked.

Barret stared at him as he pulled back. I am not interested in going.

The stranger grinned with mischief excitement. We can do this the fun way if you like.

The fun way? Barret inquired apprehensive.

The stranger rushed at him and covered Barret’s head with a burlap sack, then punched him in the face. Barret was knocked out. The stranger picked him up and carried him out.

I was just going to wake him up and kick him out, the innkeeper remarked as he watched him. Saved me the trouble.

Next time I will charge, the stranger proclaimed as he walked out. He went over to the light brown horse and placed Barret on top of her.

He went into his own saddle bag to take out rope to tie Barret around his horse. He then took the reins to guide her while he rode his horse.

Barret came to hours later. He struggled in his confinement as his fears grew. Help! What is going on!

Relax, you are tied to your horse and we are making our way to Rosefield, the stranger explained.

Barret gasped as he tried to reframe himself. Ah, the fun way I imagine.

It is for me, the stranger said. We will stop soon.

Great, Barret mentioned as he tried to shift to find a more comfortable spot as he leaned forward against his horse. Can I know your name or should I just call you jackass?

The stranger laughed a little. No Thumb.

No Thumb? That can’t possibly be a name, Barret commented.

The Rogue Mask has nicknames for us, No Thumb shared. Boss will have for you.

I like jackass better, Barret muttered.

No Thumb stopped the horses and got off. We are still several miles away from Rosefield, but could use a break. He went over and untied the ropes around Barret’s wrist, then pushed him off.

Barret fell hard to the ground. He groaned and quickly removed the burlap sack. No, your name should be dick.

No Thumb took the reins from Peanut to lead her to his horse. He tied both reins together and removed both saddles. He placed them down by the side of them.

Barret got up and glared at No Thumb. You trust me to rest here?

Not at all, but we are just taking a break to eat, No Thumb replied. Or I can just knock you out again.

I will eat, Barret stated with a bit of a grumble.

Good. Sit, No Thumb told him. He went into his satchel and took out a cloth of cured meat. He sat down across from Barret. He opened the cloth, then took out another one that had a few slices of cheese.

Look at you, Dick. Like a general store, Barret stated as he needle him.

You know, I don’t have to share with you, No Thumb told him. He took out a small to medium sized loaf of bread.

But you must. Isn’t that apart of taking me to see ‘Boss’? I should arrive good and not dead, Barret remarked.

No Thumb stared at him as he tore the bread in half. He threw it at him.

Barret nearly caught it. He ripped it in half to be able to place some cured meat and cheese in it. So how did you get the name No Thumb?

You are not the only one to try to get pass that guard, No Thumb replied.

Many people try to get in. Almost like a rite of passage now, Barret proclaimed, then took a bite.

Yes, and everyone comes out with some injury, No Thumb remarked as he made a sandwich as well. Except you.

Just lucky I guess, Barret grinned as he chewed.

How did you do it? No Thumb questioned.

Thieves usually keep to themselves, Barret replied.

Not if the Boss ask, No Thumb mentioned.

Chapter 2: How Good Are You

They arrived in the town of Rosefield by night. No Thumb held on to both reins of horses and guided Barret through the town until they reached a building with a dark alleyway.

A person was standing by the tall building, smoking.

Take both to the back, No Thumb told him.

Smokey took the reins and steered the two horses to the other side of the building.

Don’t worry about your horse. She will be fine, No Thumb declared.

Saying that makes me less easy, Barret stated as he watched Peanut be taken away.

No Thumb pushed Barret forward to go down the little hill in the dark alleyway. No Thumb went up to the door and knock three times.

A slit in the door opened and a face emerged.

No Thumb with a tool.

The slit shut, then the door opened. The doorman grabbed Barret.

Hey! What are you doing!? Barret exclaimed as he tried to fight him off.

See you later, No Thumb said as he waved.

The doorman held Barret tightly as he dragged him towards the stairs down the hallway.

Wait! What is going on!? Where are you taking me!? Barret shouted as he continued to struggle in the burly man’s grasp.

The doorman took Barret down the stairs and to the few cells that were there. He threw Barret into one, then retrieved rope that was hanging on the wall outside the cell.

Barret fell to the floor. This is happening way to much lately.

The doorman came over to Barret.

Okay wait a moment, Barret said as he held his hand up. Tell me what this is about!

The doorman did not speak a word as he roughly grabbed both of Barret’s hands to tie them together. He walked out of the cell and shut the metal bar door, then locked it. He headed back upstairs.

This is not how you treat a guest! Barret shouted. He heard a door on top of the stairs shut and lock as well. Well, this is great. He looked around to see his surroundings. Not much to see though other than a bucket that he could only imagine being used for and a small opening high in the wall. Outside of the cell was chains and ropes hanging on the wall.

Barret sat on the floor roughly and heavily sighed. He wondered if he was just destine to have a miserable existence. He thought if he should have stayed in the town that brought him nothing but hardships and heartache.

No, Barret said out loud. I am getting out of this. He decided not to rest until he could get the ropes untied.

He was good at lockpicking and decent at stealing in plain sight, but never had to undo ropes attached to him before.

Barret spent awhile getting the ropes loose enough to be able to break free. He breathed a sigh of relief once the ropes came off.

Barret stood up and went over to the cell door. He tried to see the lock through the bars but couldn’t. He used his left hand to feel the lock. He was happy to know it felt like a normal lock on a door.

He took out his lockpicking tools and attempted his best at unlocking the cell door. It took Barret some time to get the lock undone since he couldn’t see what he was doing very well.

Barret opened the door and walked out. He went up the stairs and tried the door. It was locked too. Figures, he uttered as he shook the door handle. He slammed the side of his fist against the door before sliding down to sit on the top step.

Barret was exhausted from his escaping attempt. He decided to take a moment to rest before unlocking another thing.

Just when he felt he was about to fall asleep, he shook himself awake and went to unlock the door. It didn’t take him long to free himself from the dungeon room.

Barret hurried up the stairs and went around the rail to walk down the hallway when he noticed a hefty man at the end of it.

The bigger man had jet black hair that was groomed well and somewhat short. He also had a long well-groomed dark beard. He had a half lit cigar in his big grin of a mouth. He wasn’t very fat, but looked like he had been well fed for his whole life. Totally opposite of Barret. The man looked very imposing as he stood with two others by his side.

I must say, you are the fastest person to have freed themselves, the burly man stated.

You knew I was going to escape? Barret questioned.

Every new member of The Rogue Mask must first show how good they are, the burly man responded.

Ah, then you must be the ‘Boss’, Barret remarked.

Maxim Santella and yes I am.

Why was I brought here? Barret inquired.

No Thumb didn’t tell you? Maxim asked.

I got in the storage building back at Yosa, Barret shared.

And that is why you are here, Maxim stated with a smirk as he took out his cigar and gently patted it to remove the ashes over the rail. You must be starved. Come and let’s get to know one another.

Barret wanted to say no and leave, but would never turn down free food. He went closer to Maxim and the other two.

They led the way past the front door and to the right. They were in a big hallway with rooms on either side.

This is where you sleep, granted you pay me with your stolen goods I ask of you, Maxim showed.

Barret looked around but all doors were shut.

Up these stairs is where my office and room are, Maxim shared as they headed up the stairs.

Only two rooms were up here. They were located across from each other.

Left is my office. Right is my room which no one is allowed in, actually either one, Maxim commented. Without my permission of course. He opened the door to let Barret in. Please sit.

One of his workers walked in after Barret, but the other one was stopped.

Get a hot meal for our new member, Maxim told him.

He nodded and hurried away.

Maxim closed the door and went to his desk to sit behind. So, tell me your name and where you’re from.

Barret Durwood. From Yosa.

Ah, so getting into that storage was personal, Maxim stated.

I guess, Barret agreed.

How did you manage to get in and past that mutt? Maxim asked.

I uh, Barret paused. He wasn’t sure how much he should share, but the way Maxim stared at him made him feel uneasy. I had a broken bone I chiseled down to a point. Used those as my first lockpicking tool when I was younger.

Maxim laughed in a crackling way from the years of smoking. What a professional! He looked over at his other worker. We got ourselves a real professional, Knuckles!

The worker chuckled in amusement.

A knock was heard at the door.

Enter, Maxim said.

The other worker, Coins came in with a small bowl of soup with a piece of toast sticking out of it. He approached Barret to place it down in front of him.

Being from Yosa, you are probably very used to soup, Maxim mentioned.

A bit, Barret sarcastically remarked. He took the toast out and bit into it.

I have a job for you, Professional, Maxim told him.

Barret stared at him while eating the simple chicken and vegetable soup.

Riverport, on the other side of the Tiverville Heights, likes to trade with the rich. They gather goods from Ventis, Vrolia Dynasty, and Lorus Kingdom, then have selling parties in Yosa, Maxim explained.

I am aware of those annual parties, Barret mentioned. They are quick to throw anyone that looks like me out.

With good reason. They usually have high priced items, Maxim proclaimed. And you are going to get me one.

From Yosa? Barret questioned as he put his spoon down.

Why of course, Maxim beamed, then puffed on his cigar a few times.

I have sworn off that town when I left it, Barret stated. I must decline your request.

Maxim put out his cigar with a slight chuckle.

Knuckles and Coins exchanged looks of amusement since Barret didn’t know what was going to happen to him.

Maxim looked at Knuckles and gestured with his head towards Barret. Knuckles rushed at Barret from the back and grabbed his arm to be closer to Maxim.

Coins moved the bowl of soup out of the way and helped hold Barret still.

Get off of me! Barret shouted as he tried to fight them off. He started to panic when he saw Maxim retrieved a dagger out of a drawer.

Maxim admired the carved craftsmanship of the gold trimmed handle. I am aware you are new and do not know the rules. He looked at Barret who stared back with fear. He isolated Barret’s index finger from his others, then placed the dagger’s blade on top of it.

Barret struggled and muttered pleaded against what he was doing.

But there is no denying a request I give, Maxim revealed. He pushed the sharp side of the blade more into Barret’s finger, cutting it a little.

Barret groaned from the stinging sensation.

"Nor do you ever steal from me. You steal for me, Maxim explained. You understand that?"

Barret quickly and aggressively nodded.

Good, Maxim said, then removed the dagger. He put it back in the drawer.

Knuckles and Coins let him go and backed up.

As I was saying. Get inside the party and steal another decorative dagger for me, Maxim requested. I have a fancy for them. You know, they actually belonged to the Goddess Nena and her trusted followers. Have you heard of the Goddess of Beginnings?

Barret nodded as he was still a bit shaken up.

But then who hasn’t? She is the reason we are all here after all...until she got too tough with her creations and they banished her in her own home of the Ventis Island, Maxim shared. Or so the story goes, but no one really knows what they did to her.

Barret stared as he swallowed hard.

Coins will show you to a room. Sleep well, for we ride to Yosa soon, Maxim told him, then gestured for them to leave.

Chapter 3: Returning

Barret was shown to a room near the bottom of the stairs. He removed his shoes and belt, then his cloak. He laid on his back on the bed. He was too tired to go to sleep and too upset to sleep. Eventually, as he laid there Barret succumb to the tiredness.

Hours later, Barret awoke to see a familiar face looking down at him. Is this common for you?

For you it seems, No Thumb answered. I do sometimes wake others up.

Next time you should crow like the cock you are, Barret stated as he sat up.

Hmm, No Thumb grunted. Boss wants you outside now.

Barret nodded, then got his stuff on. He followed No Thumb out of the room and down the hall. They walked outside to see a carriage with two horses attached. Maxim was standing by the open carriage door.

Get in, Maxim instructed.

No Thumb pushed Barret a little to make him move forward. He got inside the carriage.

I have a horse. I want to make sure she is fine, Barret mentioned. He worried about Peanut being with the thieving group alone. Also thought if there was a way to escape, he would need his horse.

Knuckles is bringing her around, Maxim told him. But don’t get the idea of running off with it. I do enjoy horse steak from time to time. He crackled laugh as he got into the carriage.

Barret cringed at that thought.

Knuckles came over with Peanut. Barret was happy to see that she was looking okay. He started to go to her.

Get in, Professional, Maxim demanded sternly.

Barret looked at him, then back at Peanut. The horse nickered as Knuckles attached the reins to a hook near the back of the carriage.

Barret reluctantly got into the carriage to sit by No Thumb and across from Maxim.

Knuckles closed the door before getting on top to drive the carriage. He had the horses walk through the town and once out he had the horses run.

So, why have you sworn off your home? Maxim questioned.

Bad memories of a hard life, Barret replied.

I am sure all have a life like that being poor in Yosa, Maxim remarked. Why do you care about your horse so much?

Why does it matter to you? Barret asked.

Making conversations, Professional. Obviously, that horse means something to you. Horses are tools to get by, nothing more, Maxim proclaimed.

Her mother had abandon her as a foal. She ran up to me with weaken legs and I felt compelled to care for her, Barret shared.

How sweet, Maxim teased.

No Thumb snickered.

Barret exhaled slightly as he moved the curtain out of the way to look out.

Maxim bent down to retrieve a small wooden chest from under the seat. He put it on his lap to open it. Inside was some food supplies. He took out an apple and threw it at No Thumb.

He caught it, then opened the door. Knuckles! Got an apple for ya!

Knuckles leaned over to take it from him. No Thumb got back inside and shut the door.

Maxim handed No Thumb another apple, then to Barret. He grabbed one for himself before putting the wooden chest back under the seat.

They all silently ate while continuing down the road.

It was dark by the time they reached the inn that was the half way point between the two towns.

They all got out of the carriage. Knuckles was quick to detach the two horses.

Barret went over to Peanut to give her some much needed attention. You holding up, girl? He secretly gave her the remainder of his apple.

Peanut whinnied, then took the apple core. Barret petted her snout, then untied her from the hook. He guided her to where Knuckles was taking the other two horses.

Hold on, Maxim stated as he stopped in his tracks. He approached Barret. Need to make sure I can trust you will stay.

I rather keep my fingers and my horse, Barret proclaimed.

Maxim smirked, then removed the saddle from Peanut. Take this inside. He handed No Thumb the saddle.

No Thumb grabbed it and headed inside to set up for a room.

Maxim roughly patted Barret on the shoulder, then went inside the inn as well.

Peanut stared at the Boss and snorted.

I know. We will be on our own soon enough, Barret told her softly. He continued to guide her to the covered pen.

Maxim approached the counter. I don’t do shared rooms. I request a room of privacy.

I apologize, but I only have shared rooms to the right, the innkeeper stated.

Maxim glared at him, then took out his favorite dagger that has seen much bloodshed. The blade was stained with the blood of others that went against the Boss’s wishes. He slammed the dagger into the counter.

The innkeeper looked at the dagger and noticed the words ‘The Rogue’ and a symbol of a mask on the stained blade. The Rogue Mask? His voice trembled.

So, what were you saying? Maxim questioned while staring coldly at him.

Uh, umm. My-your room is upstairs, the innkeeper commented.

Thank you, Maxim said as he removed his dagger and went into his pocket to take out his coin bag. He placed four coins down. Four meals and ales.

Co-coming right up, the innkeeper stumbled to say as he took the coins.

Take the saddle upstairs, Maxim told No Thumb.

He swiftly took the saddle to the room upstairs.

Barret watched the encounter at the doorway. He was nervous at how he was going to get away from this gang.

Knuckles walked past him, nearly shoulder bumping him. He went to join Maxim at the table.

Barret slowly made his way over as well.

No Thumb was quick to join too, just as the innkeeper came over with four mugs of ale.

The goods should arrive in Yosa sometime tomorrow. The best time to steal is at night when the party happens, Maxim announced, then drank. Since you were born and raised in that town, you should know how to sneak inside while No Thumb and Knuckles keeps watch.

Okay, Barret said. He started to think of the best path of getting in.

I will be stationed at No Thumb’s sister’s place. Once you steal the dagger, you will return pronto, Maxim declared. I suggest you keep to the plan if you know what’s good.

In and out, Barret concurred.

Maxim grinned. I like that.

The innkeeper brought over four bowls of a hearty beef stew with toasted bread slices.

Later as Barret laid in the same bed he was in not that long ago; he dreaded so much returning to his home after the joyous feeling of finally being able to leave it. He always wanted to gain enough money to feel like he could start anew someplace else, but he decided to just get out.

The thought of his deceased family came back. The sadness of his childhood. The audacity of this one person forcing him to come back to such trauma. He was going to steal the dagger all right, but he was going to leave as soon as he does. One way or another.

Barret eventually fell asleep with the thoughts of his sought out freedom.

Chapter 4: Party For Riches

The following morning, the group had a quick breakfast before heading on the road to Yosa.

They reached the town by mid-afternoon and headed straight for No Thumb’s place. The house that he shared with his sister was a good spot in the town where one could see the coming and going of the rich. There were four large homes of four different wealthy families, the biggest of the homes was the one who owned Yosa. They had the parties of selling and buying goods.

There was a fence that separated the rich from the poor with a single opening that had a cobblestone pathway that was partly inclined.

A few homes on the poor side had some elevation that made