9
Jarand’s encampment was now well enough established to attract merchants and tinkers. Even reclusive trappers, hoping to sell their furs without venturing into a big city, could be found dotted around the campfires. And with the added clientele, came purveyors of hard drink, food and entertainment. The dining tent catered for the troops and for those travellers who had been set upon by bandits and had little or no money at their disposal. But some of the tents had become eating places that provided a wider choice of dishes for those who could afford it, while others had set up as brothels or taverns. Singers, jugglers and acrobats strolled from fire to fire, entertaining soldiers and civilians in exchange for a few tossed silver coins.
Tonight there was a buzz of excitement in the conv
