There is a legend, not known to many, about a golden toothpick. It is said that it resides upon a hidden temple deep within the mountains. Guarded by the fighting Monks of the Sanhae tribe.
The Monks used it to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, for it had healing properties. Times were good as they no longer had pain in their mouth and had fresh breath. They had long since forgotten the origin of where the golden splinter had come from. Only those of the highest council within the tribe were allowed to know the original use of the weapon.
Previous to the monk’s use for the toothpick, it was a weapon used by an evil assassin. He used it to complete contracts that required the utmost stealth. No one would ever suspect a simple golden sliver to be a deadly weapon.
It has come to my duty, of the Merchant’s guild, to prevent the theft of a weapon. Rumors of the toothpick had spread amongst the town and the Monks wish to move it to a secure vault that the Merchant’s have created. It must not be taken by the wrong hands and had become a risk they did not wish to take.
In the sealed letter that I fill out, I mention that this woman had kidnapped me and should probably go see someone before hurting anyone else. She is happier than ever to see a recommendation to help her supply of wine.
Now that I realize where I am, it is the cave in Buya. It has no real use these days, but it has saved my journey a few hours of having to travel. The mountains themselves are not that far away from Buya, and luckily my steed was taken with me, along with my gear.
I see Soliel off, as I begin to travel as quickly and inconspicous as I can be. I do not need to alarm her to give chase to me as it would be a bit embarassing for both of us.
Finally, I see the mountains of Sanhae as I leave the Buyan wall borders. Here is where I leave my horse, as the mountain is too steep for one to travel up with. Rams and wolves live on these mountains and often scare away visitors. But I’d be more scared to get in the way of a woman and her liquor.
At last I have reached the temple that the monks reside. It is a glorious temple, filled with beautiful architecture. Sand pits used for meditation, a dojo for training, and a bamboo pit to strengthen balance. Someone could really learn a thing or two if they spend a year in this place.
As much as it would benefit me to do so, I must speak with the Head Elder of the Sanhae Monks. They were expecting me by the time I reached the base of the mountain. Better late than never I always say.
The Elder approaches me with a small wooden box. He tells me that it is of utmost importance that I keep it secure at all times. Not the first time that I’ve ever had to protect a valuable possession, I’m a merchant after all.
After verifying that the item has been received, I take my leave from the temple. Beginning my descent from the mountains, I only feel that something is watching me. It may just be the crow on the ledge of the mountain, or a Shaman’s pet.
Best not think like that, as it can come true if you believe it hard enough. Finally at the base of the mountain, I mount my trusty steed. I must get back to at least Buya tonight because I don’t want to risk another cave encounter.
Flying past landmarks, my horse sprints as fast as possible as the sun sets. I do not want to get lost this late at night. Looking down at the package, I can’t shake the feeling this is going too smoothly.
Arriving at the Northern Buyan wall, it is nearly midnight. Tired and exhausted, just like my horse, we stop at the nearest inns. Even the innkeeper is half exhausted, no one should be up this late at night. I sleep like our circle does on a slow day that night.
Waking up the next morning, I look in the package once again, to make sure nothing is missing. Getting ready to leave the town, and it appears someone has been following me. They begin to give chase, as I high-tail it out of town. Hoping that some guard would have stopped them or myself, they did not.
As I blaze through the wilderness once again, I realized one thing. The package wasn’t with me anymore! Trying to act casual, I recollect leaving it at the counter where the innkeeper was. As long as the pursuer was still giving chase, they might think I still had the toothpick.
Dodging trees left and right, I make my way all the way to the Kugnae gates. There I finally am stopped by the guards, I know I’m safe because even if the pursuer attacks, I have protection.
I turn, much to my surprise… it was the innkeeper that chased me! She tried to give me back my package before I left, but I ran from her… oops. I thank her for bringing this back to me, and I give her 10,000 coins for her kindness. She smacked me for being oblivious and thanked me at the same time. It was the most fun she’s had in ages.
Finally, returning to the halls of my Merchant Guild, I don’t mention the events of pursuit. Everything went smoothly as far as they know.
The only people that know of my secret journey are the Monk Elder, the inner circle of the Merchant Guild, the innkeeper, and myself.
On a side note, a few days after my journey had ended, I was taking a break. Much to my surprise, I seen a familiar Muse, leaving the Guild’s hall. Not by herself, but with a few of our guards. It seems the Elder read my message and signalled for help escorting her to see a Diviner to help her addictions.
So that is the tale of the Golden Toothpick. It is safely locked up in our vaults, where only the fewest members are privvied to the information. That being said, our Cashier seems to have cleaner teeth these days *grins*.