[The X Phial]

Aldhelm entered the market square in the smaller of his carts. On market days he brought both carts into the city, sending Deol with the larger to deliver flour to the inns, bakeries, and larger households of the city, including the Golden Hall, while he brought the smaller to market. The less affluent families needed flour too, after all, and Aldhelm was a staple of the square. The richer households also benefited from his stall, as he usually had several jars of honey for sale. Honey was to be had from others, of course, but Aldhelm's wife took good care of her hives and many people swore that her bees made the sweetest honey in Rohan. He usually countered with a "not as sweet as Mae herself", for none could compete with Maedlyn in Aldhelm's mind.

Today, of course, Deol would be joining Aldhelm after his rounds, for they had delivered flour to the White Horse and all the surrounding neighborhood the night before and that would free up several hours for the lad. Aldhelm was glad of the chance to teach the boy some of the finer points of market days. Milling was more than grinding grain and delivering flour, it was relationships with farmers and bakers and innkeepers and housemaids. People needed flour and would buy from a surly miller if need be, but Aldhelm knew that he could get the things he needed much easier if he and his flour were valued by the community.

The horses were hitched and the flour and honey was on display when the street musicians began to arrive. Aldhelm waved to a piper he knew well. They had a good relationship, the piper benefiting from the high traffic around the stall and Aldhelm enjoying the music and tales. He tossed the musician a copper coin.

"It's not a market day without your tunes, friend."

"Nor without your smile."

They shared a smile and the sweet notes of a familiar dance tune started as farmers, maids, wives and children began to enter the square. Women with bouquets began to wander, hawking their wares, and the market settled into its familiar pattern.