Submission (#6173) Approved

Boggart sat behind the checkout counter, concentrating on his book. The bookshop was quiet today, and it was the perfect time to read and relax. The lanky black kittom with bright green eyes and horns stretched and glanced out the window. The shop was situated in a wooden shack on a raised platform over the marsh. A boardwalk connected it to the rest of Salva’s business district. There were docks out back for those arriving by boat.

The kittom was surprised by the amount of activity here. He had heard that Salva was a bustling port, but he never imagined that it would draw in so many travelers. The swamps and marshes didn’t seem welcoming to him, yet the shallow waters were crowded with boats, each pushed along through the narrow, cattail-lined channels by a nin with a long pole. Lanterns were hung from the bows of most vessels, cutting through the late afternoon gloom. Even here, beyond the borders of the Shaedmoor, a dense tree canopy loomed overhead, casting deep shadows over the timber shops and walkways. Glowing insects danced lazily along the buildings’ eaves, waiting for the shopkeepers to light their lamps for the evening.

Had it been two months already? Time flew by since Boggart began his apprenticeship with Grimmora, the owner of this establishment. The black elnin with floral markings and long, flowing lavender hair that faded to white at her ankles had eagerly taken him in and put him to work minding the shop with her ward, Hyacinth.

Boggart found the life of a bookseller quite different than that of a librarian. During busy times, the atmosphere was much more chaotic. You never knew which books would come and go from the shelves and what sorts of characters you might meet across the counter. Sometimes an eccentric nin would come in with a box of classic mystery novels that smelled of vintage inks and other times a kittom would bring in a few comics in search of some pocket money. Some nins browsed for hours, pulling out one book after another but never purchasing anything. Others left with a large stack of new reading material. And then there were the nins who simply loved a good negotiation. Hyacinth, a deep blue kittom with intricate floral markings on her back and face, was quite adept at making counter offers and securing a good deal. Boggart soaked up as much as he could. There was a subtle art to reading a nin’s body language and figuring out the perfect time to close. Grimmora mostly observed the happenings in the shop between business meetings and trips to pick up shipments, but she did jump in and provide guidance when needed.

The kittom’s reflection was cut short by the jingle of the bell at the front door. Finally, a customer. Boggart straightened up and greeted the newcomer warmly. A reddish brown kittom with swirling markings and a cream and green mane approached the counter. He watched as they placed a stack of books before him. All were popular titles, and most were in excellent condition. They were certainly worth considering.

“How much are you looking for?” Boggart inquired.

“Sixteen coins.”

“How about ten?” A low offer was a risk, but he needed to whittle the price down to twelve at most to turn a profit.

“Fifteen,” the kittom countered.

“Twelve?”

“Fourteen. That’s as low as I’ll go.”

The customer seemed firm, and Boggart couldn’t justify paying so much for these titles. As he was about to turn the kittom away, a twinkle of light caught his eye. A firefly alighted on the ripped edge of one of the dust covers, and he could just make out a sliver of gilded lettering below. Now that he thought about it, he didn’t recall this edition having sprayed edges, either.

Hyacinth lifted an eyebrow at Boggart, cleared her throat and cut in, “we appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid that we can’t make a deal. You might have more luck trading them for goods at the exchange down the block.”

“Wait,” Boggart placed a paw on top of the books, then pulled out his own purse. He counted out fourteen coins and slid them across the counter. “I’ll pay for these myself. I left my book collection in Ahza, and I need some fresh reading material.” He was taking a risk, but hopefully it would pay off.

The customer shook his paw, scooped up the coins, and skipped merrily out the door.

“What… are you crazy!” Hyacinth turned to Boggart, eyes wide with disbelief. He had paid over a month’s wages.

 Boggart ignored the outburst and pulled out the book that had intrigued him. It appeared to be a copy of The Lord of the Nins, but he peeled back the dust jacket to unveil something else entirely – Adwin’s Tall Tails. It was a rare, first edition collection of Adwin Strange’s comedic short stories. The tome was bound in finely tanned leather with hand-embossed detailing and brilliant gold lettering. This was a unique find, indeed. He could probably net fifty to sixty coins for a copy in this condition. Possibly more if he found the right buyer. He felt guilty for paying so little for such a treasure, but at least the customer seemed pleased with the transaction. This was business, after all.

“Very well done, little one,” Grimmora patted Boggart on the shoulder as Hyacinth looked on with a stunned expression. “Very few nins would have spotted that gem.”

Boggart beamed with pride. He was on his way to becoming a great book merchant.