Sunlight bathed the Dardan river valley market. The air buzzed. Vendors shouted their wares. Customers haggled loudly. A sudden camel bell rang in the distance. The market was livelier than usual today.
The newly established "Domain Specialty" section stood out. Coarse salt sat in neat wooden barrels for the taking. Snow-white refined salt and gleaming "Nectar of the Gods" were displayed on a separate stall. Draped with pristine linen.
The air held a mix of scents. Fragrant spices. The sharp tang of salt. The rich aroma of newly opened liquor.
Amid the bustle, a lavishly decorated foreign caravan rolled slowly into the square.
Ninsarina led them. She wore a deep blue embroidered gown. The hem was intricately stitched with Hittite totems in golden thread. They glittered in the sun. She descended gracefully from a tall camel. Her amber-gold eyes scanned the market like a hawk's. They quickly locked onto the refined salt stall.
"Observe everything here," she murmured to her guard captain. Her voice was soft, but he bowed instantly in obedience. "Especially the... less ordinary goods." She paused briefly. A meaningful smile touched her lips. "This little border domain is far more interesting than we were led to believe."
The caravan's camels and horses were tethered at the market's entrance. They carried exotic goods. Anatolian wool. Hittite copperware. A crowd of locals gathered to stare. These wares from distant lands gave the Dardan market an international flair.
Her mind assessed quickly. Orderly. Goods are plentiful. No signs of hunger on their faces—rare for a border territory. The reports were correct. The lord here is indeed unusual.
Ninsarina glided to the refined salt stall. With slender fingers, she pinched a bit of salt. Held it to the sunlight. Examined its color and texture. She cautiously touched it to the tip of her tongue. Her fine-featured face couldn't hide her astonishment.
"By the gods..." she breathed to her attendant, genuine awe in her voice. "So white. Not a trace of bitterness. This technique... it shouldn't be here, in a minor border holding. Even the Hittite royal house might not have salt this pure."
She turned to the stall selling the "Nectar of the Gods". The liquid shimmered with an amber glow in fine clay jars. The unique scent of distilled liquor contrasted sharply with the traditional wines in the market. She leaned closer. Inhaled deeply.
Just then, Aeneas arrived with Thaleia, Melanippe, and others to inspect the market. His tall frame stood out in the crowd. His black-and-gold curls shone in the sun.
He was observing the market's layout with keen interest. Completely unaware he'd become someone else's object of study.
Ninsarina approached him gracefully. Offered a perfectly measured bow. "My lord, might I ask the origin of these remarkable goods? I am Lina, a merchant from the mountainous lands of Sardura." She paused slightly. A polite smile played on her lips, as if adjusting to the alias. "I find the specialties of your domain deeply intriguing."
Thaleia instinctively moved half a step closer to Aeneas. Her slender fingers came to rest lightly on his arm.
Melanippe's eyes narrowed slightly. The Amazon princess's intuition put her on guard. This stranger was too polished. Her right hand drifted unconsciously to the short sword at her hip.
Aeneas was impressed internally. Wow, she's stunning! Looked like a boss lady straight out of a fashion magazine.
He kept a lordly demeanor nonetheless. Offered a warm smile. "Welcome to the Dardan lands, Miss Lina. These are our local specialties. We're honored you find them worthy."
Ninsarina tilted her head slightly. Adopted a tone of innocent curiosity. "To produce such fine salt and liquor, Dardan must have exceptional craftsmen." Her voice was smooth as milk. Seemingly guileless. "Might I have the honor of learning about the methods behind them? A good merchant should know her wares inside and out."
Aeneas's internal alarms rang. Her questions are too specific. Would a regular merchant care this much about production methods?
He maintained his pleasant smile. Replied cheerfully, "It's a blessing from the Love Goddess and the Wine God! I'm a son of Aphrodite. We're just fortunate recipients of divine favor!" He waved a hand casually. As if sharing a light topic. Then shifted gears. "But if you're interested in trade, Miss Lina, we'd be happy to supply you. Good products need appreciative buyers."
Ninsarina noted his skillful evasion. A flicker of admiration crossed her eyes. Well played!
She smoothed her skirts elegantly. Decided on a new tactic.
"I've traded for years among the Hittite lands. Never seen goods of this quality."
Her tone held a veteran merchant's confidence. "If Dardan is willing, I can help you reach broader markets. After all... fine goods deserve their true value. Don't you agree?"
Thaleia watched quietly. Her eyes never left Ninsarina's slightest movement.
Melanippe couldn't help but murmur to Ainippe, "Her eyes are too sharp. She's no ordinary merchant."
Ainippe gave a slight nod. Equally wary of this mysterious woman. "True, Princess. Her bearing... it speaks of strict, noble training."
Aeneas responded with easy composure. "If you are sincere, Miss Lina, we could grant your caravan exclusive rights to sell our refined salt and liquor in the Hittite territories."
He smiled. Added, "Naturally, price and shipping details need discussion. I believe this could benefit us both."
Ninsarina inclined her head gracefully. "This is the partnership I had hoped for. Dardan's products deserve better markets. And... more appropriate prices." She paused deliberately. Said meaningfully, "I trust this will be a mutually profitable arrangement."
The subsequent negotiation yielded a deal. Fifty Mina (roughly 25kg) of refined salt per month. Twenty jars of the "Nectar of the Gods". Payment in gold, silver, bronze ingots, or grain—
The standard mediums of trade in this late Bronze Age.
Aeneas noted Ninsarina's sharpness and decisiveness during negotiations. His internal assessment of her rose. So did his wariness.
When discussing trade routes, Ninsarina casually mentioned the "external pressures" facing the mountainous lands of Sardura. Aeneas responded meaningfully. Suggested that with deeper cooperation, they could discuss facing such challenges together.
Aeneas flashed a bright smile. Issued an invitation. "It's still early. Let me show you more of our town? Then join us at the estate for lunch. Sample our specialty meats and liquor."
He made an expansive gesture. As if presenting a great treasure. "I promise, it will be the finest meal you've had in the Troad."
Ninsarina smiled elegantly in return. Her amber-gold eyes sparkled with interest. "I'm fortunate to meet the young lord so promptly. Gaining a deeper understanding of the Dardan lands and its people is precisely my goal."
As they walked, Ninsarina seemed keenly observant. She appeared focused on the market's varied goods. In truth, she was scrutinizing Dardan's defenses.
Her gaze lingered on a newly built watchtower. It stood on a slope near the market. A wooden structure of thick oak beams. It rose above the treetops. A sentry with a bow stood atop it.
"The defenses are rudimentary. But taking shape," she assessed internally. "The watchtower's position is excellent. Clear sightlines. The archers look well-drilled—this Aeneas is capable. As battle-savvy as the rumors say."
Melanippe and Thaleia found rare common ground. They exchanged a look of shared vigilance.
Thaleia's deep brown eyes held complex emotions. Melanippe narrowed her own. Kept the beautiful newcomer under close watch.
Ainippe murmured to Melanippe, clear suspicion in her tone. "Princess, that 'merchant' is studying the defenses a bit too closely for a simple trader. I feel... she has another agenda."
Melanippe snorted coldly. "Merchant or spy, Amazons don't trust pretty strangers easily. I'll be watching her... closely."
Ninsarina mentally recorded her assessment. Aeneas. Clever. Cautious. Possesses a steadiness beyond his years. Dardan's defenses are incomplete. But new outposts are being built. Public order is excellent. The people look hopeful—Worth a deeper alliance.
Thaleia observed Ninsarina quietly. Worry gnawed at her. This merchant woman is too perfect. Her elegance and wit are unsettling. The young lord is clearly impressed. Her every smile is measured. Every word precise... Suspiciously perfect.
Then, Ninsarina noticed the Amazon armband gleaming on Melanippe's left arm. It raised her opinion of Aeneas another notch.
Interesting, she thought. This young lord has ties to the Amazons too? He seems more far-sighted than he appears!
Aeneas pointed toward various construction sites. "We're remote, but we're building. Perhaps one day we'll be Ilion's 'new trade hub'!"
His tone was light. As if sharing a soon-to-be-realized dream.
Ninsarina felt a stir of anticipation. This young man truly has value as an ally. Father should be pleased. The next step... find a way to build trust, step by step. And then... secure his support for our cause.