"Father wil let us know when it is time then I'll line up in my spot as usual." Noreen spoke as she finished dressing. She picked up a basket that had some beading to do in it.
Suddenly a knock on the door and Sean called out
"Time, girls."

"Thanks, Father. We are ready to move out. See? Nothing to worry about, Jacquelyn. I wonder what a bedroom in a hotel looks like...." Noreen spoke as she went out the door with her basket.
"Coming?"

Jacquelyn just nodded and followed Noreene out of the wagon.

Sura led the party towards the city gates. "And you won't believe it," he was saying, "There is this meal they make, in which they grind a shark's fin into a bowl of soup. I've tried it, and personally, didn't really notice the shark but they say it promotes longevity so . . ."

Noreen followed behind Sura, Sean and her mother who made sure that Carolyn was at her side. She had her beading basket and some money which was tucked into a knotted bag and tied to the bottom of the basket. She didn't take chances on thieves getting what little she had. She had hopes of buying more beads and perhaps some string. She might even find a book on animals of the world. She always loved to read and she had excellent penmanship so perhaps she could get new nibs for her ink pen. Then if there was any money leftover, she would buy a few sweets.

Noreen glanced at Jacquelyn and wondered what she was thinking. Perhaps Father would give them a bit of money to spend today....

"And here we are!" Sura exclaimed, getting down from the camel. Two large men in heavy plate guarded the door, their spears at their sides. When he approached, the spears clashed together to form an "X" in front of the gate.

"We don't take kindly to those nomads, stealing all our jobs," one drawled, staring menacingly at the caravan behind Sura.

"Perhaps not, but I'm sure you'll take kindlier to looking the other way," Sura whispered, exchanging coins with the guard. The spears parted, and they were able to enter.

"A small price to pay to gaze upon the city's splendors," Sura said as he led the group into Dinsed's walls.