[SPEAKER_00]: Hello and welcome to another episode of The Kid Stories Podcast. [SPEAKER_00]: I'm Phil Bechtel. [SPEAKER_00]: Let's get into a shout out. [SPEAKER_00]: Bane and Naya are big fans of the show. [SPEAKER_00]: Bane shared this awesome drawing of Dropkit Kitty Cat with super cool, great stuff Bane. [SPEAKER_00]: I think if you two were characters in the stories, you'd be dream walkers.
[SPEAKER_00]: and you could enter people's dreams and take things from their dreams and make them real. [SPEAKER_00]: And you get valuable and powerful artifacts and potions and even creatures from people's dreams to help you in your adventures. [SPEAKER_00]: Thanks for listening, Bane and Naya. [SPEAKER_00]: Today's episode is the third in the new Magic Fix series. [SPEAKER_00]: This is Ember's Flame Part III.
[SPEAKER_00]: The Universal Tracking Compass had led them to the bustling town of Millhaven. [SPEAKER_00]: One day's hard ride east of the Dragon Highlands. [SPEAKER_00]: As they approached the town walls, Nora could see why stolen Dragon eggs might end up here. [SPEAKER_00]: Millhaven was famous throughout the region for it's anything goes marketplace. [SPEAKER_00]: Where questions weren't asked, and gold, talked louder than laws.
[SPEAKER_00]: The compass is pointing toward the market district. [SPEAKER_00]: Finn observed, consulting the brass instrument as they guided their tired horses through the crowded streets. [SPEAKER_00]: But the compass is going to sense any kind of dragon magic, I think. [SPEAKER_00]: Dragon scale armor, dragon claw charms, any potions with dragons blood. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I figured that, said Pip. [SPEAKER_00]: But it's a start.
[SPEAKER_00]: As they got closer to the marketplace itself, the compass became less helpful, just like they thought it would. [SPEAKER_00]: The needle wavered between different directions, confused by the massive concentration of magical items all gathered in one place. [SPEAKER_00]: Too much interference again? [SPEAKER_00]: Nor a muttered. [SPEAKER_00]: We'll have to do this the hard way.
[SPEAKER_00]: The Millhaven Marketplace was a maze of colorful stalls, temporary booths and permanent shops that seemed to sell everything imaginable. [SPEAKER_00]: merchants hawked their wares and it does in different languages. [SPEAKER_00]: And the air was thick with the sense of exotic spices, alchemical ingredients and magical energies. [SPEAKER_00]: So how do we find dragons egg dealers in all this? [SPEAKER_00]: Pip asked, looking overwhelmed by the sheer size of the market.
[SPEAKER_00]: We act like customers, Nora said, pulling her tool belt into a more prominent position. [SPEAKER_00]: We're from Magic Fix, remember? [SPEAKER_00]: We have a legitimate reason to be interested in rare magical components. [SPEAKER_00]: Finn nodded, understanding the plan. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, we ask around about amplification powders and rare ingredients, see who mentions Dragon Egg shells.
[SPEAKER_00]: They spent the next hour wandering through the market, stopping at various stalls that specialized in magical ingredients. [SPEAKER_00]: Most of the merchants were helpful, but ordinary, selling common herbs, crystals, and potions that any legitimate magic shop might stock. [SPEAKER_00]: But as they worked their way deeper into the market, into the sections where the stalls were less permanent, and the merchants were shifty-eyed.
[SPEAKER_00]: They began to hear whispered conversations about special orders and rare acquisitions. [SPEAKER_00]: Looking for something specific? [SPEAKER_00]: asked a thin man and a dark cloak who had been watching them browse his collection of suspicious looking bottles. [SPEAKER_00]: Amplification agents, Nora said casually, before our repair shop, we've heard that powdered dragon shell is the most effective, but the merchant's eyes lit up. [SPEAKER_00]: Ah!
[SPEAKER_00]: Dragon shell powder, very difficult to acquire. [SPEAKER_00]: Very expensive, but very, very effective. [SPEAKER_00]: You leaned closer. [SPEAKER_00]: I might know someone who deals in such exclusive materials. [SPEAKER_00]: Really? [SPEAKER_00]: Pip asked, trying to sound excited rather than nervous. [SPEAKER_00]: For a small, finder's fee, of course, the merchant continued. [SPEAKER_00]: Say, five copper pieces, and I could introduce you to someone who might have what you need.
[SPEAKER_00]: Fin counted out the coins from their dwindling supply. [SPEAKER_00]: Deal. [SPEAKER_00]: The merchant pocketed the copper ingestured toward a narrow alley between two larger buildings. [SPEAKER_00]: Find a stall with the red and gold banner. [SPEAKER_00]: Ask for Mathias. [SPEAKER_00]: Tell him Corvus sent you, and that you're interested in premium amplification materials.
[SPEAKER_00]: Following his directions, they made their way through increasingly narrow and crowded passages until they found the stall he had described. [SPEAKER_00]: The red and gold banner hung over a booth that looked more permanent than most, with sturdy wooden walls and a locked chest visible behind the counter. [SPEAKER_00]: The man behind the counter was middle-aged with greying hair and sharp eyes that seemed to catalog everything around them in an instant.
[SPEAKER_00]: This had to be Matthias. [SPEAKER_00]: Help you? [SPEAKER_00]: He asked in a tone that suggested he wasn't actually interested in helping anyone. [SPEAKER_00]: Corvus sent us, Nora said, we're interested in premium amplification materials. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias's expression changed slightly, becoming more calculating. [SPEAKER_00]: Gorvus A, and what exactly are you looking to amplify? [SPEAKER_00]: Magical repairs, Finn explained.
[SPEAKER_00]: We run a shop called Magic Fix and Wolfwater. [SPEAKER_00]: We need the strongest amplification agent we can get for some difficult restoration work. [SPEAKER_00]: Magic Fix, Matthias repeated, thoughtfully. [SPEAKER_00]: I've heard of you. [SPEAKER_00]: You're the kids who got mixed up in that bandit stuff in Shadow Mirror, yeah? [SPEAKER_00]: Nora felt a chill. [SPEAKER_00]: Their reputation was apparently spreading, which could be good or bad depending on Matthias's connections.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's us. [SPEAKER_00]: She said carefully. [SPEAKER_00]: Hmm. [SPEAKER_00]: Matthias said, and now he seemed genuinely interested. [SPEAKER_00]: He glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then leaned forward. [SPEAKER_00]: I might have access to some powdered dragon's shell. [SPEAKER_00]: Highest quality. [SPEAKER_00]: But it's not cheap, and it's not. [SPEAKER_00]: officially available if you understand my meaning. [SPEAKER_00]: How much are we talking about?
[SPEAKER_00]: Pipped, asked. [SPEAKER_00]: For a small quantity, well, fifty gold pieces. [SPEAKER_00]: The three kids exchanged glances. [SPEAKER_00]: They did not have anywhere near that much money. [SPEAKER_00]: That's more than we expected. [SPEAKER_00]: Finn admitted. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias shrugged, supply and demand. [SPEAKER_00]: Dragon shells are extremely difficult to acquire. [SPEAKER_00]: The dragons don't exactly cooperate with harvesting operations.
[SPEAKER_00]: Where do you get them? [SPEAKER_00]: Nora asked, trying to sound casual. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias's eyes narrowed slightly. [SPEAKER_00]: That's not really your concern, is it? [SPEAKER_00]: You want the product I can provide the product, the source is my business. [SPEAKER_00]: But of course, Nora said quickly, we're just curious about quality control, making sure we're getting genuine dragon shell and not some inferior substitute. [SPEAKER_00]: Fifty gold is no small amount.
[SPEAKER_00]: Everything I sell is guaranteed authentic. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias replied, I have very reliable suppliers who specialize in hard to find materials. [SPEAKER_00]: Pip leaned forward eagerly. [SPEAKER_00]: What other dragon related products do you have access to? [SPEAKER_00]: We might be interested in expanding our inventory. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias studied her for a moment, then seemed to come to a decision.
[SPEAKER_00]: Well, since your professionals, I occasionally have access to more than just shells. [SPEAKER_00]: Like what, Finn hasced. [SPEAKER_00]: Let's just say that sometimes my suppliers acquire entire specimens. [SPEAKER_00]: Unhatched. [SPEAKER_00]: Specimens, if you catch my meaning. [SPEAKER_00]: Nora's heart raced. [SPEAKER_00]: He was talking about stolen dragon eggs. [SPEAKER_00]: Uh, that sounds expensive. [SPEAKER_00]: She managed to say.
[SPEAKER_00]: Ha. [SPEAKER_00]: Very expensive. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias confirmed. [SPEAKER_00]: But also very valuable. [SPEAKER_00]: The shells alone I worked their weight in gold once the dragons hatch. [SPEAKER_00]: And if you know what you're doing, the dragons themselves can be quite useful. [SPEAKER_00]: Useful how. [SPEAKER_00]: Pip asked though. [SPEAKER_00]: She already knew the answer. [SPEAKER_00]: Dragon loyalties, absolute. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias explained.
[SPEAKER_00]: If you were the first being a dragon sees when it hatches, it'll serve you faithfully for life. [SPEAKER_00]: Imagine having a dragon as a business partner. [SPEAKER_00]: The possibilities are endless. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, but where would someone even keep on hatched dragon eggs? [SPEAKER_00]: Finn hasced. [SPEAKER_00]: They must require special storage conditions. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias nodded approvingly. [SPEAKER_00]: Very good question shows your thinking like professionals.
[SPEAKER_00]: Dragon eggs need to be kept at precisely the right temperature in magical environment. [SPEAKER_00]: But my suppliers have invested in some very sophisticated storage facilities. [SPEAKER_00]: Here in town, Nora asked, close enough, Matthias replied, In fact, he paused, studying their faces carefully. [SPEAKER_00]: You know, I like you three. [SPEAKER_00]: You remind me of myself when I was starting out ambitious, practical, willing to take risks for profit.
[SPEAKER_00]: How would you feel about a partnership opportunity? [SPEAKER_00]: What kind of partnership? [SPEAKER_00]: Pipp, ask nervously. [SPEAKER_00]: My suppliers are always looking for new distributors. [SPEAKER_00]: Young people with legitimate businesses who can move products without attracting attention. [SPEAKER_00]: Now you'd get a significant discount on anything you purchase plus a commission on anything you help sell.
[SPEAKER_00]: Hi, but no one would suspect kids of selling illegal substances. [SPEAKER_00]: Nora realized this was exactly the opportunity they needed. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, that sounds interesting. [SPEAKER_00]: What would it involve? [SPEAKER_00]: Oh, nothing too complicated. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias said, you'd simply need to meet with my suppliers inspect their current inventory and discuss distribution arrangements. [SPEAKER_00]: Think of it as a business meeting.
[SPEAKER_00]: If it works out, you could be selling all kinds of stuff secretly from that cute little shop in Wolfwater, but could make you a fortune. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, where would this meeting take place? [SPEAKER_00]: Finn asked. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias smiled. [SPEAKER_00]: At their storage facility, of course. [SPEAKER_00]: That way you can see the quality of their operation. [SPEAKER_00]: Examined, the merchandise first hand. [SPEAKER_00]: Very professional set up.
[SPEAKER_00]: I assure you. [SPEAKER_00]: When, Nora asked, tomorrow evening would work? [SPEAKER_00]: They prefer to conduct business after dark. [SPEAKER_00]: You understand. [SPEAKER_00]: I could arrange for you to be escorted to the facility. [SPEAKER_00]: Pip, looked uncertain. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, we'd need to know more details before committing to anything. [SPEAKER_00]: Of course, of course. [SPEAKER_00]: Mathias said smoothly. [SPEAKER_00]: All I'm asking is that you meet with them.
[SPEAKER_00]: No commitment beyond that. [SPEAKER_00]: If you're not interested after seeing their operation, you walk away. [SPEAKER_00]: No art feelings. [SPEAKER_00]: Nora exchanged glances with Pip and Finn. [SPEAKER_00]: This was obviously the break they needed. [SPEAKER_00]: A chance to find the stolen dragon eggs and see where they were being stored, but it was also clearly dangerous. [SPEAKER_00]: We'll need to discuss it. [SPEAKER_00]: Naturally, Matthias replied, take your time.
[SPEAKER_00]: but don't take too long. [SPEAKER_00]: Opportunities like this don't come around often. [SPEAKER_00]: If you decide you're interested, come back here tomorrow. [SPEAKER_00]: It's sunset. [SPEAKER_00]: As they walked away from Matthias's stall, none of them spoke until they were well out of your shot. [SPEAKER_00]: He's definitely connected to the egg leaves. [SPEAKER_00]: Pip whispered. [SPEAKER_00]: Did you hear how we talked about Dragon Loyalty? [SPEAKER_00]: Finn added.
[SPEAKER_00]: He knows exactly what those eggs are for. [SPEAKER_00]: Nora nodded, and now we know they have a storage facility somewhere nearby. [SPEAKER_00]: The question is, do we risk going to this business meeting tomorrow? [SPEAKER_00]: It's obviously a trap, Pip, pointed out, or at least dangerous. [SPEAKER_00]: But it might be our only chance to find out where the eggs are being kept, Finn countered, and we're running out of time, Embers counting on us.
[SPEAKER_00]: They found a small inn where they could spend the night and plan their next move. [SPEAKER_00]: As they sat in their rented room, the weight of their situation pressed down on them. [SPEAKER_00]: Somewhere in the Dragon Highlands, Ember was waiting sick in a week, in the care of dragons who would only help them if they succeeded.
[SPEAKER_00]: And somewhere nearby, probably closer than they wanted to think about, was a storage facility full of stolen dragon eggs, and criminals of the worst kind. [SPEAKER_00]: So what do we do? [SPEAKER_00]: Pip asked, as the sun began to set outside their window. [SPEAKER_00]: Nora considered what Mathias had said, [SPEAKER_00]: We go to the meeting, but we go prepared for trouble. [SPEAKER_00]: What kind of trouble Finn asked?
[SPEAKER_00]: The kind where we might need to signal for help very quickly, Nora replied, already formulating a plan. [SPEAKER_00]: Pit, how much chaos powdered you have left? [SPEAKER_00]: Enough for one really big distraction? [SPEAKER_00]: Pit said slowly, understanding where this was going. [SPEAKER_00]: Good, Nora said. [SPEAKER_00]: Because tomorrow night, we're not just going to a business meeting.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're going to find those dragon eggs, figure out how to get them back to their families, and get ember the help he needs. [SPEAKER_00]: And if something goes wrong, Pipp asked. [SPEAKER_00]: Nora looked out the window toward the distant mountains, where the dragon highlands rose against the darkening sky. [SPEAKER_00]: Then we'd better hope where as clever as everyone seems to think we are. [SPEAKER_00]: Tomorrow would bring answers, and almost certainly danger.
[SPEAKER_00]: But tonight they had plans to make. [SPEAKER_00]: The End. [SPEAKER_00]: Thanks for listening friends. [SPEAKER_00]: The website is kidstoriespodcast.com. [SPEAKER_00]: Send all your drawings and things to kidstoriespodcast at gmail.com. [SPEAKER_00]: Adios.