With the rebels and general chaos sweeping the kingdom, riding into any major town or market would have been too risky, even assuming that people were doing business normally at a time like this. So, Anya opted for the nearest horse farm along the way. She knew they were more likely to pay a decent price, not for Berries, who was a mere working breed, but rather for her unborn foal by virtue of its sire.
Unfortunately, it took nearly a full day's travel to reach the horse farm, and the sky was darkening again by the time the farm owner came out to meet them. Anya told him she wanted to sell Berries for some traveling money. She carefully left out her identity, of course, but the owner's sharp eye noted her blonde hair and soft complexion. This was no farmer's daughter. Assuming her to be another refugee from the capital, he chose not to ask for more details.
As a true businessman, the owner brought out a young man, also of witch stock, to appraise Berries and substantiate Anya's claims. Performing a scanning spell, the young man confirmed the pedigree of the foal now developing in Berries' womb. Then, unexpectedly, he whispered something else in the owner's ear.
"Gelvin here says your other horse is a fine specimen herself," the owner said. "Tell you what, I'll triple the amount for Berries and her foal if you'll also trade your mare, too. I have many high quality breeds much better for traveling and work, which I'm sure you'll be needing. So, what do you say?"
Anya was taken aback by this offer. Realistically, it was a pretty good deal for a desperate traveler. She would get more money and still have a good horse. However, Sassy was no ordinary horse. "I apologize, good sir, but I cannot trade Sassy for anything. She's special to me."
The owner pressured her, of course, but she stood firm. Sassy was not for sale or trade. At last, the annoyed farmer relented. "Your loss, missy. But it's agreed."
After they shook hands and exchanged money, Berries was handed over. As Anya turned to go, the farmer's wife bustled up. "Are you really sending this girl off into the night alone? Such a pretty young thing would be taken by bandits, for sure! Please, miss, spend the night here and leave in the morning."
Anya smiled at the kindly woman's concern but declined. She wanted to hurry to get to her family's estate as soon as possible, even if it meant traveling late into the night. Then, her stomach chose that moment to growl loudly, making her blush.
"A meal then," the woman said. "I'll not have you fainting on the road. Come along, dear."
Not to be denied, she herded Anya into the house and served her a delicious home-cooked meal. For someone accustomed to the rich delicacies of the harem, this was unfamiliar but pleasant, and she warmed up to it immediately. Lost in this new experience, she was unaware that not all was as it appeared.