Cole’s shoes kicked up clouds of dust as he walked across the desert sand. The sun was just beginning to rise, but he needed to hurry. He needed to get to the market and then back to the mines before the morning bell rang—before anyone noticed he was missing.

Cole had been working at the mine for five years. If he stayed unnoticed and did his job, things weren’t too bad. But if he didn’t get back to the mines before the bell rang, Cole was guaranteed trouble.

For a brief second, he debated turning around. He could always try going to the market another day when he had more time, but his hunger was a sharp, familiar pain in his stomach, reminding him why he had decided to take this risk.

Cole was given dinner every evening with his rent, but if he wanted any additional food, he had to pay extra. Unfortunately, Cole had already used up most of his money for this week, and he still had a few days left before he got his next paycheck. If he didn’t go to the market now, he wouldn’t be eating until dinner.

Making up his mind, Cole continued walking, this time at an even faster pace.

About a half mile away from the mine was the Rhomac market, where wealthy people came from Elysia and Nilrith to buy food or handmade items. Even though Cole never had enough money to buy anything at the market, years of hunger had taught him to steal what he needed.

Cole walked through the market quickly. Although it was still early in the morning, the space was already filled with energy. Eager merchants were standing under tents and stands, trying to sell their goods to wealthy visitors browsing the aisles. Cole could hear them calling out sales and prices, trying to entice anyone to buy their products. Everywhere Cole looked, there were delicious smells, music, and excitement. If Cole had more time and money, he would have stopped to enjoy the scene around him. Unfortunately, he didn’t have either, and he needed to hurry.

He finally saw what he was looking for. Under one of the tents, a baker was selling a variety of different breads and pastries. Cole’s mouth watered just looking at the bread. After a quick glance at the baker, Cole was certain he’d found the right person to steal from.

Since there were no military forces stationed in Rhomac, each person was given the right to carry out punishments themselves. The only requirement was that they catch the thief. Luckily, the baker looked old, and Cole had no doubt that he could outrun him.

All he needed was a distraction. He browsed the stands nearby, keeping an eye on the baker’s tent and waiting for another shopper to distract the baker.

Finally, another shopper took interest in the baker’s tent and looked into purchasing some of the pastries for sale.

While the baker and shopper talked, Cole slowly wandered over, waiting for the perfect moment.
The baker handed the woman a bag filled with bread, and she reached into her purse to find her money. At that moment, Cole grabbed a piece of bread off the table and ran. The baker yelled after him, but Cole was already out of reach. He ran as fast as he could, turning down aisle after aisle at random. Finally, he stopped and looked around. The baker was nowhere near him. He grinned and took a big bite of the bread he had stolen. The outside crust crackled as he bit down on it, and it tasted every bit as good as he had hoped.

Cole took another big bite as he walked. He focused on the ground in front of him, trying not to get distracted by all the sights around him. He knew he didn’t have much longer before the mines opened.

When he finally made it to the edge of the market, he froze. The baker he had stolen from was only a few feet away, and he looked furious.

Cole tried to turn back the way he had come, but before he could, the baker moved beside him and grabbed his shoulder. “Oh no, you don’t,” he said in a low voice. “You’re not running away this time.”

Cole’s breath caught in his throat. He tried to free himself, but the baker was a lot stronger than Cole had first assumed, and his grip didn’t loosen.

“If you don’t want to get into any more trouble,” the baker warned, “I suggest you come with me.” Cole nodded, and the baker led him through the market, back toward his tent. When they got there, the baker stopped and looked at Cole, who looked around quickly, trying to come up with some way to escape.

Finally, the baker said, “I want you to know thievery is something I will not tolerate—ever. Consider this your only warning.” Cole relaxed slightly. At least it sounded like the baker would let him off easy. “However, I can understand being a little hungry every once in a while. How old are you?” Cole answered this question with one of his own. “Why do you want to know?”

The baker watched Cole closely but didn’t pressure him to answer his question. Instead, he just asked, “And you work at the mine, I’m guessing?”

Cole nodded.

“Terrible place, that mine. I’ve never approved of what they do there.”

“Yeah, well, there aren’t exactly many options around here,” Cole said distractedly. “And if I don’t get back soon, I’ll be in trouble, so—”

“Wait a moment,” the baker said quickly. “I wasn’t finished yet. Luckily for you, I’m feeling generous today, so I’m prepared to offer you a deal.”

That piqued Cole’s interest. “You miners have to sign a contract, right? To work for a certain amount of time?” Cole nodded. “When does your contract expire?”

Cole shrugged. He’d never paid attention to that before since he would just end up re-signing, anyway. “In a few weeks, I think.”

The baker nodded. “Okay, here’s my deal: You work at the mines until your term expires. During that time, you can visit anytime, and I’ll give you some of whatever bread isn’t selling. I’ll be in town for a month. If your contract expires before I leave, you can come work for me until you pay back everything I’ve given you.” He paused. “What do you think?”

Cole was speechless. He’d never dreamed something like this would end up happening to him. “Yes,” he managed to spit out. “Yes, that would be great! Thanks!”

The baker grinned. “Good. That’s settled. Here’s a piece of bread for today.” He handed Cole a roll. “Come back anytime you want.”

Cole accepted the bread and grinned back. “Really, thanks so much. I—” Cole could barely hear the morning bell ringing in the distance. Cole’s stomach dropped. “I have to go!” he said quickly. “Thanks again.” He instantly took off running, shoving the roll of bread in his mouth as he ran.