The Winds of Tepr

Chapter 59

Linh and Gankou are up to their usual antics, slipping through the bustling streets of An'alm with grins that spell trouble. The morning market hums with life, vendors shouting their wares, mothers bargaining, children darting between stalls, but none suspect the chaos about to unfold.

"Look there," Linh whispers, nudging Gankou and pointing to a stall brimming with sweet pastries. "Fancy some breakfast?"

Gankou's eyes light up. "Only if it's free." He shoots Linh a wink before they exchange a quick nod, silently agreeing on their plan.

Linh steps forward, innocent as a lamb, and strikes up a casual conversation with the vendor. "Good morning, sir! That bread looks heavenly. What's your secret recipe?" he asks, his voice syrupy sweet.

The vendor coughs. "Ah, Linh. I hope you're not planning trouble, right? Well, it's all in the dough and a little extra honey. Keeps it soft and rich!"

As the vendor is distracted, Gankou swoops in from behind, swiping a pastry with lightning-fast reflexes. He bites into it as soon as he's clear, eyes closing in bliss. "Perfect," he mutters through a mouthful of sweet bread, tossing another to Linh.

They wander down the street, snickering as they polish off their stolen breakfast, but Gankou isn't satisfied yet. "We can do better than pastries," he says, his mischievous grin widening as he spots a large cart piled high with oranges.

"What're you thinking?" Linh raises an eyebrow, already intrigued.

Gankou scans the market, his eyes locking onto a cluster of gossiping women nearby. "Watch and learn." He sneaks up to the cart, grabs a few oranges, and then—with all the poise of a street performer—begins juggling them.

The vendor's eyes widen as he spots Gankou. "Hey! Gankou! You can't do that!"

But Gankou, undeterred, keeps juggling, edging his way into the crowd and drawing laughter from onlookers. He flashes them a grin. "Come on, now, a bit of fun, eh?"

Linh seizes the moment and casually fills his pockets with oranges while everyone is focused on Gankou's performance. When Gankou finally lets the oranges fall, he bows dramatically, earning scattered applause and a few coins tossed in his direction.

They retreat, oranges and coins in hand, laughing so hard they almost drop their loot. "You're ridiculous," Linh says, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

"Admit it, you're impressed," Gankou replies with a smug grin.

As they turn the corner, they spot a small flock of chickens being herded by a farmer. Gankou's face lights up with devilish inspiration. "What do you say we spice up the market a bit?"

Linh doesn't even need to answer. With a quick nod, he signals his approval, and they both dart over to the flock. Gankou reaches down, scoops up a chicken, and tosses it gently toward the nearest stall. The chicken, flapping and squawking, lands amidst a display of vegetables, scattering greens everywhere.

Pandemonium erupts. Chickens run amok, vendors scream, and baskets topple as Linh and Gankou dash through the chaos, each releasing a chicken in a new direction. By the time they reach the far end of the market, everyone is either chasing or dodging a runaway chicken.

Gankou leans against a wall, laughing so hard he can barely breathe. "I'm dying—did you see the look on that guy's face when the chicken flew at him?"

Linh grins, nodding. "The best yet. They'll be talking about this all week."

Gankou's laughter cuts off abruptly as he catches sight of a figure looming over them, his face as hard as stone. Ghuba, flanked by a couple of his soldiers, stands with his arms crossed, his eyes fixed in a piercing glare. Linh straightens, quickly wiping the grin off his face, while Gankou swallows hard, managing a sheepish smile.