Nerio couldn't believe that he entered the Kingdom of Garduff so easily. Did the guard not recognize the stamp on the gold coins? Or even if he did, he was too greedy to let them go. Either way, Nerio was happy. One hurdle down. Now all he had to do was go to the royal family and meet their main courtier who handled the trade. In fact, he needn't even go to the royal family.
Nerio tied his seahorse to the place where other seahorses were tied. While most other were a fiery orange, his ride was a dull green and gray. Better. It looked insignificant. The seahorse looked at his owner and then turned its attention to the moss and weeds that were in the shallow coral trough in front of him. His master had bought a lot for him.
Nerio swam to the market where he inquired about the trader. He sat in a local inn that served shrimps and local ale where he got the information of the whereabouts of the field where the herb was harvested.
"Do you think the courtier would be available now?" he asked a very drunk man who was sitting next to him on a bench.
"Yes!" the drunkard replied. "Why not? That man only sees money around him. That is the only thing that drives him. Even his wife is unable to satisfy him as much as the money. If it was for him, he would hump the gold coins every day!" The man let out a laugh at his lewd joke. Several others joined him. The information was going to make Nerio's work easier. There was no one better than a corrupt man who could be bought.
"Where can I find his office?" he asked, taking a swig of his ale.
"Oh!" the owner exclaimed. "King Izo's daughter is also here. If you are from the capital, you should meet her. I am sure she would be delighted to see you."
Nerio cringed. That was the woman he had to avoid. He laughed. "Yes, I will be meeting her too." He leaned forward and in a low voice said, "By the way, do you know if we can visit the rare herb garden? I heard that the trade is bad for herbs."
The owner scoffed. "It is bad for everything. The herb garden is off limits, but if you give me five more coins, I can take you on its tour!"
Nerio blinked at the owner. This easy? "Sure," he replied. "I will give you two coins now and three upon return. Is that fine?"
"Yes!" The owner punched him on his chest. "Be ready in an hour."
"I don't have an hour," Nerio replied. His appearance would change by then. He couldn't take the risk. "How about I add an extra coin and you take me there now."
The owner grinned. Lady luck shone on him finally. "Okay. I am ready when you are. But remember not to pluck anything from there."
"I won't."
Fifteen minutes later, the two were on their way to the herb garden. The garden was heavily guarded. There was a tall wall around it. The gates were covered with swaying wild weeds. The guard who was guarding it looked fierce. After an exchange of three gold coins, they were both inside.