One shoulder pole, two baskets: goods on one end, gossip on the other. I'm Dandan, and I walk Aolai Town to the peach foothills and back every single day.
Needles, thread, salt, sugar, sauces — whatever the town buys, I carry. Coming back, I bring Taogu's honey and the hunters' pelts to sell. A peddler's pole should never ride empty on either end.
Last month in the peach woods, I saw the thing with my own eyes. West end of Taogu's orchard, just after dusk: a shape crossing the treetops — bigger than a monkey, faster, silent. I stood there with my pole for a full pipe's length, calves shaking the whole time. Next morning I reported it to Captain Tie and Taogu. People ask if I'm scared. I am. But if nobody walks this road, town and woods both starve of news. A peddler's courage is pressed out of him by the pole on his shoulder.