Sela stood by at the company shack. Today during guard mount the Sergeant was giving a briefing on the importance of selling additional services.

“So you see, if the company makes more, then we all make more. A rising tide lifts all rafts… I mean ships.” Sergeant Andrews said, addressing the five otters arranged in front of him.

The slip garnered a chuckle from the other five otters in the bazaar and central staircase detail.

“If there’s nothing else, remember that the harvest is almost done and you’re going to have to be vigilant as more of the coalition gets ready for winter. Festival season approaches, and all that comes with it.”

Sergeant Andrews nodded for everyone to head to their assignment.

Sela didn’t always get the top floor, sometimes he was on their VIP protection detail, but usually he got his favorite posting: the bazaar rover.

It was as the rover that he got to mingle with the crowds. The nobles that paid this contract wanted them as a show of force to intimidate potential thieves. Usually this meant that he put on a good show whenever any Lords were around. Any shopkeeper smart enough to get an open air slot on top of the mesa was smart about cut purses and footpads. Smart enough to either pay a protection fee or take out a contract with the otters and beavers.

One of the few stands run by those otters who had been given the dubious- in Selas eyes- honor was a baker who usually set up near Sams spices and trinkets.

Today Sela could see that he was already preparing baked goods despite the sparse amount of customers.

Sela gave the otter a head bob in greeting. He bobbed back.

“Hey Sela, you want a sample?” The otter, a slightly older male named Henry, said.

“Is it free?”

“For you? Sure. Just tell me what you think. It’s a recipe I am trying for an upcoming competition.”

Sela accepted the baked half circle, a croissant in the fox style.

Sela half grinned in salty admiration. It was good. Chip was going to have to up his game substantially to compete.

“Tell me more about your recipe."