Having proudly completing the rituals of manhood, young Illig was eager to prove his worth. Although their was ample work on Jarang's stead, Illig was determined to win his own wealth. He waited impatiently for Orlanth's generous breeze to blow fortune his way. An opportunity leapt out at Illig while he returned from the Jungardi weekly market on a errand for his father. On the trail was a distressed wool merchant, sitting dispondantly on a wagon with a broken axle wheel.
The good natured lad introduced himself as Illig Jarangson of the Jungardi clan, and asked if he could be service. The fidgety merchant greeted him in the name of Issaries and introduced himself as Hrag of Durengard. He said that he was making his way towards Karandoliland to purchase wool, when his idiot apprentice ran over a boulder and broke an axle. In a fit of anger, Hrag drove off his apprentice. Agonizing over his misfortune, Hrag cursed his ill-luck.
In a reassuring voice, Illig told the merchant, "Your apparent misfortune is actually a fortuitous occasion! It is a proven fact that the wool of the Jungardi sheep is the finest wool in all of Heortland, far superior to that of the Karandoli. Furthermore, my brother Utag has an uncanny ability with wood, and will have your wagon ready before it's full of the finest wool of Jungardiland. I would be honored if you would grace my family's stead with your presence! I will introduce you to the finest wool of all Heortland."
Surprised at finding such a well-spoken youth in the hill country, Hrag enthusiastically thanked Illig, claiming to be in his debt. Back at the stead, Utag fixed Hrag's axle while Illig acquired all the wool his neighboring farmers could afford to sell. Ready to be on his way again but finding himself short of help, Hrag beseeched Illig to accompany him on his trade route. Recognizing Orlanth's fortune come at last, Illig eagerly agreed.
However, Illig soon began to regret his hasty agreement. Hrag would not treat Illig as his equal. Hrag expected Illig to do all the chores: cooking, cleaning the gear, and caring for the mules. Hrag treated Illig like a thrall!
One day Illig stood up for himself: he told Hrag he was no man's thrall. Hrag, furious at the thought of losing another apprentice, shouted that Illig had given his word to travel the yearly trade route. Illig calmly pointed out that they were both honor bound to fulfill their words, but that being Hrag's thrall was never part of their agreement. He coaxed the lazy merchant to a compromise: the two would stay together until they sold the Jungardi wool.
After selling the wool at the great market of Durengard for a healthy profit, Hrag and Illig were eager part ways. Disappointed by his meager share of the profits and forever leary of merchants, Illig once again returned to Jarang's stead to earn his own wealth and name.
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