I needed a story. Some plausible reason for the big lump in my backpack. A quick glance up at the sun confirmed the day was young; I had plenty of time to get to the town before dark. But maybe I shouldn’t. I had only the coins in my stomach, and I might need them for something more critical than lodging. I dithered for a few moments, then decided I might as well head for town while I tried to come up with something.