Chapter 1:

Addie skipped down the street, greeting people as she passed by. She left footprints in the rough dirt with her bare feet, but she couldn't care less. On her face was the biggest grin that anyone had ever seen. Some said the brightness of her smile envied the sun. Addie was known for always being happy. She could always cheer anyone up without even trying. Addie's smile was the one thing she took with her everywhere, and nothing could separate her from it. Some people loved it, others envied it. Some people's day would brighten at just seeing her, but others only looked at her with disdain. They wondered what she possessed that made her so joyful, while the rest of them were sad and miserable. Many believed she was hiding something, perhaps a treasure or great wealth. They surmised that it was the reason behind her unexplainable joy.

But the fact was, Addie didn't have anything. Literally. She was dirt poor, and lived in a rundown shack at the edge of town. She missed meals constantly because of her family's inability to obtain any. She never went to school, and she could not read nor write. Yet, somehow, Addie had the world. She could find the good in anything and still have hope when everything seemed to be falling apart. This was a quality that attracted many people, some of which possessed malevolent and vile intentions.

There were these people, Healers they called them, who visited their small village only a couple of times a year. With them, they brought mysterious and valuable products that could change anyone's mood. People in Addie's village saved up for when they came. The products were expensive, but those who used it said it was worth it. But the Healers didn't just come to sell, they also came to take. The Healers would merely place their hands on the person and took what they were after. And people would agree to this willingly. Addie's mom warned her never to sell anything to them no matter how desperate they were. No amount of money would replace what they would take away. But the time came where they did come to Addie, and they wouldn't accept no as an answer.

They chanced upon her while she was at the market buying food. Addie smiled to everyone she encountered just like any other day. When three Healers approached her, Addie grinned and nodded to them politely. They nodded back and watched her as she strolled happily home. They watched her bouncy, lively movements with great interest. Addie was nearly home when one of them stopped her.

The three men were dressed in crimson robes that covered their entire body except for the head. The way they stood and walked seemed to demand respect from the lowly people. Their eyes were a shining amber, almost like that of tree sap or syrup.

"Hello, little girl. How are you feeling today?" one asked. This man was tall and slender. He had a clean face, free of any facial hair, yet he seemed old and slightly gaunt.

"I am doing good," Addie replied with a grin. She adjusted her dirty brown tunic and brushed off some of the dust in order to make herself more presentable.

"Have you purchased any of our products before? Perhaps...euphoria? Joy?" the short healer with a cane asked.

Addie shook her head. "No, I haven't"

A confused look spread among the faces of the men. They could not fathom how this girl, in the poorest conditions could be so happy. The three of them shared a look. Without saying a word, they silently knew what they wanted.

The Healer with a beard looked back at Addie and smiled. His teeth were shiny and white. "Why are you so happy then? Is it your birthday today?"

Again, Addie shook her head. Her gnarled brown hair swung around her head. "No, it ain't. I'm just happy, is all."

"What do you have there in that basket?" the first man asked. He spoke in a hushed voice, as if his question was something no one should know about.

"Oh," Addie replied. "Just a little bread. 'Tis all my pa gots money for. My family and me, we ain't got much."

The three healers looked at each other again. "It seems like your family could use a little help. Do not fear, my child, we are here to help you. Would you be interested in...trading with us? We could give you all that you need. You'll never have to be hungry again."

At that, the three men withdrew bags of coins from the folds of their robes. The one with the beard opened the brown pouch and scooped out a handful of shiny, golden coins. He let them slip between his fingers, and they fell back into the bag, making tinkling noises. Addie watched, mesmerized, at the golden coins. They were the most beautiful things she had ever seen.

"Might I hold one?" she asked, breathless.

The bearded man smiled and handed her a single coin. Addie's thin fingers enclosed around the small circular piece of gold. It felt heavy in her hand, and she traced her fingers on the markings and symbols that she could not understand. She stared at it for a moment, wondering what a shiny piece of metal could do for her family.

"So," the short man said, after a moment of silence. "Do we have a deal?"

Addie looked up at the men with her chocolate brown eyes. "How can I get this?"

The three men gave her a smile. "Just hold out your hand, my dear. Don't worry, it will only hurt for a second and then it will all be done."

Addie raised her hand from her side, but stopped herself. Her frail arm hovered in the air, unsure where to go. "What do you need from me?"

The tall Healer tilted his head. "Silly girl, don't you know what we do? We want your joy!"