There are a decent number of "merchants" that are barter only. I don't play much anymore but remember the one in silverwood, one in arial city, and another that's location escapes me(just remember bartering for prep there). And as said, unless your specific role prohibits it, there are many many healers not in protected cities. There is a trainer (woodelf) in the FoN and the recruiter in the battlefield (train and practice I think) there are a few others too I am sure.