Sabine shook her head. “No. This land has been parched for far too long. Animals that abandoned this area now have a chance to reclaim their homes. It won’t change the rest of the desert, but in another few months, life will begin returning to this small area.” She climbed onto the back on her thontin. “We only have a couple hours until nightfall. If we’re going to learn anything about the Merfolk’s missing Pearl tonight, we should probably make haste. We only have a few days until the new moon.”
Malek nodded and nimbly mounted his beast. “Not sure how much haste we can get out of thontins, but I agree. I’d rather not chance running into more of the desert tribes. We’ll need to leave our mounts outside of Karga to avoid anyone recognizing the markings on the saddles.”
Sabine nodded. Clicking her tongue at the thontin, she tugged on the rein to direct it back to the path. The creature plodded along, ambling toward the city and hopefully toward some answers.
Karga was hot and dusty.
They’d left their mounts outside the city, hoping they wouldn’t be noticed by anyone who might have a connection with the hunters. A tall wall surrounded the entire coastal city with spear-wielding guards manning the gates. Over top and within the ramparts, more guards peered down as the pair passed beneath the wall. Strangely, even though they’d been watched since they began their approach, no one had stopped them from entering.
Sabine had expected Karga to be similar to Akros, but the two couldn’t be more different. Most of the buildings were single story with low, flat roofs. All the structures they passed appeared to be made from some sort of clay building material rather than the stone and wood commonly used in Akros. The rich smells of cooking meat and exotic spices permeated the air, making her mouth water in appreciation.
It was the people, though, who possessed the greatest differences. There was no doubt Karga was a human city. She caught sight of a few who might have some magical traces somewhere in their bloodlines, but it was nothing like Akros. It made her grateful her magic had been completely replenished so she could blend into the shadows if the situation required it. Humans could be fearful when faced with someone who was different from them.
Most of the people they passed had deeply bronzed skin and dark hair and eyes. Sabine stood out even with her current glamoured human appearance. It wasn’t simply a matter of her pointed ears and nearly white-blonde hair but also her clothing. Her belted tunic over a pair of fitted leather pants might be fairly standard attire back in Akros, but not here.
Most of these people wore colorful attire made from some sort of nearly transparent material which was much lighter than her clothing. It made sense given the warmer climate, but the differences clearly marked both her and Malek as outsiders. Since she’d spent the last ten years in hiding, the scrutiny was making her uneasy.
“Not what you expected?” Malek asked, walking close to her with his hand on his weapon. The two bags he carried were slung over his shoulder, but everyone seemed to be giving them a wide berth. She hoped it was simply because they were outsiders and not for some other nefarious reason.
“Not quite,” she replied, brushing her fingers over her throwing knives. It was a nervous gesture and one she tried to avoid, but their weight gave her a small measure of reassurance. “We’re attracting a lot of attention.”
Malek nodded. “We’re heading toward the market district. We’ll pick up some clothing and find a bathhouse. We’ll still stick out but not quite as much. I know an inn closer to the docks where we can make some inquiries into repairing the ship. More strangers gather down there since so many ships pass through on the way to the northern cities.”
“Do you want me to snoop?” Blossom asked from her perch on her shoulder. The pixie was keeping herself mostly out of sight, and Sabine was using a trace amount of glamour to mask Blossom’s presence from the curious onlookers.
“Wait until we’re in a less populated area,” Sabine murmured, trusting Blossom could keep herself hidden once she was on her own. It was unlikely pixies ventured near the city, and the inhabitants had probably never seen one of her kind. Fortunately, Blossom had the ability to use minor glamour, confusing her appearance with different small winged creatures when it suited her. Since Blossom had drunk deeply of the Fae spring, her magic was also fully recharged. Blossom should be able to flit around the city for hours without being recognized.
They made their way through a number of streets until they came to a large marketplace. It was a wide-open district with numerous stalls set up. Some of them were already closing for the night, but more than a few were still open. At the sight of Sabine and Malek, a few merchants called out invitations to browse their wares.
A merchant held up several bolts of cloth and approached them. “Would the lady be interested in some of my rare and precious silks and other cloth all the way from Tarvei?”
Malek halted, glancing at Sabine with a question in his eyes. She nodded, and Malek turned back toward the merchant. “Indeed. We’ll take a look.”
They walked to the man’s stalls filled with colorful cloth. Sabine trailed her fingers over a bolt of pale-yellow cloth, astounded by the softness. It was nearly sheer and better suited for a boudoir than walking around in public. She couldn’t deny it was extraordinarily beautiful, but it wouldn’t be suitable for their purposes.
With a sigh, she released the cloth and said, “I think we’re going to need some clothing that’s already made. We won’t have time to find a seamstress.”
“No need, no need,” the merchant said quickly, obviously reluctant to lose a potential customer. “I have several items you can wear immediately.”
He left to look around in the back of the stall and then brought over dozens of items. Laying them out in front of her, he said, “These are of the highest quality you will find anywhere. With your features and wearing one of my dresses, you shall be the envy of all of Karga.”
Malek’s mouth twitched in a hint of a smile. “What do you think? Do you like any of them?”
Sabine bit her lip, studying the choices. She ran her fingers along the material of a dark-blue dress that almost seemed to shimmer in the light. It was much more substantial than the last bolt of cloth but promised to be considerably cooler than her current attire.
She lifted it closer, fascinated by the intricate silver stitching that was clearly the work of a master artisan. The merchant may be trying to make a sale, but he hadn’t been lying about the quality of his merchandise. It was both finer and lighter than anything she’d ever worn while she lived in Akros.
“That color suits you,” Malek said, nodding toward the dress she was admiring.
“It’s beautiful,” she said and reluctantly placed it down so she could move on to the next dress. The vendor had laid out clothing in nearly every color, each of them extraordinary in their attention to detail. Picking up another one that was a deep forest green with gold trim, she couldn’t help but think of her missing witch friend. With Esmelle’s curly red hair and green eyes, she would be striking in this dress. “I wish Esme were here to see these. She’d love this one.”
Malek picked up the blue one she’d been admiring and pointed at another bright red one with gold stitching and the green one she was holding. He selected two more in different colors and then haggled with the merchant. Sabine’s eyes widened, surprised he intended to purchase all of them. She’d thought he’d only buy one or two, but he clearly had other intentions.
“You shall bankrupt me, good sir,” the merchant pleaded after Malek suggested a paltry sum. “I will never be able to feed my children for so little!”
Malek gestured at a few items on the opposite table. “I’ll give you another thumb-sized gem if you throw in a couple of those chained and beaded belts and two pairs of sandals.”
The merchant’s eyes widened, and he hastily nodded. “Of course, of course. Whatever you wish. Shall I wrap them?”
“Everything together except the blue dress, one pair of sandals, and
the matching belt. Wrap those separately.”
The merchant nodded and quickly folded up their purchases. Sabine went back to watching the crowd. The sun was beginning to set, and more people were closing their stalls for the evening.
Sabine frowned as she watched one of the nearby merchants lock his merchandise into a chest in his stall area. From what she could tell, it was a rather flimsy lock. Any of the street kids in Akros would have had it open and emptied before the merchant had made it halfway down the street. She noticed a few others doing the same thing.
Leaning close to Malek, she asked, “Aren’t they worried about their belongings being stolen?”
“The laws in Karga are harsh,” Malek admitted, following her gaze to the nearby stall. “The merchant’s belongings are as safe here as they are in their own homes. You’ll find very few thieves.”
Thievery was unheard of in Faerie, but her time in Akros had made her believe it was common in human cities. In her experience, lies and deceit came to them as easily as the truth. “We’ve been watched since we entered the city. I thought they might be pickpockets or thieves, but they’re not?”
“Thieves have no place amongst us.” The merchant spit onto the sand in disgust. “Those who watch are part of the Kiervan.”
“Kiervan?” Sabine questioned, unfamiliar with the word.
“They’re similar to city guards,” Malek explained, taking the packages the merchant offered. He placed them inside one of his bags and slung it over his shoulder. “Good fortune to you, merchant.”
“To you as well,” the merchant replied, pressing his thumb and forefinger to his temple in a gesture of gratitude.
Malek placed his hand against Sabine’s lower back and led her away from the stall. In a quiet voice, he said, “The Kiervan are also spies. They keep watch for outsiders and report anyone suspicious to the city’s leaders. Our presence has already been noted, and they’ll keep an eye on us for a while. Spending coin in their marketplace is one of the quickest ways to alleviate their distrust. We still need to be careful to avoid any suspicion.”
Sabine frowned, catching sight of one of the Kiervan. The man’s eyes were narrowed on Malek, but they weren’t paying much attention to her. Malek ignored him and continued moving through the market district.
“I bet those guys know something about Pearl,” Blossom whispered from her hiding place under Sabine’s hair.
“Possibly, but you heard what Malek said. Be careful when you investigate,” she said low enough so only Malek and Blossom could hear.
Malek nodded. “Blossom may overhear something, but I suspect you might have better luck, Sabine. Women are deeply respected and even revered in Karga. It’s considered one of their greatest offenses to harm a woman.”
Sabine arched her brow. “Do women also hold a place among their leadership then?”
“Sadly, no,” he admitted, leading her down a ramp away from the market. “In some cities I’ve visited, women are considered equals. Women in Karga are considered precious and rare, more so if they’re of child-bearing age. Life in the desert is harsh, and there’s always a lack of women willing to embrace that life.”
Malek pointed at the high walls surrounding the city. Several archers were patrolling the top, looking toward the outside area and not paying any attention to what was happening within the city walls. “Those guards are to prevent raiders from infiltrating the city and stealing their women and supplies. If any raiders make it inside, the Kiervan will also attack them.”
Sabine studied the armed guards manning the wall. They were well equipped with heavy crossbows, and their clothing was similar to what the hunting tribe had worn. Their leathers were dyed to match the same ochre color as the walls, making them blend in a bit easier.
Glancing over at Malek, she said, “They allowed us entry without any problems.”
He nodded. “Your presence made it easier for us to enter, but leaving may be a bit more difficult. Outsiders are welcome if they’re here to trade, but no one quits the city without being searched and questioned.”
Sabine frowned. “Ilwan said they sent someone to search for Pearl and couldn’t find any trace of her. If she isn’t here, Pearl must have left of her own free will.”
“Not necessarily,” he said quietly as they passed a group of people who sounded like they were heading to a nearby tavern. “There are ways to move in and out of any city without being detected. I’ll make some inquiries with some of my smuggler contacts while we’re here. They might know something.”
Malek stopped outside a large building. A girl on the cusp of womanhood was standing outside, leaning against the wall. Her dark hair was braided in two simple braids, with the center part painted a deep red color. It wasn’t the first time Sabine had noticed such an adornment in the city, but she hadn’t yet learned its significance.
The girl straightened, her eyes widening at the sight of Sabine. “Would—would the lady like to visit our bathhouse? We have the nicest hot springs anywhere in the city and perfumed oils for a massage, if that’s your preference.”
Malek withdrew some coins from a pouch and handed them to the girl. “That should cover everything. I’ll double the amount if you have her old clothing laundered and brought to the dockside inn. She’ll also need an escort to show her the way.”
The girl’s jaw dropped at the wealth she’d just been given. “Of-of course, good sir. My uncle can escort her once she’s finished. I’ll take her in right now to see my grandmother.”
Malek nodded and withdrew the wrapped package containing the blue dress. He handed it to the girl and said, “Give us just a moment, and she’ll be inside. That packet contains clothing for her to change into while you’re laundering what she’s wearing.”
“I’ll be right inside waiting for you, mistress.” The girl bowed low and hastened inside.
Sabine smiled at Malek and teased, “You’re not staying? I thought you’d be just as eager to get cleaned up.”
“Tempting, but opposite sexes are not allowed in the public bathhouses.” Malek chuckled and pointed at a building farther down the street. “The men’s bathhouse is right over there. After I’m finished, I’ll meet with the shipbuilder to inquire about the repairs and leave word I need to smuggle some items out of the city. That should give us an opportunity to inquire about Pearl. I’ll meet you at the inn when I’m finished.”
Sabine glanced around, but the crowd was thinner in this area. No one was paying them much attention. In a low voice, she said, “Blossom, go ahead and take flight. Come find us at the inn when you’re finished. I’ll leave a window open for you. If you’re not back by midnight, I’ll go for a walk outside and find you.”
“Don’t worry, Sabine,” Blossom said and hugged her neck. “They’ll never notice me.”
The tingle of pixie magic indicated Blossom had glamoured herself and then she was gone.
Malek’s eyes widened, and he murmured, “She’s a moth.”
Sabine’s mouth twitched in a smile. “Of course. It’s a little hard to snoop when you stand out. During the day, she’s a butterfly or a small bird, but a moth blends in better at night.”
He shook his head and chuckled. “You both are full of surprises.” His expression became more serious. “Be careful. They’re reluctant to harm women, but you’re still an outsider. They’ll be suspicious if you ask too many questions.”
“I understand.” Sabine smiled and kissed his cheek, touched by his concern. “You should be careful too. I’ve started to enjoy having you around.”
Without waiting for a response, she pushed aside the leather flap blocking the doorway and ducked inside. The smell of incense and smoke filled her nose, and her eyes watered. It was a little too strong, but humans didn’t have the same olfactory senses as the Fae. Unfortunately, that meant she’d be nose-blind for the next several hours.
The girl grinned and rushed toward her. She took Sabine’s hand and said, “Your husband is very generous. He’s a g
ood match for you, no?”
Sabine paused, disconcerted by the girl’s assumption. Until she knew more about these people, she was reluctant to correct the misconception. “He’s very generous. What’s your name?”
“Rika, mistress.”
“Call me Sabine,” she said gently and looked around the room. A few low tables with oil lamps lined the walls, while plush lounging cushions were scattered on the floor. A man leaned against the wall, scanning her up and down with interest, but he remained silent.
“That’s my Uncle Ekon. He keeps everyone out, except invited guests. Don’t worry. He won’t come in the main part of the bathhouse. Only women are allowed.” Rika tugged on Sabine’s hand. “My grandmother is preparing everything for you. She’s very pleased you’re here. I’ll take you to the scrubbing room first and then we’ll go to the hot springs.”
Sabine followed Rika as she pushed aside another flap and led her into a brightly lit chamber. Painted screens were set up throughout the room, offering a modicum of privacy. Rika led her to one of these areas and picked up a large clay jar. She poured some perfumed water from it into a large bowl and gestured at a brush.
Sabine’s brow furrowed, but she picked up the brush. It looked similar to a hairbrush but with a much longer handle. Beside it was a tiny brush with a strap affixed to the back. “What is this?”
“You must scrub your skin before entering the springs. I can help you wash your hair,” Rika said and gestured at Sabine’s bag. “If you leave your possessions with me, I promise to keep them safe for you.”
Sabine hesitated but allowed the girl to take her bag. She removed her weapons and started unlacing her shirt, taking care to hide the Merfolk’s necklace in the bottom of her bag. She wasn’t sure if Rika would recognize the jewelry, but it would be best to keep it hidden for now.
Glancing down at the small bowl of water, Sabine asked, “You want me to use this water to scrub my skin?”
By Blood and Magic Page 11