by M. Gregg Roe
“That’s possible,” agreed Kora. “But beginners can be challenging because they tend to play unpredictably.”
Rosalind gestured with the goblet she was holding. “That’s probably part of it. I think she always keeps tiles that have violets on them.”
That gave them all a good laugh. Marryn saw that Audrey had returned and was looking at the play chart. “It’s time for round two,” she announced, and they all headed back to the tables.
♦ ♦ ♦
Saxloc kept quiet as he and Rosalind departed the mansion. She had appeared to accept her second place overall gracefully, but he knew very well that she had expected to win. Rosalind had finished ahead of Marryn, but it was Kora who scored the overall victory. And the truth was that all three of them had finished well ahead of the other five.
“Thank you for walking me home,” she suddenly said as he was opening the gate.
“It’s not a problem,” he told her, smiling. “I need to stretch my legs. I’ve been sitting all evening.”
“How did your game go?” she asked as the two of them headed east.
“Hankin won, as always. I think I lost as much money as you just won.”
“Did Hankin cheat? He looks like the kind of person that would cheat.”
“If he did cheat, then he’s very clever.” Saxloc had wondered that himself. Hankin won at dice far more often that he really should. The game, after all, was mostly luck. But she was certainly right about Hankin being the type.
“There really isn’t any way to cheat at Sparrow,” she said.
“What about dressing the way Lilina was?” he asked, causing Rosalind to laugh.
“Actually, distraction is a technique that some players use. Violet’s talking was definitely distracting some people. The only one that Lilina distracted was Gabriel when he filled in for Violet. That was hysterical.”
“It really was,” he agreed.
He and Hankin had watched in amusement as their friend desperately tried to keep from staring at Lilina’s cleavage. And the woman had made things worse by leaning forward repeatedly and teasing him. When Violet returned from changing and feeding her baby, she promptly scolded Gabriel for playing so badly in her place.
“Saxloc, where is our relationship going?”
It was an unexpected question, and one that required a serious answer. “Where do you want it to go?” he asked to buy himself time to think.
Rosalind looked over at him and rolled her eyes. “That’s not an answer,” she complained.
“We’re going out less often. You’re busy with your work and your magic training.” Rosalind also frequently played Sparrow with the other women in her boarding house in the evening. “I’m pretty busy as well.” That wasn’t a lie. His grandfather’s lessons were very time-consuming.
“It feels to me like we’re slowly breaking up,” she said, sounding both serious and sad.
“You may be right, but it’s better than an angry break-up.”
“That’s definitely true.” Rosalind shrugged. “Let’s just see how it goes. No matter what, I still want us to stay friends.”
He wanted that too. She held out her left hand out he took it in his right, marveling as always at how small it was. They walked all the way to her boarding house that way.
♦ ♦ ♦
Almera entered the parlor carrying a tray containing a dark green jug of rice wine and two silver goblets. Audrey looked tired as she lay on a sofa near the east fireplace. She sat up as Almera placed the tray on a table, filled both goblets, and handed her one. Audrey took a sip and nodded approvingly as Almera seated herself nearby.
“Thank you,” said Audrey as she saluted Almera with her goblet. “I’m exhausted.”
That was no surprise. Even with Rosalind’s help, planning the Sparrow party had taken up Audrey’s time and caused her stress. And today she had spent all morning and half the afternoon showing Violet around the city.
“Did the two of you have a good time?” asked Almera.
“Yes. It was a nice day to be walking around. We did some shopping and I introduced Violet to a lot of people. We had lunch with Aliva at The Watch.” Audrey sighed and gestured with her goblet. “I’m just tired of being a guide. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you put everything away.”
Almera waved her free hand dismissively. “I made Draymund and Saxloc deal with the parlor. Medea helped me with the kitchen last night. And we’re going out to dinner tonight. Perhaps Lucien’s?”
Audrey nodded. “That sounds good to me. I’m going to go take a nap for the rest of the afternoon.”
“Of course. I’ll send Saxloc to wake you when it’s nearing time to leave.”
“Okay.” Audrey yawned and then finished her wine before standing up. “And now I am off to my cottage.”
Almera poured herself some more wine. Even though she had never been fond of games, she had felt envious of the eight of them as they played. Whether serious or casual, they all seemed to be having a good time. Perhaps it would be worth learning to play Sparrow simply for purposes of socializing. It was definitely worth thinking about. After finishing her drink, she put the two empty goblets on the tray and left the parlor.
37
‡ Exhaustion ‡
“Are you okay?” asked Audrey, feeling real concern.
Marryn was flat on her back on the padded floor, sweating profusely and panting, her face bright red. The clothes she had worn, both too tight to allow easy movement and too heavy for such a hot day, were stained with sweat. A completely empty water skin was lying off to the side after Marryn had drained every last drop and dropped it there. A few yards away, Grasapa and Falk were talking quietly with two women who had also participated in the class. The women looked tired, but were on their feet and smiling as they conversed.
Marryn tried to raise her head, but she hurriedly lowered it again with a pained expression. “You’re barely sweating,” she complained.
Audrey sat on her knees next to Marryn and smiled down gently at her. “This is light compared to my usual training.”
“Well, it wasn’t light to me. I think I may need to be carried home. Or to a temple.”
“I was in pretty bad shape myself after my first lesson,” Audrey told her. “I could barely walk the next morning. Should I send for Gabriel to come and get you?”
Marryn pursed her lips and frowned. “I hate to say it, but I’m actually considering it. At least he’s too polite to laugh at me.”
“Draymund actually did laugh at me.”
“With a smirk, no doubt,” said Marryn as she struggled to lever herself up to a sitting position using her elbows.
Grasapa walked up smiling broadly. “They both signed up for the full course. How about you, Marryn?”
“I need to think about it. That was just brutal.”
“That is fairly typical for this course. You can either return in two days or not. It is your choice. I am going to go help the others pick out their uniforms.” She nodded at Audrey and said, “Thank you for your assistance.”
As Grasapa and the others left, Marryn suddenly asked, “What can you tell me about Falk?”
Audrey gave her a wry look in response. “Let me see. He’s from a middle-class family. He’s polite and well-behaved. He is certainly handsome. And he’s more interested in dating your brother than you.” She couldn’t help but laugh as Marryn’s hopeful look transformed into disappointment.
“He prefers men?” Marryn asked.
“Yes.”
Marryn sighed and laid back down. “I feel terrible, and I didn’t bring any clean clothes.”
“You could buy a uniform downstairs at the school store and wear that home,” suggested Audrey. “Actually, if you sign up then one is included.”
“All right. I’m pretty sure I’m going to continue. My father will be very disappointed if I don’t.” Marryn closed her eyes briefly. “I really don’t feel well at all.”
Audrey stood up and held out h
er hand. “Why don’t we go to the office and see if Aliva is there? She can cast Recovery on you.”
Marryn was so shaky after being pulled to her feet that Audrey kept hold of her. She looked at the girl with concern. Marryn’s skin was ashen. Audrey slowly walked her down the hallway and around the corner to the office space she had rented for the business. The thick oak door had a piece of tan parchment pinned to it displaying ornate writing which read:
DEMON DRESSES
Aliva ul Wiva
Audrey av Marilee
Audrey pushed the door open and guided Marryn inside. The room was three yards wide and seven deep, with a large window opposite. To the left were wooden shelves filled with fabrics and sewing supplies. To the right was a small desk with a chair and a small bookcase, currently empty. In front of the window was a wide wooden table where Aliva was currently working, perched on a tall chair.
Marryn suddenly sagged, but Audrey was prepared. She grabbed the girl’s shoulders and lowered her gently to the wood plank floor. Her eyes were closed as she breathed raggedly. Audrey watched as Aliva closed the office door before squatting down next to Marryn.
“She looks terrible,” said Aliva, shaking her head. “What happened? Actually, let me heal her first.”
Audrey watched as Aliva cast Recovery on Marryn, concentrating for nearly a minute. A slight flush of color was already starting to return to Marryn’s cheeks, but she was still unconscious.
“She was completely exhausted,” explained Aliva as she rose to her feet. “I think we should let her rest a while before we wake her.”
Audrey explained what had happened, concluding with, “Grasapa and I both tried to warn her that she was dressed too heavily, but she wouldn’t listen.”
Aliva shook her head. “That was just stupid. She’s going to be hungry when she wakes up. Can you get something? I’ll stay here with her.”
“Of course. I’ll get something for all of us. I’ll be back shortly.”
As Audrey headed to the changing room, she was just glad that she hadn’t been forced to carry Marryn all the way to the nearest temple. It really was an incredibly hot day.
♦ ♦ ♦
“Why am I naked? Where are my clothes?” There was real concern in Marryn’s voice.
Aliva finished the stitch she was working on before answering. “Your clothes were soaked. I hung them up in the room next door. How do you feel?”
She heard what sounded like Marryn sitting up. Then she heard the sound of Marryn drinking from the jug of water she had left by her. Finally, she replied, “I feel much better and much cooler. Did you heal me?”
“Yes.” Aliva still hadn’t turned around because she didn’t want to embarrass Marryn.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Audrey has gone to get some food for us. She should be back soon.”
“What about something to wear? Audrey said something about a uniform.”
“The school store sells them. I can go get you one,” offered Aliva.
“No. Audrey might already have gotten one for me. I’ll wait. It is nice and cool this way. You can turn around, Aliva.”
Aliva swiveled around and saw Marryn sitting on the floor with her legs crossed in front of her. Her long hair was a mess, but Aliva still thought that she looked pretty with her blue eyes and freckled skin.
“You’re not planning to attack me, are you?” asked Marryn with a slight smile.
Aliva flashed her an eager look. “And what would you do if I was?”
“Surrender to the inevitable and die,” she replied drolly.
“But you wouldn’t die," Aliva explained as she smiled. "I’ve discovered that I can be intimate with women without killing them.”
“What about frightened teenage girls?”
Aliva laughed. Marryn was definitely recovering if she could joke like that.
“Aliva, could you make me a demon dress?”
“Yes, but it wouldn’t fit for very long. You’re still growing. And developing your shape.”
Marryn nodded thoughtfully. “That makes sense. Audrey’s dress is really tight.”
“Yes, and that’s why I shouldn’t make you one yet. Even for someone like Audrey, if she were to gain or lose very much weight, then the dress wouldn’t fit right and the effect would be lost.”
“I understand.” Marryn sniffed the air. “Is that chicken?”
The door opened and Audrey walked in with a large paper sack in her right hand and an unbleached linen Shorinken uniform hanging over her left arm. She put the sack on the desk as Marryn stood up and Aliva headed over.
“It’s good to see you up, Marryn," said Audrey. "Here's your uniform.”
“Thank you,” said Marryn, taking it from her. Aliva held the top while Marryn donned the pants. Audrey then showed Marryn how to properly tie the top.
The three of them then sat on the floor and ate as they discussed the business.
♦ ♦ ♦
Marryn felt deeply ashamed as she walked along next to Audrey toward the Witch’s Castle. Audrey was wearing her typical peasant clothing, walking along in a graceful and sure-footed manner that Marryn knew all too well. Marryn was still wearing the uniform that Audrey had brought her, clutching the bundle of her dank clothing to her chest, and praying that no one she knew would see her. Her underclothes had been the worst of all, and Audrey had smilingly told her to just go without them as if it was something perfectly normal! But there hadn’t been any choice and it did feel cooler that way.
“It is pretty hot today,” remarked Audrey as she began to roll up her sleeves. “That may have been part of your problem. You’re probably not used to it like I am.”
“Maybe.”
Great, another way that she’s better than me. And she’s right. I didn’t grow up working outside in some village like she did. I’ve never liked to go out when it’s hot. Maybe I should have waited until Autumn to take a self-defense course. Or Winter.
“When you get home, you should clean up and then rest for a while. This evening, you should do the stretches you learned this morning and maybe take a short walk. You’ll still be sore tomorrow morning, but it won’t be as bad.”
“All right. I’ll do that.”
Actually, after a bath, I’m going straight to bed and sleep until dinner. And back to bed after that. I still don’t feel right. Everything aches.
Audrey abruptly stopped and grabbed Marryn by the shoulder. She narrowed her eyes and said, “You’re a bad liar, Marryn. Do as I told you or you may not even be able to get out of bed tomorrow. And tomorrow, take is slow. Do more stretching. Take a long hot soak. Go for another walk. Don’t worry. It will get easier as your lessons progress.”
“But shouldn’t I just quit?” I am not going through that again.
Audrey smiled and released her shoulder. “No. I think you’ll toughen up and make it all the way through. Think how proud your parents will be.”
Marryn followed along as Audrey resumed walking. Now, who is lying? I’m more likely to actually die than toughen up. But I owe her now, and this uniform is much cooler. I owe Aliva too.
“All right. I’ll take your advice and try the second lesson.”
“Good. The skills that Grasapa teaches really are useful. Wasn’t it fun to learn how to break someone’s grip if they try to grab your arm?”
“Yes, but this was just pretend. And I’m not very strong.”
And I really liked it when that young man Falk grabbed me. He can grab me all he wants. I don’t understand why he prefers men. That’s not right.
“It will get more real,” said Audrey with a serious expression. “There’s also one class devoted to rape.”
“Rape?” asked Marryn in a low voice, glancing around to see if anyone nearby was staring.
“Yes. How to avoid it. How to survive it. How to live with it afterward.”
Marryn could feel herself tearing up. I don’t want to even think about that. That’s just horrible.
She started glancing around fearfully, her eyes lingering on each male she spotted.
“And now I’ve made you paranoid,” continued Audrey in a sad voice. “Sorry. But a girl like you—pretty and with important parents—could be a target. I’m actually surprised your father doesn’t insist you travel with armed guards, given how he is.”
That actually made Marryn feel a little better. “He would if not for my mother. I still encounter far more city guards than the average person here.”
“That really doesn’t surprise me.”
Audrey stopped just after reaching the central plaza and turned to face her. The daily market was busy as always, the noisy conversations echoing off the castle and pavement. Marryn just wanted to get home and clean up, and she was becoming annoyed. What does she want now?
“Marryn, I just wanted to thank you for all your help. I’ve been using that ledger you got me and I feel a lot better about my finances now. And I want you to continue to help with Demon Dresses. I’m just not very good at managing money and taxes and things. I really do appreciate it.”
Marryn nodded and feigned a smile. “You’re welcome. Of course, I’ll continue to help you.” She noted something puzzling in the marketplace. “Audrey, who is that with Almera? I don’t recognize her.”
Audrey looked in the direction that Marryn was pointing and her eyes went huge. “Mother!” she cried, taking off at a dead run with an expression of absolute joy.
Mother? What is her mother doing here? Audrey obviously wasn’t expected her to be. Almera looks incredibly smug. I wonder if she arranged this as a surprise for Audrey. I wouldn’t put it past her. After all, she has been functioning as Audrey’s mother here for over a year now. Gods how I envy Audrey! I used to hate her, but I just can’t anymore. Audrey is a nice person and she loves her mother. And Saxloc loves her, not me. That’s the truth and I have to face it, even if it hurts.