“Very well,” I said. “Keeper Anderson requests a Staff made at the Forge of Kings.”
Ser Larson scoffed. “That’s quite the tall order, especially in these times. What makes your ‘Keeper’ think he can make such an order?”
“I believe I used the word ‘requests’,” I pointed out.
“Don’t give me any lip, Mage,” Ser Larson spat. “Everyone knows Mages don’t ‘request’ anything.”
“Why wouldn’t the King fulfill my request?” I asked.
“Because he has enough to worry about,” he responded. “He doesn’t have time to play ‘Make the Potion’ or ‘Summon the Frog’ with a bunch of magic users.”
‘Summon the Frog’? Cathy asked.
“Then how about this,” I pitched. “If I help solve some of the King’s problems, you allow me to make the request.”
Ser Larson scoffed. “If you solve his problems, I’ll endorse you myself.”
“Then we have a deal,” I smiled.
He smirked. “Very well, Mage. We are currently in a skirmish with the Nesqians. They believe we are responsible for kidnapping their Emperor’s Daughter. Prove we didn’t do it and end the conflict, and I’ll take you to the King.”
“DID you kidnap the Emperor’s daughter?” I asked.
“How DARE you accuse us of such a petty act,” he said turning red.
I raised my hands defensively. “I’m just eliminating suspects. Besides I didn’t accuse the Kingdom, I had asked YOU if YOU did it personally.”
He squinted at me and turned a brighter red. “I will cut your tongue out if you dare say such things again. You know where the door is. Get out.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” I said with a bow. “But I should really be going.”
I turned around and walked out of the castle confidently. I began the descent back to the market level.
I’m starting to think merging our personalities was the wrong thing.
Why? Cathy chuckled. That was hilarious to watch. You really made him mad.
That’s what I mean! I can’t become this arrogant, sarcastic jerk every time I talk to authority. It’s going to get me killed.
Nonsense, Cathy chuckled. You weren’t sarcastic or a jerk.
That wasn’t the point of what I said.
Will you relax? Cathy said. You are powerful enough to fight out of any situation. Once you stop thinking that defending yourself is ‘murder’, you won’t have to worry about pushy guards like Larson. If he had tried something you could have slipped into that Demon skin of yours and given him the fright of a lifetime.
Hmm. I haven’t used Harden Skin in a long time and I don’t think people here will laugh and call me Lizard. Tell you what; if it comes up that we need to scare someone, I’ll use it to scare them for you.
Cathy laughed excitedly. Excellent.
At the bottom of the stairs I nodded to the guards and continued without a word. My first destination was the Tailor for my hat. When I walked in, the clerk immediately went into the back and grabbed the hat. It looked pretty much the same but the clerk explained that the material was similar to poorly made gloves and he was able to clean it the same way. He still offered to return the money and destroy it but I took the hat and thanked him. Placing the hat on my head, I left the store.
The market was quieter than when I first arrived. With the supper rush over, most of the stalls were closing and everyone was retreating home for the evening. I could enjoy a carefree walk through the marketplace. IF I didn’t have to worry about stopping a conflict between two nations.
Judging by your memories, the Master of your Order was looking into what could have caused this, Cathy pointed out. Your best course of action may be joining the other Mages.
That would be a good idea but I don’t think it could work. With the problem in the Szwen forest and the Evenawks I think the Balendar and Nesqa conflict isn’t top priority. With the Mages Larose sent now dead, by what we can guess to be Pryce’s Mages, I think the Order is going to be too busy fighting itself to help out here.
So what’s Plan B? Cathy asked.
I’m still trying to figure out Plan A.
I arrived at the docks to find Aaron at our agreed meeting spot. He nodded and started to head for the ferry.
“Hold up,” I said as I stopped. “I won’t be going back. I still have business here.”
Aaron turned back around and smirked. “The King said no?”
“The King didn’t say anything,” I said. “His Captain of the Guard was chatty enough.”
“So, now you have to figure out a way to talk to the King?” Aaron asked.
“Worse,” I started. “I have to end the conflict between Balendar and Nesqa.”
Aaron laughed. “Oh, is that it? Well, you should be done by the morning.”
“It can’t be too hard,” I said in strange confidence. “The whole thing was caused by a kidnapping and the Nesqians blamed Balendar. All I have to do is prove Balendar is innocent.”
“Still, not a walk through a meadow,” Aaron said. “So, you will be poking around in the underground to see if anyone knows anything about the kidnapping?”
Not a bad idea.
Why didn’t I think of that? Cathy asked annoyed.
“Exactly,” I said crossing my arms. “You might as well go back home, I’ll be here awhile.”
Aaron looked at the ferry then looked back at me. “It’s getting pretty late in the day to be ferrying the river. I might as well stay the night and head out in the morning. Besides, you’ll need a guide to get around the city. Seeing as it is your first time here.”
I nodded slowly. “You are probably right. But I have to warn you.”
“What about?” Aaron said curiously.
“If I wake up naked in a bathtub again, I’m turning you into a frog and delivering you to your sisters,” I smirk.
Aaron laughed. “Let’s see it, Mage.”
I laughed as we headed back into the market. “Where to first, Guide?”
“There’s a pub on the second level, ‘Sewer Rats’. It’s as charming as it sounds,” Aaron explained. “Good place to start.”
“Now, what did I just warn you about,” I said.
“Just drink slowly and you’ll be fine,” Aaron suggested.
‘Sewer Rats’... Cathy said thoughtfully. Sounds familiar. This farmer’s boy is more knowledgeable then he lets on.
“How do you know of this public house?” I asked curiously.
“There’s an inn close by, ‘The Sleepy Cricket’,” Aaron answered. “I always stay there if it is too late to travel back to the farm. The Rat is always very rowdy and doesn’t give off the air of ‘up class establishment’.”
“Maybe we should hit that place up first, drop off our packs and change,” I suggested.
“Good idea,” Aaron nodded. “Those Mage robes will make you stand out like a purple cow on a mountain side.”
I think a purple cow would stand out no matter where you put it, Cathy pointed out.
I laughed at both of them.
We made our way quickly to the residential level which contained ‘The Sleepy Cricket’. Upon entering the level, I couldn’t understand how a pub, one that is supposed to be a centre for shady characters, could be found here. As we journeyed deeper, though, the upkeep of the buildings slid, it became much clearer. Aaron’s ‘Sleepy Cricket’ was the last building the looked like it took any care of itself.
The rooms were cheap but clean and we locked our packs away after I changed into a set of Aaron’s clothes. Seeing as I am smaller then he is, the clothes looked ridiculous on me but Aaron tried to persuade me that the baggy look would work in this situation.
I look like a street bum.
Because you looked like royalty to begin with? Cathy asked sarcastically.
I looked good enough for you to swoon over me AND marry me!
Oh ho! Cathy exclaimed with a chuckle. Touché, Dream Boy.
I don’t
understand why I can’t bring the hat.
And you never will, Cathy mocked.
I sighed and follow Aaron towards ‘The Sewer Rats’. As we drew closer to the door, two men came storming through it. One was being chased by the other who was all fists.
Oh yeah, Cathy laughed. You two are going to fit right it.
“Maybe we should rethink our strategy,” I whispered to Aaron.
“Nonsense,” he scoffed. “That’s perfectly normal.”
He fully opened the already ajar door and entered the pub. The fact that he didn’t immediately get thrown back out meant I had to follow him in. I walked up to the door and pushed it open.
The laughter and chatter of about a hundred people hit me as soon as I entered. In reality there were probably no more than twenty but they were all gifted in creating noise.
Tables scattered the floor, some brought together in groups to create large card games and others kept away so a couple of guys could talk in private. Aaron was already heading towards the bar along the far wall and I picked up my pace to stay close behind him.
We received a few looks from some of the drinkers who were alone but nothing threatening. They were here for a reason other than fighting.
Aaron took an empty stool and I sat down on the one to his right. Beside me was a big guy holding onto a giant mug of ale. He looked straight down and didn’t seem to notice that I had sat down beside him.
“Welcome to the Sewer Rat,” the bartender said drawing my attention to him. “What are you drinking?”
“Two ales,” Aaron said holding up two fingers.
The bartender headed to the other side of the bar to grab our drinks. He returned quickly with two mugs and Aaron dropped a couple of coins in the his hand. The bartender nodded and headed down the bar to the next patron.
Aaron picked up his mug and took a long drink before turning to me.
“Ok, look around for people we can ask about the kidnapping,” Aaron said as quietly as he could over the noise.
“And that’s just going to work?” I asked.
“Why not?” he shrugged picking up his mug.
He has no clue what he’s doing, Cathy chuckled. Don’t just flat out ask someone. Bring it up subtly in conversation.
I nodded slowly and turned to the big guy beside me. “How are you doing today?” I asked.
The guy didn’t respond but turned to look at me in a jerky motion. His head was shaking and bobbing a bit like he was having problems holding it up and the look in his eyes said the he wasn’t all there at the moment.
What do you want to bet that he doesn’t know what day it is? Cathy asked.
“Did...did yous ay sumting?” he asked.
“Hmm?” I asked looking up at him confused. “No, sorry, I didn’t.”
The big guy looked at me a moment longer before turning back to his drink. I looked around the floor for someone else that was alone but a little more coherent. I found a guy who was spinning an empty mug and looked lost in his thoughts. I took my mug of ale and walked over to him while Aaron headed in a different direction.
“A mug of ale for you if I can use this seat,” I said putting the mug of the table and motioning to the seat beside him.
“The seats are there for everyone but I won’t turn down ale,” he smiled weakly.
I sat down beside him. “Thanks, my friend. My name is Andrew.”
“Gerry,’ he answered. “What brings you to this dung pit?”
Work those lies, Cathy suggested. See if you can’t bond with him a little.
“Trade,” I lied while I tried to work out more of a story. “Brought some arms and armour down from Riverside and I needed a drink, you?”
“I am a hunter,” he answered after a sip of ale. “I bring in the goods for the meat vendors in the market.”
“So you would know the area pretty well,” I said thoughtfully.
Gerry laughed. “Trust me. There is nothing worthy of seeing out in the country side but yeah, I would know those hills and roads. Were you planning on heading south to Malkia?”
“I was planning on it but I have to skip Malkia because of this stupid conflict between Nesqa and Balendar,” I lied shaking my head in fake frustration.
“It’s been nothing but trouble since it started,” Gerry said matching my frustration. “All the good hunting ground is further south and I can’t travel down without getting an earful from the outposts.”
“I know right,” I said shaking my head. “Do you know what caused all this? It can’t be the usual political babble. You can still walk freely during those.”
“Nope,” he said. “Something about some kidnapping or whatever. Nobody knows for certain but everyone’s acting like we are already in war or something.”
Damn.
It was a good try though, Cathy said.
I blew out a long breath of air. “I should probably pack it in. Maybe one more drink before I head out. I have a long trek north.”
“Here,” Gerry said rummaging through his pockets. “As thanks for the drink. I have something that you will find useful.”
Gerry pulled out a scroll and a piece of paper. “This is my map,” he continued tapping the scroll. “It has all my routes. I’ll copy down a nice quiet route to Malkia for you. It should get you past all those outposts.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it but it isn’t necessary,” I said.
“Bah!” he exclaimed waving dismissively. “It is only fair, my friend.”
He scribbled on the piece of paper and handed it to me. “Be safe out there,” he said.
“You too, Gerry,” I said pocketing the map. “See you on the trails.”
I walked back over to the bar and sat back down on the stool next to Aaron who was already back draining his mug.
“How’d the questioning go?” I asked him looking down at the bar.
“Not good,” he said. “Nobody will even talk to me. You?”
“A guy drew me a map to Malkia that goes around the guard outposts,” I said.
“Nothing about the kidnapping?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I answered.
“Maybe I could help you with that,” a female voice said.
“And who are you?” Aaron asked drawing my attention.
He was talking to a short figure in full leather armour with a headdress that covered the hair and most of the face. The only visible part was the eyes, which were sharp and feminine.
“There will be time for that,” she said. “But for now, I am the person who has the information you seek and I will trade it for a favour.”
“What’s the favour?” I asked.
“Meet me in the alley behind the building,” she said.
“That’s it?” I asked.
“Follow whoever follows me,” she said quickly. “And hurry.”
She walked quickly away from us and out the front door of the pub. Aaron and I shot each other a look but we watched in shock as a group of four stood up from their chairs and filed out of the building after her. We walked towards the door.
Chapter 15
Outside the pub we scanned around for any sign of the thugs. Out of the corner of my eye I saw one running around the corner to my right. I nudged Aaron and headed in the same direction. Creeping up to the corner, I peeked around it. Four thugs were advancing on the mysterious woman.
Smart girl, Cathy said. There won’t be any witnesses back here should you need to attack the thugs.
Do you think it will come to that?
Haven’t you learnt anything yet? Cathy asked.
I rounded the corner and slowly crept towards the thugs. They were too distracted to notice Aaron and I approaching.
“Tell Chester he’s wasting his time with me,” the woman said. “I didn’t take it.”
“You will not call Mongoose by THAT name,” one of the thugs said.
“Like ‘Mongoose’ is any better sounding,” the woman said sarcastically.
“Forget that,”
a different thug snapped. “We already found it and it’s on its way back. The real reason we’re here is the bounty Mongoose put that pretty little head of yours.”
“Oh?” She said amused as Aaron and I stood behind the thugs. “And what’s the going rate right now?”
“2000,” a thug said excited.
“That’s it?” the woman asked offended. “What’s a girl got to do to get in the 10,000’s around here?”
I saw Aaron slowly pull out a small dagger and ready himself.
“But...” the woman continued making eye connect with Aaron. “Too bad you’re not going to get a chance to spend it.”
Aaron plunged the dagger in the side of the closest guard bypassing his armour. The thug in front of me turned towards Aaron in shock and I waved my hand and send a Pulse of energy into him knocking him into the wall of the pub. He bounced off the wall hard and face planted into the ground unmoving.
The remaining two thugs turned towards us and a blade extended from the woman’s gauntlet. She drove it into the back of the one of them in a blink of an eye. When the last thug tried to pull out his weapon he had his throat slashed by the woman.
“You’re better then you look, farm boy,” she said as she retracted her blade into the gauntlet. She turned to look at me. “And a Mage as well? Can I pick them or what?”
“I think you owe us an explanation now,” I said.
“Did you want the short or long version?” she said playfully.
“Let’s just start with who you are and who were the guys we just killed?” Aaron said.
“Ok,” she chuckled. “I’m Natalie, Nat to my friends. Sometimes I’m Nate when undercover as a guy. These ‘upstanding young men’ belong to Chester the Mongoose’s gang. Who are you now?”
She removed her headdress to show off a sharp face framed with hair as black as night. A scar ran from her right nostril in a diagonal line to her jaw.
“Uh...” Aaron stammered and I shook my head.
“I’m Andy, my slack jawed friend is Aaron,” I answered.
“Did both your parents forget there are other letters in the alphabet?” Natalie asked.
“I never knew mine,” I answered. “I can’t say about him.”
She nodded. “Didn’t know mine either. You don’t need them though. They just slow you down.”
The Tower Of The Watchful Eye: The Legend Of Kairu Book 1 Page 12