by M. Gregg Roe
“Did you and Garym talk about dating other people?”
Rosalind lowered her head. “No. I thought it was understood.”
“It obviously wasn’t. The two of you need to talk about this. Be honest with him about how you feel.”
“It’s too late now,” said Rosalind with tears in her eyes. “He has a girlfriend, and she’s older. She even has her own business.”
“Talk to him,” insisted Siljan. “If it ends things between you, then find someone else. And, yes, I know that there are no male half-elves here.”
Rosalind simply nodded, a sadness showing in her blue eyes. The rest of their bathing session was conducted in silence.
It went poorly. Isadora ended up spending the entire evening trying to console Rosalind. The next morning, Siljan wrote a letter to the Rohoville Novox office, requesting that Garym be reassigned and that another half-elf be assigned to the caravan route. It was the best she could do.
17
‡ Resolve ‡
Marryn was taking no chances. After practically shoving Denis into one side of the booth, she slid in after him, forcing him to scoot over and trapping him. Across from them, Draymund simply looked amused, and Marryn flashed him a smile in response. Denis was going to speak with the man about a possible job whether he wanted to or not. She was thoroughly tired of his lame excuses.
Noting their usual waitress looking their way, Marryn simply held up three fingers. That would result in three lunch specials with whatever type of juice was freshest. A glance showed Denis looking resigned, but that was better than angry.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” said Draymund, exuding charm as he addressed Denis. “Marryn speaks well of you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, sir,” responded Denis hesitantly.
Draymund leaned forward slightly and clasped his hands together. “Let me be clear, Denis. This is a job interview. I am not going to hire you simply because you are Marryn’s friend.”
“I understand,” said Denis, but he looked surprised. Marryn gave him an encouraging smile, but she was content to simply listen.
“I am told that you have experience as a shop clerk,” continued Draymund. “My employees will need to be knowledgeable about weapons in order to do their job properly. I was told that you know little about weapons.”
Denis pursed his lips briefly. “I know there are different types, like swords and spears and crossbows.”
“There are many types of each of those,” lectured Draymund. “But we will be carrying only a limited selection at first. There are few people in this city with both sales experience and a good knowledge of weapons. Are you willing to spend time learning about weaponry?”
“Yes.” He hesitated again. “But I need to know more about what you are offering.”
Draymund nodded his approval. “And I need to know more about you and your specific sales experience. We are planning to pay both a salary and sales commissions.”
The arrival of their food and drink barely interrupted their conversation. Marryn simply listened as the two continued to talk about a variety of subjects. Their conversation lasted all through lunch, and she could tell that they were both serious. Denis asked about a number of things that it would never have occurred to her to ask.
After paying for their meals, Draymund said, “Denis, the job is yours if you want it, but I would like for you to think it over and consult your family. Come by the shop tomorrow morning if you decide to accept, and we will formalize things.”
“I will,” said Denis. “Thank you, sir.”
“You’re welcome.” Draymund slid out of the booth and then departed.
After growing impatient for Denis to say something, Marryn said, “Well? Are you mad that I arranged this?”
“No, I’m grateful. Um … Does he really slay dragons?”
Marryn smiled at him. “I used to find it hard to believe too, but he really does. You should see his trophy room. It’ll scare you half to death.”
“Selling weapons is scary enough. I once went in the shop that this one is replacing.” He shook his head. “All those knives and swords.”
“Then don’t take this job unless you really want to. I’m serious.”
“I won’t.” He rubbed his neck and then shook his head. “My evening job I can just quit, but …”
“You don’t want to offend the couple that owns the store. Maybe you can help them find a replacement.” She paused a moment to think. “Maybe I could work there until they find someone permanent.”
“No,” he said firmly. “There’s heavy lifting involved. And I also make deliveries. You don’t know the area.”
“Oh.” She had thought he just stood behind a counter and sold things.
“Still,” he said thoughtfully, “I do know a couple of guys that might be interested. And Draymund said his shop wouldn’t open until next month.”
She slid out of the booth and stood up. “He also said that it would just be half days of training at first. So you could continue working half days at the store for a while.”
“That’s true.” After he slid out, they went to the entrance and donned their cloaks before leaving the tavern.
“If I do take the job,” he mused, his breath visible due to the cold, “then I’m going to quit taking Shorinken classes. I’ve enjoyed it, but I don’t really feel like I’m making much progress lately.”
Marryn had no intention of quitting, but she understood. “I think that’s fine. Then you can work full time for Draymund and have the evenings off.” He would also be receiving a full day off twice a month once the business got going.
“And we can start dating?” he asked, looking at Marryn intently.
The question flustered her, and she could feel her cheeks coloring. “Yes,” she said with her eyes lowered.
“I need to go now,” he said, now looking flustered himself. “I’ll see you in class.”
Marryn simply watched as he walked away. Then she drew herself together and headed home.
Clarissa had that look again, the one that said that she knew he was having sex with her mother and didn’t approve. But that was something that she was just going to have to accept. Tia was part of his life again, and that was that.
“Is that your new house?” he asked, noticing the drawing that she was studying at her desk. He knew that she had finally asked for a small loan.
She stabbed a finger at the paper. “I’m trying to figure out how to arrange the furniture. I move in two days from now.” She looked over and narrowed her eyes. “And I don’t need help. I’ve already hired people.”
Most people would have simply asked friends to help, but from what he could tell, Clarissa didn’t have any real friends. “Well, Tia and I will come by once you have gotten settled.”
Clarissa gritted her teeth. “My mother’s name is Andrea.”
“Not to me.” He waved at her dismissively. “Get to work.”
Back in his office, he reviewed his schedule. There was only one meeting this afternoon, which was a welcome change. Of course, he never knew when Ermizad would decide to call an unscheduled council meeting. She seemed to enjoy inconveniencing him.
Tia was now a part of his home, and of his life. Until her arrival, he hadn’t even realized that something was missing, a void that she had now filled. Tia had changed in many respects, but so had he. They talked constantly, telling each other of the years that they were apart. In his youth, he had often mistakenly thought he was in love with someone, but now he was certain. He loved Tia. And he wanted her for his wife.
It was going to mean changes. No more would he date and then discard beautiful young women attracted by his wealth and power. And there would be no hiring of a courtesan from Desires when he needed to attend a social function. Tia would be his companion now even if she had to be wheeled there in a cart.
To Celebern’s dismay, there really was no cure for Tia’s affliction. The malady was eating away at her joints, causing pai
n and affecting her mobility. A local alchemist had created a better medication, one that helped control both the inflammation and the pain. Hot baths also gave her some relief, so she now took at least one a day. Healing magic, surprisingly, was actually less effective than her medication. Celebern had even gone so far as to question High Priest Preston about the possibly of employing the LifeStaff, but that had come to nothing.
There was one possibility he had thought of: A Potion of Longevity could erase years or even decades of aging, restoring someone to their youthful vigor. But they were both difficult to procure and extremely dangerous. If the potion failed to work—and that was a distinct possibility—it would do the opposite, rapidly aging the person who imbibed it until they died of old age. It was simply too risky, and he hadn’t even mentioned the possibility to Tia.
His reading of a report on business insurance revenues was interrupted by the sound of the bell that meant he had a visitor. He pushed the lever under his desk that signaled Clarissa to show them in. Anyone who made it this far was generally worth seeing promptly.
“Draymund,” he said, as his old friend entered and then closed the door before seating himself in one of the two chairs in front of the desk. “Is there a problem?” The man’s expression was uncharacteristically serious.
“Not with our plans; Almera and I will still be over tonight for dinner. We’re looking forward to seeing Tia again after all these years.”
“Then what is it?” he prompted after waiting for Draymund to continue.
“It’s this problem of Tia’s,” he said, gesturing expansively. “It has characteristics of a disease, and yet no cleric can cure it.”
Celebern suddenly realized what his friend was about to suggest, and he leaned forward eagerly. “That witch in the village that was holding the twins could cure diseases.” And that included the horrific one now known as the Sweating Sickness.
Draymund nodded. “And she apparently voiced an interest in coming here to meet Ermizad. Saxloc knows where the village is located. The two of us could fly there and bring her back here. We could be ready to leave in a day or two.”
It was tempting, but he sat back and thought it through. “There is no need to go so soon; Tia is ill, not dying. And I know very well that you are busy preparing for the opening of your shop. Perhaps in a few months.”
“I was hoping you would say that,” said Draymund with his usual smirk. “And by then, maybe someone else will volunteer.” He rose to his feet. “And now I need to return to that very shop. We will see you tonight.”
Celebern stood up. “Tia and I are looking forward to it.”
After Draymund departed, he mulled it over. He wouldn’t mention the possibility to her in advance because it might not work. But he felt optimistic. As much as he despised witches, a witch might be just what they needed for a miracle cure.
The exterior of the round building was a mixture of wood and stone, with vertical windows that were tall and narrow. The domed roof was clad with polished copper, and its highest point was nearly ten yards above ground level. Instead of a single sign, the name repeated three times around a steel band that encircled the building halfway up. “Witch’s City Weapons” was written boldly in bronze letters riveted to the steel. As always, Draymund stopped some distance away and simply admired the way the sunlight glinted off the building. It really was quite impressive.
The rear door, currently unlocked, led him into the office area. At the moment there was only a single old wooden desk and two rickety chairs, one of which was occupied by his wife, scowling so intently at a stack of paper it was a wonder the sheets didn’t curl up in fear. Through the doorway—the door hadn’t been installed yet—he heard muted conversations as well as sawing and pounding. He managed to get all the way to the front of the desk before Almera looked up with an expression of exasperation.
“Most of the carpenters are now behind schedule.” She pushed the pile away and visibly relaxed. “But that is because some of the wood shipments are late. We should have just built everything from something cheap and plentiful, such as pine.”
“Now, now,” said Draymund, seating himself in front of the desk. “We decided on cherry. Remember, this is an upscale weapon shop.”
“It is the only general weapon shop,” she returned. “Knife shops do not count.” She smiled smugly, an expression he knew well. “I have hired someone to supervise the remainder of the carpentry work. He starts as soon as he has completed his current job, perhaps in three days or so.”
Draymund had a definite suspicion of who it was. “Is it Conrad?”
Almera narrowed her eyes. “Yes, but not simply because he is currently Audrey’s boyfriend. He worked on her cottage, and the man who trained him worked on our mansion.”
“I know that Conrad is a skilled carpenter, but is he really suited to supervise?”
The smug look returned. “Conrad isn’t shy around other carpenters. Nor is he hesitant to point out other carpenters’ mistakes. I spoke to several that had worked with him. He has a reputation for being a perfectionist which is exactly what we want.”
Draymund couldn’t argue with that. “Speaking of boyfriends, I made an offer to Denis.”
She eyed him with suspicion. “Do you have a plan for training our clerks?”
Draymund thought of them as his clerks. “I am still working on it. To start, I plan to pair those with weapons experience with those with sales experience. They can teach each other.”
Almera nodded her approval. Then she pushed back her chair and stood. “I’m going to head home.”
She was already wearing her cloak, so Draymund simply escorted her to the outside door and opened it for her. Then he went out into the shop and chatted briefly with the workmen. Some were working on the final sections of wood flooring, while others were building racks, cases, and tables that would be used to display merchandise. The work all looked fine to him, but he was no expert.
Back in the office, he wrote out a formal employment offer for Denis and then headed home himself.
It wasn’t until after dinner that Almera had a chance to be alone with Tia. To her eyes, the woman had aged substantially, looking older than her forty-one years. There were no gray hairs, but her face was lined. Tia had been battling her malady for over a decade, and she was losing.
“Stop looking at me that way, Almera,” snapped Tia. “I don’t need your pity.”
“It is sympathy. It does not compare to your affliction, but I too suffer from something that magic cannot cure: motion sickness.”
Tia shook her head. “Then you can’t travel either.”
Almera shifted in her chair and smoothed her skirt. “Tia, do you really intend to marry Celebern?”
She pointed a finger and winced in pain. “Marriage is his idea, not mine. I’m not after his money, if that’s what’s worrying you.”
“I didn’t say that you were,” Almera retorted. “If that had been your goal, you would have been pursuing him as soon as his success became clear.”
Tia slowly flexed the fingers of her right hand. “I should probably have contacted him after I got back, but I kept putting it off. And then, before I knew it, he was all wealthy and running around with girls that made me look like a hag by comparison. So I left him be. I had Clarissa to raise. That kept me more than busy.”
“How did you earn a living?”
“Not by stealing.” Tia lowered her right hand to her lap. “I had more saved up than you might guess. And I got some work from my neighbors, like laundry and mending. I used to be decent at sewing, but not anymore.”
The conversation was not going well. The two of them had never been more than acquaintances, not to mention being from completely different backgrounds. Almera had never been poor, and now she was the wealthiest woman in the Witch’s City by far. Perhaps it was time to take a different approach.
“I can see how much that Celebern cares for you, Tia. Draymund and I weren’t certain if he would ever mar
ry, but if he does, I would rather it be someone like you who understands him.”
Tia sighed. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy living like this, having my own servant to look after me and fix my bath. But it’s a problem sometimes. I need to move around some to keep from stiffening up. And I can’t just sit around all day staring out the windows.”
Almera inclined her head. “Then perhaps I’ll stop by when I have the chance. I could even bring by some of my children.”
Tia chuckled. “Cel’s told me about that. Actually, I’d like to visit your place. Went by it a few times years ago when I could still walk decently, but I always wanted to see inside. Can’t believe you don’t have any live-in servants.”
After that, it began to feel comfortable. Almera fetched a bottle of grape wine and two silver goblets. Tia told her about how troublesome Clarissa had been to raise, getting into fights with other children and even running away one time. In return, Almera told Tia about the mistakes she and her husband had made with Saxloc, and how she in particular had eventually paid for them.
“You had a breakdown?” asked Tia, sounding slightly drunk.
The memory was still painful, not to mention embarrassing. “It was a learning experience. I’m not going to make the same mistakes with the three girls.”
That led to a discussion of the difference between raising boys and girls. But Almera soon cut it short, because Tia was obviously struggling to stay awake. After Tia went to her room, Almera went to the small library near the back of the house.
“There you are,” said Draymund as she walked in. “Celebern has something that he wishes to discuss with us.”
Almera was surprised by how serious both of them appeared. She had expected to find them drinking and reminiscing about their old adventuring days. After seating herself in the only empty chair, she gazed expectantly at Celebern.
“I have discussed the issue with my accountant and a few others,” he began. “I would like to buy out your interest in Novox.”