by Viola Grace
“I can’t use weapons in a lot of the places I travel.”
“I know. These all double as cutlery.” Mirbella laughed. “I have travelled a time or two, and the worst thing you will face is a discussion on why your clothing is enchanted. You can just say it is a gift from a lover.”
Trin blushed and finished her tea. “How much do I owe you?”
“Nothing for the storage of your go-bag, and I will settle the clothing with your account when you return. If you have anything for me, it will decrease your balance considerably.” Mirbella winked.
“I will keep careful track.” She took a sandwich and then another.
“When do you think you will be back?”
“Before the dragon ball. I have to be there to sweep Brommin of his feet.”
Mirbella nodded. “I will have something stunning ready for you. It will be something worthy of a crystal dragon. There hasn’t been one of you found for over a century, at least.”
“That is what they tell me, but she just sniffs when I tell her that.”
Mirbella chuckled. “Dragons are noted for their disdain for the classifications of man.”
“We are just a taller and bulkier form of shapeshifter.”
“And you have a longer lifespan. Those who rule as a dragon provide a long and stable rule.” The seamstress chuckled. “I can just enchant textiles.”
Another ten minutes of chatter and it was time for Trin to get dressed in something a little more road worthy.
When she was finished transforming, she looked at the mirror and grinned. Tight black trousers, a soft black shirt, and brown boots were crisscrossed with laces, belts, and attachments that ranged from the practical to the deadly. The coat that she put on top hid her body and left her looking like a medium-height man at first glance.
“Thank you, Mirbella. I hope to find what you are looking for.”
“Drive safe, be safe, and enjoy it. Your little mission might be to protect you, but there is no saying that you can’t have fun.”
“I would deal with them all if I knew who they were.”
Mirbella patted her shoulder. “I know. Your homicidal rage is usually near the surface. Go. You need at least four hours of dark to get clear of the city’s viewers.”
“Right. Right. Wow. When this was for work, I was in a hurry, but I hate the idea that I have to run for my life.”
“We all have to run when the moment comes. The true strength will be in coming home.”
Trin smiled with her lips tensed. She lowered her packs through the hole in the floor and waved at Mirbella before going back down the ladder.
It was time to get down to business and escape the city.
Ystine asked her, “Which direction?”
“South. I want to get back onto the road outside the southern gate.”
“We can do that.”
With a final settling of her paniers, she got back on the velo. “Well, let’s go.”
The low rumbling purr started, and she put on her helmet. The moment that her hands hit the grips, the velocipede took off.
The headlight showed the curved walls that cupped them, and while it must have been twenty minutes of driving in the confined space, it only felt like seconds. When Ystine drove through the hidden exit, the doors flapped open as they exited and closed behind them.
A glance through the side mirror showed storm doors blending in with the shrubs around them. Damn, Creata had been busy.
The night opened up around them, and Ystine took them south. The coastline awaited.
Driving into the dawn brought the last seven hours to fruition. If the city was open, Trin could get what Mirbella needed and go off the grid for the rest of the trip.
She slowed Ystine and pulled over to the side of the road, lifting her visor and staring at the city at the edge of the continent.
“This view never gets old.”
Ystine chuckled. “That is amusing considering that it is the second oldest city on the continent.”
“Yes, but every time I see it, it has changed just enough to show growth and development but still be familiar.” Trin grinned. “I like it.”
“Don’t you like the capital?”
“I love it, it is home, but seeing the rest of the continent makes the return to it sweeter.”
“I see. Are we going to head to the city?”
“Impatient?”
“I am seeing this world for the first time. I want to see more of it.”
Trin lowered her visor and got back into position. “Let’s go then. Our destination is at the edge of the waterfront, Puzzletooth Avenue.”
“Yes, Trin. Course is on display.”
“Thanks, Ystine. Let’s hope you have the current maps. The warren of roads around the waterfront is hellish.”
The bike chuckled as they got underway. “I will get you through without trouble.”
“This I am longing to see. Let’s move.” She twisted the throttle, and her velo shot forward. They had appointments to keep and trades to make. It was always a good idea to have those negotiations over breakfast.
Chapter Six
After a slow cruise through the maze of the waterfront, Trin grinned at the familiar figure lounging against the exterior of the warehouse. She pulled up next to her friend and removed her helmet.
Apraxa’s gaze locked on Trin’s head, and she burst out laughing. “Trin, what the hell?”
Trin reached up and stroked a hand through her hair, removing any helmet-head. “What?”
“It’s white!”
“Ohh. That. Yeah. I got into an altercation with a dragon, and this was the result.”
Apraxa grinned. “That sounds like a story. Are you up for breakfast?”
“I thought you would never ask. Oh, I would like to introduce you to the upgraded Ystine.”
Trin set the helmet down in front of her. “Ystine, this is your voice donor, Apraxa.”
“I am very pleased to meet you, Madam Tiburon.”
Apraxa inclined her head formally. “I hope that you are enjoying your tone.”
“It is very clear, and Trin can hear me even with the sound of the wind and road around us.”
Trin smirked. “I think she just called you piercing.”
Apraxa shrugged. “She isn’t wrong. If I want to, my voice can travel for miles. Now, let’s get your transport with its elegant manner of speaking and tuck it away while we go for breakfast.”
Trin followed Apraxa and settled Ystine inside the warehouse, placing her behind a scald shield that was cued to Trin’s handprint. It was one of Apraxa’s new toys.
“Where did you get this?”
Apraxa chuckled. “Creata has taken to selling her designs. She wants a nice educational fund for her child. It is a girl?”
“It is.”
“Good. Creata has been a little unfocused recently. I wasn’t sure that she actually knew.” Apraxa led the way out of the door, locking her cavern of treasures behind her. “She is better now?”
“Since last night? Yeah. She is dealing with a few things, and I am pretty sure that her husband being out on assignment is part of it. She needs him right now.”
Apraxa nodded. “My sister-in-law had similar issues. The pregnancy was hard, and her recovery was a family-wide effort. We all did our parts, and she is a mom to two more children, and everybody is aware of danger signs. There haven’t been any at all this year.”
“She doesn’t mind that you check on her?”
“We have done it at her request. She wants us to check and let her know what we are seeing. It took a while, but now, we are all used to it.”
The wind caught Apraxa’s blue and crimson hair, lifting and playing with it. Trin envied the colouring. She was stuck on the pale end of the hair spectrum.
They walked the two blocks to the seaside teashop, and though the door said Closed, Apraxa walked right in. Trin had been here before, so
she followed.
Apraxa’s three brothers were working in the shop, one out front and two behind the counter making the most exotic pastry that Trin had ever seen.
Hector, Troy, and Pollux looked up and smiled at them, their smiles turning into wide grins when they saw Trin.
She squeaked as she was hugged by the shark-shifters one by one.
Apraxa laughed and went behind the counter to grab their breakfast.
Hector set her back and looked her over. “Trin, you look wonderful. I love what you have done with your hair.”
She sighed. “Thank you, Hector. How is your wife?”
He grinned wider, his telltale teeth showing. “She is wonderful, as are our three sons. Kohasi will be in later if you are still around.”
“I plan on staying for two or three days.”
Apraxa looked up in delight. “Really? Cool. Come on, guys, she has been travelling all night. She needs to eat.”
Her host had a tray full of tea and pastries. She made her way to a table in the most comfortable part of the teashop. Low couches were set around a polished stone table, and Trin joined her friend at the meal of quiches, pastries, and tea so flavourful she nearly wept.
It was an excellent end to this leg of her journey and an amazing beginning to the next part of her plan.
Chapter Seven
“So, tell me why you have really made me your first stop.” Apraxa walked slowly with her through the sample market and smiled at a few of the vendors.
“I need to know what you know about dragon societies, and I need some help picking out stoneware for the new shop. We are starting a line of reusable mugs.”
“Nice. I think I know just the shop. Now, why do you need to know about dragons?”
“I have started seeing one, but he isn’t going to make a move because their women have to do it first, and I am not comfortable with that scenario.” It was close to the truth. Apraxa was excellent at knowing things that you weren’t planning on telling her.
“Wow. I thought you were going to remain single or, at least, give Pollux another chance.”
“Well, I saw him, and something inside said that he was the one.” Her tone was wry. It was also a truth.
“Huh. Well, yeah, the females have to make the first move, usually at a public event. If the male is a single dragon, or at least single, he really doesn’t have a choice. My birth mom chose my father at a trade meeting and didn’t realize he was newly married. He and his mate hadn’t bonded yet. Well, that and sharks don’t have breeding restrictions like the dragons do. Fidelity is not their strong suit.”
“So, I have heard.” Trin really wanted to ask her friend for details, but she couldn’t delve into something so personal.
“I only know a bit about dragons because of my mother’s family. They swam out every three months and taught me about my family and culture.”
“Ah, right. Sea dragons.”
“Yup. They are more laid back about social disasters than the dragons at the capital.”
Trin chuckled and followed Apraxa into one of the stalls. She looked at the items on display and asked a few questions. There was a set of long-handled mugs that depicted the seasons, and they were perfect for her purposes. She requested that the colours be brighter and all of the pigments used to be safe. If she tested them and one of them was contaminated, she would return and destroy the shop. The seller was pleasant, a little nervous, but earnest. They had a deal.
With one order made, she smiled at Apraxa. “Well, one done, now we need some more delicate stuff.”
“Excellent. So, I have some actual artisans that you can see. They can make what you want in a custom order.”
“Right in town?”
“Right in town.” They left the shop, and Apraxa casually asked, “So, why did you choose a dragon?”
Trin thought about it. “I don’t know. He just feels right in every way that matters.”
“Except he is a dragon and that isn’t a great situation for humans.”
“Yeah, well, there is some flexibility there.”
Apraxa nodded. “There is something different and yet the same about you. It is more than just the hair. What do you know about the new crystal dragon in the capital?”
“Not much. I have never seen her.” That was the truth as well.
“Huh. I thought she had cruised over the city a few times.”
“I work indoors. No time for looking up.” Trin smiled and kept pace as they meandered out of the market and toward the streets of artisans.
“Are you keeping something from me?” Apraxa asked it directly.
“I am. I can tell you in private but not walking the streets.”
Apraxa nodded and then her demeanour changed. “Hang back. One of the gangs is roaming.”
“Which one?”
“The Haj. Swedish bastards should never have been allowed to make their way here. They still try to pretend to be Norse, and raiding is their favourite thing.”
Shouts and panicked cries emerged from one of the shops. Apraxa growled and strode forward, heading to stop the shakedown.
As silently as she had been trained to move, Trin followed. No one let a friend go into danger alone.
The shop was a teashop, which appalled Trin, but the sight of the blonde thug holding Apraxa by her neck was enough to set Trin’s blood boiling.
“That is simply rude. No one should treat a lady that way.”
They took in her leathers and the straps she had around her hips and thighs. One of the men laughed, “She has brought a pet human to sacrifice for the shop. How thoughtful.”
The three blonde guys wearing matching clothing were too tempting. It didn’t matter that they were huge. They were endangering her friend and the folk huddled in the corners. That couldn’t stand.
In what felt like slow motion, she turned and kicked out at the man nearest her, sending his knee into the wrong direction. He went down, and she kept moving forward, blocking, kicking, and using pressure points until the next one was flat on his back. Now, the man holding her friend was the only one left.
“If you come closer, I break her neck. I am not joking.”
She didn’t comment but pulled a short blade and threw it at him, pinning his arm to the wall and forcing him to drop Apraxa.
Her friend landed on her butt and rubbed her neck as the three thugs hopped out and went to seek some medical attention.
Apraxa coughed, and the shopkeeper filled a cup and brought it over. “Thank you, Miss Tiburon, and thanks to your friend.”
Trin looked around and realized that the idiot had run off with her blade in him. She would need a replacement.
When Apraxa could speak, she sat on one of the floor cushions, and she rasped. “So, what was that?”
“Training. My fella is teaching me.” Trin offered her hand to her friend. Apraxa took the hand and hauled herself to a standing position.
“He appears to be a fella with some training.”
“It would seem so.” She smiled politely.
The family was bowing and offering their thanks. Apraxa shook her head and smiled. “My friend here is a tea merchant in the capital. I thought of you the moment that she said she was looking for new ceramics.”
The woman’s eyes widened, and she smiled. “Please, miss. Come with me and describe what you would like to have. I can show you previous pieces in our gallery, and you can let your imagination run.”
Trin held up her hands. “If you are upset by the events, we can come back later.”
She was grabbed by the arm and pulled along. “Nonsense. Any friend of Miss Tiburon is more than welcome, notwithstanding the assistance you gave her. That was amazing.”
Trin let herself be hauled off while Apraxa spoke softly with the man and teen who had also been threatened by the thugs.
“They were shaking you down for protection money?”
The woman paused and then n
odded. “It is what happens in this city. You get the trade, you get the light, and you get the sea, but you get the organizations who feel that they should get a piece of your income.”
Trin decided to change the topic. “Apraxa said you are a teashop?”
“Oh, we import a few tons every year. Would you like to sample some after you look at our hardware?”
“Please.” Trin smiled brightly.
They went through a door, and the scent of clay was lightly in the air. Two potters were sitting at wheels and working on teapots.
“Those are lovely, but I would like whatever design I choose to be set for mass production.”
“That is easy enough. Do you have anything in mind?”
Trin nodded as they approached the display cabinet. “I am looking for something subtle and making reference to the seasons.”
“Excellent.”
Looking at the display, she selected a few pieces to look at, and when she had solidified an idea in her mind, she started to smile. “I think I have it.”
The shopkeeper blinked. “Just like that?”
“Yes. I am fairly good at making decisions. It is part of my charm.” She smiled brightly.
“Would you like to meet the artisans?”
“Please.”
The next ten minutes of meeting the shopkeeper’s children and their spouses took up most of her visit time. When she had introduced herself and shaken hands covered with clay and dust, she had won them over.
She was escorted to the sink where they cleaned up, and she scrubbed her hands, drying them on a towel that the potter’s fifteen-year-old son had offered her. Trin knew by the look in his eyes that she had a fan.
When her host finally brought her out into the teashop, Apraxa was sitting casually on the floor next to a low table, and she was telling a very off-colour joke about a shark getting its claspers bitten off.
The weak laughter was just what she needed. “Well, Apraxa, I have made my choice. I was just about to put in the order.”