Firebrand

Chapter 329: A Child's Innocence

Chapter 329: A Child's Innocence

A Child's Innocence

The worst of his concerns about the troupe alleviated, Martel could better concentrate on his lessons the next day. Still, until the actors left the bridge district, they would not be safe. The sooner the better. Just in case he might help facilitate this, or should Regnar need assistance persuading the rest to pull up their tents, Martel figured he would pay them a visit. It would also ease his lingering worry that despite their intention to leave, his friends might still be targeted by further attacks. Seeing them unharmed would ease his mind.

***

The Four Flagon Tavern was quiet, all things considered, with only a handful of customers in the common room. On his way in, Martel had also noticed people outside on the street keeping a careful watch. But the place seemed peaceful, at least, with no imminent sign of trouble brewing. Down in the basement, he quickly located Regnar.

"You guys getting ready to leave?"

The hedge mage nodded. "I convinced the others. They all saw the wisdom in avoiding this conflict – except Ian, I guess, but you can't expect a child to always understand. We're just slowly packing things up. We had rather expected to stay here a long time, so we're not quite as swift to have everything back on carts as in the old days. We also sold our draught animals, so Theo is out buying new oxen."

"That's good. I spoke to the earthmage from the Night Knives, those mercenaries that came here. I told her you were leaving – hopefully, that means they'll stay away and let you go in peace."

"I appreciate that, lad." Regnar sat down on the nearest bench and took out his pipe. "I shouted at those fellows on the other side of the street, those watching us, much the same message. I figured they'd take it back to the mistress, though by the looks of them, I might have overestimated their intelligence."

Martel chuckled a little, despite how serious and unfortunate the situation felt. "I suppose it's best not to take chances. I can't be sure that Flora, the earthmage, passed on the message either. Maybe I should go myself to the Pearl and let them know."

"Nah, lad, don't go near those people. We'll be fine and out of here soon enough." Regnar bit into his pipe and gave Martel a pat on the shoulder.

"All the same, I don't like the idea of a misunderstanding causing another fight, especially as I probably won't be here to help. And I don't think I have to go straight into the wyrm's lair, as they say. You think I could borrow some parchment and a writing set?"

***

A short while after, an urchin carrying a message in one hand and a copper penny in the other entered The River Pearl. With the note delivered, the child continued on her way, keeping the coin for her troubles. Meanwhile, down the street, Martel sat on a crate watching the passers-by. He had liked the bridge district; an interesting blend of people and travellers, the presence of those he thought were friends such as the Night Knives, and memories of happy times spent at places like the Pearl. Little of that remained, and Martel knew he was not particularly welcome in this quarter anymore.

His thoughts ended at the appearance of a young woman, whose red lips still intrigued him despite it all. "I did not expect to see you again, though at least you had the good sense not to walk straight into the Pearl," Ruby said.

"I just wanted to tell you something."

"You know, written notes are exceptionally useful for that purpose."

"Messages can get lost. I thought this important enough to tell you in person."

She kept her eyes on him. "Go on."

"The actors, including the hedge mage, are leaving. Your mistress will get her wish. In a few days, they'll be gone."

"That's good to hear. Provided it's true."

A trickle of bitter laughter escaped from Martel. "That's how you see the world, isn't it? Everything is a ruse, everyone deceives, nothing can be trusted."

"I trust myself. What my eyes and ears tell me. I trust my hand wielding a dagger and my feet to be quiet. Trusting anything other than that only invites you to be fooled." Ruby spoke with half a smile, but Martel sensed that she meant every word fully.

"If that is how you wish to live. I said what I had to say. You can leave the tavern alone."

Now it was her turn to laugh, and the sound held no more joy than when Martel had done so. "It is true what they say about the pride of wizards. You think simply because you have said so, that's how it goes. All that power must really go to your head. I wasn't given such gifts at birth – I've had to fight for every scrap I could ever put my hands on."

In her words, Martel saw a glimpse of the child she had once been. Not much different than Julia, Sparrow, or Weasel. Made unkind by an unkind world. "In that case, I'll set my pride aside and simply express my sympathy."

"Still arrogance, simply by other words. Goodbye, wizard." She turned around and left with hasty steps.

***

Leaving the bridge district, Martel decided to extend his journey a little by including a trip to the harbour. He was curious how the potion had worked on Julia, assuming she had tried it. She did seem to have the scavenger's instinct of collecting everything but never using it, always afraid it might be more needed another day. But if so, he would impress on her that she ought to drink it. Soon enough, he would be able to make plenty more, after all.

Knocking on Julia's door, it remained closed. When somebody finally spoke to him, it came from an unexpected angle. "You looking for the woman who lives there? You're her friend, right, I've seen you."

Martel turned his head to see a small girl sticking her head out from another room down the corridor. He could not help but smile at her words; he supposed to someone as young as her, even Julia might seem like a grown woman. "That's right. I just wanted to speak with her briefly. Are you her friend as well?"

"I'm afraid to talk to her. She's so pretty."

Martel laughed a little. It was nice to be reminded that some children still had innocence.

"I did follow her a few times, but she went into the smelly place, so I went home again."

"The – smelly place? The sewers?"

The girl nodded. "Yeah, that's what my dad called it. Said I wasn't allowed down there."

"He was right." Martel frowned a little, wondering why Julia would go back down there.

"Child, stop talking to strangers!" The voice came from behind the girl, within their rooms; a start went through her, and she slammed the door shut.

Nothing further to glean, with no idea where Julia was or when she might return, Martel left.