Firebrand

Chapter 352: Practically Minded

Chapter 352: Practically Minded

Practically Minded

Martel stared at Ruby. The unexpected encounter left him flatfooted, and no doubt guilt was written all over his face; he could only hope his mask hid it, just how Ruby's concealed her expression from him.

He dared not speak, afraid that she would recognise his voice. Could he get away with simply leaving, or had she seen him walk out of Lady Pearl's chambers?

Wordlessly, Ruby approached him. There was nothing hostile in her movements, no sign of an attack, so Martel did not react. Almost tenderly, she took his hand and pulled him along with her.

Confused beyond description, Martel saw no recourse but to follow. Moments later, a guard came around the corner and walked down the hallway towards them. "Hah, trapped one, did you?" he jested, to which Ruby only laughed. "Enjoy your night, little birds!"

They reached another door, which Ruby quickly opened before she dragged Martel with her into the chamber. The guard's raucous laughter only died down as she closed the door.

Releasing her hold on his hand, she turned to face him. "Martel, care to explain?" She stared at him, placing her fists against her hips in an accusatory stance.

"Oh, so you did recognise me."

"No, I am in the habit of dragging strangers into my chamber the moment I meet them. Of course I did!" Even wearing her mask, anger could be seen on her face. "You think because you hid your cheekbones, I wouldn't know that gangly frame of yours?" She raised her head to look him straight in the eyes. "I'd recognise those blueberries anywhere."

Martel removed his mask; keeping it on felt sheepish. And while he did not feel that he owed Ruby any explanations, given that she could call the guards and make this situation a lot more difficult to handle, he needed to give her something. "Something was stolen. Of a magical nature. I was looking for it, that's all. I haven't taken anything."

Ruby stepped closer and stuck her hands into his pockets. She rummaged around more than was necessary, he felt, almost grabbing at his waist through the fabric. "What are you looking for?"

"It doesn’t matter. It's not here." At least as far as Martel knew.

"Tell me."

If he did and Lady Pearl had it, she would know to hide it better. And even if innocent, word spreading of the relic's disappearance might upset the delicate peace between the Nine Lords. Exactly what Martel was meant to avoid. "I can't. It's not my secret to tell."

"I could call the guards on you."

"I favour my chances, in that case."

They stared at each other, neither willing to yield. After what seemed like an age, Ruby removed her mask. He was struck by how pretty she looked, much like the first time he had seen her. But he knew not to let that distract or waver him.

"I suppose I know the value of keeping secrets. You can wait in here a while. The guard will wonder if you leave so soon. Maybe even think you're on the third floor for other reasons than my charms."

"Considerable though they may be."

Ruby gave him a surprised look before she laughed. Truth be told, Martel was taken aback as well; the words had simply slipped from him. "Master wizard, every time I think I have you figured out, you prove me wrong."

"I admit, so do you. Why are you hiding me rather than yelling about an intruder?"

She bit into her red lip. "You helped me escape the Sisters of the Sun. This makes us even."

Fair play. He finally took the time to look around. The moonlight from the window provided scant illumination, so he absentmindedly summoned a flame to illuminate the room.

"Mages." Ruby shook her head. "You don't even think about it. All the things you can do, no different than taking a breath is for me."

Martel felt like he was supposed to apologise, though he could not say what he was meant to be contrite about. "I guess." He sat down on her bed; simple and straightforward furniture, unlike Lady Pearl's. Still a softer mattress than anything he had ever tried, though. In general, the room lacked decorations. Everything seemed practical. Even the dress Ruby wore had been tailored to allow her good movement, just like when she had fought the Sisters.

"I heard about you and the actors. Why did you help them?" Ruby, still standing, gave him an inquisitive look.

"They're my friends. They needed it."

"But they'll never be able to repay it. Neither with coin nor actions. You risked your life, you made an enemy of Lady Pearl, all for people who'll never help you the same way if you need it."

Martel returned her stare, wondering if she was making some kind of joke. But she seemed entirely serious. She only saw the value in somebody according to what they might provide her with. If he did not have magic, she probably would never have glanced at him twice. "I think it's safe for me to leave now," he remarked. "Thanks for your help."

"We're even, wizard."

He nodded in confirmation and slipped out of her room.

***

Martel left the Pearl straight, choosing expediency over subtlety. If anybody noticed him and wondered why this tall racoon made such speed towards the doors, they failed to intercept and question him in time. Soon after, Martel could walk down the street, leaving the masquerade behind.

"Good, you made your exit. I was wondering how long I should bother waiting." The Keeper appeared from an alley.

"You didn't consider more helpful actions besides waiting?" Martel wondered if this jester had the same attitude towards aiding other people as Ruby.

"You're a mage, and I am a lowly raconteur." The Keeper smiled and gave a bow.

Martel was not going to bother asking what that meant. He began walking, leaving it to his companion to keep up. "I didn't find any trace of the relic. Either it's hidden somewhere we can't find, or she doesn't have it."

"The former is always a possibility, though we can't search the entire Pearl. Rather than stare ourselves blind, we should consider another culprit."

"I suppose. Any ideas? That's your area of expertise."

The Keeper smacked his lips. "Nothing substantial. Plenty of possible suspects, but trying to investigate them all would take ages. And probably end up revealing the theft to the Nine Lords. We need to narrow it down."

"I guess I can try to look more into the magic of it. Even if Lady Pearl isn't guilty, it was a reasonable thought that someone bought a rune token that unlocks the chest with the hand. I'll see if I can find out more about how to overcome Archean magic," Martel suggested. He did not actually have much hope this would work; he had already questioned his teachers, who provided little insight. But he could not think of any other avenue to explore.

"Very well. We'll be in touch. Keep the mask." With a wink, the Keeper steered down another street, leaving Martel to walk home alone.