SJ followed Alice as she led her from the barracks. “I have picked three places, and you may choose which you prefer to use for now,” Alice said as they walked.
SJ had always stayed in the centre of the town because of the Inn’s positioning and had gotten used to the hustle and bustle of the vendors and market traders that were there every day, and the noise of their daily routine. The Inn was after all the hub of the town and anyone that was someone frequented there. Since SJ had met all the council members during the meeting, she had realised that many of them frequented the Inn.
“Is there anything near the centre of town?” SJ asked.
“Unfortunately, not to close to the centre. Those buildings very rarely free. Normally only when a family leaves for Asterfal or one of the other outlying villages,” Alice replied.
“That’s a shame I have really enjoyed being at the Inn,” she had gotten used to the noise every night, the laughing the singing and the general camaraderie that was displayed.
Alice was leading SJ into an area of the town she had never been before. It was on the northeastern side, towards the mountain. The first building she stopped at was a two-storey affair. It was in a row of four closely packed homes. The street outside was wide and opposite was a small open area, with a garden and some seats. It was a pleasant location and SJ stood looking around. “Well, this is the first,” Alice said, removing a bunch of keys from her pouch. She walked to the door and opened it letting SJ inside.
The interior was well maintained, the beams all cleaned and no signs of dust or cobwebs. It reminded SJ of her childhood home. They had lived in a row of terraces and been in one of the middle properties. She had never been a fan because of the noise that used to come through from the neighbours regularly. The house consisted of two rooms on the ground floor. A kitchen and lounge and the narrow stairs were two bedrooms and a bathroom.
“It’s very nice,” SJ replied.
“But not for you,” Alice replied, smiling.
“Is it that obvious?”
“Ha. You don’t seem overly excited, so yes.”
“Sorry,” SJ said apologetically.
“No, it’s fine. This was a last-minute addition.”
“How long have you been looking?” SJ frowned.
“The mayor asked me to start investigating a residence three days ago.”
“I had only just found out about potentially joining the council then?” SJ replied surprised.
“We were both confident you would get accepted. You have done so much for the town already since you have been here. We could not see any objections to you being added.”
“I wasn’t as confident as you were. Not with the concerns over my kind.”
“Yes. Many are problematic, but thankfully you and Mistress Francisca, are starting to show a different side to the fae.”
“I hope it will continue. I don’t like being thought of as a nuisance.”
“You have been anything but,” Alice replied as they walked back outside, and she locked the door. “Ok. Number two.”
Following Alice, she was led down the northern edge of the town heading down past the church. Lythonian was in the grounds tending the flowers and he waved as they walked past. SJ knew she would need to speak to Lythonian and get his thoughts on the Draconian council member and his family.
The next house was a smaller than the first and sat in a small plot by itself, opposite the church hall. SJ liked the look of it from the outside. Alice showed her in and then realised that the inside was not as well kept as the first home. “This one does need some work doing to it,” Alice said, showing her the interior.
After looking around, SJ was quite pleased with it. “I quite like this,” she said smiling.
“Good. Let’s show you the third one and then you can confirm which you would like to use.”
Walking to the third property they now moved to the western edge of town. As soon as SJ saw it she knew it was the one. Sat by itself in a small plot of land with a garden at the front and rear, was a small cottage. It was like Farleck cottage, although slightly larger. It had a small fence that surrounded the garden, and it looked out directly onto the open cornfields that spread from the edge of town to the forest, where the path to the crags headed.
“This is beautiful,” SJ said gawping. She had no idea that there were such idyllic locations in the town.
“It is a nice area. Very quiet, and peaceful.”
SJ could hear the rhythmic pounding of the smithy in the distant and looking out from the front garden she could see the large white sails of the windmill slowly turning. The roof of the mage’s academy was not quite visible. On entering the property, it opened into a large lounge area. The main bedroom and lounge were both situated at the front of the property and looked out over the fields. The kitchen, bathroom and second smaller bedroom at the rear, looking into the back garden, which was enclosed with a fence, and had two trees, one growing apples, which SJ grimaced at remembering her initial mistake of tasting one. The other grew a fruit that SJ had not seen before, it’s skin was purple and bobbly.
“What fruit is this?” SJ asked.
“It’s called a Grapey. They are succulent and very flavoursome,” Alice replied.
SJ picked one of the fruits from the tree and taking her knife cut into it’s flesh. It looked similar to that of a peach, and she lifted the fruit to her mouth taking a bite. The flood of flavour and juice that erupted on her tongue was a sensation to behold.
“These are amazing. Why am I only finding out about these now?” SJ said.
“They are delightful. The owner spent years nurturing the tree as many of them do not bear fruits.”
“I think I have a new favourite. I may have to give some to Floretta and see what she can cook up with them.”
“I am sure Floretta would be exceedingly happy getting some Grapey to cook with. They are not readily available.”
As SJ walked around the remainder of the property, she began to smile. This would be perfect.
“I am guessing this is the one?” Alice asked.
“Yes. This is lovely,” SJ replied.
The property was furnished so she wouldn’t need to worry about providing anything, apart from bedding and usual household items.
“Excellent. I need to confirm the details with the owner, but I believe she will be very pleased. Once the contract is approved you will move in. It shouldn’t take too long to confirm. I will get a message sent to her today via the wagon to Asterfal.”
“Oh. The owner lives in Asterfal?”
“Yes. She was a long-standing member of the town council, but when her sister fell ill, she gave up her position and moved to Asterfal to look after her.”
“That’s unfortunate to hear.”
“Yes. She was a breath of fresh air and used to keep many of the grumpy old goats in line,” Alice chuckled. “Which I think you will end up doing naturally now,” smiling at SJ.
“I am sure you are more than capable of dealing with any dissent,” SJ replied.
“You would be surprised. The members can be very stubborn and can take a great deal of persuading.”
“I noticed that today about the expansion of the borders.”
“Yes. That is going to take time to resolve. As soon as the mine is up and working, we will start considering it more openly, and if we can begin to sell the Mithril it will make a huge difference to the town.”
“I completely forgot getting caught up in everything today. My friend has arrived and has said he will be willing to help with that. He is staying at the Inn currently.”
“Really. You have already got someone here?” Alice asked surprised.
“I messaged him as soon I found out and asked him to come straight here, and I trust him with my life.”
Alice looked at SJ frowning. “How did you get a message to them so soon?”
SJ removed the gemstone Nexis had given her.
“Nice. They aren’t cheap,” Alice replied.
“We met in the valley where my cottage is. He gave it to me afterwards. I have no idea of the cost of them. He said if I needed help to let him know and he was the first person who came to mind. Knowing that he trades at the auctions it just made sense.”
“How do you know you can trust him?”
“I just know,” SJ replied, shrugging.
“I am not so sure that letting an outsider know about the Mithril so easily was a good idea. It will cause problems if it gets out.”
“I promise you that he is trustworthy. He would never do anything against the town or myself.” SJ replied emphatically.
“How can you be so certain?” Alice was not accepting such an easy answer.
“Let me take you to meet him. I am sure he can put your mind at ease.”
“I think it best.” Alice replied, a very concerned look on her face.
They left the cottage and began heading straight to the Inn.
“How do you communicate with Asterfal normally?” SJ asked as they walked along.
“Through the council mage, William.”
SJ had come to realise that the mage who performed all the town announcements was a specialist mage who was aligned to air magic. “I see. I always wondered about the distant communications.”
“We only ever communicate distant messages as needed. It is very draining for William to communicate long distance. Most will go via the mail service.”
“Mail service?”
“Yes. Every wagon that arrives or leaves to Asterfal contains communications. We also have couriers who travel to the outer towns and villages as necessary.”
SJ still had so much to learn about the day-to-day workings of the town and the wider region. On arriving at the Inn, the lilt of the Bard could be heard as they approached and walking inside the bar was much busier than usual. SJ frowned as she looked around. The usual clientele seeming to have grown substantially. Many of the patrons were stood up and looking towards the Bard who stood singing in his usual spot. It all seemed a little strange. SJ couldn’t see through the crowd.
Walking to the bar she caught the attention of Kerys.
“Hi Kerys. What’s going on?” she asked.
“Hi SJ. Your friend is what’s going on,” she replied smiling.
“Sorry?” SJ turned looking down the bar and from here she had a view of where the Bard stood. It wasn’t the Bard that drew her attention though but Nexis, who was sat on a stool next to him playing what looked like a violin. The sound from the instrument was angelic.
“Oh. I’m sorry. I will go speak to him.”
“No need to apologise. He is bringing in customers,” Kerys smiled. “Hi Alice.”
“Hi Kerys. Could I have a Plum Wine please?” Alice asked.
“Of course. Honey Wine?” Kerys asked SJ.
“Yes, please,” she replied.
Moments later Kerys handed the glasses to them, and the music stopped. There was a thunderous round of applause from the watching crowd.
“We will be back after a short break,” the Bard called out over the din.
To some groaned responses, the patrons took the opportunity to refill their glasses. SJ and Alice taking theirs headed towards where Nexis was sat talking to the Bard.
“SJ,” Nexis beamed as he spotted her approaching.
“Nexis. This is Alice,” SJ said introducing her.
“Charmed,” Nexis replied, smiling broadly at Alice.
Alice tried to remain stony-faced at his beauty, but SJ could still see slight colouration to her cheeks when she replied.
“Nice to meet you to Nexis,” Alice replied, calmly.
“Can I speak to you please?” SJ asked.
“Of course, my dear. What can I do for you?”
“A little more privately if that is possible?” SJ asked.
“I will be back momentarily Ptolemy,” Nexis said to the Bard.
The Bard smiled back at Nexis nodding his head. SJ had never known the Bard’s name before. Nexis stood placing the musical instrument on the stool. SJ led them away from the stage area to a quieter area of the bar and took a seat at the table.
“So, what do you wish to discuss?” Nexis asked.
“Alice, is the second of the town and she wished to meet you to discuss a couple of things, prior to meeting with the mayor.”
“Of course. What can I do for you?” he looked at Alice giving her a dazzling smile.
Alice was handling his Charisma magnificently, and not allowing herself to be overthrown by his beauty and charm.
“I wished to understand your reasoning and loyalty to SJ,” Alice asked directly.
“I see. You are concerned about the information being divulged outside of the township. I understand fully your concerns and you can rest assured that I am not one to gossip over my private matters. I have many clients whose identities remain secret that I trade on behalf of.” Nexis replied.
“You may have but there is a still a trust concern. What if you were offered money in relation to information?” Alice asked.
Nexis laughed, his laugh making SJ feel like a spell had struck her. It seemed to cut through her and made her feel slightly giddy. Alice shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
“My dear, Alice. Money is no object to me. I make my coin through my trust and worth as a trader. I would never damage my reputation. We all know that reputation matters on Amathera.”
“Do you mind if I check something?” Alice asked, removing a small item from her pocket.
“Of course, please do check my alignment,” Nexis replied.
The item was the same as SJ had seen Lythonian use on the skeleton’s at the compound. Alice said a few words and the items changed colour, turning a bright blue. She raised her eyebrows on seeing the colour. “Lawful Good,” she stammered, a little taken aback.
“Yes. I am,” Nexis smiled.
“Your word is your bond,” Alice replied.
“It is indeed. As I say my reputation matters and I would not sully it through underhand methods, or bribery,” Nexis replied.
Alice placed the small item away, it still reminded SJ of a magnifying glass, and she would have to discover how they worked.
“You don’t need one. When your identification skill levels higher you will read alignments of all,” Dave said, taking SJ aback as she had not said anything.
“Would you be free to meet with myself and the mayor in the morning?” Alice asked.
“I can yes. What time?” Nexis replied.
“10:30?”
“Perfect. It will give me time to have some more of Miss Floretta’s amazing breakfast before I come over. I am assuming SJ will accompany me?” Nexis asked.
“Yes. Of course, she is our ambassador after all,” Alice replied.
Alice drank the remainder of her plum wine and went to stand. “SJ I will speak to the owner and see you in the morning.”
“Thanks Alice. That would be great,” SJ said.
Alice turned to face Nexis again. Standing overly stiff she nodded her head at him slightly, “Nexis.”
“My pleasure,” he replied, as Alice turned and left.
“I better get back to it, I can’t leave Ptolemy alone up there, this crowd are a little demanding,” he said smiling and standing.
SJ turned and watched as he walked back to the stage picking up the violin and struck a few chords. Speaking to Ptolemy before the bar was once again filled with the angelic music and song from the pair.
