Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Game and am not making a profit from this story.
The Flower Maiden
Chapter Six: The Gypsy Camp
Ishtar, Arcadia and Duzell rode into a busy camp. They were given a hearty, loud welcome from the travellers that they acknowledged back. But behind the welcoming smiles for Ishtar and Duzell were eyes that were hard with suspicion.
Ishtar followed Arcadia's example and dismounted her horse and tied it to a post. She patted the horse's nose then trailed after Arcadia as she made her way towards the closest wagon.
Two pretty gypsy girls barred his way. One of them spoke to him. "Handsome sir, would you be interested in getting better acquainted with one of us? The price is one gold coin."
Duzell silently snorted. He studied the two girls in front of him. The two were pretty, not beautiful.Together, the highest price they could reach would be one gold piece.
"I'm sorry, ladies, but business comes before pleasure." Duzell was courteous to them. "Excuse me."
Duzell left the pouting girls behind him. He ducked inside the wagon that Arcadia and Ishtar had disappeared into.
The inside was cramped and small. A small wooden table barely big enough for two graced the corner of the space. Arcadia and another woman close to her age sat in the only two wooden chairs. Ishtar had folded herself into an empty space near the other two and was listening intently to their conversation. Duzell had no choice but to stand and watch.
The woman conversing with Arcadia was of average height for a woman. Her black hair hung down her back in heavy waves and framed an oval face. Her brown eyes were slanted, giving her an exotic look. She gave Duzell a measuring look then returned to her conversation with Arcadia.
"Grandmother has already given her permission for Ishtar and her companion to travel with us." The woman said. "As long as she is not bad luck. I must do a reading for them before permission is granted. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Arcadia agreed with resignation. "Ishtar, Duzie get up here."
Twenty minutes later, the gypsy was poring over the results of her reading. Looking up, she stared at the two in front of her. Ishtar squirmed under the look, she was bored and the measuring looks the woman was giving her and Duzie were creeping her out.
"Hmm." She transferred the gaze to Duzie before continuing. "The girl is poor luck. He does seem to have a good amount of luck but the cards tell me that it affects no one but him. Together, the two will bring us much luck. We will shelter them."
"My thanks, Relena." Arcadia gave a small bow in gratitude.
The woman, Relena, smiled. "Thanks are unnecessary between oath sisters."
"You have them anyway." Arcadia threw Relena a purse. "For the expenses of the journey."
Relena hefted the purse. A smile spread across her face at the weight. "This shall do nicely to help care for your friends. Peace be with you."
And with you also, oath sister." Arcadia replied as the two clasped wrists. "May we see each other again soon."
Relena was grave. "I will hope for the same. Now, be off with you. You have spent too much time here as it is and we must be going before they dispatch guards to chase us off."
Conscious of Relena's curious eyes, Arcadia gave no bow or hint of Ishtar's true origins. "Follow Relena's advice and listen to the rules of the camp."
"We'll miss you." Ishtar said and hugged her.
"Be well." Arcadia said to both of them and was gone.