CH6
The next day they finished the final climb to Richosia. She saw the capital city after topping a low rise. It sprawled out filling the back portion of the valley, much larger even than Oswald. The rest of the open land was farmed; most of the plots were velvety brown with a dusting of snow. The havests had finished just in time. Nearing the city the road became congested and the soft mud had deep ruts of wagon wheels. The city had overflowed its walls. Stilted timber buildings much like the frontier towns huddled against the walls. The slow rise of the roofs looked like a wave trying to reach over the stone walls. Arriving under the gates, Tam handed over papers and we waited as guards in chainmail and Burgundy rooted through their bags. Bran had safely hidden May's books in these convenient hidden holes in the wagon. They eventually passed us through. The walls were thick as the horse and cart was long and too high to judge properly.
The city was as vivid as Bran described. The stone buildings were colorfully painted and largely had designs on door frames and windows. The streets bustled and nearly every corner had someone peddling something. Children were playing in verandas while women doing housework watched. There was also a large guard presence patrolling the streets. Most everyone beyond the boundaries of their home visibly carried weapons. Tall structures supporting braizers rose up every few blocks. May cupped her bird in her hand to give it a view of the new surroundings.
Turning off the large thoroughfare, the main commercial district faded away. Homes and hawkers decreased till they reached a decidedly industrial area. Coming up to the river that went through the city was a sort of harbor. The land receded to form square docks for flat barges. Most were no more than giant logs lashed together. Like the rest of the city there were people moving everywhere. As they walked over a bridge She looked down at all the Men loading and unloading crates. No more than a block from the water they approached an old warehouse. Its pale blue facade was crumbling revealing blackened stone beneath. They didn't enter at the front, but continued to the back. Rihannon settled in a makeshift barn.A set of wooden stairs looped up to a door on the second floor.
Entering a large man nearing Tam's height and wider opened the door and let Tam enter. Passing through a barren hallway they came through a doorless passage to a large room. A stone fireplace opened on both sides and divided the room. It and a few mismatched lanterns and a single porthole like window were the only thing lighting up the room. The long shadows spread from the corners of the murky room. One half had rows of tables and closer to the door a makeshift kitchen the other side was open, a red painted square filled the front half. Near the windowed front of the building was a desk with a high back chair. There were a few people scattered about the room, maybe ten. Most were at the tables relaxing in a manner of one briefly taking a break from work.
The man at the desk held himself entirely differently. Two men flanked him protectively. He was dressed much the same as everyone else, but as he casually read there was no doubt he was in charge. They approached and he only looked up as Tam stopped right before him. His age was difficult to pin down. He had gray mixed into the chin of his beard and his temple as well as crows feet at his eyes. He was slightly larger than average build but not enough to be intimidating. However, calloused palms suggested he knew how to hold his own in a fight.
"I'm hoping your mission was successful." his voice light air escaping at each word.
"It was," he pulled out a small velvet sack handing it over.
He glanced in and a slight smile crossed his face. "You did well, a few more jobs like this and I will have to find a new position for you."
"Thank you."
"Anything else to report?"
"Quite a bit, we did a few extra jobs. One we were paid something useful," he now handed the porridge pot over "it makes unlimited porridge but only porridge. It can feed a horse as well as a person."
"Useful indeed"
"Our journey was not all good. Not all of your contacts have remembered your generosity. We had several run-ins with Gawain's company. They had no respect for the storm. The last few times he attempted to kill us."
He sighed and rubbed his forehead "Bran wouldn't have anything to do with this reaction would he?" he asked hopefully.
"No, in fact he got us out unharmed from a bad situation."
"Good, maybe his time as a dog taught him something of obedience," he cracked a smile, "but I feared this would happen. Very well, halt all shipments to Gawain, and next time I agree to indulge one of my brother's schemes, stop me. We will deal with the punishment at a later date."
"Yes sir," said one of his bodyguards
"He will be back as soon as your support is cut off."
"So his reports are fake too?"
"They are nothing but brigands in the woods. He has a house in Oswald but no base. It has been nothing but a money sink with him I'm afraid." Geoffry's face darkened, but Tam continued, "your dealings in Sudeland may not be a complete wash." He put some papers on the table. "There is a large market for both raw and forged weapon steel."
"And what does this girl have to do with you Sudeland dealings."
"I think she could be a valuable addition to the storm."
He laughed, "you have gone soft, I don't need to remind you I don't do charity."
"You may be surprised"
"She is no fighter. What can she do for me?"
"Something no other boss in this city would have." Tam pulled her to the front saying to her "do something impressive, this is your interview."
She wiped her sweaty palms and averted her eyes from Geoffry's gaze. She started the spell pushing down the fear of failure. The rest waited in suspension as she completed the spell. She threw out a freezing blast to the fireplace. The rush extinguished the fire and covered most of the stone in a layer of ice. She looked back at him. Trying to ignore the whole room looking at her in sudden darkness. Maybe she should have done something else but her options were limited in the timber bound room.
He was taken back "She is a witch?"
"Mage actually witches only … do … potions," Bran's voice faded into nothing.
"And what else can this mage do?"
"Lots," Bran piped up, "she is the one who turned me back."
"Ignore him," said Ruth, "You won't find a caster of her level outside the green tower anywhere in the kingdom."
"She can do potions too." said Bran
He held up his hand "And how come you are unattached, where did you learn your craft?"
By then the commotion of the fireplace hadn't settled, but new lanterns were being lit brightening the space some. "Um well, my parents taught me … or the basics of sibyl and potion craft, then I taught myself."
"And why haven't you found employment before this?"
"I did work for a noble house in Sudeland, but they were well they were ended for treason."
"Yes she was locked in a windowless tower when we found her." said Bran
"Tower?"
"I was a maid to the lord's daughter who was put in the tower for punishment, which was the source of treason, that gave me time to practice magic"
He thought and she waited. "I'll give you a chance. As long as you are loyal you will be welcomed into the storm." He leaned forward, "but if you betray me all the magic in the green tower won't save you." She stepped back. His voice held a firm conviction to his threats. He got up dropping his dark demeanor and patting her on the shoulder "look happier, we'll take better care of you than any noble house." he leaned in close to her ear "plus you won't have to listen to their insufferable egos, right?" He drew back, "Tam, I am assuming you will be adding her to your crew."
"I was hoping so."
"Right, you take care of her lodging and so on. I will change your assignments accordingly, but take the next few days off. I will be in contact." Tam nodded a small duck that was almost a bow and led the group away at the clear dismissal. Across the room he called "Kuno has a new challenger, you should come by tonight."
Bran waved his hand, "we will."
Before leaving they needed to pick up their payment. As they waited at a table a woman came out of one of the side rooms. She had a stately composure that drew eyes to her. She had dark brown hair and icy eyes that matched her fine dress. Seeing us a strange expression passed over her face then her eyes steeled.
"Hello darling," she said cooly, "good to see you made it back alive."
"Reah, you look well," Tam replied.
She smiled, "Yes, well I am." She left in a flury her skirts billowing behind her.
"Let's get out of here," Tam huffed.
"What about the money?" said Ruth.
"I'll get mine at the fight, you can stay if you want."
"Their in a bit of a competition." whispered Bran "both are almost Geoffry's favorite. Not that they can compete with me, but they definitely get in each other's way."
"Does she work for the storm?" May asked.
"Yeah, she is a diplomat, Geoffry does a lot of work for nobles, but they are funny to deal with so he has a few people like Reah with some noble blood and some charm as go-betweens. So they don't feel like they are relying on some commoners."
"She is very pretty."
"I guess it helps with her line of work."
"So why do Tam and her not get along?"
"They are the best at what they do, and both are good candidates to be Geoffry's successor." Bran lowered his voice, "Plus I think they have a thing for each other."
Tam stood, finished arguing, "Ruth, can you find a place for May? I've got some pressing things to do."
"Of course."
"She can stay with me," Bran said as he looked at May. "We have a spare bed. At least till you find something better. What do you think?"
"That sounds fine." It was more than fine she was not keen on living somewhere with only strangers.
"That's better than any option I have," said Ruth.
"Alright, and I want to thank you all for the kind words in front of Geoffry. I was worried that I wouldn't get accepted."
"He would be an idiot not too," said Ruth.
"It was high praise. I will need to practice to live up to it."
"I will look into finding you some spells then. We have a few days off and Bran can keep you out of trouble, hopefully," said Ruth.
"You don't have to," she said.
"Nonsense, you getting better helps us all. I'll walk you to Bran's just in case you change your mind."
"That's ok, I'm sure it will be fine and I'll see you at the fight if it's that bad." She said as she turned to leave with Bran who had gone quiet at the prospect of finally going home. They wove through the streets back closer to the wall and on the opposite side of the main street.
"Are you sure you want me there when you first come home?" She asked.
"Yes, I honestly think it will be better with you there. They will be more civil with a stranger around," he said.
"How long have you been gone?"
"Almost a year?"
"And you haven't sent any word to them in that time?"
"No."
We stopped at a stone building much like all the others nearby, two stories and a narrow rectangular shape. It was bright yellow with orange accents. The base was a butcher's shop. At the counter was a pudgy man sharpening a knife.
"Bran, haven't seen you in a while. I thought the old man kicked you out," he chuckled.
Bran laughed back, "No business trip out of town."
"Well I'm sure I'll hear all about it."
We passed the counter through the back to some stairs. Going up we entered the first door in the hall. It was a larger sized room that was surprisingly bright for having windows on only one wall. It smelled of lavender and soap. Mismatched furniture all draped in quilts and lined with needlepoint pillows sat in every free space. Though every color could be found the predominant were pastel blue, green and pink. In the back corner was a fireplace clearly jerry rigged into the stone floor and surrounded by a makeshift kitchen. The back wall was a divider that didn't reach the ceiling and had two doors.
On the opposite side near the kitchen door was ajar. May could just see a woman's figure outside. Two boys rolled out of one of the back rooms fighting with sticks. They were younger than Bran but definitely were related.
"Bran!" they looked up and scrambled over, "We thought you had been eaten by a monster."
"Nah, they would just spit me back out."
"I knew you were coming back,'' said the other.
He moved to the side "this is my friend May" he leaned down "She is a witch so I would think twice before going through my stuff."
"Mage" she corrected jokingly.
"Kian , Oliver, who is there?" an older woman with wispy pale hair walked in wiping her hands on a wet apron. "Bran?"
She ran over and Hugged him, "Hi mom."
She let go and tugged on his ear "Next time you go galvavantin' off to wherever a little warning would be nice. Where were you?"
"Sudeland."
"Sudeland!"
"But," he put his hands up "but I brought some cool stuff back, and this is May, she is joining my crew. Can she stay here till…"
"Of course, you are welcome to stay as long as you want." she gave me a hug too "call me Susan, but to be honest the best way to get my attention is to yell mom."
"Thanks."
"Let me show you to your bed," she put her arm around May leading her to one of the back rooms. Like the front room it was full. She pointed to a small bed in the corner with a pink rose patterned quilt. Then she helped put her stuff under it "I don't know what you're used to, but you will be sharing with my daughters."
"That's fine."
"Good, where are you from? Country or city." she asked
"I was a maid at a country estate in Sudeland."
"You're a long way from home."
"Yes, but I didn't have much there."
"No family?"
"No."
"Well I hope Bran has treated you right."
"Bran and the rest of them have been very nice to me. Please let me know if I can help you with anything."
"No, no you are a guest."
"Are you sure, I don't mind"
"Of course, it will just be nice to have a woman over the age of twelve to talk to again. It's been lonely since my sister moved across town."
"Then I would be happy to listen to anything, I don't know anything about Richosia."
"Bless you dear, coming all this way was very brave of you."
"Are you a laundress?"
"Yes," she chuckled, "what gave it away. It helps fill in the gaps."
"Do you do manding as well?"
"Absolutely, my skill with a needle is what gets me most of my customers." she gestured to all the lovingly made quilts on the bed."
May smiled "I think I can lighten your load for the week"
"No offense dear, but I don't know your skill and my reputation is at stake."
"Just let me show you one."
"Alright."
She led her to a pile of clothes waist high and picked out a simple under shirt. It had a tear on the cuff and the wrist ties had ripped off on one side. May spread the shirt on her lap, and hummed out the spell. Her fingers moved precisely over the damage. The mending spell did its work and the threads weaved and fused back together as if never torn at all. Finishing, she handed the shirt back. The tired looking woman inspected the site.
"Goodness"
"I forgot to tell you she is magic," said Bran.
"How long will this last?" she said, rotating the fabric back and forth.
"As long as any thread would. I can do the rest if you like."
"That's nifty, if you don't mind." she smiled.
"It will take a little bit, but I will start now." She laid out the next item and started casting. It was an ambitious project to do in one sitting.
Susan pulled Bran down to sit next to her and in not such a quiet whisper said " you have been gone since last winter what has been going on."
"It was a long trip."
"A long trip is an understatement, why didn't you tell us anything? I swear if you had a normal job."
"You know why I don't get to have a normal job. How else did you afford me being gone."
"That is not the point. We were beginning to think something happened."
"I was gone a year, and you only thought that just now?"
"Did something happen?"
"I'm fine."
"It is probably better that I don't know anyways." She sighed, "So what is up with the girl?"
"Would you believe we found her locked in a windowless tower, been there for years as a maid to a neurotic noblewoman."
"Somehow that is more normal than I was expecting. You aren't going anywhere else are you?"
"No."
"Good."
"I'm sorry I didn't let anyone know."
"It's alright but I am not the only one you need to apologize to."
"I know when will da be home?"
"I don't know, I've got to get back to work. Those clothes have been boiling too long, but I am glad you are back. Did you atleast get paid well?"
"Here," he passed her the bag of coins he made.
He watched her finish mending. She was light headed and slightly giddy as she finished. "Does that make you tired?"
"A bit."
"You look tired."
"This was more casting than I normally do, but I'm fine."
"So you can't use a spell whenever you want," he asked.
"A spell like mending, almost, but other spells no. I am more tired from the ice than fixing clothes. But I will build up more resistance and be able to do more."
"So in a fight how many spells have you got in you?"
"I'm not sure, it depends."
"Then that's what we should do this week."
"What."
"Figure out your limits, better now than in a fight."
"Ok, I will look for a shop so I can start making potions too."
"Like what?" he said, motioning for her to continue as he slowly got up.
"An apothecary would do for most of the items, but…"
Bran crept over to a couch behind him, leaned on its back and waited. An unintelligible mumble came from behind the couch. Bran smiled as he pulled a younger version of himself up by the collar. "How many times have I said, you can't sneak up on me." The boy of around 15 emerged roughly shaking off his brother. "Just be normal and come through the door, going through the window is not as sneaky as you think."
"I'm not the one who is weird." and he poked his tongue out at Bran. He noticed May and hastily stopped.
"No, of course not."
He ignored Bran and attempted to vault over the couch with flare. It largely worked, and waltzed over to May. He smiled, kissed her hand and said "Hi, I'm Finn and you are?"
She just looked at Bran. He laughed, "This is May, a friend and coworker."
He frowned and dropped her hand. Then looked back to Bran. "What have you been doing?"
"Oh nothing much just storming towers and killing Rocs."
"Whatever."
"And making enough money to be set for the rest of the year."
"And what about while you were gone."
"There should have been more than enough as long as you weren't out with Brian every night." He looked at may. "I'd have my own place if it wasn't for him."
"Sure you would. What about you, you work for the storm?"
"I am a mage."
"That means don't get any stupid ideas."
"Seriously, do something. Turn Bran into something"
"Please don't," he said not as lightheartedly.
"I won't, I think you have spent enough time as an animal."
"You actually did that , I wish I could have seen that," said Finn.
"No, someone else did that for you," she said.
"She turned me back," said Bran.
"Are you staying here?"
"Yes."
"But we will be gone tonight, kuno is fighting."
"Can I come?"
"I thought I was weird."
"Come on, I am stuck at that stupid apprenticeship all day."
"Fine, but don't tell mom."
"Awesome, you're the best."
"I know, don't make me regret it."
"Are you the oldest?"
"Yeah, and Finn is next after me. Kian and Oliver are somewhere in the middle and you will meet the rest of them soon enough."
"Big family.'
"Eh, par for the course around here, the butchers in the front have got 11."
"Oh."
"Yeah when they line up they go halfway down the street. Are you sure you are alright?"
"Yes, the last of the casting is catching up with me, it will even out soon."
"We, me, and Finn are going to do some chores."
"Hey"
"Yes we are, so you can do whatever you need to before we go watch Kuno." he got up and half led half pulled Finn out of the house. She rose from the bag of laundry and shuffled over to an overstuffed sagging bench with lots of pillows. It was near Kian and Oliver. They glanced at her then at each other deciding if they should come over. She patted the spot next to her and rushed over.
After a nervous pause Oliver asked "can you really do magic?"
"Yes, I fixed the clothes for your mom."
"Can you turn an olliver into a frog?"
"No."
"Can you turn this." he pulled up a raggy stuffed dog "into a frog."
"Noo. percival is a dog," and Olliver swiped it back.
"I won't."
"But I can do this." She summoned up magic singing, singing her incantation and transfixing the boys. A squat frog a little larger than reality and a more vivid green plopped on the rug before them. She had it hop around and swell up its air sack. It was a greater spell than mending and didn't want to hold it much longer so she sent it leaping off disappearing in the maze of furniture legs. The two dashed off trying to find it but she had let the illusion go. She wasn't about to faint but that spell pushed her over the edge to where she was physically weak now. With little prodding from her bird she lay down and was asleep moments later.
She woke to the sound of whispers. The angle of the light indicated she had been sleeping for some hours and she felt much better. She rubbed her eyes and sat up in search of the source of the whispers. It wasn't hard to find. The rest of Bran's siblings crouched behind the couch opposite of her. The tops of three heads poked above the back.
"You said she was locked in a tower, do you think she is a princess?"
She smiled to herself as she walked around to see them. The oldest was a twelvish year old girl and one younger and Oliver was with them.
"Hi."
They all jumped, but the oldest regained her composure first. "Hi, I'm Rose and this is Hazle."
"I'm May."
"Are you a princess?" said Rose.
"No silly she is a Mage," said Oliver.
"No, I am Bran's friend. We work together, but I am a Mage."
"There is no way. Bran is too boring to know someone as cool as a mage, and he hasn't brought anyone else from work home."
"I think there are other reasons for that." Mainly they were hardened criminals.
"Oh stop interrogating the girl. She just got here." Said Susan as she ushered them away.
"I think you should date him. Then he might be cool." Rose shouted over her mother
Bran walked in from the porch. She couldn't stop herself from flushing. "My ears are burning, somebody wasn't talking about me were they Rose?" he shot his sister the evil eye. He came over "don't pay any attention to her, she is just a little busy body," he raised his voice "Always putting herself in others' business."
"I heard that." and Rose ran over from the kitchen. Her mother sighed as the rest followed her. In a very prim voice she said "it is not polite to talk about people behind their backs."
"I could say the same of you."
"May," said Hazel, "can you do magic for us?"
"She has already done a lot today."
"Tomorrow," May said, "wait, I have something." She ran back to her bags and pulled out a vile of bubbles that she had made before they left Sudeland. She hurried back and handed it to Hazel. "Take a sip, just a small one then pass it around."
Bran smiled as he watched his younger siblings each tentatively sip the purple liquid including Finn. they waited for something to happen till one opened their mouth to say something. Bubbles drifted out and soon they were all laughing out bird calls and Bubbles. It soon fated since they only took small amounts. But it was enough to excite them and they ran around chasing the last of them.
"C'mon let's go. If we get there early enough we can get dinner and a good seat." She left to get her cloak and her purse. Bran and Finn waited by the door. She waved goodbye but Bran pulled her hand down. "We are keeping this trip on the down low."
They slipped out unnoticed by Susan. On the way back to the storm headquarters they stopped at a food stall. They bought meat of no specified type pies, and of all things to stop and get popuri. The bundle of crushed rose petals apparently was a gift as to be polite when your boss invited you to something. Rose was used in large amounts to hide any unwanted odors. It made her shiver thinking of the overwhelming scent inside the warehouse. She told herself it was just that they had a lot in hand in case, not that it was in use. They reached the warehouse at dusk. The area had a whole different look as the horizontal light intensified the colors on the walls.
We entered the same way as before. Geoffry sat in the same chair as before but the desk was gone. It was almost like a throne. There was much more activity in the room. The kitchen had been converted into a bar holding many kegs and mugs. The tables had been rearranged around the painted square that now had ropes around it. We walked up to Geoffry. Bran deposited the offering into a half full basket.
"Greetings," Geoffry said, "well Bran I recognize the Witch - no not witch mage. But who is this?"
"My Brother Finn."
"Nice to meet you Finn, but he is your responsibility Bran. What is the difference between a witch and a mage?"
"A witch can only do potions. I can also cast."
"Interesting, well the festivities are about to begin, enjoy."
People were gathering around the square. It was a burly lot. Mostly men but a few women were mixed in just as intimidating as the rest. She felt out of place surrounded by people who could be best described as lethal. They sat on the top of one of the long tables. Someone sat close next to her. It was Reah.
"Forgive me for my terrible manners this morning. I was … distracted."
"It's ok."
"I'm Reah, principal liaison for the storm."
"I'm May."
"Will you be joining me as a diplomat?"
"No."
"She has got magic," said Bran.
May nodded.
She arched an eyebrow, "Oh fascinating. Well regardless of roles, us non combatives must stick together. I look forward to many conversations with you in the future." She rose gracefully and left.
"I couldn't tell if she meant any of that."
"That is what makes her so good at her job."
Later Tam shoved through the thickening crowd and muscled a spot next to her. "Good to see you made it."
"It's you that's late," said Bran.
A cheer spread through the crowd and a truly massive shirtless man walked into the square. His head was shaved bald and on one muscled forearm he had the storm tattoo and rings going up to his shoulder. "I'm just in time, Kuno just came out." said Tam
Behind Kuno was another man. He was smaller but just as ripped and intimidating. Bran passed out the pies. As Geoffry introduced the fighters. The other man was called Silas. The pie was surprisingly good but that thought soon faded from May. She was shocked by the sheer brutality of the fight. She had seen a dule once before at the castle. That fight was to the death but it had nothing on this. This was two people wailing on each other with all their strength. The crowd roared at each strike.
"Are you going to finish that?" Bran asked
She passed it over "are they going to kill each other?"
"What no," he shouted over the noise, "they are fighters they have trained a long time to take punches like that. They will be fine, trust me."
He offered the pie back but she refused. Still, she felt better knowing she wasn't about to see someone die. She didn't exactly get into the fight but she was able to stop wincing and see the larger strategies of the fight. The smaller man held his own for a while. Nimbly dodging the worst of the hits. But Kuno was making ground. Each hit slowed his opponent more. After a few more minutes Silas was flagging and Kuno barreled on. He couldn't move quick enough and Kuno cornered him. The end was swift. The crowd Cheered, but before Kuno left the ring he helped up his beaten opponent and shook his hand like at the beginning of the fight. After a short period of revelry Kuno retired out of the room, but the crowd remained.
Tam clapped his hands. "Now for the good part."
She didn't have to ask what she meant as two of the crowd entered the ring and passed over their weapons and coats. They circled each other and started fighting. It was nowhere near as ferocious as the main fight. It felt more like a sparring where the hits were allowed to land. Several more fights passed and Tam educated her. Who each person was their job in the storm, their fighting style, who he thought would win and after what the victor won. Tam describing tactics and moves more like a game of chess made the small matches much more palatable and even interesting to her. It also helped that there wasn't so much blood. They sat and watched for a long time. Then Bran regretted bringing Finn. Looking at the next match to happen it was Finn and a man near Tam's size. Bran immediately sprinted over to him.
Tam groaned "come on, we are in for a night."
Bran easily leaped the rope, grabbed Finn by his collar and hoisted him out of the ring. Now close enough to hear "hey," said the Man
"I'm sorry my idiot of a kid brother asked you to a match."
"But," protested Finn.
"Look, you don't want to fight him, he is a Kid."
"I am not!"
"Shut up," he said to Finn and politely said to the other man, "It wouldn't be a fight."
"Then you better be, because I was promised a fight."
Bran's lips tightened. He stared at Finn, "You owe me."
Tam chuckled and leaned over the rope. "Good luck mate. I hope you are ready to lose your dinner."
"Just keep him from doing something else idiotic."
Tam continued laughing but clamped his hand on Finn's shoulder as he tried to duck away. Bran didn't look scared as much as pissed as he got ready for the fight. He removed his sword belt and a few hidden daggers. As well as his cloak and vest hanging them on the rope. May picked them up since Tam had his hands full. He rolled his shoulders and jogged in place.
Tam said "I hope you have some spells to heal because Bran is about to get it handed to him. Finn you are damn lucky you have a good brother."
"He doesn't look so tough." Finn said as they circled each other.
"You challenged Gus. He hasn't had a match in weeks because everyone is scared of him. He could almost be professional."
"I could take him."
"Sure you could kid, Bran has your father's skills and he can't."
"Are we going to have to carry him home?" asked May.
"Depends on Gus' mood," said Tam.
She wished she had a healing potion with her. Bran's jaw was set in resignation while Gus smiled. It was Kuno's fight all over again and the crowd noticed. Gus unsurprisingly was the first to attack, swinging a heavy punch. Bran dogged it as well as the next two, but the fourth landed right in his stomach. He nearly did lose his dinner. But he recovered, missing the other hand's strike and landed a punch of his own. He split Gus' lip and the man's smile faded. Bran's eyes widened. A flurry of blows were thrown at him and he managed to escape and regain distance. Like the other man, Bran could only dodge for so long. He backed into a corner like the other man. Gus's smile returned, but as he closed Bran ducked under his arm and Kicked him into the corner, hitting him to prevent him from turning. The larger Gus was able to shove him off. They both were bruised and breathing heavily. They traded a few more bouts. Gus was more wary now. They both were exhausted. Bran with a burst of speed closed on Gus locking his head in his arms. They struggled but Gus' strength prevailed once again and as Bran staggered back he landed a punch that threw Bran to the ground. Bran had no choice but to surrender as Gus' boot landed on his chest.
He helped Bran up, "Not bad Brannigan, you definitely gave me a fight."
There was a round of applause but it was for Gus as Bran crawled out of the square. He stiffly righted himself. May passed back his things one by one and had to help him with some items as his fingers and knuckles started to swell.
Finn kicked at nothing and finally said. "I do owe you. I'm sorry."
"You bloody do. You can start by taking any heat for tonight."
"I will," Finn sighed.
"You did good," said Tam, slapping him roughly on the back.
Bran grit his teeth but said nothing. Then offered him his last dagger. He looked down at his boot like it was miles away. "Keep it, you shouldn't go around unarmed in any way."
"I have a knife."
"That letter opener is not big enough."
She gave in and put the blade in her own boot. They left the area of the square and he slumped onto a bench. He wiped his broken nose and spat. She handed him a handkerchief. As May's fanned His face. He looked at it. Areon rarely interacted with anyone besides May, but they liked his attitude.
"Wipe your face," May reminded him.
He frowned "obviously, but I have a perfectly good sleeve."
"Then give it back."
He pulled it away and started to wipe his face. He winced. "Finn, can you get me a drink?" Finn hopped up and ran off to wait in the line by the bar. "I think my nose is broken, you wouldn't have anything to help would you?"
"Hold still." She still remembered helping her mother cure people. She took his face in her hands. His nose, it was at a definite angle. She grabbed his nose and pulled down till it popped.
"Ow"
"Your nose is set now"
"I meant to fix it with magic."
"I know. Now that your nose is fixed I can help. It won't heal anything but it may make you feel better." She put her palm on his forehead and cast a spell to cure headaches she hoped would mitigate some of the nose pain as well. It was from the book of useful spells so the low power didn't make it too promising, but as she released the spell his jaw muscles loosened.
"Better?" she asked.
"Yeah loads, can you do that here?" he pointed to his side where Gus had kicked him.
"It only works on heads, sorry. You probably broke a rib. I can make something tomorrow to help fix bones, but it will still take you a while to heal."
"A while indeed." said Geoffry approaching "that was some nerve fighting Gus."
"Well I didn't have much of a choice."
"Still you did yourself proud, Gus is hurting too."
"Thanks," Bran said as he walked off.
"It was good of you to protect your brother," she said.
"Not you too."
"What compliment you?"
"It's not a compliment, it's a pity complement. If I had won I would take the praise all night, but I lost."
"Fine you were stupid for fighting someone out of your leauge."
He looked hurt then saw her jerring smile "Yes thank you much better, now let me complain because I feel like shit."
"Losers don't get to complain. And you better be able to walk because I am not carrying you back."
he chuckled till his side stopped him. "Alright I get it. But that would be some sight you carrying me down the street. I doubt you could lift me."
"Don't doubt me. One time Alestra broke her foot and I had to carry her all the way down and back up the stairs every time she needed to go to the bathroom."
He laughed more "you really didn't say no to her."
"It was either that or clean out the bucket she used.'
"Ew, still Alestra is alot lighter than me."
"I carried her up five flights of stairs."
"Fine, prove it."
"What."
"Prove it, lift me."
"I don't want to hurt you."
"No you can't back out now."
"Alright I'll do it."
"I'm waiting." he rose slowly
She stood and psyched herself up. Then bent down, hooking one arm around his leg. He was much heavier than Alestra. But she got him off the ground. It was only brief as she nearly fell over. But she did it.
"I take it back," he said, "and fortunately for you I can walk home."
"Good, you are heavier than I thought."
"Are you calling me fat?"
"Well you couldn't even win a fight against Gus."
He smiled.
Eventually Finn returned and Bran downed a mug before they left. She wanted to go with them but after tending to Bran's injuries another of the fighters cautiously approached her with a broken nose.
"Ohy, go home," said Bran.
"Please?" They said, clearly frightened as they trembled before her.
They must be in a lot of pain to ask her for help. "It's fine, go home with Finn," she told Bran as she inspected the man closer "this won't heal you but it will make you feel better."
Bran begrudgingly followed his brother as she repeated the process she did for Bran on the stranger. The man nearly fell back as he felt the spell released. The reaction startled her. Then she remembered he must have never felt magic before. Once he recovered smiled, thanking her before he shuffled away. Soon after a pair came before her, two women, one very drunk and moaning.
"I don't suppose you can fix this?" she asked sheepishly.
"I can try." she said.
There wasn't anything she really could do for that but she gave her a small amount of her bertran to make the headache spell last longer, hopefully sparing her from the worst of a hangover. They departed and she sighed as she heard another approaching her from behind.
"Don't let them push you around too much," said Tam.
"It's not much, I didn't actually do anything to fix any of them. I just got rid of their headaches."
"There is a spell for that?"
"There is a spell for most anything if you have the time to look."
"You look tired."
"Yeah, casting isn't for free."
"Where is Bran?"
"I sent him back with Finn."
"I'll walk you home then."
"It's alright, I remember where to go."
"Still, you are unfamiliar with the city. It is a different place at night."
It didn't take her long to figure out why the large towers were lit every night. It was fully dark out and a strong wind kept the fires from burning properly. She heard a clicking chittering sound like a flock of birds, but they must have been at roost by that time. Tam took out his ax and pulled up the hood of his cloak.
"Get under cover," he said as he backed up and pushed her under the nearest poarch. Anyone else on the street was doing something similar. A strange creature swooped down from the darkness. It was small, no larger than a housecat with large segmented wings like a bat. More joined the first till a large group gathered. They argued and snapped at each other; flailing thin tails and flaring ruddy colored wings. Avoiding the low light of the towers they landed on rooftops and in the streets. They skittered on two clawed feet and fanged mouths on angular heads snuffeled the ground before them.
A bell clanged through the street starling the little beasts. Moments later the city guard in their red livery came running down the street wearing peculiar widebrimed metal hats and comically long poled spears. They distubed the flocks from a safe distance with the extra reach. The beasts snarled and shot out gushes of liquid. From the acrid smell and its reactive properties it was quite toxic. They didn't put up much of a fight against the guard and scattered in all directions from the spear points. One panicked beast fled into the porch by us. It had a piglike squeal and spat at them in surprise. Tam blocked the spray with the hem of his cloak and poked it back to the street with his ax. Once the fire was properly stoked again the creatures fled from the light. They began to retreat but many more bells rang in the distance. The guards trudged off to the next location as soon as the bulk of them were gone.
"What was that?"
"Wyverns, a local nuisance. Would be pretty harmless but for the acid." He held up his fried cloak.
"Do they come often?"
"Often enough for all of this. They find all the food scraps here hard to resist."
"Oh,"
"Let's get inside before they come back."
He stepped back onto the street. She tentatively followed. Looking down at the cobble, the many holes pot marking their surface were bored by acid, not rain. The north was a whole nother world. How could swarms of acid spitting wyverns be a minor problem treated like any other pest. She had never seen such a thing back home. This was altogether a more wild place and she wasn't she wasn't sure if she was comfortable with that yet.