Outside the shop, Ellis saw Gregor hobble out of the shed and start shaking his limbs one at a time. Next came Jerg, who walked carefully around Gregor to avoid his swinging arms. Jerg waved over to Ellis as soon as he saw him approaching.

“Good morning.”

“It ain’t nothin’ special.”

“I was talking to Ellis.”

“Dellis is back?”

“Good morning, Gregor.”

“Hmph.”

Gregor stuck up his nose and walked away from the shed and toward the shop, shuffling one leg at a time across the dirt.

“You’re here rather early, aren’t you?” Jerg asked.

“Uh, well… Byles asked me to come early.”

Ellis followed Jerg as he made his way over to the back door of the shop.

“He did?”

“Yeah…” Ellis ran over the lines in his head quickly before speaking. “Byles’ says there is an important item being brought in today. Something expensive.

“He didn’t say shit to us.”

Ellis jumped in surprise as Lester suddenly appeared.

“Guess he’s playin’ favorites with the new kid,” he said as he brushed passed Ellis.

Jerg gave him a look of disapproval, but Lester ignored him and continued walking ahead.

Ellis followed Lester with his eyes, studying him as best he could. Whatever he was thinking, his mannerisms gave nothing away; he seemed as calm and aloof as he’d ever been. Jerg on the other hand, to Ellis’ surprise, seemed tense; it seemed there was something he wanted to say, but in the end, Jerg remained silent.

The men took to their usual routine of clearing empty crates and debris from the path that lead from the main road to the yard. Lester and Ellis cleared the way while Gregor fussed about— picking up a piece of wood or a pile of vegetable scraps before complaining about his back and sitting down. Soon after the work had begun, Jerg split off from the group to make his usual trip to retrieve Harold from his home.

By the time Jerg had returned with Harold, the roadway was almost entirely clear. Not long after they had finished, a merchant arrived.

He was a dark skinned man with curly black hair and clothing made of red and brown cloth. There was a peculiar and enticing scent coming off of his clothing as well as from within the contents of the wagon.

Byles came out and began speaking with the man in a language that Ellis did not know. It sounded strange; spoken with a rhythmic and guttural cadence that sounded more to him like chanting, rather than conversation.

Harold, Jerg, Lester and Ellis went about their work as usual, while Byles continued to converse with the man. As their conversation continued, they reached a point where even Ellis could discern an argument— though he had no idea who was winning. Eventually, the two seemed to reconcile and Byles begrudgingly paid with a purse full of coins. The merchant seemed pleased enough, tucking the purse into his robes and drawing the wagon back towards the street.

“No pactors this time, Byles?”

“Hmph. Apparently not.”

Byles left the group in silence and headed into the shop.

“What’s got his panties in a bunch?”

“What’s panties?”

“Ignore him, Harold.”

“Ohh!? Harold doesn’t know about panties!?”

“Leave it, Les.”

Lester pulled Harold close, about to whisper profanities in his ear, but stopped as he saw someone approach from beyond the fence.

“Hmm?”

“What is it?” Jerg asked as he turned around.

Ellis bit down his excitement as Hector approached them from the alley on the side of the shop. He really looked the part.

“Who’s this asshole?” Lester mumbled.

“Uhm, excuse me…”

Ellis shot Hector a quick look.

Hector saw this and cleared his throat a few times before continuing.

“You there, servants. Where is the merchant known as Byles?”

That was more like it.

Jerg stepped forward, bowing slightly toward Hector.

“Byles is inside the shop. Please allow me to fetch him for you.” Jerg stood up fully and addressed Hector at eye level. “Who shall I inform him has arrived?”

Hector’s face became red.

“T-tell him that…”

Jerg waited patiently.

“Hector…”

Hector made eye contact with Ellis who shook his head.

“Tell him Hecthor, son of Hector is here.”

Ellis slapped his forehead.

“At once.”

Jerg bowed once more after speaking, then headed inside to inform Byles that his fake merchant had arrived. After a few moments of painful silence, Hector breathed a nearly audible sigh of relief as Byles came rushing into the yard from inside the shop.

“Hec…thor! There you are!”

Byles came swiftly and swung his arm around Hector, patting him on the upper back.

“Have you brought the merchandise?” Byles asked loudly.

“Why, of course!”

Byles stared at Hector.

Hector stared back.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Can you show it to me, Hecthor…son of Hector?”

“W-why of course!”

Hector reached into his pocket and pulled out the silk pouch with Ellis’ necklace inside. Hector dangled it a bit before closing his fist around it. “We must be careful, mis—er, Byles. It is quite expensive. Is there somewhere private we could speak?”

“Why of course, Hecthor. Please, follow me inside.”

Harold, Gregor, Jerg and Ellis watched as Byles ushered Hecthor, son of Hector across the yard, over the threshold and into the shop.

“It seems you were right, Ellis.”

Just then, the door to the shop creaked open and Torren stepped out. In his hands he held a steaming tray of meat pies.

“Good, everyone is all here,” he said as he made his way over.

“What is it?”

“Byles says its time for lunch.”

The men exchanged confused glances.

“It ain’t lunch time yet,” Gregor said flatly.

“Isn’t it a bit early?” Jerg asked.

Torren shrugged.

“Byles says he wants us all out here so he can talk in private with Hecthor.”

“What about the girl?” Jerg asked.

“Mary?” Torren put his hand on his hip. “Byles has some special job for ‘er. Says she can read and write pretty good.”

Lester leaned over and threw an arm around Ellis’ shoulder.

“Can she now!? What a perfect little lady your sister is.”

“Oi! Harold!”

“Grego?” Harold responded, perking up immediately.

“Give an old man a hand. Hurry up!”

Harold ran gleefully over to Gregor, nearly jumping with excitement. Together, they both cleared off an old wooden table that stood in the corner of the yard. Gregor then guided Harold as he dragged it across the yard and over to where Torren stood. Once it was in position, Ellis and Jerg helped them pull over several stools and empty crates for them to sit on. Torren laid the tray on the table. There were three pies, each with golden flaky crust and just the slightest tint of dark brown along the edges. The rich and savory aroma of stewed beef and mirepoix drifted upward on the steam and made their mouths water.

Gregor lashed out with a speed that surprised everyone, grabbing at one of the wooden spoons and stabbing it into the closest pie. The crust splintered and buttery flakes scattered onto the table. Without a second to waste, Gregor yanked the spoon out, overflowing with chunks of browned meat, and shoved it into his mouth.

“AGH!”

Gregor reflexively spit out the food onto the table, the steam still rising from his half chewed mush.

“Let it cool a bit,” Torren said as he sat down.

“Don’t tell me how to eat, boy!”

Gregor ran his spoon along the table, searching for the piece of pie he had spit out. He scooped it up again, paused to blow on it, then shoved it into his mouth and chewed with delight.

Lester plopped down onto one of the stools and reached for a spoon.

“What’s gotten into Byles?” he asked as he took a piece from one of the untouched pies.

Ellis sat down nervously next to Lester.

“What do you mean?”

Lester took his bite of the pie and chewed it well, smacking his lips.

“Mhmm. He never buys us— mhm— food this expensive.”

“No?”

Ellis reached out and took a bite with the others. He said nothing, but continued to eat slowly, taking smaller spoonfuls than the rest. Soon, Torren, Harold and Jerg sat down to eat and before long most of the pies had been finished. Lester took a few more bites before he set his spoon down and stood up from the table.

“Welp, only one thing left to do after a meal like that.”

“What?” Torren asked, unamused.

“Nap.”

“He ain’t wrong,” Gregor said as he slowly ran his tongue along the length of the spoon.

Lester swung his leg over the stool and headed over to the edge of the yard near the loading area. He made his way along the fence, stopping in front of a gap that was a few feet wide. Lester stepped onto the patch of grass that lay between the two ends of the fence and laid himself down. After a few moments, the clouds parted and Lester was bathed in sunlight. Soon after that, he closed his eyes and seemed as if to fall asleep.

“Ah, I am glad to see you’ve all enjoyed yourselves.”

Byles gave them a friendly smile as he walked over to them. He was alone this time.

“Where is Hecthor?” Jerg asked him.

“We have concluded our business.”

“It went well then?” Torren asked him.

“Of course! I got what I wanted from him at a great price!” Byles paused, as if suddenly remembering something. “I have to step out for some time.”

“Step out?” Jerg asked, lowering the spoon from his mouth.

“Yes…nothing too worry about. Quick business really, shouldn’t be more than an hour…two at most.”

“I see.”

“I leave the shop in your care, then, Jerg.”

With that, Byles walked quickly toward the gate and headed towards the main road.

This was it.

Hector had brought the bait. Byles had set the trap. Mary was inside the house as planned, watching from the balcony above. Everyone else was gathered here, right where Ellis could see them. All they had to do now was wait.