Ch: 25 Twist or Squeeze
Port Fallon was a good sized city, perhaps ninety thousand souls. It bustled and hummed like any big town. Carters dragging or driving their loads across cobblestones set up a terrible din, while hawkers yodeled, sang and screeched their wares.
The hammers and saws were non stop, whether repairs, construction or crafting, they were constant and inescapable. Scattered through the ward were the bars and taverns, seedy was the general vibe.
The first brown tiled house they passed had half naked men and women dangling or cavorting in every window. Gary was unsure as to the aromas in play, beyond that any of his companions who stepped out of his ring’s range, quickly found their way back in.
The brown roofed houses all had charming and evocative names, ‘The House of Evening Flowers’ or ‘The Garden of Whispers’. The ‘Brown Rose’ was very specific in its clientele.
“We are being followed.” Gary whispered from his cart.
“How dae ye know, is it a gift?” Shai whispered back.
“No, they have one of my instruments, I feel it.” Gary was thumping a steady but quiet beat from under his blankets, tracing a thread of his gift from his tiny drum to the instrument. “They are almost here…Dante? Yuzef?” He asked.
The two boatmen stepped forward, in their shearling coats and colorful sashes.
“This one begs your forgiveness, unworthy Yuzef pilfered from you before we departed.” He said, holding a parlor sized guitar out with one hand, and one of Yuzef’s earrings in the other. With each syllable he gave the earring a subtle tug drawing a muffled yelp from his victim.
“This unworthy apologizes, this one left one bronze and three copper halves on your counter.” The younger man said softly. Too softly apparently, Dante did something unpleasant with the earring, if Yuzef’s yelp was any measure.
“This unworthy now understands that a deal must be struck, before action can be taken.” He bowed low, though it was hard to tell how much was humility and how much was earring.
“I found that coin lying there, I dropped it in the cash box in the kitchen.” Becky chimed in. “Gary is always leaving money lying around.”
“Hey,” He groaned, “I’m running a business here not some sort of money exchanging… shut up!” He grumbled at Becky, while reaching out from his cart to gently free Yusef’s ear. “We are all friends here, no harm. I give away and trade more than I ever sell anyway.”
The two cousins smiled in relief. “Esperanza was most put out at the breach of etiquette. She threatened to ground Yuzef unless we gained your forgiveness.”
They fell in with the troupe as they walked, or in Gary’s case trundled. “Are you unwell Gary?” Yusef asked.
“I disagreed with something I ate.” He said with a smile. “I should be fine in a few days. So no grounding for Yuzef?”
Dante looked grim at that. “Yes, he will not be abandoned outside the city to beg.”
“Oh, guy! Where is Esperanza? Is the boat near?” Gary asked, working on almost sitting up. Which is to say, he moved a little.
“Esperanza will not bring the boat into the city. We trade at the docks and then continue our journey.” He leaned closer and said softly; “Port Fallon has many pleasure houses and other difficulties… she may not approach safely.”
“You guys are headed to Port Ellis after, right? We will see you on the way I hope.” Gary called as they nodded and waved, before going on about their trading.
The inner city housed all the temples, bureaucracy and wealthy quarters. Access was controlled by three gates. The Sun Gate, leading to the noble quarter, was reserved for the wealthy and their higher retainers only. The Trade gate, leading to the bureaucrats ward and the Temple gate were open to all during the day but sealed at eighth bell.
There was a gate into the noble’s ward in the temple district; it too was guarded and restricted.
Nazer and Levin split off at the Temple gate while the others continued on to Trade.
Past the craft halls and in the depths of the ward they found it.
The Adventurer’s compound was much like the one in Wheatford, save that it had functional gates and was busy as an ant hill. Red clad figures streamed in and out constantly.
Khan led the group confidently up to the administration building and inside.
“We have barracks space,” The red robed clerk said. “It’s simple, just a roof and walls.”
“How about an open plot in the compound?” Dannyl asked, hope blooming on his face.
“Camping and temporary structures are not allowed in the town or it’s environs.” He said, sounding bored.
The Bathers escaped the crowded compound and retreated into the craft ward, Gary’s dog cart continuing to draw eyes if not questions. “Find an inn? Or camp outside town? I feel like I could give this place a miss.” He asked the group
“Inn.” Tawny said. “I have some business in town tomorrow morning and would rather not travel to and fro.”
#
They wandered the noisy and crowded streets for more than an hour searching for space in the crowded town. Gary’s dog cart spent time parked outside every inn the market and craft wards held, all full.
Down in the dock ward the only inn with enough space for them was the Rotted Oar. It’s aroma gave the innkeeper’s promise of “clean rooms” the lie.
With deep regrets they returned to the Adventurer’s compound and signed in at the desk.
The freestanding barracks was slightly better than advertised, it had four walls, a roof, and a floor! They also had a small iron stove and a pail of charcoal.
They settled into one of a dozen or so low, square wooden buildings. Each was painted white, with a small wooden plaque in a different shape and color. Yellow square was not much, but it was home for the night.
Stolen novel; please report.
Annie was posing difficulties, since the stable was full and not up to her standards, according to Khan. “Why doesn't she stay here with us?” Gary asked weakly. “There's room.”
The Bathers all stared at him in confusion. “She's a horse, Gary. Do you remember that Annie is a horse?” Tawny asked softly, peering at his eyes and feeling the pulse in his throat.
“She’s no more a horse than Otho is a dog.” Gary grumped, visibly sagging from the effort. He caught Shai’s eye, while struggling to stay awake. “I have a bunch of pillows and bedding in my-...”
It was interesting to watch all his friends suddenly get so much taller… the floor was more comfy anyway, when the lights finally went out he could sleep.
#
The bathers stood over their once more, unconscious friend and considered. “I hate to admit it… he makes a good point.” Tallum rumbled.
“It's a cold night, these walls are thin and she is a very warm body.” Ivy said with finality.
“A horse indoors…” Tawny murmured. “Even asleep, Gary brings chaos and the strange.”
Annie was enthusiastic about the idea, doing little hopping kicks and stamping her hooves in demure joy. It was all very refined.
Tawny seemed unsure as Annie stepped gracefully through the door. These buildings were used as warehouses as well so at least the door was wide and high.
As the massive creature entered, the room did feel warmer, more homey. The warmth, the smell of hay and her placid aura filled the space like a hug.
Shai was pawing at Gary’s still form like a badger digging a new den. Pillows, blankets, campaign furniture, sweaters and winter clothing of all types came tumbling out of the musician’s backside as Shai dug around. The boy was a treasure trove of small comforts and minor joys.
Ivy took Tallum and Gary’s dog cart down to the market ward and returned with a bale of fine, end of summer hay, and two bales of straw. The supplies for the humans took up far less space, but were received with joy.
“Beef!” Becky danced with happiness as she unpacked Ivy’s loot. “Crawdaddie is good, but I really wanted something else! Thanks Ivy.”
“Tea, coffee, flour and sugar, some dried vegetables and meat.” Ivy announced. “I got a keg of beer and a few bottles of wine too. In case we have to play host again.”
While the shoppers were away, the others had set up a cozy home with the contents of Gary. They had a camp table and a few chairs, innumerable pillows and blankets and Gary’s cot and bedroll. That came as a welcome surprise to Shai, and was a source of obvious envy for the rest of the group.
Gary had already been tucked in and was gone for the night. Annie, seeing a good idea and being an intelligent creature, grabbed a bale of straw and dragged it with her teeth into a corner.
Within moments she had kicked it into a cozy nest and settled in with a long slow sigh of pleasure. Otho joined her, taking a brief roll in the straw for funzies before making his own nest.
Tawny approached Shai, holding another three finger wad of flaky white pollen. “How long dae ye plan tae dose us wi this?”
“Until Gary can stand for more than a few minutes and you stop thrashing in your sleep as though someone were sewing your insides back together.”
As she tucked Shai in with her musician, Tawny kissed them each lightly. “I worry for you two.” Was all she said, before putting Shai’s lights out with her wand.
The pair were dead to the world, the horse and dog were sacked out too, creating a sleepy vibe that slowly conquered the entire room. When only Tawny and Khan seemed awake, they sat by the stove talking into the night.
#
Liam’s insides roiled, making him feel ill and angry. Watching Tawny chat so intimately with the suave older man was torture. He rolled to the other side, coming face to face with Ivy and Tallum. they snuggled together, smiling blissfully in their dreams, that was annoying. Finally he slid between the dog and horse, finding a bed for himself that would be free from distractions.
#
Shai woke as the crew was getting ready to head out on their errands.
Liam, Tallum and Tawny were headed to the temple of Healer. Tawny had some things to deliver for the Wheatford temple, and expected to receive a bundle for the Port Ellis temple.
Several of Gary’s silly songs mentioned a ‘postman’. He claimed that there was an army of men and women who made a living delivering parcels across his entire world. The poor boy was so strange. She smiled, reflecting on her new family and enjoying Liam’s steady presence at her elbow.
#
It had been a long night, Tawny and Khan had whispered together for only an hour or so, but the effects lasted far longer. His mind had been churning over partial sentences and chance heard words ever since. He stomped along in a haze of disappointment with himself and general dislike for Khan.
Liam noticed her small smile, the one he never saw anymore and it gutted him. That night dancing with her, before he showed up, still played in his dreams whenever he could manage to sleep.
Swaying and drifting across the dance floor while his family played around them… Liam had never felt so free and light. Resuming those burdens when Khan’s knock came to the door was a terrible blow.
Helping Tawny put Gary back together was the first time Liam had seen her at work in earnest. She had been cool and calm as a frozen lake, while moving so quickly at her tasks he could only marvel.
He had found himself holding Gary’s left kidney in his hands for a good five minutes while she stitched. Her hands flew through that mess of hideous meat, like two beautiful golden fish swimming in a bucket of offal.
The impossibly delicate work came together in a horrid mess of blood, bowels and pond swill that still churned his stomach. The sight had caused Tallum to faint entirely, creating even more concern until Ivy confirmed the big man was ok.
Shai had simply stood in place for a moment before collapsing in a dead faint as well. Liam had never seen her stand still before. That was the most concerning thing, she had been off ever since, flipping between quiet and manic.
“They will recover, Liam.” Tawny whispered in his ear, as though she had read his thoughts. Her warm breath cast a faint mist that almost felt like a kiss. “Their bond will help them pass this trial, as will ours.”
#
It was good to see Liam smile again, even on a crowded street in a smelly and unpleasant town. Tawny treasured each of the brief moments of joy she could pry out of her dour and unhappy man.
#
Tallum took the lead on the busy streets, his massive form cutting a path for the others to follow. He had been playing that role so long he never really thought about it any more, it just happened.
Shai was always scolding him about the ‘wee folk’, how looking out for the others was his responsibility. They were the same age, but she always felt so much older, wiser. Lately though, she seemed worn through and battered.
That was the worst of it. His mistake almost cost him two of the most important people in his life. The two who understood that a person who does not speak much, still needs to be heard.
#
Almost seven feet of towering, red haired, armored thunderstorm swept down the street. Clearing a path for the elegant veiled priestess and her striking companion. A path that several enterprising ladies fell into, marching in the giant’s wake for the convenience of it.
In a town like Wheatford, everyone knew someone who knew any other person you could possibly mention.
As a result, Wheatford’s gossip engine was eerily precise when it came to the players in the dramas they spun. Those aged folks who linger on their stoops watching and chatting, created the primary entertainment for the whole town.
In Port Fallon, characters came and went, drifting in and out of the scene seemingly at random. Since no one knew anyone who knew everyone, accuracy took a distant second place to creativity and scandal.
Yeah, it was complicated like that.
When Mabel Fishwife, the baker, told Evylyn Monrae the seamstress, who told Hubert Grand the brewer about the new nobles in town masquerading as Adventurers, it had just enough truth to start a firestorm.
“They came to town accompanied by minstrels and a baggage train six carts long.” Glenn Seward whispered confidentially, from behind the bar at the Lace Garter.
“...They sent it all away at the gate to keep their secret…”
“... she is a baroness, doomed to a loveless marriage of state, she fled with her lover and her bodyguard of loyal warriors…”
It was the one in the strange dog drawn cart that fueled the most extravagant speculation.
“... a secret envoy from across the inland sea…’
“...Come seeking the lost treasure of…”
“...cursed to a wasting sickness that can only be cured by…”
Ivy, Dannyl and Becky were in the market ward, stocking up for the journey. For some reason Otho’s dog cart was drawing eyes even more than it had the afternoon before.
Looking around, there were other dog carts, some even drawn by familiars as unusual as Otho, though none featured a paint job like theirs.
People kept trying to peek inside; children, teens, adults, even the elderly, would not let them shop in peace. Ivy wound up detailing Dannyl to guard the cart while she and Becky shopped.
When they returned with their parcels, Dannyl looked flustered. “Two girls came by flirting with me, but they really just wanted to know what the words on the cart said.” He grumbled.
“And then some man slipped me a copper mark and said there was more where that came from if I answer his questions.” He grinned. “I gave his coin to a beggar child and he got swarmed.”
“I don’t like this town, let’s get outta here.” Becky said. “I just saw Levin, he glared at me like I kicked his dog.” Ivy’s eyebrows nearly hit her nose as her face wadded up in displeasure. “Let’s get back.”
#
The sound of another note slipping under the door barely even annoyed Khan at this point. The gossip mongers had already sewn together a crazy quilt of conspiracy, plot and romance.
Just the few missives he had read, because they were addressed to him, spelled out a narrative of grand and confusing scope. In one night and half a day the town had created a fever dream.
The plot elements from at least four major stage plays had been lifted whole cloth. They were incorporated into a wild story of tragedy, forbidden love, lost magics from the past and hidden forces both divine and unclean, moving behind the scenes.
#