“Thirty-five percent?!” Eevi exclaimed. “That’s preposterous!” She was yelling at Kirashi, one of the nine Trader Heads and the authority of the taverns within Ash. Kirashi had just entered Eevi’s, claiming that her usual sales tax would be increased on account of the holiday. Kirashi had long claimed part-time ownership of the taverns, as only she had the ability to sway the priests to allow them within the city walls. She was also responsible for much of the transport of ale and wine to the city. However, her blessing came with an exuberant sales tax; she demanded twenty-five percent of all alcohol sold from any tavern, lest they be banned by the city.
Kirashi rubbed her hand through her grey hair. “That will only be for this moon. Tomorrow it will be fifty percent.”
Eevi folded her arms. “You’re joking.” Eevi was used to Kirashi’s price hikes during the Day of Akkavan, but this was far beyond what she was accustomed to. “You do realize I need to stay open, right? That’ll barely even pay for upkeep.”
“That’s where you’re mistaken. We counted over a thousand camped outside the walls and rising. We predict that number to double by tomorrow. Even with the tax you’ll see your coin.”
“Sure,” Eevi explained, “but that’s a lot of extra work to be making the same amount of coin.”
“Remember why you have this extra work, Eevi. They are here because of the rigor of myself and the other heads. All the other taverns I’ve spoken to have been more than happy with the arrangement.”
“Only because the bastards have no spines.” Eevi bit her tongue. “I can make do, but you understand how this hurts us, right?”
Kirashi laughed. “Then by all means, move Eevi’s elsewhere if you’d prefer a better deal. I hear the land in Digerraki can be sold for beggar’s change.” Eevi cringed at the thought of having to travel through the ghost city again. Kirashi, having made her point, turned to the doors. “I will send a guard to collect the payment later tonight. Hope this goes smoothly for us.”
Before Kirashi could exit, Appo made his way through the doors. Kirashi glared at him as he entered.
“Healer? Bit early for a drink, isn’t it?”
Appo smiled awkwardly. “Hi... madam.” Eevi could tell that he couldn’t remember the woman’s name, but probably knew her position within the town. “I was just here for a few questions.”
Kirashi chuckled. “Don’t think your little escapade with Jere the other night didn’t go unnoticed. I know as much as anyone that men need a little bit to drink before they get anything done. Besides, with the witch gone you probably have much to celebrate.” She turned back to Eevi. “Make sure his thirst is quenched. May Ati protect you both.” With her farewell, she exited the tavern.
As Appo approached the bar, Eevi grabbed a mug and poured some ale. “Free of charge, healer. I insist. I’d rather not take the coin than have most of it go to her.”
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Appo waved his hand. “I can’t, Eevi. I’m still working.”
“You are? But wasn’t the witch just exiled?” Eevi gasped dramatically. “Do you think there’s another witch among us?” Eevi didn’t really care one way or the other. She doubted the ragged woman was actually dangerous and hadn’t even attended the exile. She was used to exaggerating her emotional investment to engage with her patrons more, but she had a feeling Appo wouldn’t fall for it. He seemed more level-headed than her usual clientele.
“Yes… I mean, no to the second part. I was actually here to discuss the beggar. Isbibarra, right?”
Eevi hadn’t expected to be asked about the blind man again. Most try to ignore him whenever possible. But Appo appeared to have a fascination with the man. “Haven’t seen him in a while, actually. There’s a good chance he may have run off. Good for him, honestly.”
“He said you knew about the first screamer. The first one who caught the disease.”
“Oh.” Eevi frowned, “I’m not sure what you mean.”
Appo shook his head. “I don’t know. I had a feeling he was leading me somewhere. He said to ask you about a red stone.”
Eevi raised her unscarred eyebrow. “A red stone, huh? So Isbibarra really did speak to you.”
Appo nodded. “What’s all this about, Eevi?”
Eevi glanced from side to side. There was no one in the bar except her and Appo. It was still mid-afternoon, so she figured she wouldn’t have to worry about stragglers for at least a little while longer. Still, she had no idea how long it would be before those who attended the exile would be closing in.
“Okay, I’ll tell you. But not here. Follow me.” Eevi grabbed Appo’s hand and dragged him behind her bar. She was surprised at how little he resisted. Appo wasn’t the smallest man by any means but she could have thrown him across the room if she wished. That being said, she was also incredibly strong herself.
Eevi led Appo into the back room in her bar. It was a cluttered mess of empty barrels, broken chairs, and stained glass mugs. The room reeked of spilled alcohol, though Eevi had been long accustomed to the smell. Appo spotted a thin bedspread tucked away in the corner of the room. On top of it was a crossbow, fully armed. On the other side of the wall was a table with a large assembly of interconnected pipes and rods that consisted of Eevi’s distillation kit. As Appo admired the intricate display, Eevi closed the door behind her.
“You must understand, I was sworn to privacy regarding this matter. I have to be sure no one will come across us.” Eevi reached inside her pocket, pulling out a massive ruby gemstone.
Appo’s eyes went wide. It was no bigger than a marble, but from what Appo could tell it was purely cut. Earlier that day he had been overwhelmed looking at Gizzal, who was covered head-to-toe in gemstones, but he was still amazed at the quality of this rock.
“This,” Eevi began, “is more coin than I make in a month. This is pure gemstone. There’s not much left like it in the Eivettä.”
“Isbibarra gave you that?”
Eevi nodded. “Under the condition that he be allowed to sleep inside for a few moons and that I don’t tell anyone why he is here. He’s been here for more than a fortnight but he’s been so little trouble to me that I’ve let him stay even longer. He’s barely said a word since he’s been here.”
“He’s a beggar,” Appo said, “why would he give you a gemstone just to stay here?”
Eevi chuckled. “I don’t think he’s a beggar. You didn’t see him when he first got here.” She pointed to a stool behind Appo. “Wanna take a seat? I have some explaining to do.”
Appo did so.