The Chlorophane was checking into the inn at the front desk. He looked just as Hawk had imagined. The tree-man’s armored body was that of a warrior, trimmed and fit for fights. Below the carved and painted tattoos of his tribe, there was only a few knots on his limbs. The small swirly knots told him that the tree-man could lose a part of himself and still go on fighting. Hawk wished he could do the same. He supposed that in some way he had, if only for the Silkins.

“Well, go on now,” Spinner said, nudging Hawk’s finger.

“I’m on it. You would never see me missing out on cashing in on such good luck. It is the best luck I’ve had all week,” Hawk sung.

As Hawk pushed his chair back into the table a team of Silkins cast lines and pulled themselves up onto Hawk’s coat. He had not yet learned what all of those little spiders did, but he knew some of them preferred that he knew nothing. Spinner came along too; he always did, but not because he had a job. Hawk guessed that made the little guy his friend.

When Hawk crossed the room he heard another small voice of a Silkin scout in his ear. “There is a draconian hybrid hiding in the tree-man’s branches. Webber has informed us that she was the woman who assisted you in Vera City.” Hawk froze, looking through the branches, meeting her blue eyes. He was immediately embarrassed, and she, likewise, moved to cover herself.

Hawk wanted to go right upstairs to his room. He never thought that he would see her again. He kept thinking about how she must be thinking about him, and how he was a mess, and weak, and lost, so lost. The illusion of his life was already broken to her. Still, he had reassurance that even with her eyes as blue as the Overseer herself, that she will never look deep enough.

Knowing the Chlorophane’s friend would only help Hawk get his way to the Finne Islands. He just had to keep playing along. If the draconian girl thought that he was a weak, lost drunk, then how should she view the sober Hawk? Walking towards them, he was already thinking of a new story, a new role to play.

He thought to himself that Hawk was a traveling merchant, looking to sell his rare Silkin goods in South Vestra. It was not far from the truth, so that made things easier. He just had to play along until he got to the islands.

Bold as he could manage, Hawk stepped up to the Chlorophane. The height of an elf was nothing compared to that of a Chlorophane, and even then, Hawk thought that this one was still young. As soon as the man put away his room key, Hawk took his hand up in a greeting.

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you sir. My name is Hawk.”

Tusund looked back at him startled.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“I’m Tusund…. I suppose it is nice to meet you too,” he said withdrawing his hand from the clingy Hawk.

Fool! If he had held on any tighter he would be left with slivers. Hawk felt like ice had been poured over him. He knew that the draconian was watching too.

He did his best to drum up the gusto of a salesman in conversation. “Forgive me if it is rude to ask, but are you not on the way back to your village? I have some very rare Silkin goods that I hope to bring into the hands of some Chlorophanes.” He showcased some of his enchanted weave samples for effect. They glimmered like a pearl. “True Silkin magic stitched in! They are beautiful, don’t you agree?”

Tusund took some of the samples, examining them thoughtfully. He must feel that magic bound within.

“These are wonderful. You said your name was Hawk, right?”

“Yes, sir,” he said nodding.

“I’m guessing you are looking for a way to the islands.”

Hawk nodded again.

“I wish I could help you with that, but we are not taking the traditional route.”

The draconian revealed herself in Tusund’s branches. She swung down from one of his branches. Hawk acted surprised to be seeing her again. He never even got her name when they met in the city.

“I’m not sure you remember me, but I’m Leona. We met that one night—”

“When I was robbed? Yes, I remember,” Hawk said dismissively.

Leona’s wings flared. Hawk needed to be more careful not to irritate her.

Leona pulled Tusund down and whispered to him. A Silkin scout relayed the private conversation back to Hawk’s ears word-for-word.

Leona whispered, “what do you mean that we are not taking the traditional route? And why can’t Hawk join us?”

“I said that our trip would be fast. My chief has us on a bit of a rush order, so he’s having us ride on a freight train. And I don’t trust that man,” Tusund whispered back.

“You don’t trust anyone,” Leona countered. “And you need to start telling me what’s happening on this quest.”

“I have my orders,” Tusund replied. “Trust me, above all I am here to keep you safe.”

They both glared at each other for a moment before smiling back to Hawk.

“I’m sorry,” Leona said. “My friend really can’t help you. I’m sure if you ask around here some more, you can find someone that knows a better way to the islands.”

Hawk had heard everything. He was going to have a scout keep some eyes on them. No matter what they said, he was going to get on that train.

The pair went up to their room. Hawk remained in the common room for some time after that. He watched as the tables emptied and the last few weary travelers retired for the night. Finally, he went upstairs. Passing down the carpeted hallway he had some of his scouts posted in the rafters. Lines had been drawn over the doors so they would know when the occupants inside were leaving.

He entered his own room and went to sleep.