“We can’t afford a mage,” Celia said, outlining the situation, “And I can’t do it. We do know someone with the resources to help.”
Vision frowned.
“No,” she said.
Daisy looked between them, “What are you talking about?”
“For all we know, the rebels poisoned him so we would go to them.”
“Does it make a difference?” Celia asked blandly.
Daisy’s eyebrows rose, “Rebels?”
Vision looked at her feet, “I don’t know how to get in touch with Arturo anyway.”
“If he did poison Fox, I dare say he’ll make himself available.”
“Arutro the rebel prince?” Daisy asked.
“What are Fox’s chances if I turn down Arturo’s offer?”
“Higher if he survives the night,” Celia said.
Daisy rounded on Vision, poking her in the chest with an accusatory finger.
“I know you aren’t telling me that you have a way to help and you’re not going to use it.”
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
Vision looked to Celia for assistance but the woman just watched impassively.
“They, uh, want me to do magic,” Vision said, fishing for an excuse that didn’t give away the truth.
“So what?” Daisy demanded.
“I don’t have any magic.”
“Have you tried?”
Vision huffed, “My life hasn’t exactly been a breeze and I’ve never Snapped.”
“So, act like you’ll try anyway,” Daisy was almost shouting now, “Just fix him.”
Vision sighed, ‘Okay. Okay, you’re right.”
She looked down at herself, in her street clothes, and then back up. The boy’s tunic and trousers seemed as good as anything, if she were going to wait without pretending to be a courtesan.
“My three nights of thinking aren’t up,” she said, “Do you reckon this is where he’ll come anyway? Or can I contact them like you did?”
Celia considered it, “I spoke to a customer, who I knew was a rebel. I can keep an eye out but...”
Vision nodded, and headed out to the main room, where the first customers were just starting to appear. Vision took a seat at the bar and waited. Shortly after, Daisy strode behind the bar and poured her a drink.
“You don’t want to be with Fox?” Vision asked.
“Of course, I do,” Daisy said with venom, “But I don’t trust you.”
Vision took a deep drink of her ale.
“You’re selfish,” Daisy said.
“Alright,” said Vision.
“You don’t care about anyone, not really. You’ve got all these men following you around but you don’t really care about any of them, you just string everyone along. Whatever’s up with these rebels has put Fox in danger, and I can’t just leave his fate in your hands when it’s you who constantly puts him in danger.”
“Constantly, huh?”
“Yes. If you’d just come to your senses and take a job here, he wouldn’t spend all of his time running around trying to keep you safe. It’s only a matter of time before one of your pathetic thieves hurts him trying to get to you.”
Taking another deep pull of ale, Vision turned her back on Daisy and looked out at the room. So, she was perfectly placed to see when her crew entered the building. Red saw her and crossed the room to sit beside her, while the other men peeled off to look inconspicuous. Taking the stool beside her, Red considered her solemnly.
“I think it’s time we had a meeting.”