Lake Merrin Read online

  She leads me to the back and bends over. I do not mind taking one for the team, but still. She picks up a bunch of flowers. Oh right, my heart skips a beat.

  "Here." She hands over a bunch of wildflowers; something that you could find on the side of the road, but in the heart of it is a beauty. "I could see in your eyes, this cries out for something more than just plain daffodils. This will impress your lady friend more."

  Speechless, I hand over the money. She smiles back at me. "My name is Burtha Stonethorn. Anytime you are in need of flowers or herbs, come back, and I will help you out."

  "Thank you so much, Madam Stonethorn."

  Sometimes you receive the biggest surprise from the most stereotypical people. Leaving the store and it is off to Corbin's. Luckily, he is just off Market. Like yesterday, not many people inside; it must be more of a night spot. No Pela, but lucky me, there’s Corbin—spitting in the glasses to clean them.

  "Hi ho, Corbin!" I call out.

  He looks up from the glass he is cleaning, curses, and says, "What are you doing back here? The Watch closed us down after your fight. You owe me a lot of slips!"

  I give him a hard look and reply, "I wanted to take it outside. You made it the night's entertainment. That’s your bad judgement!"

  "You have no right to come into my place, and it was your fault, not mine! You owe me five hundred slips for last night.” He reaches under the bar and picks up his gnarled club. “Choice is simple: give me the money, or I’ll take it!"

  Wait one second, I have got that Watch tabard still. I laugh, put my flowers down, and take out the tabard from my belt. I hold it up so Corbin can see. "Are you threatening a Watchman, Corbin? Being closed for one night sounds bad, but wait till I put a sanction on this place for some law violations!"

  No idea what I was talking about, but it made an impression on Corbin. He squints at the tabard and says, "You’re no Watch! Did you steal that from some poor person's clothesline hoping it would intimidate me?"

  "No, Corbin. Actually, I was hired by Zlata, the acting commander." See him wince at the mention of Zlata's name. She must have fingers in many pies—or arseholes. "Yes, that is right—Zlata! I could ask her to come down and have a chat with you about this if you like?"

  He shakes his head.

  "Well, that is sorted then. I came in because I need to find Pela. Will she be working tonight?"

  He looks at me, spits, then says, "That whore. I fired her last night for bringing the guards. I don't know where she is. Didn't even whore out for my real customers. Good riddance to her!"

  I cannot believe this. Not only did Pela save me from being beaten to death, but then she was fired. And I treated her like a lady of the night. I have so much to make up to her.

  "Corbin, why don't we forget about this whole thing and I won't mention it to Zlata at our morning meetings."

  He looks at my stance, blows out a sigh, and says, "I don't care if you are one of Zlata's men, come back in here again, and you'll regret it!"

  I nod my head and leave.

  Once I am down the street, out of sight, I collapse to my knees. Thank you, Trinity! You saved my bacon in there! When I have money, I will give some to the church. The Trinity has been smiling upon me for the last few days. Next stop, Pela's place!

  One good thing is that I can head to the Hall, pick up my stuff, and then head over to Pela's. Or should I just go there now? Might look a bit odd if I rock up to her place with all my possessions. I am already on her bad side. Let's not make it worse.

  She did not have to travel too far for work—well, ex-work. The gas and peat lighters are out. In the poorer parts of town, they burn peat. Lasts a long time but has a bit of a weird smell, and the thick smoke clings to your clothes. I need to smell my best.

  Arrive at her housing block and try to remember, which floor is she on? Think, think. Is she on the third or fourth floor? I think it was the fourth. I went down one, two, three, four flights of stairs this morning. Phew, that was an effort, climbing four flights of stairs. No one is around; it is a bit early. No one will have knocked off work yet. Now, which room was it? Think, stupid. Four or five? Knock and take my chances. I reach four and knock. Wait for a little, no answer.

  That did not help. Try room five. If it is not Pela's, they might tell me for sure if Pela is in four or on the third floor. Someone would surely notice her; she is quite beautiful.

  Knock, knock, knock. I see one or two heads pop out of other rooms. They see me, and like a flash, they duck back inside. Wonder why. The door opens, and it is Pela. Yes, luck is on my side right now!

  She looks at me, glares at my face, and says, "What did I say—" She looks down at my chest. Fan-bloody-tastic, I still have my Watch tabard on. I forgot to take it off after Corbin's. "Sorry! I didn't know you were an officer of the Watch. I didn't mean what I said this morning."

  "May I come in, Pela?"

  "Sure. Again, I'm sorry. Please don't arrest me," Pela pleads. "I didn't know you were part of the Watch."

  When I enter the tidy room, I see the bed I was in earlier. Pela closes the door. I turn to her to present the bouquet of flowers. "It is me who should say sorry. I have come to apologise for being rude and disrespectful to you this morning."

  She takes the flowers from my hands, and I can see a single tear forming at the corner of her left eye.

  "I am so sorry, Pela. I should not have implied that you were a prostitute. I am ashamed of what I said. Please forgive me."

  She looks at me with a look that I did not expect—gratitude. "I thought you were going to arrest me because of my threat to your … um … manhood."

  "You had the right to threaten me. I think your words were 'cut my balls off'. I'm glad you are restraining yourself, and I am sorry for what I said."

  Wondering why she is so quiet, just looking at me, I ask, "Are you alright? I have not done something else wrong, have I?”

  She smiles at me and says, “No, you stupid man. You’re the first person who implied that I was a whore and then came back to apologise. You brought my favourite flowers too. I know most people think of these as weeds, but I love them. They remind me of living in my family caravan.”

  “I thought you might be a quarterling. I’m half-human myself.”

  “Please come and sit down, so we can talk.” We both move over to the table. Sitting down across from a beautiful woman—this makes my day a whole lot better. “See, isn't this nicer? Did you go to Corbin's place first?”

  I look into her gorgeous blue eyes and reply, “Yes, he wanted me to pay five hundred slips for his loss of business. I laughed in his face.” She laughs at that. She has such a delightful giggle. “Well, I pulled out my Watch tabard and made him think I could shut down the bar.”

  “You did that?”

  “Sure did. He was a bit of a dung-head thinking I could be a person who had that sort of power!” She has such lovely eyes—I could lose myself in them. “Ahem, sorry, back to why I am really here. I am sorry again for what I said and implied.”

  “Silly man, I have already forgiven you. You came to my rescue—”

  I interrupt, “And then you came to mine.”

  She smiles, then scowls. Wow, that is a cute wrinkle. “Don't interrupt me or I might become enraged and cut off your manhood.” She laughs. I'm glad she is joking because I like them where they are now. “Well, it’s getting late. How about I find a vase for these and make us some tea and a spot of supper, and you tell me about the rest of your day. Do you have sugar or milk in your tea? The milk is fresh today.”

  I am lucky. Not only does she forgive me, but now she is making me a drink and something to eat! Wondering why she wants to know about my day—oh well, who cares! “Just black and three sugars will be fine.” Look at me, being all civilised. “I got a job working for the Watch, as you can tell by the tabard and all. But there is some weird stuff happening. First off, my new boss ...”

  Pela places a board of cheese, dried meat, and a couple o
f loaves of bread on the table. “The tea will be ready in a moment. You can wash your hands in that sink.”

  Did not registered the sink that last time I was here. But who could blame me—being threatened with the removal of your manhood does not make you very observant. This is amazing. Running water; a marvellous invention indeed. Did not have it in the orphanage where I grew up. I look around for something to dry my hands with. Pela, noticing, just points at a dishcloth. She is a perceptive lady.

  Supper is simple, but damn I am starving. Be a good boy and finish your mouthful before you talk. “So, have you put any thought into where you are going to be looking for work now?” I ask.

  “No, I am thinking of looking at some of the other taverns in the area.”

  “Have you thought of applying at the Hall? I know Bertude, the bar mistress, is sort of okay.” I smile at her. I can see a glimmer of hope in her eyes—those beautiful clear eyes. “I could have a word with her tomorrow if you like? One good thing about it is there are enough 'heroes' around to stop the arseholes.”

  “That would be great. Even if she has nothing available, I would appreciate you asking. I mean, since you are the reason I lost my last job.”

  “Again, I am so sorry—”

  She grins. She was pulling my leg, damn her.

  Acting forlorn, I say, “Fine, fine, make fun of poor old me. I come here with my heart on the table, and you just give it a good kick.”

  “Oh, I didn't mean it. I’m sorry, I was just—” Now I’ve got her. I start laughing. “You cheeky fellow! I thought … Damn you.” But now she is laughing too.

  “What can I say? This be part of my charm, lovely lady.” That receives a giggle. “I know this is a little sudden but is that offer of me staying still on the table? I mean, I'm willing to pay rent, and just some place in the corner is excellent. Everything above board, not going to make that mistake again.”

  “Calm down, of course, I’ll consider it. I know you lost your bed at Corbin's, not including the money.” She presses her lips together. “I heard you paid two silver slips for two nights and were going to work double shifts as well. The common room was only thirty copper bits a night—you were ripped off!”

  “What? I was charged nearly ten times the reasonable price, and was going to be working for free too? I am an idiot!”

  “Maybe, but you thought you were getting a good deal, even if you are a fool.” Then she smiles at me. That smile makes my day every single time. “So, where are you staying now?”

  Sweet, this was where I wanted the conversation to go. Fingers crossed she lets me stay. “Nowhere yet, but I was really hoping to find a place soon.”

  “Well, I don’t have a lot of room, but—”

  “I understand. I am not looking for much, just a corner on the floor, and when my pay comes through, I can pay some rent. How much would be acceptable?”

  She looks at me, and her face softens a bit. She gets up and fetches a bottle of wine. “Let's have some wine, and you convince me why I should let you stay.”

  Chapter Ten

  Journal Entry One continued…

  First day as a Watchman. Did not think it was a promising idea back then. Looking back at my time being one of the Watch, I could not understand why Joan was so invested in the community, but she showed me what could happen when you open up a little. I still get invited to dinner with …

  Waking up in the morning, this appears to be Pela's apartment. Yes, definitely her apartment. It smells like her perfume, and there are no rats and roaches around like where I usually sleep. My head is on fire, and I am sleeping in on a mass of blankets. I slap myself across the face a little to wake up. Ow. Why does the sun hate me so much? Well, I must have convinced her last night. I remember very little after she opened that wine bottle. I have never been taken by grog that quickly before. Oh well, I think I need some greasy food and maybe another drink; that should help.

  Using the soap at the sink, just doing a quick wash. Need to make time for a real bath. The flowing water is excellent, wash hair and body but keeping the pants on just in case Pela wakes up.

  It is my first real day on the Watch. This should be as much fun as unexpected dentistry. The things we do for money and all life’s necessities. As I potter around collecting boots and my Watch tunic, I see the door to her room is ajar.

  I assume that Pela is still beautiful, even while she sleeps. Not going to open her door to have a look her while she sleeps. Hang on, what is that? Another door? I cross the room to open the mysterious door, finding another room with a bed! How does Pela afford this place and not be doing ‘jobs’ on the side? One thing though, no more cot for me!

  I am glad I convinced her to let me stay and help her with the rent. It cost me one hundred slips, but I did get a key too. Much nicer than Corbin's; fewer bugs and people wanting to hurt or rob you.

  I leave her sleeping. Should write a note, so she knows where I have gone.

  Dear Pela,

  I am heading to work at the Watch barracks. I have a long day today.

  Blah, blah, blah …

  You have a good day yourself.

  … so on and so forth …

  Thank you again for letting me stay. I am forever in your debt.

  That should do it. Sign my name. Done!

  Not a fan of just writing a note and leaving, but the Watch is a harsh mistress. Where to put it so she can see it? Next to the water jug, best place. Sneaking, sneaking. Gentle, gentle, and close the door. I'm out. How am I going to lock it? Damn it! Oh well, she will be up sometime soon. She will see my note, fall head over heels for me, and … I am overestimating my chances. Only reason she allowed me to stay is that I owe her and am willing to pay the rent until she finds a job.

  Let’s see if Brice is working this morning. I know he was around here last time, but now there is another trader. “Excuse me, do you know when Brice will be working today?”

  He looks up from his wares, seeing the sword and armour. “More likely he doesn’t have any food to cook. Took some time off, I guess, sir.”

  Sir? I knew it was too good to be true, two free meals a day.

  Might head over to the Hall for a cheap Adventurer's meal. It should help with the hangover. It is so great being a card-carrying member. I wonder what I will be doing today? In the end, it does not matter. Keep my head down, and slips will come my way. It is only three days, what is the worst thing that could happen?

  Before I realise it, I am walking down the street that leads to the Hall. Still looks the same as when I registered. The unimposing brick building, but I do love walking in here; you can feel the history, from the ancient banners to the heroes’ weapons, to tapestries of past battles. The aged oak tables, chairs, and struts, unseen in most of Favinonia; they’d sell for a premium price. The big names that duel in the fighter pit, the stone worn by consenting parties, and one of the best brewers of ale in all of Lake Merrin—even all of the Dukedom.

  There are Bertude and Royce. Not many parties in today. By the banners on display, only the Unlikely Company and Travellers of the Road are in today.

  Food and ale time. Bertude looks up at me as I approach the bar. “Morning, Bertude! What is on the menu today?”

  She points to the specials board and replies, “Porridge, thirty copper; eggs and bacon with a half loaf of bread, eighty bits; meat pie, forty copper; yesterday's stew, twenty coppers, with the half loaf, thirty coppers; and dried meat and cheese, thirty copper. What do you want?”

  “I think today I will go with eggs and bacon, with a half pint of ale.”

  “One silver slip.” I hand over the slip. “Here is your ale, and it should take about ten minutes for the meal. What you up to today?”

  “First day on the Watch job. Looking forward to my first payment. Been so long since I had a paying job.”

  “Yeah, I heard that the Duke's tour will be here in three days. I guess Count Darel wants the town to be in tip-top shape when His Grace arrives.”
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br />   Royce comes over and sits down at the bar. “Slow morning, Bertude. Ginger ale.” He looks at me and says, “How’s it going, Lone Solo?” He chuckles a bit; thinks it is so funny. “First day jitters?”

  Annoying man. I can see Bertude is having a quiet laugh as well.

  “Just going through the motions, already been assigned to a squad. Weird bunch, but cannot do anything about that. Had a bit of excitement yesterday, you know, with the Commander being poisoned and all.”

  Royce and Bertude look at me wide-eyed. What is their problem?

  Royce coughs and lowers his voice to a whisper that won’t carry to anyone but Bertude. “The Commander was poisoned? How could that be? Axel was fine yesterday morning. He came down himself to inform me which parties were successful. When did it happen?”

  “Let me see … after lunch, I think. It was traced back to the mess hall. I do not know all the details, but I think someone who was involved was turned into goop.”

  I thought that they already knew, but with those shocked faces, I must have guessed wrong.

  Bertude pipes up. “Turned into goop? What the Holy Saints is that?”

  “You know, sludge, slime, goo—goop. One second, he was a man. The next, he was a pile of goo. If you think that is shocking, you should have seen this Paladin's face. He was holding him at the time.” They look at me as though I have lost my mind, laughing at all this. “Sorry, it was pretty traumatic for me yesterday, but what can you do?”

  Royce asks, “Who’s in charge now?”

  With a groan, I reply, “Zlata. She is the acting commander until Axel has recovered. I bumped into her as well. She is such an angry person.” I should leave it at that, just in case. “But the squad I am with is pretty hardcore.”

  Royce asks, “So, what is the squad and who is in it?”

  Not going to say the squad's name, as it is a bit stupid. “The officer’s name is Joan Stillwater.” What is with that look? Has this squad got a reputation? “The other squad members are Gunnar and WayWocket.”