Wayfarer (Wanderlust 2)

Chapter Five

That evening, Soren once again found himself following Tanden through the streets. He was about to find out what mysterious thing Tanden had been up to, but Tanden was still being cryptic about it. Soren had tried to ask for more details a couple of times, only to be met with a grin or Tanden shaking his head. Soren didn't even know enough to try to figure it out.

Until he saw the building covered in purple banners. He didn't need to be able to read the sign to know where Tanden was taking him. "A brothel?"

"The Violet House," Tanden replied without missing a beat. "And I believe technically they're courtesans, not prostitutes."

The only difference Soren could think of was price, but he didn't say that. "So what exactly—"

"Patience, mate," Tanden said, which essentially meant 'be quiet and follow me'. So Soren did exactly that, and followed Tanden through the front doors. He glanced around the room while Tanden spoke in Morcean to the young man behind the desk. It was early in the evening, but already the main room was crowded.

He looked from person to person, still trying to figure out what Tanden had done the night before. He had said it wouldn't be something Soren wouldn't like, but what did that mean? He was tempted to ask again, when Tanden grabbed his hand and interlaced their fingers.

"I know," Tanden said, giving his hand a tug. "I know you're thinking about last night, but don't worry. I love you. I didn't do anything wrong. Come on."

Soren sighed but let Tanden lead him upstairs. "That girl in Morcea wasn't an open invitation."

"I didn't take it as one," Tanden said. He led Soren into a large room, with a very comfortable bed and set of furniture. But it was empty. Tanden walked Soren over to the bed, then gestured for him to sit down. "Sit. Wait here."

"What—"

"Just wait." Tanden was grinning. "I'll be back. Relax."

"Aye. Fine." He settled back as Tanden left the room, getting himself comfortable against the headboard. It was a really nice room for a brothel, and Soren wondered if it belonged to a specific courtesan, or if it just went to the guest who paid the most money. Tanden would have thrown money at something like that. He wasn't really used to not having easy access to his money in West Draulin. It was still there, of course. He just couldn't get to it. And as someone who was used to having endless amounts of money, he was really bad at actually thinking before using it.

Tanden returned suddenly, without knocking or announcing himself. A young man tentatively followed him. Soren sat up and moved to swing his legs over the side of the bed, but Tanden waved at him.

"Stay there." He closed the door and leaned against it, crossing his arms. "Soren, mate. Allow me to introduce Arastarow." He paused, and addressed the young man in Morcean.

He replied, but he was looking at Soren.

"He says you can call him whatever you'd like," Tanden said. "But I called him Ara. So, Soren, allow me to introduce Ara. A year ago today, I named you first mate. So tonight, I'm giving you a gift. Now before you argue, we're going to leave him a very sizable tip."

Soren turned his attention to Ara. He looked to be in his late teens or early twenties. He was tall and thin, with the kind of body that came with a leisurely life. He was a very expensive courtesan, Soren could tell that much from looking at him. He was dressed in a fluttery tunic and pants, his hair was longer and braided in places, he had dark makeup lining his eyes, and he had a tattoo on his hand—of course he did. If there was one part about this whole thing that didn't surprise Soren, it was that Ara had a tattoo.