Eunoia

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The docks at night were completely transformed. They were still, of course, busy. The difference was that the reputable day workers had returned home for the night and the less savory sort came to sell their wears. Shaye passed an alley from which groans of pleasure and the exchange of money could be heard. Others strolled the street in large cloaks no doubt covering their merchandise. Some were even bold enough to set up makeshift stalls which Shaye was pleasantly surprised by as it meant that the city guards let this little night market reign free.

One such stall boasted glittering jewels despite the fact that the more valuable merchandise would be hidden and not on display. Shaye approached the man noting his long white mustache twitching in distaste at her arrival.

"I don't do deals with Dracaena," He said in a voice that hinted at countless years spent smoking.

Shaye simply turned and continued on. Even with her face and hair hidden in her leathers, her fur cloak and tall stature announced her ancestry. She simply looked like a boy from Draciana. Shaye was turned away from three more stalls before she had any luck. She did not blame the stall owners. Draciana and Isleen may be currently at peace but their bloody past did not invoke warm feelings between the two. Shaye didn't mind as she felt the same towards them, she simply currently needed them. That said if she were in their place the money might be more valuable to her than an old grudge she had no part in creating.

Eventually she saw a stall that was entirely clear. Taking a chance she approached. The deeply tanned man had a well groomed beard that almost reached his waist. She could not tell the exact color in the moonlight but she could tell it was dark. What caught her eye was his own eyes, eyes like a predator. They were fixed on her as she approached reminding her of the moment before Atlas dove for a mouse. Though his thickly muscled body seemed relaxed Shaye could tell that he was very aware of his surroundings.

"Can I help you?" He asked, sounding like he constantly gurgled with ocean water.

"Looking to pawn an item."

"Well, let's see it and I'll tell you if I'm your man."

Shaye pulled the ring from her pocket and made sure that only he would be able to see the glittering piece of jewelry. The man just nodded and produced a sack of coins from his side and counted out a surprisingly fair price. The man nodded at his hand, silently asking if Shaye agreed. They exchanged the goods and put their respective loot in hidden pockets.

Shaye was nodding her head in thanks when the man said, "Cutler by the way, you come back if you're looking to do any more exchanges sapphire eyes."

Shaye had not noticed that her hood had fallen back a bit and quickly adjusted it.

"Thank you," was all she said before she strode down a slippery cobbled street that led back up the city, climbing back to its heart. Shaye had truly meant her thanks, she had not expected to get a fair price for the ring and was no longer quite so strapped for coin.

The isle looked much different at night. The darkness blanketed the ugly parts of the city and only the drunken revelers and candle lit windows attracted the eye. As she meandered back to Euania she passed through a block whose lights were all colored red and sensuous silhouettes of naked bodies danced in the windows of various establishments. This wasn't anything new to Shaye as she herself had spent time in such an establishment. What caught her eye was the building at the end of the block that had been painted gold, almost in imitation of the palace except its paint was flaking. The building was five stories high and unlike the other brothels its lights glowed gold. This in contrast to the other buildings on the street made the impression of gold and blood.

Figuring she should head back before anyone noticed she was missing she slid into an ally and climbed the gutters of the golden brothel. By the time Shaye had reached the roof her hands glinted with remnants of the golden paint.

The roof, however, was not empty. On silent feet and gold brushed hands Shaye crouched near the back of the shingled roof watching a similarly crouched figure by the left edge.

Shaye straightened to her full height and as if the figure had a sixth sense they spun, eyes locking on her.

The world slowed around Shaye as the figure lunged for her. Reaching for the daggers strapped to her thighs she palmed two and watching the figures muscled twitch under their expensive but very tight black outfit she met his drawn sword with her left dagger at an angle, deflecting it, as the sword had more reach. With her right dagger Shaye stabbed at the base of his neck which unfortunately for her attacker had glinted with sweat in the moon's light, exposing their vulnerability.

She stabbed and dragged the blade through their throat. Her blade was so sharp it felt like cutting butter. Then she shoved them back off the roof, their body landing with a fleshy slap.