Kings Game

Chapter 2 - Kell (3)

"What?" asked Roran.

"I want you to help me kill a god. Well, all three if we can. I want to start with Tasos, his smug face always pisses me off."

"Why do you want to kill the kings?"

Kell waved the question away. "Plenty of time to get into the details later. For now, I'm hungry, let's go." She peeled herself off the wall and began walking down the street, moving at a more leisurely pace now that they were out in the open. She had a much more comfortable demeanor to her. Her head bobbed from side to side as she walked and she bounced her spear on the ground with every step.

Roran hurried after her.

"So we're going somewhere to eat?" asked Roran. "Like a tavern."

"No, you smell like shit, any respectable tavern would kick you out in a heartbeat."

"Then where are we going?"

"Just follow me."

With nowhere else to go, and not sure if he even had a choice anyways, Roran followed after her. The further they walked, the wider the street became. The sound of people filtered in through the buildings and, after a little bit, Kell led him down a side street and out onto a main thoroughfare. The road was full of people chatting and laughing. A handful of stalls peppered the streets with merchants selling fruits and wines.

Several people recognized Kell as she walked by, a few of them waving. She smiled and waved back. Few people paid any attention to Roran. Those that did gave him a sad look before turning their gaze away.

"Do you know these people?" he asked.

"Some, I come through here a lot. It's not as crowded as the King's Road and it's close to the Crucible."

"King's Road?"

"The main road through the kingdom, it's wide and gaudy and full of way too many people. Didn't you see it when you came in?"

Roran shook his head. "I don't think so. They had us ride in carts to the arena, then led us down into the dungeons. It was dark and we didn't see much."

Kell nodded but didn't say anything.

As they walked, Roran noticed that it was beginning to get warmer and the air was heavy with moisture. The smell of soaps and incense began to drift up around him. Kell led him to a large wooden building with steam billowing out of vents in the side.

"Here we go, the best bathhouse in Vassilis." She kicked the door open and walked inside, tipping her spear back so it didn't bang on the doorway. "Heya Dez."

From behind a counter, a tall woman with hair tied back in a long ponytail smiled down at Kell. "Well hello, little squall, how was work today?"

"Boring, I didn't get to kill Morena."

"I'm sure you'll get a chance one of these days. Who's your friend?"

"Roran, he's one of the dungeon fodder."

Dez smiled at Roran. She had warm, dark eyes that made him feel relaxed. "Another charity case then?"

"I don't do nothing for free," said Kell. "You know that. Any room on the top floor?"

"I have one left." Dez handed Kell a couple bottles and a bundle of towels. "Number eighteen, all the way at the end."

Kell passed the bottles off to Roran and fished a handful of coins out of her purse for Dez. "Thank you Dez, see you in a little while."

Heading to a large staircase, Kell bounded up the steps two at a time. Despite her spear bouncing on her shoulder with every step, it never once touched the ceiling or the floor. Roran hurried after her. By the time they reached the fourth, and final, floor, Roran was gasping for air and Kell was grousing at him to hurry up.

The top floor of the building was a narrow hallway with regularly spaced doors. The heat and humidity was intense. Kell was waiting for him by a door marked '18' and was tapping her foot impatiently. She waited for him to catch up before shouldering the door open and heading inside.

Following her, Roran was hit with a breeze of cool, outside air. The biggest bath Roran had ever seen sat inside. It was set into the floor and went from wall to wall. The ceiling was low but the wall at the far end had been removed, giving them an open view of the city beyond. Metal pipes ran along the walls, one constantly pouring a stream of steaming water into the bath.

"Nice, we actually got one with a good view," said Kell. "The baths on the other side only show you the uphill side of Vassilis. We'll be able to see half the city from up here." She leaned her spear up against the wall and began untying her bodice.

"What are we doing in a bathhouse?"

"Taking a bath," said Kell, as if it were obvious.

A little uncertain, Roran asked, "Should I wait outside the door?"

"How are you going to bathe outside the door?"

"I mean, until you're finished."

Once it was untied, Kell removed her bodice then started on her boots.

"Why? I'm paying by the hour."

"I mean...I just thought...wouldn't you like some privacy?"

"Privacy for what? It's just a bath."

Once the boots were off, Kell slipped off her breeches and then removed her various scarves. Roran looked away, making an effort not to stare at her body.

"Sorry, I just didn't want to make you uncomfortable.

Once completely naked, Kell walked up to Roran and grabbed the bottles out of his hand.

"Couldn't care less, Just get in the freaking bath," she said and turned her back on him.

Deciding not to argue, Roran began removing his own tattered clothing. Kell set the bottles on the edge of the bath, within easy reaching distance, and slipped in. She let out a groan of satisfaction. "The water is hot tonight. Vassilis must be in a good mood." Kell undid her ponytail and let her hair fan out in the water behind her.

Once undressed, Roran followed suit, carefully dipping his toe in the steaming water. It was hot but not unpleasantly so. Taking his time, Roran settled into the tub. The hot water felt amazing against his skin and the grime began to come away from his body. Of all the ways the day could have gone, spending the evening bathing with the woman that could have killed him was not what he'd had in mind. He decided not to worry about it and leaned back in the hot water, letting it ease some of the tension out of his bones and soothe his poor battered soul.