Kings Game

Chapter 2 - Kell (5)

The sun was beginning to set by the time they stepped out onto the street. Lanterns were being lit to illuminate the walkways and shop windows. Every few buildings, a glowing rock dangled from a chain, brightly lighting up the storefront and drawing in passerby's.

"What are those?" asked Roran.

"Fairy rocks," said Kell. "I'm surprised you've never seen them, they're a huge export around here. There's probably more fairy rock in the world outside than there is left here. It's a sign of wealth."

"Oh. Our town didn't have much money, just some farmlands in the nearby areas."

"It must have been good farmland if the Kings decided they wanted it."

"I wouldn't know," said Roran. "I wasn't a farmer."

"What did you do for money?"

"My mom was a prostitute. After she passed away, the town gave me some supplies every couple of weeks to survive and I did odd jobs for travelers to get a little money from time to time."

"You didn't work for people in the town?"

"No," said Roran, "The adults didn't like having me around. I guess they felt weird because of their relationship with my mom."

"Yeah, old people are funny that way," said Kell. "You ever been to a tavern?"

"A couple of times, like I said, they didn't like me hanging around."

"We'll go to one of my favorites, it's a little out of the way but-"

"But it isn't as crowded?" finished Roran. "You don't like crowds, do you?"

Kell shrugged. "I like my personal space. Do you want to go or not?"

"Lead the way."

After a short jaunt down the brightly lit thoroughfare, Kell took Roran through a couple of darker alleyways. Much like the tunnels under the Crucible, the streets were a labyrinth of confusing stone passageways. They were like the veins of a body, branching out and getting smaller and smaller as they led to little nooks and cul-de-sacs.

This capillary led them to an older building made of brick and stone. A weathered sign above the doorway read, 'The Ox and Lamb.' The door stuck when Kell tried to open it, she had to force it open with her shoulder.

Inside were a small spattering of people. They hunkered over their drinks and spoke in hushed tones, keeping to themselves. Upon entering, several pairs of eyes turned on Kell and Roran. After a beat, the patrons returned to their drinks and quiet conversation.

"See, nice and quiet," said Kell, "Perfect place for a private conversation."

Everyone pointedly ignored the two as they made their way to the bar. Kell rapped her knuckles on the polished wood to get the bartender's attention. An oily sack of a man rolled over to meet them. He regarded Kell with disinterest. Kell grinned up at him, baring her canines.

"Heya Jaff, two pints and two hot meals," she said and plinked a handful of coins on the counter. Roran had watched her spend a small fortune in this evening alone. Things were expensive in the King's City it seemed.

The bartender nodded and slid the coin off the counter and into his sweaty palms, taking a moment to count out each denomination.

"He'll be a minute, this way," said Kell, and she led Roran to a small table near the fireplace. Dry logs crackled and burned, giving off a pleasant warmth. Sitting down, Roran was reminded of home, of sitting next to his own fireplace and eating a home cooked meal. The moment was fleeting, and the screech of Kell pulling out her own chair brought him out of the reverie. She plunked down into her seat, her spear leaning against the table with her hand loosely wrapped around it.