WANTED (Sequel to One Hell of a Maid)

Chapter 19: Opposite of Luck

I sneak into the town, trying to keep my face concealed from those that I walk amongst. It's difficult to remain unrecognized though. My trademark Siren features are always easily noticed. Not because they know of Sirens of course but because they can plainly see the beauty and grace we hold.

Being Siren is dangerous in that way, same with being beautiful.

As young teen girls we all wish to be pretty and even if we are we don't believe it. I used to be that way, I used to think I was unattractive though I wasn't. I used to wish to be as stunning as my mother without realizing we looked similar. Being a part of Siren changed me in that way. Going in I was naive but going out I had a completely new perspective. One of them being that beauty is a curse.

And so I duck my head and try to keep my face hidden from wandering eyes. I stay close to the shadows of buildings and watch carefully for shops that I can buy supplies from. If I'm lucky I'll be able to get my things and sneak out of town without conflict.

I'm not that lucky. Hell, I'm the opposite.

After awhile of looking I can't seem to find the correct shop to aid me and so I stop inside a pub called Prickly Cactus to ask for directions.

Once inside I approach the bartender, shielding my face with a curtain of black hair.

"Excuse me but where's a good shop to buy traveling supplies?" I ask.

The thin man turns to me, scrawny, hairy arms wiping at a beer mug. He smiles kindly, thick greying eyebrows raising with his almost boyish grin. "Why that's ole Mo's joint down the walk." He says pointing a stubby finger where the shop is. "But why does a pretty gal like you need to travel? It's dangerous out there and it seems to me that ya ain't gotta husband or father traveling with ya."

I shrug. "I'm going a couple towns over to meet my uncle for my aunt's funeral." I say solemnly.

"Oh, well I'm sorry to hear that. I wish you luck on your journey there. Just be careful there are always ruffians about."

I nod. "Thank you."

"Anytime gal. Hey, how about a drink on the house before ya go?" He asks kindly.

Just the idea of a drink made my dry throat scratchy. And I know I have no choice but to agree. "Yes, that's very good of you."

The bartender smiles, small white teeth flashing beneath his thin beard. He turns and pours some sort of alcohol into the mug he was previously wiping at.

"Here." He hands me the drink.

I almost look up to smile great fully at him but realize just how bad of an idea that would be. So instead I mutter a thank you and sip on my glass.

The brandy is cool and livens me up a bit. I'd been moving since I ran from the mansion last night. I am exhausted, the only thing I'm running on is will power and now the brandy. It'll do until I can find a place to rest.

Once I get some supplies I can make camp a little ways from here, maybe between the two neighboring towns so I can sneak supplies. I'll stay there until I feel as if the heat has gone down and then I'll start investigating this set up and hopefully set myself free from the restraining bonds of being WANTED.

I take another gulp of the brandy in turn a pleasant bubble of warmth bursts in my chest.

If I'm careful and precise there's a possibility that this all will work out for me and if not.....
I'll end up hanging from the end if a rope.

"Hey Daryl." A manly voice says. I can hear the man sit beside me. "I'll have a mug of beer."

"Sure thing Stan." Daryl the bartender says.