Dance of the Embers

Chapter 3

Mulligan loosened his stressed face. He tapped Marionette's chin with the side of his finger.

"Eyes up, Dear Soul." He said to her.

She took a deep breath, thinking for a split second. The corner of her mouth raised ever so slightly. Mulligan chuckled as they entered a bakery. The man behind the glass viewed Mulligan and Marionette through a scratched monocle, his grin twisting around his full grey handlebar moustache. He quickly walked around, pushing through two small wooden push doors. His pop belly extended a white apron, save for stains created from chocolates and jams, past it's knot which was fixated around a white pinstriped button-up. He took Mulligan into a hug as he released a hearty laugh

"Curtis, dear boy! You haven't been here since last Christmas, I've not seen you around for ages!" His voice was deep, yet happy and light hearted. His Posh British accent was heavier than any other.

"Do excuse my absence, Bevon. I had to take some time to... Rebuild." He replied.

"Say no more, lad. Please, have a seat. We have things to discuss!" Bevon pat Mulligan's shoulder as he rose a hand in the direction of a white, wooden table with three chairs of the same colour and material. Mulligan walked up and pulled out a chair, allowing Marionette to sit first. She curtsied before taking her seat. Mulligan sat across from her as Bevon came back out holding a platter full of muffins. They were a mix of Blueberry and Strawberry, with a Cherry flavoured Danish resting beneath them.

"Now, now, dear boy." Bevon said as he took his seat at the table. "Please tell me how things have been for the both of you recently. I would be lying if I said I have not gone sleepless with worry for more than one night."

Mulligan nodded to Marionette, prompting her to speak first. Bevon looked at her and smiled dearly, his bushy white eyebrows lowering to happy, squinted blue eyes.

"I've been overseeing a small settlement in the slums. Lots of people are sick but more are injured." She began. Bevon's face loosened to express worry. "Things have looked up a little more, however. We've been able to find more medicine and bandages for them. Things are beginning to look up, even if just a little." She finished.

The old baker's smile returned. "If there is anything at all I can provide, I would be absolutely enthralled to. Don't hesitate to request of me." He said.

Bevon turned his head to Mulligan, who was staring at the table in what seemed to be a trance. Marionette poked his side, causing him to jump and hit a knee against the table. Bevon laughed his hearty laugh as Mulligan's face turned pink.

He fixed his voice and began.

"Decklan and I, and a few of the other members of the Society have been touching up the mansion wherever we can. We found a boy in the slums, he told us his name is Denver. We have been teaching him his way around the city. When I left today, Dekclan was teaching him a bit about how to defend himself." Mulligan explained.

Bevon chuckled. "You both sound like you are making your way. I pray things go well for the two of you. If there is anything at all that I can provide, you need only ask of me."

Marionette and Mulligan both thanked Bevon dearly, and he smiled. He stood.

"I must tend to the other sweets, please help yourselves." He said with a waving hand, still smiling.

Marionette and Mulligan wrapped the sweets after taking just one muffin for each of themselves. They walked down the street, continuing their silence. They passed another street lamp with a clock. Six O'Clock PM. One more hour. Marionette locked arms with Mulligan, her face tightening back with worry.