Learn your place (book 1)

The pickety witch

The leader of Reginald manor stopped right in front of the tavern. He looked at the sign. Whether a gold watcher commissioned it, or Malak wanted to be creative and give the mortal survivors a treat, the message was clear- gold watchers were not well met inside. It was a good thing he went in disguise, though he doubted it would do much to hide him. Alexander got off his horse giving her a gentle pat on the neck. "Be a good girl, Penelope." He led her to the nearby stable, and walked closer to the tavern. He pulled the scarf closer to his face, and tucked his hat low. The noisy music was so loudly and obnoxiously spilling out of the building. This was the noise they liked? They considered this travesty music? Still he would handle it.

When he opened the door, the smell of alcohol smacked him right in the face. Mortals were dancing around having a grand time. Others were standing around drinking with their friends. Some he knew have lived here for over one hundred years. Then Alexander realized too much staring was no good. A small sprint toward the bar was enough to catch the bartenders eye. He stopped washing a glass, and stepped up. "Evening stranger. What'll it be?" Alexander kept his face low. "A bottle of red wine." Black gloved fingers handed him five shillings. The bartender looked at the money, and how the stranger kept his skin hidden. He grabbed the brim of his hat raising it slowly. Alexander lifted his head, knowing the jig was up. He wasn't frightened, though. The bartender looked around, and did his usual drill. "State your manor's name." He said quietly. Alexander spoke unchanged. "Reginald manor." He answered. The bartender wrapped his fingers around a pistol keeping it out of sight, in his belt. "And yer name?" He continued. "Alexander." He said keeping his posture. At this name he let go of his flintlock, and relaxed. "Apologies, had ta make sure ya weren't Benjamin." It was obvious why Benjamin wouldn't be allowed here. Alexander raised an eyebrow. "What if I was Benjamin?" The bartender lifted his coat showing his weapon. Okay so Benjamin would never be allowed in here. The bartender gestured him into the back.

"Sorry, lad, but your "disguise" could draw attention away from a clown. You need ta blend in. Oi have some clothes fer me usuals. Oi might find something that suits you." He looked through a chest of clothes. Alexander watched the clothes get tossed onto a bed. Likely Malak gave him a home here. "There's been others?" He asked watching him pick neutral colors. He held up a white shirt and black vest, with some dark green trousers. "Yer not the first, and won't be the last." He handed him the clothes, and walked behind him whipping off the black silk ribbon, replacing the tricorn with a brown touring cap. He also gave him some brown loafers. "So are the rumors true?" The bartender asked. "Did Benjamin really snap Diana's arm for back talkin?" Apparently the staff shared their own version of stories. "No, she had an accident, and got hurt." He said not specifying the seizure as he dressed in the commoner clothes. The bartender chuckled. "That's a relief. She's sort of the latest topic, if ya didn't know. One woman cleaning a house full o' men all by herself? A real gem ta us?"

When he finished dressing he turned to the bartender, as if looking for a confirmation. He nodded grinning with a flash of a gold tooth. "The wood bar stools couldn't fit in better than you, lad." He grinned, patting his back. "Go have a good time. The residents won't trouble you, if you don't trouble them. Now go get rejected by the women, and buy my overpriced drinks." He said shoving him out the door. When he gracefully tumbled out of the bartenders room, he caught the attention of a nearby table, and they chuckled saying something about how he was not prepared to handle a poor man's drink. He awkwardly cleared his throat, and found a table after buying a pint. He looked around the dining room, and found Diana chatting with a few people. Peter was there to keep her company, and Clara was by her side. She had a pint that a man bought her. With wide eyes she sipped it listening to her companions. Alexander knew this could go wrong, but he didn't care. He wanted to listen in.

~~~~~

"So how much do they pay you?" Peter asked crunching into an apple. She snickers. "Pay? No need for that. What do I need money, for? What the Hell am I gonna spend it on?" She shrugged. "Clothes? Malak gave me all the clothes I need." She said looking at the pair. "Do you two get paid?" They nodded. "They give us a little bit. Just enough for fun."Clara explained. "Some maids get even more money when they offer their... err services." Diana winced. Peter laughed. "I wouldn't mind getting a few extra shillings getting some fun from Lady Isabelle" he laughed. Alexander felt his blood boil. "In your dreams, Peter. She's totally looking for her princess." Clara laughed. "Still he's right. Lots as of female servants prostitute themselves for extra pay. It's a good thing your house is well behaved." She looked around. "Do you... like any of them?" At this Alexander's ear perked. He wanted to know if she fancied any of them. He wouldn't be offended if she said his name. "Well, if I had a gun to my head, I would have to choose Benjamin."