The Magician's Assistant

15

Rachael awoke to sunlight coming through the window and directly into her eyes. She stirred and slowly sat up straight. Her back was sore from sleeping in the hard, wooden chair. Erika was sleeping on the sofa, while Gramps was squatting down on the floor, sorting food from his bag.

"Did I miss anything?" Rachael asked, fighting off a yawn.

"I spoke to Erika for some time. Not much else occurred,"

"So what's our plan for today?"

"We'll head back to Woodridge. I have no reason to suspect there's anything else for us to investigate out here,"

"So that's it, then? Job's done?"

Gramps nodded.

"This one, at least. I'll likely still need your help for a few more things,"

"I guess I'll have to give a testimony about what happened here or something like that?"

"Testimony? If you'd like to, I'll happily record it, but it won't be necessary,"

"Really? I thought they'd need it for her trial,"

"There isn't going to be a trial. She isn't under arrest,"

Rachael was instantly wide awake.

"What?!"

"This girl needs direction, not a sentence,"

Rachael relaxed slightly.

"What exactly did you have in mind?"

"I'll mentor her on how to be a proper magician. She seems to have a great interest in magic,"

"She definitely does. If anyone can handle it, it's probably you,"

"I appreciate the confidence,"

"Just try to keep her away from our neck of the woods, alright? I don't want to have to deal with the fallout if you're wrong,"

"About that,"

Rachael sat up again. She was suddenly noticeably tense.

"I was wondering if you'd be willing to accompany us to Silverport,"

"It's not like you need a guide to get there. Just find a town with a train station,"

"Of course not, but you've just proven so helpful as of late,"

Gramps sounded as if we was trying to tip toe around a subject.

"What is it? What do you need me to do?"

"We could use a luggage porter. Erika actually has quite a few interesting books and other useful supplies here she doesn't want to part with. Truthfully, I'd like to read several of them,"

Rachael didn't respond for a moment, then let out a loud sigh.

"I'll have to talk to my boss and my parents. Plus there's a pack mule fee,"

"I assumed as much. I still have to pay you for all the work you've done so far as well,"

Rachael gave a nod.

"And just so we're clear, the shotgun I found is a war trophy,"

"A what?"

"I'm treating it as a captured prize. It's not coming out of my pay, and if Erika or you want it you'll have to buy it from me,"

"Why are you so attached to that thing?"

"Because, I could probably sell it off for a good chunk of cash. Plus, I like having it. Makes me feel safer,"