Reincarnation (Book One of the Avatars of Dräkimr)

Chapter 4 : Investigation

"Kaete, do you know of a decent seamstress in the city," asked Jared. Kaete bit her lip as they walked through the market, the cart secured in a stable for a copper until they returned. She lifted a large purple fruit from a stall and handed the shopkeeper a coin, bowing in thanks. She sat on a bench and patted the spot next to her. Jared sat and accepted half of the fruit when she handed it to him.

"My Aunt Kade always did my sewing when I was a child, and she watched me while my mother worked various jobs. I could take you to her, but my mother lives with her now, and I would have to introduce you to them, Miss Kade, her two children, and my two siblings." Kaete took a bite of her fruit, a little purple juice dribbling down her chin before she wiped it away. Jared raised his brows and took a bite of his fruit. The sourness was incredible. Jared choked as the flavor spread throughout his mouth, bringing tears to his eyes and puckering his lips. Kaete pounded on his back as he coughed, until finally he swallowed the bite and took a deep breath.

"What is this, he asked, holding the fruit as though it were poisonous.

"Yanta," said Kaete. "Do you not like it?"

"It's a bit sour for my taste," responded Jared, offering it back to her.

"Take another bite," said Kaete.

"No, really, I can't, it's-"

"Just bite it again," said Kaete with a roll of her eyes.

Jared gave her a doubtful side eye grimace before conceding with a sigh. He swallowed hard, grimaced, and took a second bite. To his surprise and delight, it was incredibly sweet. "What happened to the other flavor," he asked, taking another bite and savoring the sweetness, strangely without any hint of the sourness.

"Yanta always tastes sour the first bite you take, but then tastes sweet for the rest of the fruit. That is, unless you eat it daily." Kaete took a bite of her own yanta, and chewed slowly, smiling slightly as she did so. Jared continued to stare at her, admiring her fine features, until she looked back at him quizzically. He blushed as he realized he had been enraptured for an extensive period of time, and turned away, clearing his throat.

"So, about that seamstress," he said awkwardly. "Miss Kade."

"Oh, yes!" Kaete grabbed Jared's hand and pulled him from the bench. "We need to hurry if we're going to make it to dinner."

"Wait, dinner?" Jared stumbled as she pulled him along, keeping her pace quick as they returned for the cart and mule.

They wove through the streets and alleys, which were becoming increasingly dark as night crept upon them. A few thugs and thieves had come out already, and they eyed Jared and Kaete hungrily. A pretty girl and her thin friend would be easy prey for them. Jared removed his ragged coat and draped it around Kaete's shoulders. She looked at him questioningly as he rolled up his right sleeve to expose the moon brand. Drawing his sword from his back, he called out into the murk.

"If you have any sense, then you will leave the Avatar of Fire to his business and not disrupt him. This will be the only warning the underworld of this city receives. Be sure to pass the word along." After a moment, three men revealed themselves from the shadows and scattered. Jared sheathed his sword and turned back to Kaete. "Shall we?"

She laughed and flicked the reins, spurring the mule back into a more lively walk. The night was creeping upon the city, and children and adults alike were placing small white crystals in lampposts along the streets, illuminating everything for all to see. Jared looked around in curiosity: as the night people came out to play, taverns became busier, small groups drinking on street corners, and people closing their shops for a night of relaxation after a long day of work.