A Vision of Crows

Chapter 10 - A Quiet Morning

The following morning, Meg woke up drowsy and confused. She looked around, scanning the unfamiliar room. It wasn't until she saw her suitcase that she remembered where she was.

She remembered the events of the day before, right after she had gotten on the afternoon shuttle. She had returned to the hotel, went up to her room, and once she had closed the door of the room, she had fallen on the bed, fast asleep.

It was no surprise why she had slept so comfortably, especially compared to the previous places where she had woken up in. Part of her wanted to stay in the warmth that surrounded her, but with one glace at the note she had left on the counter beside the bed, she finally forced herself to get up.

After a quick shower and change of clothing, Meg quickly headed out of the hotel onto the bus that would take her back to the Mercadia.

Once she arrived, she was once again greeted by the lively, bustling atmosphere that could belong to none other than the gigantic market.

Clutching the note in her hand, she felt a burst of hope within her heart. A voice in her head sang cheerily, Once I get these berries, then I'll go back home! Everything will be better! Then everyone will be happy, and I'll invite Alice and-

A pang of sadness put out the flame of excitement upon remembering her last meeting with Alice. Alice, I wonder where she is right now. I wonder how her family is doing. Are they safe? Is she safe?

I wonder...

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted as she heard a young girl yell," Miss!"

Cia ran towards her at full speed, and crashed into her with a hug. She looked up at her and exclaimed, "You came back!"

"I came back, "Meg replied warmly with a smile. Cia reminded her of when Will and Liza were much younger and shameless in public, always clinging to her whenever they had the opportunity.

Cia tugged on her arm, "You're here to see Uncle, right? Come on, come on, come on!"

Despite her mild concern for the girl right in front of her for trusting a stranger, she let Cia lead her to La Trei Vilas, where she saw Mateo reading a newspaper.

Upon seeing them arrive, he waved them over.

"Uncle! Uncle! Look, it's the Miss!" Cia exclaimed as Mateo ruffled her hair. As he adjusted her ribbons he looked at Me, who politely waved.

"I have the note," she said, handing it over. Upon finishing tying Cia's ribbons, he took the slip from her hand. He read over the note, and then beckoned to her.

"Come along, I have them in my truck."

As she followed Mateo, she felt for her handbag, just in case. When they arrived, Mateo told her to stand aside as he climbed into the trunk of his rusty blue pickup truck. He then hopped out, holding a small paper bag.

"This is what you wanted, right?" he asked, taking out a small, bright red berry with skin patterned like scales. With the prize right in front of her, Meg couldn't help but stare. Truth to be told, she hadn't expected the trip to be as easy as it was, and so she had never thought she would actually be successful.

"Y...yes, yes, it is indeed," she replied.

Mateo nodded, putting the drakonberry back in the bag. He then extended his hand, "That'll be 94 Luceros. Or, since you're Farthrish, 47 Shils."

Merchants, Meg thought to herself dryly, as she fished through her bag. As she dug around, she glanced at the bag, and realized it was a rather small bag, perhaps only a cupful.

For 47 Shils? She lifter her head and asked, "Why so expensive?"

Mateo looked around before asking her in a hushed tone, "Miss, do you know how these berries are cultivated?"

She shook her head, prompting him to continue, "Of course not. These berries are completely banned in your country, and here, even though not illegal, are considered a taboo good, which is bad for business. And there is a reason for it: the main source of nutrient, human blood."

"What!"

Mateo chuckled upon seeing her shocked face, "Just kidding."

Ignoring the annoyed look on her face, he continued, "Drakonberries are not common because of something like that, they're uncommon simply due to how incredibly difficult they are to cultivate. Not to mention that since they're an essential ingredient to many medicines to treat Magi, your country has them banned."

Meg took the bag from him and handed him the money, "Is that all, though?"

Mateo shrugged, "If there are any other reasons, then I'm afraid I don't know."

Meg took a peek of the fruit inside. She hoped it would be enough. Part of her wanted to ask Mateo how he had gotten ahold of the berries, but figured that it was unnecessary.

When they got back. They found Graciela showing Cia a bunch of small dresses she had made, while Cia hugged her lizard, exclaiming something in Mardan.

Graciela looked up at them as she smiled, "Children, so full of energy! She reminds me of my Benito!" Meg observed Mateo wince at the comment.

While Cia tried to put Nocht into one of the dresses, Mateo picked up a newspaper on the counter. He flipped through a few pages, his eyebrows furrowing closer together by the second. Graciela noted his worried face, "What's wrong?"

Mateo put the paper down, replying, "More attacks lately."

Meg looked at him, "Attacks?"

Mateo sighed, "You know the conflict between Mardas and Arazkara, right?"

"Of course, who doesn't?"

"Well, the Arazis been attacking Mardas more often due to the Lluve strip, and now with the whole civil unrest thing between the Libertarios and the Monarquios, it's a whole mess, honestly."

Meg pursed her lip, "Civil unrest, why?"

"Magi policies, political scandals, unpopularity of the monarchy, the usual. But now the issue's spreading beyond the spats between the higher ups in the capital."

He looked down, lost in thought. Meg wanted to know more, but figured that it was best not to nag him. As Graciela placed her hand on his shoulder to comfort him, Mateo suddenly straightened his back, "Well, as long as it doesn't reach here, we'll be fine.

"Because once someone attacks the Mercadia, all hell will run loose."