Of Plots and Mischief

Chapter 6: The incident at the market

Phyllon worried over the implications of the mystery of the notes and resolved to visit the prince to see the rest of them. Meanwhile, he might as well use his time wisely. He decided to visit the market, ostensibly to look into resupplying, but really to get the mood at the market.

He sighed as he took out the list of supplies the quartermaster had shared with him. He was always better at bargaining for better prices, which was why he promised to look into the inflation of some of the goods. Not that it was unexpected, given the current turmoil and restrictions in trade.

He smiled at the familiar old lady monitoring the entrance and gave her a small, courtly gesture. "Hello, Administrator Naura. You look well."

The lady squinted her eyes before a warm smile overtook her almost regal mien. "I can't believe it, little Phyll! You have grown. I could barely recognise you with all your courtly air. What are you doing down here? And why are you being so formal?" She wagged her finger accusingly. "None of this Administrator business from you. I am always Aunt Naura to you, I've changed your diapers."

Phyllon felt a slight blush grow on his face as he mumbled. "Yes, Aunt Naura." Aunt Naura was his great aunt, despite being his mother's age. She was a force of nature, which made it unsurprising that she had taken over the post at such a young age.

"Now, what brings you here? Shouldn't you be with brother at the capital?" Administrator Naura asked. It was difficult at times to remember that she was the Sahora's younger sister given the huge age difference. It was even stranger meeting someone close to him who had not heard of what happened. In some ways, it felt easier, while in others, it made explanations more difficult.

"It is a long story, Aunt Naura. Actually, I was hoping you could tell me a bit about how things are here. The mood seems... different from how it was the last time I came here."

Administrator Naura shook her head. She understood his ploy, but let it be for the moment. "It is those secessionists. They are inciting trouble. I already had to stop three fights and a riot today, and this is a good day. You be careful, little Phyll. It is especially dangerous for those like us. "

Phyllon thanked her for her advice as he went about his errand. He spent a good while strolling among the stalls, enquiring prices without making a purchase. Their quartermaster had been right. The prices were high. Suspicuously high, given that only a few other ships were still sailing.

He idly wondered about the instinct he had felt of being spied on as he entered the market before dismissing it as being beyond his concern. Let them watch, he thought, as he enjoyed the sights and sounds, albeit subdued, of his childhood. He looked up at the sky and decided that he might as well take some time for himself. There was still some time before he needed to head back, and he decided to make use of it to see the changes.

He spread put his Gift, taking in the tense air. He paused by to chat with one of his father's contacts about supplies when he felt a surge of anticipation as someone jostled him from the side. He fell down, bumping his head hard on the stones. He felt a bit dazed as he tried to sit up, vaguely aware of the surrounding commotion. His Gift went out of control, and he started to feel overwhelmed as it expanded uncontrollably until he managed to pull it back in.

He managed to clear his sight, only to see a stranger offer to help him up. At least he was safe, Phyllon thought, remembering his emotions, even though he was not what he seemed. Someone returned shortly with a familiar purse, and he panicked, checking his pockets, realising he had been pickpocketed. He turned around to thank them, only to find his two unexpected saviours to have melted into the forming crowd.

Administrator Naura burst down upon them, clearing the crowd. "What is going on here?"

She took in Phyllon's dusty clothes and bruise forming on his forehead. She looked around the gathering crowd before glaring at them and getting them to move away. It was not surprising that they moved away so quickly, Phyllon thought. Her glare could be terrifying. She rushed over to him, helping him up. "Are you alright, little Phyll?"