Jaxsi & the Beanstalks

The Angry Ogre Gave Chase Chapter 5

Pol and I settled on a method of contact and escort before we reached my cottage. He had drawn several patterns and symbols into the dirt near the temple. A very basic wolf shape for his name or references to him. If I see a capital "B" shape with a tail next to an upside down "y" apparently refers to his associate Fen. A leaf shaped blade for a different associate. A flame for danger, a dagger means safe, a sun requests a meeting is needed at night and a star for daytime. He grinned when he drew a thorny vine and told me that was my name. He erased and quizzed me Then made me draw them, until he was sure I would know how to send messages at least partially in code. I had asked if it was a rogue guild code and he had laughed at me. I wrinkle my nose while finishing my morning bread. He needn't have been so amused at my ignorance.

He had sobered up quickly though. Making sure we were still hidden from the odd passerby, he had gripped my arm tight to make sure I was giving him my most stoic attention. Then he showed me an actual rogue-speak hand signal meaning to "walk away." With my thumb and first finger folded, I'm to make a shooing motion with the other three fingers spread wide. The motion should go right and up three times. If someone flashed it at me, I should turn without drawing attention and walk away from them. He said to use it, if I needed to warn him or one of his associates away. Like if someone was near who couldn't know about our connection. He told me it was the only rogue-speak they are allowed to teach outside allies.

I sweep a few crumbs from the table and cross to toss them out the open window. A few sparrows immediately swoop in to investigate. My lips curve up as I watch and listen to the small brown birds' excitement. Sighing, I remember another crucial part of my communications with Pol. Three pigeons will be delivered to me sometime today. They hate being alone, he had told me. I could understand that. Delivered cage and feed included, apparently. And he won't let me pay towards it. He asked me not to send written notes unless it was an absolute necessity. Dyed thread would indicate to him the urgency of my requests. I tie a white thread to the bird if I have items to sell soon. Blue, I have merchandise but it is preserved or can't go bad. Orange indicates I need to sell items immediately. I set a pigeon free with the thread tied to its leg and wait for a return message, or escort. Black is a warning for general danger; I am hopeful the dark thread won't get used. I hope there is never a reason to use black thread. As for my escort, he wasn't going to be available every time. Evenings were busy times for him too, I suppose. He told me it might be Fen or a younger rogue, Mica, escorting me. Whomever he sent would be wearing a blue, white, and orange braided thread bracelet. I'm intimidated by the thought of Fen being my guardian but I hadn't mentioned it.

Turning back into the cottage I checked for any other messes needing immediate attention. None demand my immediate action, so I cross back to the shelves right of the fireplace. I should get bottles and supplies ready to make several berry extracts today. A mint extract might be in order too. Both are very useful for healing tonics or teas that might have bitter or spicy tastes that need soothing. I hid most of the coin from the Shadow Market. The pile seemed a bit smaller in the light of day. Probably because I knew Sorrel would get some of it. I spent enough to get us some venison and more feed for our goats and cow. Even going so far as to buy bruised apples to share with them. Of course, Father took a silver piece. Whatever odd jobs he did in his sober moments usually doesn't cover all his ales. Sorrel's occasional gambling landing him even, more than not. Small blessing that.

Moss is getting irritated joining me scavenging in the woods and gardening. If I could tell him why, he wouldn't complain but that would lead to bigger problems. He was getting occasional lessons in math and other subjects from one of the High Iron priests. The priests run a small school in between their temple and the Great Guild Hall of Coleus. Clever students are encouraged to come, even sporadically. The shops, adepts, and masters sometimes hire from these classes. As much as I hope Moss gets snatched up, it would leave Father and I in a bad way. At least for now. He is clever enough though and I hate lowering his chances. I have to find a solution to the Hemlock problem. Especially the marriage offer problem.