The Mask of Tides

Chapter 1: Alykyen

Alykyen strutted down the street, cocking his chin up haughtily. It had become an action that he tried so hard to eradicated but it was already too embedded to rid of. Plastering on an emotionless mask he navigated his way behind the King's guard. He was young and reckless back then and now he payed the price. Gingerly, he tapped the side of his tattered waistcoat, relaxing at the knowledge of knowing his bag of coins was there. Anyone with or without a trained eye would not have seen the subtle action, for he mastered it after so many years. He was off to Will's to pick up the trade then straight to the Sea Raven to do business.

"Oi! Anyone home?" Alykyen called as he burst into the old man's musty shop.

"Eh? Get outta me shop, you blasted smuggie! I ain't got no money, for I'm just a ol' man! Get out!" Willy emerged from the corridor that led to his room, armed with a splintered broom.

"Hold on, Will. It's just me. Aly boy, yeah?" He held up his scarred hands out to the man. "I was just gonna pick up the trade a wanted to sell."

Willy scoffed and shook his balding head. "Boy, I don't know how ya do it, but ya scare me ev'ry time."

"I don't get it though." he walked over to the counter as the shopkeeper rummaged through the stocked drawers. "I come ev'ry other week and ya still don't recognize me?"

"Aly, I'm gettin' old. I ain't a seer or any o' those magical bein's, waltzin' 'round with all the pleasure in the world. So I ain'g got a clue if ya 'n a guardie called out to me which was who. See, ya have that tone I guess." Wily shrugged.

"A guardie?: Alykyen inquired.

"Yeah boy. Or a guardie has your tone." he huffed. "Now, stop askin' me questions I'm gettin' confused. I thought ya came here to pick oup trade, not have a nice chat. Here." Willy slid him a leather satchle. "Ya can keep half of the coins. I a'ready have rent for the next two months."

Alykyen grabbed the strap flipping the bag open. A dozen flask of Honey Spice meed were arranged neatly inside. Knowing Willy's specialty, he was positive this will sell high. "Thanks Willy. I'll give you your pay next time I see you." He waved to the old store keeper. Making his way outside, he closed the rickety door behind him.  

~

"Oh! There once was a girly who wanted a pearl, instead she got a bucket of hurl. Oh grab a bottle and take a swig, gimmie that you dreadful pig!"

The Sea Raven was in full swing, all of the merchants and shop owners intoxicated on meed, brawling. The street wives and ladies dressed in skirts, spectated a safe distance away, grimacing every time a drunken man came to prey on her. A band was stationed right smack in the middle of the lively tavern, rivaling the calls and hoots of the kitchen preparing supper.

Alykyen sauntered in, sticking his shoulders back. Any sign of uncertainty or fear would result in a ugging and a brawl.

"DRASH!" he called out to the tavern's owner.

"Coming, coming!" Drash barked from across the room. Alykyen leaned back on the counter as he waited, the rich smell of mutton and weet sprits taunted his growling stomach. Hopefully he could spare some change to buy a little dinner.

"Aly boy! I take it ya have my trade, eh?" Drash asked, baring his rotten yellow teeth. He was a middle aged man, with crazy, pale eyes. He opened the Raven a couple years back, serving Willy's ale since the beginning. Alykyen was employed a little while after, once Willy got too old to deliver his trade himself.

"Yeah, I do. Willy must'a been in a good mood, he made a dozen flask of Honey Spice. He say's its a bit more gold." Alykyen gave the man a smirk.

"Honey Spice? He ain't giv'n me Honey Spice for years! Course I'll give ya a little more!" Drash turned to the rowdy crowd. "Y'all hear that? We got Will's Honey Spice meed tonight!"