Kingdoms of Caelum; Autumn of the War Queen

Chapter 28

Shelm a'vak was a joyless, fat female; Katla could see from the moment she spotted her huffing and puffing behind the long wooden bar. Black curls ran down her back placed upon a hideous purple corset tunic that she dressed with silver shoulder pads with spikes on. She spun round upon hearing the door shutting behind Katla, Elvin eyes gleaming in the murky room.

"Go away, we are not open. I can kill a man in a wink." Her voice was hoarse and deep but she spoke in perfect Caelum tongue without a hint of the Elvin accent.

"Oh, it's my new lodger I believe?"

Katla nodded miserably as Shelm a'vak looked her up and down.

"You are a waif of a girl. You will not survive here." She wafted her hand and dismissed Katla returning to her cleaning. Then after a moment she spoke again,

"But I need help, I will admit. You can start straight away."

Katla gave a weak smile. This was not a life she wanted, especially working for a Dark Elf. They were untrustworthy, suspicious and cruel. Bane may have well left her in a pit of snakes, but in her mind, Katla knew she had little choice than to humour Shelm a'vak. She decided she would keep her head down and gather knowledge of Baradonia if she could. The realm that neighboured the Vale of Pelyn was said to be thriving in life and opportunity, and if she could befriend some drifters or miners who once came from there, then she would gain a better idea of that realm and maybe consider leaving Fortis. Even if she was alone again.

Shelm a'vak threw Katla a wet cloth and a spiteful smile.

"At sunset the men come to drink. Last night's vomit and blood needs removing."

Katla stared at the cloth stony faced.

"Oh yes, girl. Be prepared for much worse than that."

That night, in pairs and groups, large sweaty and dirty men erupted into the tavern. Most had been working in the mines and the hum of soil and rock clung to their skin. Katla's orders from Shelm a'vak were to pour the mead and ale in exchange for two silver coins. No more, no less, and keep pouring. Her heart raced as the first two men approached the bar. The first wore a black linen tunic, torn and frayed, covered in grime. His face was unshaven and several teeth were missing when he smiled, he gave a wink and continued to leer at her. Katla smiled, ignored the stares and the exchange went by well enough. The second man who was short with a crooked nose paid her no attention at all and Katla breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps this would not be as bad as expected. As the night progressed she found she could easily ignore the constant staring and leering, and even the comments that, at the beginning of the night made her blush crimson red, began not to affect her by the close, and despite a few fights that were quickly dispersed, the night ended without much concern. When the last drunk had been thrown out by Shelm a'vak and the door bolted shut, Katla let free a sigh of relief and exhaustion.

"You did well girl," Shem a'vak called beckoning Katla over, and pouring herself a tankard of ale, "You surprised me." She threw Katla a small velvet bag with five Caelum coins in, "You won't be getting any more coins from me, but I thought that could steady the water with us. There are walnuts and oranges in your room too. Help yourself."

Katla nodded gratefully with the prospect of sleep weighing her eyelids down. But before she left there was a question burning in her mind and the tiredness made her unguarded.

"Have you always lived and worked here alone?"

Shelm a'vak lifted her brow taking in the question, then to Katla's relief she smiled,

"No. I once had a partner. We ran the Blood Stone together. I know you are not from Fortis girl, and I don't know how much you know about my kind, but Dark Elves mate for life. When he died I carried on alone. It is what we do."