Marin, Book 1 (The Xortha Chronicles)

Chapter 21: Back To Work

Marin

Chapter 21: Back to Work

Marin, Abby, and Verina arrived at The Stormhammer and went in. Abby and Verina looked surprised at the short furniture.

"I love it already," said Abby with a smile.

"Oh dear," said Verina.

Marin saw Jilly and waved.

Jilly returned the wave and said, "Have a seat. Ah'll bring yer meals to ye." She returned with three bowls of stew, a piece of cornbread for each and three pints of ale. "Tha's eight sparrows apiece."

Marin handed her three gold, "Keep the change, Jilly."

"Thank ye," said Jilly as she walked away.

"For a poor farm girl with no family name, you're free with your coin," said Verina.

"After you eat that stew, you'll know why!" said Marin

The stew reminded Marin of Megden's stew back at The Empty Pint and she loved the cornbread. Marin finished her meal and sipped her ale.

The piper showed up and started to play. Soon, all the dwarves were up and dancing. Abby watched and listened. "I think I can dance like they do. Marin will you dance with me?"

"A woman? Dancing with another woman?" Marin said with a look of shock on her face.

Abby wasn't taking no for an answer, she took Marin by the hand and pulled her out to the dance floor and began trying to do the same steps as the dwarves.

Marin's face flushed red! She didn't think women should be dancing together. What would her parents think? After that thought, she already knew how she felt about her parents views, so she did her best to copy the dance steps. She and Abby danced the entire time that the piper was there.

When the piper finished, Marin tipped him five silver and he thanked her. Then she and Abby went back to their table to rest.

"I don't know how you found this place," said Abby, "but I'm sure I'll be coming back here quite often."

It was after dark when they all got back to their room, The dorm mistress met them as they came in, "Marin, I have a letter for you. The man said it was urgent."

Marin opened the letter and read: "Marin: I have another 'delicate' problem I need help with. Could you come see me in my office please? Thanks, Malor." she handed the letter to Abby.

"What does he mean by 'delicate'?" asked Abby.

Verina snatched the letter from Abby, "Who's Malor; is he your beau?" she asked mockingly.

Marin snorted, "No, nitwit! He's the city clerk. I work for him from time to time."

Still mocking her, Verina said, "And what 'kind' of work might this be?"

"Come along and find out." said Marin with all the menace she could muster.

Verina caught the tone in her voice, "I think I'll pass." She turned and went up to their room.

Marin and Abby went over to the clerk's office and stepped in.

"Good, you're here." said Mr. Malor. He looked and Abby "Oh, um, I didn't expect you to bring anyone with you. I did say it was...ah...'delicate', yes?"

"It's alright sir," said Marin, "You can trust Abby."

Malor thought a minute, "Alright, I'm getting reports of zombies in the ShangTi cemetery again. And it's not just from the constables this time! The governor himself said he saw one too!"