The Art of Altercation

Chapter 4

  The streets were full of people as Celeste and Elliot made their way to the haberdasher that provided the usual supplies they needed. Every so often Celeste would be jostled by a passersby hurrying off to whatever required their attendance, but she didn't mind. It always felt good to go to the Capitol and be surrounded by people when Marmand had notoriously empty streets. Most of the people around her were the cities nobles, all dressed in their expensive and dazzling finery. Celeste couldn't help but gape at the exquisite dresses worn by the Capitol's wealthiest women, she had never owned anything so nice. Her eyes continued to roam all around the bustling marketplace as they approached the haberdasher, saints she loved the Capitol.

  "Well if it isn't my favorite clients from Marmand," the shopkeeper called out as they passed through the open storefront, "Here for your usual wares?"

  "You know us well Joaquim, also I'm pretty sure we're your only clients from Marmand," Celeste responded with a grin. Joaquim had been running the shop for a long time, according to him it was his first business venture upon coming to Tuivell, and it was how he'd made his living ever since. He was originally from the southern kingdom of Atrilux, but fled to Tuivell when the civil war had broken out. His dark skin and long dreads marked him as an outsider in Tuivell, but it didn't seem to stop people from purchasing his wares.

  "Well even if I did have other clients from Marmand I'm sure they couldn't compare to you two, you both have undeniable charm."

  "I'm never one to turn from flattery, but could we get on with it Joaquim, we have other business here today," Elliot interjected trying his best not to sound impatient.

  "Always straight to the point Elliot, I have what you need in the back, give me one moment," with a turn of his heels Joaquim disappeared into the back of the shop. A moment later he returned with a sizable bundle. "Your usual fabrics, threads, and a new pair of shears, all as requested."

  "Thanks Joaquim, you'll have our business for as long as you live, I swear it," Celeste gave him a quick wink and tossed the payment on the countertop.

  "Anytime you two, enjoy the rest of your visit in the Capitol!" Joaquim called out as Celeste pulled Elliot out of the shop, bundle in tow.

  "Alright Celeste, a promise is a promise, the day is yours," Elliot gestured around them, "Lead the way."

Celeste's first order of business was to make her way to Trin's best bookshop. She spent a solid twenty minutes perusing the wide selection of books before Elliot practically dragged her out. They stopped at a lovely bakery significantly larger than the one in Marmand and grabbed two croissants to enjoy as they roamed the streets. Soon they came upon a talented street performer that pulled off a trick so magical Celeste was certain they had to be an altercator. They continued to roam aimlessly until Celeste spotted an ornate dagger in the window of a small antique shop. For whatever reason Elliot had been after a good dagger, boys and knives and all that she supposed. Even though she couldn't quite fathom it, she was certain Elliot would appreciate the gift.

  "Elliot, would you be so kind as to wait here a moment? There's something that's caught my eye so to speak."

  "Celeste you know the rules, we're supposed to stick together, remember?" He fixed her with a hard stare. "You know it's dangerous for you here."

  "I'll only be gone a moment, honestly, I'll be right back, this is just something I need to do on my own," She gave him a pleading look, "Can't I just do one thing on my own?" Elliot must have felt bad for her because he heaved a deep sigh and proceeded.

  "Fine Celeste, but you better hurry, I'll be waiting right here." Celeste didn't wait for him to change his mind and hurried into the shop. The place was overflowing with a random assortment of strange trinkets, but Celeste was really only interested in the dagger. The old woman in charge of the shop must've been wary of Celeste because she certainly didn't seem eager to sell her the dagger, which in Celeste's opinion was overpriced. Eventually the old woman relented and Celeste quickly exited the shop, eager to get away from the old hags scrutiny. Upon exiting the shop however, Elliot was nowhere in sight.

  "Elliot!" Celeste called out with no reply. "Elliot!" Again she received no answer. That fool probably saw a pretty girl and couldn't resist, I'd better go save him from embarrassment, she thought with a shake of her head. She wandered down the street scanning the area until she heard the faint sound of voices coming from a back alleyway. Upon further inspection she found Elliot pinned against the wall by a rather large man. His gaudy attire suggested he was indeed one of the Capitol's rich elitists, but his balding head and blotchy red face certainly didn't help him look the part. As she approached Celeste caught a bit of what the man was angrily saying to Elliot.

  "This is the last time I'll ask nicely boy, come back to the inn with me a do me a little favor, I'll pay you well and you certainly look like you could use the money," the man was getting impatient and shoved Elliot hard against the wall.

  "I've already told you sir, I'm not for sale, please just let me go," Celeste could hear the fear in Elliot's voice, she had to help him.

She stepped out into the alleyway and cleared her throat. "Excuse me sir, but I don't believe my brother wants to help you," she stuttered before continuing, "Please let him go, or I'll be forced to get the authorities." The man simply laughed in reply.

  "You think I'm scared of the authorities little girl, anyone can be payed off for the right price," He gave Celeste a cruel look before pulling a blade from his pocket. "Maybe all your brother needs is a little more incentive," he put the blade to Elliot's neck. Celeste could see the fear in his eyes, her head began to swim, she felt tingly and numb all at once.

  "Please sir, I've already told you I can't," Elliot's plea seemed to fall on deaf ears as the man began to apply pressure to the knife and a dribble of blood fell onto Elliot's shirt. The sight was to much for Celeste, whatever control she had on her magic slipped, and she let out a deafening shriek as she blasted the man away from Elliot in a violent flail of her arms, tears streaking down her face.

  The man had been sent a good twenty feet back, but was up in an instant. "Witch! Witch! Someone help me I've been attacked by a witch!" The man cried out, and soon the guards that had been on patrol nearby flooded the alleyway.

  "What's the matter sir, what's happened?" One of the guards asked, sword at the ready, the other guards took up defensive positions as well.

  "She's a witch I tell you, a witch! She attacked me with magic, sent me flying, arrest her at once!" He pointed an accusing finger in the direction of Celeste, all eyes turned to her. She was certain she looked a mess, frozen in fear kneeling on the ground, her eyes found Elliot's, and in his eyes was the same fear. Not for himself though, but for her, for what was about to happen. Without warning two of the guards hauled Celeste up by her arms and began to drag her towards the street.

  "Let me go, I've done nothing wrong, let me go!" She cried out, her eyes once again began to fill with tears. She flailed and struggled as much as she could, but it was no use, the guards held firm.

  "Let her go! Leave my sister alone!" Elliot made an attempt to run for her but was thrown to the ground by another guard. He could only watch in horror as Celeste was dragged off to a cart waiting in the street. The guards roughly emptied her pockets and quickly bound her hands before shoving her into the cart. It was dark inside, and she could feel herself slipping into darkness as one of the guards called out an order.

  "All make way! A prisoner for the Queen! An altercator has been found! A prisoner for the queen!" It was the last thing Celeste heard before succumbing to the darkness.