The Silken Key

Chapter 7

The docks of Alresbay were so large and sprawling that over time they had coalesced into a town with its own name - Tollensport.

It was late in the afternoon. The market stalls were packing up and the fishing boats were coming in. All along the seafront, merchants were calling out offering super low prices for the fruits, vegetables and meats which were about to turn rotten.

"What an atrocious smell," Tabitha remarked, pulling a face. It was true that the smell of sea salt, exotic spices and the morning fish which had been out in the sun too long was very strong. Detlef didn't mind it; to him, it was the smell of discovery and adventure.

"Looks like we're just in time," Maddy said, pointing to some fishermen unloading clay pots tied together with string. Cuttlefish traps. "That walk has given me quite an appetite."

"How can you bring yourself to eat something which smells like a murky puddle?" Tabitha yukked.

Detlef peered down at her. "I'm sure you must have eaten worse, living by yourself in a cave all these years?"

Tabitha huffed. "I nourished myself on nothing but cosmic awareness."

"Really?" Maddy said. "I've heard that tastes like chicken."

Detlef covered his mouth to hide a chuckle. Even Tariq showed a hint of a smile. Tabitha did what she did best: she scowled.

They didn't have to walk far along the wooden boardwalks before they found a pier with a long cloth canopy. It was laid out with tables and chairs. Along one side was an open kitchen where cooks were chopping, frying and roasting. Servers weaved among the crowd with trays of beer and wine.

Maddy's rumbling stomach led the way to a table big enough for all of them. When they got there, a rich looking elderly couple in fancy clothes were just about to sit down.

"Sorry," Maddy said to them. "This table is reserved for us."

"Oh is that so?" The man said, peering up over his spectacles. "Well, I don't see anyone's name written anywhere on the table. Where is your proof of reservation?"

"It's just up here," Maddy pointed to the large blade at the top of Detlef's halberd. "On my friend's enormous weapon. You see? Now by the law of there-are-four-of-us-and-only-two-of-you, I suggest you let us have this table."

Detlef was shocked. He was about to apologise to the old couple, but they had already got up with much muttering of 'well I never' and 'how rude'. When they were gone, Maddy sat and invited the others to join him.

"That didn't feel very noble," Detlef said. "Did we really need to do that?"

"Oh, come on!" Maddy waved one hand dismissively while his other hand was already tucking a napkin into his collar. "Why should two old snobs take up a whole table like this? They'll find somewhere else."

It still didn't feel right but Detlef sat down. Tabitha seemed glad to take the weight off her feet too. Tariq remained standing.

"You can all sit and eat if you care so little about making our crossing in good time," he said with a frown. "I am going to look for this Rudiger."

"Suit yourself," Maddy said. "I'll order you some crab claws to take away. You'll thank me later!"

Tariq grumbled and walked off towards the sprawling town centre. Detlef watched the curious easterner go, but his view was suddenly blocked by a young man with a leather apron who wanted to take their food order.

Maddy was quick to start telling the man what he wanted brought to the table. Detlef was happy to let the alchemist handle that while he cast his eye about the pier. It was an even more interesting mix of people than he'd seen in The Whiskered Squid. People chatted in various languages, wearing the styles of far-off countries. Some sat around tables playing games with cards or small stone chips.