The First Book of Adeline: Freedom

Chapter 7: Marina

Adeline felt her blood freeze as she heard the name. A flash of a thin man with a bushy mustache burned in her mind, and she was barely aware as Isabel responded, "Yes, that's him; why? Is that a problem?"

"Yes, I would probably say it is," Marina responded immediately, concern clouding her features. After a momentary pause, the red-haired woman asked, "How much do you know about Argrist - or Vahd, as you call him?"

Isabel thought for a moment, giving Marina a sidelong look, not noticing Adeline beginning to breathe heavily next to her. "I know he's a businessman, and that he spends a great deal of time traveling - in particular, he spends a great deal of time trading with the Jingese across the Adynaton Ocean. He once offered my father a partnership on a business venture, but my father turned him down."

"Good man," Marina responded. "Then allow me to explain. Vahd Argrist is one of the most powerful merchant lords in the city - and he is especially known for his success in the slave trade. If you go, especially if you have no other family or connections in the area, you're all but asking to be chained up and sent on the next ship to Jing. If I were you, I'd strongly reconsider."

Adeline managed to pull herself together, and she watched as Isabel's eyes narrowed, her fingers clutching something in her pockets before responding, "Even if it has been some time, I have met the man in person, and I am confident in his friendship with my father, if nothing else. Unless you can assure me a stable job and a promising future, I will go see Vahd Argrist."

Just at that moment, Ophelia stepped out wearing a forest green dress, muttering to herself. "How does anyone move in these things?" After only a moment, though, she noticed the tension in the air, freezing in place. "Did something happen?"

The silence stretched through the next several moments, before Adeline nervously tapped Isabel on the shoulder. As the older girl turned to her, she signed haltingly, *I... I don't know if he's the same person, but Argrist is the name of the man who was with my father the day... the day my mother died.*

Isabel's eyes widened for a moment, and then her face darkened. Turning to Ophelia, she said, "It's not important; I just have some things I need to think about." Adeline worriedly watched her step into the back room, announcing, "I'm going to change. Be out in a little bit," before she slowly shut the door.

Confused, Ophelia glanced back and forth between Adeline and Marina. "Wait, so what happened?"

Marina cast a long look at the door to the changing room. "Truth is harsh sometimes, that's all." The shopkeeper sighed quietly to herself, then gave Ophelia and Adeline each an assessing glance from head to toe. Cautiously, she asked, "So, what relationship do the two of you have with that girl?"

A little bewildered at the question, Ophelia explained, "We've been friends since we were little; he family took me in - sort of - after a fever swept through and took both my parents. I'd do anything for her."

More shyly, Adeline signed, *She... saved me, her and Ophelia together. I only met them a couple weeks ago, but I owe them everything.*

Marina's eyes widened in surprise a little, but she smiled sadly. "Well, that's a relief." With one eyebrow raised, she turned to Adeline and signed, *Speaking of which... Trader's tongue?*

With a nod, Adeline explained, *I can't speak - I don't have a tongue - so Isabel's been teaching me.*

"Hmm," Marina commented, glancing back at the door. "Even more interesting."

Looking more than a little lost and frustrated, Ophelia asked, "Could someone explain what's going on? I feel like I'm missing something important."