Veritas: Beyond the Map

Chapter 4--Money and Power

Ches dashed off after the girl, leaving Alyce and the others to stand baffled by the city.

Wolf also started for the hotel.

"We don't have any money, Wolf," Dum called after him.

He stopped, shaking his head. "Then what can we do? Is Alyce going to use her skills again or what?"

Alyce shook her head. "As a matter of fact yes!" She took out a paintbrush. Before she could flourish it, both Dee and Dum were on top of her.

"We don't know if they appreciate magic here," Dee whispered.

"We can perform in the market," Dum suggested. "Dee and I can dance and you play your flute."

They turned to look at Wolf who already was getting strange looks. "What about him?" Dum asked with a frown.

"We stick him somewhere outta sight so he can't scare off customers," Alyce said.

Wolf frowned. "I can hear you. How frightening can I be with two small children? Did you even consider that I might have a skill?"

Alyce narrowed her eyes disbelievingly. "Well, let us see this skill then."

But Wolf's eyes had locked onto something in the distance. Alyce turned to find a commotion in the market. A scream cut through the night and a ragamuffin kid burst out from the crowd clutching an expensive looking bag. An ornately dressed woman stumbled after him, grabbing fruitlessly at the air. "My, my purse! Someone-" She gasped.

Wolf had not only caught up with the kid but had taken the purse and sent him on his way. He approached the woman who seemed choked up with fright, awe, and confusion. He offered her the purse and she reluctantly took it from him with trembling hands. A man broke through the crowd beside her, his fine clothes in disarray.

"Lilly!" He doubled over, breathless. His eyes grew wide when he saw Wolf. There was a moment where no one spoke, no one moved except Wolf who turned to return to Cece and DeVu.

"You! You there!"

Wolf stopped and looked over his shoulder.

The man, still huffing and puffing attempted to stand up straight. "Yes. We could use a big intimidating fella like you. You got my wife's purse back like it was nothing! How about you come work as our bodyguard?"

Lilly's breath caught in her throat, but Wolf was already on the offer.

"I accept your offer." He threw a sidelong glance over at Alyce and the others. "They need work, too."

"Oh great," said the man. "We do need more maid staff."

"Maids?" Alyce asked.

But Dum grabbed and her hand pulled her along as they followed the man and his wife through the busy market.

"Beggars can't be choosers," she pointed out.

Alyce had no choice but to go along, hoping that they'd make enough tonight to find a place to stay. She gave up the fight and followed quietly, pretending not to see the curious faces staring at them. One face broke through the crowd, pale eyes that looked like clear glass beamed at her. She tripped, snatching Dum to a stop. Dum, eternally patient, paused for her to regain her footing. They hurried to catch up to the others.

They broke free of the crowded market into a meticulously manicured park with winding paths and a glittering lake. A couple sat at the water's edge. The traversed the wayward path a ways until it gave way to cobblestone. A wrought iron gate towered in the near distance. Two guards opened the gates for them when they approached.