Meddling in Foreign Affairs

Chapter 15: Breaking Dwarven Laws

They had to travel a bit slower than before, thanks to Dismas' new injury, but it also conveniently gave Aya some time to get used to her new footwear. The next day, they were able to walk at a more normal pace. Dismas noticed that Byulat was getting a bit impatient about their journey taking so long, but Aya looked like she was struggling to keep up so he made no effort to increase his speed.

The countryside was no different than it had been near the river where Dismas and Byulat had passed through before, other than being slightly less green. Aya seemed to be amazed by everything she saw, and was often distracted, which only added to Byulat's frustration. Dismas found it to be amusing, but couldn't help but feel uncomfortable whenever he thought about Aya, considering that it meant that she would be able to hear his thoughts.

Most talking was Aya asking about the fields and various livestock that they saw as they passed by. Byulat seemed to already be used to answering her using his thoughts so he wouldn't have talk to her, but Dismas decided that trying to avoid thinking about her would be the best way to avoid getting irritated with her and her abilities. That and he was in some serious pain, as his new cut didn't seem to be getting better and his shoulder had started bothering him again.

It took them less than a week to arrive in Sdelki, the small city where Dismas' luck has first soured, but it felt like they'd been walking forever.

As soon as they could see the city in the distance, Aya grew noticeably happier. It was not very exciting to spend time with the same two people for days on end, and she looked like she was happy to be anywhere with other people. Dismas was also very happy, because they were basically out of food again.

"It's not just that I'm tired of only talking to you guys, but I am excited to see an actual city that isn't elven. I have heard so much about other cities, and I just can't imagine having a city outside of the forest!"

Dismas sighed. He should have expected that she would have realized what he was thinking, she'd been doing it the whole trip. "I hate to sink your boat, but you may be disappointed by what you see. Cities, especially ones on the sea, are not very pretty, and not friendly."

"That does nothing to stop me from being happy that we're here! It'll improve Byulat's mood significantly, because we can get a boat here that will take us right to Dragstyenost!"

"We will, will we?" Dismas raised an eyebrow and looked at Byulat, because he knew the idea had originated from him. Aya wouldn't have known that the Brosayas River connected the two cities. "And with what money?"

Byulat shrugged. "That is your specialty, is it not?"

Dismas laughed. "I never thought you would give me permission to use my talents!"

"And I never thought there would be a day when I was companions with an elf, let alone a female one. Our mission is of such importance that I am willing to compromise to make it successful. A boat will cut our journey from Sdelki to Dragstyenost by more than half. The foothills and mountains are treacherous and slow."

"Good, good. So I have permission to use my skills however I see necessary to get the money for a boat?"

"I just said that."

"No, Byulat, you implied it."

"Then, yes, you have permission. I will not be angry with you this one time."

Dismas grinned mischievously. "Thanks. I'll use it most full. Don't mind me, but you both attract attention, and I don't want to be noticed. I'll hang back a bit and follow behind."

Byulat nodded, and almost looked like he regretted letting Dismas do whatever he wanted. As they walked away, Dismas heard Aya asking Byulat about what just happened. He didn't understand how someone who could read minds still hadn't managed to understand his profession. Sure they hadn't thought about it to her outright, but they often hinted at it during conversations. Dismas took this time to change into his best set of clothing, including the green vest. When Byulat and Aya were a safe distance in front of him, he started to follow, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.