Dralin

Chapter 5

Lady Pallon saw them to the door.  “It will be dark soon, Frath.  You should get her home,” she admonished.

“I will, Milady,” Frath assured her.  “Thank you for having us today.”

“Yes, thank you so very much, Lady Pallon,” Sheela agreed.  “It was great to meet you.”

“But of course.  You are both welcome back any time.”  Lady Pallon stood at the door for a moment while they walked down the path to the gate.  Then she disappeared inside.

Sheela wrapped her new cloak around her shoulders and ran her hands up and down it happily.  “Thank you for taking me there.  She’s so wonderful.”

“I really wanted you to meet her.  There are only a few people I consider true friends and she’s one.  You can go there if you ever get in trouble or need anyone.”

“Nothing’s allowed to happen to you,” Sheela warned, her eyes flashing anger at his earlier statements.

“I know,” he replied simply, not willing to get into an argument he wouldn’t win.

She narrowed her eyes, looking for any sign to chastise him more.  He didn’t give her any.  The squirrel came to the end of the branch and opened the gate without any need for explanation.  As they walked through and the squirrel scampered up the branch, Sheela asked eagerly, “So what is the last place you’re taking me to?”

“Back to the inn,” he answered, already having decided it would be the best choice.

A few people moved along the street, but it wasn’t as busy as it had been earlier.  Sheela stopped and folded her arms stubbornly.  “I don’t want to go back.  I want to stay with you and do the other dangerous thing.”  When Frath didn’t respond, she put her hands on his.  “Please let me stay with you tonight.  I’ll go back first thing in the morning in time for work.”

Frath looked down the street both ways, trying to decide what to do.  The truth was that he still wanted to take her even though he knew it was a terrible idea.  The pleading look in her eyes destroyed all sense and resistance.  “Can you move quietly?” he asked mysteriously.

“I think so.  The slippers Purla gave me don’t make very much noise and neither do I.”

“Alright.  Promise you’ll stay with me at all times.  If I tell you to get behind me, do so.  If I tell you to fall to the ground, do so.  If I tell you to kneel, do so.  If I tell you to run, do so.  Every command I give you will be for your safety and you must obey it instantly, without question.  Is that clear?”  Frath knew his voice was hard and firm, but she had to understand.

“Yes, it’s clear,” she agreed timidly.

“Promise that you will do what I say, no matter how scared you might be or even if you don’t understand it.”

She nodded solemnly.  “I promise.”

Frath looked around again.  No one was paying them any attention.  Instead of taking her back toward the Noble District where the inn and wisdom were, he led her toward the southwest and foolishness.  For a little while, they strolled along streets bordered by estates of different sizes.  Sheela was quiet with anticipation of the adventure she was certain they were going on, while Frath spent a great deal of time looking around for any signs of trouble.

The estates gave way to smaller, but still nice, houses.  Then those gave way to slightly more ragged buildings including various businesses: a grocer, furniture store and a market for spirits of high quality, or so the sign said.  Others seemed to fascinate Sheela.  She kept looking back and forth to either side of the street and down side streets.  Frath didn’t care about any of that, instead keeping his eyes on the alleyways and rooftops.  He spotted a couple of rogues who stared at him, but they made no move to interfere with his business.