The Glass Weaver | A Novel #Wattys2018 #Wattys2019

Chapter 20

Parker handed me and Lacey our identification cards, "Keep these on you. I don't want us having any more complications."

I nodded, "Neither do I. Corrig, are you alright?"

Corrig nodded, "I am fine, Nev. We just need to do what we came here to do and get out. We shouldn't stray here any longer than we have to."

"I agree. Shall we get started on our shopping, sir?" I continued to play the role of a servant of Parker. It was exhausting playing someone I am not, but I can't let it stop us from getting what we need.

Parker led us out of the building. I kept an eye on the skyline, checking for anything that could possibly harm us. It seemed empty in terms of danger. Once at the bottom of the steps, Corrig opened the door for Parker. He showed the driver his ID and we were let in. Corrig closed the door behind us.

"Where to, sir?" The driver asked after Corrig closed the door.

"Where is most shopping done?" Parker asked.

"Ah, that would be Terme Square for the more basic items. As for the more luxurious items, you can find those in Dracyan Pavilion." 

"Terme Square it is then." The driver put the vehicle into gear, pulling into a seemingly empty street. 

The scenery was not much of anything, but Perlaes never had a beautiful sight. It was the city where the wealth was stored, but it was hardly pretty. There weren't summer homes or winter homes here. Lots of factory and industrial work happened here. But ever since the Ender and his people took over, it has certainly changed. Was it for the better? I wasn't sure.

From the looks of the streets, almost no one owned a vehicle. It seemed like most of it was animal-driven. It wasn't like this before the Ender. Everyone had some sort of advanced vehicle that floated across the roads. Perhaps some things were dropped for more primitive technology it seemed. 

The vehicle stopped gradually as the driver said, "This street right here leads to Terme Square. No vehicles are allowed into the square. If you need me, take this and press it near a street outside of Terme Square if you are ready." 

Parker took the button from the driver. It was a simple silver base with a blue button atop of it. A small light glowed from the sides of it. Parker nodded, "Thank you. We will let you know when we need to be picked up."

Corrig opened the door and we all poured out of the vehicle. Once he closed the door, the driver drove off. Parker pocketed the button and led us into the square. There were many stalls full of wares. Some were more traditional, hand-made works. Others were clearly mass-produced, but that did not stop people from going to them for cheap prices.

"Parker, how likely are you to get away from spending money on stuff here?" I whispered into his ear.

"I am not sure. I suppose that Father will learn sooner or later, so I guess we might as well stock up on what we need." He whispered back, looking at several different stalls to my side.

"I agree. I was just worried that your Father will come to know we are here sooner than we thought. I just don't want my identity being risked anytime soon. He will recognize me for certain." 

"I understand. He was one of the people that killed your soulmate, wasn't he?"

"That would be right. He saw the two of us together and sentenced Li to death. He is the scum of the planet. I don't care that he is your father." I harshly whispered.

"If I could have stopped him, I would have. But I am worth less than my half-siblings. All because of my mother." Parker replied, guiding us into a store.