Six
Rash's needs grow
I closed the door behind me and sat down, though these few days had shown her adaptability I had enough on my plate with Xen. As I thought about Xen and tonight my prodder, which had eased since seeing a half dressed Rash, began to swell and stiffen again.
I was spoilt for choice, I knew Cal was waiting till Xen went, and the other two girls wanted their turn. Rash would just have to wait until they were certified and gone, she'd have all my attention then, it was only a week or so away.
Rash came out in the shorter dress that was the fashion here, it was a flouncy material that was inches above her knee, and a contrasting short cut waistcoat that just covered her nipples in the semi translucent top of the dress.
At least she looked the part in her high fashion outfit, looking like that with her pretty face and figure she'd have them bidding themselves down to be her bodyguard. Hopefully if there was enough choice we could settle the matter quickly.
I let Xen and Rash walk a step or two in front of me, wary but not worried with Xen with us, she and her magic was a guarantee of our safety. Xen led us past our usual haunts and into a less salubrious part of the town, the shacks of the freemen in the shelter of the town wall.
The Dusty Forge was a wooden structure reaching the two stories to the top of the wall. The frontage was panelled and painted in a now pealing white that spotted it like giant woodworm holes. Set in the centre were double doors with bouncers perched on stools either side.
We walked boldly up and past their curious eyes into the dim already candle lit interior. I let the two girls sit down and then walked to the bar, neglecting to ask Rash what she wanted. At the bar I took one of the few spare stools and signalled the barman.
"Yes sir," he asked as he approached.
"Can I have three pale ales please and a bit of advice."
He turned back to the pumps and kept an eye on me as he drew the ale. I met his eye with a hopefully neutral face, waiting for his return.
"Ye'll not need that sword in here, keep it for show." He said as he placed the tankards before me.
"No, it's nothing like that. You see the girl in the chiffon dress that I came in with? Well she's looking for a bodyguard, we were recommended to come here."
"A bodyguard ay?"
"Aye, full time sleep in job with meals and grooming."
"And why would she need one now?"
"She is a foreigner like me, a Princess from Skire who fears kidnap or harm from her father for running away and seeking sanctuary here. In all, chances are slight, but the stakes are too high to gamble." I answered laying my cards before him.
"Would they use magic?"
"I doubt it, he'd send a single assassin or a small squad to take her back."
"I think I know a person that might suit you, a mercenary from the Isles. I don't see the plumed hat in yet if he's coming he'll be here within the hour, oh and some nights he doesn't come at all, Now that'll be six pence for the ale."
I paid him a sliver ten and thanked him. Both Xen and Rash looked at me questioningly as I sat and distributed the drinks.
"He thinks the man we want will be in in an hour or so."
"An hour," Rash complained.
"Yes, and there's even a chance that he might not come at all."
"Isn't there anyone else?"
"There might be, I didn't ask, I trust the barman's recommendation. If you want I can talk to the bouncers outside."
"I would say wait for the man as well," put in Rash.
"But if I wait that long there will be little time for me to change."
"Well I would offer to wait in your place but it is you who has to be pleased. I would like to engage him tonight if we can. I'll tell you what, I'll ask the barman if he knows this fella's address, see if we can go there now."
I stood to go.
"Wait," Xen asked. "Let me go, he'll be more willing to tell me>"
"You sure?" I asked.
"Trust me," she said, then over her shoulder as she walked away. "Bem's the expert."
Rash started telling me who would be there tonight, she was sure that the son and daughter of the other two bankers would be there, I would have to meet them next time now.
"Are you ready?" Xen asked as she got to the table.
I looked at the barely touched ale with a wry smile. "Aye, does he live far?"
"I don't think so, there's three turns and look for a white house with black posts."
Rash was already standing and I stood and followed on as they made their way to the door. Xen led walking with Rash again, I trailed behind sword flapping on my thigh. We wove our way around the wall and soon enough found ourselves outside the most likely looking house.
"We are looking for Sirherr D'Bonea, commonly called Boney," Xen told me as we approached the door.
I nodded and knocked. It was opened by an old woman who quickly gave us the once over.
"Yes, young sir, what can I do for you?"
"I am looking for a Sirherr D'Bonea."
"And who should I say is calling, if he is in."
"He doesn't know me but I am Davor of Pike Manor, in Skire. I wish to consult with him."
"One moment, would you step into the parlour to wait."
"Thank you," I answered as she widened the door to let us through.
She waved us to a door. "Please be seated while I check on him."
"Thank you," answered Rash, walking in.
We all took seats, Xen sitting next to me on the bench while I looked around the room. The rough wooden table was covered with a cloth and sported a five stick candle holder, there were several paintings adorning whitewashed walls and the wooden floor was polished and waxed to a shine.
We waited a while till the landlady returned. "He'll be down in a moment," she said through the open door as she passed.
