Ashton was the first to wake, and was unsure if he should wake the twins or let them continue to sleep. He got out of bed, and while getting himself dressed, accidentally knocked Seth’s sword over with a loud clatter. Both twins sat up looking around. It took them a moment to remember where they were, and both of their gazes settled on Ashton who stood frozen, a sheepish grin on his face.
“Sorry ‘bout that guys” He said to them sincerely.
“No problem.” Garret replied still groggy. “We needed to get up early anyhow.” He added clearing his throat.
All three of them got dressed then and grabbed their equipment. They headed back out the door of their room, and down the hall to the common room. The hall was empty but voices could be heard already from the common room echoing down the stone hallway. They made their way back to the familiar room to be greeted by several faces they had seen the night before. Looking around Seth caught the eye of the barkeep behind the bar and the large man smiled and waved them over. Nudging his brother and Ashton, Seth relayed the unspoken invitation. The three of them made their way to the bar and seated themselves, where the night before, Ashton had performed a miracle of his chosen deity. The barkeep approached them from across the stone bar, a smile still on his face, and greeted them with his loud booming voice. He thanked them, his eyes on Ashton, for their help the previous night, and graciously offered them breakfast “on the house.” The boys happily accepted, and the barkeep turned and disappeared through a large door behind the bar. The three companions looked at each other in wonder. They sat for a while quietly; taking in the room now lit with the morning sun, and realized it was quite a cheery place. Garret and Seth looked around, comparing this inn to the very one they had been raised in. The inns really had little in common, besides the fact they both had a bar in the center of the common room and a kitchen past that. Other than those two facts, the two inns were hardly comparable. Garret, still looking around, noticed that many of the inns patrons were looking at them, speaking in whispers and muffled tones. Some of them pointed towards the bar when they spoke, some of them simply jerked their heads in the boys’ direction. Thinking that Ashton’s acts last night must have spread through the town and these were people come to see the healer, Garret looked to Ashton to see if he had noticed as well.
It was immediately apparent that Ashton had noticed, his head hanging low to hide his face, and his cheeks burned crimson with embarrassment. Seth too was looking at Ashton, with a look of pity on his face. Meeting eyes with his twin Garret gave Seth a questioning glance. Both brothers knew their friend was uncomfortable, but neither of them had any idea what they could do about it.
The door to the kitchen burst open then, and all three of the boys looked up in anticipation. Through the door came the Barkeep, head held high scanning the room, his gaze lost among his patrons and landing on the Boys at his bar. In each arm he carried a tray. Upon one tray rested three plates, the other tray carried three mugs. He gingerly sat the plates in front of the boys, scanning their faces to see their responses. The boys eyed the food hungrily. Upon each plate was what appeared to be a small pie, as well as a large pastry. The mugs, the innkeeper told them as he passed them out, were filled with warm spiced cider. The trio each in turn thanked the Innkeeper for his hospitality and graciousness. He nodded in response to them happily, and scanned the crowd again with his eyes, all the while telling the boys if they wanted a room again this night they could have it at half price. The boys thanked him again but declined his offer. The large burly man again peered over the heads of the boys at his bar, and scanned the room around him.
“You boys seem to have made this a popular place this morning.” The barkeep stated. “If you would like, why don’t you go have your food on the front porch. People are less likely to stop in the middle of the street to stare at you there.” The last sentence the large man said much louder than he needed too, as if to convey the message to the whole room.
Ashton, all too happy to take the man’s advice, stood up immediately making the twins’ decision for them. They all three slung their packs on their shoulders, and snatched up their plates and mugs. The barkeep watched them knowingly, and told them that they could just leave the plates and cups on the porch when they were finished, he would collect them later. They all nodded to him in thanks, then turned and headed for the door.
The boys sat upon the top step of the porch facing the street as they ate. A couple of people passed them by hardly giving them a second glance as they went about doing whatever it was that they were doing. The small pies as it turned out were just that. However, unlike any of the pies any of the boys had ever had before, these were filled with eggs, meat, and cheese. The small pies were delicious and filling, however even these were nothing compared to the pastries. The small warm pastries, obviously freshly baked, were coated in a delicious syrup-like frosting, and filled with a cut medley of sweet fruits.
The boys sat back on their elbows, enjoying their full stomachs and the suns warmth. The street was fairly quiet, except for a few voices from the small shops and stalls nearby. Occasionally someone would come down the road and disappear into the brothel across the street. Garret still watched the brothel longingly as he had the night before. He sat watching the building silently, admiring the red curtains that hung in each and every window, playing with ideas as to what might be happening behind those curtains at this very moment. It was an enticing day dream he was having when it was suddenly interrupted by a muffled scream of a woman. The scream was then followed by the deeper hate filled yells of a man. Though none of the boys could make out what words the screams held, each of them now followed the sounds with their eyes. The screams and yells seemed to go back and forth between the woman and man, and seemed to be making their way across the building. As each sound escaped the stone walls across from them, the boys noticed that each time they seemed to come from a different place within the building than the previous noise. They each traced the sounds, as much with their eyes as their ears and each of them sat, upon the step of the inn, looking at the door opposite them. The yells had stopped moving at this point, going back and forth from man to woman just behind the door.
The man had yelled something then, replied to by a scream from the woman followed shortly by a loud thud against the inside of the brothel door. At this sound the boys all stood, making their way to the bottom of the steps, still staring at the door across from them. Something, they knew, had just gone horribly wrong inside the brothel. The yells had stopped altogether. Seth was walking slowly across the street to listen better, when the brothel door swung slowly open. From the door a small figure appeared. It was the woman. She was small, almost fragile looking, she was young as well. She stumbled out of the door, leaving it open. Her long black hair trailing behind her, her hands rose to wipe the tears and blood from her face. Seth continued to cross the street unsure of what he could do, if anything to help the woman. She seemed to not notice his approach, instead looking back defiantly towards the open door she had emerged from. From inside the door came the man’s yell again.
“You get back here girl!” the voice yelled in rage. “I own you.”
The small woman’s face crumpled, no longer holding a look of defiance, instead now her features were twisted with defeat. She stumbled again as if dizzy, and took another step, only this time it was in the direction of the Brothel, as if she would return. She stopped then, dead in her tracks, as the man who had been yelling came to stand in the open door.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He mocked her. “You get back in here and clean up this mess you left on the back of my door.” He said, pointing to where her blood smeared wetly down the wooden surface.
It was then the three boys recognized the man. They had seen him the night before, watched him leave the inn, drunk, after bludgeoning another man nearly to death with a bar stool. It was John.
The large man stepped out of the doorway, his eyes on the girl, a short steel rod in his hand.
“You get your ass back in here.” John snarled at the girl. “Or I’ll drag your lifeless body back in!” He continued hurling threats at her as he slowly staggered out of the door into the street.
Without thinking, Seth raced the short distance between him and the girl, coming to a stop beside her. He glanced at her pain stricken face, and took the last few steps to place himself between her and the man that had attacked her. Looking John in the face, eye to eye, Seth reached down and pulled his sword half way from is sheath, revealing to the man its deadly blade. The large man, appraised Seth, and seeming to decide he wasn’t a big enough threat continued towards him, raising the steel rod in his hand. The distance closed between them, Seth was certain he would have to fight. He pulled the wicked black blade from its scabbard, testing its weight, lifted it to defend himself. John stopped in his tracks, looking at Seth, then past him, then back to Seth. Garret came to stand beside his brother, his giant broad sword in his hands. He stopped at his twin’s side and let his sword rest, point down on the stone paved road, daring John to come closer, a smile on his face. John eyed them nervously now, unsure if he could take the two of them at once. Unwilling to admit defeat, John once again turned his gaze on the girl.
“Fine then!” he yelled at her over the twins’ shoulders. “Go to Valdadore, without clothes, without food, without a single copper coin to your name. Maybe you can find a special way to repay your new friends here for their kindness. Mark my words girl you are nothing more than a whore just like your pathetic mother! You'll be back begging when these boys are no longer amused by you!” With that last statement John spit on the ground then turned and stalked back into the Brothel, slamming the door behind him.
The slam of the door was all the girl could take apparently. Her knees gave out and she crumpled to the stone road sobbing heavily. Blood tinted tears ran through her fingers, as she cried, covering her face, ashamed of her weakness. The twins sheathed their swords and came to stand beside her. Ashton too came to their side nodding his approval to them. They each looked to one another unsure of what to do. It was Seth, like before, who acted first. He knelt down beside the girl, and wrapped his arms around her hugging her tightly into his arms. At first she struggled with his arms as if to break free, then raising her eyes to look at him, noticing something in his face, she stopped struggling and dropped her head against his chest still sobbing.
“Everything is going to be ok.” Seth whispered into her hair over and over again unsure what else to say.
Slowly, either from exhaustion, or something else her sobs eased and her breathing no longer came in gasps. She still trembled slightly in Seth’s arms, but slowly she regained herself and stopped crying.
Seth relaxed his grip on her, afraid he might be making her uncomfortable, and as he relaxed her body shook as if with chill. It was then he noticed her clothes. She wore a threadbare tight fitting shirt, accompanied by a short pleated skirt. Hardly the clothes someone should be wearing with winter approaching. Even with the sun shining as it was, the air was still uncomfortably cool. Her body no longer shook in his arms and he looked down to see if she had perhaps cried herself to sleep, instead he found her looking up at his face again and it appeared at least that her bleeding had already stopped. She had noticed him eying her clothes, and a look of fear was on her face as she spoke.
“John was right you know.” Her voice, almost angelic came as whispers to Seth’s ears.
Seth gave her a puzzled look, not knowing at all what she meant. Fortunately, she took his look for what it was and explained herself.
“I don’t own anything, I have no money, I can’t leave.” Her shoulders slumped and again her eyes brimmed with moisture as if to start crying all over again. Through her pain she continued talking, barely whispering, refusing to let the tears escape again.
“I won’t make it far on nothing; maybe if I apologize to him he will let me stay. I can work off my mother’s debt and then save to go my own way.” She spoke now more to herself then to Seth, but he caught the meaning of her words.
She would be willing to make a slave of herself to the abusive, violent drunk, probably selling her body, to repay a debt she did not owe. Just the thought of her small body, ravaged by old drunken men put knots in Seth’s stomach. She was so small, so helpless, he had to do something. He looked to his brother and Ashton, who had both noticed that the girl had spoken but had not heard her words, and so Seth spoke to them, at the same time as speaking to the girl.
“We can take you with us if you want.” He said to the girl in his arms while giving the other boys a pleading look unsure of himself. “We are headed to The Choosing at Valdadore castle. We don’t have a lot of money, but I think we should still have enough if you join us. Don’t worry about anything, we will help you.” Seth said all this to the girl, but his eyes remained on his brother and Ashton.
Garret nodded once and shrugged his shoulders, telling Seth that he would agree if Seth thought it best. Ashton just bobbed his head up and down several times happily. The girl once again looked up from Seth’s chest, tilting her head back at an odd angle to look in his eyes. He saw then a glint in her eyes that he had not seen before. Seth knew at once it was hope, the hope for a new beginning that shone in her eyes. As soon as the look arose however it was gone, replaced by a look of self pity. She made a move as if to get up, and Seth willingly let her go. She spun as she stood to face the three of them, and took a deep breath to steady herself.
“I’m sorry if I am bringing you undue burden, and I'm not one to take charity.” She stated looking to each of them. “I promise that as soon as I am able, I will repay you every single…
“No.” Seth interrupted her. “Don’t worry about money, you’re not burdening anyone. We just want to help and we are already traveling the same direction so it's not as if we are really going out of our way.” Seth stated a bit more vigorously than he intended, and he hoped his words would not hurt the girl.
Instead of being hurt, the young woman seemed to take his words at face value, and turned to smile at him and him alone. Seth stared in wonder as her entire face lit up when she smiled. Gone was the pain and grief that marked her face before, in its place a look of pure gratitude, pure beauty. For the first time Seth noticed her eyes were a golden honey color, something akin to amber. Her skin looked nearly untouched by the sun, smooth, flawless, she had perfect cream colored skin, and as if in defiance of her pale flesh her hair fell long and loose in a black waterfall from the top of her head. She was a beautiful woman. He realized now that he would do anything to keep that smile on her face. Seth realized all this in only a matter of seconds, but was surprised to see that she was still looking at him smiling.
“Well I guess if you are willing to make sacrifices to have me along with you then you should at least know my name.” The girl stated, still looking at Seth. “I’m Sara.” She said. “Sara Gallow.” She corrected herself, bringing her hand up to Seth, to shake his hand.
Seth raised his arm and took her hand, shaking it gently, and introduced himself. He released her hand, almost reluctantly, and let his arm fall back to his side as she turned to greet his brother. Sara shook each of the boys’ hands letting them introduce themselves, then looked around, down the street in each direction, then looked back to Seth.
“So… what do we do now?” she asked him.
Seth looked from her to his brother and then to Ashton, not finding an answer he returned his gaze to Sara.
“Well.” Seth said. “We were about to go pick up some supplies, and head out of town.
“Great!” She replied. It was obvious she wanted to get as far away as possible just as soon as possible.
Seth still unsure of what to do exactly, not knowing either what to say, looked to his twin for guidance. Garret knew his brother’s look and so he turned, motioning to Ashton, and began walking down the road the short distance to where they had seen the shops and stalls the night before.
Garret walked along the stone road with Ashton at his side joking lightly about the look on Johns face when Garret had unsheathed his sword. Seth and Sara fell in behind the other two, walking silently. Seth stole a few looks out of the corner of his eyes, at the girl beside him. He could swear that one time when he stole a glance, while pretending to look at something else, that she too had secretly looked at him.
They made the small trek down the road to where the different merchants sat with their wares, in shops and stall of all sizes, and as they reached the first few stalls Garret and Ashton stopped and turned to talk. The four of them stood in a small circle, in the middle of the road, and decided they needed three days worth of supplies to reach Raven's Keep, the next town they planned to visit. Sara mostly listened to the boys, not really knowing anything about the world outside Stone Haven. She absently reached her hand up to feel the lump on her head John had given her with his steel rod, and then slid her hand around to her forehead to feel the cut where her skin had tore against the door when she fell after being struck. Realizing the boys had stopped talking, previously lost in her painful memories, she looked to each of the boys faces. Garret looked like a statue, frozen emotionless, looking back at her. Ashton looked concerned, eyeing her cut as a physician might. Seth on the other hand looked angry, and she caught him looking at the ragged cut on her head and then glancing down the road to where they had just come from as if he might go back and try to teach John a lesson. Seeing all their faces, focused on her, she blushed slightly and smiled at them hoping to wash away their concerns. It seemed to work, all their faces smoothed back out, and they talked again deciding that Garret and Ashton would go collect what food they might need for the trip, and Seth could take Sara to get everything else they might need for the journey including equipping Sara more appropriately for travel. Seth seemed exceptionally happy about the decision and Gave Sara a Wolfish grin while asking her to join him. Not only did she join him, she reached out, taking his hand, walked with him down the road.
Garret watched them go, and thinking to himself suddenly started laughing. Ashton gave him a puzzled look and asked.
“What are you laughing at?” Ashton asked.
“I spent all night and all morning thinking about going into that brothel to get a girl.” He paused laughing again even more loudly then before. “Then, go figure, my brother brings a girl out of the brothel without ever stepping a foot inside the door. Lucky bastard!” Again Garret laughed his throaty laugh and turned to clap Ashton on the back. They too walked down the road then, looking shop to shop for the supplies they needed.
Seth led Sara through the stalls and shops knowing all the while exactly what he was looking for. They didn’t have to walk far before he seen the shop he hoped would be here. He led her up to the shop, first to the window where inside, two wooden figures stood, shaped like people. He led her around to the door and walked inside, pulling Sara along with him. Inside the clothing shop they made their way past all the racks of clothes made in the latest fashions, Seth all the while looking for something particular. He spotted what he was looking for near the back of the shop, and smiling in triumph, led Sara to the large rack of traveling clothes. Fortunately Seth knew that travel clothes were generally much cheaper than most clothing, as they were made from more available materials, and were less decorative than other clothes. Keeping this in mind, he looked again at Sara’s beautiful face, and gesturing to the rack of clothes, told her to pick whatever she wanted.
Sara looked at Seth horrified. Never in her life had she wore new clothing. One item on this rack was probably worth more than all the clothes she had ever owned. She couldn’t even imagine letting Seth spend that much money on her. She wasn’t worth it. She thought all this to herself and shook her head at the boy smiling at her.
“I can’t.” She said quietly to Seth. “It’s too much; I won’t let you spend this much on me.”
Seth was taken aback. He hadn’t expected this type of reaction from her. He thought she would like to buy new clothes. Isn’t that what girls did? Shop and buy clothes and stuff? Not really knowing how to respond, but knowing she had to get something warmer than what she wore he tried to reason with her.
“Sara you need something warmer than what you are wearing.” Seth stated trying not to sound forceful. “It’s going to be cold tonight and I don’t want you to get sick.” Seth waited for a response; sure his words weren’t enough to convince her.
Sara sighed, she knew he was right, but still didn’t think he needed to spend any money on her. She didn’t want to upset Seth though. He had been the only one to ever protect her, ever. He was kind hearted, and she knew he was doing this to keep her safe, still protecting her. She had an Idea.
“Tell you what.” Sara said, a smile spreading across her face. “Why don’t you pick something you think I will look cute in, after all it’s your money.” This was perfect in so many ways. First it let him get his way, second oddly enough, even though she just met him, she wanted to look cute for him, and third if he picked it out she didn’t have to feel too guilty about the price.
“Seth looked from Sara to the rack filled with confusion and surprise. He didn’t expect her to relent so easily, and he didn’t know the first thing about girls’ clothes. Before he could think about what he was saying he replied to her offer.
“I think you would be beautiful in anything.” Seth stopped. Did I say that out loud? Seeing the blood rushing to Sara’s cheeks as she blushed, he hung his head sheepishly, blushing even redder than she.
They stood there silently for a moment blushing at each other, both embarrassed by his words when Sara was struck with another idea. She quickly rummaged through the rack, dismissing item after item. She worked her way slowly around the rack, all the while Seth watched her, happy she had changed her mind. She stopped directly across from him, on the opposite side of the rack and stood staring at one of the garments and again smiled. She looked up at Seth, the smile still on her face. She looked him over as best she could then returned her gaze to the garment she had chosen, seeming satisfied she nodded to herself and returned her gaze to Seth.
“I think I found some.” She said across the rack to Seth who smiled at her in return. “I’m afraid to look at the tag on it though. Could you look and see how much it is? If it’s too much I will find something cheaper.”
Seth just nodded to her and walked around the rack to where she was standing. Sara pointed at a set of clothes that hung from the rack, and turned around quickly to avoid seeing the price. Seth found the tag, and turning it over in his hand read the price. The clothing was priced at two silver. This seemed reasonable to Seth so he snatched the clothes off the rack, and carried them across the small shop to where he had seen a woman sitting behind a counter. Sara drifted along behind him, but she stayed far enough away from the counter as to not hear the price. Seth greeted the middle aged woman behind the counter and held the clothes out to her. Accepting the clothes the woman looked at Seth and then around the room. The clothes obviously not meant for Seth, must be meant for the woman he came with. The round woman behind the counter glanced around her store, spotting Sara glancing through another rack of clothes. Recognition dawned on the older woman’s face. She had seen this young girl before, bruised and battered. Always beaten by that no good, drunk, woman hating John, and always looking more like a homeless girl than anything else. She hefted the travel clothing onto the counter and pretended to notice something that Seth had missed.
“It’s your lucky day.” The shop owner told Seth. “This one here is on special. Half off it is. It’s been hanging on that rack for a while, time to be rid of it.” The woman smiled at Seth, happy the poor girl had found someone to take her out of this town, away from that wretch of a man.
Seth took out a silver coin from the small pouch at his waste and handed it to the woman.
“I’m glad you are an honest woman.” He told the lady behind the counter. “I hadn’t noticed the reduced price.”
The lady nodded at him and smiled. She had done her good deed for the day, as she tried to do each and every day.
“Would you like me to wrap it for you?” The woman then asked Seth, whose only response was a confused look. “So it doesn’t get dirty before she can change into it.” The woman clarified.
“Oh…um…I’m not sure, I’ll be right back.” Seth said as he walked between the racks of clothes to where Sara waited for him patiently.
“The lady wants to know if you want it wrapped so it doesn’t get dirty before you get to wear it.” Seth repeated the question.
“Can I change into it now?” Sara asked him.
“I don’t know.” Seth responded. “We can go ask.” He suggested. Sara nodded and again took his hand to follow him.
They wove back through the racks of clothes to the counter, but it was Sara not Seth to speak to the woman this time.
“Miss, could I change into the clothes here if you don’t mind?” Sara asked the woman a bit timidly.
“You sure can hun.” The woman replied. “Look, there in the back corner, there is a little booth you can change in.” The woman said smiling politely.
“Thank you.” Sara replied.
Taking the outfit off the counter, she skipped girlishly across the small shop to the booth in the corner, leaving Seth to trail behind her. Seth stood outside the small booth as if guarding it from some unseen enemy. Looking around the shop, Seth waited patiently for Sara to emerge.
“Seth?” “Are you there?” Sara asked. Her sweet voice carrying through the door as Seth did his best not to imagine her changing her clothes.
“yes.” He replied thinking the question a bit odd.
“Could you come help me?” Sara said with a tone Seth didn’t understand.
“Um… sure are you stuck or something?” Seth asked.
“Something like that.” Sara replied sounding a bit embarrassed.
Seth walked to the small booth, and slowly pulled the door open. Looking inside he saw Sara with her back to him, her arms clutching the shirt over her body, to cover herself. He then noticed that she was actually wearing the shirt, her arms through the sleeves, but the back remained open, a piece of leather strapping dangled from it.
“Can you lace me up please?” Sara asked him, her cheeks flushing a bit.
Seth then realized the leather strap was to pull the two halves of the shirt back together. Quickly, without responding to her question, Seth took up the two ends of the leather cord and wove it back and forth through the provided holes, all the way up her back. Feeling the shirt was securely in place Sara let go the front of it and pulled her hair over her shoulder to keep it out of Seth’s way. He laced the shirt all the way up to her neck, and then stopped unsure.
“Is it tight enough?” He asked her.
“A little tighter please.” Sara responded.
Starting at the bottom again Seth pulled the cord tighter and tighter working his way to the top, reaching her neck again he tied the cord in a bow, so that she would be able to remove it by herself when she needed to. Sara let her hair fall again down her back, as Seth stepped back out of the little booth. Sara turned around and Seth’s jaw hit the floor. He couldn’t believe his eyes. She wore black, skin tight, leather pants, a shapely woman’s tunic cut dangerously low in the front, also of black leather, barely contained her breasts. Around her waist, over the shirt a silver belt rested over her hips. The outfit left just enough to the imagination to send Seth daydreaming about taking it off.
“So? Sara asked. “Am I cute?”
“The outfit is…No, You ”…he emphasized the word. “Look astonishing.”
“I’m glad you like it.” She said while blushing again. “I picked it so we would match.”
Seth hadn’t noticed that indeed their clothes did match, and realizing this, he again smiled at Sara while his cheeks again burned with blood. Sara, happy he was pleased with her declaration returned his smile and strode forward, once again taking his hand. They left the store with a wave to the owner and again entered the street full of shops, Seth again leading, again looking for something particular.
“What are you looking for?” Sara asked as they made their way winding through the different stalls.
“Something to put on your feet.” He stated honestly.
This time she didn’t seem upset about him wanting to by her something, but she did however take the lead. Sara led Seth around a corner away from the jumble of shops. Down a side street they walked a short distance when Sara stopped in front of a small building and pointed to a sign above the door. Seth, seeing this was exactly where he wanted to take her, gave her hand a little squeeze and pulled the door open for her. Following Sara into the shop, she led him straight to a display on one of the walls, and picked up a pair of boots as if she knew exactly where they would be. A girl who likes shoes. Go figure.
“Been here before?” Seth asked Sara in a sarcastic tone.
“Yup.” She replied. “But I’ve never actually bought anything.”
Seth took her meaning, and took the boots from her. Sara turned her head as Seth read the small tag hanging from one of the boots. One silver, fifty copper. A bit steep, but they were what she wanted, and she had obviously visited them several times. This time Sara accompanied Seth to the counter. No one sat at the counter, but there was a bell, so Seth picked it up and rang it. A moment later a short white haired man appeared. The old man greeted his customers and picked up the boots off the counter. He read the tag on the boots and looked up again. Recognition registered on his face.
“Sara!” The old man said her name almost hysterically. “Why look at you, you look gorgeous.”
Sara blushed and smiled lowering her face to hide her embarrassment.
“You know.” The old man now speaking to Seth. “This girl has come in this store every day for three months, just to look at these boots.” The old man smiled first to Seth then to Sara. “You know young lady, if I could afford it, I would have given them to you.” The old man’s face lit up even more then, if it were possible. “You know what I can do though, I will sell you one boot, and you can have the other one for free!”
Sara smiled so brightly at the old man; Seth feared the man might go blind. Seth gladly reached into his small pouch and drew out yet another silver coin. He handed it to the old man, telling him to keep the change, feeling it was the least he could do for the man making Sara so happy. Sara plopped herself down on the floor right there at the counter, peeling off her old ragged shoes she tossed them in a small pail of trash next to the counter, and pulled on her new boots smiling the whole time. The boots were also made from black leather, polished to shine. They fit her perfectly from the tips of her toes all the way up her calves. She laced them up tightly, and smiling at Seth stood and took a couple steps back for him to get a good look at her. Seth smiled his approval, and she returned to his side, again taking his hand. Sara was a bit taller now with the new boots. Noticing her new height, Seth looked at the heel on the boots. They must have made her three inches taller, but it was a wide heel, and so shouldn’t impair her walking. They both thanked the shopkeeper graciously and left the shop headed once again, hand in hand, back to the main market.
“You’re done buying me stuff right? Sara asked almost pleadingly.
“Almost.” Seth grinned at her. “I promise just two more things.”
“What else do I need? Sara questioned a bit embarrassed that she really didn’t know.
“Well.” Seth began to answer. “We need to find you a pack, and I would feel safer if we found you something for protection.”
“But I have you for protection.” Sara stated in earnest but giggled a little despite herself.
“Yes you do." Seth agreed. "But we got some news last night that makes me a little nervous and I would feel better if you had something to protect yourself with.” This he stated matter-of-factly leaving the subject pretty well un-open to discussion. “Do you know how to use any kind of weapon?” Seth asked her, almost certain she would say no.”
“Well, James at the inn showed me one time how to shoot a crossbow.” Sara said this with pride, finally not being completely oblivious.
“That’s good.” Seth stated thinking quietly that it was not so good. Cross bows were very easy to wield, but they weren’t cheap. So far they had done very well. Seth had only spent two silver for all of her clothes which left him thirteen for the rest of the trip. Seth knew he could teach her to use a bow, but also knew that if she could already shoot a crossbow, then it was the best choice. He would just have to make due.
“Do you know where they might sell a crossbow?” Seth asked Sara, knowing well if there was a shop with them she would be more likely to find it.
“I do know a place that used to have them, it where James got his, though I don’t know if they still sell them.” Sara answered his question, and then began dragging him once again through the tangle of shops and carts leading him to the shop he wanted to visit.
Sure enough in no time Sara was dragging him up to one of the biggest shops in the market. It was a large two story building built from the same stone as everything else. The only difference here was the door. All the other doors Seth had seen in Stone Haven were wood, this door was Iron. Expecting the door to be extremely heavy Seth braced his feet and yanked with all his might against the door so as to not look weak in front of Sara. The door swung open effortlessly with such force it nearly flung Seth into the wall of the building. Recovering from his shock, Seth looked at the door in wonder trying to imagine how they had built it to swing so freely with all the weight. Seth walked through the door and abruptly stopped. He had no choice there was a wall to wall counter not three feet inside the door, behind it stood a large burly man with a familiar face. Sara glided through the door as well, and stood quietly beside Seth.
“Hello young friend.” The large man greeted Seth. “It’s good to see you again.”
Seth smiled at the familiar face. A face that had been utterly destroyed the night before, and subsequently restored by Ashton.
“Hello.” Seth replied. “It's good to see you are doing better.” Seth added
The large man nodded in understanding, and smiled again.
“To what do I owe this visit?” The large man asked.
“Well actually I’m looking for a crossbow for Sara here, so nothing to big or heavy, and preferably nothing too pricey.” Seth simply stated the truth to the big man, and in response the man smiled at him ear to ear.
“I think I can handle that.” He said still smiling. “Let me see what I have.” With that, the large man left the counter, and walked to the back of the room behind a large set of shelves filled with daggers and arrows, and other small trinkets. A moment later he returned from behind the shelves carrying with him three crossbows. As he approached the counter he grabbed the tag on each of the weapons and giving them a swift tug, tore them free. He let the tags fall to the ground not giving them a second look. He placed the three crossbows on the counter for Seth to choose. Seth looked them over, they all looked very well crafted, and each of them had a decorative stock, and engraved bows. All of them looked expensive, too expensive.
“They all look great to me.” Seth stated honestly. “Which one is the cheapest?” He asked then, assuming not a single one of them would be within his budget.
“Well let’s see here.” The big man appeared to think for a moment then smiled. “They are all the same price.” He stated coolly.
“Ok.” Seth then continued his line of questioning, to the most important question. “How much are they then?”
“That depends.” The man behind the counter stated, more than a bit amused by this conversation.
“Depends on what?” Seth couldn’t help but ask, though he now felt the big man was just playing a game with him.
“Well it would depend on how much my face is worth to me, or my life for that matter.” The man stated this with an ever growing smile as he seen the realization registering on Seth’s face.
“You mean that….” Seth couldn’t finish the question.
“That’s right son, whichever one you want, it yours, consider it my thanks for last night.” The big man said proudly.
Seth attempted a reply but found himself unable. The large shop owner found this very amusing and just watched Seth fumble time and again with his words. Unable to create a sentence, Seth gestured for Sara to pick a crossbow, and stepped back allowing her a closer look.
It was as if it was the first time the large man had noticed Sara. He squinted his eyes at her trying to remember where he had seen her. Sara picked the middle crossbow, and the large man handed it to her, still trying to place her face. Sara accepted the weapon, and using the strap provided slung it over her shoulder, allowing it to rest on her back. Seth, finally regaining his composure, thanked the man whole heartedly, then remembering he would need something else asked the man about a quiver and some bolts for the crossbow. Again the man left the counter, this time walking to the large shelves that separated his shop, he pulled from it a black quiver, and stuffed it full of iron headed bolts. Returning to the counter, he placed the quiver in front of Sara. The man still searched her face, as Seth pulled out his coin purse. The large man gasped as realization knocked him back on his heels. He did know the girl; she belonged somehow to John, the man who had just last night tried to kill him. The Large, middle aged man, stood looking across the counter at Sara perplexed.
“What do I owe you for the quiver and arrows?” Seth was asking the man, who now stood frozen.
Shaking his head it took a moment for Seth’s words to register. He looked at Seth, then back at the girl. Something was going on here and he was gonna figure it out.
“That depends.” The large man replied for the second time, his eyes still on Sara.
“On?” Seth questioned, now familiar with the game.
“It depends on her.” The man stated jerking his head towards Sara.
“Ok.” Seth started. “What about her?”
The man now looked at Sara, sure of whom she was. “You’re that girl that lives with John right?”
Sara nodded unaware of the previous nights happenings. The man continued.
“But now you’re leaving with this guy huh?
Sara nodded again unsure where the line of questions was going.
“John was ok with that?”
This time Sara shook her head, she had tried to put the events of only a little more than an hour ago out of her head, but she felt the man wanted an explanation, so she gave it.
“No. He told me I couldn’t leave, and he hit me. He chased me into the street threatening to kill me. Then Seth and Garret threatened to chop him to bits if he didn’t leave me alone.” The last part she said looking at Seth pure adoration in her eyes and a wicked grin on her lips.”
The man thought over her words a moment, eyeing Seth’s sword. Then just as before the man grinned ear to ear and continued with his questions.
“That really pissed John off didn’t it?”
Once again Sara nodded in response. Her nod set the large man to laughing hysterically, and amidst his howls of glee, he handed the quiver with arrows to Sara and told her to take it, as a gift. Still laughing, the man then looked at Seth again and said something about making his day, and asked if Seth wanted another crossbow. To which Seth readily declined, feeling he had already taken advantage of the man. Both Seth and Sara bid the man farewell. In response the man just waved them out the door, laughing too hard to breathe, and as such, unable to speak.
They stepped back into the street, Sara remembering what else it was they needed, took Seth’s hand and they walked down the street together.
“What was that all about?” Sara asked as they walked.
Seth related the story beginning with their arrival to the inn, up to the point where they decided to eat on the porch of the inn, instead of inside. As he finished his short narration, Sara pulled him up to a merchant’s stall that sat outside covered by a canopy. The merchant sold a wide variety of leather goods, from gloves, to bags, from vests to packs. They quickly decided upon a black leather pack, a bit small, but it was cheap, and it fit Sara well. They walked then to the place they had left Garret and Ashton nearly two hours before, and waited for them to return. While they waited, Seth helped Sara adjust her pack, mount her quiver on her belt at her hip, and re strung the crossbow’s strap so that she could wear it over her shoulder, under her arm like a woman’s bag.
Before long Garret and Ashton emerged from the rows of shops, carrying with them two parchment wrapped bundles. Spotting Seth and Sara the two sped up to meet them. They stood together once again in a small circle, and each Garret and Ashton passed the bundles, one each, to Seth and Sara, telling them it was their food for the next three days. Both Seth and Sara untied the small leather straps holding their bundles together and carefully packed the food into their packs. Sara then used the small strap she had untied from her bundle, gathered her beautiful black hair behind her head and tied it there, leaving her delicate neck exposed. Seth stared in awe. Garret then leaned over to his twin and whispered in his ear.
“Guess you’re broke huh?” he asked jerking his head towards Sara.
Seth shook his head and silently mouthed the word “only” and held up two fingers where only his brother could see. Garret’s eyes widened in amazement, but he nodded his approval to his twin.
The four of them decided then it was time to leave Stone Haven, and so they each shouldered their packs, and began walking south Garret and Ashton in the lead, Seth and Sara following behind.