Castle Kingside

Chapter 35: Gift

On his way to contact a smuggler, Dimitry staggered through Estoria, examining his palm. Concentrated circuitsarranged into a shape resembling an obscure, purple honeycomboozed blue liquid with every throb. The fluid leaked out from under his skin like sweat.

Blue bile bled from his palms core, was how Saphiria worded it. She claimed cores lay in specific spots throughout the body and controlled spells, while circuits distributed vol to them. The ability to manipulate them simultaneously formed the basis for magic.

Basics Dimitry never learned.

Even simple spells like incendia and illumina took over a year of dedicated practice to use. Chanting the words wasnt enough. His attempts at normal magic on Ravenfalls outskirts and during his sleepless nights at the brothel taught him as much. That was why he found it strange that a mere glance at two books allowed him to cast both invisall and accelall.

Why were some spells so widespread while others rare? Did the all and ia endings make a difference? Could he find more tomes in the real world?

A humid wisp of wind blew into his ear. Wake up, Dumitry. Were here.

Wishing Precious would pass out like she did after consuming an emotional feast at the gangsters torture, Dimitry looked up.

Standing at the edge of a port that smelled of expired fish was a warehouse with warped plank walls. Missing clay roof tiles gave the establishment an appearance even more dilapidated than the surrounding buildings, and the cloaked figures lurking at every turn were intimidating, unlike the merchants and artisans that flooded the spacious harbor adjoining Estorias market square.

Anticipation bubbled in Dimitrys gut, begging him to leave, to avoid an incident similar to the one in the slums, but he had no choice. This rundown gutter was his ticket to Coldust. The guy were looking for works in this warehouse?

Precious burrowed deeper under his cloak. Thats what Jacob said.

Jacob?

The gangster we questioned, Saphiria said. Be on guard. Smugglers get aggressive when called out on their profession.

Dimitry held up his swollen hands. If something happens, Im basically useless. Can I rely on you?

Anytime.

Glad to hear it.

What happened to you two? Precious peeked out from his cloak. You were tiptoeing around each other just a little while ago, but now youre all buddy-buddy again. Did I miss something?

Saphiria pressed a pinkie to the faeries mouth, occluding half her face. Its a secret.

Oh no. Did you guys do that?

Dimitry shook his head. Hide before someone sees you.

No need to get all grumpy.

He straightened his cloak and trailed behind Saphiria, who pushed open a weathered door. It emitted a long-winded creak as it rotated around its hinge, revealing a desolate interior comprising scattered crates and precarious shelving units. The wind whistled through breached walls.

Whos there? a rough voice like that of a grumpy old man called out. Were not taking jobs right now.

Dimitry kept his mouth shut. This was Saphirias area of expertise.

Were looking for a man named Caleb, Saphiria announced. Jacob told us they knew how to get a certain item from a sandy land across the gulf.

Oh, what does that cocksucker want from me now? A portly man with a short gray beard and a straw hat tumbled out from behind a crate stack. I told him if he wanted to He stared at Saphiria for a second. Zera preserve my fat thighs, is that?

Old Man Bryce? she uttered.

Saphiria I never thought Id see you again. Youve grown to be so tall and beautiful andwait. Are you here to kill me? I swear, it wasnt me. Those pricks talk all kinds of

No, nothing like that. Were here for another reason.

Well, dont stand around! Old Man Bryce pointed a thick finger at Dimitry. You and fuckstick there, come take a seat. Ill put on a kettle. He disappeared behind the same stack of crates he emerged from.

Dimitry shot a confused glance at Saphiria. Why am I fuckstick?

Thats how Old Man Bryce always speaks, she said. Lets sit down.

Precious giggled. What are you waiting for, fuckstick? Go sit down.

Dimitry shrugged it off. Now wasnt the time to raise complaints, and he preferred name-calling to life and death struggles. Taking a seat on a crate beside Saphiria, he scanned the walls.

Among the scant decorations was a weathered map. Although its features held less detail than a modern equivalent, the size and vibrant colors made it an impressive piece. However, something about it seemed off. Not that Dimitry knew what. Neither geography nor cartography was his forte.

When the heavyset footsteps stomped back, Dimitry averted his gaze towards the ground to hide his eyes. Old Man Bryce poured each of them a cup of peach-colored tea and added a hint of milk and sugar to each.

Dimitry took a sip, hoping that people in this world could preserve dairy products. It wasnt bad. The milks silky texture masked the leaves bitter aftertaste.

Old Man Bryce dropped onto a crate, which squealed under his weight. So what can I do you for?

Saphiria elegantly moved the cup away from her mouth before speaking. We need passage for two to Coldust. Any kind of lodging is fine.

Saphiria, I like you and all, but thats not something I can do for free. Old Man Bryce leaned back. Thats because youre not the first ones to ask. Space is limited, after all.

She looked at Dimitry.

Guess that meant it was his turn. How much are you looking for?

Old Man Bryce pulled on his short gray beard as if in deep contemplation. Four golds.

One.

Three.

Two, Dimitry said.

Fine. Fuck it. Old Man Bryce threw his hands into the air. I hate haggling. Well be departing around evening, so get to the port before then. I wont stand around freezing my ass off waiting for you two.

Well be there, Saphiria said.

Oh, and like I mentioned before, we wont be alone on this trip. If youre trying to smuggle something into Coldust, do it at your own risk.

Who else will be on board? Dimitry asked.

Just my crew and a few travelers. One even had a crimson robe. Think its a wandering wizard or something.

Dimitry roamed a packed market. Although rays from a luminous sun shone on him as he trekked along a stone brick promenade, and the body heat from nearby shoppers warmed his cloak, a frigid atmosphere made him shiver. The cold would only get worse. Once they boarded Old Man Bryces boat to sail across Rolands Gulf to Coldust, ocean winds would compound with rapidly chilling weather to emulate winters frost.

Low temperatures throughout a lengthy voyage predisposed Saphiria and perhaps Precious to hypothermia. Since the resuscitation of an escaped slave or a corrupted creature in a boat full of strangers would lead to disaster, Dimitry acted to avoid either outcome. Scouring for heat insulation, they swerved through market stalls, heads twisting with every woolen blanket and cozy garb they saw.

But even last-minute shopping was difficult in this world.

Somehow avoiding developing a hoarse voice, a town crier stood on a podium shouting the same announcements ad nauseam.

Hear ye! A bell clamored in his hand. Taxes on flours and wines have increased two-fold! The reward for information leading to the capture of the man with pale green eyes has increased to a hundred and fifty gold gadots! Property tithes imposed by the Church might increase! Celeste guide His Royal Majesty!

A hundred and fifty gold gadots?! Precious shrieked, her voice nearly drowned out by a bumbling crowd. Dumitry, youre worth like a lot!

Although it flattered Dimitry to think his life was worth a massive fortune, it also meant that everyone and their mother searched for him. He had to avoid one-on-one encounters.

Dimitry held out his pouch. Saphiria, Im relying on you to barter with merchants. Dont worry about saving money. We dont have time to haggle.

The girl nodded and reached forward, only to pause. Saphirias gaze switched from the leather pouch to his swollen arm, and her finger gently traced an engorged, purple vessel. How are you feeling? Does it still hurt?

Was she still beating herself up over that? Dimitry smiled to assuage her worries. Its not a big deal, I promise.

Precious shifted forward as if to call him out on his lie, but said nothing. The faerie leaned back into the crevice between his tunic and neck. She had some decency after all.

Back in Malten, Saphiria said, we had an enchantress who accidentally overloaded herself in a mountainside skirmish with gargoyles. Her arms looked just like yours. The mistress of the Sorceresses Guild treated her with magic to make the swelling go away, and I was thinking that if there really was a wizard aboard Old Man Bryces ship, he might do the same for you.

While Dimitry didnt know what a gargoyle was, he understood that the mystical people of this world had invented cures for their equally mystical ailments. Even if native barber-surgeons were useless, judging by the high esteem mages commanded, their expertise regarding magic-related illness trumped Dimitrys. A professionals advice always held merit.

Gazing into Saphirias concerned eyescompassionate eyes, Dimitry nodded. If there is a wizard, we should give him a shot. Appreciate the thought.

She smiled weakly and took the coin pouch. Be careful while Im gone. If something happens to you, Ill do my best to help, but Im afraid I cant fend off a group of market guards.

Thats why we have to make sure it doesnt come down to that. And if it does, just run. Theres no reason for you to get caught up as well.

I make no promises. Saphiria walked ahead.

Dimitry shook his head and trailed a safe distance behind her as she purchased necessities for the long boat ride ahead, including vol, dried meat, and two thick quilts. To avoid meeting the gaze of wandering eyes, he faced the ground. All he saw were muddy boots stampeding past and blackened rainwater seeping from walkway bricks and into embedded cracks.

Hey, hey. Precious tugged his ear. Do you see what Im seeing?

He shot several glances from side to side, ready to run in case someone saw the faeries head jutting from under his hood. If you keep peeking out, Ill shove you into my bag and keep you there.

Right, sorry. But look over there! She tugged on his collar to bring his attention to endless masses haggling at stalls. Nothing seemed amiss.

What am I looking for?

That stall! Over there! The one selling goldwork.

Goldwork? Dimitrys gaze stopped at a stall covered in a silken tablecloth. Two men and a woman, all wearing thick fur coats, chatted emphatically as they passed a small ball of thread back and forth. Golden thread. The type that Dimitry couldnt and shouldnt afford right now.

So thats goldwork. What about it?

Did you forget already? You promised!

Precious spoke of the bribe Dimitry offered her to help him escape Ravenfall: a replacement for the grass ribbon tying the faeries ponytail together.

So you want a gold ribbon? I thought you said you didnt like gold.

No. I love gold. The problem is that its usually too heavy for me to pick up.

You understand our situation, right? Dimitry scanned the crowd for anyone alarmed by a man speaking into his cloak. Thankfully, no one was.

Here I was, thinking you were a stand-up guy.

Can you name a single person who wouldnt want to kill or capture us if they found out who we were?

But my present you promised, she said in a pouty voice.

Dimitry sighed. Although the faeries impetuous impulses risked their lives, he and Saphiria were no different. How many times had Precious rescued them from peril? Considering behavioral improvements, selfless acts, and the strange manner in which Dimitry got along with the critter, she deserved a reward for her good behavior.

Fine. But after this, youre not allowed to say I dont keep my promises. He called over Saphiria to carry out the transaction.

The ease and speed with which she complied with his request baffled Dimitry. Saphiria returned with a half-meter thread of gold before long. Is this enough?

The size is fine. However, thats not what worried Dimitry. How much did it cost?

Three silvers.

Three silvers for this? He held up the slender thread, which struggled to stay vertical in a gentle breeze.

Come on, come on! Precious bounced excitedly on Dimitrys shoulder.

He snuck the overpriced commodity under his cloak. Happy now?

No. She grabbed his finger. I want you to tie it.

Did Precious expect him to ornament a faerie in public? Dimitry massaged his eyelids. Why are you doing this to me?

You and Saphiria are always having a good time, and Im always being left out! Wheres my personal attention?

The Zerans had it rightfaeries were corrupted creatures.

I have an idea. Saphiria led Dimitry by the hand into a narrow alleyway. She turned to face him, blocking the vision of anyone who ventured to look inside. Get in.

Precious hopped off of Dimitrys shoulder and onto Saphirias. Back facing him, the faerie waited patiently. They conspired against him.

Are we really doing this?

Lips curved into a stunning smile, Saphiria watched unflinchingly.

Dimitry exhaled deeply. After dodging authorities and committing atrocities, anyone would yearn for a moments respite. He was little different. Perhaps some jollity could assuage the heavy mass curdling in his gut. The only problems were that he knew nothing about tying hair, and that surgical knots were inappropriate.

After brief contemplation, Dimitry decided.

A shoelace knot.

Thank you, Dumitry.

Their shopping ended when the market crowd fizzled out, and a lowering sun colored the horizon with pink and orange hues. Evening had come. It was finally time to leave this cursed city. Dimitry stepped around tar-like roadside drainage, smelling of human waste and rotting livestock entrails, and pushed past civilians until he reached the docks.

Ahead, the Churchs awe-inspiring coastal wall stood in plain sight. Military orders and spell chants swooped down from above as white and gray-robed women fended off stone monsters emerging from the waters azure depths. A never-ending war.

Saphiria, said a grouchy voice. It belonged to Old Man Bryce. He approached from behind with a small crate in hand. Cogs ready when you are.

Rushing to hide his eyes, Dimitry averted his gaze to the ports timber flooring.

Back straight, boy. No pussies allowed aboard my boat.

What a charming geriatric.

Got it, Dimitry said.

Which cog is yours? Saphiria asked.

That one. Old Man Bryces callused finger pointed at a long oak ship with a yellowed square sail waving from a single mast. Thats Dirty Matilda. Shes old and reliable, just like me. He pounded his chest with a wrinkled, meaty fist.

She had better be reliable. And steady.

The thought of spending the next few days at sea, keeled over a rocking boats edge, elicited the urge to vomit within Dimitry before he could board. Dirty Matilda swayed side to side and up and down despite calm port waters. How much worse would she get when the seas turned rough?

Dont be scared, Dumitry, Precious whispered. Just pretend youre walking on land!

Youre not helping.

There, there. She patted his nape with a tiny palm. Itll be alright.

I know youre excited about your new ribbon, but stop trying to comfort me. Youre not good at it.

They followed Old Man Bryce across an unsteady boarding plank and a rocking boats deck before stopping at a ladder leading to a lower floor.

Down you two go. I suggest making nice with your fellow traveleryoull be seeing each other a lot. Well depart once the other passengers and the rest of my crew arrive.

Saphiria climbed down, and then Dimitry.

Every movement from the boat elicited a series of twisting and warping squeaks from surrounding planks. They formed a cargo room that held nothing except a mass of crates and a man who sat against a rounded wall. The red robe he wore concealed everything except his pipe and a long white beard.

Was that an esteemed wizard? Or was he just a robed man?

Saphiria didnt say. Her indigo eyes lost their curious gaze and a slight smile left her face, retreating into coldness like they did whenever strangers were around. She sat motionless. Calculating. Waiting.

Did her reticence source from caution or distrust? Regardless, both were beneficial qualities to have in their current predicament. The only problem was Precious. Could she stay quiet for several days, or would loud-mouthed faerie fillet be on the cruise menu?

Not long after Dimitry sat beside Saphiria, hard leather and iron clacked against the deck above. The weighty steps of metal boots reverberated throughout the ships wooden walls. Whoever wore them had a voice like that of a proud high school senior.

Selene, do you want to go down to see the cabin? asked the boisterous kid.

Erm, sir knight, its not a cabin. Old Man Bryces muffled voice leaked from between oak planks. Its more of a cargo hold. I dont think little Selene will like it there. The actual cabins over there.

An icy shiver shot down Dimitrys back. He looked at Saphiria. Sir knight?

Probably the Churchs, she whispered. Stay calm. I dont think theyre looking for us.

Old Man Bryce mentioned that there would be other passengers, but neglected to mention which ones. Judging by the giant coastal wall just outside, filled to the brim with Zerans that processed stone monsters like a magical slaughterhouse, it made sense that the passengers included believers. And if this knight was a believer, they would be as intimidating as the monastery knights in Ravenfall.

He was in for a long, long boat ride. Hiding a faerie and an escaped Zeran servant while stuck on a ship with members of the Church wouldnt be fun.

Precious trembled against his neck. A-are you t-thinking what Im thinking?

If I am, I hope were both wrong.

Many steel footsteps boarded the ships deck above. Unlike the others, the owners stomped heavily, as if rushing to deliver urgent news.

Are you the owner of this cog? A man asked with an arrogant tone.

I am, Old Man Bryce said. Can I help you, sir knights?

Were searching for an escaped fugitive. This letter is stamped with His Royal Majesty Gregoriuss seal. Well be looking inside.

For the same bastathe same person everyones been hollering about these past few days?

Thats not for you to know.

Help yourselves. Im not hiding anything.

Their footsteps stomped across the deck, closer to the ladder.

Come on, Selene, said the boisterous voice. Let the nice men through.

A child responded. Okay

With indigo eyes wide open and mouth agape, Saphiria squeezed Dimitrys wrist. Crimson knights. Theres four. They have plate armor. I-Im not sure if I can take them. Hide. You have to hide!

Dimitrys gasps for air grew hasty, and heavy muck pooled in his gut. Crimson knights? He had seen them patrolling Ravenfalls castle district. With glowing, blood-red armor and six-foot-tall figures, they would overpower Saphiria without breaking a sweat. Her dagger wouldnt do shit to them.

His head twisted and turned, but there was nowhere to hide. Crates were few and lay in plain sight. Most were too small to fit a grown man. There were no exits, hiding his eyes from authorities didnt work at Estorias gatehouse, and trying to fight would get Precious and Saphiria murdered!

Saphiria.

Y-yes?

Dont you dare try to fight those knights.

What are you

Dimitry leapt away from the girls dispelia scarf and fumbled inside his leather bag for a pure vol pellet. Would using magic for the second time that day kill him? Perhaps, but he had no fucking choice. He couldnt be found. If the knights discovered him, they would search for an accomplice matching Saphirias description as well. She and Precious would die.

This was the best way. For everyone.

D-Dimitry? Precious muttered.

Saphiria watched him motionlessly, hands shaking atop her lap.

Ill be fine. Invisall.

I know youre lying to Preciouss voice trailed off as she turned invisible with him.

Dimitrys heart rate soared as blazing heat erupted within his palm, scorching his arm and chest with searing flames, purple vessels pulsating and swelling, unseen blue bile trickling down his fingers and dripping from the nails. With the remnants of his consciousness, he squirmed into a corner while forcing his lungs into oxygen-deprived stillness to silence the wheezing.

Two knights wearing blood-red armor slid down the ladder. They scanned the cargo hold. One stomped past to yank Saphirias hood off. Another knight did the same to the red-robed old man, who stared at the spot where Dimitry vanished.

The other passenger saw everything.

After browsing through several crates, the crimson knights nodded at each other and climbed out of the cargo hold.

Unable to hold his breath any longer, Dimitrys labored wheezes pierced the air as thick liquids seeped between his skin and leather tunic. Precious, hide hide with Saphiria.

Dimitry?! The faeries voice was distant despite being nearby.

The cargo holds grime brightened.

The oak planks squealing softened.

And finally, the boats rocking steadied.