Part 13 (2/2)
Aleron looked troubled by her reply. ”It cannot be all bad,” he reasoned. ”Surely there are things that you miss.”
She found herself thinking of all the things she had left behind at the s.h.i.+mat fortress. It was true that there were things she missed, especially when confronted with the everyday drudgery of the High City.
He studied her face with his unnervingly perceptive gaze. Adesina often had the uncomfortable feeling that Aleron knew more than what he let on. Sometimes she was certain that he saw right through her disguise. This feeling had become more and more frequent of late. His gaze was always open and frank, but surprisingly difficult for Adesina to read, which disturbed her. She was wondering whether or not to mention him to Kendan. If her cover was blown, her s.h.i.+mat contact needed to know about it.
”I suppose there are some things that I miss,” she said hurriedly to hide her discomfort, ”but I do not regret my decision to come to the High City.”
Aleron shrugged, trying to appear casual. ”I just feel that you and I are meant for something greater.”
She couldn't bring herself to argue with him when deep down she felt exactly the same way. She thought about her response carefully before putting it into words. ”I am here because I need to be here. There are certain times in life where we are required to give up what we want for what needs to be done.”
He nodded thoughtfully but didn't say anything. By this time they had arrived at the Square. They parted and each went to their separate shops.
Ha.s.s was nowhere to be seen, but he had left a list of things that he wanted Adrie to finish by the end of the day. Adesina looked around the empty room. It seemed larger than usual, and unnaturally silent. She looked over her shoulder, half expecting to see Ravi appear in the doorway, but no one was there. She chided herself for being so foolish and went to work.
Chapter Fourteen: The Mission.
Adesina hadn't been working very long in Ha.s.s's shop before she heard Aleron singing from next door. The sound was a welcome one, dispelling the gloom. Adesina recognized it as an old folk song that was one of his favorites.
In a golden land, over sapphire seas, Lived a lily maid who once loved me.
Three times a day her soft sighs fell, Three times a day she wished me well.
For o'er those seas, with danger fraught, I sailed away. To where, I knew not.
Three times a day I longed for her.
Three times a day my heartache did stir.
And yet, for all the pain we bore, The tears we cried, the vows we swore, My love and I were still apart.
Distant memories in each other's heart.
Adesina found herself humming softly along as he launched into the second verse. Her hands smoothed the board in front of her in a rhythm that went along with the song. She found her thoughts occasionally straying to Kendan, but forced herself to focus. Her mind relaxed and she was able to go over her plans for her mission in a more orderly fas.h.i.+on. Ideas flowed with a clarity that had been missing since Ravi's absence.
In that golden land, over sapphire seas, My lily maid, she waited for me.
Three times a day suitors did call.
Three times a day she denied them all.
And I, in turn, was ever true.
I, in turn, from temptation flew.
Three times a day I saw a fair face.
Three times a day I regarded it base.
And yet, for all the pain we bore, The tears we cried, the vows we swore, My love and I were still apart.
Distant memories in each other's heart.
The soft sound of someone approaching jerked Adesina out of her reverie. Keeping her eyes on her work, she waited for the knock on the door to look up. Standing before her was the gangly figure of the blacksmith's apprentice, Horas.
He occasionally made appearances in Ha.s.s's shop with small gifts and stumbling compliments for Adesina. Aleron teased her about her young ”suitor,” but Adesina couldn't believe that a boy Horas's age honestly considered her as a candidate for some sort of romantic relations.h.i.+p.
”h.e.l.lo, Horas.”
”h.e.l.lo, Adrie. How are you today?”
”I am well.” Adesina set aside her tools and looked at Horas expectantly.
He dropped the small package he was holding in his hand and hurried to pick it up again, b.u.mping into the doorframe as he did so. ”You look very nice today, Adrie.”
She looked the same as she did every day. Adesina suppressed an impatient sigh. ”What do you need, Horas?”
His hand shot out, almost dropping the small package again. ”I made some nails. I thought you could use them.”
Adesina raised an eyebrow. ”I do not think Master Quinlan would approve of you giving so many gifts.”
Horas puffed out his chest, trying to show some bravado. ”I do not tell him. There are many things that happen in his shop that he does not know about.”
Adesina was skeptical. ”Really?”
Horas nodded, eager to prove himself. ”There are many excess materials that I can use without him noticing.” He lowered his voice. ”I am not like the other citizens of this city. I follow my own set of rules. Once I made a dagger for an Outsider!”
Adesina studied the boy intently, focusing on his eyes. It only took a glance to show her that he was lying. She smiled briefly and picked up her tools again. ”Thank you for the nails, Horas. I will let you know if I am ever in need a renegade blacksmith.”
”Do you not believe me?” disappointment was written in his voice.
She looked at him earnestly. ”I do not believe that your training has yet made you skilled enough to make weapons.”
Horas was caught, uncertain how to react. ”Whatawhat ifawhat if I prove it to you?”
Adesina shrugged and went back to work. ”If it was proven, then I would be wrong.”
She heard him hover in the doorway for a few moments more before shuffling away. Adesina shook her head ruefully, glad to be alone again.
Her mind was now able to continue with the planning of her upcoming mission. No one else disturbed Adesina for the remainder of the work day. Aleron could be heard singing next door, Ha.s.s was in and out of the shop doing business, but Adesina could have been invisible to the rest of the world; as the world was invisible to her.
When it was time to go home for the evening, Adesina had decided on a course of action for the following day. It was to be a simple plan, and hopefully one without complications.
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