Newblood - A fantasy novel for NaNoWriMo 2018; CHAPTER-1: YOUNG MERCHANT.

in #freewritehouse5 years ago (edited)

qqa.jpg

Today was Sunday and the docks were perforce closed-except for governer's ships and soldiers. Besides; today there were to be three hangings in the Post Square and already a full twenty minutes before the announced time, a crowd was beginning to gather. The people of Shamarank were enthusiastic about their hangings. For one this was the only change in their daily lives, but mostly this was a way to show their support to the Governor and his Militia.

The cocoa vendors were doing brisk business. This was a scene particular to Shamarank. With the shiny brass Kettle and the tiny coal stove fixed to a Gerwood plank which was then hauled upon one shoulder by the vendor to serve his customers steaming cocoa. For the flame resistant Gerwood and the fragrant Cocoa were both native products of this area. One vendor had apparently finished his cocoa early and was sitting cross legged on a decrepit cart; looking at the street which lead to the courthouse. The convicts would be led from there into the square.

Soon a commotion in the crowd announced the coming of the militia making way for the judge as he rode ahead, followed by two mounted flag bearers. Behind him the captain led six soldiers in a double line followed by the convicts; each convict chained hand and foot to a forty pound iron ball he was carrying in his hands. Behind the convicts were another eight soldiers keeping an eye out for any unruly incident. The cocoa seller jumped down and shouldered his way shouting. "Hot Cocoa to warm yea. Please give way hot stove coming through. Hot stove, give way masters." He passed near the judge and looked at one of the flag bearers, when the flag bearer noticed him, the boy lifted his hand in a thumbs up. The guard nodded and kicked his spurs into his horses flank viciously.

The judges horse leapt forward at being kicked form behind by the upset horse. The flag bearer was thrown behind among the soldiers causing a tangle of arms and legs. The second flag bearer found himself surrounded by people gaping at what was happening, he could not move in any direction till the people gave way. He took out his crop and bellowed. "Give way you sods." turning his horse to where the judge had stopped. The cocoa vendor threw down his stuff and wrenched the stove from the plank and threw it at the fallen soldiers. At the same time somebody set fire to some balls of rags causing smoke to billow around them, obscuring vision of the soldiers and the people. Three of these fireballs landed among the eight soldiers who were trying to form a cordon around the convicts.

When after a few minutes order was restored, one of the convicts was missing. He was being carried along with the chain and ball, by a tall man wearing cloth strips to cover his face and hair. The man moved at a steady pace threading his way through the narrow streets till they reached a nondescript house but for the men guarding the door. Inside the man took up smiths tools and rid the convict of the ball and chain. Then he addressed the convict. " I need to break your nose." and waved at another man who was patiently standing by the door. After breaking the prisoners nose he bandaged it with cloth strips and gave him new breeches, shirt and a brown long jacket and brown socks and shoes. Lastly he put a wig of grey hair on the convicts head and dusted his eyebrows to look grey. Himself he dressed in simple pants and shirtsleeves and soft shoes.

He accompanied the convict back to the docks- now at a leisurely pace. They knocked on the door of the Ellys Spices. After somebody checked through a peep hole the door opened. The two men stepped inside.

"Padden! By the Great Lake I'm glad to see you alive my son." The elderly gent rushed to embrace the convict. When the father and son were finished, the father turned to the man who had walked in with Padden - the convict. "Master Mahon I can't thank you enough. He took out a small box and handed it to Mahon. "The diamond is yours as promised." Mahon pocketed the box and said. "Leave Shamarank as fast as you can and not by boat."

deco.png

As usual, on Monday morning Mahon visited the baths. On the way many people nodded at him and a few spoke their "Good day and Good Health" with respect. Though Mahon took it in his stride he did not put much importance to this respect- it was more an expression fear than support. He was a young man, taller than most and powerfully built- a mixblood, with black eyes and black hair. His face was smooth and unlined, the angular jaw and straight nose showing a hint of Elven heritage, but he was not fair by any measure. His skin was a dusky brown and not golden shiny but the color sand; white and golden sand when it becomes wet. His foster parents, Grey and May Scolier was his only family. They had a wholesale business in spices and herbs near the docks- Ellys Spices. Mahon though had become more popular for helping people. People on wrong side of the law. Grey had for years been cultivating friends who were either victims of the Governor's greed and corruption or saw the harm he caused to Shamarank. Recently Mahon had started using this network actively to help save people from persecution- for a fee, but the fee was negotiable and even deferred.

There were a dozen public baths in Shamarank and two elite "Bath Clubs" catering to the rich and powerful. Baths were meeting places, informal spaces where people could talk freely among their own for a nominal fee. While many charged two coppers, there were cheaper installations charging one pug- a quarter of one copper. Mahon used a sprawling bath house more on the comfortable side and did not mind paying three coppers for the entrance. Many of his contacts who worked for the Governor House frequented this place and gossip among officers was often valuable information. Mahon was lying on the wooden bench in the steam room after completing the the first warm bath when his senses pinged.

It was like a bell ringing inside his head. It meant atleast one elf was in the vicinity. Mahon could make out the general direction of approach along with this he felt a echo of power. Whoever it was, one or more their personality was pushing at his mind. Mahon quickly finished his second bath and dressed, all the while feeling the elf come closer. When he was dressed he felt them- there were two- he could make out this close range; pass by the bath house. Relaxing again Mahon headed home, there was no work at the store in the morning. Only some deliveries to make which the manager- a trusted long time employee would arrange.

There was a carriage parked outside and the servants were watering the horses. Straightening his shirt Mahon walked into the house. The guest was an old man. But impressive still- ruddy pink- red skin wrinkled with age, broad shoulders and beefy arms. The weather lined face was framed by white hair cropped short. The blue eyes held him for a moment before he spoke. "This is Mahon, no doubt." Grey Scolier was dwarfed beside this large stranger but the sight of Mahoon seemed to brighten him. "Yes, brother. Mahon, here this is Pinnet Stoner my old friend."

Mahon gave a slight bow and murmured "Good Morning" His heart was beating fast in his chest and his throat was constricted- This was the man who had delivered Mahon into the Scolier's care twenty years ago. Along the years there had been no contact except for a few letters and some gold in the first few years. He knew Pinnet lived somewhere along the western shores for those few years. The last letter had been from Green Creek twelve years ago cursorily informing the Scoliers that Pinnet would be moving inland and would contact when he was settled.

They shifted to the study room and when cocoa and snacks had been served the Scoliers had left them alone. His mother looking teary eyed had been led away by his father.

Sort:  

To listen to the audio version of this article click on the play image.

Brought to you by @tts. If you find it useful please consider upvoting this reply.

Coin Marketplace

STEEM 0.35
TRX 0.12
JST 0.040
BTC 70884.24
ETH 3570.27
USDT 1.00
SBD 4.76