(eng) Marshall Ryan Maresca - The Streets of Maradaine 02 by Lady Henterman's Wardrobe

Author:Lady Henterman's Wardrobe [Wardrobe, Lady Henterman's]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

“WHY DO YOU STILL have that horrible thing there?”

Raych looked up from the kneading counter at her sister, who was pointing at the crossbow sitting nearby. This one was a functional one—light and easy to use. Verci had made it for her, but until today she had left it in a closet upstairs. The events of this morning were frightening enough, and the idea that she might actually have to use the crossbow petrified her. But she still felt safer with it near.

“Just in case,” Raych said, continuing to knead the batch of dough she was working on.

“I’m sure this morning was nothing,” Lian said, bringing her tray over. “Though we should make sure all the doors are locked. I swear we had more cookies here . . .”

Raych wiped off her hands. “Can you portion this into proofing bowls? I’m going to make sure everything is shut down up front.” She picked up the crossbow and headed to the windows.

Verci had told her once that this shop was probably one of the safest places in the neighborhood, and she knew the lockdown rooms would be very hard to get into, if she had to go in there. But that didn’t change the fact that it was still a shop, with windows and a door that needed to stay open to do business.

The streets were quieter than usual in the twilight. She was used to a certain degree of foot traffic and carousing at this hour, but the walkways were sedate. She went over to the door and stuck her head outside.

At least three Constabulary footpatrolmen were strolling on Junk Avenue. She had never seen that many constables in one place in this neighborhood. Even when she and Lian both had lived in Birdtown in the Little East, there were more sticks in the streets than North Seleth.

Maybe they were actually doing something about the business from this morning.

“What is it?” Lian asked from the back.

“Constables,” Raych said, closing and latching the door.

“What do they want?”

“I don’t think they want anything, Lian. They’re just patrolling.”

“Well, put that monstrosity away before they give you a rattle for it.”

“We’re latched up, Lian. It’s fine.”

“Fine for you, perhaps.”

“Are tomorrow’s breads proofing?”

Lian sighed. “Almost done.”

“Thank you for your help, by the way,” Raych said. “It’s meant a lot.”

“That thank you better include a ‘here’s three crowns.’”

“Three crowns?” Raych asked. “Now I know who the real shakedown thug of this street is.”

“For the week,” Lian said. “I’m not a monster.”

Raych laughed. “I would like to have you here more often.”

“You mean once Verci’s on his feet. And where is he again?”

“He’s . . . I told you.” For the life of her, Raych couldn’t remember the lie she had told Lian about where Verci was all day.

“Right, the special commission in easttown,” Lian said. “I’m glad he’s getting work, but . . .”

“Lian.”

“I know, I know,” Lian said. Putting the last of the dough in a bowl and covering it with a cloth, she added, “And I’m sure he’s not the most helpful in the bakery, even when he is on his feet.

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