Kade by Christopher Woods

Author:Christopher Woods [Woods, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blood Moon Press
Published: 2021-02-11T22:00:00+00:00

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Chapter 8

A delightful smell came from a wagon close to the Scraper.

“Those ribs smell divine,” I said as we stopped at the fold-out counter on the side of the wagon. There were three women behind the counter who were obviously sisters. They all looked alike with their black hair, brown eyes, and Native American bone structure. The only difference was their age.

“Ladies,” I said in greeting.

“Good day, sir,” the oldest of the three answered. “The ribs are just about finished. Teira would probably hit me with something if I took them off the grill early.”

“How much longer?”

“Less than a half hour.”

“That’ll be fine,” I said. “We’ll look around a bit. Always like to see what you folks are offering. Changes from Zone to Zone.”

“You aren’t from Fogel?”

“Nope, we’re traveling through. I’m from Stiner.”

“I didn’t see a Caravan,” she said.

“Just the two of us.”

“There’s no way I would travel this city with a single companion,” she said. “Unless it was one of the Pratt brothers. Anyone foolish enough to attack one of them deserves whatever happens.”

“Isn’t that the Steadholder’s last name?”

“Yes, it is. He has two sons, Zee and Jimmy. Zee is the Commander of the Farmers’ Guard and Jimmy is…well he’s just Jimmy. No one wants trouble with Jimmy.”

“I know it’s none of my business, but what are they like? I worry about what will happen after the Steadholder is gone. I know he’s getting on up there in years.”

“Zee is next in line for the position. He doesn’t want it, but he really doesn’t have a choice.”

“Have to play the hand you’re dealt.”

“This is true. There may be another, though, if she is ready by then. Zee’s daughter, Allie, could take the position. But only if Kendrick makes it another ten years or so. She’s not ready yet, but another decade, and she’ll make a fine Steadholder. I have no doubt Zee would be happy to pass on that position.”

“Frankly, I’m surprised you’re this free with information,” Fenris said.

“Part of each vendor’s job is to help assuage the fear of the city folk. The Farmers are here, and will be, for the foreseeable future. Lord knows we don’t want the city to sink back to where it was when I was a girl. I wouldn’t wish that on us.”

“This city is still a pretty awful place,” Fenris said. “But you’re right. I would hate to see it fall back to those days.”

“You said you’re from Stiner?” she asked.

“Yep.”

“I haven’t been there yet, but I am looking forward to the opportunity. I would dearly love to meet the Matron of the Society of the Sword. Have you met her?”

“A few times.” I chuckled.

“A few?” Fenris asked, shaking her head.

I shrugged.

“I think she would be very interesting,” the vendor said. “I have great respect for anyone who can do what she has. I think a person who instills that much loyalty in her people would be worth knowing.”

“She’s a pretty amazing woman,” I said.

“Listen to me jabbering on like an old woman,” she said.

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