Orc Captor: A SciFi Alien Romance (Red Planet Dragons of Tajss Book 30) by Miranda Martin

Author:Miranda Martin [Martin, Miranda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-26T18:30:00+00:00

24

BHOJA

I sense it the moment I set foot outside. Eyes watching, following, but no matter where I look I can’t find the source. Or not a single source. Every person, every set of eyes, feels like they are suspect. Did that person look a little too long? How about them?

I weave through the crowds and the streets, not going straight to my destination. I dodge around a corner quick then press myself against the wall, watching the street to see if anyone is following. A group of children rush past, bouncing off my legs. One of them curses before they run off.

Even they are suspect. This is what we have become. No longer proud.

When I don’t see anyone else that seems to be following I push off the wall and move. But as I do something tugs at my attention. I saw it only for an instant but now I can’t ignore it. Someone also enters the crowd on the far side and I feel certain they are tailing me.

Gada. I must lose them.

Moving faster I push through the crowds of people. My efforts are met with curses and push back but I’m able to slip through holes in the throngs and make good headway. I’m close to the market place which wasn’t my destination but I change my mind and head for it.

The market is a large open area close to the city center. The tents and stalls are haphazard. The size of each one an indication of the wealth of the owner. I let the movement of the people pull me along, doing my best to seem like I am out for a stroll or idly shopping.

One of the stalls does catch my attention. The merchant has jewelry on display. I stop and examine his wares but I’m also looking for my pursuer. A necklace catches my eye. It has an rich blue stone that sparkles as if the stars so far above us were captured in the stone. The mountain is full of surprises.

“How much?” I ask.

“Twenty-two iron,” the merchant says, his eyes sparkling with greed.

I turn the necklace over. It is too long for her, but I am sure he can shorten the chain. It would be stunning on her but the price is too much. That is almost a month’s salary.

“Ten,” I counter.

He barks a laugh and shakes his head.

“No friend, put it back please. I will not be insulted by such an offer.”

I look at him through narrowed eyes and growl as I lean over the counter.

“Twelve,” I say.

“Eighteen,” he returns. “That is a rare piece. You won’t find its like in all the market.”

“They won’t find your remains if you continue trying to gouge me,” I say.

He looks me up and down and only now seems to realize that I am a City Guard. He frowns deeply, shakes his head, then waves a hand.

“Sixteen,” he says.

In the corner of my eye I see my tail. He is at the next stall pretending to look at a mug but there is no doubt most of his attention is on me.

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