Red Jack by Alex Linwood

Author:Alex Linwood [Linwood, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781951098001
Amazon: B07T761LW5
Barnesnoble: B07T761LW5
Publisher: Greenlees Publishing
Published: 2019-06-15T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Elyas put down a steaming mug of mead in front of Portia. “Drink this up,” he told her. “You’ll need it.” He said the last part low, under his breath, as he looked at her bandaged hand. Portia gingerly took the mug with her left hand and brought it to her lips, blowing to cool the hot drink.

He turned back to the fire and hung a large kettle on the hook over the flames. He filled it with water. “We’ll let that boil, then we can take care of your injuries.”

Portia had said nothing when she had limped in the front door. Elyas had taken one look at her and brought her into the kitchen. He made her sit and then ladled a plate full of food and set it down in front of her. He motioned for her to eat, watching her consume every bite.

Once dinner was over and the dirty dishes were pushed in a pile in the sink, Elyas sat opposite her at the table, nursing his own drink. He gave a sigh. “Okay, what happened?”

“I was working,” Portia said, not sure how much she wanted to share. “Someone didn’t like how I was doing things.”

“You got that at the shop?” Elyas asked, indignant.

“No… no. I was thieving. ”

Elyas squinted his eyes in disappointment, shaking his head. “Okay, I was hoping you weren’t. I knew there was other work at the shop. That’s why I had sent you to that place.”

Portia felt a sharp pain in her stomach at the thought she had disappointed Elyas. She knew it was childish, but she couldn’t help protesting. “There was not much work, at least none that paid any real money. It’s much easier to make money—or at least it’s a lot faster—from thieving than from sewing.”

“I know, lass. But I hate to see you take the risk.” He nodded at her injuries. “And look what happened.”

“It’s the first time I’ve been hurt. I’ve been doing this for months, and no one’s ever caught me, much less injured me.” Portia said.

She could take care of herself. She didn’t want to look weak in front of Elyas. She already felt like a burden. He had never said she was, but she was not used to so much kindness. It felt uncomfortable sometimes.

“So, what was different this time?” he asked as he got up to check the water over the fire.

“I went into… I chose… I stole from a Riddlepit house.”

Elyas pivoted to her. “You what? No, don’t do that.” He stared at her intently. “That house is too dangerous. You leave any of the households that belong to that group alone. Nothing good comes from them.”

Portia chuckled under her breath. “They had some nice linens. That came from them at least.”

“You invaded their territory to steal linens? Oh, lass, that is bold. But promise me you won’t do it again.”

Portia nodded her promise. He wouldn’t have to ask twice. She had realized when coming home that Magisend could have easily killed her.

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