Firebrand

Chapter 270: Staying Underneath

Chapter 270: Staying Underneath

Staying Underneath

Eleanor gathered the different parchments into a neat pile. "That does it. We have covered everything you missed."

Martel looked at the notes, detailing the intricacies of the Archean language. He would miss these sessions with Eleanor in the library, the shared solitude, but given how hectic his schedule looked, having an extra spare bell might be for the best. "Thanks for your help. I appreciate you took the time." He could only imagine that she was likewise busy, being in her last year. He knew from Maximilian that the mageknights sparred every single day, usually for two or three bells.

"You are welcome." She gave him a quick smile. "I believe the examination is at the end of next month. If you require any help revisiting the material, let me know."

"That's really nice of you to offer. I'll probably have need of that," Martel admitted. He had no idea how difficult it would be to pass the course, but help from someone who had taken lessons for years already would undoubtedly be useful.

Eleanor rose from her seat, picking up her notes. "Well, we better get going. I have a quick errand to run before my next lesson. I imagine you have plenty to do also."

She probably referred to his schoolwork, but Martel also had an errand of his own. Five silver pieces rested inside his pocket, for now. "I certainly do."

***

After last bell had rung, Martel went into the city. Although tempting to follow the main streets that went directly to the harbour, Martel exercised caution and used the winding alleyways instead. If anyone followed him, they would be hard-pressed to keep up.

With no sign of pursuers, Martel continued the final stretch to reach Julia's insula. He hurried up the stairs to knock at her door, which she opened within moments. As soon as he stepped inside, she closed and bolted it.

"I brought this for you." He dropped a blanket onto her mattress. That left him with only one for his own chamber, but he could handle the cold. If the weather turned worse, he could spend his next payment from Mistress Rana to buy himself a new one. As for his latest salary received just this morning, he fished out the coins and placed them in Julia's hand. "That should keep you fed for a while. But you can also buy other things you need or want. I'll bring more."

"Thank you." She spoke calmly, as she always did, giving Martel the impression of a much older person. She had none of the exuberance he associated with children, even those living a harsh life like Weasel's band. Julia was more like the little chief himself, always serious. A consequence of responsibility, Martel guessed, being forced to grow up much faster than any child should.

He watched as she sat down on her mattress and opened the small bundle on the floor. She pulled out a small doll, little more than pieces of cloth sewn into the proper shape and stuffed with straw, the latter sticking out of a few holes by the neck.

Stretching the opening, Julia pushed the coins down one by one. "George will keep them safe for me." She placed the doll on the mattress next to her, leaning against the wall.

Martel crouched in front of her. "Is that his name?"

She nodded. "Mama gave him to me, so I wouldn't be alone. He protects me from the bad man in the blue cloak."

"The inquisitors?"

She repeated her motion. "One of them chases me. He can't talk, and his eyes look hazy, like my Papa after too much drink. And his forehead's really big."

"I'll keep watch for him," Martel promised, though the sparse description did not leave much to go by. It did not matter either, as such; he was already suspicious of all inquisitors and would do what was needed to keep them from discovering Julia. "You don't have to worry. Besides George, you have me as well to protect you."

She smiled with her thin mouth and picked up the doll, seating it in her lap. "He likes you. You are nice."

Martel accepted the accolade gracefully with a nod. "The feeling is mutual."

***

His visit at an end, the acolyte hurried back, using the main roads. Since nobody had followed him to the insula, he saw no need to disguise his movements back to the Lyceum. Given the late hour, and the long day of arduous lessons that awaited him tomorrow, every moment of sleep mattered.

Reaching his room, he relaxed and removed his cloak while glancing at his clock. Almost midnight. That offered him about six and a half hours of rest if he managed to fall asleep straightaway.

He ignited a flame to let him see where he placed his cloak and also quickly wash a little before bed. As the light illuminated the room, Martel noticed a scrap of parchment on the floor. A note, pushed under his door. Curious.

Martel,

Perhaps you did not receive my last message.

An important opportunity waits for us both,

if you would join us for a visit to discuss it

in detail. Time is less abundant, as the matter

takes place next fiveday. Please stop by

within the next few days.

Flora

She was getting impatient. Then again, Martel had never ignored a message from her before. Her urgency was not his problem, though. He had no imminent need for coin, and he saw no reason to get involved with the Night Knives again, undoubtedly ending up in another skirmish. If the mercenaries needed more hands, they would have to wait for their brethren from Aquila to reinforce them. Martel was an exemplary student of the Lyceum. He let this note follow its predecessor, igniting the parchment and dissolving the smoke.

After finishing his preparations for bed, Martel crawled under his single blanket. He woke up several times that night, needled by the cold.