By A. C. Williams
Florence’s knuckles creaked as she clutched the bottle of phoenix ash.
What if it’s not enough? She bit her lip. The medicine is almost as rare as the ash.
Threadbare skirts rustled around her legs as she ducked through the rough-hewn doorframe of the Emberstone Tavern. Her stomach clenched in hunger as the rich, savory scent of roasting meat and crusty breads embraced her.
How long had it been since she’d eaten something besides watery, rice-based gruel?
Florence ignored her stomach and scanned the tavern for Tobias Fire Crow, the only trader she knew in the Veil with Kheiron ointment.
Tobias lounged behind a low counter at the back of the tavern, his long black braid tied with a leather cord. Florence squeezed through the crowd warming themselves around the mystical Emberstone. It was an odd mix, arrogant airship captains with shining golden epaulets, humble pilgrims in burlap robes, and anxious travelers bartering passage through the Veil.
A chartreuse gleam on the top shelf caught her eye as she approached.
One jar left? She swallowed the panic.
Panic wasn’t professional, and rumor had it that Tobias only traded with professionals.
He tipped back his broad-brimmed hat to reveal piercing dark eyes. “What can I do for you, young lady?”
Florence lifted her chin. “I’ve brought something to trade.” She offered him the bottle.
Tobias took it in his leathery fingers, peering inside. “Is this—?”
“Phoenix ash.” She nodded.
Tobias shook the bottle, and the ash inside sparkled with fiery light.
He narrowed his eyes at her. “Where did you get this?”
Don’t answer. Frown like an adult. She squared her shoulders. “Will you trade?”
Tobias set the bottle of ash on the counter, folding his arms. “For what?”
This is it. Moment of truth. Florence caught her breath, heart hammering in between her lungs. Please let it be enough! She pointed to the jar. “The Kheiron.”
Florence jumped as something warm and furry grabbed her ankle. With a gasp, she glanced down to see the biggest cat in the seven worlds wrapped around her ankle like a snake. The cat gazed up at her with vibrant green eyes.
She scratched the animal’s head with a fond smile. The orphanage cat hadn’t survived the outbreak. She missed the grassy smell of his fur.
“Don’t mind Bast.” Tobias shot a glare at the cat. “That’s my last jar of Kheiron.”
Florence’s stomach tightened, convinced Tobias wasn’t going to trade.
She planted her hands on the counter. “It’s the only hope my friends have.”
Tobias blinked at her.
“The crimson plague!” Florence cried. “Kheiron is the only treatment, and the governor won’t help the children’s home.” Any power in her voice left her in a pitiful whimper. “Please.”
“The Kheiron has been reserved by another buyer,” Tobias said quietly.
The room spun, but she locked eyes with him. “Please.”
The tavern door banged open, and a familiar voice rose above the noise in the central room.
“Move aside, ruffian!”
No, no, no! Not the constable!
Florence gawked as a uniformed man strode into view.
Her heart stammered, and she snatched up her bottle from the counter.
“Girl—”
“I’ll be back.” She whirled into the shadows and ran for the nearest door.
She flung it open, and the dusty scent of dried beans and herbs greeted her. The pantry. It would do. Florence slid to the floor behind a barrel of flour and took deep breaths.
Constable Holloway had been on her trail for days, ever since she stole the phoenix ash from the governor’s mansion.
A gentle voice trilled in the darkness, and the giant cat slinked toward her, its green eyes luminous. The animal brushed against her and laid down in her lap, tail curling against her arm.
“Bast,” she whispered. “You’re hiding from him too?”
The cat nuzzled against her.
“I thought I lost him at my world’s waygate. I guess I was wrong.” I’m speaking to a cat. Why am I speaking to a cat?
A gunshot sounded in the main room, followed by several screams.
“Listen up, you lot!”
Florence sagged against the wall.
“I am Constable Stirling Holloway, and I am here in search of a notorious thief—” He rambled on in his usual melodramatic way.
Oh, so the governor is offering a reward now? Maybe I can pay for the Kheiron after all.
The pantry door swung open.
Florence gasped as Tobias appeared, scowling down at her. Was he going to drag her out and throw her before the constable?
He stared at her.
What was he looking at? She traced his gaze to—the cat? Bast rolled over in her lap and made an odd chittering sound. Tobias huffed, his broad shoulders drooping.
“Fine.” He slammed the pantry door.
Florence gulped a shallow breath, the dark pantry spinning. Was Tobias going to get the constable?
The constable shouted. Was he coming?
Loud thumping footsteps, a crashing sound that shook the floorboards, and—cheering?
What in the seven realms is going on out there?
Then—silence.
Her heart drummed a chorus in her ears.
The pantry door wrenched open, and Tobias loomed above her. He lowered his hand toward her, and she carefully set her palm against his.
“No, girl.” He brushed her hand away. “The ash.”
Frowning, Florence set the bottle in his palm.
“Go.” Tobias handed her the Kheiron jar. “I knocked your constable out.”
She blinked. “You—what?”
“Your constable is drooling on the floor.”
“But—what about your other buyer?”
Tobias pointed to the cat in her lap. “Bast likes you better.” He scowled. “And that fool shot a hole in my roof, so he gets a broken nose. Whatever else he loses is his business—not mine.”
He winked and stepped away.
Florence held the jar close, tears blurring Tobias’s retreating form.
Bast nudged her knee with his big head.
“You’re right, Bast.” She scratched between his ears. “I’ve got some orphans to visit.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hey!
I’m liking this tavern owner. Nice kitty <3
Tobias is a nice guy, isn’t he? lol… Thank you!!
florence has great strength. tobias is engaging! Nice writing.
I love these characters so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
The kitty decides ❤️ 🐈⬛ haha, great story, as always! 😁
Yay!! Thank you, friend!!!
A wonderful read. I wish it was longer. I would really enjoy to learn more of the characters.
Thank you so much! This is part of an ongoing series, so some of these folks will show up again!
Thanks for another great story!
I love that cat! ^_^
Thank you!! I’m rather fond of her myself….
Aw! The kitty saves the day.
Right? The cat is definitely one of my favorites.
This was SO GOOD!! I loved every moment of it, and there were so many fun little details that weren’t fully revealed. I hope there will be more set in this world.
Thank you! And yes there are many more coming! I believe the next one set in this world is on August 17.
Very enjoyable. The cat makes all the difference.
Right?? I love cats. You just never know what they’re going to do…. for better or for worse!
As others have said, I love these characters!
Thank you so much! I’m rather fond of them as well.