Chapter 80: Old Acquaintances

Name:Elydes Author:
Chapter 80: Old Acquaintances

Chapter 80 - Old Acquaintances

Kai and Flynn sat at the table. Other patrons merrily chatted around them. The hostess of the Sage Tree soon appeared with two steaming plates. Steak with a sweet mango sauce, grilled vegetables on the side, bread and water.

I hope this is to your liking.

Its perfect, thanks. Kai gave her a reassuring smile. She looked fine, but her energy flow was still uneven.

Let me know if you need anything else. The woman said, giving him a short bow.

Damn. I should have never used the governors signature.

His nails dug into his palm. Even worse, he couldnt deny that a small part of him enjoyed it. How eager she looked to do anything he asked. All he needed to do was waving a piece of paper.

Whats wrong with me? I should just burn it.

Hey, why is your plate bigger than mine? Flynn complained.

Kai looked over, glad for the interruption. Yes, his own steak was definitely bigger, it looked like a better cut too. The meat on Flynns plate looked burnt.

I cant imagine why she would be annoyed by someone like you.

Its not fair, give me half of yours.

Kais fork hit the table an inch from Flynns treacherous hand. Try me. He didnt have a decent meal for two days. A pang of guilt wasnt going to stop him from enjoying that and neither was a sly kid.

Flynn slowly pulled back his hand. Geeze, no need to be so rough.

Im paying for both our meals. A simple thanks would be nice. Next time Ill use my knife. He cut a piece of steak, slowly chewing the juicy meat, and staring at the other kid with challenge.

The boy turned to his own plate. What was that even about? What did you show her? Never seen Mrs. Calla being so polite. Not even with enforcers.The roots of this story extend from novell bìn origin.

Nothing much.

Come on. Do you expect me to believe that?

No, I expect you to take the hint and drop the question.

Just my ID.

Which is a posh ID dont think I didnt notice that. Come on I can keep a secret, I promise.

Even if he had not known anything else about him, someone who made promises so easily was bound to break them often.

Kai gave him a long look, almost choking on the bite he was chewing. Flynns face had turned into the picture of an innocent and naive child. Kai felt an instinctual desire to trust him.

I must ask him for tips for Acting, but that cant be the only skill he is using.

Does that ever work? Kai said, Acting unimpressed. It's a bit much. Who is going to trust someone with such an exaggerated expression? Its obvious that youre using a skill.

Flynn pouted at him. When that didnt work either, his mischievous grin came back. Youd be surprised. Most people are idiots and fools. Tourists especially think themselves so smart, they never suspect a thing.

He cut the salvageable part of his steak and started chewing with gusto. Anyway, you clearly are not just some local. Are you the bastard child of someone important?

Kai froze and clutched his knife, his aura bearing down on the boy sitting across from him.

I get it. Touchy subject. He raised his hands in surrender. I mean, I dont even know who my father is. So it cant be that bad.

Taking a deep breath, and suppressing the impulse to strangle the other boy, Kai punctuated each word. Im not a bastard. My father was from the Republic, but my parents were married.

Was?

Hes dead.

Oh is that a good or bad thing?

Kai glared.

Sorry, just asking. Not everyone likes their parents. Anyway, was he rich?

No. I got the official ID because of my teacher. The Republic never gave us anything but misery.

Ehi, I get that. Flynn put his hand over his own in a comforting gesture. Then pulled it back, carrying a piece of grilled zucchini with it.

A vein started pulsing on Kais head. You know Im still in time to ask somebody else. Youre not the only person who knows the city.

Yeah, but you are in a hurry and Im the best, Flynn said with a cheeky smile, chewing his stolen loot with a pleased sound. Mine just taste like salt.

If Kai hadnt spent years tolerating Elijahs taunts, he might have punched him in the face right then.

The day is still young, plenty of time to drag him into a dark alley.

Kai grinned back, but he must have let something slip because the boy finally shut up.

They finished the meal quickly. Flynn wanted to order more food, but Kai didnt bother entertaining him. He stood up and forced him to follow. Mrs. Calla noticed him and sent a girl with a sweet smile to show him to his room.

The room was at the end of the corridor on the second floor.

Here. The bath has already been prepared. The girl opened the door for them. Call me if you need anything else.

Stepping inside, Kai considered if he should shut the door in Flynns face and make him wait outside.

The old woman smiled. People call me Sylphie now. It was actually my cousin's namemay the ancestors accept her soulbut its better for branding to keep the same name.

There were no younger relatives to take the shop? He blurted out.

This must be a nightmare. She is stalking me.

Old Selly looked dramatically offended. I still have a few good decades in me, she adjusted her embroidered attire. My poor cousin never married, and everyone agreed I was the most suitable person to take over. Not even my sister Sally can rival my experience.

Gran invested half the money to open the shop. Telu helpfully added.

Selly gave him a disapproving look. Enough about me. Tell me, Kai, what have you come to buy? My stock has grown considerably since the last time you visited. A familiar glint of greed in her eyes. Ill cut you a good deal for old times sake.

Im just here to retrieve a package. Should be under the name Theodora. It has already been paid. Kai delivered the last line with great satisfaction.

Ill go fetch it. Telu disappeared into the other room, coming back with three small packets. Here.

Thank you, Telu.

Why dont you take the time to browse the shop, dear? Im sure youll find something to your liking. Ill offer you 20% off on your first purchase.

Im in a hurry.

Fine, 30%. But just because we are old friends. Old Selly said with a pained expression.

Maybe next time.

Kai had almost expected her to offer 40%. He should have known better. She pressed her lips in a thin line. Well do it another time then. Im sure well see each other again soon.

Not if I can help it.

Bye, Telu. It was nice seeing you.

She cant have a monopoly on herbs here in Sylspring too. That just isnt possible.

Where do we need to go next? Kai asked Flynn.

The boy gave him a curious look. What was that about? Is the owner your friend?

Acquaintance at best. And dont think I didnt see you snatch those two gardenia leaves off the shelves.

Ive no idea what youre talking about, Flynn replied with a straight face.

Sure The idea of Old Selly finding out someone nicked an herb under her nose made him smile. She, who was known as hawks eye and breaker of fingers in Greensides market.

Maybe that blow could hasten her to the grave. But if I tell her she will make me pay for them.

Just out of curiosity, how much would you say these gardenia leaves go for? Flynn casually asked as they started walking to the next shop.

You should have gone for the yellow flowers on the lower shelf. Ten times the price.

The next stops went without a hitch. Flynns advice seemed to be working, no one gave them any problem. A few enforcers stared at them longer than normal, but that could have been due to his flamboyant entrance this morning.

Kai just had to wave his brand-new ID to prove his identity and retire the packages. His backpack was getting heavier, but he only felt a fraction of the weight. It didnt take long for Flynn to find out and pester him with questions. Kai could feel the boys eyes staring at him when he thought he wasnt looking.

Crossing all the names off of Elijahs list, there were only two merchants left: Terla and Revhani. The only two he needed to haggle with. Flynn swore he had heard their names, but he couldnt find them. Asking the other sailors and merchants, they found out their ships were due any day now.

I was hoping to be done today.

Seems like youll need my help for a few more days. Flynn said with a grin as they walked back to the Sage Tree.

Kai gave him the second mesar he had promised. Im sure I can find two people by myself.

What if they take advantage of you? Im great at haggling too.

Let me guess, you are the best haggler in Sylspring?

Flynn stopped on the spot with a shocked expression. How did you know?

I think Ill manage by myself.

Come on. Its a deal that pays for itself. Youll save so much money, I swear.

Kai rolled his eyes. Maybe he was right. Ill think about it.

I knew I could count on you, mister.

Kai threw him a withering glare.

Come on, arent we friends by now? Are you planning to go to the selection tomorrow, Kai?

Yes.

Just because were friends, Ill be your guide free of charge.

Thank you. I cant imagine how I would find the main square without you.

Flynn threw his arms over his shoulder. I can offer a lot of useful information. I know everything about the competition.

I never said I would participate, Kai removed the intrusive arm.

What about the delegation from Higharbor? I heard their little princess is coming.