Chapter 56
“Wait, we cannot leave it like that,” I told Marshen, my gaze lingering on the opening that we had just crawled out of.
“You’re right, both man and cave should be kept as far away from each other. It’s best for both.”
We covered the opening with the damp blanket and set it in place using pieces of rock that we found lying around. Then we improvised, using my bag as a bucket as we transferred sand until the opening was fully concealed. It paled in comparison to a magical ward, but it was better than nothing.
“Where are we?” I mumbled. All we could see around us were undulations of sand dunes along a random, trailing connection of rocky ground.
Marshen grumbled something beneath his breath, then asked, “Are you sure legend says the caves lead to Dunehaven and not to the Arid Wastes?”
“Quite certain.”
“Well, I hope legend’s right,” Marshen said, handing me the waterskin, which ran dry after drinking the last two sips. He bit on his apple as he started his descent.
“Do you know which way you’re going?”
“North.”
“Do you know which way north is?” He only rolled his eyes at me. Then I said, “I wonder what day it is. I’m not sure if it’s a Saturday or a Sunday…or maybe it’s Monday.”
Marshen’s arm shot out, hitting me in the stomach. My head snapped towards him, brows drawn. Silence was cut with faint words, ones that answered my earlier question.
“Oh, for Amfir’s sake, why did this have to happen today? On a godsdamned Sunday of all days.”
“It’s Sunday,” Marshen remarked, keeping left along the dune. We followed the man’s voice.
The silver-haired man appeared hesitant at our approach, but then exhaled and lowered his head as if in surrender.
“You look like you’re in need of some help,” Marshen stated, gesturing towards the man’s carriage. One of its wheels was wedged in a crevice, locking it in place.
“I am indeed. I did not see the erosion—it was covered with sand, and unfortunately, I’m no Sand Wielder.
” Marshen knelt, shovelling sand from around the wheel using his bare hands.
“Thank Amfir for bringing you my way. I was delayed on a family matter and decided to take this godsdamned shortcut towards Dunehaven.” My face was already shining as I stood next to his mares, petting their foreheads.
It gleamed at the mention of the town’s name.
“Now I see why everyone avoids this route. But you see, it’s a Sunday.
I need to get my market stall up and ready.
” The man moved closer and asked, “What are you two doing wandering around here?”
“We’re also on our way to Dunehaven, got a bit lost,” I said, keeping my tone casual.
“A bit? I’m sorry to say, but you two look like a complete mess.” He rasped a chuckle.
“Getting lost in the desert does that to you. But now you can show us the way.”
Marshen grunted as he pushed the wheel, forcing it to unlatch, then kept rotating it until it was back on the road…if you could call it that.
“You’re godsent.” The man sighed. “I’m Feder, by the way.”
“Marshen.”
“Delia.” I nodded his way. “So what is it that you sell?” I asked curiously.
My question seemed to have sparked something within the withered man—it turned him sprightly.
“Well, I’m glad you asked! Come, come, let me show you.” He opened the carriage door and took out a folded piece of leather, which he carefully unfurled, revealing its ornate artefacts.
“Look, Delia, look at this. Marvellous, isn’t it?” he exclaimed. He held a pocket watch from its chain; it swung in front of my face.
“It is. It looks…meticulously crafted.” Not to mention how useful it would be to know the time of day without straining my eyes against the sun.
“Speaking of meticulously crafted…look at this, Delia. Ohh.” Then he urged Marshen, “Look.” He opened its elaborate casing. “Remarkable, isn’t it?” The needle of the compass that he was forcing us to stare directly at pointed north. But he was right, it did look remarkable.
“How much?” I asked.
“Two gold coins for the compass, one for the pocket watch. But for your kindness, I will ask for two gold coins for both. Take the pocket watch as a thank-you gift. I don’t know what I could have done if it weren’t for you two.”
“How about this? I’ll give you four gold coins if you also hand us one of those waterskins over there and give us a ride along to Dunehaven.”
“It’s a done deal, young lady. Care to see the leather journals, or perhaps the silver collection?”
I giggled. “No, I’m all right for now.”
We abandoned Feder the second I spotted the Sunrise Inn. I knew what I wanted to do, or rather, what I needed to do. But before I went in, a stall caught my attention.
“Where are you going?” Marshen asked. I was already halfway across the street.
“Changing our wardrobes. My treat.”
“You mean Aegir’s treat?”
“Do you want new clothes, or would you rather keep smelling like shit?”
“All right, all right. Yeesh. Take a joke, will you.”
We entered the Sunrise Inn, carrying two bags each.
“Good morning, sir,” I said, moving towards the bar. Now that I had a pocket watch, I knew that it was eleven thirty in the morning. “Two rooms, please, for one night.”
The barman studied our dishevelled state with a long look. “With bathing chambers, I presume.”
“Yes…with bathing chambers.”
“Well, that will cost you two gold coins.”
“I’m sure we can share one room,” Marshen cut in.
“No.” I knew very well how thin the curtains were in this inn. I craved some privacy; it was worth an additional gold coin.
“Very well, lady,” he said, handing me two keys.