Chapter 14
14
A s she entered Linnenberg through the wooden double gate, there was a smile playing on her lips. Not a single guard glanced up from their game of dice as she entered the city limits. Either times were peaceful despite the fact that there were fairies dying or there was nothing left in the city, as Anton had suggested.
Curious, she looked in all directions. Behind the city wall was an open stable where horses were tied up. A boy barely old enough to go to school was rubbing the animals with straw and giving them water. The street was lined with one shop after the next, their displays almost empty. Only the signs, which were due for new coats of paint, revealed they were a garden nursery, a tailor, and an herbal shop. There was hardly anyone in the shops. Most people were leaning against the building walls, in groups or individually, talking to each other. The mood was somber, but at least the streets were fairly busy so that Anna wouldn't be noticed.
She followed the cobbled main street until she reached the market square. A few merchants had set up stands there, and the wares struck Anna as pretty meager. Times really didn't seem good. It was unbelievable how the disappearance of the fairies affected all of their lives and prosperity.
Loud voices drifted into the street from a tavern. Curious, Anna approached and peered in through the open window. Some guests were having a loud discussion at a round table as a waiter trotted between the tables and a woman played a piano. The bar was full even though it wasn't even midday yet. That didn't speak for an economically thriving city where everyone had a good job.
Should she go in and ask around? Maybe she could strike up a conversation with the man sitting alone at the bar and ask him about the land. Just as she decided to put this idea into action, someone grabbed her by the shoulder. She spun around "Hey!" Her hands raised, she braced herself for an attack. But before her was standing a woman her age, her brown eyes wide in disbelief. The woman's hands flew to her red cheeks.
"Anemone?"
Anna frowned. She knew her? Darn. She hadn't considered that possibility. What should she say? Tell her about the gaps in her memory or act as if she knew her?
The woman noticed her hesitation. "Don't you remember me?"
"I…"
"It was a long time ago. I'm Elena. We met in Lotti's nursery. Remember?"
Great, that was all she needed. Anna tilted her head, frowning thoughtfully. "Not really. When was that?"
"Oh," Elena waved her hand dismissively, "at least four years ago. It was only for a few days. You helped out at Lotti's where I was employed at the time."
Four years ago? Was that perhaps just before she disappeared? Why had she been helping out at this nursery? Had she been following some kind of lead? Maybe she could get some useful information from her. Wait… hadn't she said she was employed there at the time? "So, you're no longer working for Lotti?"
"Right. Like anyone's been working since the fairies disappeared."
Okay, so Elena obviously knew about the fairies, but she didn't mention anything about Anna being one. Who knew what she had to say about the events of that time and the disappearance of the fairies. "Nice to see you again, Elena. It's been a long time."
"You remember?" Elena beamed. "How nice. Do you have time? We could have a cocoa at Ingrid's. We used to do that during our breaks, remember?'
Even if this didn't ring any bells, a cocoa sounded good. "I'll make time. Tell me, when did you stop working for Lotti?" She reached her hand out in a friendly way to Elena, who immediately started chatting as they strolled down a side street. She felt a little guilty about taking advantage of her former acquaintance's kindness, but in the end, it was for a good cause. Inconspicuously, she allowed herself to be led through the side streets so Elena wouldn't notice that Anna didn't know the way or her way around the city.
"Lotti closed up shop three years ago. She lasted longer than most. But once the flowers stopped blooming and the plants grew sickly, there was soon nothing left to sell."
Now she'd find out what Elena knew. Anna put on an innocent expression. "Do you know why the flowers stopped blooming?"
"Well, because of the fairies. They disappeared. I haven't seen one in almost four years — since the last time I saw you. Strange." She gave Anna a crooked sideways glance. "It must be a stupid coincidence, right…? Where have you been all these years?"
"I was off… traveling."
"Oh, how exciting. Perhaps with that handsome man who accompanied you? Are you still together? Wait, I don't see a wedding ring. Isn't it about time?" Elena poked Anna teasingly in the side.
What handsome man was she talking about? Was it the captain? Had she been with him in Linnenberg? "Who are you talking about? What did he look like?"
"You couldn't have forgotten him. Tall, muscular, dark eyes, and dark hair, bold look. I think he's a pirate. Not that you ever clued me in. Are you no longer a couple? Then give me his name and tell me where I can find him!" Elena winked mischievously at her.
Anna laughed cautiously. There was no doubt that Elena meant the captain. What should she say? It was interesting that Elena mentioned him. Had she been with him in Linnenberg in search of information? Why hadn't he mentioned it?
Feeling Elena's pensive gaze on her, she quickly steered the conversation in a different direction so she wouldn't grow suspicious. "Do you have any idea why the fairies disappeared?"
Elena shrugged. "If only I knew. We didn't even notice it right away. One day, Lotti stormed into the nursery and shouted that the Linnenberg was no longer blooming. We immediately left town to look, along with dozens of other city residents. Nobody had any idea what had happened. No one has seen a fairy since. However, rumor has it the pirates are to blame. My neighbor said a friend of her husband saw a flying pirate ship."
"A flying pirate ship?" Anna tried to laugh incredulously. If she hadn't flown here in one herself, she would have dismissed it as madness. But in front of Elena, she had to act ignorant. "Was the friend perhaps drunk?"
Elena giggled. "I asked her that too, but the man was adamant about what he saw. Tell me, that man from back then, was he a pirate?"
Something about Elena's facial expressions made Anna shiver. She glanced off to the side to think of an answer, not wanting to look into those piercing eyes. What she saw startled her. She'd been so engrossed in the conversation she hadn't paid attention to where they had been going. The corner was gloomy, the houses were tall, and some of the windows were broken. The buildings stood so close together that there was hardly any daylight in the alley. When Anna turned, the market and the crowds were no longer visible. Unease overwhelmed her until her eyes fell on Elena again.
An innocent smile crossed Elena's face. "You know Ingrid has never been able to afford a better location, but her cocoa is the best in all of Linnenberg." She pointed to a small tavern located between the gray houses. Even though the house appeared old — the roof was definitely no longer watertight during heavy rains — it looked tidy and clean. The street in front of the entrance had been swept, the windows scrubbed, and the curtains looked freshly washed.
"Come on." Elena took the lead and Anna followed. Even though it wasn't the best area, she had to follow because Elena might provide her with useful information.
They filed into inn, which was filled with the scent of chocolate. Anna breathed in the sweet air with pleasure. Immediately, a willowy beauty with a bright white smile approached them. She was pulling her glossy black hair back into a high bun as she pointed with her elbow at a vacant table by the window. "Welcome to Ingrid's."
Elena beamed. "Don't you recognize us? We were here several times four years ago."
"Sorry, I don't remember. I have lots of guests coming and going from my establishment, although, unfortunately, far too many leave without paying. I bet you two always came for my hot chocolate, right?" Ingrid put her hands firmly on her hips.
"Correct. Two cups please."
Ingrid nodded and greeted another guest who entered the inn. It wasn't nearly as packed as the tavern on the main street, but it appeared that word had gotten out about Ingrid's food. People who didn't look as hard up as Anna had feared frequented the area trickled in, one after the other. When the cocoa was in front of them and she and Elena had taken the first sips, she relaxed.
"So you believe the pirates have something to do with the disappearance of the fairies?" Anna asked, picking up where they'd left off in their conversation.
"A few people say that, but I can't imagine it's true."
They chatted for some time while drinking the delicious cocoa. It was hot and made Anna feel warm and cozy, as if she were safe at home. What a good thing it was to have met Elena.
Unfortunately, she didn't find out much. Elena brought up the captain repeatedly, trying to find out everything she could about him. Anna was evasive and tried to steer the conversation back to that time.
"I keep trying to recall what happened that last day we saw each other."
"Your last day at the nursery?" Elena pouted. "Well, you definitely didn't say much of a goodbye."
Either she had left in a hurry or she had intended on returning. "I'm sorry, Elena. I don't know exactly what happened myself."
"It was definitely a Friday and you had the weekend off. You said 'Bye' cheerfully and called out, 'See you Monday.'"
Okay, so she hadn't planned to leave — or at least she hadn't let Lotti and Elena know. Then why hadn't she returned? Had she learned something? "Had I been at all restless during the day? Did I hint at something or meet someone?"
Elena brought the cocoa to her lips. "All I know is that your cute friend picked you up." She frowned and peered over the cup rim. "Why, don't you remember?"
"Oh," Anna waved her hand, "my memory has never been the best." She chuckled.
Unconcerned, Elena laughed too. "Anyway, Lotti was as surprised as I was when you didn't show up Monday. You were extremely knowledgeable about plants and worked hard — as Lotti constantly told me. Well, now we're both no longer there. Strange that you forgot." That suspicious look again. It was high time to say goodbye. She wouldn't get any more information out of Elena anyway.
She put her hand over her mouth in mock surprise. "Oh, I completely lost track of the time. Thanks for the lovely morning, but I have to go." She quickly waved at Ingrid so she could pay and rummaged in the pockets of her pants until she remembered something. Even if she found a few coins inside, they definitely wouldn't be accepted as payment. She paled. Oh no, she couldn't pay the bill. How was she going to get out of this pickle?
Elena didn't take her eyes off her. "Everything okay?"
The only thing she could do was be honest — at least halfway honest, unless she wanted to scrub the kitchen floor. She looked at Elena contritely. "I don't have any money with me."
"Oh." Elena blushed brightly, as if it had actually been her oversight. Nervously, she searched her purse for coins. "I barely have enough money for one cup. You always used to pay, you know? I thought… I'm sorry. Did you think I was treating you? I wish I could, but look." She held out three small copper coins in her cupped hand. "That's all I have with me. Since I stopped working for Lotti, I don't go out for cocoa anymore."
Ingrid had already reached their table and peered suspiciously down at the two of them. "You can't pay?" Her tone was extremely stern. Anna wanted to sink into the ground and Elena was beet red. Apparently, the few copper coins weren't enough for her cup either.
Somehow, the situation had to be remedied. Anna looked directly at Ingrid apologetically. "I'm sorry, we…"
"I'll pay for the ladies!" A gold coin landed on the table. Anna's eyes followed the man's hand up the arm and even before she saw the face, she knew who was standing next to her.
It was the captain.
Wrapped in his dark leather coat, he looked like a mysterious savior — or the daring pirate that he actually was. He had the top two buttons of his black shirt undone, exposing his muscles. When Anna realized she was staring, she blushed. Before she could lower her eyes, he caught her looking. He winked at her and held out his hand.
"Are you coming, darling?"
Confused, Anna blinked as Elena whined loudly. "So, you are still together. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I…" But the captain radiated such unease she refrained from explaining. Perplexed, she took the proffered hand. "See you, Elena."
None too gently, the captain pulled her out of the bar and into the alley. Stunned, she didn't resist, but once outside, she freed herself from his grasp. "Why did you drag me outside so roughly?"
Angry, he turned to her. His gaze was unyielding. "What were you thinking, entering such an area? Have you been forsaken by all the good fairies?"
"I met this friend from before. Why are you chastising me? You are here. Were you following me?"
"Following you? More likely you were following me." A cheeky grin appeared on his face, but he immediately became serious again. "I had business to attend to and saw you through the window — and I probably wasn't the only one, damn it! How could you be so careless?"
Was he implying that whoever framed her had their spies roaming the cities searching for her? Unfortunately, it couldn't be ruled out, so she had to agree with him. Still, she wasn't there to hide. She had to save the fairies. How could she do that if she remained in the forest so as not to be discovered by anyone? She thought of what else he'd said and she calmly met his accusing gaze. "If you're doing business in this area, I guess I can go drink some cocoa."
He took her hand again and pulled her along. His gait was brisk and his strides so long that Anna could barely keep up. "Where I do business isn't always the right place for a lady to spend her free time." He trudged through the alley grumbling, his gaze diligently scanning all intersections and shadowy corners. The neighborhood was dark and narrow, with countless winding passages connecting to the alley and plenty of wooden shacks and large barrels that could serve as hiding spots.
Warily, she looked around but didn't perceive any threats. She tripped over a stone and broke free from him. "Don't pull me like that. I'm going to fall on my face." Even though his hand felt warm and comfortable in hers, she didn't want to be dragged along like a naughty schoolgirl.
He glanced at her hand and started to reply when he abruptly drew his saber and whirled around. Three men had emerged from one of the shadows. Anna hadn't seen them. Had they been waiting for her? Judging by their clothing, they too were suffering from the economic downturn — not to mention their pungent smell, which reached Anna before they did. With suspicious expressions on their faces, they held knives in their hands, the blades pointing aggressively at Anna and the captain. They pushed up the frayed sleeves of their shirts and approached as one.
"What do they want from us?" Anna whispered.
The captain discreetly pushed her behind him. "I'll take care of them. Stay behind me, Ani." Louder and completely at ease, he said, "Good day, gentlemen, what can I do for you?"
The thugs grinned. "Give us your gold and show us the face of the little one you're hide behind your back. It seems to me she's worth even more than what you're carrying in your pockets."
Anna shuddered. Who were these dark figures?
Meanwhile, the captain raised one of his dark eyebrows nonchalantly. "And if I want to keep my gold and keep my magical companion in safety?"
The brutes laughed. "Don't say we didn't warn you." At the same time, they pounced on him. The captain shoved Anna backward so that the men couldn't hurt her with their blades and placed himself between her and the attackers. In one deft movement, he whipped the saber around, causing the first thug to drop his knife and grab his wrist. The other two attacked from two sides simultaneously, trying to pass him to get to Anna. The captain, however, just laughed as if he was having fun. Were his movements rehearsed? How many battles like this had he already fought? He moved so swiftly that soon the thugs were standing next to each other and he easily pushed them back. The second attacker lost his knife. It fell to the ground with a clang, but the man didn't give up easily.
Anna watched, unable to move. She viewed the fight without so much as budging, as if it had nothing to do with her. However, when the man who had been lying on the ground rose and came at her, her strength returned. Spontaneously, she grabbed a large stone off the road and swung it threateningly. "Stay away from me or you'll get a black eye!'
He laughed, ignoring her threat. "I knew you were worth a lot." He stormed toward her and Anna immediately hurled the stone as hard as she could. He staggered briefly when it hit him in the temple, but he steadied himself all too quickly and threw himself at her. He grabbed her around the waist before she could even run away. She fought back with her hands and feet, trying to wriggle out of his thick arms when the brute suddenly had another knife in his hand. Petrified, she watched as the blade came dangerously close to her face.
"Stay still and maybe I'll let you live a few more hours, little one."
Fearing for her life, Anna remained still. The cold blade touched her cheek. Panic-stricken, she tried to breathe calmly and remain motionless so as not to injure herself on the blade with a careless movement. How could she escape this brutal scoundrel?
Suddenly, the man howled. The captain had knocked the weapon out of his hand. Screaming, he held his wrist. Without hesitating, the captain punched him in the face, causing the man to stagger backward. He came to a stop next to his friends, holding his hose and yelling, "You'll be sorry!"
"You're the one who will be sorry if you cross my path again!" The captain grabbed her hand and Anna hurried away with him, her heart pounding. Were the men following them? She wanted to glance over her shoulder, but the captain stopped her.
"You can't show fear. Don't look back. They won't follow us today. From now on, stay out of this area."
"Aye aye, Captain." Her voice was cheekier than she'd intended.
He gave her a crooked grin. "For you, it's Chris, Ani, always just Chris."
A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth and her heart beat faster. At that moment, she knew he would never harm her — and hadn't back then. He was on her side and her heart beat in unison with his.
As they hurried back to the market square without anyone getting in their way, she watched him out of the corner of her eye. He had put the saber back, but the handle was sticking out of his black leather coat so that he could draw it at any time. His jaw was still tense, his lips pressed together, and the silvery scar gleamed on his cheek.
He must have noticed her watching him because he kept glancing at her. Noticing that something had changed in her, he grinned and winked. "Just wait until we're out of this damn alley, madam. Then I'll show you what I'm made of."
Her heart pounded excitedly as they hurried along. What had he meant by that? As soon as they stepped out into the sunlight and back into the crowds, he pushed her against a wall and before she knew what was happening, he started kissing her. His hands burrowed in her hair and his lips pressed against hers as if he had to prove to her that she was his. But he didn't need to anymore. She knew it. Even though images or memories of him had not appeared in her mind, she knew they belonged to each other. That he was hers. She returned the kiss, which spurred him on even more. A gasp escaped him and he suddenly stopped. She found her hands on his chest and felt his rapid heartbeat.
With his eyes closed, he rested his forehead against hers. "Don't ever disappear for that long again." He opened his eyes and what she saw enveloped her, just like the arms wrapping around her. They conveyed his feelings, his concern for her, and his longing. How had she not recognized that in the cave?
"I don't intend to." She smiled. Seeing that, he kissed her again as if he couldn't help himself and wanted to make up for lost time.