Chapter 37
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
TYNAN
The sun was getting warmer when I stopped by Sage’s hut. I circled the structure and approached the entrance exactly the same way I did many times before. Except, this time I quickly spotted the movement inside.
“Sage?” I called.
Colorful swearing greeted me behind the front door and I smirked remembering the old man and his well known hospitality.
“What do you want?” he shouted.
His voice seemed even deeper than I remembered and also raspier, if that was even possible.
“I need to ask you some questions.”
“Get lost. Will you? I’m not a fucking seer,” the voice barked.
“No, you are not.” I pushed the door open to find the old man in ragged clothes struggling to kindle the fire in a crumbling fireplace. Inside was a small mound compiled of dry leaves and tiny branches that he was trying to ignite.
“It’s not dry enough,” I calmly stated and earned a hateful look.
“Why the hell are you here?”
His wrinkled, sallow skin was well concealed by the messy beard and overgrown hair. Only his sharp eyes peered into my face, doing little to intimidate me.
“I have questions.”
“And how’s that my problem?” The old man chuckled as if he said something that amused him.
“You’re the only one who can help.” I crossed my arms on my chest.
“I’m not interested in helping you.”
“Clearly.” I glanced around his hut.
“Then why are you here?”
“I have no other place to be,” I responded.
“What? The golden boy doesn’t know how to spend his day?” He laughed, throwing his head back.
“Golden boy?” I frowned.
The old man was quiet for some time. He stood up and walked around the hut, the torn rags that he wore brushed the unfinished, dirty floor.
I followed him with my eyes, surprised that he preferred to live this way.
When I last saw him, he had a big house in the city.
He used to be someone important in the clan, but when I knew him as a child, his drinking had started to take over everything.
He paused by the bed and then his eyes peered into me. I could plainly see that he was plotting something. At last, he came to some sort of a decision. Out of nowhere, his demeanor changed. I scowled, not liking where it was going.
“Fine. I will help you. I know things no one else knows. I was the best Seer out there, the council hung on to my every word. The clans were terrified of me, and even the Red Queen herself listened when I opened my mouth to speak.”
I raised my eyebrows unimpressed.
“What do you want in exchange?” I asked.
“I’m getting older and this house is not warm enough anymore. I need someone to rebuild it.”
“And that someone is me?” I frowned.
“You catch on quick.” Sage stretched his lips into a nasty smile.
I could physically feel his dislike of me. Even more so because the hatred that poured out of him was not a new thing. He always detested me.
“I’m no builder,” I said at last.
“I’ll show you what to do. I just need a capable set of hands. And with proper management, even you can be useful.”
My thoughts went back to Grace’s cottage, to Alina. I had to find a way to get all of us out of here. Without the protection of the council we were in danger. Staying here was nothing but a short term solution. I had to find a way out for all of us. I scrutinized the old man.
Did he know anything useful? Was he capable of helping me?
“Fine. What do you want me to do?” I asked and Sage’s eyes lit up in not so hidden triumph.