1 #2
He came around the bench and opened his arms. She stepped into the hug without hesitation, resting her cheek briefly against his worn leather apron.
He’d been nothing but kind to her in the years she’d been his apprentice.
He’d taken her in like she was one of his granddaughters and treated her with care and affection that she craved.
She’d lost her family long ago, but there were kind people in her life that had stepped in to fill the void.
Master Goldman was definitely one of them.
An angel, caring for her welfare where her lost family could not.
“You’ll do fine,” he said, stepping back with a nod. “You’ve got a steady hand, a good eye, and better instincts than most who’ve walked through my door.”
Keera chirped softly from the rafters, then swooped down to land on Malea’s shoulder, where she clung like a glittering brooch of living sapphire. The pale blue virkin blinked bright eyes and flicked her tail with delicate grace.
“And you’ve got this little wonder watching your back,” Goldman added, chuckling. “Can’t ask for better. She’s sharp, and she recognizes trouble before it gets too close.”
“I didn’t ask her to come.” Malea wanted her Master to know she hadn’t set out to cheat on her journeyman trial. She wasn’t supposed to have help on the journey.
Keera sniffed and curled her tail more tightly around Malea’s neck. “Virkin go where we will,” she said primly into Malea’s mind.
Master Goldman laughed aloud. “Think nothing of it. I’m glad she’s going with you. You two make a good team.”
He crossed to a side table and picked up a leather purse.
“Here. A bit of coin for the journey. A few gold, more silver, and plenty of copper for the everyday things. But—” He held up a finger, then retrieved a curious leather belt from a drawer.
“This is for you too. Custom work. A friend in the leatherworker’s guild made this to my specifications, just for you. ”
He held it out, and Malea took it with wide eyes. It was plain leather, both supple and strong. As she examined it, she found hidden seams and cleverly concealed pouches stitched inside the belt.
“All the gold you’ll need for your purchases is in the belt,” he said quietly. “Don’t take it off for any reason while on your journey. If anyone tries to rob you, give them the purse. Never the belt.”
Malea looked up at him, stunned. “Master, this is amazing. A very clever design. I’d never know it wasn’t just a regular belt by looking at it. Yet there’s a fortune hidden within.” He chuckled while she marveled at the belt, hefting it. “It weighs a ton, though.”
“That would be the gold,” the Master agreed, laughing outright.
“That’s why it’s a belt. Easier to carry that kind of weight on your torso than almost anywhere else.
As you buy stones, it’ll get lighter, but don’t let anybody see you take gold from it.
Do that in private, so it stays secret and secure.
Few people will bother trying to steal uncut stones, so they will be easier to transport. Just put them in your bags.”
“I will, Master. Thank you,” Malea said, buckling the belt around her tunic.
He smiled, his expression fond and sharp at once.
“You’re welcome. It looks a good fit. Now, you’re traveling with a Jinn caravan, and they’ll treat you well.
This group is kin to the royal family by blood and vow.
But others you meet on the road may not be so kind.
Watch your back and keep your wits about you. ”
She nodded. “I will.”
“As for the business end of things,” he said, growing more serious, “I’m looking for emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and especially diamonds, if any are to be had.
But don’t limit yourself. You’ve got a good eye, Malea.
Trust it. If something calls to you, pick it up. We can always find use for rare stone.”
“I’ll do my best,” she promised.
“I know you will.” He patted her shoulder, then smiled one last time. “I heard from the others that you packed like a seasoned traveler. Good. That’ll serve you well. And don’t forget, you’re not just looking for beauty. You’re out there for truth too.”
Malea nodded slowly. So, Master Goldman knew about her commission from Mistress Isolde.
Now, wasn’t that interesting? She hadn’t realized they were so close, though she probably should have.
Isolde was friends with many of the other craftsmen in the city, but she had a closer relationship with Master Goldman than with most others.
It was likely he knew more about her than others did.
“I won’t forget, Master.”
“Then off with you, girl. Early to bed with you this night so you can be on the road at first light. I won’t see you off. You’re safe with the Jinn, and it’s best to look forward, not back, when embarking on a journey. Safe travels, Malea.”
She felt a little emotional, but kept it off her face.
She loved the old man and knew parting from the city would be hard for her, but he’d said the right thing.
She would remember his words. She’d look forward, not back, and enjoy the trip, knowing she would return in time to her home in the city.
The trip was an adventure, and she’d have to think of it as such.
“Thank you again, Master. I’ll look forward to seeing you on my return with lots of gorgeous gem rough to cut.”
“You do that.” He grinned at her as she left his workshop and headed for her room. It was late, and she had an early start tomorrow.