Chapter 24 #2
The journey to Castle Rime was longer than she’d expected it to be.
Being born and raised, restricted primarily within the impoverished district, she never realized how vast Elvir was beyond the narrow alleyways and the ailing folk that surrounded her all of her life.
Now she was seeing more than she’d ever cared for.
They took winding, sloping roads that led them out of the port and into the upper district.
As they entered the heart of the city, Anelize stared up at the several homes that lined the streets where the nobles resided.
Like the ones near the port, the imposing homes she saw were also built with structural framing, though they were well kept, not a crack in sight.
No thatched roofs ready to cave in on themselves either.
There were no beggars taking up residence along the streets or orphans running about.
They passed through a larger plaza with towering buildings and stalls where she caught sight of many merchants and vendors calling out to patrons with big genuine smiles on their faces.
The few nobles she saw walking along the streets had been dressed in thick fur coats and finely woven wools.
There hadn’t been a beggar in sight, nor a single person looking as though they would keel over at any given moment from starvation.
“They have all of this, thanks to the king, while he condemns the rest of us to starve and fight over ruens. Yet none of these people seem to care, do they?” she murmured as they rode past a family of three that stepped out onto the stoop of their home.
The little boy dressed in thick clothing to ward off against the cold, wearing an innocent smile on his face as his father carried him in his arms.
“Why should they?” Aeric’s words made her look at him.
His dark eyes trained on the window. “Give a dog food from the day its born and it’ll follow you blindly.
Try to take it away, and it’ll sink its teeth into the very hand that fed it.
The king knows it, and he knows how to manipulate his people with false promises and riches in exchange for the nobility’s favor.
The same with the impoverished who believe that killing Vedrans for the sake of being rid of a disease is justified.
If either were to turn against him, there would be riots across the city.
Even then, it wouldn’t ever be for those who have suffered, it would be for their own selfish gain. ”
Perhaps, with Castian’s devotion to changing the order of the way Madacians have lived until now would inspire some change. She wanted to believe that.
“What do you know about the king’s physician?”
“He is an interesting fellow, though inept is the kindest word I can use for him. You’ll find out why soon enough.
It’ll be easy working with him, he often likes to keep to himself which will give you a window of opportunity to do what needs to be done.
Pay attention to the gossip you hear and steer clear of the council.
They like to circle the king like vultures at all hours of the day.
If you see or hear anything about Councilman Santir, do not let your curiosity get the best of you. ”
The expression on his face was unyielding, his words cold as he spoke of the councilman. Years of resentment reflected in his gaze.
Anelize had heard stories about Esna Santir.
He was the head of the council and the so-called mastermind behind all of the clever ways on how to punish the Vedrans.
It was he who encouraged the king to begin burning them on the pyres rather than burying them and risk overflowing their graveyards with bodies.
The carriage eventually came to a stop, the sound of men talking muffled through the windows until the door was pulled open. A young man wearing black Watchman leathers stepped into view, his eyes scrutinizing as he eyed her then looked to Aeric, when the latter asked, “Is there a problem?”
“C-Captain Maren! I did not know it was you in this carriage. And who might this be?”
“She’s an apothecary from the upper district, requested by Horia himself. I’m escorting her to the infirmary. Unless you have any objections,” Aeric challenged, his voice cold and asserting. Clearly, his mask had slid into place far faster than the twins had.
“O-of course not, captain. My apologies,” the Watchman stammered before backing away, waving a hand before the sounds of more men announcing their captain’s arrival reached them.
A few moments later, the coach was being led through the wrought iron gates of a large stone archway where she caught sight of more Watchmen patrolling along the wall walk.
As they continued forward, she heard Aeric say, “Don’t look at me like that.”
Anelize blinked, turning her gaze back to him to find a grim look on his face.
“Like what?”
“Like I’m a Watchman,” he rasped, even as he maintained that mask of indifference. It mattered not when she could see the resentment for who he was in his eyes. “I can handle being looked at that way by anyone else. But not you.”
Anelize fought the urge to lean forward, aware that there were Watchmen everywhere who could easily peer into the windows and see them.
Instead, she said, “I see you, Aeric.”
A small smile tugged at his lips. “And I you.”