Chapter Seven #2
“Continue,” he said, then added in a conversational tone, “Did you know, there are ways to bind and focus magic other than words and books? It is not commonly talked about these days, but it is true. I have heard of people using paints, instruments, playing cards. Even needles and thread. Isn’t that interesting? ”
I held his gaze for a moment, then let my eyes drop back to the work. It was a simple pattern, easy to follow and easy to repair. I finished my stitching and tied it off. There was a short silence—expectant, or disappointed?
“Lovely,” he said at last. “Yes, I can see that you will be very useful.”
That afternoon, when I had finished the work he had given me, I asked the Book Man if I might visit Mieka, both to tell her that I was staying on with him and collect my pack.
“You don’t need to ask my permission, my dear,” he said. “You may come and go as you please. But let me show you the door. I don’t want you crawling in through the oven again.”
He led Baldbeak and me to the belled bookshop door that opened into the little tunnel. Stairs led up to another door at street level, at the back of the old crematorium.
“You won’t be able to see it easily from outside,” he said. “That’s part of the warding. Look for a brass ring and pull on that.”
“How do you manage to remain so concealed, when customers can come and go?” I asked.
“Extremely expensive spells, my dear. The act of crossing the threshold in either direction triggers one or another of them, depending on who you are. For example, you will be unable to speak about certain things you have seen here once you exit the shop.” He smiled at my expression.
“It is nothing that will cause any lasting damage, I promise. Just a precaution.”
Sure enough, when I was outside and turned around to look behind me, I could see nothing of the metal door that sealed the entrance to the tunnel.
When I knelt and ran my hand over the bricks, however, I was able to find the brass ring of which he had spoken, and so I felt fairly confident that I would be able to find my way back later.
I felt a little self-conscious in my new clothes as I followed Baldbeak back to Mieka’s workshop.
I was surprised and relieved, however, that it helped me to blend in rather than stand out.
Looking like a street urchin with Mieka had been one kind of disguise, and this was another.
Anyone who looked at me saw the dress and apron and immediately knew that I was in service of one kind or another.
Pickpockets could see that I wasn’t wealthy enough to bother with, and the wealthy dismissed me immediately.
I passed largely unnoticed and completely unharassed on my way to the Tin Quarter, except for those who gazed curiously at Baldbeak.
When I arrived at Mieka’s workshop, I heard raised voices.
She and Zlata were sitting in the little paved area in front of the building, smoking and arguing.
I walked towards them slowly and stopped just out of sight, behind a jutting portion of the neighboring building.
I told myself I was loath to interrupt, but really I was curious to hear what Mieka and Zlata spoke of when alone.
“You’re going to get yourself dragged off one of these days, you know that?” Zlata was saying. “The Temple doesn’t need much of an excuse, with your record.”
“They don’t need an excuse at all,” said Mieka. “That’s the problem. That’s why I do this.”
“You say that every time I ask you to stop,” Zlata snapped back. “Every time you sneak out to your little ‘meetings’ in those creepy tunnels. Every time someone new shows up at the door saying your name like it’s some Plaguing password.”
“If this is about Netta …”
I started at my own name.
“Netta, and all the rest of them who come to you for help. Who are sent to you for help. You should have nothing to do with Ladran. He’s not our friend.”
“He’s not our enemy.”
“All he cares about is his own advancement.”
“He cares about the freedom of magic. He does, Zlata. Otherwise he could just sit back and rake in his money. He cares about the kingdom. And the king.”
Zlata snorted. “I don’t give a damn about the king.”
“You can’t say that.”
“Really? I thought I just did.” She crossed her arms. “I’ve seen the faces of the ones who were taken by the Temple, Mieka.
You think I don’t remember? My brother …
” She paused, then went on roughly, “You think I want to lose you the same way? You of all people should understand. After what happened to your—”
“Don’t say it,” said Mieka softly. After a moment, she said, “If we don’t push back, they’ll keep taking more.”
“And what then? You raise an army?”
“It’s not about fighting them. It’s about teaching people that they have a choice.
The Temple’s power only holds because everyone believes there’s no other way.
I’m showing them there is. You and I both know what happens when magic is starved and bound.
It rots. It lashes out. The Plague proved that. ”
“That’s only one theory. Don’t be a martyr, Mieka. It doesn’t suit you.”
“I just want to mean something.”
“You could mean something to me, you know,” Zlata said drily. “Theoretically. That could be enough.”
“Zlata, you know I love you. But if I do nothing, then what’s the point? What kind of world are we making?”
I called a greeting, not wanting to eavesdrop further. I had already listened for far too long.
“Netta!” cried Mieka, with no trace of awkwardness. “How did it go with the Book Man?”
Zlata snorted and went inside. I told Mieka all that had happened since I left her the previous day.
“He told me he gets letters and packages of books from all over Virelith every day,” I said.
“You’re in the right place, then.”
“I think so. As much as I can be.”
I caught the other woman in an impulsive hug. “Thank you for helping me,” I said.
Mieka’s small, wiry body was tense against mine at first, but then she relaxed and hugged me back. “All right, enough of that,” she said, pushing me away.
“And how are you?” I asked, wondering if I should tell her I had overheard her argument.
“As usual, pissing coin away faster than I can earn it. Well, never mind.” Mieka’s face was alive with excitement. “I wanted to tell you—it’s Plaguenight tomorrow. The whole city will be in the streets celebrating. You should come with Zlata and me.”
This took me by surprise. “Oh! Thank you. But … I don’t think I can.”
“Oh, come on. No one works on Plaguenight. There’ll be sweetmeats, and wine, and dancing …”
I had heard of Plaguenight, of course, though Mother and I had never celebrated it. Something stirred in me. I had never been to a festival. I had never danced. The temptation was strong.
“Someone might see me …” I said weakly.
“Netta,” Mieka said patiently, as if speaking to a small child, “everyone will be masked until dark. It’s the only fun the Temple lets us have all year.”
“Masked?”
“And in all the chaos, no one would see you even if you weren’t. Come on!”
“I … I don’t have a mask.”
“I’ll take care of that. I’ll meet you outside the bookshop tomorrow and bring something over. So you’ll come?”
“I suppose so,” I said reluctantly.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” said Mieka. “You’re due a little fun, I think. So I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow,” I agreed, heading inside to get my pack.
I walked back from Mieka’s workshop, thinking. Should I be open with the Book Man—tell him all? He seemed to suspect at least a portion of it. I had seen the way he watched me sew—and the way he looked at my Hair. He had corresponded with Mother, sent supplies … He may know something.