you got the silvers.” He slid his last three books off the shelf and collapsed the thing in one winding twist of a gear. I’d always admired his mechanical bookshelf. “The King’s Executioner’s been summoned. Market’s closing.”
I stared up at the twin moons. It was getting late indeed if I could see their faces.
“I heard the gongs.” I slid my coins into the pockets of my market dress. “I’m sorry about your cravat. It’s been a difficult few days.”
He slammed his trunk closed and locked it. Jecky Varnes used to be friendly, almost a friend. I shared sweet rolls with him, and he always saved me the best books.
But now I was just grateful he didn’t spit on me.
The market emptied. No one here would trade with me, not even for information. I needed to know where my brother was. I had to find him.
But there was no one here, except one woman, huddled in the shadows, counting coins with trembling fingers.
I didn’t know this trader. She sat with her legs folded on a woven rug. Small carved stones lined her table. I crept closer and she looked up. Her eyes were lined with kohl, her pale hair reddened with dye, her face creased with wrinkles. She wore a dress made of scarves and feathers, with tiny shells sewn as embroidery, and nestled in her skirts was a small black-and-white dog.
“You aren’t heading to the execution?” I asked.
“I’ve seen enough death.” Her husky voice barely reached me. Her pale gold eyes found mine. “Why aren’t you running off to join the crowd? You aren’t afraid you will miss it?”
I wish I could miss the execution. I glanced toward the castle, and I wrapped my shawl tighter. “I’ve heard tale Sir Grigfen Tomlinson was with the prince the night of the treason. But no one has seen him since. You haven’t heard any rumors—”
“About your brother?” She scratched her dog’s ears. I lowered my eyes. “Aye, I know who you are, miss. I also know you’d do anything for information, so how’s about a trade?”
I knelt before her table. “I have few coins.”
“No, coins aren’t enough. I’m looking for land. Far away from the city.”
I scoffed. “You expect me to trade my family’s land for information?” This was not my first market day.
“No, miss.” She bit her lip. “There’s no information to be had. Not one soul knows where your brother is. I tell you true. I’m offering you more than information.” She glanced over her shoulder before she pulled an unassuming silver bottle from a shell-lined pocket. “I’m offering you answers, and a path to a good future, for you and your family.”
I leaned away from the table. King Edvarg published every word of that contract my father had signed, and the Devout proclaimed to everyone who would stop at the Abbey gates about the council’s decision to drink the Savak seer water. With her words and the twisting in my stomach, I recognized the contents of the bottle without a taste. Seer water. Treason and answers in one gulp. But why reveal it to me now? Seer water was worth a thousand gold pieces at the least.
I stared at the woman. This kingdom was such a melting pot; there were merchants from every kingdom, each one a different height, weight, nationality, and gender, but somehow, they seemed stamped from the same design.
Except her.
Her dyed silver hair. Her pale eyes. Of course. She was a Savak in hiding, and if she wanted to flee … The Savak hated deserters more than any enemy. If she was found here when they came to claim our throne, she’d be among the first to die.
“One year’s lease,” I offered. But where would she be safest? “The orchard at Avenlo. It’s been closed for decades, but there should be wild apples, plenty of squirrels and rabbits. The house isn’t much, but it should be warm enough when frost comes. Three days west, follow the river until Forest Hill when you turn south.”
“My wife and I thank you heartily.” Her eyes shone. “Goddess blessings on you,” she whispered.
The moons-light brightened and I felt a swelling of hope in my chest. I would find my brother. I had to. No one else was looking.
I took the seer water and sniffed it. Not well water or wine. I’d never smelled something so crisp before. There was no trick. She’d sold me seer water for a year lease. I’d never won such a bargain before. I closed the