Dazzling Gems

Checking his messages the next day, Martel received an envelope with a script he recognised by now.

Dear Master Martel,

I should ask for the pleasure of your visit one of these coming days.

Lady Pearl

Brief and to the point, but Martel assumed it was for more of the same. If so, he saw no reason to decline. It was perhaps the easiest money he had ever earned; not the fastest – nothing came as quickly as the prize money for winning a fight in the pit at The Broken Crown – but definitely the easiest. Last time, he had spent most of the night enjoying himself with music, food, and company of the most pleasant variety.

Since today was Solday, he had the rest of the day to himself. Excluding his schoolwork, of course, which he had to do in his own time rather than during any assigned bell; the chapter translation for Master Fenrick loomed in his mind. But he might handle two errands now and spend the remaining evening afterwards to deal with his scholarly pursuit.

Satisfied with his plan, Martel left the castle, though not before he made one return journey to the dining hall, grabbing the last slices of bread available from lunch.

***

Martel went to the docks first. He went the direct route; he had not seen any sign of inquisitors in ages. Their methods of investigation seemed haphazard; he was surprised that they ever managed to catch anyone. Of course, whether those caught were actually guilty, that was another matter entirely.

Reaching Julia's chamber, he gave a quick knock and was admitted inside. He dug out the food and gave it to her, noticing her underfed frame despite his efforts. She wore decent clothes now rather than rags, but he imagined her ribs would be visible underneath the skin. At least she had thick socks on her feet, which he presumed she had spent his coin on. "Do you need more money?" Thanks to his work for Lady Pearl, he had enough to spare.

Julia shook her head. "I still got some left in George."

Martel looked at her doll, serving as a hiding place for her wealth. If she still had any left, that meant she either stole or scavenged for food. He disliked the thought, but he could not see a way to force her to stop and only buy proper food with his money. He was hardly available to provide that level of supervision of her activities and eating habits. "Alright. But I have enough. So just let me know if you want more."

She made a gesture somewhere between a nod and a shrug.

"In fact, I think I can get my hands on some supplies for alchemy. At least enough to brew a handful more potions. Did you drink the one I gave you?"

Julia stuck her hand into George's innards and pulled out the small bottle. It remained full.

"You can go ahead and use it. I will make more."

"Alright." Her curt reply came with a monotonous tone of voice; he could not tell if she meant it or simply humoured him. Probably her habits from living on the street made her hoard everything and only use it if utmost needed.

"I'll ask Mistress Rana what else she might teach me of recipes."

"What about the girl you found? Who has magic. Swallow."

Martel frowned a bit. "Oh, Sparrow. I offered to bring her to the Lyceum for training, but she refused. She would not leave her home in the copper lanes."

"Can't you just train her there?"

"I have no idea how."

"Someone trained you. Just tell her to do what your teachers told you."

Martel wanted to object; the idea of him training anyone felt preposterous. But as he thought about it, he could not say why. Hedge mages existed, after all. It would never be as good as what the Lyceum offered, but any training in magic might be better than none. The only obstacle would be time, considering how strapped Martel was these days – and Weasel, likely to present an obstacle. "I'll think about it. If I have time. For instance, I better get going, as I have another meeting today."

"Thanks for the bread."

***

It was a bit of a journey from the harbour to the bridge district, but including his trip to and from the Lyceum, it was not much worse than going to the copper lanes and back home. Seeing The River Pearl brought pleasant memories of the feast he had attended. He still felt ambivalent about the place in general; when he had first seen it, he knew it was exactly the kind of establishment he should never mention to his mother, or she would have a fit at the thought of him stepping foot inside. And certainly, some of the looks and suggestions sent his way made him feel uncomfortable or awkward at best. But he saw no harm done to anyone, and he had enjoyed himself more than most places in Morcaster.

"Master Martel, my favourite mage." The proprietress greeted him with a flash of her teeth.

He inclined his head. "Lady Pearl. You wanted to meet?"

"Indeed I did. Please, take a seat. I did not expect such a rapid response to my letter."

Sitting down in her study, Martel shrugged to seem casual. "I had errands to run anyway."

"Well, I'm happy to get this decided. You see, next Solday, Ruby is attending a celebration in the temple district. It is a bit of an unusual affair."

"Yeah?"

The bald woman nodded. "It takes place inside a convent. The Sisters of the Sun hosts a ritual feast, you might call it, three times a year. They are usually rather select about visitors, so this is an opportunity for Ruby to speak with some of the other guests under quiet, neutral conditions. I would like you to accompany her and do your usual routine. Take notice of anything that seems odd about the others present – magically speaking."

"Sure. I can do that." Besides payment in silver, spending the evening with Ruby at a party seemed a reward of its own.

"Excellent. You will receive your usual compensation. If you arrive here at, say, seventh bell, my carriage will take you and Ruby to the convent."

"I'll be there." Martel inclined his head and got up, receiving a wide smile in return.

Once he had left, the expression faded from the bald woman. "Amber," she called out.

The guard outside the study peered inside. "Yes?"

"Find Ruby. Tell her that the mage agreed. She must make sure she's ready."

"Yes, Lady Pearl."