Smoke and Iron

Chapter 7-Adventures in the Market Continued

Sharp little claws grab on to my blouse, though the sting of the claws on my skin hurts like hell. I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. The smallest of the litter, a little dragonet, peers up at me with slitted purple eyes set against emerald scales. Chirping she nuzzles her scaly face against my cheek. While her siblings set their sights on my belt, and the shiny metal of my hook and purse.

Before they can lung for them though, a voice pierces through the din of little growls and chirps.

"Oy, you little rascals,"  the voice yells. "Get off the poor girl, she has enough to worry about besides being flattened by you lot."

Taking my gaze off the dragonet, I raise my head to see the owner of the little scaly devils.

Swathed in black silk trousers and a shirt, wearing tall black boots and a red mask outlined in gold against pale skin. Is the form of Jace Lore, an earth mage, dragon lover, and smuggler extraordinaire. With short black hair layered like a raven's feathers, emerald green eyes, and a tattoo of dark green vines with purple flowers around their throat. Jace strikes an imposing picture of luxury and restraint.

The only other adornments Jace has includes a single blood red stone on a leather necklace, and a dragon with purple and blue scales perched on Jace's shoulder. Tall, ripped with lithe muscle, and jagged scars across their forearms, Jace exudes an air of hidden violence and respect.

We met in the market two years ago when I came here for the first time. At fifteen I was still learning the ropes of the market. Having never seen the amount of freedom one could have here. I had forgotten about the hidden dangers that lurk around every corner. 

After saving me from being jumped by a nasty crew of pirates, Jace has become one of my very close friends. But in all that time I have never seen Jace without a mask. Jace's identity is one that they have never shared with me. A secret so dangerous that Jace has never revealed to anyone if they are a woman or a man. Even with my sharp eyes and hours spent watching Jace brew potions and herbal tonics. There has been no indication of whether Jace is one or the other.

At the sight of their keeper, the little miscreants leap off me and run for Jace. Their little bodies rub against the leather boots, tails swishing back and forth in joy. With a rapt attention I watch as Jace kneels down to pet each of the scaly heads. A gentleness that few ever see in the market, especially from a person who is one of the most wanted criminals in Talvos. At just twenty years old, Jace has drawn the ire of not only the Merchant Guild, but of King Renard himself.

Ever since being added to the long list of people that Renard wishes to have wiped off the face of the earth. Jace has remained here in the Underground Market, using me as their connection to the outside world, for a small fee of course. It is an easy task, I just have to give Jace the latest gossip from each quarter and Jace pays me handsomely by outfitting me and my friends with weaponry. Weaponry from one of Jace's many contacts who owe their lives to Jace.

With the scaly heathens off me I stand up, brushing off my clothes I check to make sure the rascals didn't make off with something shiny and sharp. I carefully check that everything is in order and that no blades or knives have made it into the mouth of a little dragon.

"Don't worry Starling," Jace says, "I promise that none of my precious demons are sharpening their teeth on your blades."

I roll my eyes as Jace stands up from the scaly horde a cocky grin on their face. 

"Come my bringer of knowledge, tell me what has brought the Pirate Queen to our shores."

They then gesture to the chairs free of their former scaly occupants. Matching Jace's smile with my own I promptly head to the offered seats. Settling myself into the soft leather, I watch as Jace takes a silver dipper and scoops up the liquid from the bubbling cauldron. Ladling the steaming liquid into two silver cups set on a nearby table, Jace then hands me one, the metal warming my fingers as I breath in the aroma. Gently I blow on the drink and then sip its steaming contents. The taste of blueberries, mint, and a hint of chocolate coats my tongue. 

The groan of a chair makes me turn my gaze to Jace, who gazes at me with wrapped attention. The sight of which makes the corners of my mouth turn up, in an uncontrollable smirk.

"Well according to my wondrous story teller, it seems she is currently looking for her supposed stolen treasure," I drawl and pause to take a sip from my cup.

"It also seems that her search will encompass Valdev very soon if not already. One that offers a hefty sum for its return to her possession."

My eyes watch over the rim of the cup as Jace takes in the news. Though most of their face is hidden by the mask, I catch the slight tightening of their lips and the spark that brightens in their eyes. As Miss Cole likes to say, news of a growing danger to come is both worrying and exciting all at once. 

"Indeed young Starling," Jace says, "A treasure belonging to such a queen would be of such high value."

"A value that would make you filthy rich, I presume," I reply while stirring my drink.

Calculating eyes like a raptor's settle on my face.

"Precisely my dear, and what better person for the job is there than me. Especially since I have such helpful contacts in my arsenal. Contacts who would be paid handsomely for their services," Jace says.

I raise an eyebrow at that, of course they wouldn't do it all by themselves, but who am I to judge when I am one of those contacts?

"And the contact just so happens to be me," I drawl.

"Exactly, and of course you will be generously compensated."

Standing up Jace walks across the floor, stopping in front of me with their hand outstretched.

"So, my bringer of secrets and rumors, my acquirer of exotic riches, will you find me the treasure that has no name."

Setting down my cup on the side table, I place my hand in theirs. 

"How can I say no to such a bold request?," I reply.

Hiding a grin Jace pulls me from my seat and shakes my hand with a firm grip.

"Then it's settled," they say, "find me the treasure and you and I will be generously rewarded."

Pulling my hand out of Jace's grasp, I hoist up my belt that has fallen low across my hips.

"Then I guess I better be off," I say, "and try not to get yourself into too much trouble."

Jace rolls their eyes at that and then gives me a mock salute before heading to one of the many worktables in the room. Chuckling softly I head to the main door. At my approach the copper board slides up and the door opens with a groan. Heading back outside I am swarmed with the riot of sound that was absent inside Jace's building. The feeling doesn't last long though, and once again I begin another trek through the market.

Setting out across the square, I keep an ever watchful eye on the people around me. Despite the colorful buildings, clothes, and sense of elevated freedom, there are still others who will give me trouble. Even on one of my good days. Skirting past traders, performers, and shoppers I make my way onto one of the bridges leading to the ramshackle buildings and huts that lie precariously over the water. 

Walking across the rough boards, my nose picks up the growing stench of dead fish, burning oil, and opium. The stench that comes from the very dock where my next stop is located. As I step off the bridge my eyes widen in horror as a knife flies towards my face. Immediately I duck, the knife zipping over my head and then falling into the water with a splash. Standing up I settle my gaze on the knife's owner.

Wearing a flowing red dress and a corset cinched tight is Madame Mystic, oracle and owner of the Bloody Sin. Which just so happens to be the building that I am in front of. The wooden slates of the brothel and window frames are painted in a dark red hue. A hue that matches Mystic's dress perfectly. Mystic walks over to me, her flame blue eyes tracking me through a veil of white blond hair. Her generous hips sway as she goes, while the ropes of black pearls around her neck clink together.

I step away from the bridge and situate myself against the building. Leaning against the wood I watch as Mystic stops before me with an eerie smile on her heavily powdered face. The scent of pipe smoke and perfume, tickles my nose.

"Did you run out of targets Madame or are you that desperate to be rid of me," I say.

"Be rid of you," Mystic says with a practiced look of shock.

"Why would I want to be rid of such a beautiful clever girl like you."

"Because I bring you an endless amount of trouble to your doorstep every time I"m here."

A rumble of laughter escapes her, locks of tangled hair bounce against her heavily endowed chest.

"Trouble," she chuckles, "trouble doesn't even begin to cover it dear. Though I must say your antics have helped my business marvelously. Besides I was making sure my aim was still on point."

"Well then if that's all, I guess I better be on my way," I say.

Removing myself from the wall, I continue on down the wooden planks. I don't get very far when Mystic barrels in front of me blocking my path. I feel my eyes go wide in terror, as Mystic's eyes begin to glow like blue fire. Quick as a snake she grabs my wrist in a crushing grip. A gust of wind blows, sending scraps of paper and dirt into the air. The wind encircles us in a whirlwind of dirt and paper, while the scent of roses and rum fills my nose. 

Murmuring voices and whispers fill my ears as I gaze into the blue depths of Mystic's eyes. The voices morph into words that slip through her lips. Words that send goosebumps across my skin.

"One of the sea, one of the land, will join their worlds hand and hand. One lost beneath the waves, another who will try to flee from fate. Both surrounded by sorrow and lies. Will send a ruler to their demise. Secrets they shall reveal and discover a power that others want to steal. One of silver, one of ice. Must be willing to pay the price."

"Soon they will be joined as one to prevent the coming flood. A flood not of water but of war, that will change our world forever more. On the night that will in three days come, will release a flame untouched. A flame that will burn so great that it will melt away the chains of hate."

When the last word leaves her mouth Mystic falls down in a heap against the building. The wind abruptly dissipates, leaving us surrounded by scraps of crinkled paper and covered in a fine layer of grit. Quickly I help her up and brush off the dust from her dress. Clutching her head she gives me a small smile of thanks before glancing over my shoulder and sucking in a sharp breath. Turning my head I find the source of her panic.

 Marlo De Lan, Leader of the Gulls, and a certified pain in my ass. As the head of one of the biggest gangs in the Underground Market, he is not to be messed with. Wearing his trademark red eyepatch and black coat, he levels his gaze on our faces. With him are his main goons, Luke Graft his second and Drax Alder his muscle, both in possession of long tempered shorts secured to their belts.

I take a slow steading breath as I gently let go of Mystic. Slowly I take one small step back as they make their way over. Yet again he has found me and once again he is here to bully me into joining his crew. As I am one of the very successful thieves in Talvos, I am also one of the most desired. Making me a prime target for gangs that see me as nothing more than a free ride to riches. Well that won't be happening anytime soon, not on my watch. 

While keeping an eye on Marlo, I discreetly lower my hands to my sides. With another step backward, I settle my eyes on the sign above. One made from heavy iron and held by thick chains. Relaxing my fingers, I draw in a breath as I imagine the chains overhead snapping apart. 

The seconds tick by as Marlo gets closer and closer. With one more deep breath I fling out my arm towards the sign, and feel my blood hum as I bring my hand down. The chains overhead break with a snap, the sign falling onto the boards. The wood splits and the sign tumbles into the water below.

It took just a few seconds for me to do it. Across the gaping hole in the pier stands a very angry Marlo and an even angrier Mystic. Winking at her I toss my purse to Mystic, the bag landing against her chest.

"To replace the sign Madame," I yell, "and as you can see I have some business to deal with." 

My voice fills with sly humor as I gesture to Marlo and his men. 

"I hope you're quick on your feet Marlo cause you'll need to be."

Turning on my heel I run, shouts of rage fill my ears as I lead Marlo and his boys through the twisting paths of the warren of wooden huts and hidden docks. Legs and arms pumping, I dodge passerby, jump over barrels of fish and oil, and climb over boxes while my pursuers fail to keep up. 

They chase me all the way to the main docks, where the larger ships lay anchored. The scent of salt and mildew grows stronger as I reach a line of wooden buildings filled with the sounds of rowdy drunks and bawdy music.

My legs threaten to give out as I head full tilt into the crowded entrance of the largest of the buildings. Pushing through the crowd of already drunken men and women, I make my way to the open door. Like the rest of the place the door is made of old wood that shows signs of rot. Above it hangs the old sign hanging by a thin chain of aged bronze. Sailors Folly, it says, in curling letters of bronze green with age. 

Stepping into the smoke filled room, I hear my boots squish from the water soaked floor. Calming my breath I walk across the room crowded with tables encircled by hard looking men and sly women. The thump of cards and mugs fill my ears as I head to the largest table in the room. A table claimed by the tavern's owner, the infamous Captain Valgo Crux and my business partner in stolen gems. As I walk closer his sly gaze settles on me as a smile spreads across his sea weathered face. Lighting up his calculating eyes the color of green snake scales.

"Ahh there she is," he says, for once sounding excited about my presence.

"Come sit down and show me what you have brought me today."

Head held high, I pull out a chair and settle myself into it with ease. Slowly I drag my gaze across his muscled form. Greasy black hair and a beard outline his pale scarred face, while a leather coat lies draped across his black cotton shirt and pants. Brass rings encircle his fingers, serving both a decorative and sinister purpose. Two tall women both eerily identical, with long braided blond hair and white skin, stand on either side of him with thin daggers tucked into their belts.

Without a word I reach into the hidden pockets of my jacket, and pull out two small bags and lay them on the table. Deftly I open each one revealing the precious gems inside that sparkle in the light. 

"As promised Captain," I say, "two bags filled with a lovely assortment of emeralds, rubies, and a fine selection of pearls."

One of the women steps forward and her hand snakes out to grab them. My hand gets their first, my fingers settling on the leather with a knife in my grasp. The woman's hand stills, and the room goes quiet. 

"I believe payment is in order before I can hand over the items, don't you agree Captain."

Valco nods and gestures for the other woman, who steps forward and flings a bag on to the table. A few gold coins fall out of the bag with a clink.

"Your payment dear Starling," he says, his mouth opens as if to say more but a loud crash from outside stops him. 

A large man flies into the room, his back slamming into the floor. Its Drax, and his dark skin is lined with scratches dripping blood onto the salt encrusted floor. His nose and lips bleed while a fresh bruise blossoms on his cheek. The doorway is then filled by two men, larger than Drax with skin as black as coal and ripped with muscle. Their bare chests are swathed in leather vests and their skin is tattooed with matching symbols of a bird engulfed in flames.

One of them picks up Drax by his shirt front and utters the words that send my limbs quaking in fear.

"Where is the girl that you were chasing," he growls.

"What girl," Drax cries, "I don't know what your talking about."

"You do know, you know the girl you chased, the one with silver strands in her hair. Now tell me who she is and where can we find her."

Drax glances around the room with wide eyes, looking for a way out. Shaking with fear he gazes at the gathered crowd, and rakes his fearful gaze across our faces. Almost immediately he finds me, the fear turning to hate as his gaze sears me to the bone. With a trembling hand he points at my face, and his captor trains his sight on me.

"Hello there pretty bird," he drawls, "where have you been hiding."

Dropping Drax he charges towards me, crashing his way through people and chairs. A gunshot rings out, and I jump out of my chair and onto the floor. Everyone starts jumping out of their chairs and drawing their weapons. The second tattooed man throws out his hands and a gust of wind blows the gathered crowd onto their backs. As the fight unfolds, someone grabs my shoulder and hauls me across the room behind the bar opposite the front door.

My body collides with a door that swings out into an alley crowded with barrels of cheap ale and fish guts. I slip out of their hold and step back until my back is pressed against a stack of boxes. Lantern light spills onto Valco's face. 

"Hurry Starling," he hisses, "get back to Talvos where they can't reach you, without exposing themselves." 

He throws the coin bag at me, with shaking hands I tuck the bag into an inside jacket pocket. Seconds go by and I don't move, my body has been erased of all feeling and movement. The tattoos on those men's chests are burned into my eyes. While Drax's hatful face is branded into my brain.

"Go!" Valco shouts, while grabbing a hold of my shirt and then pushing me down the alley.

Another gunshot sounds, bringing me out of my stupor. Adrenaline kicking in, I take off like a bullet never glancing back as I again run like mad through the docks. Shouts follow me as I reach the long pier crowded with ships. A fishing vessel catches my eye as I see it pull away from the dock, heading towards the iron doors separating the market from the raging sea beyond.

A bullet wizzes past my shoulder making me turn my head, to see the blood chilling sight behind me. The two men from the tavern have been joined by three others with copper skin and the same bird tattoo. One of them is a woman with scars carving ragged patterns across her face and a smoking gun clasped in her hand. I spur myself on, my pursuers gaining ground as I head straight for the end of the pier.

As I run closer to the edge I spy a pulley hooked on to a long rope. With a final burst of speed I reach the edge, grabbing the rope I swing myself off the pier and into the air. My body flies across the water and lands with a jarring thump onto the wooden deck of the fishing vessel. Grunting in pain I clutch onto the railing of the ship, and pull myself up onto shaking legs.

Five flustered faces stare at me across the watery expanse, as the vessel sails farther away from the dock. Pasting a smile on my face I give them my best two fingered salute. The man who grabbed Drax can't hold back the smile that spreads across his face.

"Oy!," someone shouts, "what are you doing on my boat."

Turning around I look at the disgruntled fisherman before me. No doubt unhappy with my sudden appearance on the ship.

"Oh don't get your knickers in a twist," I say.

"Here," with a flick of my hand I toss a gold coin at him.

"Will that do for passage back to Talvos."

His eyes light up at the coin in his hand. 

"Aye that should cover it, m'lady," he replies with a tip of his fisherman's cap.

My payment covered, he goes back to the wheel while I settle myself on a sack of flour. As the ship approaches the iron doors they open with a moan of iron and steel. The crash of waves greets my ears as the ship dips into the salty spray. With a turn of the wheel the fisherman sails the boat onto the open sea. 

The doors close behind us, the metal blending into the rocky cliff. The ship snakes its way around the cliff until Tarvos's wharf is in sight. 

The easy part of my day is done with the closing of the iron doors. Now the hard part begins, the part where I must make it through the docks with four pounds of gold tucked into my jacket. A challenge that I will meet head on with a knife in my hand and a smile on my face. For I am the Starling, a keeper of secrets and finder of riches. A girl that will soon be regarded as the most infamous thief in Valdev. A feat that I will accomplish tonight under the very noses of those pesky Reapers. The thought of it fills me with a sinister delight.