Chapter 172 - A bard’s haunt
Agrona Colby scrutinized the brown-haired woman standing in her store, studying the girl’s expression closely.
She had a feeling that this one would prove to be an exasperating client to deal with. Her instincts had been honed in such matters over six decades, so she didn’t doubt that assessment. If only she’d had more gold saved up, she might have already shown this girl the door. But ignoring work arranged by the Talonborn Circle was a luxury she couldn’t afford.
When the young woman remained unmoving, Agrona sighed and took it upon herself to lead the way through the entrance at the back of her establishment. “Follow me,” she said, not bothering to hide the distinct tone of displeasure in her voice.
A moment later, she heard the creaking of old floorboards as her client finally decided to follow suit.
“So, what are you here for?” Agrona asked, briefly glancing over her shoulder at the woman. “Do you want to curse someone? Enchant some fetching young man? You young lasses always fixate on the most pointless of things.”
Oh, sure, it was far from common for such frivolous requests to be brought to the Talonborn Circle, but Agrona had seen it before. Young noblewomen, especially, had a knack for entertaining the strangest of notions if they heard about the Circle.
At first glance, this lass didn’t appear to be a noblewoman, at least, but she also didn’t seem entirely certain what she was doing here. Agrona had verified that the Talonborn token had indeed been issued for this girl; however, that didn’t entirely rule out the possibility of someone else sending her here. There were many who preferred to keep their affiliations with the Circle secret.
The young woman’s inquisitive gaze trailed Agrona as they continued down the cramped hallway. “Well, I’ll admit that does sound intriguing. But that’s not why I’m here.”
“Then what is your business with the Talonborn Circle?”
“Funny question, that. I was actually wondering the same.”
Agrona pushed past a well-worn, heavy curtain, ushering the girl into the back room. The walls here were adorned with aged tapestries, bearing faded sigils and motifs that Agrona hadn’t bothered to restore. In one corner stood a sizeable coffer, while the center of the room featured a sturdy oak table, flanked by two chairs on each side. A rickety wooden ladder leaned against one of the walls, leading to the attic where Agrona stored the rest of her inventory.
A small scoff escaped her lips as she stopped near the room’s entrance, turning to her client. “So, you don’t even know why you’re here.”