Chapter 25: Marketplace
Kael lay motionless on the bed, his breathing shallow and labored. The fever had claimed him again.
His pale skin glistened with perspiration, and dark circles shadowed his sunken eyes. It pained Leya to see her brother in such a weakened state, but there was little she could do except wait and hope.
Mitch recounted the morning’s events in hushed tones, careful not to disturb Kael’s fitful rest. He described the innkeeper’s nervous demeanor, the hastily offered compensation, and the fight.
"Tsk," Leya clicked her tongue in disapproval, shaking her head. "You could have gotten far more from that innkeeper. Ten days of free lodging and some meals? That’s practically nothing to a man of his means."
Her green eyes flashed with shrewd calculation. "You should have demanded several hundred gold coins to keep your mouth shut about the whole affair.
He would have paid without hesitation, his entire livelihood depended on guests feeling safe within those warded walls. If word spread that assassins could simply bypass his protective enchantments, his business would crumble overnight."
"I’ll remember that for next time," Mitch replied with a rueful smile. "Though hopefully there won’t be a next time. Oh, and I found this." He carefully extracted the letter from his pocket, the parchment bearing the mysterious signature of ’M.’
Leya studied the document, her brow furrowing in concentration. "M... M..." she murmured, turning the letter over in her hands.
"The handwriting is refined, expensive ink, quality parchment. This person has resources."
"Should we report this to the city guard?" Mitch asked, uncertainty creeping into his voice. The weight of the letter seemed heavier now, laden with unspoken dangers.
Leya’s laugh was bitter and humorless.
"Oh, certainly. Let’s march straight to the guardhouse and announce that we’ve stumbled upon evidence of a drug dealer who employs assassins capable of penetrating magical wards." Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she gestured dismissively.