Sekali, "The Sister City"
Chapter 49
That evening, in the inn, a washed up and brightly dressed Finyat walked down the stairs of the common room surveying everyone happily, a gleam sparkling in his eyes.
Sekali decided he would watch his two companions backs, for they carried about their necks a piece of legend. His mind burned with the task at hand. He would rather have slept on board the Harbringer, but Uther and Finyat looked as though they were enjoying themselves immensely. In fact, at the moment the two were up at the bar just ordering their first mugs.
Sekali moved to a corner, away from the brightly dancing flames of the firepit at the center of the massive common room, settling into an out-of-the-way area within the darkest recesses he could find, all but vanishing from the eyes of others, while Finyat took the attention of as many patrons as he could.
Uther seemed to urge him on in a contest of drinking, to which Finyat obliged. Finyat knocked on the counter to get the bartender’s attention. He had to try three times before Uther slammed the flat of his hand down upon the bar, bellowing in a deep voice.
“We need drinks! Finyat and I will be having our annual drinking contest now!”
He pointed at the quickly approaching bartender, who smiled broadly at the two.
“And a fine evening for drinking and storytelling and - “
Uther cut him off quickly. “Just drinks for us! Keep your stories to yourself! Bring me ten kohakk and then ten more my good man.”
Without hesitation Finyat grabbed the bartender’s hand and shoved a number of black-gold pieces into his palm. The bartender looked into his hand, quickly lowering it into the pocket of his apron and smiled.
“Coming up, my good friends!”
He turned and began poured black frothy liquid into pint-sized mugs and placed them on a tray. The foam spilled over each mug and out onto the tray, making Uther lick his lips and grin. Finyat laughed as a gathering of people surrounded them both, raising their drinks as high as their spirits. The mood of the evening began to cheer as the two began quaffing mug after mug of kohakk. Finyat ordered two plates of food; the house special.
Quickly a waitress brought them plates filled with meat, gravy, breads and greens that hung steaming over the sides of their plates. Sekali was surprised to see such smaller races eating so much. By the time they each emptied their plates, they were on their last mugs of kohakk. The crowd cheered them on impressed to see how well they could hold so much food and drink in their bellies without passing out.
Finyat seemed to have a magical knack of attracting people to him. They slapped him on the back much, as he drank and ate cheerfully. Uther, on the other hand, had a gleam in his eyes that dared anyone to touch him; no one did. Of course it could have been the axe strapped to his back that warded off unwanted hands, no matter how friendly they were.
Uther always had one hand laid upon his money pouch. He had learned to guard his gold after being treated to drinks with his own money, by Finyat, the first time they had met. But he liked the child-like ways of Finyat, and so had decided not to kill him.
Finyat bought a round of dark ale for all gathered about him, and was instantly liked. Upon reaching for their last mugs of kohakk, Finyat pronounced their contest a draw. A cheer went up from all about the two as they stood and stalked off through an alcove and down a few steps, where many tables hosted gambling.
Into the night, Sekali watched Finyat spend the money given him by Mabuhi. He also watched him close enough to know that the thief had an incredible gift. Finyat was picking the pockets of every person who got within arms reach of him, so expert was his craft. Sekali did not see it at first, even as he watched him. Finyat was truly a master. Sekali wondered at his life, at his upbringing. He wanted to know Finyat’s story and decided he must inquire after it one day in the future.
The gambling seemed to go as well as ever, Finyat and Uther throwing dice long into the evening. Sekali took a plate of food into the lower hall where his comrades were gambling, continuing to keep a watchful eye on them. He kept a suspicious eye on all about the two as he found the most secluded area possible in the gambling hall.
It was in the earliest hours of the evening, just past midnight, when Finyat got up from an unsuccessful throw of the dice and called it quits at the table. His following dispersed as he patted each one on the back, wishing them safe travels and a pleasant evening. Uther followed after him as they ascended the broad, slightly winding stairs to the hallway on the second floor.
Sekali patiently waited, sipping on some water, watching for any signs of the two being followed. He realized at length that Uther was guarding him as Finyat did what he did best. Impressed suddenly, Sekali smiled. Finyat’s skills would be very useful on the journey ahead, and Uther’s axe would prove no less valuable at his back. Sekali stood and headed for his room, realizing a new facet of respect for the two he traveled with.
Entering his room, Sekali noticed the doors wide open between the three adjoining rooms. Finyat was sitting at a table with stacks of various coins piled high. Uther stood behind him grinning as Finyat counted and tallied up the profits for the evening.
Sekali watched and listened. At the end of his counting, Finyat laughed and turned to Uther, noticing Sekali standing in the doorway to his room.
“We did very well indeed, my good men. Well indeed!”
Uther growled at him, signifying his impatience to know. Finyat laughed.
“I spent twelve black-gold, three yellow-gold, two white-gold and some change. We made very close to forty seven black-gold total. I like this city!”
With that he laughed and did a jig about the room while Uther bellowed out in laughter.
“Yes, my friend, quite hospitable these folks are indeed!”
Sekali shook his head, not able to keep a smile from his face. He bade the two good night and turned to his bed, feeling sleep overtaking him. They would be leaving for the docks in a few hours with more money in their pockets than they entered the city with. A risky profession, one Sekali did not consider in the least, but profitable, he had to admit. As Sekali lay down, he laughed quietly to himself at the thought of Finyat buying rounds of drinks for strangers . . . with their own money.
Sekali slept for four hours into the night. Before the sun arose, He got himself up and stretched out his entire body as best he could. It helped after sleeping in his plated armor. Strapping his blade on his back, he adjusted the handle to the left so he could easily draw it, if the need arose.
He walked into Finyat’s room to wake him for the journey ahead, but Finyat was prepared, counting his money at the table once again. As Sekali walked further into the room, he noticed Uther passed out on the floor behind Finyat’s chair, snoring loudly. Finyat noticed Sekali’s entrance and nodded to him.
“Sekali, good morning. We have to leave now. I went out last night exploring the city while you both slept. Reports will probably arouse the city guard to search people as they leave, by way of the city gates and by ship. If we leave now, we should escape the notice and bother of the guards.”
Sekali nodded and nudged Uther with his foot.
“What happened?” Sekali asked, looking out the only window to Finyat’s room.
Without hesitation, Finyat scooped a very large pile of money into a bag, tied it quickly, and secured it into his pack. Uther jumped up, growling in annoyance.
“Uther, we have to leave . . . now.” The tone in Finyat’s voice was even and soft.
Uther cracked his knuckles and grabbed all his belongings, instantly ready.
“Lead on then, Shallant, lead us safely, as usual, through the snares of the watchful eye.”
Finyat headed for the door and opened it. He poked out his head cautiously, looking out into the hallway both ways, and then turned to Sekali.
“I stole the crown of the king three hours ago.” He winked, his eyes brightening as Sekali’s eyes widened.
Sekali and his companions took to the alleys in silence, avoiding all eyes as they steadily made their way to the docks. As they met quietly with the Captain of the Harbringer, Sekali noticed guards beginning to gather in numbers back up in the city. He could see dozens of them milling about in the main street.
They entered the ship unnoticed and unchecked, and soon set sail northward upon the Navarian Sea, all the while Finyat watching the docks intensely.
After the ports of Navan escaped their view, Finyat began to sing a merry tune, seeming very pleased with himself.