The Ascension of the Species

Memories and Nightmares

~ 12 ~

We emerged from the alley where everyone had to pass under the stone arch, and the guards, upon seeing us, greeted us with a hand over their chests, carrying swords and spears, with full leather and iron armor. The black market square looked like any other market: the shouts of vendors, people buying or bargaining. Some stalls sold fruits, others offered meat, and I didn't want to know its source. In other places, fire fairies or small water nymphs were traded in fish tanks, as accessories or entertainment. I tried not to pay attention to anything. Annetta tensed up when she saw the merchants, especially when we passed a fishmonger's stall. I pulled down my hood; I was starting to feel suffocated and annoyed by seeing creatures that shouldn't be locked up in small cages. I grabbed Annetta's hand so she wouldn't see any of that; she must have felt the sadness of the creatures. Therefore, I quickened my pace and tried to relax so she would only feel my tranquility.

I focused on the sound of my heels hitting the stone floor. I got used to always being looked at differently, to males diverting their gaze toward me, and above all, to them observing the emblem on my chain. They might think I was one of the many women Erick slept with. I preferred that thought; at least they wouldn't dare to lay a hand on me. I visualized the wooden sign after passing some sellers of magic stones or amulets with engraved runes. I knocked on the door and waited for a response.

"Do you have an appointment?" asked an old woman. "Without an appointment, there's no consultation."

She tried to shut the door in my face, but I put my foot in before it closed, gritting my teeth to avoid showing pain.

"Yes, the white raven called me and invited me to his house."

Obviously, I lacked an appointment; obviously, I had been mentally mapping the few times I had visited the market and how I made sure to remember every store in the buildings. Especially, I had focused on memorizing the location of the witch's residence I now intended to visit. Knowing exactly where to find her became crucial at that moment. It would be impossible to learn everything in a few visits, and I couldn't fully trust maps, as the market was always changing. My father had instilled in me the habit of memorizing the places I used to go to.

"Wait a moment," the old lady grumbled.

"Ma'am! My hand..."

Annetta had a grimace of pain on her face as I unintentionally squeezed her hand tightly.

"I'm sorry, Annetta! I didn't mean to hurt you."

She looked at the spot carefully; her job wasn't to question me, but I could see the questions in her eyes.

"And call me Pearl, just Pearl..." I wanted her to address me by my name only, but it seemed difficult to eradicate that habit from her behavior.

I wanted to indicate to Annetta not to mention anything to Erick, but it would make little sense if guards and spies were watching us; besides, discretion was not exactly my strong suit. However, once inside, they wouldn't be able to keep an eye on me. I recognized the runes on the door frame, the same ones on the front windows.

"Ma'am... Pearl, I don't think coming here is a good idea."

"I also don't think it's the best idea, but I have no other choice... just do as I say and you'll have nothing to worry about."

The main door opened, and a middle-aged woman invited us in.

"Welcome! Please, come in."

"Yes, thank you..." I took a deep breath upon entering; the air was light and pleasant. "Let's go!"