(Vol 2) Chapter 20: Taking That Too-Long Step

Sammy raised an eyebrow at the innkeeper. “You misjudged your profits to cover it?”

“Not at all. They would have been fine if we all kept busting our asses like we have. No, it was the new taxes on Brackenhome as a community. They got raised after the first few successful payments. I was even preparing for an extra! Then the damn taxes. Rat bastards got me over a barrel. Hit others here, too, and I can’t help them. This boom might turn into a bust.”

“Foul play, then?”

Again, the innkeeper’s eyes shifted around, then he leaned over on the counter toward her conspiratorially. “Neither of you have the Geirkos smell on you, or I’d say nary a word, but even an idiot would see I got drawn into a trap. Somebody wants control here. Probably just Geirkossi instinct to step on the little guy. A little too much independence here? I dunno. But aye. It’s obvious, Madam… or should I say Lady? Begging your pardon if I overstep.”

Sammy couldn’t help but smirk at his attempt at information. Evidently, her illusion was only working so well on him because he sensed some manner of higher noblesse oblige in her. “Madam is fine for now. So, what will you do?”

He shrugged helplessly. “Not much I can do. I’ve tried a few unlikely letters to nobility. One even had the decency to send back a polite refusal. Anyhow, I doubt much will change if someone else owns the place. Unless they’re insane and want to turn the place into a ghost town, I’ll still be managing it…”

“But you won’t own it.”

He nodded slowly, eyes directed at the countertop. Then he leaned back up. “I’d prefer to, but that’s the rub as it stands. I can make a good case to an investor, I think. Accepting of course they don’t mind sticking it to the Bank of Geirkos and the upper crust propping it up.”

Sammy exchanged a brief glance with Azure and nodded thoughtfully. “Duly noted, Mayor.”

Alecto waved his hand in insistent dismissal of the title. “No one calls me that. Was a matter of necessity… unfortunately. Alecto or Innkeep is fine, if you would.”

They were given a brass key and arrangements were made to get their supplies up to their room on the third floor as well as the horse into the stable. The third floor had table seating as well and was reserved for that floor’s use. One could sit at a few and see down to the first floor from an overhang.

In such inspections, she noticed out across the open space a separate balcony a twin to theirs, and in a shadowy spot a roguish figure in leathers and a wide-brimmed dark hat was seated, in a position to have his eyes catch most movements. A crossbow was sitting on the table. Briefly, their eyes met because he was watching her, and they exchanged a nod.

Somehow, there was respect there, perhaps for her even seeing him in his shadowy corner… or because she was assessing her environment for advantages and threats.

Hmm. Interesting. A guard? Or a wary traveler? But I have no special vibe from him, in any case. Could be good or bad.

The room was small but very nice, clearly newly renovated like the entire core facility of the inn, though that was at most a fourth of the complex from what she saw. Light filtered from two somewhat smoky glass windows in the slanted ceiling. There was a balcony as well, and they were told to keep the door shut if they wanted to preserve the cool air.

They were instructed to never use open flames for anything and had enclosed oil lanterns provided.

When the attendant left and the door was latched behind him, Sammy began kicking off her boots. “Finally, a home base! At least slightly, anyway. I like this inn, Az- uh, Seddia. Sed.”

‘Sed’ had already somehow removed all heavier outer garments and taken off her boots — and was seated in a rocking chair. She sighed long and appreciatively, then smiled. “Me too, Dym. Out of that wicked, wicked sun. No more baking like a wildberry pastry out there.”

Sammy smirked at her, hands going to her hips. “So says the big, bad pirate. You’re a mess!”

Meanwhile, Dart flew over to perch on a bedpost, looking around in general boredom. “I better get some quality fish out of all this bullshit.” He suddenly looked at Azure and laughed. “Wildberry pastry! I just got it. Cause you’re red and blue!”

Sammy raised an eyebrow at the parrot. “Fish? No need for that. Since you’ve been such a good boy, perhaps some nice nuts? Seeds? Such a pretty bird! Who’s the pretty bird?!”

Involuntarily, Dart preened from the praise and even bobbed his head. Whistled. “Give seeds! Yes, pretty bird wan- wait, what the fuck?!” He suddenly shook it off. “Gah! Stupid parrot brain. Don’t do that!”

Sammy crossed her arms with a smug grin. “Well, we’re maybe even after what you pulled. Just remember the power I have, hmm?”

“Ugh! Such a harsh mistress.”

“You love it.” Sammy turned to Azure. “Did you see the rogue character across the way on the mezzanine?”

Azure blinked. “No. Why?”

“He was sitting in a prime spot for scoping people out. Kinda shady, but not too shady, ya know? He was watching me. Us. Noting things. Makes me curious.”

Azure gave her a level look, pausing in her rocking. “Your… chosen appearance is plenty attractive, Dym. Men will look. I know they often have a preoccupation with my behind as well. I recall one gentleman moaning as though in literal physical pain at the sight. But that was an exceedingly tight dress, admittedly.”

“Yes, your butt could win an award for Calrenazzod’s Most Juicy. If you had an Instagram and danced for like 2.7-second videos on TikTok, you’d k- But no, no, no — this wasn’t like that, I’m telling you. Just keep an eye out for him.”

Azure nodded slowly as she resumed her rocking. “Perhaps an opportunist. A potential informant. Hmm. I’ll be careful then, Dym. Good observation.”

Sammy smiled. “It’s what I do. Slightly above average, if I do say so myself.” She took a deep, deep breath. “Okay. I have issues to take care of… up top. You’re okay here? Gonna hang out in the cool?”

“I am more than happy to stay in here for a while. I even have food. There are cinnamon muffins!”

“Ooh! I thought I smelled cinnamon. Save me one. And Dart? Keep her company. Don’t be too annoying. Perhaps take another form. A cat.”

Dart polymorphed on the spot into a black cat, which then hopped over and curled up on the bed. “When the boss lady tells you to take a break, you take a break.”

Sammy walked over to the side of the bed and lay flat down on the floor so that anyone at the door wouldn’t see her materialize. Just in case. She soon faded and disappeared to the world to return to her throne realm.

And now for the dreadful news… I don’t know what way is best. But seeing his mom first is my bet, such as it is.

Firstly, she warned Orswyth about the situation, so he could keep an eye on when Bast was returned to the world… and likely counsel him in the difficult time he’d have going forward. She felt as if Orswyth was perfect for that, and he gave his assent he’d ‘be there for the lad.’

Secondly, she told Marjorie to be ready for their arrival, to which acknowledgment was immediate.

Now for our fair prince…

Bast was strumming his lute as he sat on a crate on the deck while coming up with something to play, muttering words as he tried them out to the tune.

Sammy touched his mind and sent, “Bast, do you trust me?”

Wan amusement. “That’s never good to hear as an opener.”

“Well?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Now what is it?”

“I need you to see something in one of my Maze realms. You’ll need a mirror to look into, and to be laying down comfortably in your bed since it will cause it to go limp for a while.”

Bast’s curiosity was certainly piqued. “You want to ensnare me, hmm? While I do have at least three or four fantasies that begin like that, I really have to ask what this is about?”

“Well, it's not that, you perv!” She sighed. “Remember the trust thing? Can you just do that for me?”

“A surprise, hmm? Or a test. Or both. Fine, then. Let’s do it. You’ll be there, right?”

“Of course.”

A mental smile. “That alone is worth it.”

Sammy privately suffered from a variety of miserable feelings while Bast went below decks and got situated on his pallet while holding up a mirror.

Finally, the young lord was smirking into it, one hand behind his head, probably deliberately being cute. “Let’s see those eyes then, Your Majesty Samantha. I’m ready.”

In a flash, she Mazed him and brought him to a copy of his study where they’d met what seemed a lifetime ago. The messy desk with the doodads on it, the rows and rows of books. The cozy feel.

“Ah, I miss it already!” Bast looked around with a fond look on his face. “Not a perfect rendition, but it’s appreciated. Just what in the world is here of all places that I need to see?”

Sammy took her time, walking over to the desk to pick up a wooden puzzle and play with it. “In a moment. How many of all of these did you actually read?” She was stalling deliberately until the resistances were waved. The last thing she wanted was for him to instinctively resist the Maze when caught up in emotions.

The second resistance passed by and was waved.

Bast eyed her for a long moment before replying. “Most I’d say. It’s nice to see you in three dimensions, Your Majesty. I’m now impressed by equivalent magnification. That is a lovely dress, matching the rest perfectly.”

Despite herself, Sammy found it impossible not to grin. “Thank you. It… it has pockets.” She demonstrated by putting her hands in and out of them.

Bast returned the smile with a brilliant one of his own. “Ah! And so discreet! I didn’t even notice. How wonderful. I imagine in the real world right now, you’re wearing breeches. For riding.”

“Indeed so. As the boss lady, I do have to wear the pants on occasion.”

Bast laughed. “A point more than fair, truly. But still fashionable, I presume?”

“Must you even ask?”

They shared another smile, and then the time was up, and the resistance waved. Sammy’s smile faltered as dread hit the pit of her stomach. But she signaled mentally to Marjorie to come to the study.

Just as Bast was opening his mouth with a suspicious glint in his eyes, the door opened, and there she was. His mother. “Son,” she said in a simple greeting.

Bast was completely stunned. Then anger broke out in his expression as he looked between his mother and Sammy. “What is the meaning of this?! I told you- wh-why is she here?! We-”

Then he seemed to notice her marred face, and he took several steps forward, beginning to look wild in general. “What happened to you- who’s done this?! Why-” Finally, the various confusing elements brought him to helpless silence, looking between both of them in utter bewilderment.

Marjorie used this opportunity to go to him and clasp him by the arms, staring insistently. “I am fine, my precious bird. I feel no pain, I am in comfort and peace. You must understand, Sebastian… Samantha saved me from an even crueler fate. Crueler for us all. You, me… and her.”

Marjorie’s eyes shifted to Samantha’s, and she nodded. Bast meanwhile swallowed, looking pale, breathing heavily, as he too met the eyes of his goddess, a terrible, instinctive dread clearly settling over him.

Samantha’s eyes were filled with sympathy as she said softly, “Bast, your mother’s body is dead. I didn’t see in time, but at the last moment, I was able to save her spirit such as you see before you. I’m so, so sorry, Sebastian.”

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