The Witch's City

by M. Gregg Roe

  “Yes,” replied Dora. “I could make you one out of a lighter fabric and leave off the fancy stitching. That would be much less expensive.”

  Petra looked at her questioningly. Valwyn shrugged her shoulders. “We’ll still have to check, but she’ll probably agree to buy it for you.”

  “Why don’t I go ahead and take your measurements?” Dora suggested. “Then you can just stop by and let me know.”

  “Okay,” agreed Petra with a pleased look. Dora walked toward the back of the shop, and Petra quickly followed her.

  Valwyn looked over and was surprised to see Hanna seriously examining a black dress lying on a table on the other side of the shop. Valwyn walked up and asked, “Do you like dresses, Hanna?”

  Hanna nodded earnestly.

  “I can’t hear you.”

  “Yes,” replied Hanna, “I like dresses. But we can’t afford them. We’re poor.”

  She looked sad now, and Valwyn felt guilty. “We’re not exactly rich. This place is too expensive. I’ve never been here with my mother. At least you’ll end up looking good in a dress. Your mother is gorgeous.”

  Hanna’s face fell. “But I’m not. I’m ugly.”

  Now, what have I done? What do I say? “You still might end up with a body like hers. At least your mother has curves.”

  Hanna was amused as she stared at Valwyn’s chest and said, “That’s true.”

  Great. Now she feels better, but I feel worse.

  “Thank you!” called out Dora, and Valwyn saw Petra striding toward them with her face bright red. She went straight out of the shop, and Valwyn and Hanna followed.

  “What’s wrong?” asked Valwyn. “Did she try to molest you or something?”

  “She made me completely strip. She said the measurements were more accurate that way.”

  “That’s probably true,” said Valwyn as Hanna nodded.

  “Oh. Okay. But it was really embarrassing.” Petra’s face had begun to return to its usual color.

  “So,” said Valwyn, “now can we go to the bakery?”

  “Yes,” said Petra with a happy smile. “It’s my treat. My bust size has gone up a whole inch!”

  Valwyn and Hanna exchanged sad looks. “Congratulations!” said Valwyn. “Now let’s go eat some sweet rolls!”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  “Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Tilda. How are you getting along?” Tilda had kept putting her off, but Branwyn had insisted on meeting today because there was something that wouldn’t wait. She had been trying to speak with the woman for over a month.

  “I’m getting by,” Tilda replied with a fake smile before picking up her cup and taking a sip of tea.

  She’s lying, and she knows full well that I can tell when people lie to me. Branwyn picked up her cup, blew on the tea, and took a small sip, finding it to have a pleasant berry flavor.

  “When was the last time that Hanna and Danhelm went to the Witch’s City to visit their father?”

  Tilda frowned deeply. “It’s been almost three months. I can’t afford the ship fare, and I can’t spare the time.”

  “I’m heading to the Witch’s City tonight. I’m willing to take Hanna with me, but not Danhelm. The boy is just too wild at the moment and it’s an overnight trip.”

  Clearly startled, Tilda took another sip of her tea before saying, “Okay. Hanna really should go see her father. I’ll help her pack and send her over to your house after dinner. How long will you be gone?”

  “I don’t know. At least two or three days. Almera asked me for help, so I’ll be staying there.”

  Tilda simply nodded and drank more tea.

  After taking another sip herself, Branwyn asked, “What did Hanna say about her outing with Valwyn and Petra yesterday?”

  “She said it was fun. I was surprised by that. I didn’t think she liked Petra.”

  Their waiter carefully placed large bowls in front of each of them. Branwyn picked up her fork and began to eat the mixture of rice, fish, and vegetables. This is good! I’ll definitely be coming back here. Gunhilda’s Cafe had been open for less than a month, and it was her first time eating there. Tilda was eating so rapidly that Branwyn wondered if the woman had been eating properly.

  Tilda finished well before Branwyn did and then watched as Branwyn finished her meal. She’s still hungry. She must be really struggling. She’s probably eating less so that her children can have more. Something needs to be done.

  When the waiter returned for their bowls, Branwyn ordered two blackberry tarts and more tea. “No,” protested Tilda. “I’m not hungry. I don’t want dessert.”

  “Ignore her,” said Branwyn to the waiter. “Bring what I asked.” He nodded and walked off.

  Branwyn drew herself up and glared at Tilda. “Stop lying to me. This is my treat. Just how bad is your financial situation?”

  Tilda closed her eyes with a look of despair. “Very bad. I can’t find enough work. I’m going to have to sell the house and find something cheaper.”

  Branwyn slapped both her hands down on the table, causing Tilda to open her eyes in surprise. “No, you are not! Have you lost your mind? If you need help, ask.”

  The waiter returned with the tarts and then brought fresh steaming cups of tea. Branwyn noticed several of the other customers looking at the two of them. Tilda had a stubborn, almost angry look now, so Branwyn decided to take a different approach. She left her tart untouched as she watched Tilda rapidly consume hers.

  “You need work that you can do at your house, correct?”

  “Yes. If I had a regular job, then I would have to hire someone to look after the children. That’s expensive.”

  “And you are still doing sewing work?”

  “Yes. I also do laundry for a couple of people, but it’s not enough.”

  Branwyn looked at her friend’s sad face. She’s also a very good cook. That’s really what she should be doing. She made a mental note to ask if the cafe needed another cook.

  After trying one bite of her tart and finding it delicious, Branwyn pushed the bowl across the table, saying, “You can have this.” Tilda hesitated, but then began to eat it. She must have been starving herself. “I will speak with Asria, Oliver, and Sabrina on your behalf. We will try to send some business your way.”

  Tilda stopped eating and lowered her head. “Thank you, Branwyn. You’re right. I do need help.”

  Branwyn sipped her tea as Tilda finished the second tart. After paying the bill, Branwyn pointed at her friend. “Now promise me that you won’t go and sell you house while I’m away.”

  Tilda smiled sheepishly. “I promise. Thank you, Branwyn.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She only had time that day to send notes to people, but when she returned she was going to make certain that Tilda and her children had enough to live on. After all, Branwyn was a Priestess of Arwon, and helping people was her job.

  14

  ‡ Branwyn ‡

  The trip upriver to the Witch’s City took longer than expected due to a weak tailwind. It was nearly mid-morning when the Novox ship Remembrance finally settled into its berth. She and Hanna had been given a cabin, and Branwyn felt well-rested when she awoke.

  The trip cost her nothing, including the breakfast that she and Hanna ate with some of the crew in the small galley. It was a perk provided by Celebern for some of his friends and associates. Even though she had grown up with Celebern, Branwyn didn’t really like accepting charity from him. She didn’t insist on paying, but she did use her magical powers to heal two of the crew as a way of paying for her passage.

  Branwyn felt somewhat nostalgic as she gazed out at the curved wall that surrounded the Witch’s City. She had lived there for many years, and it was where her daughter had been born. But she liked the small city she lived in now and was proud of her position there. It had been an opportunity too good to pass up.

  Hanna said little during the trip despite Branwyn’s efforts to draw her out. But she did look happy.
Hanna was looking forward to seeing both her father and his current wife. Branwyn still marveled at how well Tilda and Carlinda got along. It was almost like Hanna and her brother had two mothers.

  Hanna joined her at the railing, dressed all in dark brown as always. She pointed and said, “Almera.”

  Branwyn looked, and sure enough, Almera was standing near where the gangplank was being manhandled into place. She was wearing one of her expensive dresses—blue with vertical white stripes—and waving. Branwyn was dressed simply; she hadn’t even brought her priestess robes. She and Hanna both waved back.

  “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting?” were Almera’s first words when the two of them reached her. Branwyn found her mock indignation amusing but was concerned because she could tell that Almera had used makeup to disguise the dark circles under her eyes.

  “No, Almera. How long?” asked Branwyn with her own mocking smile.

  Almera hugged each of them before saying, “Thank you for coming, Branwyn. Hello, Hanna. If I had known you were coming, I would have asked Carlinda to come here with me.”

  Hanna simply nodded and said, “Hello,” in a quiet voice.

  Almera smiled at Hanna. “We will head to the Temple of Arwon first and leave you with Carlinda. Is that all right?”

  Hanna nodded, and the three of them set off. Almera spoke only of recent events in the city and Branwyn followed her lead. When they arrived at the temple, Carlinda ran down the stairs and hugged Hanna, clearly delighted to see her. Branwyn went inside and had a quick word with Preston. He was happy to see her and made a request that she promptly agreed to. She had served at his temple for many years, and she thought of him almost as a father in many respects.

  As the two of them walked away to the west, Branwyn asked, “Have there been any changes since you wrote the letter?”

  “Draymund and I are finally back to sleeping together, but we still have some issues. Audrey and Saxloc are hopeless. I’m also concerned about Rosalind. She eats more than any of us but never gains weight. She says that is normal for her.”

  “That is not normal,” insisted Branwyn. “Anyone will gain weight if they eat too much. I’ll examine her.”

  “Thank you, Branwyn. And thank you for coming. We need help, and I’d rather receive it from a friend.”

  “I am happy to help.” Branwyn smiled at her old friend. “I am going to be returning here in early Summer with Valwyn and Petra. And guess where we will be staying.”

  “That’s fine. You know you’re welcome to stay with us anytime. And with luck, Rosalind will be gone by then. We’ve already found a place that will be perfect for her.”

  “Good. Now tell me what is going on between you and Draymund.”

  Almera sighed. “That is a long story.”

  “I’ve got time. Talk.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Cinda was hard at work fixing lunch in the mansion’s kitchen when someone unfamiliar entered. The woman was a half-elf of perhaps forty years with a slight build and an unremarkable face, but with lovely shoulder-length blond hair. She carried herself with a definite air of confidence.

  “Hello!” the woman called out as she walked up smiling. “Don’t tell me that Almera has hired a cook.”

  “She has not,” stated Cinda as she ceased kneading the bread dough. She bowed formally. “I am Cinda av Louisa. Who, pray tell, am I speaking with?”

  “I’m Branwyn. I’m an old friend of Almera and Draymund’s.”

  “Priestess Branwyn,” said Cinda as she smiled broadly. “Lady Almera mentioned that she had written to you for assistance. It is an honor to meet you.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Branwyn paused in thought. “You’re Audrey’s friend, right? The courtesan?”

  “I am. I frequently come here on odd-numbered days for lunch before my class at Xlee’s Martial Arts Academy.”

  Branwyn nodded. “Is Aurelia still running Desires?”

  “Yes,” replied Cinda, surprised. “But she has announced her intention to retire at the end of this year.”

  “That will make Lilina happy. I knew both of them back when I was a priestess here.”

  “I see.”

  “What can you tell me about Audrey’s issues?”

  Cinda was worried about her friend and pleased by Branwyn’s interest. She resumed kneading the dough as she spoke. “Lady Grasapa moved Audrey to the advanced Shorinken class not long ago, and she has had difficulty adjusting. She has become quite discouraged.”

  “Isn’t that early to be moving someone to the advanced class?” asked Branwyn.

  “Normally yes, but Audrey is most skilled. She is also receiving Shorinken combat training.”

  The woman’s surprise was evident. “Then I think I need to speak to Grasapa before talking with Audrey.”

  “I think that is wise. Following our meal, I shall be proceeding to Xlee’s Martial Arts Academy. Would you care to accompany me, Priestess Branwyn?”

  “Yes, provided things are under control here. What are you fixing for lunch?”

  “Vegetable soup and bread. Some of the vegetables were grown here.”

  “That’s perfect. I’ll give you a hand. I’m a decent cook, but not as good as Almera.”

  “Nor am I,” Cinda confessed. “I come here partly to converse and partly to improve my own cooking skills.”

  “Good. Pretend I’m your assistant. Tell me what to do, and also about yourself.”

  “Do you intend to counsel me as well?” asked Cinda with a raised eyebrow.

  “Only if necessary. Let’s get to it.”

  As they worked, Branwyn told her what she had discovered about Rosalind, and Cinda was moved to tears.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Audrey was in a bad mood as she worked on sewing a seat cushion from some fabric she had gotten cheap. She was tired of sitting on hard wooden chairs, including the one she was sitting on in her sewing room at the moment.

  She had skipped her class the day before without telling anyone. Audrey hated the class that Grasapa had put her in, but she couldn’t bring herself to just quit. She didn’t want to give it up. She wanted to go back to individual instruction and her old beginner class. She loved Shorinken training, but she actively disliked all of her fellow students in her new class with the exception of Kora, who kept trying to talk to her and help her. But Audrey just didn’t see any solution.

  A knock on her front door caused Audrey to curse and throw down what she had been working on. “If it’s Saxloc again,” she muttered, “I really am going to break some of his bones.” She stomped out to the front room, yanked the door open, and then stared in surprise at Branwyn, who was smiling placidly and holding a folded piece of paper in her left hand.

  “I see you are having some anger issues,” said Branwyn as she walked forward.

  Audrey automatically stepped aside to let her enter and then closed the door. “Why are you here?” she asked, instantly regretting her nasty tone.

  Branwyn glanced around casually. “Nice place. Almera asked me to come here to help. And that includes you since you still live here.” She held out the paper. “Here. It’s your new class schedule.”

  “What?” Audrey grabbed it out of her hand and looked it over. It was recognizably in Grasapa’s handwriting, and it was a surprise. “I’m teaching the morning beginner class with Randolf?” she asked. He was one of the advanced students that resented her.

  “Yes. I suggested it and Grasapa concurred. Randolf also agreed. This will let you get used to one another. Later, you may be paired with other students. And eventually, you will be in the advanced class again. And comfortable, I hope.”

  Audrey’s anger at Branwyn’s interference was rapidly fading. It was a reasonable plan, and it might help. And besides, Randolf was kind of handsome. “Okay,” she said with a resigned smile. “I’ll start tomorrow.”

  Branwyn smiled and crossed her arms. “You are invited to dinner at the mansion this evening. Can you be dressed by th
en?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

  Audrey glanced down guiltily. It was mid-afternoon and she was still wearing her nightgown and robe. She hadn’t even washed her face or brushed her hair. “I think I can manage that,” she replied sheepishly.

  “Good, because I’m cooking it. I’ll see you later.”

  After Branwyn let herself out, Audrey took a long bath and then dressed and groomed herself. She finished the cushion and fastened it to the chair she had been sitting in. It was ugly, but reasonably comfortable.

  On her way to the mansion, Audrey stopped and stared in amazement as two kittens ran across the path in front of her and disappeared under a bush. One was gray with dark stripes, and the other black-and-white. A female cat had obviously gotten onto the grounds, and there was no doubt who the father was.

  Audrey smiled happily as she continued her walk. Things were looking up.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  To ensure that Rosalind didn’t overhear them, Branwyn decided to meet with the others in Draymund and Almera’s private sitting area. She wasn’t surprised that Audrey and Saxloc were sitting far apart. She still needed to address why the two of them were fighting, but first, she needed to speak with Saxloc. Almera and Draymund were sitting close together on the sofa, which was certainly encouraging.

  “There is a reason that Rosalind is so thin and has been unable to put on weight,” began Branwyn, automatically slipping into her preaching voice. “She is ill, and it is not something recent. It is also something subtle and not easily detected. Rosalind’s body simply does not absorb nutrition from food properly.”

  “Is that why she’s so short?” asked Audrey, clearly distraught.

  “Yes, almost certainly. Rosalind told me that her parents were of average height and that her brother was tall. She also told me that there have been others in her family that were abnormally short and skinny. This ailment is something that she inherited.”