Ellipsis - Creators of Six #1

by Jacob White

  “Let’s continue to drink and hopefully we can all forget about the moment that just occurred.” I said as Anna came up behind me.

  “If I’m going, to be honest…You made a terrible mistake.”

  “Anna...”

  “But your mother would have done the same. She would be proud of you.” Anna said as she ran her hand along my back.

  “Thank you.” We finally returned to our drinks and continued to drink long into the night.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Weaver's Offer

  Weeks passed without any incident that I would call devastating other than Anna going out more often. Perhaps it was to see a lover— not that it was my business. I hadn’t actually picked up on how many conversations of ‘I’m right, you’re wrong’ my mother handled. That was until I was the one at the other end. Most were just arguments over time spent or how the food was garbage. I didn’t take the food taste to heart considering it was always this way. I looked up from the mug I was drying and called Anna over from the other side of the bar.

  “There’s something I have meant to ask you.” I said, looking around at everything other than her face.

  “Anything.” The corners of her mouth raised to meet the curiosity in her eyes.

  “Well, as you have noticed I’m worthless when it comes to… well, all the things around here. I feel like I am barely holding this place together and sure, it’s more to piss off Edmund more than anything. However, considering this fact, I would like you to co-run the Yezmon with me.” I didn't know how to react as her mouth fell back into a straight line.

  “Weaver… I don’t know what to say.”

  “Look it’s not anything special, we are practically running it together anyway. But I do notice that many of the girls deal with you a bit more comfortably than me. I know it’s just because of my handsomeness. I do seem godly, I imagine.” Anna sucked in a puff of air, giving me a glimpse of her sarcasm.

  “I’m glad you are ever so humble.” Then the glimpse vanished. I found myself taking a step back to prepare for her next words. “Look, Weaver, I know this place wasn’t always your dream. I know what you did for me and how you treat all the girls as well as one could.” I turned to only show half of my face as the weight of my body became supported by the top of the bar.

  “But…. You can’t help me run the place.” Her hand found my shoulder.

  “It isn’t that I don’t want too or can’t. We both know I’d do anything I could for you but just not this. I’m not sure how much longer I might even be around.” I turned my face towards her. Anna’s eyes held small tears but at this moment, I don't know why I couldn't feel sorry for her.

  “What do you mean?” Slightly stunned and angry at the same time. Anna must have picked up on it as she removed her hand letting them fall to her sides. A man walked towards the bar but was still sober enough to read the situation. I heard a faint whistle as he focused elsewhere.

  “Weaver, I might be getting an offer to apprentice as a servant. For the mage’s school inside the castle here in Herosi” Her eyes went to the floor, but it wasn't out of sadness, she had the look of a child caught stealing.

  “Great, good luck. Let me know before you plan to leave us.” I couldn’t think of anything else to say. My words came out tarter than it should have but she was leaving me, and she hadn’t even mentioned to me. She was all I had left, and even she was going to leave me.

  “Weaver, it’s not for—”

  “If you could close tonight, I’d appreciate it.” I walked out behind the bar and into the cold nights’ air. I wrapped my hands around my shoulders for added warmth considering I was a fool and forgot my cloak and furs.

  My focus followed my steps that left imprints in the snow-covered streets. Time became a blur, until the sun dipped below the horizon. I found myself far from the Yezmon and close to the cities walls from the looks of it. Usually I’m awed by what man could create with their hands, Herosi being one of those marvels. Tonight, however I didn’t find beauty in much which directed me to the poor region of the city. I walked into a tavern on the other side of the city named “Tarnished”. It didn’t resemble the beauty I thought about. Not that I cared. I was here to drink.

  “Can I get a mug and another one to follow?” I asked a barmaid as I set down at one of the tables.

  “Are you able to pay?” I knew she couldn’t judge based on my appearance since my hair was a mess and I was wet from the snow. I put a silver on the table without even looking at her. I heard the scratch off silver leaving the table and then picked raised my head up to look around. The bar wasn’t overly busy but by no means empty. The floor was slightly dirty with dust and water men had dragged in. It wasn’t decorated or adorned with kills from the surrounding lands. The biggest benefit was a huge hearth flaming high at the back of the room. It was far away enough not to make me cringe at the heat, but at the same time keep me warm.

  The barmaid returned with my ale. “Did you want any supper?” I nodded and received a basic beef stew with bread soon after. The food was fresh, but I assumed it was only because I severely overpaid, but still a small win.

  Hours seemed to pass by as the bar emptied. For each guest who left I had drank an ale to match. I grabbed the barmaids arm as she walked by. “Any available rooms?” She motioned with her head towards the elderly man behind the bar. I stood, slightly stumbling my way over. “Excuse me good man. I’d like to get a room.”

  “You’re the lad who paid with a silver. One more and it’s yours.” I regretted paying as I did before because he knew or thought I had money now. Knowing he was taking advantage, I still reluctantly obliged.

  “The last one on the left,” I grunted in response. He was lucky he got a response at all considering how drunk I was. I stumbled over to the stairs “Do you require any company for the night young sir?” I stood there and thought as my hand rested on the railing of the stairs. I had never once partaken of the services I had inherited. However tonight I didn’t want to be alone, so I flicked the barkeep another silver. A considerable achievement considering I was debating about pissing on the floor right there due to my current state.

  I headed up on to my room, and shut the door. I found the camber pot as soon as I walked in. There was a light tap on the door.

  “Yep, this here be the room of the illustrious Weaver!” A small laugh came from the other side of the door and same barmaid from dinner entered the room. Who looked much more beautiful now than when I entered. She was holding steaming buckets of hot water and gave me a slight bow. I returned the gesture causing me to miss the chamber pot for a moment. She went over behind a screen to the large copper bath that was kept in place by metal bands latched to the floor. It was strange, I couldn’t imagine anyone stealing a heavy tub.

  I stumbled my way over to the corner of the room as I undressed. She filled up the water and ushered me to get in. Warmth surrounded me as my body was overcome by the water. I sighed and closed my eyes with my back to the woman. The tub was filled with more and more water adding to the comfort. I heard the door close, and something dropped to the floor. I was almost asleep, so I didn’t bother to turn around. The water splashed even higher and out of the copper bathtub. The barmaid decided to climb in with me.

  “That’s really not—” I stopped short after I saw her face and how red she looked. Her slightly lowered eyes and raised arms covering herself. I’ve seen it many times before knowing how embarrassed she must have felt.

  “It's fine young master. Most men aren’t even as nice as you, so I am grateful for at least that.” She worked up a lather of soap on me and scrubbed me from head to toe. I tucked it in the back of my mind that this should be added as to a normal routine in the Yezmon. I could increase the cost over time to account for the cost of firewood to heat up the water.

  “What is your name?” I asked as my body rocked from side to side from the firm cleaning.

  “Les, Les is fine.” I nodded knowing it probably wasn’t tru
e, but I was too drunk to take offense.

  “I’m Weaver, and… um… thanks for this. The cleaning, I mean. It’s been a rough couple of months since my mother passed.”

  “You’re welcome, Weaver, and thank you for being kind. It doesn’t happen often. Also, I’m sorry for your loss.” Her statement was kind but still lacked the emotion I wish it was filled with. She got out and grabbed a drying cloth from the screen and held it out. Slowly understanding, I stood up and walked into the towel. She wrapped it around me and lit a small brazier near the end of the bed. I climbed into bed without putting any clothes on. My first reaction wasn’t to the beautiful maid who was stark naked and climbing in next to me. It was that I couldn’t seem to get over how soft the sheets were.

  “How are these sheets so soft?” I asked. Taken back, she laughed.

  “I’m sorry I don’t mean to be rude, just that I have never heard that before.”

  “Sorry, never mind.”

  “It’s no trouble. I wash them with lavender,” she said with a smile that wasn’t half bad. Convinced to embarrass myself further, I then stuck my nose into the sheets and took a big sniff. She laughed again at my actions.

  “I’m a man of simple tastes.” I matched her own smile. She pulled the thick blanket to her shoulders and shuffled closer.

  “Well as a man of simple tastes I should tell you that I do not mind for once what I must do.” She whispered then she kissed me softly. It felt amazing. I have kissed women before but that was the extent of my actual experience. Another felling came over me. It was guilt. I pulled back thinking of the Yezmon. Startled, she sat back up and pulled the sheets to her neck.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…” She trailed off.

  “No, no. It’s nothing to do with your actions. Your lips are exquisite.” The only compliment that came to mind. I’m not sure that most women would appreciate a compliment on how soft her breasts felt considering where my eyes darted. “I fully intended to go through with the uh… services. It’s just now that I am here, I’m not so sure I can do this.”

  “Is this your first time?”

  “No. well yes. But that’s not why.” She looked as she waited for the rest of the explanation. “More than anything I just didn’t want to feel alone tonight.” The conversation with Anna flashed in my mind.

  “Okay, should I leave then?” Les said with a lifted eyebrow not knowing what to make of the situation.

  “No, that wouldn’t make sense after my confession just now. However, if you wouldn’t mind, could you stay the night, with no expectations?” I looked away realizing how foolish I sounded turning down a woman I had paid for.

  She turned over and scooted her backside towards me, itching for heat. “If you wouldn’t mind, Weaver, I’d rather not be freezing. So, if you could put your arm around me, I’d appreciate it.” My smile was wasted on her back, but I obeyed happily. “Thank you.”

  “Both of you are quite welcome.” Now I was grateful I only viewed her back. The heat in my face quickly became sufficient in keeping me warm.

  “Weaver, if you don’t mind me asking, how did you get these scars?” Slim but rough fingers slid into mine. Not sure how to answer went with my mother’s default response.

  “A horse decide I was too attractive to let go. She wanted to take me across the county in a romantic ride. Only downside, I wasn't in the saddle.” I hoped she would not press further. It seemed a sufficient answer as then rest of the time was silent as we both nodded off at the feel of each other’s warmth.

  I awoke to the sound of light breathing and the touch of bare skin touching my own. Without wanting to startle Les, I flicked my legs in the bed creating the blanket to ruffle to show that I was awake.

  “Morning.” She turned around with a smile on her face, looking back at me.

  “Good morning, Weaver,” She said as the sunlight hit her from the one window in the room.

  “I’m sorry about last night. I am dealing with awkward circumstances.” I said, worried that I made a bad impression being shy.

  “Weaver.” She held up a hand. “Please don’t apologize. There is nothing to be sorry for. It was actually quite nice.” She stood and slowly dressed in front of me. I could tell her movements were slower, but I wasn’t about to complain. After she started towards the door, she then stopped and turned around. “Also, if you felt the need not to be alone again, I would be more than willing to… help again.”

  She smiled at that last part, and as if it was a contagious sickness, mine also came to form. Now having my wits back, I could see she was quite pretty. The low light of Tarnished held her homely beauty at bay. She had full breasts, gentle eyes of brown that matched her hair that fell past her shoulders. I couldn’t suppress the thought of us repeating last night.

  “I will, and I should like to.” She gave another short bow as she walked out shutting the door.

  I got and dressed through my raging headache and headed downstairs. There wasn't a soul in sight and I was happy there wasn’t. I thought back to Les and felt satisfied how we had left things. I wasn’t eager to mess it up with me being sober.

  CHAPTER THREE

  A Failed Surprise

  I found my way back to the Yezmon and pushed the back door open. Something was off. Solidifying my guess, all the girls were in the social area sitting at the tables with their heads down and looking to me with tears and concern. Anna strode over to me with flared nostrils. She leads me behind the baths and back outside next to a small section we used for firewood and my mother’s ceremony.

  “Where in Gibi’s balls were you?” She yelled, looking up at me with hands on her hips. I am a head taller and would be humorous if it was a different situation.

  “Why should it concern you?” I hid the shame of my question on my face. More than anyone, she deserved to know from the way I left.

  “Really, hmm, if you don’t give two shits about me, how about the 3 girls who were beaten so bad they had to go to the healer in the middle of the night.”

  Seeing I was off-kilter, she backed away turned around and ran her hands through her chin length hair. Seething, I clasped my hands so tight I could feel my nails beginning to break skin.

  “Who?”

  “Who do you think? The girls were all given the same message.” I yelled a bit louder than I had intended but I didn’t care at that point.

  “Well, are you going to tell me a message or just stand there hoping I can pick it from your mind?” She turned on me with a dark scowl on her face and clenched hands matching my own. She spoke through her gritted teeth.

  “The message is, ‘remember that actions have consequences, boy.” As soon as the ‘boy’ came from her lips, I knew who it was.

  “Edmond.” I snapped. Without waiting another second, I stormed back inside and told all the girls to go to their rooms, assuring them that there would be no service tonight. After the girls had found their rooms, Anna came from behind me and grabbed my hand to swing me to face her.

  “Don’t do this, Weaver. It will only become worse.” I stared at her and Flo who came to stand beside her. Anna’s eyes shut knowing where Flo’s support would lay.

  Flo looked to me. “Cut his balls off.”

  I nodded taking my hand back and stormed outside before anyone could follow.

  It had taken a bit over an hour before the stench found my nostrils.

  “The establishment mimics the man I suppose.” I muttered. All the anger that had washed away from the walk, arose once again. Edmund must have been expecting me, two crossed armed burley men were pushing their intimidation to all the on lookers. Before I was seen, I tiptoed into an alley. I stopped right before considering how ridiculous I looked. The buildings were close enough, so I could climb up and have access to the neighboring roof. Peeking over, I didn’t see anything, and I went over the slanted roof more and saw two balconies with doors open.

  Right before I was about to make a rash choice, a woman came outside to throw a bla
nket over the side. Once out of sight I prepared for the jump.

  “Good thing I was going to the other one,” I mumbled, trying to convince myself that it wasn’t my first choice.

  My backside felt every bump or disfigurement of the roof on my way down. I reached the edge and took another look around. After some false attempts I finally made myself jump into the room.

  I was blinded temporarily by the curtains flowing into my face. Flailing like I was a crazy seer, I worked my way out of them. Crouching down, I behaved as if the last act didn’t happen and I didn’t miss a step at my stealth attempt. I stalked the small room doing my best not to make noise. I had only been there once when I was younger, and I hoped that Edmund hadn’t changed his usual room. I cracked the door open and waited for any movement. Nothing, I continued and edged into the hallway rubbing my sore back against the door frame. I hastened my pace and was at a jog as I hit Edmund’s door with my shoulder. Considering how dilapidated the place was, I perhaps should have ran a little slower. I smashed through the flimsy door in the hall, creating splinters where the lock once was. I found myself looking up to a naked woman and the back of Edmund.

  A woman jumped up naked from the bed trying to get her bearings, looking from Edmund to me. She darted past me, allowing me to slam the door. It bounced back hitting my back forgetting I had smashed the lock. Refusing to show my lack of confidence after that, I walked forward and noticed another small detail. Edmund was fully dressed and looking outside.

  “Hello, boy.”

  “Why?” was all I could manage to get out after I came possessed by anger at the sound of his voice.

  “Because a debt was owed and hell, I just wanted to because I hate you and your mother.” He turned to face me while his arms remained behind his back. He was smiling that same ugly yellow smile and that only threw wood on the fire raging inside of me. Coming from nowhere. A wave came over urging me in my mind to calm myself.