by Jacob White
“You are a sick and confused man. You talk about debts owed. You don’t even have the courage to come to me to do it, but you take advantage of my girls. You are a coward!” He face twitched at the last word causing him to lose the cocky smile.
“Oh, don’t you worry. If you were there last night, you would have received yours as well. However, I aim to correct this misjudgment on my part, so I am sorry for your girls and their pain.” He threw a bag of coins at my feet. “For the healing cost.”
He lifted his head and looked down his nose making himself look more important than he is.
“You can’t be serious, but if you do want to pay. There is a request for your boiled balls to be cut off.”
“Don’t misunderstand my intentions.” I slowly brought my hands to a close knowing nothing good could come from his intentions. “It’s for you as well.”
On cue, footsteps came out of the room that I had avoiding jumping into. Shit, I’m an idiot. The smile came back to his face.
“Take comfort that you will still live after this, but my dear boy… it will hurt.”
Two sets of arms grabbed at me, and I was able to slip one while punching the other man in the face. His grip loosened but the recovery of the others was faster than I had planned for. Knowing time hadn’t stopped I could help but think a fist hit me below my jaw rattling my entire body. The pain wasn’t as bad as I anticipated, bad news was it was followed by another to my temple. After another kick to my leg, I was supported by my arms to prevent me from laying on the ground. A hand gripped at my short hair, so I could face the mastermind of all this. The pain became numb as several men’s knuckles crashed into my ripped bloodied face. My scalp was freed, and I landed face first into my own puddle of blood. Though my swollen eye I could see Edmund congratulating his men on a job well done. I tried to crawl forward, but every muscle in my body screamed in agony. I tried to yell his name, Instead I spat out a thick globule of blood and part of a cracked tooth. Edmond bent down offering me a look at his smug face.
“Is the message received?” he asked. I snorted but all it accomplished was sending more blood into my throat. Edmund waited until I was finished hacking. I was praying his knees were hurting the longer he was bent. I’ll take a victory where I can get them.
“I don’t remember any words coming from my mouth. Although, I’d wish yours would stop. Your breath is nauseating”
“Stand him up.” Two sets of arms held me. The real pain came into being as my ribs were pounded on by Edmund himself. His last parting gift was the immense pain to come after. I was completely spent as they threw me outside into the snow along with the small sack of gold. It took me some time to stand up, and every inch was more painful than the last. I felt hands on me causing me to jerk away only to find more pain as I did. People just looked and continued to walk on. I even saw a city guard through my swollen eyes, turn and walk the other direction. The hand returned with a lighter touch.
“Get him out of here, and be sure that I don’t need to send another message.” Edmund said as he slammed his door. I was too sore now to get mad at the laughing and mocking coming from behind the door.
“It’s just me, Weaver,” Anna said through clenched teeth. “We have to get you to a healer; you can’t hardly walk.”
I pulled away, gently removing her arm from me. I reached into the bag, and grabbed several coins, and tossed her the bag.
“Leave me be.” I slowly limped away and felt the agonizing pain. I couldn’t even bear to look at Anna’s face. She seemed to pick up on the fact I wanted to keep some of my pride. She left me alone as I staggered along through the snow-ridden streets.
Thankfully ‘Tarnished’ wasn’t that far from where I was, and I could make my way to the door of the tavern. The sun was on the horizon as dusk sat in. I opened the door to see only one filled table. Les was behind the bar as she looked up.
“Welcome, any table is fi—”
“Please,” was all I could muster to say before she was at my side. Relief flooded me at her touch. She glanced carefully at the three men who already appeared to be intoxicated, and they all focused back on the own dealings. We passed the bar just as the Man came around and halted.
“What in Gibi’s name is—” I glared at him, at least I thought I was. I’m not sure how much control I had over my face at the moment, but it did silence him. I then slapped two gold coins on the bar. Quicker of than someone of his stature should be able to move, he swiped up the coins and looked around to make sure nobody saw the transaction. He silently nodded and went to the back just as fast as he came. Thankfully Les wasn’t one to ask questions, but she carefully undressed me and assisted me into the small copper tub. The empty tub left me goosebumps as I sat. Les walked back in with bucket after bucket.
“This is going to be painful and hot, but we have to get you cleaned.” All I could manage was a nod. Then more stars and pain came to me as my body clenched. Luckily the first round of water was the worst. The stinging of the ones that came before were easier was easier to ignore.
Once again, I found myself being cleaned by her gentle touch. She helped me out again and lead me to the bed. She had left and returned holding a torn cloth and some snow in a bucket. She filled one of the scraps and lightly put it on my temple and eye. I took it from her and held it there. Then, began to wrap my ribs after checking if any were broken. I knew there was at least a bruise as the pressure caused a gasp in my breath. My right arm wasn’t much use considering I could barely move without causing me pain. I felt the needle break my skin above my eye and yelped at the pain.
“It will be over soon but after you need rest. I will be downstairs helping with the evening guests, but I will be back to tend to you throughout the night. Just rest now, I will make sure the door is locked.”
“Thank you,” Not being able to see if Les had left or not darkness overcame me faster than I anticipated.
CHAPTER FOUR
Les's Concern
I woke up to moonlight highlighting the floor through the rooms only window. As I moved to slide off the bed, the pain was less sharp, but it was replaced by tenderness and soreness. A cup of water and food was laid out on the table next to the wooden bed. I turned over and once again and smelled the lavender sheets as I groaned to sit up. I ate too fast and had to slow my pace knowing I could throw it all back up.
“Gibi’s balls!” I said aloud to the room as my muscles tightened and shot pain through my body. I made my way over to a small wash basin. I managed to slip a simple white tunic over my head and buttoned the light cloth pants that I already had on when I came. The hard part was tightening my worn boots on, so I gave up and left them untied. I made my way downstairs to a festive tavern. There weren’t any available tables, so I had to sit at the opposite end of the bar. I walked as the other patrons were looking to me or getting the attention of those who weren’t. I sat down to earn a judgmental look from Les.
“Hello, sir, glad you could make your way down. Is there a drink I could get you?” Les said with a fake smile.
“I would love an ale miss, if you could find the time.”
“Course.” She walked to the other end and returned with an ale flowing to the top. I laid three coppers onto the bar top. She took it and continued to the other guests. Over the night our interactions were repeated but she refused to get me more than two drinks and I was in no position to argue. After an hour or two I headed back upstairs and left the noise of the tavern behind. I must have got into bed and fell asleep again because I was woken by the door being shut followed by a quiet voice.
“Weaver, why are you up?” Knowing that it was Les who asked the question, I sat up with a grin on my face.
“Just waiting for my fulfillment of services,” Sarcasm filled my voice.
“Is that so?” Not being able to hold back a laugh, my ribs instantly caught fire. Les came over to me to help me situate myself on the bed again. She started to check the bruising and stitches on my face.
“Weaver, I’m sorry to cause you more pain, but I need to clean the wounds again.”
“Do your worse. It's not as if you could do more damage.” She smiled at that and left the room just to come back with a clean cloth, water, and another bucket of snow.
“Just try to stay as still as you can,” she said over her shoulder as she set the supplies next to the wide bed.
“I’ll try to, but it might be hard when you’re the face I have to stare into.”
“Oh, so he’s a charmer when he is beat to death?” She sat next to me on the bed as she started singing a simple song. I know it was to distract me and it worked considering all I could do was compare it to Anna’s voice. It wasn’t near as beautiful but still soothing. I grunted and scowled throughout her work. Just as quick as she came, she had run off with all the bloodied water and left-over cloth. After a while, she came back into the room and filled the tub again.
“Well, Mr. Charmer, get your backside out of bed and into the tub.”
She walked over and helped me to get up and remove my clothes. Once again, the soothing heat of the water washed over me as I sat.
“You're evil.”
“Oh, I know,” Les said as she sat beside the tub with soaps and a cloth to wash. Once again, she gently took care of me and I had to force down the thoughts that were triggered by her closeness. Once again, she looked at me with a smile and led me to the bed.
“Les… I’m not sure how to thank you—” She interrupted with a sudden kiss on the lips. Just as fast she pulled away.
“You have nothing to thank me for. I’m glad I was able to repay the kindness you showed me.” She started to blush slightly, and I put my forehead against hers. We drifted into the night holding each other once again.
I awoke before she did and tried my best not to move as I brushed a loose hair away from her face. At my touch, her eyes opened slowly, with a smile to match. It was as a perfect moment one could expect to have in my current situation. Reluctant to get up, we both rinsed our mouths clean and wash our faces. It had been two days since the epic beating.
“Les, I’m going to have to head back now, I’m pretty sure everything is a mess.” Her head slightly tilted to the side. “Sorry, get back to my establishment,” I said, careful not to give up too much information not wanting to scare her off.
“Establishment? Your establishment?” I gave a slight nod. “You mean I could have been charging you more for my healing services?” She said mockingly.
“Well, I’m sure of a great many things you could have taken advantage of the past days. However, I am still grateful for what you have done for me.” As she was gathering up my clothes and helping me into them, she asked the question I was fearing.
“So, what is this establishment of yours?” A deep sigh left me.
“Remember when I mentioned that my mother had died? It was passed to me, it’s called the Yezmon.” She froze.
“The Yezmon?”
“Yes, do you know it?” I didn’t get a reply as she nervously helped me to get dressed. Her entire demeanor had changed. Eyes became distant and I noticed she tried to keep her hands busy as possible, so I wouldn’t see them shake.
“I’m sorry, Weaver, but I have to ask you not to come back here again.” I was expecting a bad reaction but not this.
“I don’t understand. I know it’s not distinguished work, but I was charged with taking care of those girls and the business.” She stopped and looked at me with tears welling in her eyes.
“Weaver!” was all she could manage until she broke the awkward silence between us. “I am working here for a particular reason.”
“I don’t understand.” I could see she was having a hard time with telling me what she wanted to. She began to pace while rubbing her neck intensely “Les, it’s okay, I don’t care.”
“You don’t understand!”
“Then help me.” I pleaded
“Do you know a man by the name of Edmond?” I feared what was to be mentioned next, I silently nodded. “He is my Father.”
“That doesn... it … make sense” I stammered on “Why, why would you be here?”
“Because he sold me to the man downstairs, claiming it was for my own good. Even though I had to service men here instead of at his. I have no love for the man, Weaver, but you have to understand that he will kill you if he found out about us.”
“Us? You do know he was the one to do this to me?” She didn’t immediately respond. She looked away, flushed in the face.
“Yes, us… or what could have been.” I went to her across the room, and turned her face to mine, and kissed her sweet lips and pulled back.
“Not what could have been but what is.” I whispered.
“This isn’t going to work. He will kill you Weaver, just to get back at me for being born.” I kissed her again except more deeply this time, and our tongues found each other. We both pulled away sucking in air.
“It will be okay. There will be no connection made. I will keep away for a few days since I know I am more than likely being watched due to our recent run in.” Her shoulders slumped and let her forehead fell to the center of my chest. “It’s okay. I had it coming since I punched him straight in the nose.” She let out a small laugh as she covered up her mouth. “Not to mention it’s his money I have been using for your fantastic services anyway,” I said as the corner of my lips lifted upward. She didn’t seem to find it as amusing as I when I found her scowling. I couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. I pulled away and held her at the shoulders.
“We will take it day by day, and if any danger comes to either of us, we will figure it out. If you ever need to leave, come to the Yezmon. There will be a place for you.” I’m sure she misunderstood my words once she began to speak again.
“Excuse me? Why would I—” I interrupted her with another kiss.
“As a barkeep.” I laughed. “I promise nothing more, unless... I need washing.” Catching on, she put her head against my chest and wrapped her arms around me.
“I’m not sure you could afford me anyways. I was thinking of raising my service rates now I know you’re a business man.”
With smiles on our faces and hope slightly pushing out the last few months. We reluctantly pulled away from each other and went downstairs. Making sure the room was empty, I kissed her again before I walked away into the cold and headed back towards my inheritance.
CHAPTER FIVE
The Hired Men
I walked through the doors of the Yezmon only to find it silent. I sighed with relief. I stepped to the far back room where my room was and found Anna awake and sitting on her bed.
“Welcome back. You look better.”
“Yea, Thanks. The healers did what they could,” I said with a little guilt poking at me from the inside.
“Listen, Weaver, about—” I put a hand up to stop her and then sat down on my own bed.
“Just hold on until I say my piece, okay?” She nodded giving me permission to continue “You know how much you mean to the girls and me here. I’d be a fool not to recognize an asset. But... I feel like you are the only family I have left. And I… and I love you. I’m sure you know this.”
“Weav—” I raised my hand again.
“I know how great of an opportunity this is and since I care about you. I want you to go.” As the words left, a wave of sadness swept over me. “So, as of today, you no longer work here. You are more than welcome to stay until—” Her arms reached around me. Pain seeped in from my torn body, but I only wrapped my arms around her as she stood in front of me. Tears ran down her cheeks.
“I love you, too, Weaver. You have done so much for me that I could never repay. I assure you if one day I can, I will.” I nodded as she slightly pulled away and kept both hands on my face. Then bent down to kiss me. Startled, I didn’t pull back.
“I wanted you to be the first person I kissed even though I’m sure you hated it, but it was important to me. You need to know whate
ver happens you will always be in my heart.”
“Whatever happens?” I said confused. “You’re just going to the pal—”
“Just take a compliment.” I laughed and laid on my bed.
“Changing the subject altogether, are the girls okay? The ones, you know.…”
“Yes, they are okay. Shaken, but okay. I told them that they could have some time off. You know, as my last order and all.” She gave a small laugh.
“Thank you, and I mean for everything.”
“You're more than welcome, Weaver. I will come and visit you know.”
“What? And soil your new shoes coming into an establishment like this? I won’t have it.” I said. Then there was a long silence between us.
“Goodnight Weaver.”
“You to, try not to dream of me.” I heard her light chuckle. More tired than I had realized I easily found my own dreams.
That evening I took the bar alone. Anna had left that afternoon after saying all her goodbyes. It was a sudden and sad moment for us all. I hadn’t realized she would leave so soon but we took comfort that she had a chance to better her life. The mood in the Yezmon that night reflected what had happened. After the sun, had set, I had started to severely fall behind on the bar due to my injuries still healing. Then, like a prayer being answered, the door opened and Les stood at the entryway. I looked to the tables scattered across the dark room only lit by lanterns on the wall. Men shouted for her to close the door as she was letting the heat out and she quickly obliged. Laughter and chatter resumed and Les walked over behind the bar with a bag in her hand.
“Are you ok? Did something happen?”
“No but Does the offer still stand?”
“Of course, but on one condition.”
“Yes…”
“You put that backside to work because I might nearly die again.” She gave a huge smile.
“Maybe I could come back later, so I could stitch you up again.” I just stared at her. Thankfully she was like a beast on a prowl and nullified any amount of work I had to do, and I was beyond thankful. After the majority of patrons had left, and the ones who were tucked in upstairs with their love for the night or hour. I introduced her around to all who weren’t occupied. I imagined in my mind of the revolt that might occur if they found out about her father. I could tell she was worried at first that I might mention it. I have more brains than that considering he has quite the reputation in the Yezmon for being a waste of space in our fair kingdom. I showed her to the back room where Anna used to sleep across from me.
