Silver Blood

Chapter 21

They all peeked at the bar, Roan sucking in a breath. Bellon leaned against the bar, talking to the bartender. His face darkened with each new shrug the bartender gave him.

"He'll see us if we try to go through the front door," Asha said. The bartender shrugged to whatever Bellon asked. "And we have to pass by the bar to leave."

The bar maid approached their table, unaware of the tension hanging over them. She took Roan's empty plate, leaving Lorana to finish the last few bites on hers.

Keelan thanked her and slipped her an extra coin. "Would it be all right if we go out the back door? A man who has been harassing my cousin just came in and I'd rather he not see her." He gestured to Lorana. If the bar maid thought it odd they looked nothing alike from his golden blond hair to Lorana's dark brunette hair, she didn't say. Keelan leaned closer and dropped his voice a notch. "He's terribly jealous over her recent engagement. Won't let it go." He was a great actor, Lorana had to give him that one. She could see how he could be a good merchant when given the chance.

"Of course." She gave Lorana a look of sympathy. "It's the door right back there." She pointed to the door at the back, two tables directly behind them.

"Perfect, thank you."

The bar maid whisked away their dishes just as Bellon turned from the bar.

"No time," Asha said as he melted into the darkness behind their table. For a moment Lorana couldn't help but gape at how seamlessly he used his magic. Roan's low curse pushed her into action. She wrapped her arms about his shoulders, pulling him into the shadows with her. Bellon's attention turned to the table beside them. Finding no one of interest, his attention moved to Keelan.

Keelan reached for his drink, taking a slow sip of it, keeping his gaze forward toward the windows and away from the bar. Most windows were covered to prevent Orva's setting flame from casting harsh light into the eyes of the diners. The light had already grown dimmer since they'd arrived and the fire was no longer enough light. The bar maids would need to light the candles soon, but until then the dim light deepened the shadows.

Bellon started toward Keelan. Roan wiggled against Lorana, trying to fight her magic. She tightened her hold and poured the rest of her strength into covering them in darkness. Asha's magic reached out to hers. She didn't fight him as his magic crept through hers, evening hers out. The magic struck her as oddly familiar. She could tell it wasn't hers, and yet it felt so much like her own magic. The familiarity calmed her, reminded her she may not know how to use her magic to the best effect, but Asha did.

Magic seeped off Keelan. With it came a light, fresh scent that reminded her of spring air with a faint floral undertone she couldn't place. Nature magic. The only magic that carried a smell to it. She'd no idea he was a nature bearer. She wondered where his talents lie, but she supposed whatever it was didn't matter. In a tavern nature magic wouldn't be much help, but it could hide her and Asha's magic.

"Where's Minimer?" Bellon asked as he reached the table, his gruff voice full of impatience.

Gods bless Keelan, he feigned surprise perfectly, his eyes widening a touch and his lips parting as he looked up at Bellon. Keelan twisted in his seat to see him better. Bellon's attention strayed across Keelan's mostly empty dish and Lorana's plate, several vegetables smothered in sauce still left. Praise the bar maid for having taken the other plates in time.

"He went to the market," Keelan said. He sipped at his water, looking every bit a bored servant waiting on his master.

Bellon's nose twitched. "And he left you behind all alone at this big table?"