prisoner (shadow & bone)

Chapter Fourteen

AT THE PUB

Once Inej had left, Kaz decided they should wait downstairs, in the pub. Jesper had instantly agreed, knowing that he would be able to play poker, and dashed out of the door, leaving Tatia alone with Kaz.

Tatia smiled and agreed, and was about to follow after Jesper when she was stopped by Kaz's crow cane.

"What's wrong?" he asked, brows furrowing.

Tatia's cheeks reddened; he would surely laugh at her if she told him. But if she lied to him, she would feel too guilty. This man finally trusted her and allowed her to travel with him and his friends. She could never betray his trust like that.

"It's just..." Tatia shifted uncomfortably. "I've never really been in the outside world before. Places here are always so crowded... Usually, whenever there were too many people in the same place, Aleksander would keep me close and make sure I was okay, but..." she trailed off and looked down.

Kaz's eyes were surprisingly gentle as he spoke. "Then allow me to escort you," he said. "I'll make sure you are comfortable and that no one gets too close. How does that sound?"

Tatia looked up at him gratefully. "That sounds perfect. Thank you."

Kaz nodded at her before gesturing for her to go first, which she did. The two of them descended the stairs that led to the pub, and Tatia didn't know where to look first.

There was a bar, and so many tables, and lots of people who all looked different and wore different clothes. She was so distracted by everything that she didn't even notice Kaz gently nudging her along with his cane, slowly pushing her forward until they reached an empty table.

Tatia sat down at the same time as he did, not taking her eyes off the scene around her.

Kaz couldn't help but feel pity for the girl. She had been locked away for so many years that even the simplest of things around her could fascinate her. And he didn't even know of the Fjerdan camps she had been in.

Jesper had joined them for a while, pointing and explaining everything to a still awe-struck Tatia, and making her laugh every once in a while. But when he went back to his poker game, it was just Tatia gazing at everything with wonder in her eyes and Kaz, glaring at everyone who got too close for Tatia's comfort.

One man in particular seemed to be glancing at Tatia a little too often, and Kaz was about to get up and say something about it when the man came over himself.

He was obviously drunk - his breath smelled like alcohol and his eyes seemed unfocussed.

"There you are, lass," he slurred, grinning.

Tatia jumped at the sound of his voice and tensed; it was the man that had called after her when she had still been running from the crows. Kaz noticed her reaction and gripped his cane tightly.

"Why'd you run off, lass?" the man continued, swaying on his feet. "My pals and I were so disappointed-"

"Leave," Kaz said harshly, his eyes flashing dangerously at the man. Even in his intoxicated state, the man winced at the severity in Kaz's voice.

"Easy there," he chuckled. "Jus' asking the pretty lady if-"

"Did you not hear what I said?" Kaz's voice had lowered, giving it a more threatening edge. "Leave."

The man did not seem keen to follow orders, and Kaz snapped his fingers, making eye-contact with a man from security. The burly man took the hint, and he placed a hand on the man's shoulder, keeping him firmly in place.