The Weaver's Source

Chapter 70

When Ana's shift ended, I waved goodbye to her and returned to the main hall, waiting for Grigore to come for me. When he didn't after a while, a clear sign he wasn't done yet, I gave up and decided to head to the inn on my own, eager to run away from the growing desire to see him, although I instantly regretted it when I got to the steps.

I peered over the sweeping path and balled my hands into a tight fist. It was a long way down and I didn't have Grigore here to help me. I really wanted him there, to make me feel safe as he always did. I was about to turn back and seek him out when Ana came trundling forward.

"Are you okay?" She asked timidly.

I flushed, a little embarrassed of my fear. "I don't like these steps." I said quietly.

She laughed as loudly as she dared which ended up being a soft series of sighs and gently took my hand. "You eventually get used to them but they're safe. I don't recall anyone falling since I moved here."

I took little comfort from that but I gripped her hand tightly as she began to lead me down the crooked steps. "Everything in this city is high up. The snow gets thick in the winter so we need our buildings kept at a distance from the ground." Ana said, trying to keep my mind occupied. "Will you be coming back tomorrow?"

I nodded. "I will. I'll look after you."

The happiness shifted in Ana's expression and her smile became nervous. "I'm sure you will." She stammered.

I wanted to press but I stopped myself. The fear in her face told me clearly she wouldn't speak. Not yet.

"Where are you staying?" Ana asked in an attempt to steer the subject away from her near death experiences.

"At Milcent's inn."

"She is a good woman." Ana said, becoming more comfortable again. "Loud but good." Ana still held my hand as I hopped off the last step and onto the uneven ground. "There, you're down now."

"Thank you." I smiled, embarrassed.

"I will see you tomorrow." She said and gave me a small pat on the shoulder before the shuffled off deeper into the city, shoulders hunched and eyes watching nervously.

Once Ana had faded into the milling crowd, I set off back to Milcent's. I hurried through the streets, sighing sharply now and then when I turned the wrong way or got lost briefly, but I eventually found the place when darkness had almost entirely eaten the sky.

I trudged up the creaking wooden steps, wondering if Grigore had beaten me back as I opened the door and was swamped by a wave of warm air and bellowing drunken shouts. I slipped inside and pulled my hood down as I observed the rowdy crowd. My eyes didn't pick out Grigore dark brooding figure nor did my magic sense him. He hadn't returned yet.

I was a little put out. I had wanted to see him and tell him I hadn't entirely failed at the task he had given me, but mostly I wanted to gaze at him. I had a terrible feeling I was missing him. I could feel my heart beating hard at the idea of him striding through the door, filling me with his song, and my gut twisting at the fact he wasn't.

I approached the bar and smiled at Milcent as she grinned at me. She glanced behind me and frowned.

"Where's Grigore?"

"Working still. We separated today."

She looked quite surprised. "You did? I never imagined you two would ever separate. You're always together or nearby." She smiled. "Well, if you're on your own you can eat back here. You can have some space from this drunken horde."

I accepted her offer happily and let her usher me into the back room. People still milled about, waitresses coming and going with food or great tankards that were now empty and unused. I could hear Milcent's cook, Hill, cooking furiously next door and shouting at the poor scullery boy. It was quieter though and my head no longer rattled.