Page 36 of A Broken Promise

“Priya?” I said, opening the door.

“Better be important, Freckles.” Priya was already naked, sitting on the edge of the quickly filling up bath, pouring a glass of wine.

“You’ve paid me too much.” I didn’t beat around the bush, holding the money in my hand.

“No, I paid you correctly,” she replied, climbing into her bath.

Doubt crept in. Gods, she wasn’t illiterate, right?

Or was she?

It would explain the never-ending money throwing. I never paid attention if she was good with math, and I had not seen her read or write anything either.

She sighed and as if reading my mind and blurted out.

“Oh gods, I know how to count, and I’ve paid you correctly. I will pay you again in two weeks the same sum.” Priya took another sip from her glass. I wasn’t sure what to say but she continued. “Unless you insist on interrupting my relaxing time, then I’ll take it all.” She growled, lowering her body into the water.

“This is very generous of you, Priya. Thank you!” I genuinely beamed with gratitude.

She waved me off.

“Go buy yourself something nice and leave me alone.”

I nodded and quickly left the room, right before her fingers slipped between her legs.

It was already too dark to venture out to the pier. All the street vendors packed up their carts and by now there was nothing but quiet docks lit up by the full bright moon. I laid still on my bed pondering. My thoughts swirled with Viyak, the tall walls of Rock Quarries suffocating me. Was he still alive? Was he holding on to the pointless promise of mine? Viyak’s kindred glance shifted in my tired mind into a faceless hood covered figure.Kahors.Anger rose in my mind at the memory, hate simmered within me, though I wouldn’t let it boil.

No, my hate was saved forhim. As if on command, the General's figure appeared behind my closed lids. Standing so still on that bridge, his black cape wavering in the wind. Chills went through my body. My rage was begging to let loose.

Not yet, I reminded it.

Not yet.

I rolled to my other side, pinching the ends of my blankets until they were wrapped tight around my shoulders. Laying still amidst the darkness, I whispered the same words I said each night since the day on that cursed bridge; that I, Finnleah, Daughter of the Dead, was free.

18

The fresh morning air filled my lungs. The pier was crowded. Even early in the morning, the streets were filled with people. Some travelers were carrying their bags and boarding large ships docked at the port. Street vendors shouted out their daily deals or waved products in the air, trying to attract more customers. Already far on the horizon, new ships were approaching the lively city.

I anxiously ruffled a few gold coins in my pocket and excitedly walked to the docks. After seeing all manner of vendors and other things and exploring the town for what felt like a whole day, I finally settled on a small bench alongside the pier, away from the crowded docks.

A large black raven landed just a few feet away, hungrily staring at me with its obsidian eyes.

“Starving?” I asked. The raven just tilted her head curiously. I softly smiled. “I understand. I would be too with all these seagulls ganging up on me.”

I bit off a small piece of the apple I was snacking on and threw it in her direction.

The raven crowed in gratitude as she nibbled the small piece. Then crowed again as she jumped closer, asking for more.

“I like apples too.” I chuckled as I threw another piece. Then another. Now the bird skipped so close I could pet it without stretching out my hand.

“Brave one I see?” I smiled, fighting the urge to pet her. But something about this bird being desperate for food enough to trust a human tugged at the forgotten strings in my chest.

Life was hard for everyone.

Suddenly spooked, the raven flew away. I twisted around to face a sailor dressed in his Royal uniform, his shadow lurking over me. His face was clean shaven and tan. He was fit and must had been well into his thirties.

I was caught off guard as he smiled at me and spoke.

---