Page 57 of Warrior Princess
“Where is he going?” Ronan asked Shiro.
“Don’t worry about Aryan,” Shiro countered. “This is the perfect time for you two to look for Abigail.”
“Where do we even begin? It’s not like we can roam the streets asking for her,” I said as I brushed my horse’s mane.
“She was a midwife, was she not?” Shiro began. “Start there.”
I looked over at Ronan. “Shall we search for a healer’s quadrant?”
“It doesn’t hurt to try there.” Ronan shrugged. “Let’s go and ask where we can find one.”
“I’ll go with you. If things have not changed too much since my time, I think I might know where to find them.” Shiro waved us forward.
We left the inn’s stable and headed towards the center of Eldwain's capital, where Shiro suggested the healer's quarter might be located. The streets of the city were a blend of enchanted beauty and bustling activity, with locals and visitors moving with purpose or meandering through the markets. The aroma of spiced pastries lingered in the crisp, drawing lines of people eager to sample local delicacies.
As we approached a more secluded part of the city, the architecture became less grandiose and more functional. Small, practical homes and shops with signs depicting various herbs and potions indicated we had found the healer's quarter. The area held a calm, almost hushed atmosphere compared to the vibrant market square we'd just passed through.
“Looks promising,” Ronan murmured, scanning the storefronts for any sign that might indicate a midwife's presence.
We stopped at a small clinic, its sign decorated with a red cross and an image of a stork carrying a bundle. A bell tinkled as we entered, and a woman with silver streaks through her tightly braided hair looked up from her desk.
“Can I help you?” she asked, her gaze inquisitive but friendly.
“Yes, we're looking for a midwife named Abigail,” I started, trying to keep my voice even. “She’s Valorian and moved here some years ago, approximately five.”
The woman's face remained impassive for a moment before softening. “Are you a family member of hers?” She pointed to her forehead, indicating my birthmark.
“Uh… yes,” I lied.
The woman sighed. “Oh, goodness, this is wonderful! She’ll be thrilled. She’s been missing her daughter who she hasn’t seen since arriving to Eldwain.”
My brows shot up to my hairline and I stepped closer to the woman. “So you know her?”
She nodded. “Who doesn’t? She’s the only Valorian in Eldwain.”
“Do you know where we can find her?” Ronan stepped forward.
The woman narrowed her gaze on Ronan, then let it travel to Shiro behind him. She looked skeptical and wary. It was very obvious they were of the Crimson Clan with their crimson eyes, long, braided hair, and tattooed bodies. The woman leaned forward and whispered to me, “Are you okay, dear? Do you need help?”
Shiro snorted and I sent him a glare, to which he held up his hands in surrender and walked out of the clinic. I turned back to the woman and offered a bright smile. “Yes, I’m fine. These men are my friends.”
She looked as if she didn’t believe me but nodded anyway. “You can find her in the clinic down the street from here, but lately Abigail hasn’t been working much. She’s quite mysterious, that one. You’ll most likely find her in the tavern. I believe the one she frequents is… Jolly’s Tavern.” She tapped her chin. “Yes, yes. Jolly’s is the one.”
“Thank you so much!” I took Ronan’s wrist and ushered him out the door before she started asking questions. “We appreciate your help!” I called over my shoulder. She continued yelling after us, trying to give us directions to the tavern, but she seemed like a talker. Beyond not wanting to get stuck in an hour-long conversation, I also didn’t want to be caught up in my lie of being Abigail’s daughter.
We met Shiro outside. He quirked a brow. “So?”
“Jolly’s Tavern,” I replied, then started walking down the street. “We can ask for directions.” Ronan and Shiro followed me without a word.
Ronan stopped the first person we saw to ask for directions to the tavern, but fear encompassed their expression and theyran away. Next, Shiro tried, but got the same response. It seemed like the locals feared those of the Crimson Clan. It also didn’t help that Shiro had a bushy white tail.
I sighed and pushed past them both. “Letmetry.” I stopped an Eldwain woman carrying a baby in her arms. “Excuse me, but could you direct me to Jolly’s Tavern?”
She smiled and pointed toward the center of town, then she noticed my two bodyguards behind me and clammed up. With a startled gasp, she ran away with her baby.
I blew out a breath. “By the goddess,” I murmured. “At least we know it’s near the city center.”
Shiro started walking in the direction where the half-fae woman had pointed before running away. “That’s better than walking in circles around here.”
