Page 12 of The Tricksters Deception

“Are you okay?” he inquires. Is that concern I perceive in his expression? “You sounded like you were having a nightmare.”

My cheeks flush, and I find it difficult to meet his gaze. A sudden wave of shame washes over me, prompting me to turn on my side, presenting my back to him.

“It was just a dream, don’t worry about it. I’m fine,” I murmur, closing my eyes. I try to dismiss the throbbing between my thighs that demands my attention. “I’m going to try to get more sleep. You should too.”

Day Seven

I hear the sounds of bickering. Opening my eyes, I see the twins throwing a bag back and forth between each other, insisting that they don’t want to watch over it anymore. They are intercepted by their father, who takes the bag and throws it over his shoulder without a word. Family, it does look great sometimes; other times, perhaps not so much. Gecko and I gather our things and help each other get loaded up onto the carriage.

"Where’s Corvu?" I ask him, looking around and seeing no signs of the Trickster.

Gecko just shrugs his shoulders. "He said he’d meet us at the next village." It seems a bit strange, but I guess it can’t be helped. Bella pushes aside her garment scraps bag to give herself a better entry into the carriage, then turns to lend me a hand inside as well.

"That’s a gorgeous necklace, dear," she says. I hadn’t noticed, but looking down, I see the amulet sitting at the front of my tunic, no longer hidden inside.

“T-Thanks, it was a gift.” I smile, hoping she wouldn’t ask any further questions. Sitting in my previous spot beside Gecko the carriage takes off moments later. I tuck the amulet back inside my shirt. In a way, I feel like I’ve been exposed. I like Bella and her family but if they recognize this amulet I could be in a lot of trouble...and Corvu isn’t here.

After what I assume was about half an hour later, Bella looks out the gap in the door of the carriage and checks our location.

“We are here. Keep that amulet better hidden.” Pulling out a light brown thin silk scarf she leans over to hand it to me. So she did know what the amulet was, but was more interested in helping me. I smile, almost needing to hold back tears of joy, and take the scarf. “Those amulets are highly sought after by many unsavory characters. Not to mention Orcs. They won’t think twice about threatening your life and those around you for it. It’s valuable and powerful, not to mention they are rather vengeful against humans - especially the King. You're a carrier of a magical relic, people will try to trick you into giving it to them.” It was the first time I had heard there was a King, but I didn’t want to ask the question and make it really obvious that I wasn’t from around here. Gecko gives me a look of concern. It didn’t occur to me I could be putting him in so much danger. Would it be better for me to find someone else to help him first?

When we approach the gate, Luca instructs us to hop out of the carriage, as this particular city does thorough searches of cargo and travelers prior to letting them through the main gate.

“Tia,” Luca begins, turning to me before the guards approach us, “, you’re more than welcome to enter on your own. I believe this is where we will be parting ways. It was a pleasure.” I don’t know what the customs are around here, but instinctively I give him a hug, and he returns it graciously. The twins give me a mocking salute before they are interrupted by the guard asking them to stand clear of the carriage for checks. I don’t know what they are checking for exactly but since Gecko and I were on our own they let us through without issue.

Chapter seven

This city was nothing like the last one. In fact, I’d almost confuse it with a trip down an old street in the middle of London - at least the ones I’ve seen in movies. The structures, seemingly constructed from brick-like materials and adorned with plaster, boast stained glass windows gracing each residence. The narrow path leading to the central city square poses a challenge. The charcoal-colored stones beneath my feet are far from smooth or meticulously arranged. Lost in admiration of the towering buildings, I find myself stumbling and stubbing my toes repeatedly. Fortunately, the boots I wear cushion the impact, rendering the experience less painful.

The main square unfolds in a spectacle of beauty. Garden boxes, adorned with vibrant flowers of unfamiliar shapes, capture my attention. The red-glowing blossoms evoke the image of candles, almost convincing me that touching them might result in a burn. Chuckling at the whimsical thought, I'm drawn to the focal point—the central fountain. Children frolic in its crystal-clear waters, splashing about with unrestrained joy. It’s so hot. I’m tempted to join them.

A hand touches my shoulder and I jump, letting out a small yelp as I do. “You frighten easily.” Corvu snickers.

“Don’t sneak up on people!” I snap, folding my arms over my chest.

“Come on, we can't stay too long in this town if you want to keep going. But it would be a good idea to get horses and food.” Using horses for our journey would be the best idea for traveling in this world. My feet were still exhausted from the days prior.

“How do you get horses in this world, exactly? I don’t have money to pay for it.” Corvu’s face relaxes with a devilish grin.

“I came early to source us a way of earning muney.” The way that he said the word sounded similar but still different. I’d have to ask later. “But in the meanwhile, who’s hungry?” Gecko’s face lit up like a Christmas tree, if they had Christmas that is.

“Me!” He exclaims, a smile spread across his face.

Corvu’s smile flattens, “Sorry kid, adults talking.” With some force, Gecko punches Corvu in the side, but Corvu chooses not to avoid or react to the attack. Instead, he grabs Gecko by the back of his neck with one hand and ushers him in the Eastern direction of the town. There were signs that indicated to me where we were, Nancledra, although the fact that there seemed to be more humans about made me feel safer in general.

We pass a few shopfronts, including some that looked like regular flower shops and bakeries. We don't stop until we reach a small cul de sac of homes. Corvu stops in front of an older man sitting on the steps that led up to the stone building behind him. There was no better way to describe him, he was Santa Claus with claws. Although, it would be a misinterpretation to call them claws, it was as if his actual fingers were long and pointed. He had to have at least two extra knuckles joining each finger. It was repulsive to look at although I tried not to stare.

“Hello again,” Corvu smiles at him, this time more genuine than cheeky, “, I brought back those extra legs we talked about.” Extra legs? Are they going to cut off my legs? Do human legs grow back in this world?

“Excellent,” His voice even sounded like he should be Santa Claus, loud, cheerful and deep, “, I just can’t get around like I used to. Here, collect these.” With his long fingers, he holds out a rolled up piece of paper, which Corvu takes from him. “If you can get everything before sundown I’ll double it.”

“Thank you again, and we will be back before then.” He nods and gestures for me to follow him away from the man. Gecko hops alongside us.

He doesn’t stop walking till we reach a spot that looks a little like a cafe, at least from the appearance of many outdoor wooden tables and a waitress with four arms trying frantically to serve everyone at the same time.

“Okay,” Corvu pauses, making sure we’re listening, “, the old man needs some items from around town, and for our services to collect them on his behalf he will pay thirteen gal, double that if we do it before sunset.” I wonder what the conversion rate would be when it came to money around here. Were we being paid in cents? Dollars? Hundreds? I didn’t know.

“How much does that buy exactly?” I question. Corvu seems to be unsurprised at my questions now,

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