Page 18 of Orange Town
The other guy snorted. “I know exactly what you like, Silver.”
I wonder why he calls him Silver?
“Ah come on. How would I know he is your nephew?” Roqs tried to make himself sound harmless. I looked up at him and noticed he was irked. I can only guess what he did to this guy’s nephew. Maybe seduced him to death?
I looked at the other guys. I guess they try to look out for the weaker species. But I don’t want to lurk long here. So, I circled my other arm with Roqs.
I felt Roqs stiffen. He and Zirc are the same in that regard when I stepped in too close. As if I’m crossing a personal boundary of some sort.
But when I did it, I saw the two relaxed a little.
“Here,” the one Roqs was talking to held out a set of cards which are again glowing red. “I will charge full if any of my property is damaged.”
“I know you do Snarz,” Roqs said. Using his left hand to swipe the cards and hide it inside the many pockets of his cloak.
I guess he has a credit with these people when he did not hand over some credits like what he did with the rock guy.
The three of them had a long stare that made me doubt if they can communicate by telepathy. No words were exchanged. Just a long glare. The one who broke it was a nod from the guy in front of Roqs.
Roqs did not acknowledge it. He just dragged me towards the set of stairs to the right. I resisted the urge to turn back and observe the two. It is nice to know if these 2 do look out for other aliens like me. A new and refreshing feeling as I’m still denying and reeling from Ist’s betrayal. I wonder now if Roqs is someone to trust as well. What if those two knew something about Roqs?
Roqs tightened his grip on me. He can probably hear how loud my heartbeat is. Not just from the exertion due to climbing the stairs. But now I have doubts and fears.
We were both silent. We did not meet anyone as we reached the fourth floor.
Every now and then Roqs will look back at me and frown. Yes, I’m not built for endurance. I’m pretty winded by now. It’s been a long time since I exercised. Six days of just lounging in the lanai and the cabin is taking its toll. I would rather walk or run than climb the stairs. I feel the heaviness of my weight as we elevate.
At last, we reach a door marked with squiggly handwriting. Or maybe it was typewritten? It actually looked like an animal or someone with claws marked it on the wooden door. It was light orange against the dark brown.
We entered. Roqs let go of my hand as he closed the door while I slumped to the nearest chair.
“How come you’re out of breath? Are you sick?” Roqs was asking from the closed door. As if he’s afraid he’ll get a disease from me.
I shook my head. “Just winded. I’m not used to climbing stairs. I would imagine, you know,” I gestured with my hand. “That you would have at least what we call an elevator rather than actually climb the stairs.”
Roqs’ lips curved. “Ah,” he said before walking to a loveseat in front of me. I just realized I took a blue accent chair. His is a deep purple color bordering on magenta.
“I thought you needed some medical intervention,” Roqs lounged on the love seat like a lord. His cloak straight as if freshly ironed out. “Unfortunately, this town does not have any advanced medical facilities. Good to know you’re also a creature of comfort. Like some of my kind.” He smiled. “I know what you mean by anelevaytor. This is an old inn. The auto-lift as we call it is for children. A true warrior of a tribe will not be seen riding an auto-lift. He would rather cut off his legs.”
“An old inn,” I mused. “Is that why those two thought I was a child and you’re with me?”
Something in his eyes flashed. “Very observant. Yes, you look a bit like a child. With your height, build and no fur.”
“You mean your children look like me?”
“Some do. There are tribes whose children are born with no fur. But they usually get their fur after twenty years or so.”
“But those two know I’m an alien because I have no tail?”
“There are others whose tails are forcibly cut, little one. Like I told you earlier” He looked grim. “It is best that you do not trust others easily. I wouldn’t be surprised if they thought you were an abused child.”
I kind of felt sorry for these children he is telling me. “But there are so few of your children! Why would anyone want to do that?”
Roqs stared at me then sighs. “I bet you’re hungry.”
He is right. And he is changing the subject. Children and females are very few on this planet.
He got up and left me alone with my thoughts.
