Page 11 of Captured

“One of these days, that asshole will get what’s coming to him.”

Herelia patted her arm again.

“What is it you need child? I might have a bit to trade.”

There was no charity to be had on the lower levels, everything was trade, but she didn’t have much to offer. Despite being the closest thing to a second mother for Flea, Herelia wouldn’t offer if she didn’t have the extra to spare, but she’d still drive a hard bargain.

“Food. I’ve got everything else I need.”

Herelia tsked, head shaking.

“That’s the hardest to come by right now, but I might have some. What are you offering?”

Flea grimaced as she thought of what she had to trade with. It wasn’t much and she doubted Herelia would be interested in any of it.

“I have a blanket and two finger-length candles back in my den. A bottle. A knife.”

Flea didn’t want to part with any of the supplies, but she knew those things could be replaced. With the light to get down to the next level she could search out one of her other stashes, but Herelia was already shaking her head.

Flea’s heart dropped, stomach clenching with a pathetic gurgle. She’d gone longer without food and knew she could do it again, but she didn’t want to be forced back up to the higher levels just to find some when she got desperate.

“I’ve got no use for those things child. Have you nothing else?”

Looking down, Flea tried to think of something else she could offer. The edges of her coat caught her eye, sparking an internal debate. The deeper levels didn’t experience the same chilling breeze as the upper ones, but they also never saw the sun. The metal and stone of each level acted like a buffer, each one dropping in temperature. The coat she’d gotten at the Collection Center was a nice one, keeping her comfortable despite the cold, and she was reluctant to part with it, but it was all she had left of value.

“I have my coat. I could leave it as collateral until I find something of more value you’d be willing to accept.”

Herelia made another humming sound deep in her throat, reaching out to run her fingers along Flea’s arm. She pinched the material, testing the strength and thickness of it.

“We could trade for the coat,” she finally rasped.

Taking a step back, Flea moved out of Herelia’s reach.

“I want the option of getting it back. It’s the only one I have, but I can leave it for now until I find something you want more.”

Herelia’s hum died off on a huff, but she gave a brief jerk of her head.

“A loaf of bread and the option to trade back.”

Flea’s nose wrinkled. It was a shit deal, and she knew Herelia expected a haggle.

“That’s not worth it.”

Herelia cackled with a shrug of one lumpy shoulder under her rag blankets.

“It was fresh four days ago and it’s still whole. No bugs or mold.”

Flea remained silent. A loaf like that truly was a prize on Sixth, but she knew Herelia had more to offer. She never led with the best.

Letting out a sigh, Herelia dug under her coverings, producing the bread and a small, wrapped block in the other hand.

“The loaf, the right to trade back for equal or better goods within a moon’s time, and half a block of Xaling cheese.”

Flea’s stomach clenched, reminding her how long it had been since she’d eaten. It may not seem like much to those familiar with plenty, but it was enough food to keep her from starving for at least a week. She didn’t like the time limit on her chance to earn her coat back, but she understood it. Herelia couldn’t hold on to it forever when everyone was on the verge of life and death.

“Deal.”

She shrugged out of the coat, missing it the moment the cool air hit her exposed flesh. The thin leggings she wore were already torn from her climb and the top she’d worn beneath the coat wasn’t much to protect her. She had the extra back in her den, but she’d still be uncomfortable until she found a way to earn her coat back.

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