THIRTEEN – ASH
Change of plans. I am leaving tonight, as soon as I can gather enough supplies. Gregory knows I am a shifter and even though he hasn’t told anyone yet, there is nothing stopping him from doing it now. A big part of me doesn’t think he will ever do that, but I can’t risk it. People can do horrific things to shifters, especially ones that are strangers.
I figure there are about another three – maybe three and a half hours of daylight left, enough to make some real distance. I’ll find somewhere secure to sleep, then continue at first light. With any hope, I will be at least a six-hour walk before Gregory even finds out I have already left. If he is smart, he will leave me be once he discovers my absence. He even said he wished it before when he first saw me. But I have a feeling he will search for me. I won’t make it easy. I won’t worry about it tonight, but I will start hiding every time I hear someone approaching from Cliffden’s direction.
Despite my resolve, I can’t stop hoping he will somehow manage to find me. That is even more reason to run, Gregory is destroying my capacity for critical thinking and self-preservation.
Hurrying back to Nash’s, I realize I cannot tell him I am leaving. I am not sure how much he knows about what happened today, but I worry if he finds out I am leaving, he will go find Gregory or Grant. Not to rat me out, more because he will be worried. He will want to know more about what happened this afternoon, and why I decided to run for the hills. As soon as he showed up asking questions, Gregory would get on one of his ridiculous horses and find me within minutes.
I will have to leave him a note apologizing and explaining my departure. Well, not explaining, just telling him that I have gone, and will not be coming back. I already feel terrible for not saying goodbye, but there is no other way. I hope he doesn’t get too worried, he has been so kind to me from the moment I arrived. Never questioning why I showed up in ill-fitting clothes, or why I didn’t have any possession, considering I obviously traveled a great distance.
I feel even worse for the stealing I am about to do. I need a good waterskin and some rations; enough to at least get me through the first couple of days. After that, I can forage for something to eat in the woods. I would do it from the beginning, but foraging takes time and I don’t have much to spare. Right now, I need to make some serious distance between myself and Cliffden.
One day, I’ll have to come back and repay him. After things have settled.
Approaching the tavern, I see it is moderately busy. The market crowd is going to work to my advantage, I will be able to slip in and out of the kitchen without being seen. Circling around the building, I head in by the back door. Thankfully, there is no one in the kitchen.
I hate the espionage.
Making a quick run into the dry storage, I grab a sack, some hard cheese, bread, dried meat and two pears. Unfortunately, I don’t see a water sack right away but there is a small travel pot. Adding that to my bag, I try and think where the water sacks might be. I know he keeps a few around, the occasional traveler needs to buy a new one. Damn, he must have them behind the bar, anticipating a few buyers in the market crowd.
Stashing my bag of travel rations, I compose myself enough to head out to the front. I am going to have to pretend nothing is happening long enough to get my hands on a sack. For a second, I contemplate going without one, but with the heat wave, I wouldn’t make it very far.
Exiting back through the back door, so I can enter in the front, I come up with a cover story. Once inside, I head directly towards the bar. I walk behind it like I have done many times before and Nash greets me. “Hey, Ash, what are you doing in here, it’s your night off?”
“I know, I came to steal a drink for my room. I don’t know if you heard, but I have had a hell of a day.”
“Young Tom was in a bit ago, he told me the part of the story he knows. I am relieved those boys found you before anything happened.” Someone was trying to get Nash’s attention on the other side of the bar.
“I am too. I have to apologize, Nash, I am not in the most social mood tonight. I really would like to grab some wine and be on my way upstairs.” I point over at the patron, “Looks like you are needed.”
Turning his head to see the man, “Blast, drunk men are the most impatient.” He motioned towards the bottom shelf, “Pick out whatever you like and I’ll see you tomorrow…if you’re up for it.”
“Thanks, Nash.” As soon as he turned around, I picked up a random bottle of wine and one of the full waterskins on the shelf right above, then head back into the kitchen.
From there, I head for the back staircase. It’s the only access to the rooms belonging to those of us who live here. It’s private and safe. I grab my travel sack and drop off the bottle of wine on my way to the stairs. Now all I need to do is change my dress to something more suited for the road, pack essentials and write my letter to Nash.
Closing the door to my room, I look around and take in my meager surroundings. I do not have many possessions, mainly a few changes of clothes. I haven’t been here long enough to build up any real decorations but it’s still going to be painful having to start all over again.
The room itself is nothing special, it’s quite small and only has enough room for a bed, desk, washbasin and chamber pot. But it was mine. Being a shifter, it is hard for me to feel welcome anywhere, but from the first instant I entered this room, it felt like home. Maybe it was the smells wafting up from the kitchen, or the small window overlooking the river; or maybe it was just knowing that when I was here, I could truly be myself. Whatever the reason, it was a security blanket when I didn’t expect to find one.
I change into one of my dresses, then drape my travel cloak over my shoulders. The first things I purchased when I got my paycheck was a good cloak, and an even better pair of shoes. With my second paycheck, I obtained a sturdy knife and a tinderbox. I hoped I wouldn’t have to use them, but I wanted to be prepared in case the need arrived. I am glad for my foresight.
Once dressed, I stuffed some more undergarments, an extra dress and the rest of my supplies in the travel sack. I was tempted not to waste the space on the extra dress, but I would need to appear clean when I arrived in Westhaven. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have any hopes of getting a job there.
Swinging it over my shoulder, I walked out the door and didn’t look back.