Chapter 17: Black temple

Jasmine and her mother had gone shopping with Melody. I had Ash in her carrier with Sara and Major following as I went to the Grinning Cat. I slipped in and glanced around at the half full inn and headed for the empty table by the kitchen door. I set the carrier on the table and smiled as Teresa came out of the kitchen and headed into the room.

She grinned and slowed long enough to pull her friends out of pockets and set them on the table. I turned and helped Sara up and then sat with a sigh. Jasmine had me watching both my daughters almost constantly since I had left them with their grandfather. I gave Jewel a caress before she glided to the table to sit with Teresa’s miniatures.

I shifted and accepted the warm mug of cider and the bowls of warm cereal as Teresa slipped it onto the table, “Can I talk to you?”

I smiled and nodded before sipping my cider and she leaned against the end of the table, “My boyfriend was saying there was a new temple down by the river.”

I glanced at her because I had heard a few things and a lot of people had started coming to the house to leave offerings for the god statues, “Tell him to stay away.”

She nodded, “I did but he is in the guard and patrols that area. He thinks something is wrong. The temple is paying the city clerks as well as the guard commander a lot to ignore or look the other way.”

I sat back, “Has he been watching the ones coming or going?”

She nodded, “He says he has not seen anyone.”

I frowned as I sipped the cider and thought. I glanced at the carrier as Ash moved in her sleep and sighed, “I will check it out when Jasmine returns from her shopping.”

Teresa nodded and headed for the kitchen door. I finished my breakfast and ignored the miniatures and Jewel as they ate the other bowl of cereal. I glanced at the door when it opened and Griffin, Dragon and the drakes flew in. Jasmine followed with Melody and her mother before crossing the room.

Gloria shook her head when they reached the table, “Just like a man to bring a child to a tavern.”

I ignored her as I helped Melody up onto the bench while Dragon and the others crowded around the bowl of cereal. Jasmine kissed my cheek before sitting on the other side of our daughter, “Dragon said we had to come here.”

Teresa returned with three more bowls of warm cereal and gave Melody a caress before heading into the room. I helped Melody, “I need to go take a look into something.”

Jasmine nodded as she moved the other two bowls apart and absently divided all the creatures, “I thought as much.”

I smiled, “I may be late.”

She nodded and turned to accept two cups of spiced cider and slid one to her mother, “No more pets.”

I grinned as I slipped a couple of silvers onto the table, “Yes honey.”

She stuck her tongue out at me as I stood and headed for the door. Jewel landed before I closed the door and I headed towards a shop. It was off an alley in the poor section of the city. I ignored the two large men leaning against the wall beside the door and walked in. I smiled as I crossed to the counter as they followed me in, “Calvin.”

The small man frowned and then grinned, “Sinclair!”

I caught his hand and shook before glancing around, “How is business?”

He waved the two men away, “Very good.”

I pulled out a gold piece, “I need information about the dark temple by the river.”

He frowned, “Not much to tell.”

I waved the coin and he grinned, “Okay. There is a secret way in the priests use.”

I waited and sighed, “And the followers?”

He snorted, “None as far as I know. There have been a few priests carrying in chests and there are a few reports of bodies or rugs.”

He shrugged, “Those that saw were not sure which.”

I set the coin on the counter, “Anyone get a good look at the priests?”

Calvin grinned, “No but they come and go from the rich section of the city.”

I nodded as I thought, “So a follower could be dressed like a priest and no one would know.”

He blinked and then nodded, “I did not think of that but they could.”

I turned and then stopped and looked back, “Any bodies turning up?”

He shook his head and I walked out. I walked down to the docks and sat beside an old man watching others unload a ship. He spit and glanced at me, “What you looking to steal lad?”

I smiled, “The dark temple?”

He grinned, “Now that might be worth a man’s time.”

I grinned and tossed him a silver, “Anyone find bodies in the water?”

He looked out at the water, “There are always bodies in the water.”

I waited and he nodded, “Women mostly.”