Chapter 4: Making a point

I glanced up as Jasmine walked into the kitchen and smiled as the small jeweled hawk flew to her shoulder and landed, “How is the new workroom?”

She caressed the hawk and grinned, “Once I have everything I need, it will be perfect.”

I had found a narrow house not too far from Silver’s shop and bought it for Jasmine. Silver seemed more than grateful when I helped her move. I stood and kissed her, “Your father wanted me to meet him.”

She smiled, “I have a project. Tell father thank you for the supplies he sent.”

I nodded and started for the door as drakes filled the room to follow. Dragon and Griffin joined them when I walked out the front door and they disappeared into the foggy morning sky. When I walked into Silver’s shop a man was talking to him and turned to look at me.

He frowned as I stood waiting before looking at Silver, “You have three days.”

He turned and brushed past me on his way out. I knew him and looked at Silver as I raised an eyebrow. He shook his head, “They want me to pay for protection.”

I opened my mouth but he waved, “I need you to retrieve something for me. Merchant Martinez bought a floating illusionary display to advertise his wares. He was supposed to pay me the second half of the purchase price. He has ignored that and so far refuses to honor the deal.”

I shook my head, “You want me to steal the display back?”

Silver smiled, “Inside the display is a small silver locket. Close the locket and the spell ends.”

I nodded, “Sounds easy enough.”

I grinned, “Payment?”

Silver smiled, “What would you like?”

I looked toward the curtained doorway, “To read your copy of the Gods Lost Treasure?”

He was silent, “Hunting for their treasure can be very dangerous Sinclair.”

I smiled and he nodded, “Very well but I did warn you.”

I turned and left thinking about the arm breaker that had been in Silver’s shop. The gang that ran this part of the city had always ignored the magic users. It did not take me long to find Martinez’s large shop. The display was above the door floating in the air. A large man was beside the door sitting in a chair.

I looked up and grinned before walking down to the alley next to the shop. I used the drain to climb up to a ledge between the first and second floor. I was facing out and side stepped back to the street. I carefully turned the corner on the ledge and moved along it slowly. Quick movements draw attention so I moved slowly.

When I was above the door, the display was almost in front of me. I slowly turned sideways and knelt before carefully reaching out. My hand pushed through and into the display and I felt around for a moment before I found the locket. I glanced down at the large man before closing the locket.

I stood and carefully and slowly moved back the way I had come. I had just turned the corner when I heard someone shout. I moved a couple more steps before quietly dropping to the alley below. I walked to the other end of the alley as Dragon settled onto my shoulder and the others flew around above us.

I was thinking about the gang that was trying to force Silver to pay protection. The small shop I stopped at did not have a sign or advertise. The narrow faced man that turned after hastily closing a cabinet grinned. He glanced at Dragon on my shoulder, “Looking to sell the mage pet?”