“That’s the map?” Deean holds out his hand as my grandmother passes the figure to him. “Not quite what I wasthinking.” Getting a better view, I see that he holds a tiny golden anchor.
Benny races across the room and stacks a few books in his arms before coming back to the table. They drop with a thud before he’s off again and snatches a few pieces of paper off the wall.
“How did you acquire it?” I ask, taking the figurine from Deean. “I’m surprised it’s even in Saden of all places.”
“I won it off a drunk. He claimed that it belonged to his great-great-grandfather who had come here from Haymel. Claimed this grandfather once sailed with Fraya Vellen.”
“Fraya Vellen?” My mouth dries.
“She sounds intriguing,” Deean chimes in. “And who is she?”
“She was a captain known to have accompanied H.R. Mates on his journey to Farella when he did his study on plants native to the island. And this was hers?” If the story is true, I can’t believe I’m holding something that once belonged to Fraya Vellen. A legend in her own right.
“According to the man, his ancestor stole it from her.” Benny comes around the table and lays a book before us. “After some research, I learned Fraya had a map created in Haymel shortly after her expedition. And not long after, there are accounts of it being stolen. I’m not certain if this is a clue or some kind of key to finding the map, but it is something she had made, and there are several references to the map and the item found in these.”
He then offers us a stack of parchments. All taken from Haymel. There is a report she made with city guards after the trinket had been stolen. It cites two missing items in total. Then there are sketches of the anchor that look to have been drawn by a blacksmith, except one sheet is missing half its contents.
“It is illegal to travel to Haymel without approval from the King.” Deean examines one of the sheets.
“I didn’t travel there,” Benny is quick to refute any speculations.
“So you just randomly had documents from there on hand. Specifically of this Fraya person, in connection with the flower?”
Benny wipes away more sweat. “I’ve studied Fraya and the flower for a long time. I also have great connections. I was just doing what you required of me.”
“And there is nothing wrong in that.” Turning to Deean, I give him a cautionary look, one that suggests he leave it be. “Do you happen to know where the rest of the image is? It looks torn.” I ask, hoping for more clues.
“That’s all I was given. The rest is missing. But you may have all of these to look over as well as the anchor, of course.”
“And the deal is still a thousand moinlings?” my grandmother confirms, which seems significantly too low for what he’s giving us.
“Yes, Your Grace.” He bows but then turns from her sheepishly before he gets the courage to ask, “I was wondering though, if we could add something?”
“Trying to play us?” Deean grabs the anchor out of my hand like he can protect it best.
Benny holds out his hands, placatingly. “No. No, of course not. You see, I grew up listening to legends of this everlasting flower. A single petal that can conjure immortality. It’s death’s worst nightmare and every wonderer’s dream. I just thought that if Prince Iann is successful in finding it, then maybe my name might be credited in assisting in the discovery.”
Smart man. The moinlings will surely vanish with time but his name in history will last forever. If that’s what he wants, then we have a deal.
I nod to my grandmother and Deean, who give subtle nods of their own. “That’s fair and will be granted if it’s found.” I push the books on the table back to him. “Better yet, how about youjoin us?” Deean and my grandmother make no protest to this idea. “I have yet to assemble a proper team and I have a feeling you’ll be of great use. You can continue your research on the journey. What do you say?”
He stumbles back into the table pinching his head. “I’ll have to find someone to run the shop. And my wife will be excited and then furious. I’ll have to pack.” He begins mumbling a to-do list to himself.
“I’m sure we can help with accommodations.” My grandmother gestures to one of the guards near the door who brings over a jingling sack. “You can keep this and my grandsons will help arrange the rest.” She plucks the anchor from Deean and locks it back in the box. She hands our new clue off to the guard and instructs him to put it in the carriage. “It was a pleasure meeting, and working with, you, Benny. I look forward to our future endeavors.”
Benny offers a bow, and Grandmother walks out. Clearly, it’s time to go.
“Deean will be your point of contact,” I inform both of them and ignore the interruption Deean is about to offer. “This is a great start, but we still need a map, and our deal still stands.”
“Fine,” Deean huffs. “Benny and I will figure it out.”
I’m sure Benny will. I think, in this situation, Deean isn’t offering much help.
“Benny”—he looks up, his amazement still doesn’t have him fully grounded—“it was a pleasure. Departure is in a week. We’ll see you then.”
Deean and I take our leave. The anchor is still a mystery, like every other part of this venture, but maybe with Benny we can learn of its use. It’s not much, but it’s something.
10
