“Of course. We all grew up together.”
“And you all stayed together after all these years?” I could not help glancing at Tynan.
“Except for Erin. He showed up much later and we still can’t get rid of him. He’s like a nasty, lingering cold that won’t go away,” Victor murmured.
“You would know about that. And I’m not here for you, trust me,” Erin chuckled.
“That’s a good point. Why are you here? Why are you constantly here?” Victor leaned over the table.
“What do we do next?” Frid asked Tynan.
The leader, who did not look like he was paying any attention to the conversation, gave me a quick look and placed his elbow on a table. My gaze fell on a scar that was clearly visible behind the collar of his shirt. The thin, silver line traveled down from the side of his neck and disappeared behind the thick, brown material.
“We have to wait for our orders,” he responded.
“Don’t they want us back in the capital?” Victor asked.
Tynan did not respond but I understood him perfectly. He was not sure if they needed to go back to the capital, because whoever they worked for might want me elsewhere. Another prison, perhaps.
I looked down to my plate, determined to eat as much as I could.
After dinner, Frid escorted me outside and we walked through the busy, narrow streets. Everything was so different from how things were back at home. Many people wore flying suits, even children. There were others, too, who wore regular clothes. Women in loose and light colored undershirts with tight leather corsets hugging their figures and men displaying simple suede suits in all shades of brown.
It was getting dark, and many shops were closing when we entered one of them. My gaze darted to the multiple hangers in the back and an assortment of leather suits in different sizes and colors. The store was so crammed with stuff that it was physically impossible to move around with ease. The thick smell of leather and a faint hint of dust hit me all at once.
“Tailors are extremely rare and very respectable. Try to do everything he asks and respond to all of his questions. I once knew a person who didn’t get their suit the first time because the tailor didn’t like his attitude,” Frid whispered as we waited by the counter.
“Why are they so important?” I asked quietly.
“Because tailors are partially seers and partially mages. They make the suits that will last you your whole life and mold to your body when you shift.” She stopped talking when a man stepped into the room.
The tailor looked like he was a hundred years old with his stooped shoulders and crooked back. His skin was like dark brown parchment paper, thin and frail.
The ancient man’s gaze landed on me at once. I shifted my weight from one foot to another, not sure what I needed to do. Then the tailor approached and walked around me, scrutinizing every line, every curve of my body. I relaxed my shoulders under his stare unwilling to be intimidated.
“Tomorrow at twelve.” The man walked back the way he came, without so much as looking at us.
“Is that all?” I released the breath I did not know I was holding.
“That was quick.” Frid ushered me to the exit. “You’re lucky, it took me two weeks to get my flying suit,” Frid said when we left the shop behind.
“I don’t have any money to pay you back.” I broached the uncomfortable subject.
“I told you. You saved my life, it’s the least I can do,” the blond girl responded.
I looked down at the small, polished rocks of the partially paved road, almost sick to my stomach. I hated deceiving her.
“Frid!” someone shouted, and both of us stopped.
“Gods damn! It's Erin,” Frid muttered.
The young man sprinted toward us, dodging the crowd.
“Well, well, well, Alfrida. Here you are. I have been looking for you everywhere,” the blond man started saying.
“Hey.” Frid scowled, and gave me a quick look.
“Would you like to join me? I’m going to get some drinks,” he said.
