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Gods be damned. There was that smile again.Don’t do it. Don’t do it!My stomach flipped in response, but I couldn’t find the strength to protest, because at least his problems were gone—even if temporarily.
“And what is that?” I asked, stepping closer.
“Well, it’s a triple caramel macchiato with whipped cream. And it’s hot, the perfect treat for today’s cool weather.”
My eyes kind of went squared as I looked at him. I still had no notion of what any of that meant, but I had embarrassed myself enough. “I accept.”
It seemed impossible, but his smile brightened even more. “Perfect. You’ll love it, I promise.”
Did it really matter if I liked it or not? By drinking it, I was pledging allegiance to him, so he could help us. I didn’t see the point.
“That will be $6.75.”
“What?” I asked as dread coursed through me. I’d forgotten all about my offering with the valuable paper money, of which I had none.
“It costs $6.75. You have to pay for it,” he carefully replied, concern coloring his tone. Then his eyes widened, like he had realized something. “If you don’t have money to pay, I’ll just give it to you.”
The indignation that was missing before finally appeared, and my blood swiftly began to boil. I may not be his true follower, but I understood the importance of a ritual, and this was something I needed to do myself.
“How dare you?!” My hand slammed against the top of the short wall. “I am Evanna Skyborne, leader of the Skyborne Clan. I may not be as powerful as you are, but I can certainly fend for myself!”
“Well, that escalated quickly,” a guy mumbled next to him. “What the hell did you say to her now, dude?”
“Nothing. I offered her a free drink!” the Harbinger whisper-hissed back, seeming perplexed by my behavior.
“Listen, I’m sorry to interrupt… whatever this is,” the guy behind me interjected, walking to my side. “I really don’t mean to jump the line or anything, but I need coffee and I’m going to be late for work. Can I just have a straight up Wall Street? Two shots?” He handed a few papers to the Harbinger, dropping a few coins in his palm, and my eyes suddenly widened.
Coins!
Relief suddenly inundated my being. “May I give you coins as an offering?” I asked on the edge of happiness. My friend down the road had coins, maybe he wouldn’t mind giving me some.
“Yes?” The Harbinger of Justice didn’t seem so sure of his answer, but I knewyesmeant the same no matter the world.
“I’ll be back.” With a tiny jump of excitement, I turned around, and rushed out of there. Glancing down the road, I found my friend still sitting by the corner, so I went to him. “Hi!”
The man frowned looking at me. “Hi,” he grumbled.
“I need a favor. I have to give an offering, and I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind giving me some of your coins?” Smiling, I placed my hand for him to drop them, but he slapped it away.
“No! These are mine! Get your own.”
Ouch. Startled, I stared at him. “But I helped you!”
“I don’t care.”
“But I really need some,” I pressed. “Proving my loyalty is the only way I can help my people.”
“Well, too bad. I’m saving to get food.”
“You haven’t eaten?” I blinked, taken aback.
Slowly, he shook his head. “Not in days.”
The man’s words tugged at my heart. That I could understand because I was going through the same thing. Yet, I knew no one here; this wasn’t my world. Was no one taking care of him? Where was his brethren?
“Now, go away. Leave me alone,” he grumbled, turning his back to me.
“But I helped you,” I repeated in a low voice. “I gave you my hat to warm you, and now my ears are cold.” I reached for my ears, rubbing them and covering them with my long hair. “Yet, I didn’t mind it because helping you with what I could was more important.”
