Book 2 Chapter 28 (Patreon)

Nox spoke to the guards regarding his suspicions. The Guptas were trying to sabotage and infiltrate his business. They called his fears insufficient for launching an investigation.

“Law-abiding citizens run Gupta Alchemists, and they’ve always been excellent friends of the city government,” the guard captain told them. “Ungrounded accusations will likely hurt you and your business, Sir Ratra. In fact, I’ll be returning with a city and a university alchemist to inspect your workshops. We’re not pleased with myconids in the city either. It’s hard enough maintaining the piece with the refugees and the accompanying panic. You bringing the source of their troubles into the city isn’t making our job any easier.”

“I’m ready to cooperate, captain,” Nox replied. “However, I want to vet any alchemist you bring into my building first. No one connected to the Guptas or any similar local business will be allowed in the basement.” He raised a hand when the captain tried to protest. “I’m serious about the secrecy and value of my work. The Guptas or whoever is pushing for this intrusion are not the only ones with connections. I’m willing to bring in the Oakhearts and Trade Empire representatives to help protect my interests.”

The guard captain rolled her eyes. “We’ll send the list of alchemists we use for relevant investigations,” she said. “I hope you know that your resistance and hostility only make us doubt more.”

“That’s too bad.” Nox shrugged. “You might not want to take my concerns seriously, but I’ll do whatever is necessary to protect my interests.”

“Fine. For the time being, I’d suggest you hire a second guard.”.

“Is that really necessary? Argus isn’t quite a guard, but—”

“The word is out now, Sir Ratra. People know you have myconids in the building, and they don’t care why. That man won’t be the last troublemaker that comes beating on your door. After a decade in the city guard, I can guarantee you that. If you want recommendations for potential hires, you know where to find me.”

The guard captain departed after a few more curt words. Nox watched her go, wondering whether she was in Gupta Alchemists’ pocket. At the same time, she was correct to some extent. Nox lacked substantial evidence. He had jumped to the conclusion that Gupta Alchemists were behind the commotion and the instigators because of the obvious infiltrator they sent for an interview. Several other brewers existed in the city, and two others had the same operational size as the Guptas. Two of the three large alchemists sold cosmetics. However, their prices were significantly higher than his, and he suspected they shipped most of their product line from elsewhere.

People on the street lingered. Many hadn’t bothered concealing their eavesdropping attempts. Words of Nox’s accusations would certainly spread. He regretted not insisting he and the guard captain discuss the matter in privacy. She had refused, declaring work constraints, but Nox believed a bribe would’ve considered her otherwise. If he was correct about the culprits, the Guptas would grow more careful and change their approach. Otherwise, things would get worse for him.

“Hey, mister knight,” a little girl said, tugging on Nox’s sleeve. She carried what looked like a funeral bouquette. It was so big the child appeared to struggle to maintain balance. “You want to buy flowers.?”

“I’m fine, kid,” Nox replied nonchalantly. His eyes scanned the dispersing eavesdroppers.

“Your windows are ugly. Flowers will help.” The girl tugged on Nox’s sleeve again. It was then he noticed the many new sets of eyes watching him. The urchins walked and played casually around them, but he knew they were studying how he interacted with their little friend. “I have more if you want.”

“Where?”

The child pointed at a dark alley on the opposite side of the street, a couple of buildings down. Nox gestured for her to lead the way and followed. He saw several urchins and ragged teenagers trailing them out of the corner of his eyes, but Nox didn’t react. Instead, he played along with the little charade. They walked several feet into the alley, and pint-sized silhouettes filled the opening. Nox knew what was coming.

“Hold on a moment,” he said, placing a hand on the little girl’s shoulder. She stiffened for a moment before attempting to run. The child failed to break free of her grip. Loud whispers filled the shadows, and he heard footsteps approaching from the rear. “Your neck. How long have you had that rash?”

The child hesitated, glancing between a larger girl now standing twelve feet ahead of them and Nox. “I don’t know,” she said. “It’s itchy, so I rubbed grease on it.”

Nox moved the child’s hair without asking for permission. She squirmed, but he didn’t release her. “Let her go,” the older girl said. Her voice trembled for a moment as she continued. “She only wanted a few coins. The little ones don’t know what your crests mean. We don’t want any—”

“Do you know how long she’s had this rash?” Nox asked, ignoring the teenager’s plea.

“A few weeks, I think. Its nothing. We’ve all got it. Listen—”

“Where do you lot get your food?” The child submitted to his examination when Nox kneeled without loosening his grip. The rash had spread to her shoulders, arms, and wrists. He was sure the rest of her body would also display the same discoloration and mottled skin.

“The shops around here give us their leftovers at the end of the night,” the teenager answered.

“And the rest?” Nox asked. “Given how many of you I’ve seen around, leftovers won’t feed you alone.” The footsteps behind him got closer. Nox threw up a slow field just to be safe. “I’m not just an Adept Alchemist. I’m a journeyman delver close to adept, too. Things might get ugly if you try anything stupid. The guards won’t mind you getting hurt.”

“We steal the rest from the gate guards’ storehouse. They confiscate grain, dried meats, fruit, and a lot more. We take what we need.”

“That explains it.” Nox sighed. “You idiots have been eating blighted food. It might just be a rash now, but things will get a lot worse.” He looked the teenager in the eye. “These little ones will die first.”

“Cissy.” The child attempted to pull away from Nox. She trembled all over. Nox’s hand brushed her bare skin, and he got a better sense of the heat radiating off her. “Am I going to die?” Her volume rose, and she struggled against him. Nox released his old, and she sprinted into the teenaged girl’s arms. The words that followed were unintelligible to Nox.

“It’s an easy fix. My shop closes as soon as the Sixth bell rings. Meet me at the back door. I’ll give you and your little friends free checkups and any medicine you might need.” Nox paused, glancing over the few dozen now around him. “Perhaps no more than ten a day. Bring me the little ones first, and I’ll take care of the rest afterward.”

“Why?” The teenager asked, eyeing him suspiciously. “What do you want from us? My girls won’t—”

Nox held up his hands, stopping her mid-sentence. “I’m not after what you think,” he replied. “Someone is trying to sabotage my shop. There was paint on my door on opening day. Today, we had a fake drunk and instigators. You and your little gangs keep your eyes and ears open and tell me anything that might look suspicious.”

“The city is full of suspicious things,” a boy behind Nox said.

“I only care about things relevant to my business and me. Do this for me, and I’ll do free check-ups when you’re ill. We make snacks and drinks for our customers every Sixth and Seventh-day. You can have the leftovers when we close, too.” Nox half turned, looking a trio of teenage boys in the eye. They had attempted sneaking up on him. “I doubt you’ll get a better deal from anyone. My apprentices need training, too, and you’ll make perfect subjects. We’ll stitch your wounds, get rid of the blight before it takes hold, and splint your broken bones when necessary.”

“That’s worth a lot more than what you want from us,” the teenage girl said. The confidence had left her voice. Almost every syllable trembled as she continued.

“Don’t underestimate the value of information and a spy network,” Nox replied. “Besides, the cost to me is negligible in the long run. I plan to use alchemical rejects on you mostly. Mostly.” He retreated toward the alley’s mouth, pushing past the boys. They held forearm-sized clubs but lowered them as he approached. Their expressions betrayed their surprise and confusion. “You seem more useful to me than the guards. They’re just armored thugs with no integrity. I see more value in you than them.”

“That’s a terrible line,” said a small voice behind him.

Nox laughed as he returned to his store. Business appeared to have resumed as normal, and more patrons have waited in line since his departure. Murmurs suggested many had come in to ask about the disturbance and then stayed to make a purchase.