Kendall's Story VIII- Short Story

Kendall's Story VIII

20- October 2004

Once they arrived in the galley, Trenton immediately spotted the artist at one of the tables. "Go sit with him while I get the food."

Kendall took a place to the table catty-corner from the artist, leaving the seat directly across from him open for Trenton. The artist has his sketchpad on the table in front of him, but looked up briefly when Kendall sat, and gave a quick nod of recognition.

The pencil flew over the page adding a quick line here, a bit of shading there. Kendall watched as the line of people waiting for food materialized on the page as if by some magic. She was so mesmerized by the process that she jumped a little when a strange voice announced, "Grab's here. "

The artist put one last flourish on the page, then quickly put away his sketchpad. A thin, dark haired man put a plate down in front of the artist, taking a seat next to him.

Trenton arrived shortly after, and put a plate in front of Kendall, then sat down with his own. He looked over the artist's companion with a wary eye. The stranger returned the favor. Suddenly Trenton was standing and smiling. "I didn't have enough hands to get drinks," he said Kendall, then turned toward the pair across the table. "Shall I get some for you, too?"

"Thank you," the artist said. Trenton nodded, and headed for some barrels set on the counter. As soon as he got up to leave, the dark haired man turned to the artist with a questioning look on his face. The artist gave a slight nod. Trenton returned, and handed out the drinks with a smile, which the dark haired man acknowledged with a small smile of his own. Kendall watched the entire interplay, fascinated by how much was being said without words.

Trenton turned his attention back to the artist. "We've discussed it, and have decided we'd like to do a portrait, if the price is fair, of course."

"Seven silver for portrait. Nine if you want colors that I don't already own or a larger print."

"Seems fair enough. We'll pay three up front and the other four upon completion. I assume any colors you have in your regular palette will be fine."

Trenton fished the money out of the pouch in his belt, and shook hands with the artist to seal the deal. "I'm Trenton, and this is Sapphire."

"Logan," the artist said, then pointed to the dark haired fellow. "This is my traveling companion, Drake. "

"Nice to me to you," Trenton said, taking Drake's hand in a quick handshake.

Drake said, "Pleasure," and tilting his head to include Kendall, as well.

"There's a port stop tomorrow at Harper's Run," Logan said. "I plan on going ashore for some supplies. Besides, I don't do well when there are as many comings and goings as they're apt to be at port. I'd like to start the portrait the day after, if that's all right with you."

"Of course," Trenton replied. "Besides, we had an errand or two ashore as well."

~ ~ ~

The ship had arrived at Harper's Run in the wee hours of the morning, while most of the passengers still slept. Kendall had woken up to the sounds of the ship hands securing the vessel in port. Now she was watching her traveling companion.

True to his word he was sleeping on the floor, and she was quite sure him lying on the other side of the room, as far from her as could be managed in the small space, was also intentional. One curly lock that had fallen across his face rose and fell with each deep breath.

Often in the temple Kendall was privileged to wake the High Priestess. Sometimes should simply look at her for a few moments before waking her. When she slept the High Priestess seemed more relaxed and, somehow, more honest. She assumed everyone underwent this change as they slept.

Trenton just looked younger. Kendall started to wonder what this could mean about the High Priestess, second voice to god in the temple of Darou, but she didn't like the implications. Instead, she got quietly to her feet and went to the window, hands unconsciously smoothing the dress were it rumpled from sleep.

She had to tiptoe see out the small portal. Even though the sun was just rising over the city, the port of Harper's Run was alive. Other ships were docking, and some setting sail, directed to and from the docks by dock masters in rowboats. Vendors were setting up stalls, a few who had beat the rush were crying out their wares to the handful shoppers already about.

Kendall wondered what errands Trenton had a store for them in what promised to be a busy market square. She turned the sound of movement behind her to find Trenton sitting against the wall, watching her.

"We here?"

She nodded.

"Good. I want to go early. The later we stay out, the more likely will be seen by people looking for us," he said with a yawn. He ran a hand over his face, as if to wipe off the remnants of sleep. "Besides, the markets will be easier to navigate earlier. They're easy to get lost in for newcomers. " He paused, as if embarrassed by what he had to ask next.

"They never let you … um, that is, you've never been to market before, I imagine. "

Kendall shook her head.

"Didn't think so. You can let me do the talking. Bargaining can get tricky. If they see a newcomer to the market, they tend to gouge you with the higher prices.

"After checking at 10, we should return to the ship. Until then we can see about getting you some more clothes. I can't imagine that dress is comfortable to sleep in, and of course, we have to wash it some time. "

With that, Trenton pulled himself to his feet, and headed for the door. "We'd best get going, the venders make great bargains trying to get the day's first customers."