AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Just as he opens his mouth, I throw the door shut behind me to check on Agatha. She remains as still as a statue. Brushing off her behavior to the customer’s rude remarks, I snagged the money from the counter and opened the door again to toss them to the man.
He looks at me and stammers to get words out, but I throw the door closed behind me.
“Ugh! I hate arrogant asshole men.” Smoothing out my clothes and taking a moment to breathe. “Back to our conversation. May I at least borrow a book in case I get bored?” People my own age were so hard to relate with or even talk to. Books are so much easier to socialize with. I read them when I’m up for it and toss them to the side on my terms. No strings or commitments attached.
“Fine. One book and you better not go right into reading. Dance a bit, get some wine, maybe – I don’t know– socialize with people?” Agatha chides as she peaks out the curtains at the man in the street.
Sighing loudly, I reply, “Promise.”
“Why don’t I believe you?” plays Agatha.
“Thanks Agatha.” I snatched a herbology book from the shelf.
The lady gives a loud groan when she spots my pick. “See! You grab the thickest book from my shelf.”
I shrug. “Old habits die hard.”
She and I share a round of giggles.
“Have a good night, dear.” Her voice and gaze softened.
Nodding to her, I say, “See you in the morning, Agatha.”
As Pandora walks away from the store, Agatha watches her from the window with a sad smile and sighs quietly “Likely not dearie, safe travels.”
Exiting the shop, I stroll down familiar streets filled with stalls of all different varieties.
Carts filled with warm food, steaming beverages, spools of ribbons, yards of fine fabric, carved wood trinkets and more line the streets.
All hoping to catch the eye of the market goers.
A stall filled with spelled amulets advertised to keep the gods away is only feet away. Giving the conniving salesman a wide berth, I avert my gaze to anywhere but his cart.
Out of the corner of my eye, I watch as a man mirrors my movements. Never letting me get too far ahead of him.
When I walk, he matches my speed.
When I stop at a stall, he follows my lead. Aimlessly stopping at a cart only ten feet away from me. Taking care for us to never stop at the same stall.
A chill ran across my spine. I’m being followed.
I catch another glance of the shadowy figure under a streetlamp. He looks sharp, tall, tanned, and dressed in all black. His blond hair lightly curled and eyes like amber.
The man from the shop.
The cool wind cuts through my clothes directly to my skin. Pulling my father’s cloak closer, I shuffled through the stalls. Watching and waiting for my moment to slip away from this stranger.
Before last summer, I would’ve wondered if dad’s paranoia was contagious… Now, I see my newly found fear as being justified.
Moving along to the next stall over, I see seed packets stacked neatly in the cart.
Maybe I just need to give my follower time to pass me by.
“Hello.” I nod to the elderly man.
He returns my nod. Not bothering to reply with words.
Great conversation.
