Page 24 of The Ashborn

Kienna stood, her pants dripping as water fell into her boots. She warmed her body again, and the water dried.

This is our secret, Ruva.

You should at least tell Connak.

I don’t want them to take it away. He might think that it’s dangerous, but I don’t think this is Vaerin’s. I think it’s mine.

I don’t know who you think I’d even be able to tell, but I’m with you.

With that out of the way, Kienna composed herself and walked around the corner into the Brass Knot. Norrin greeted her with a bright smile. Her black hair was cropped close to her ears, and her big, brown eyes lit up when she saw Kienna. To be a stout woman and shorter than average, she moved with surprising ease. She was halfway down the ladder, getting paint for a customer, but twisted neatly and called out, “Hya! Welcome in! Here you go, Zem! Verdigris tempera, just like you asked!” A man splattered in rainbow took the paint, paid, and left quickly. Norrin turned her attention to Kienna. “What can I getcha?”

“Has Calder Ashfell been in recently for tree resin and beeswax?” Kienna asked, searching the shelves filled with various crafting supplies. There was paint everywhere, along with tools for chiseling and carving, brushes, and stains.

Norrin put her hand near her thin lips. “No, I don’t recall Calder stopping by. I’d remember it if he did.”

Relieved, Kienna gave the shopkeeper her order and what they intended to build. Master Calder was right about one thing: Norrin knew exactly what was needed for the extensive work they’d be doing, and she got Kienna set straight. While she checked the stock, Kienna looked at the shelves. She didn’t even know so many colors existed in paint form. She wanted to see how it would look on a canvas.

“Artists like to stay and paint in the back. You’re welcome to use the paint we have there,” Norrin said as she came through the curtains.

Kienna kept her eye on the deep hues of purple in front of her and shifted slowly to Norrin. “I still have to check on Calder.”

Norrin nodded. “Sure, kid. Why don’t you take some paint with you?”

“Oh, I couldn’t.”

Norrin approached and put the paint directly into Kienna’s hands. She didn’t ask for anything in return. Only smiled. Kienna couldn’t grapple with that sort of kindness. She hadn’t experienced it before in this way. She hesitated, but she truly wanted the deep lavender for a painting she could do of Ruva under the moon.

Are you sure you want to go back to the workshop?

I don’t think Calder has anyone to look after him. He’s broken like me, Ruva, We’ll either sink or build together.

Kienna returned to silence. The door to Master Calder’s private quarters remained shut as always. She placed the bag of remaining coins on a shelf and pressed her ear to the door. Ruva indicated she could smell him, but he was quiet. She knocked once with no answer.

Should I open the door?

He might throw something at you.

Or he could be dead…

The gods would only be so kind.

Ruva!

Ruva huffed and backed out of Kienna’s mind.

Kienna creaked the door open. The old man sat at his workbench with his face buried in his arms. Breathing. Kienna let go of her own breath. She gently nudged him. “Master Calder?”

The old man jolted awake, covered in a pool of his own vomit. “What do you want, girl?” he scolded, wiping his beard.

Kienna handed him his cup of water. “Maybe it’s time to go home. I can walk you if you need⁠—”

“Leave me alone.”

“Master Calder, if something is going on, I’d like to help⁠—”

The woodcarver launched a chunk of wood in Kienna’s direction. She flinched and knocked it out of the way before it could hit her.

“Please. I want to help.”