Chapter 2
The Railway was quiet as the sun lazily drifted on the edge of the horizon. Whenever Saqib was given the charge of watching the pub most people tended to just think the place was closed. He was the quiet one of the bunch. He preferred the company of the horses boarding in the stable rather than people. He didn’t get people. Well that wasn’t entirely true. He understood his family. And the regulars. But they counted.
Can I get another round over here?
The message buzzed through his head and he turned to the older tortle seated by the fire. Saqib tapped the copper wire bracelet around his wrist and pointed back.
Coming right up.
Saqib pushed himself from his seat on the bar and grabbed the cherafe of warm mulled wine and made his way over to the old tortle’s regular seat. The old tortle was his favorite regular. He was quiet, he minded his own business and he barely looked at Saqib unless he needed something. He shivered as a cold draft passed through the open front door.
Incoming out of towner.
Saqib sighed. Thanks…
Be nice. You don’t have to smile. Your pops will be back shortly and then you can roll in the hay or whatever the heck you do when you’re not here.
Saqib spun to the tortle as he reached the bar and smiled at the tortle who rolled his eyes and turned back to the warm hearth. The newbie saddled up to the bar and seemed to already to be moving his lips. He could hear the mumbling in the air but couldn’t make it out. Saqib knocked his knuckles and the bar and exhaled as he put down the chafe as the newcomer continued to talk. The man looked exasperated. Oh boy… Saqib tapped his copper bracelet and pointed at the man.
I apologize I didn’t quiet catch that sir. Can I get you anything? You can reply to this message.
The man looked stunned for a moment and then embarrassed. Or ashamed? It was hard to tell. As long as he felt like an idiot that’s all that mattered. New people coming in during temple time… The gall on these people.
I-I’m sorry. Y-yes I’ll have something.
Warm? Cold? Food or drink? What was with this guy.
Sorry I-uh. I just got into town from the camps and I- Aw shit… Now? A refuge now? Now Saqib actually had to care. What a drag. Saqib took the mans cold hands in his and looked him in the eyes for a moment. That’s what Dad did. Right? The other man seemed wildly unsure of what was going on so he stepped back
Sorry. I-uh I got you man… One sec. Stay there. Saqib opened the cupboard behind the main bar and pulled out the parcels they had made. He looked like he was about a medium. And the socks… They fit anyone right? How do you get foot size again. Damn why did he ignore Kash’s instructions. He placed the parcel on the bar with a bowl of warm stew and flagon of fresh juice.
This is a welcome gift.
A welcome gift?
Uh yeah? We welcome you to Fairhaven in uncertain times and Boldrei’s Blessings to you and- Oh um is there anyone else you are looking for safe haven with. I can get you hooked up with that or… The man looked confused for a moment and opened the gift and oh no. oh no was he crying?
“Uhhhhh…” Saqib vocalized as the sound of the train whistle managed to make it through his deafened ears. His father was finally here. The door swung open and he was already pointing at the doorway.
New guy. He looks like a refugee and he was hungry and I gave him the thing and he STARTED CRYING.
His father smiled at him and made his way to the bar to sit beside the man.
I’ll take it from here. You’re off the hook. Thank you.
Saqib sighed in relief, quickly extricating himself from behind the bar, nearly tripping over the twins. Muhad signed at him
What in the world did you do to make the strange man cry?
Saqib flipped him off and trotted off to sit beside the old tortle in one of the comfy chairs, kicking his feet up at the fire.
Why don’t you go to temple?
It’s rather boring pretending to hear someone talk for over an hour. I get the cliff notes after and that way sad saps like you also have a place to hang out.
Ah. I think you’d fit in there fine. No one is really listening in temple anyway. But us sad saps appreciate the hearth you keep here.
Whatever. You want more of that?
Nah. I’ve got to head out.
Are you coming back later for Open Hearth later?
I told your mother I’d bring over that mushroom platter I made last year. I’ll see ya later kid. Don’t get lost in the hay or whatever.
Saqib rolled his eyes as he helped the old tortle to the door. What a strange old man. He better not forget those mushrooms.