Night Watch I: Eliza, Ward of Andrew

*Angus’ POV*

Both ‘Lissa and I were practically trotting, we were so happy to see the pathetic walls of Merry Willows before us. Holy dooley I wanted a proper bath! Only one Watchman stuck her head over the gates to eye us suspiciously. Hmmm… Seems even Merry Willows knew that times were changing. Last I was here, the gates had stayed open during the Day.

I decided to take the initiative. After some swift talking, we were let in without too much fuss. It took more yabbering, but eventually, ‘Lissa and I were led to the Council Chambers, and told to wait in a nicely appointed room.

I felt a little self-conscious. After all, we were fresh off the bloody road, we surely stank something fierce. We’d been fending of scads of the undead for days. I probably had guts stuck to me. I also felt a bit guilty. Knowing her heritage, Tarja was surely part Night Fae, and it was the middle of the Day. She had probably been asleep.

As soon as Tarja entered the room, I forgot about everything else as we both stood. She was just as bloody tall as I remembered her! I walked forward and shook her massive hand with a formal bow of my head. “Councilwoman Tarja, we have brought a message for you, of great importance, from Elder Lemmy of the Wild Ones.”

Tarja motioned to us. “Please, sit. Do you know the content of the message?” She had a poker face, alright. Couldn’t read her at all.

I saw Alissa shake her head. I nodded. “The Elder told me only the most vital aspects, in the advent of damage, but said there was more to it.”

She nodded. “Your journey was surely a long and arduous one. If you will be so kind as to deliver his message to me, I will read it at once. That should give you time to rest and recuperate. I shall see that your lodgings and meals are taken care of at the Smiling Caterpillar. When do you plan to disembark?”

I looked at Alissa. “Tomorrow morning?” She nodded.

Tarja nodded as well, her face still neutral. “May I send for you at Dusk, after I have had time to read the message, and you both have had some respite?”

Both Alissa and I nodded. “Of course.”

Tarja stood, and Alissa and I followed her lead. “Very well. I look forward to seeing you at Dusk. If I may have the message?” She reached forward with an incredibly large hand, and I fumbled in my satchel for a moment before handing it to her.

That was clearly our cue to leave. “Many thanks for your hospitality, Councilwoman Tarja.” She nodded impassively as she watched us go, and I got goosebumps. What a wowser!

Notes