Rachel slowed to a walk once she got outside the wealthier district, sidestepping trash here and there. Beggers slept here and there in doorways, huddled under rags. Few people from houses passed through this alley. The street rats, her among them, would strip anything valuable from them in a heartbeat.
She smiled as she came to an old bar. The lady that owned it had helped her out on several occations, maybe she'd know where the bugger'd gotten to. She walked to the backdoor, glancing around for anything edible. 'Must not have trown anything out yet...' she thought, shoulders sagging slightly. She knocked timidly on the door.
Within a moment, Ms Smithy opened the door, butcher knife in hand for protection and bear fur bristling. "Yes?"
Rachel tipped her cap to the lady, smiling warmly. "Mornin' Ms Smithy. I was wonderin' if you could tell about somethin'," she said, deepening her voice a hint. Never hurt her to act like a boy. They got more food.
Ms Smithy relaxed and smiled. "Ray, it's been a while. I have a plate of overcooked food for you if you're hungry. It's always nice to see a friendly face my boy," she said.
Rachel bowed. "If you don't mind Ms Smithy. I'ven't had much to eat in a day or two. What I was hopin' for though was a bit of info."
Ms Smithy took something off the counter, wrapped in a cloth. It was cold, but Rachel couldn't care less. "I'll see what I can do."
Rachel pulled something out of her bag and handed it to the old lady. A scarf, retrieved from a rich clothesline. "Your payment first."
"Of course." She tucked it into her apron.
Rachel tucked into a piece of burnt bread. "Little bugger took my dinner yesterday and left a note. Blue eyes, black hair, female. You seen anyone like that?"
Ms Smithy leaned on the doorframe. "That I haven't seen. You thinkin' of trackin' her down?"
"Maybe. I want to make sure she doesn't steal from me again." 'Man this food is good... I need to pay her more.'
"Well, I'll look out for her, but you know the drill. You should be going boy. The ships are coming in soon, and I know you love that silk and sage." She made a shooing motion, driving Rachel into the alley. Rachel waved and started toward the docks, tucking the rest of the food safely in her bag. If the kid was a rat like her, the docks would be the best place to snag goods, second only to the wealthy roads.
Topic: Fight Against Darkness (Read 16433 times)