Want to thank the thousands of people who have emailed and messaged on here and elsewhere to send lovely kind messages. Most people are bloody marvellous.
PLEASE send an email to your MP in support of extremely vulnerable LGBT+ Afghans.
A friend working for an MP told me they have had 100s of emails asking for support for women, children and animals. Just ONE for LGBT ppl.
@rushanaraali@carolynharris24
https://t.co/hBjR30Edz5
“It’s done, High Mancer?”
“It is. Things are now set in motion. The Shadow Mancer will find have to find assistance elsewhere.”
Serabel turned back to watch Barton die, a smile on her face. “The old fool.” Galdren felt hate.
Serabel’s companion looked past her at Barton, too.
A translucent shield appeared in front of him but it was not sufficient to prevent the Judgement she cast. In seconds he was crippled by the accumulated guilt of his life’s wrongs, unable to move.
She slowly approached him, a sharp knife in her hands. She slit his throat.
Galdren saw through Barton’s eyes. The older man’s hands were deeply wrinkled, scratching some notes onto a creamy parchment. He heard the door creak open slowly, expecting an acolyte with some tea but was shocked, when he looked up, to see a very unlikely visitor.
Galdren followed up to Asher’s room.
“Sit” said Asher, pulling a chair to the foot of the bed. “He dug a shallow bowl from his saddle bag, followed by a bottle of black liquid. Popping the cork, he poured. Placing the bowl on the floor, he touched the liquid with his finger.
“He didn’t know I was coming” said Galdren. “It couldn’t have been related to my visit.”
Asher sighed. “You’re so sure? Are there not those who see such things?” Galdren’s brow furrowed. Asher continued. “What reason would someone have to kill him?”
“I need to know” he nodded.
Galdren considered him. He was still very much a stranger and he didn’t trust the man.
“I went to visit a friend” Galdren said.
“Yes, yes” Asher said. “Barton. And?”
Galdren thumped the table with his fist. The innkeeper studiously ignored them, though she surely listened.
Galdren ate his meal quietly, Asher’s almost constant prattle washing over him. His mind was elsewhere.
Asher stopped talking to look at his silent companion, the break in words getting Galdren’s attention.
“Tell me about your...
“Two of your best rooms!” smiled Asher.
“You paying?” grumbled Galdren. Asher winked at him, fished into a pouch at his waist and gave the woman two gold pieces.
“This should cover the rooms & our sustenance tonight?” Asher said.
The Innkeeper nodded. “Mostly.” She grinned.