52. Declan

Chapter 52

Declan

I stood by a fruit vendor’s stall across the road from the candle shop.

The shop’s wooden facade was painted dusty blue. A bright yellow sign squeaked as it swung above the door. Several artistic candles of various colors proclaimed what was sold inside.

Dozens of well-dressed men and women strolled by. Some carried shopping bags or boxes, others clasped hands or wrestled children. The road lived in a state of perpetual motion, and the mood among passersby was light. On any other day, I might’ve enjoyed sitting and watching the people pass by, but not today.

Most who strolled by glanced at one officer, then another. Smiles fell, as curiosity over the sudden concentration of Her Majesty’s Constables grew.

Atikus appeared directly behind me.

“Anything?” the Mage asked.

“Freakin’ Spirits!” I exclaimed a little too loudly, drawing a few glances from Constables and citizens alike. “Can you ring a bell or warn me with a mental whisper next time? I nearly soiled my breeches.”

Atikus chuckled, then lowered his voice. “Sorry, I thought you heard me pop up behind you. I guess Traveling makes no noise. You know, in all my years, I never thought about that.”

“Atikus, focus.” I shook my head, then looked back toward the building. “We have Constables all over the place, but there’s too much foot traffic here to do anything. They can’t even get close enough to look inside.”

“Why not? It’s a shop, isn’t it? Just go inside like you’re looking for some candles.”

I turned and stared at the Mage. “Well, I feel stupid.”

Atikus grinned and shrugged his bushy brows. “See how focused I am?”

Unable to ignore his jab, I said, “I would send you in there. Who’d suspect a frail old man?”

He poked my arm with a bony finger.

“You scream Mage walking around in that robe anyway,” I said. “My riding leathers aren’t as highbrow as most of these shoppers, but they’re better than a Constable’s uniform or your robe for remaining undetected.”

Atikus grunted. “Just be careful. Try not to use any magic while you’re in there. She might be able to sense it. I know it makes the hairs on my arms stand up whenever you do anything powerful.”

I nodded, then turned, wove my way through the passing throng, and approached the shop.

Bells tinkled merrily as I entered.

The door clicked shut behind me.