#24 Terms of Sale

"And that's my final offer."

Anya glowered at the trader; she had wanted more silver than that, but knew she was helpless. Both knew the candelabrum was worth far more, but both also knew that there weren't many fences who would handle these sorts of goods. She of course had found it, not thieved it, but she wasn't naive enough to think anyone would believe that. 

She gripped the triple candle holder more tightly. It was a beautiful object, but somehow sinister and disturbing, intricately inlaid with delicate roses and thorny vines. She sighed, resigning herself to being robbed. At least he was offering her enough for a few weeks' food, maybe even a month or so if she was careful.

"I'll give you double his price." An unfamiliar voice punctured her thoughts. "And much, much more."

Anya and the merchant started. They hadn't noticed the speaker approach their quiet corner of the souk. A tall, richly dressed woman appeared out of the shadows. Anya was taken aback on many levels: first, and most obviously, this was not a district of Glymmsforge where one expected to see such wealth on display. Second, the woman was stunningly handsome. Her skin was pale to the point of luminescence, her eyes dark as midnight, her lips red as arterial blood. Under her cowl, luxuriant curls of black hair were piled upon her head and her elegant gown was crimson.

"You will leave us." The merchant vanished at her words. 

She turned to Anya and half-smiled, showing the merest hint of gleaming white teeth. "Greetings my dear. I am the Lady Beauvoir."

Anya had no idea how she was supposed to respond to someone who was evidently of such noble blood. "Um... I'm Anya... Anya Leidl."

"And this is your candelabrum?" Her black eyes pierced Anya's soul.

"Yes. Well, I found it. Honestly."

"Oh I don't doubt that my dear," purred Lady Beauvoir, "there is no way its owner would have allowed it to be stolen. Come, let us talk. You can tell me all about how you found it. And all about yourself too."

Before she knew what she was doing, Anya found herself following the mysterious woman into the shadows, candelabrum dangling from her hand.

Lady Beauvoir, Vampire 'Lord'

Lady Beauvoir & Anya Leidl

#25 THE CUP OF FELLOWSHIP