Chapter 5: The Streets of Tevias
 

            “Well, c’ya around.” Seth waved and began walking off.

            “Wait, aren’t you going to stick around?”

            Seth turned back and gave Jemme a confused look. “Uh, no. I have no intention of being anywhere near this place when a patrol finds those bodies. And besides, I’ve got things to do. Unlike you, I didn’t get thrown in prison this morning. I’m going to lay low for a while, and I suggest you do the same. They still know that we escaped.”

            *Fine.* Jemme thought. *I don’t need him around anyway. Asshole.*

            Seth made his way through the crowd to a run down tavern in the corner of the lower bazaar. He stopped outside and flicked a street rat a couple copper pieces.

            “Hey, keep an eye on that old sewer entrance for me. If any guards start poking their heads in there, you come give me a holler.” The boy looked up and smiled, nodding his head.

            Seth found a seat at the bar and signaled the barkeep. He was given ceramic cup filled with Savisian Ale and continued to sit in silence until the barkeep returned.

            “Hey Peter, I need to leave town again, and I could use your help.”

            “Now, of all times? What about that protest that you had planned for…”

            “The protest will have to wait. I just broke myself out of prison and I need to get out of the public eye. When’s the earliest time you can do it?”

            Peter sighed. “Well, Seth, there’s a shipment heading out for Oden early tomorrow morning.”

            Seth smiled in response. “Thank you, my friend.”

            Just then the tavern door burst open, and in walked three Solidorian guards. One of them held the street rat from outside by the arm.

            “Any of you gents pay this rat?”

            The tavern remained silent. Seth just continued enjoying his drink. But his pulse was beginning to quicken. He knew how the guard treated the urchins in the lower districts.

            “Ah, well he must be a little thief then.” The guard threw the child’s arm down on a nearby table. “And you all know the punishment for stealing.”

            The guard brandished his sword and positioned it above the boy’s arm. He raised his weapon and was about to strike when Seth stood up.

            “I paid him. He’s done no harm, let him go.”

            “Oh, did you now?” The guard smiled and let the young boy go. The child ran out the door as the guard approached Seth. “Well then, you’re under arrest, if you are the man who paid that filth to keep the little sewer incident a secret.”

*          *          *          *        

            Boredom seemed to overcome Jemme now when she wandered Tevias’ streets. Ever since her little encounter with Seth a week or so, nothing seemed to have the same excitement. She couldn’t help but think back to the short time they spent together escaping from prison. The thrill of it all came as such a rush to her. So Jemme started causing trouble, purposely getting caught only to escape every time. But it wasn’t the same. Deep inside, she secretly hoped that they’d run into each other and have another incident like the last.

            Jemme hit herself for that last thought. It was stupid, childish, and highly unlikely. She hadn’t seen or heard anything of him since the last time she saw him. Besides, the guy was kind of an asshole. Still, she couldn’t help but admit that she missed the action. That’s why she used to wander the streets; something was always happening.

            It was then that Jemme remembered her mother waiting for her at home. Her health had been improving, but she still couldn’t do much for herself. Jemme started heading in that direction when a commotion near the end of the street caught her eye. People cleared the way for a young man being pursued by the city guard. Through the dust, the person looked familiar, slightly. As he got closer, Jemme smiled. It was Seth.