Chapter 10

"And Mister Walton?" I inquired with concern.

"He will be setting off on his journey after breakfast, child. I already provided him the letter to the king," explained Edward.

"You didn't present it to me before you submitted it. Don't you think whatever you wrote needed my consent?" I asked in disappointment. "Mr. Walton is my guest, Edward. I can't just leave him without a proper farewell."

As I voiced my concerns, I heard Mr. Walton's chuckle from behind me.

"Good morning, Miss Lyle," he greeted, standing with an ugly mustache I had not noticed earlier.

"Good morning, Mr. Walton. I hope you had a wonderful night."

"Yes, I did! I hope to be setting off back to the Duskwick palace as soon as possible if you don't mind, Miss Lyle," he said.

"Tell the king I send my regards," I replied, watching him gaze at Simmons, who discreetly hid behind me.

"And the young man, I haven't met him," mentioned Walton.

"Yes, what manners I have. Let me introduce you, please. Mr. Walton, meet Simmons, my companion."

"Nice meeting you, young man. Don't you look familiar?" he stated, keenly staring into her eyes.

"I don't believe we have met, sir. Walton," answered Simmons.

"Alright then. I must wish you a safe journey to where you're heading, Mr. Edward," Walton forwarded, tipping off his hat. "Miss Lyle, it's been a pleasure. Thank you."

We all watched him walk to his carriage as ours was brought out promptly. Simmons sat quietly beside me, and Mr. Edward took the front seat.

He seemed disturbed by something, smirking whenever I gave him a serious gaze.

It had been forever since I last heard a train whistle around town. I decided to look outside, drawing the carriage curtain despite Mr. Edward's advice against it.

Soon enough, we arrived at Smallhaven, a town known for growing rice and coffee. It was like the only work they knew. My father, however, was the only gold miner in town. He had discovered gold eight years ago and bought the land from an old man who wanted to sell it for food, according to the stories he told me. He believed it was crucial for me to be aware of these matters.

"We are here," puffed Benedict, stopping the carriage, and we all disembarked.

The land appeared somewhat deserted until I noticed three women passing by.

"What's this place called?" I asked Mr. Edward.

"It's known as Tierra del Diego, the Land of Fire. Your father rented it to migrants from the south. They take care of this place. They are Latin natives. They don't speak English, but I believe you can understand what they say."

"Yes, I've heard of these people. They say there are magic rumors around these lands, and not just anyone goes through here."

"People fear what they hate. This land is owned by your late father and is run by a lady who goes by the name Maggot Cicero. Though she only met with your father and not with anyone else."

"What are we going to see around these lands, then?"

"Your welcome. My name is Janet," greeted a young lady who approached us anonymously. "The mistress is ready to have a word with you, Miss Lyle," she said, causing concern as she knew who I was and addressed me with my title.

"Alright. I need him to accompany me, though," I said, pointing at Simmons.

"Of course. She hoped you would insist on that. Follow me," responded the lady.

Despite the short acquaintance, after Simmons had seen me naked, I found myself trusting her with everything. We followed Janet as Mr. Edward and Benedict stayed with the other gentlemen.

We arrived at the hosting house where we expected to meet Ms. Maggot. Janet stood by the door as though not allowed to enter and gestured for us to go inside.

It was dark inside, and there seemed to be no one. After a while, Ms. Maggot hurried towards us with a big smile that gave us the comfort we hoped not to find.

"Welcome to my humble home, Miss Lyle," she greeted, showing us to our seats.

"Thank you, Ms. Maggot," I responded, my eyes still roaming around in amusement. The place had a rare design of animal bones and skeletons that, if found in anyone's house at that time, would result in execution for practicing sorcery. The sounds that echoed from her house came from the hanging bones upon the ceiling, ringing like metallic bells.

"Please have a seat."

Simmons sat down first as I remained standing, astonished by the unique decor.

"How do you manage this place, Ms. Maggot?" I inquired.

"I just do the usual. Grow rice and coffee," she replied, chuckling as if expecting us to take it as a joke. "And you are the mystery in my dream, young lady?" she said, looking at Simmons.

"Oh no. This is my companion, Maximus Simmons. He is a boy, Ms. Maggot," I responded quickly.

"Of course, you expect me to believe you. Does she look like a boy to you?" she asked with proof. "The last time I spoke to Lord Hocus, he told me about your stay at his home, Willete Duskwick."

"What are you talking about?" I inquired, disturbed. "Who is Lord Hocus?"

"Your father. He went by Smallhaven as Lord Hocus. Though it's only I who knows him by the name of Flynn Marinda."