CHAPTER FOUR ‘Soon’

It was a nice weather, clear sky and sun hidden beneath the clouds.

“The weather has been like this ever since we arrived Star town, I wonder why the sun doesn't shine as much— But it's a relief, I don't sweat as much these days even when I practice my Sabre.” Violet said to Piggy who walked slowly behind her deliberately, so he can get the time to look at some beautiful women.

Noticing Piggy's absentmindedness, Violet decided to part ways with him. He was such a bore anyway.

She turned to the other street and entered the first shop. It was a tailoring shop. Violet was impressed, the dresses were of the perfect quality. Somehow, it reminded Violet of home.

In Thestryn, the women always wore the best silky and cotton dresses with high quality boots made of horse and wolf skin. 

“Little girl, would you like a dress?” A voice said, snapping Violet out of her daydream.

“Uh—” She turned to the shopkepper and said, “Do you not have trews?”

The shopkepper blinked, “What?”

“Trews. Daks? Leggings? Trousers? Slacks?”

The shopkepper smiled, “You must not be from here?”

Violet cleared her throat, “How do you know that?”

“Your accent is quite.. different. No Star clan indigenes sound like you, and.. your hair colour pretty much stand out, no one here has had purple hair for decades.”

Violet shrugged.

Noticing Violet's disinterest in any further conversation, the shopkepper went around the shop to pick a few items and when he was done, he went back to Violet was still standing.

“These.. are purple and white tunics, they suit your tanned skin. I also got you nice leggings made from the best leather in Star clan.”

Violet's slender fingertips glided through the fabrics and she smiled after stroking them a multiple times, “I'll take them then.” She clarified, reaching to her baggy trousers right pocket. 

“Violet,” a soothing voice said, bringing her to a halt. She had never heard the voice before and, Piggy definitely didn't sound like that—

She was right. 

“In the desert, I found a Violet. And she's outstanding, not only in beauty.. but in poise.”

“Excuse me,” Violet spared the good-looking man a glance, he looked older than her, “Do I know you?” 

At a glance she already understood who the man was, he had a book in his right hand, and a pen in the other. Judging from his appearance and expensive perfume bag by his waist he seemed like a scholar from a rich family.

The man smiled, showing his teeth and subtly winked with his brown sparking eyes, “Forgive me, just now I was rude.”

Violet looked away from the handsome man, forcefully. Piggy was right. The most unique thing about the Star Clan people was their eyes. It had a shine to it that Violet couldn't understand. How could eyes be so pretty..

As Violet was about to pay the shopkepper, the scholar interrupted.

“I'll pay for whatever the beauty buys.”

Violet turned back to face the scholar who still had a smile on. “Are you messing with me?”

“I was rude to you, I'd like to ask for your forgiveness by paying for your things.”

A chuckle escaped Violet's lips, “If you insist.” she kept her money back in her pocket before smiling at the waiter, “Get me ten more expensive dresses and five baggy trousers.”

The waiter glanced at the scholar and nodded, before taking off.

“How old are you, little Beau?” The scholar asked, approaching Violet, step by step. Each step he took made him look dignified and well cultured.

“I cannot tell.” 

“Why?”

“I don't like you and I don't want to have a conversation with you.”

“You must be joking, I even paid for your goods, how can you not like me and not want a conversation with me?”

“I didn't ask you to pay for my goods, you did it at your own convinience. Now if you'll excuse me.” Violet went to take the bags containing her goods from the shopkepper before leaving.

The scholar smiled and watched her leave the shop, “I like her.”

‘Oh his eyes are just brown, no big deal. There's so many people in the world with brown eyes, even my mom has brown eyes so don't get carried away.’ Violet told herself as she walked down the street filled with so many people.

She unconsciously thought of Piggy but then, she remembered how dirty Piggy was. He was probably staring at some beautiful women. Angrily, she went back to the inn.

In her room, she bathed and wore a new pair of purple leggings and a white tunic. It was just the right size and it fitted with her body shape. Violet was impressed, “Was I too harsh on that scholar man?”

Her inn door opened, revealing Poison. 

“Don't you have any courtesy? I could've been naked.”

Poison entered the room and slammed the door shut, “I came here to tell you to leave.”

He looked Violet in the eyes and held her hands tightly, “Get out of Star Clan, get out of here to your hometown or anywhere. I don't care! Just leave!”

Violet shrugged Poison hand off, “What are you saying?”

“This mission is a death sentence. Even I, might not make it! Do you know.. we will be able to get to the Chief of Star Clan residence because the leader of Star Clan will allow it. And then we will be caught and killed.”

“I don't care! All I know is I need to buy time for someone important to me.”

“You might not make it.”

“You neither. But we have to try.”

“I don't have a reason to live on, so it's okay if I die but you.. Are still very young. There's so much for you to do.” Poison said hesitatedly.

Violet was a bit surprised. Someone like Poison had a good reputation and enough riches.. how could he not have a reason to live on?

 

“Poison..”

“Tell me you're going to leave this place.”  Poison stared into Violet's eyes as though begging her to say yes.

After a few moments of a looking at each other, Violet said, “I'm sorry.”

Without another word, Poison left the room. Slamming the door behind him harshly to show just how angry he was.

***

“Did you send the message to my aunt?” Violet asked Piggy who shook his head, “No, we're being closely watched by Mistress Azarael spies, Poison spies and the Star Clan guards; because we're foreigners. But don't worry, I'm sure your aunt must've gotten the message.”

“What?”

“When we passed by Nigam City I sent a message to my mother, if she has the letter I'm sure your aunt would be aware of the situation.”

Violet sighed, “Why didn't you tell me you sent a letter?”

“I'm sorry, I couldn't risk being suspected.” Piggy said and Violet exhaled deeply.

“Its fine. The most important thing is she received the letter. That means we'll receive help very soon.”