“We could,” Marcus says.“But I think you need to see places where we're actually succeeding in doing good, Lyra.I think you're becoming disillusioned because you've forgotten just how much we've achieved so far.”
“Have we achieved much?”I counter.“Beyond the return of fights to the Colosseum?"
Marcus sighs, taking my hand in his.“I know you don't think that counts for much, but it's a big thing, and it's led to so much else.Come on, let me show you some of the places in the city where things are starting to thrive.”
Unless I'm willing to pull my hand from his, I must go along with him, and honestly, there's something wonderful about being able to stroll arm-in-arm with Marcus on a warm day.If there weren't so many things going on in the city, it might be a simple, perfect moment.
As it is, Marcus leads me through the noble quarter and down to the merchant quarter, where I can see the streets are busy with carts and the stores are bustling with customers.
“Every merchant I've spoken to says their business is doing better now,” Marcus says.
“Are they all connected to the Colosseum in some way?”I ask.
“Many of them are,” Marcus replies.“It takes a lot of supplies and people to put on the spectacles there.But you know that.”
I do, having helped to organize the games.A thousand things have to go right for them to go well.It isn't just a question of finding some fighters and putting them on the sands to attack one another.It's about seeing that thousands of spectators can enjoy the whole day with food and drink, entertainment, and betting.There are whole streets around the Colosseum where businesses exist because of the crowds that pass along them on the days of the fights.
“It's not just about that, though,” Marcus says.“It's like the city has gained some of its confidence back.People are willing to spend money they were hiding in case of disaster.An atmosphere of joy and confidence is good for the city.”
“You've made the economic arguments of the games to me before,” I point out.
“Well, Iama merchant,” he says.“It’s only natural I’d focus on those first.But you're not convinced.So let's see some more of the city.”
He leads me from the merchant area to an entertainment district, which throngs with people, busier than it ever was before the return of the games.I can see buildings being repaired, a bath house put back into use, people selling their wares from small stalls.A couple of jugglers toss flaming torches back and forth over the heads of the crowd.People seem happy here and it isn't as though they're all nobles.
“You see,” Marcus says.“Some of the benefits are starting to filter through to the rest of Aetheria.”
It's hard to deny that, even if we're still a long way from the slums beyond the city walls.
“But I didn't bring you to the entertainment district just to talk about how well things are going for the city,” Marcus says.He gestures to an eating establishment on one of the corners.“The owner here owes me a favor.Come on.”
He leads me to it.It's a joyous, raucous place, where the sound of laughter flows out onto the street, accompanied by music from within.There are plenty of people eating both inside and out, many seated at tables spread halfway across the street.
A portly man in his forties comes out to meet us, clasping Marcus's hand.
“Marcus, it's so good to see you, my friend.Thank you so much for speaking with the guards on my behalf.”
“You should think nothing of it, Carrus,” Marcus says.
“But I do think of it,” the other man says.“You must come, sit eat.You and your… wait, aren't you Lyra Thornwind?I saw you fight in the arena.If you're here as well as Marcus, you reallymuststay and eat.On the house, of course.”
“We couldn't do that,” I say, not wanting to take this man's hospitality without paying for it.
“I insist,” Carrus says.He shows us to a table.“Sit, both of you.I will bring wine and oysters.”
He hurries away before I can say anything else.I look over to Marcus.
“You must pay him for this,” I say.“We’re senators.We can't just accept favors.”
“Carrus would be insulted if we don't,” Marcus replies.“I would lose whatever respect I have with him.And it's just a little lunch, Lyra.It's hardly some grand scheme of corruption.”
I sigh, knowing I'm not going to get my way on this.I sit opposite him, and Marcus takes my hand.
“There are ways things work in Aetheria,” he says in a gentle tone.“They might not be perfect, but sometimes we have to be realistic.We work with the way things are, and that lets us do the most good.”
“Like helping this man out with… what, exactly?”
“A noble bribed some guards to harass Carrus,” Marcus explains.“They were trying to drive him away from his business so one of their family could take it over.I was able to intervene.”
