“How do you feel about swordfights and jailbreaks?” asked Viv, before Fern could say another word.
The gnome gave her a considering once-over. “You got a suggestion?”
“Yeah, I do,” said Viv.
The leathery little man ambled out a few minutes later with a copy ofTen Links in the Chainfolded under his arm.
When he had gone, Fern turned to Viv and stroked her whiskers.
“So, do I get a commission, then?” Viv leaned on her staff with a challenging cock of the head.
“I have another proposal for you,” began Fern, timid for once.
“Another wager?”
“Not exactly.” She hesitated further.
“Well, I’m not going to bite. Go on. I want to hear.”
“What would you say to spending more time here? During the day?” Then, haltingly, she added, “And in exchange… I’ll… keep you in books.”
Viv considered that.
Fern rushed on. “It’d be like your library. You could read whatever you like and bring it back when you’re done. As many as you want at a time! Books can be expensive, of course, and this way you could—”
“Would you suggest them for me? The books?”
It was Fern’s turn to consider. “I… Yes, of course. I’d be happy to.”
Viv tapped the door with her walking staff and then winced, checking to make sure she hadn’t dented the wood. Potroast glared at her sleepily. “Yeah. Consider it done, then.”
The rattkin looked relieved, but also a mite guilty.
Something inside Viv twisted at that expression. There was a kind of need buried in it. And maybe she saw a possible distraction while the Ravens marched off with the life she should have been living. Something to fight against, at least. “I’ve got a counter-proposal, though.”
“Oh, really?”
“I don’t want to just sit here reading your books. What if you tried to do more than bail water? And what if I helped make that happen?”
“So you want to do battle with the bookselling business?” Fern’s mouth quirked in a smile that was almost, but not quite, skeptical. “I guess you could maybe intimidate somebody into buying a book.”
“I think you’re underestimating how charming an orc can be when they’re not pissed off. Besides, total ignorance never stopped me from trying anything before. I’ve got one other condition though.”
“What’s that?”
“We’ve got to figure out someplace to sit in here. There’s no way in all eight hells I’m standing all day.”
10
A place outside The Perch to spend the balance of her day was growing increasingly attractive.
When Viv descended to the dining area in late morning, a familiar figure reclined in her favorite chair, her heels up on the table. It was a very awkward angle, given Gallina’s height, and from the look on Brand’s face, he didn’t much appreciate the placement of her boots.
The gnome’s eyes followed Viv, even though the tilt of her chin affected disinterest.
Gallina had taken up very regular residence there since blowing up at Viv a few days before. Viv thought the gnome really ought to have more to do with her day.
Shaking her head, she went to the bar and paid no mind. “Morning, Brand.”
