The Steel Harvest (5 page)

“I don’t know, I just…” She stared at the ground and then touched the back of her neck with her hand. “When other people point my mark out, it just makes me feel…I don’t know, spoiled or something.”

Carter did his best to suppress his grin. “Well, don’t worry, your mark means nothing to me and it’ll mean quite the opposite to everyone else. Here on the surface, nobody spoils anyone—you either survive or you don’t.”

Silvia smiled faintly, wordlessly adjusting the hood over her head. Despite the cold, the alcohol in Carter’s system flushed his bare arms with heat.

It’s a beautiful night.

Stepping onto Main Street, Carter avoided the barrage of glances coming their way. Even with her hood up, Silvia drew attention like honey did flies. Carter couldn’t deny how bewitching she could be.

Still, I wish they’d all stop staring.

“How about here? They have pretty good food,” Carter said, stopping and pointing toward the nearest stall.

Silvia nodded, shooting him a mischievous grin. “Anything to get away from all those prying eyes, huh? People might get the wrong idea.”

Carter scoffed, trying to act indignant.

S-she noticed?

Silvia burst out laughing, drawing even more eyes. “Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.”

As she wiped her eyes, Carter shot her a glare, but she ignored him. She instead focused on the signs over the stall.

Damn, she’s good. I’ve gotta keep my guard up, or she’s going to be the death of me.

“Hey, I’ve never heard of most of these foods before,” Silvia muttered, flicking a glance in Carter’s direction. “What’s good?”

“Um, the roasted beef bits are good with a side of wheat bread.”

“What about the fish?”

“I’ve never tried it. Too expensive.”

Silvia frowned but didn’t push the point any further. “Beef bits it is, then.”

Carter nodded, pulling out his coin purse. As he ordered their food, Silvia wandered around the edge of the sidewalk. Several tables were set up around the various stalls, old barrels serving as stools. Selecting a table, she plopped down. Food in hand, Carter made his way over.

“Do all towns have this many food vendors?”

“No, you just rolled into town at an opportune time.”

“Oh?” Silvia chuckled slightly, pulling her meal out of Carter’s hand and nestling it in her lap. “And why, pray tell, is that?”

“Well, all the vendors are in town because of the harvest festival, which ended about a week ago. Now that all the farmers are done in the fields for the winter, they have more time to venture into towns. The vendors probably won’t leave until the first snowfall hits, out of fear of losing possible profit.”

Silvia giggled, glancing down the street. The soft hum of music drifted around the corner, diffusing into the night.

Carter shot her a wry grin from across the table. “You laugh, but I’ve been in their position before. Once winter hits, every cent saved could mean life or death.”

Realizing Silvia’s food sat untouched, Carter’s cheeks flushed. His meal already lay in shambles. She stared down at the cooked chunks of meat, confusion plastered plainly on her face.

“You said this is beef, yes?” she asked after a moment. “As in cow?”

“That’s right. Sorry, do they not have beef on The Shell?”

“No, they do, it just…it looks different. I’ve never seen food prepared this way.” She poked a charred piece of beef with her index finger.

“Well, don’t worry, it’s pretty good. Give it a try, okay? If you don’t like it, I’ll get you something else.”

After a moment, Silvia nodded. Then, closing her eyes, she popped a chunk of beef into her mouth. Carter watched, concerned.

If she can’t handle surface food, how am I going to keep her strong enough to travel?

“Mmmmm.” Silvia’s body relaxed as she swallowed the beef with a sigh. She quickly covered her mouth, her eyes widening as she blushed.

Carter chuckled.

“I must admit, you have an impressive taste for food,” Silvia muttered, her cheeks rosy-red, “If all my meals are this good, I may never want to go home.”

Carter felt his companion’s gaze dance over his coin purse, her grin widening.

“I hate to disappoint you, but food like this is usually only available along the coast. A lot of towns are so poor they can barely afford rye bread. And even that is a step above the food we will have to eat in between towns.”

Silvia’s grin warped into a truly mischievous smile. Leaning across the table, she spoke in a whisper, but her eyes blazed amidst the lamp light. “Well, I guess we have no choice but to gorge ourselves now then, huh?”

Refusing to meet her gaze, Carter pulled a silver rugba from the bag around his neck. Most towns in the east used the rugba as their central currency, plating them with gold, silver, and bronze. Carter tossed the coin up, watching it land safely in Silvia’s hands.

As his companion ran back up to the stall, Carter let himself slouch against the table.

As long as it keeps her mind off things for a while, I can afford to splurge just this once.

Silvia made her way back toward the table, food in hand. Carter barely noticed, glancing around the street. Most of the food stalls were closing. Curfew would begin soon.

“Ready to head back?”

Silvia followed Carter’s gaze. Her fork poked the new order of beef but failed to bring any to her lips. Setting her food down, she yawned.

“Yeah,” Carter said, wrapping up her uneaten food. “We can take your food back with us, and you can have it later.”

Offering no complaint, Silvia followed Carter toward the inn. Yawning, Carter stretched. Despite the cold wind, he felt warm inside.

After the day I’ve had, I’m going to sleep like a baby.

As they neared the inn’s entrance, Carter felt something latch onto his arm. Looking down, he realized Silvia’s arm was wound around his, drawing them uncomfortably close together. His heart nearly jumped out of his chest. He tried to pull away, but Silvia only drew his arm closer to her.

“Thank you for the meal, my fine, noble knight,” she whispered.

Carter shivered. Silvia’s body heat throbbed against his numb arm, her voice so flirtatious it could have made a slaver’s mind go blank. Carter tried to grasp a sufficient comeback, but all he could manage were a few panicked grunts.

“Hahaha.” Silvia slipped away, doubling over and laughing uncontrollably.

Did she just play me?

“Thanks for that,” he sputtered, blushing. “You’re real funny, you know that?”

“Heh, God, your face was just…wow.”

Carter grimaced, forcing himself to stay mad. Drying her eyes, Silvia punched his shoulder. Carter couldn’t stop himself. Chuckling, he covered his face.

Well, they say a little humility is good for the soul.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

Silvia didn’t respond but pushed through the inn door, bathing in the warm glow within. Looking over her shoulder, she held the door open behind her.

“Well, what are you waiting for? You’ll catch a cold standing out there like that!”

Carter sighed, shrugging his shoulders. “Don’t worry, I’m right behind you.”

Boston sweltered under an unseasonal heatwave the following day. All across town, windows sat half-open, with people striding around in their summer best one last time for the year. Carter fought the urge to lie down and nap.

You can laze around once you’re safely out of town.

Due to Ramus’s duties at the inn, the pair made a point to set off into town before the sun began to rise. After the innkeeper sent his subordinates off to gather the scrap from the rental car, Ramus and Carter made their way across town, acquiring a horse and cart from the local stable master. The colt cost the majority of Carter’s funds, but Ramus’s guidance made the decision easy.

Trust me, Carter, back when I still traveled the land, my horse was invaluable. The trip West isn’t easy, and you will need a way to cart your goods.

From there, it took only a few hours to purchase the remaining supplies. By the time the two returned to the inn, the cart bed was littered with maps, blankets, firewood, matches, several barrels of rations, and more. Carter then bought several crates of dried goods from Ramus, planning to sell them in the next town to increase their funds and allow them to keep a steady trade going as they made their way to Montar.

Upon their return, Ramus insisted Carter stable his horse at the inn. He knew his scrap couldn’t possibly cover this kind of lavish treatment but humbly accepted the offer.

Can’t complain really, considering I’m almost broke.

With the increase in temperature, Carter stripped off his hoodie. Wiping his brow, he loaded and organized the cart. His tank top stuck to his chest, damp with sweat as his long hair dripped onto his lanky arms. As he loaded the last crate into the wagon, Carter heard the scuffs of fast-approaching feet somewhere behind him. The steps were light and uneven, unlike the usual locals. Carter grinned to himself, feigning ignorance as he checked over the cart’s inventory.

“Looks like you’ve been working hard,” Silvia drawled. Standing next to the wagon, she peered up at him, yawning like a child.

“Oh?” Carter shot her a bemused smile. “Good to see you’ve finally woken up.”

Silvia didn’t even give Carter the satisfaction of frowning. Quick as ever, she shot him an evil grin. “No thanks to you. I’ve never been so bored in my life! How long did you expect me to keep company with all the drunks in the bar?”

Carter chuckled, continuing to pack. “Well, I was going to wake you, but my old master taught me never to poke a sleeping bear.”

This time his ruse paid off. Silvia gaped at him, her jaw slack. Then, jumping up, she slapped the back of his head. Carter’s grin only widened.

“I’m sorry if I gave off such an impression.”

Carter’s smile dropped immediately. Silvia’s tone didn’t match his expectations in the slightest. She sounded utterly defeated.

Did she really take my joke that seriously?

Turning around, Carter caught Silvia’s gaze. She looked up meekly from behind her amber bangs, clutching her hands tightly in front of her.

“N-no, hey, it’s fine,” Carter said, his heart tearing. “I-I was just kidding, you kn
—
”

“Heh, hahaha!” Silvia burst into laughter, cutting Carter off.

After a few moments, he let his shoulders sag and he sighed, annoyed.

She’d fit right in on a stage. Damn actress.

“Oh, haha, you’re very funny,” Carter muttered.

“Oh, no need to brood. I was only jesting!” Silvia’s fake noble-speak was backed by her bright spirits.

Carter continued packing, refusing to look behind him. He could still hear his companion chuckling under her breath.

Checking off the last of his inventory, Carter hopped down, preparing to close up the back of the cart. However, at the last moment, a rush of amber hair whirled in front of him. Silvia jumped into the wagon, crouching down to point her finger in his face. Her eyes squinted, giving her grin a mischievous overtone.

“Honestly, though, loneliness is a cancer,” she said. “I’ll be damned if it kills me before I can make it home, so you better take me with you next time!”

“Okay, okay! I’m sorry, I just thought you could use the sleep.”

“Well, thank you for being chivalrous in any case.”

Carter snorted. “Why all the knight metaphors?”

“Why not? They suit you.”

“Eh?” Carter shot his companion a doubtful stare.

She shrugged. “They do. You saved me, and now you even own a horse. It makes total sense!”

“You mean Dullahan?” Carter asked, patting his horse’s side. “You hear that, boy? I’m a knight, and you’re my steed.”

Silvia sighed. Pursing her lips, she shot Carter a reproachful smile.

“Anyhow, now what?”

Silvia stared at Carter, hands on her hips. Wearing his spare clothing, she looked like a child playing dress up. Hiding his smirk, Carter grabbed his hoodie off the side of the cart and stepped outside. Silvia followed him.

“Well?” she asked again.

“Hmm? Oh, well, if we can, I’d like to get out of town by tomorrow evening. It’s a three-day journey to New Manhattan, so the sooner we leave, the better.”

“Wonderful! You have all of the preparations made then, I assume?”

“But of course.”

Silvia smiled happily, her eyes brimming with excitement. Carter smiled back, but inside his heart split down the middle.

I was that optimistic once, too…

“Oh, hey, I almost forgot,” Carter said, changing the subject.

“Hmm?”

“Ramus has asked us to dinner tonight. He wants to see us off.”

As if on cue, Silvia’s stomach growled audibly. Gasping, she cradled her stomach with her arms, flushing red. Carter chuckled, earning himself a spiteful glare.

“What?” she mumbled. “It’s not my fault I’m hungry; someone didn’t leave me any money for lunch.”

“Lunch?” Carter scratched his head.

What is she talking about?

“Yeah, lunch,” she said, shooting him a queer look. “You know, the meal that comes after breakfast and before dinner?”

Carter stopped in his tracks, legitimately confused.

Three meals a day?

Most people ate once in the morning and then again at night. Nomads like Carter even dropped down to one meal a day when funds got tight. Stories even told of men boiling leather on the road to stave off starvation.

Silvia stared at Carter, her jaw slack. “Are you serious? You’ve never heard of lunch?”

Carter nodded.

“So, only two meals a day?”

“Yeah.”

Silvia gaped at Carter like she’d just been slapped. “Are you kidding me?” she cried.

Carter took a step back. Around them, the crowd gave them a wide birth. Silvia trembled, glued to her spot.

“Are-are you crying?”

“Wha
—
No! O-of course not!” Silvia quickly wiped her eyes and then turned away, bright red.

Carter took a few deep breaths and then sighed. “Gosh, you sure cost a lot.”

Silvia’s back went rigid the moment he said it. Turning around, she looked up at Carter, her eyes wide. Then, regaining her composure, she smiled. “I’m sorry. I wish I could be more useful to you.” She laughed, her voice cracking.

Carter felt his chest tighten. “It’s okay, I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just kidding.”

“No, you were right. I really am a burden to you.” Silvia’s smile seemed almost sad.

Carter stepped forward, suddenly resolute. Putting his hand on her shoulder, he gave her a very serious look. “Silvia, listen to me. You’re not a burden.”

Carter, you idiot.

Silvia smiled faintly. Looking up at him, she nodded, her cheeks regaining their color. “Hey, Carter?” she asked.

“Yeah?”

“I know I’ve already cost you a great deal, but I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

Silvia glanced at the ground and then back at him. “Well, I was wondering if we could get me some clothes.”

Carter relaxed, relieved.

Well, if that’s all.

“Yeah, sure,” he said. “I didn’t expect you to wear my clothes forever, after all.”

Silvia’s face lit up immediately. “Can we go get them now?” she asked, grabbing his shirt. “I’d like to change out of these ratty things before we go to dinner.”

Carter glanced over, feigning a frown. “Ratty?”

Silvia suppressed her smile, staring at Carter innocently. “Err, I mean, they’re baggy. They don’t fit me at all.” Putting her hands behind her back, Silvia cocked her head to the side, completing the act.

Carter gave her a grudging smile. “Whatever.”

“So can we go now or not?” Silvia’s cheeks were puffed out like tiny balloons.

Pulling out his money purse, Carter sifted through its contents. Silvia watched the bag intently, as if it were dangling the new clothing just out of her reach.

If I’m careful, I should be able to afford some clothes and keep some money back in case shit hits the fan between here and New Manhattan.

“Yeah, I think we can go now.”

“Come on then!”

Carter found himself being pulled along by the sleeve. “H-hey! Just remember, nothing too expensive! I’m not made out of money!”

“Yes,
Dad
.”

When she reached the market square, Silvia finally stopped her speedy advance. She turned back, staring at Carter imploringly. He merely looked away, as if staring at a nearby booth.

“Ahem!”

“Hmm? Oh, I’m sorry, does the lady still need help finding her way around? I could have sworn I was just the money handler.”

“Oh, please. What, don’t like a girl taking charge,
hmmm
?”

“T-that’s not what I—”

Silvia cut him off, wagging a finger in his face, breaking into a triumphant smile. “I guess you’ll have to be a little more generous funding my wardrobe to make it up to me, huh?”

Is she always two steps ahead?

Carter groaned audibly. He gripped his chest, feigning pain, but Silvia paid him no notice. Giggling to herself, she slugged his shoulder.

“You are slowly ripping a hole in my coin purse, you know that?” Carter scoffed.

“Oh ho, but it’s good for you,” Silvia retorted. “You really were a bit too tight along the strings before I showed up, am I right?”

“Oh, please. When you travel non-stop like I do, you learn just how important managing your money is. Spend too much, and you will soon starve. Spend too little, and you will starve anyhow. It’s a very fine line.”

Silvia nodded, her smile losing its nasty tinge. “Those seem like wise words, but what’s the point if you don’t enjoy the money you’ve made every once in a while?” Playing coy, Silvia nuzzled up to his arm, mimicking her ploy from the night before.

Carter stood stock-still, repressing the urge to pull away.

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to teach you a thing or two while I’m here.”

“I don’t doubt you will.”

Silvia pulled away, pouting. “Are you going to lead the way or not?”

Carter smiled in exasperation. As his companion stared at him pointedly, he lifted his hand and patted her on the head. Silvia blushed, shooting him a bemused smile.

“I suppose. You’d get lost without me, after all.”

“Well played, sir knight.”

*****

“Welcome, sir and madam. How can I help the happy couple today?” the shopkeeper asked as the two stepped into the tailor’s shop.

Carter smiled wryly, letting the comment slide. He was easily identifiable as a trader, but females in his occupation were rare, so it made sense the clerk assumed they were a couple. Silvia, however, turned as red as her hair.

“H-hey now! We are just traveling together, that’s it!” she sputtered.

The clerk, a rather plump man, chortled as he waddled around the counter.

“Oh ho, is that so? I’m deeply sorry then, miss.”

“I-it’s fine.”

Turning to Carter, the man extended his hand. Carter shook it firmly, flashing his signature grin. The clerk did the same, showing his teeth and squinting his eyes. Carter’s mental defenses rose. Such a smile marked a well-versed tradesman.

“In any case, how may I help the two of you today?” the shopkeeper asked. “Winter is coming, you know; no better time to stock up on warm clothes and blankets!”

“That’s part of why we came, yes,” Carter responded. “You see, we were caught in a rather nasty storm a few days back, and my companion lost most of her spare clothes in her rush to find shelter.”

“Ah, I see. Wouldn’t want the young lass freezing, eh?” The clerk beamed from ear to ear.

Silvia smiled back, embarrassed, but Carter fought the urge to grimace. This man could clearly smell a profit. Carter would have to stay on his toes with this one.