Moral Stand (Aether’s Revival Book 7)

Nothing outside of their routine happened for their second day off in Icelake, nor on their march back to Coldwood. The gate sergeant on duty welcomed them in and asked about any incidents during their patrol. When nothing was reported, he thanked them.

The barracks were in good condition again, and Gregory knew it had to be the cleaning staff that took care of things, as the previous guard unit definitely wouldn’t have done it. Their breakfast was pancakes made per squad, so they were still hot when served. It did take longer for breakfast, but the men loved it. The syrup that Barny introduced them to was an even bigger hit— syrup was a trade good from the area, made from the sap of the local trees.

“What are your plans for today, sir?” Davis asked.

“A little bit of shopping, then a chat with the commander. That’s about it. What place did our men use here last time we were in town?”

“Not one like the Groomed Mane, sadly. I think they’re going to range a bit more to find anything close to that.”

“I’m not sure they’ll find a place similar to it. I have a feeling it’s unique, especially for the area.”

“You’re probably right, but they’ll be looking for a better place this time around.”

“I’ll ask the commander if he can recommend somewhere. There are some part-eurtik in the guard here… maybe they’d know?”

“I was going to ask around discreetly.”

“See what we both come up with later tonight,” Gregory nodded.

“I could ask among the eurtik workers,” Rafiq suggested, having just finished his platter of sausages.

“Oh, can you find out what the cleaning staff would like as a token of appreciation for me, please?” Gregory asked. “Gods know this place would’ve been in shambles, otherwise.”

“I will do so. Will you be back for Shogi later?”

“After dinner. Oh, and thank you for making Magi Squares for me. I’ve been glad to have them.”

“It’s no trouble at all. They help me, as well.”

“Best get on with the day,” Davis said, getting up. “See you later, sir.”

Gregory was standing when Polka came by to collect dishes. “Sir, thank you for the gifts last week.”

“You three do a lot for us. I should’ve realized that you don’t get the same rest we do in between patrols.”

“I was going to ask, sir,” Polka asked slowly, “if I gave you a list, could you buy some things for us?”

Gregory’s head tilted slightly. “I can. Is there a problem?”

“The merchants we saw in Icelake wanted to charge more than what things should be worth. The only thing we could figure out is that it was because Dot and I are eurtik. If you buy them for us, it won’t have an extra cost. The downside is that they’re all clearly eurtik items.” Seeing his quizzical expression, she explained, “Soap and the like that are better for our fur.”

“And my scales,” Rafiq added.

“I’ll be happy to help,” Gregory said. “The fact that merchants charge slaves more is terrible. As if being denied freedom isn’t bad enough…”

“Most don’t see it the way you do, Greg.”

“I know. Maybe one day, they will,” Gregory sighed. “Do you have a list already?”

Polka was quick to pull a scrap of paper from her pouch. “Thank you, sir.”

“Do you mind if I add an item?” Rafiq asked.

Gregory handed the scrap to him. “Go ahead. Polka, keep your money. This is on me.”

Polka pulled back the coin purse she was trying to give him. “Very well, sir.”

“Done,” Rafiq said, handing the parchment back to Gregory. “I will pay for mine.”

Gregory was about to object, but seeing Rafiq’s determination, he sighed. “Okay, Rafiq. I’ve been meaning to ask, how are the notes for Sarinia going?”

“Slowly. There’s not much to report so far. Once something of merit happens, then I will put together a dispatch for her.”

With the money and list put into his ring, Gregory nodded. “Makes sense. I’ll be back later.”

As Gregory left, Polka smiled at his back. “Was he always like this?”

“He was always respectful to everyone from my first interaction with him,” Rafiq said. “I’d say he’s unique, but his wives are similar. His whole clan is roughly the same, but there’ll be some variation in them, I’m sure.”

“May their clan become the pinnacle of magi…” Polka murmured.

“Agreed.”

~*~*~

It took some time to run down the right shops for what Polka had asked for. When he eventually found the shop, it was tucked into the worst part of town. The people who saw him gave him a wide berth.

The sign was chipped and partially pulled out of the wall from where it’d been nailed. Furry Needs had a rough image of a tail with a brush. Entering the store, Gregory found the interior to be in much better condition, though there was a faint fragrance hanging in the air that Gregory couldn’t quite place.

“Welc—! Welcome, Magi.” The greeting cut off, then was hurriedly completed.

The speaker was a man with furry red ears and vertical pupils. The red tail that stilled behind him gave an even bigger hint as to which animal of eurtik he was related to.

“Thank you. Your shop is very tidy,” Gregory said, going up to the counter. “Your sign outside has seen better days. It’s pulled away from the wall.”

“I’ll have to hammer it back in again,” the man sighed. “I’m Kit Snoo. This is my shop, Magi. How can I assist you?”

“I have a small list of things that I’m hoping you have.” Gregory summoned the list, placing it on the counter. “This item I need to pay for separately, please.”

Kit picked the list up, looking it over before he set it down. “I have all of it. I’ll gather it for you right away.”

“Thank you. They tried to buy things in Icelake, but the owner of the shop there tried to charge them more than needed.”

“Of course he did,” Kit snorted. “Taking advantage of slaves is what most people do.”

“I doubt you will,” Gregory said, having heard the vitriol in Kit’s tone.

Kit shook his head. “Dad and I made this shop to help people like my mother.” He gave Gregory a long look, then hurried into the back.

Because I’m a magi in here buying things, he knows they’re slaves tied to me, Gregory sighed to himself.

Kit came back out, carrying a full basket. “I have the items, Magi. I picked out the best we have in stock.”

“Thank you,” Gregory said. “They deserve the best they can get for all they do.”

Kit’s expression shifted through a range of confusion before settling back to neutral. “They should enjoy these, sir.”

“I need to pay for the one item separately, as it’s for someone else.”

“Of course. The scale scrub is only fifteen vela.”

Gregory paid for it, then the rest before absorbing the things he’d just paid for. “Thank you, Kit. I’m sure Dot or Polka will come buy from you in the future instead of me. That way, they can maybe ask about different products.”

“Of course. Everyone is welcome here.”

“I’ll let them know. Have a good day, sir.”

“You, too, Magi.”

~*~*~

Gregory headed for the command post next, but on the way, he came up to the bakery he’d used before leaving Coldwood. He looked at the sign, Golden Crusts, which showed a pie crust waiting for filling.

The place had brisk business this early, as people were stopping in to grab food for the day. He got in line behind the others, waiting for his turn. No one looked back at him, so it took the baker finishing who he was helping before he saw Gregory in line.

“Magi, I can help you next, sir,” the man said with a hint of panic, causing the others in line to glance back and see him.

“I have time, and I was here after them. You can help them first,” Gregory said. “I’m still deciding on what I’d like.”

That caused confusion in the crowd, but the baker nodded. “Of course, Magi.”

Gregory kept his eyes on the board behind the baker while the line moved forward. He gave polite nods to the people who thanked him as they left. In time, it was his turn, and he gave the baker a smile.

“I would like as many adzuki buns as you have; two berry tarts and two meat pies, the best you have for both; and add in four pies cut into eighths, please. The best dessert pies you have on hand. I also never caught your name last time.”

“Erik Moda, sir. This is my shop. I’ll go collect what you want.”

“Dammit. I was hoping for an adzuki bun…” The mutter was just loud enough for Gregory to hear it.

Looking back, Gregory gave the only other man in the shop, standing well back from him, a sympathetic smile. “I’ll leave one for you.”

“What?!” Eyes wide, the man went pale.

“An adzuki bun. You just said you’d hoped to get one.”

“Ahhh! No! Er! I-I should go…!”

“Stop,” Gregory said softly. “It’s fine. Sometimes, we all want comfort food. I’m not upset.”

The complainer looked torn between bolting or staying still.

Erik came out of the back with a woman, likely his wife. “We have everything you asked fo… is something wrong with Tom, sir?”

“Set one of the adzuki buns aside for him, please?” Gregory asked. “I’ll still pay for it. He’d come in hoping for one.”

Erik’s eyes widened, but he was quick to set an adzuki bun to the side. “Here you go.”

Gregory took the separate adzuki bun, turning to hand it to Tom. “Have a good day, Tom. May the bun bring you a little happiness today.”

Tom’s hands shook as he took the offered treat. “T-thank you, sir,” he croaked out, bowing deeply before bolting out of the shop.

Gregory sighed before turning back to Erik. “Sad that the response to any magi is fear. Is he a regular?”

“Yes, sir…” Erik whispered.

Gregory pulled out his coin purse. “I’d like to pay for an adzuki bun for the next time he comes. It’ll be in addition to everything today, please.”

“Yes, sir,” Erik said again, wondering if the man wearing the clan kimono was really a magi or not. He’d never met a magi in all of his years who was as kind as this man was. “I’m sure he’d like that.”

“Back in Alturis, we’d cheer each other up with small acts of kindness,” Gregory said as he started to absorb the food into his ring. “It’s just the way we are.”

“Sounds like a wonderful place,” Erik said.

“It really is…” Gregory murmured.