Page 100 of A Yulean Sister’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped

He got the tap running on my drink and turned to pour the wine.

Once it was all done, he slid both glasses across the counter. “Four coins,” he said.

I passed over ten. His brows shot up, but he didn’t question it as he swept them from the table and right into his apron.

“Can I ask you a question,” I said.

“Depends. Six coins int worth that much.”

“I’m wondering if you know a mage called Maralda.”

His face remained static. “Say I do, what do ya want with her?”

“Nothing,” I said. “Just some assistance.”

“Are you plannin’ on tippin’ her only six coins too?”

I sighed, pulling out a handful more and throwing them to the counter.

“She lives out in the woods,” he said unhelpfully.

“I know that much. How do you get there?”

“What, want me to draw ya a map?”

His voice was raised, starting to draw some eyes. “No, but basic directions might be nice.”

I thought for a few moments he wasn’t going to help me at all, that I was having a scaleless conversation and I needed to look elsewhere.

“Fine, I’ll tell ya, but there better be more where that came from,” he said, gesturing to my pocket.

“Plenty.”

“You want ta head out of town through the south gate, tis the most direct route, then⁠—”

“Everything okay?” Sage asked, scaring me.

“Fine,” I said. “Just… chatting,” I said.

The barkeep hummed. “Yup, just some casual chattin’.” It seemed he picked up the vague hint, thank the goddess above. “Nice talking to ya.”

Moons.

I was so close to getting the answers I needed. But I followed Sage back to the table, settling in next to her.

“What was that about?” she asked.

“Nothing, just a chatty old man,” I said, sipping my drink.

Her eyes were sharp, but she didn’t question me further.

We enjoyed our drinks, talking about nothing and everything. It felt so… easy with her.

“I need to use the bathroom,” she said, pushing from the booth and heading towards the back.

One of the waitresses walked past, and I realized this was my opportunity. “Excuse me,” I said.

She stopped, looking me over once, before leaning against the table, just a bit. “How can I help you, sailor?”