Chapter 365: During the Festival (1)

A warm breeze from the Verduic Sea entered through the harbor and heated up the streets of Saniya. Up above, the gray sky released a drizzle of rain. Each fallen drop melted away another little patch of the snow that had been collected in the city since the start of winter.

s.h.i.+elded from the elements by the walls of the large stall he sat inside as well as by his generous coat Sami the carpenter could quietly muse about the humid weather with a mind at peace, and in harmony with his surroundings.

In fact, the people outside the stall looked to be in a good mood as well, despite the weather. Countless people of every imaginable group strolled the streets once again. In the distance, Sami could hear music from two groups of street performers, and there were smells of food and drink everywhere around him.

This time, even many outsiders had come to the city to partic.i.p.ate in these once-in-a-lifetime festivities, to add to the excitement. The crowds around him were as dense and as aflutter as they had ever been. Though Sami still felt like the peace wouldnt last for long.

With mixed emotions, he poured another cup from his steaming pot of mulled wine and handed it to another face in the endless line that had formed in front of his stall.

There you go, please enjoy, he said. Thatll be two copper then.

What do you mean? I thought everythings free, the guest complained. In response, Sami tried hard to suppress a sigh. This wasnt the first or second time this had happened. It was only just noon, but he had long stopped counting how many people had complained about paying such a small amount for the expensive, spiced wine.

Well, the people from the castle said that even if everything else is free today, we still need to charge everyone for the booze, Sami explained in a bored tone. He really had explained this too many times already. They probably dont want the entire city to drink itself to death. If every drinks free, thered be chaos in the street, dont you think?

Usually, that little comment was enough to make the customers understand. Most people would back off and obediently pay. However, there were always a few who wouldnt be so willing to give in. The guy in front was clearly one of them. Anger formed on the guests face as he stepped forward to s.n.a.t.c.h the mug of wine from Samis fingers. However, the barman had quicker hands and rescued the drink before it could get kidnapped, or spill its steaming contents all over Samis workstation.

You said its free! Now it isnt! Arent you just a scammer!? The guest screamed at Sami, his face right in front of him, and his finger almost up the barmans nose. Annoyed, Sami pushed the finger away and stepped aside to avoid the rain of spittle. He thought he would have been safe from the downpour inside this stall, but he had underestimated the humidity of his customers.

Look, buddy,

I

didnt say anything, he replied, now in a bad mood. Thesere the castles orders. Just ask anyone else whos selling liquor today. Theyre all doing the same. So this has nothing to do with me. Im just the messenger. So dont blame me just because you dont have two coppers to rub together.

Even now, the guest didnt back down. From the s.h.i.+ny appearance of his robes and the fancy leather shoes on his feet, he didnt even look that poor. Maybe he was just particularly stingy, or so ent.i.tled that he thought everyone else in the world owed him something.

I think youre just trying to trick me, the guest insisted again, stepping right in front of Sami once more. Dont lie to me, the drink is really free, but youre just trying to steal from people and line your own pockets with the coin of some gullible drunks. Isnt that how it is? But you found the wrong mark this time. Im not simple-minded like the others, and I wont be tricked! If you keep this up, I will tell your boss what youre doing here. I know a lot of people in this city. Dont test me. So how about you be a good boy and-

Whats the problem here? From among the crowd appeared two towering figures who surrounded the haughty customer on both sides. Although he looked annoyed by the interruption, the customer calmed down as soon as he saw who he was dealing with. Outnumbered and up against people who could clearly handle themselves in a fight, he wasnt half the man he had been in front of Sami.

And you are? he asked, still rude, but much more civil. However, his question wasnt answered by the intimidating giants. Instead, a reply came from a beautiful, young lady with n.o.ble temperament, who appeared from the same direction as the giants.

They are a.s.sociates of Master Ekkoko, she answered the rude guests question. He wants to know why you are starting trouble at his stall.

Intimidated by Master Ekkokos name as much as by the giants to his left and right, the guest began to sweat.

Ah, please excuse me, Lady! A squeak escaped his throat as he was rattling off excuses. I didnt know. Please overlook me! I will disappear right away and never show my face again in front of lady!

Although the terrified customer finally ran away without his wine, Sami was no longer interested in him. Instead, he had only eyes for the young woman.

Ulan! You didnt come a moment too early, he greeted his girlfriend.

You see, I told you that we should get some support from Master Ekkoko, she said, a beaming smile of victory on her face. Earlier, Ulan had visited him and watched a similar incident. Worried about Samis safety, she had promised to return with some reinforcements. With the two guards to protect him, Samis work would be a lot easier.

Thank you, Masters. Ill rely on you for safety form now on, he politely greeted the two giants.

No worries, friend. Were just here to protect masters things. Just think of us as air, one of them said, while the other nodded his head in agreement.

After, the two stood a bit away on both sides of the stall. They were far enough to not disturb anyone, but also clearly visible to all guests on the street. With this deterrent, there would finally be peace at the stall, Sami guessed.

What a mess, he said after everything was cleared up. At the same time, both he and Ulan took a seat behind the stall again, and the first customer came forward gingerly to be served.

Then why did you take the job? Ulan asked.

Compared to this place, the mess at the manufactory is even worse. Sami sighed. At this point, with the way the city is these days, I have no idea if we can ever start work there. I have to make money somehow, right? So I need to make use of the rare mood right now and get some coin before we go back to before.

Thats true, Ulan admitted. Finally, the people are back to normal.

From one day to the next, it felt like the threatening mood created by the supervisors had disappeared into nothing, as if the citys past had quietly returned, without warning. Not even the supervisors were making any trouble any more. Though Sami was sure they werent acting mindful of the guests, or the other citizens. Maybe today was just an inconvenient day for robbery, he thought.

After all, all work would rest during the festival, which meant that all manufactories would remain closed. Thus, the warriors could no longer reasonably use their old excuses of supervision and spot checks to rob people. Even in their shamelessness, they hadnt quite reached the point where they would simply break into the workshops, at least not so long as they were sober.

Not to mention, many people from all over the empire and even from other places far away had accepted King Corcos invitation and had come together in Saniya to celebrate this winter solstice. The lords who stood behind the supervisors wouldnt want to look too greedy in front of their fellow lords from the north, so they restrained themselves for once and stopped the plundering for a few days. Just for the duration of the festival, there would be peace in Saniya.

However, this peace came at a high price for the king. For the entire duration of the festival, the castle would be paying for everything. To that end, the kingdoms treasury had sent out requests to every tavern, bar, inn, and food stall owner in the city. Most of them would offer their goods in stalls all along the citys roads throughout the festival. And all of it, no matter how much they sold, would be paid for by the crown. Even tonights rooms for visitors would be covered by the kings coin.

As the couple spoke about the general situation in the city, Sami continued to serve customers. Luckily, there were a lot fewer complaints from guests now, so they werent interrupted by anyone.

Anyways, why are you here? Not that I want to complain, Sami added when he saw Ulans raised brow. Just, shouldnt you be out with your troupe? I thought every entertainer in the city would do street performances today.

Just like today was a busy day for the tavern owners, it was equally busy for the entertainers. There were traveling folk and local entertainers on every street corner, plying their trade with great enthusiasm, as for once they were well-paid for their services. On most days, the traveling folk had no right to enter Medalas cities and towns in the first place.

Only during large festivals like this one would they be allowed inside to entertain the ma.s.ses. This time, they had even tasted the reliable hard coin of the crown. Their great mood translated to the people and elevated the citys atmosphere by another level. Ulans own acting troupe had been performing since morning, so Sami was surprised that she had time to visit him.

You can only perform for so long. Transporting your voice across a crowded street is very draining, she explained. So our first lineup is on break for the rest of the day, and our replacements get a chance to s.h.i.+ne. I could have stayed with them of course, but then I wouldnt be able to be with you, would I?

Ulans sweet words. .h.i.t Sami hard, but he had a hard time expressing himself, at least in front of a large crowd like this. Thus, they shared a nice, long silence just sitting together and looking at the crowd.

I can hardly believe that the city has returned to its old image this quickly, Ulan finally said once there was a lull in the stream of customers.

Since everything was closed, and everything was free, there was no reason for the warriors to waste their time banging on doors with no one behind them. At least for one day, the city was back to its jubilant att.i.tude. Though Sami knew that it was nothing more than an illusion.

Yeah, its finally back to normal again, Sami agreed at first, but then decided that it wouldnt be good to lie to his prospective wife. Its all a facade though, really. None of it will last, I dont think.

How so? Ulan looked over to Sami, with the hint of a smile on her face. Maybe she just wanted to start a conversation and wasnt curious about the state of the city at all. Sami still decided to play along.

Dont tell me you havent noticed, he said Today, everythings free, so everyones taking a break. That includes the supervisors. They have the day off, so its nice and peaceful. But I guarantee you that the warriors are gonna start their supervising again tomorrow. Though at least for today, it really seems like we can breathe easy.

If only. Ulan sighed. Have you seen any of the priests today?

Ive seen a couple walk past, and one of them bought some wine. But other than that, Ive been sitting here all day. What did I miss?

For a moment, Ulan looked around, maybe to see if there were any priests within earshot, before she continued.

Theyre still preaching the same nonsense as before, she whispered. The end of the sinful city. Doom. Even the papers they hand out are the same. As far as I could tell, they are stationed along the major roads and on both ends of the big bridges, to make sure everyone in the city hears them.

You cant be serious, Sami replied on reflex. After a few seconds of shock, he realized that he shouldnt have been surprised. But thats exactly what I was talking about before. They wont stop just because were giving them free food. We should just forget about our worries, and enjoy the festival for today. He looked at the back of his previous customer, before he whispered, Because tomorrow, we will take matters into our own hands.

Now

you

cant be serious, a wide-eyed Ulan shouted in shock, before she caught herself and lowered both her head and her voice. Do you really want to rebel, just because that fool Chanca told you to?

Chancas often a fool, but this time hes right. Sami insisted, stubbornness lodged in his heart next to bitterness. Its not only the priests either. Ive seen how the warriors have acted today as well. Theyre not robbing people, but theyre cutting in line, shoving people out of the way, and acting however they feel like in general. Tomorrow it will only get worse, until theyve played all of us to death. We cant just let those fat-

Shhh! With a shocked expression, Ulan covered his mouth and motioned beyond their stall with her head. Only now did Sami realize that two of the fat b.a.s.t.a.r.ds were walking towards him. One was a lord with a large entourage of warrior servants behind him, and the other was obviously a priest.

Despite their different ident.i.ties, they seemed to be in harmony with each other. Both carried the same arrogant smile with them. Without considering the line in front of Samis stall, they walked straight up to him.

Although Ekkokos men had come over to guarantee that something like this wouldnt happen, neither of them dared to step up. Not only were they people a commoner wouldnt dare to offend, not only were they outnumbered by the lords guards, the n.o.ble also carried an axe decorated with fancy gold and ruby ornaments on his hip, making no attempt to hide the deadly weapon at all.

Sami stared at the gleaming steel and remembered the axe he himself had held during the night a few days back. Now, he wished that he had one hidden inside his stall, just in case.

Bring me your best wine, boy! the n.o.ble interrupted his thoughts. From his tone, he clearly considered Sami to be a lesser person, but the barman could not retort at all. Without a choice, he put on a practiced smile and did as he was told. This time, he didnt expect to get the payment.