The seed flew out the window with a trail of spit. Sylah clawed at her tongue to remove any residue. Thankfully, the skin hadn’t cracked. Only one seed left. She pocketed it.
“Yes, coming.” She bounded down the stairs and out to the street beyond.
—
“Explain this again,” Jond asked for the hundredth time.
“Inkwells are unique to the wearer. The slot for the stylus needs to be over a vein. We can’t just go buy one, they have to be made specifically for each person,” Sylah said. They were both on their way to Loot’s lair, deep in the Dredge.
“And you think this Loot guy will know someone?”
“He’s the only person I can think of who would.”
“But he calls himself the Warden of Crime, as if it’s a real title—he realizes it isn’t, right?”
“I’d lower your voice if I were you. We’re in his quarter now. His guild members, we call them Gummers, are everywhere. Plus he’s the only warden who Dredge-dwellers truly listen to.”
Jond looked over his shoulder as if a Gummer was about to jump him.
“Right…I like this guy less and less.”
“Good, he’s not to be liked. Too dangerous for that,” Sylah said.
Jond sniffed, and probably regretted it.
“And this Warden of Crime…he lives around here?” Jond gestured to the decrepit remains of the limestone villas.
“No, he lives in the Intestines.”
Jond’s step faltered. “Wait, what?”
Sylah chuckled. “It’s the tunnels under the city. He calls them the Intestines.”
“Oh.”
“We’re here.” Sylah waved to the watcher at the door. “Hi, Fayl. How’s it hurting?”
“Good, Sylah, you? Who’s this you got with you? Got yourself a bit of hustle?”
Sylah snorted and Jond blushed.
“Jond, this is Fayl; Fayl, this is Jond. Jond is my…stepbrother.”
Jond frowned.
“Didn’t know you had a brother!” Fayl clapped Jond on the back.
“More like a childhood friend,” Jond replied, casting a look Sylah’s way.
“What mood is he in?” Sylah said.
“Well, Sylah, I’ll be as true as the blood with you, he’s said not to let you in.” The watcher rubbed his hand over his chin.
“Maiden’s tits. I’m not here to sign up for the Ring!” Sylah’s arm twitched. “Look, if you could ask one of the Gummers to just check with him? Explain it’s not about the Ring? Tell him I’d owe him a favor.”
“A favor?” Fayl’s eyes widened.
“I have to, Fayl. If he can get me what I need.”