612 MR - Maggie the Sage

Winded, Maggie comes to a full stop at an entrance of a seedy tavern called the Mermaid’s Teat. She rests for a moment to catch her breath as she glances in the window of the tavern. I swear if that naughty boy went in there he is going get such a whooping all of Cerelia will hear his cries. She has been chasing young Cross all over town trying to get him to do his chores. He just turned eight and has been a handful since he learned how to walk. Sure enough, she spies him hiding behind a plump-looking barmaid.

Standing at the entrance of the tavern she yells out, “Lucian Christopher Cross! Get your arse out of that establishment and come with me. You have to learn the different types of sigils for Anuria!”

“I don’t want to! I want to play with my friends. They aren’t going to be in town for very much longer and Henry is so funny!”, says the boy as he scurries between Maggie’s legs and darts down to the docks.

Maggie curses under her breath and chases after him. Weaving in and out of the dozen of merchants she loses him in the crowd. She stops glances around and thinks about what he said about playing with Henry…of course…Henry Godwynsen. Henry was about Lucian’s age. Henry tags along with Brosen every time they arrive with one of the shipments of Hoswer Apple Brandy. Maggie didn’t think it was very wise to take a child on the high seas but who was she to judge. Besides, Lucian did like Henry they would always chase seagulls along the docks. As she passed the customs house, she remembered just last year that Henry and Lucian got into a little trouble with the local customs official. They were playing with ink and drawing pictures on parchments of the daily imports/exports for the day. Needless to say, the official did not appreciate the artwork of the two boys. With a wry smile, she finally comes to the port where the Brosen’s merchant ship was docked.

 
Maggie crossed the gangway and boarded the ship. She spotted Brosen pointing skyward to one of the sails and saying something to the captain. He spots Maggie and smiles and after he was finished with the captain makes his way over to her.

Cheerfully he says, “Maggie! What brings you down to the docks?” Before she could answer he quickly continues, “It’s me, isn’t it? You missed my charming boyish looks. Now look, Maggie, I’m flattered and all, but you are not my type.”