Ch.31 Old Friend

Chapter 31

"We have to take those cuffs off," Birdie said, running out of the ship as soon as they lowered the anchors at Yuri.

"Yes, obviously, genius," Wren grabbed her hand and pulled her into an alleyway. "Put up the cloaking spell. There will be palace guards everywhere now."

Birdie opened her palm and closed her eyes. She summoned her magic and felt her skin tingle as the protective invisible shield formed around them. When she opened her eyes once more, she found Wren looking around at the people in the streets.

"We need to go west," he said.

"The giants are in the east," Birdie pointed.

"The peddlers are in the west," Wren glared. "We need these cuffs off before we go anywhere."

"Do you know any peddlers?" Birdie asked, skeptically.

"No, but how hard can it be to find one willing to undo a jinn spell?" Wren stepped out of the alley way.

"Which way?" Birdie asked, following him.

Wren didn't reply. He just turned and set off across the street. Mumbling under her breath, Birdie followed, not wanting to lose him in the crowd.

"How do we even find a paddler?" She asked, wishing the spell would ward off the people as she got bumped around and flinched every time someone touched her. "Isn't there any other way?"

Wren looked over his shoulder to find Birdie tugging at the sleeves of her dress. She stood with her arms tightly wrapped around herself as her head turned in all directions like his birds back in the palace. He could see how uncomfortable she was. The urge to pull her beside him and make her walk between his arms dared to surface but Wren quickly snuffed it out as he continued to speed away.

"There's a tavern ahead," Wren announced. "We can find all sorts of people there."

Birdie followed the fey, occasionally grabbing his sleeve when he moved too quickly for her to keep up with.

"The cloaking spell won't work on you if you keep running from me as if I have the plague," Birdie snapped when Wren clicked his tongue and frowned at her holding his sleeve.

Wren's eyes narrowed and darkened as he mumbled under his breath.

"What?" Birdie's brows furrowed. "What did you say?"

"I said I can't wait to have my magic back so I don't have to deal with all these limitations," Wren said impatiently.

"Well, then get moving!" Birdie said in anger. "I don't want any part of you in me."

"Why?" Wren laughed. "Adan won't survive a little competition?"

"There is no competition," Birdie narrowed her eyes. "And stop bringing him up."

"Why?" Wren challenged again, stepping forward. "Are you afraid your prince charming won't be able to win if he's against me?"

"You would never win me," Birdie shook her head. "I will always choose him."

"Who said anything about winning you?" Wren tilted his head.

Birdie felt her cheeks warm as if she was sitting by a blazing fire. Maybe it was the blazing fire in her heart.

"Don't go thinking you're so special, sultana," Wren said, turning towards the tavern they had been searching for.

Birdie suddenly laughed, "Bitch, please!"

Surprised by her laughter, Wren turned to look at the girl behind him.

"If I'm not so special then why did you ask for me personally on your birthday?" Birdie asked. "The highest sale the collector had ever made and that was me!"

"Maybe that's all I needed you for," Wren said. "A good lay."

Wren instantly regretted his words when Birdie recoiled from them. The laughter in her eyes dropped and drowned in darkness as her reality came crashing down on top of her head.

"Birdie..." Wren stepped forward, reaching for her hand as his stomach turned.

Birdie stepped back, her eyes searching Wren's face as if she couldn't believe what he had just said.

"I didn't mean that," Wren said, catching her eyes.

"You did," Birdie said quietly. "How...how could I forget?"

Wren let his hand drop as his jaw tensed. They stood in front of the crowded tavern staring at one another as the city carried on around them.

"You bought me," Birdie said. "Like an object. You bought Jasmeen and god knows how many more girls. How could I forget that?"

Wren didn't know if the loathing he felt bubbling inside of himself was Birdie's or his own. He hated the way she was looking at him, her eyes clouded with shock and dread and venom. They didn't shimmer or glisten or flicker mischievously. No. They stared at him as if she had been yanked out of a dream and thrown into the middle of a battlefield.

"I..." Birdie swallowed the dryness in her throat. "I want to go home."

I want to go home...

Birdie's identical words from his dream pierced Wren like needles as he stood staring at her.

"Let's get this thing over with, find the key and then be done with this," Birdie looked at the tavern doors.

"Alright," was all Wren could come up with as he stepped back onto the sidewalk and reached for the doors.

The large three floor tavern was filled despite it being midday in the middle of the week. Girls walked around with jugs of drinks, serving up the hungry customers as large bald men with pointy ears filled rinks and took orders. Birdie walked in behind Wren and looked around, smelling sweets and warm food that would have made her stomach growl if not for the conversation she just had outside.

"Lower the spell," Wren said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Wren nodded.

Birdie summoned her magic to soak back into her skin. She suddenly felt exposed and frightened as the fey men at the nearby table looked up from their drinks and grinned.

"My fair fair lady," one of them bowed his head and rose from his seat. "How do you do-"

Wren stepped forward, towering over the drunk as he glared down with his dark piercing eyes.

"Sit. Down," he said, his voice cold and harsh.

Baffled and confused in his intoxicated state, the man slumped back down as his friends continued to chug their drinks while gawking at Birdie.

"Did you hire her by the hour or for the whole day?" Another man at the table asked.

Wren slammed his hand down on the table, making some of the drinks spill. He leaned forward and took a fist full of the fey's shirt into his hand as he snared.

"Hey! Hey!" one of the bartenders yelled from the back. "Take that business outside! Not here!"

"Birdie?"

Birdie whirled around and came face to face with a familiar face she had thought she would never see.

"Lady Ebony," Birdie gasped.

"What are you doing here?" Ebony asked as she rushed up to the girl. Her eyes flickered towards Wren as he straightened back up and came to stand behind Birdie. "Your highness..."

"Do we know each other?" Wren asked, staring at Ebony.

"No, your grace," Ebony bowed, her thick dark hair falling over the neckline of her fitted dress. "But I have seen you during my visits to the palace with the general."

"Ebony," Birdie stepped forward. "What are you doing here?"

"I work here now," Ebony said.

It was only then did Birdie realize the beautiful jinn was no longer dressed in silk and gold. She wore an old cotton dress with her hair half tied back with a simple black ribbon.

"The collector brought the general someone younger," Ebony said. "I was no longer needed."

Birdie did not know if she should apologize or congratulate the woman. She stood awkwardly staring at the woman as her mind ran empty.

"I like it better this way," Ebony said, smiling and lighting up her whole face. "I work, I have my own little room I rent. I even brought my sisters over to Yuri so they could have a better life away from Deserati."

"I'm happy for you," Birdie smiled. "Truly. You look happier."

"I am," Ebony nodded. "How have you been? I heard you were with the prince."

Ebony's eyes flickered to Wren.

"I'm trying to get home," Birdie said.

"To that place?" Ebony laughed. "What did you call it again? Eart?"

"Earth," Wren corrected her.

"Yeah," Ebony grinned. "That."

"Yes," Birdie nodded. "I know how to get home. I just have to find the k-"

Yes, just announce it to the whole world. Why don't you? Wren hushed Birdie through their mind-link. Do you even know this woman?

"Well, I hope you get there, baby," Ebony shifted the pitcher in her hand. "You are one strange little bird."

"Thank you," Birdie nodded, closing her mouth.

"So what are you doing out here?" Ebony asked. "You're a long way from the palace."

"We're looking for someone," Birdie said. "Someone who might be able to help with this..."

Wren growled in his mind as Birdie stepped aside and held up his wrist to show Ebony the cuffs.

"Oh!" Ebony's eyes widened. "How did that happen?"

"It was an accident," Birdie laughed, trying to keep the conversation casual. "Playing with handcuffs and cuffs. You know how it is."

"Ah..." Ebony smiled knowingly, her eyes shifting from Birdie to Wren.

"No! Not like that," Birdie shook her head. "Not what you are thinking."

"Come on, baby," Wren suddenly hooked his arm around Birdie's waist and nuzzled his nose along her ear. "Don't be shy. It's fine. Lady Ebony knows what you've been up to."

Birdie felt her stomach tighten from the way his warm breath tickled her ear and made her toes tingle. Her heart began to pound as she gripped his arm, not sure what to do with it.

"I know someone who might be able to help with that," Ebony laughed, seeing the look on Birdie's face.

"Excellent," Wren said, releasing Birdie. "Where are they?"

"Come this way," Ebony motioned for the pair to follow her.

She began to lead them through the bar and up a flight of stairs to the fourth floor. Curious eyes followed them all the way up as Ebony paused at a door and knocked.

"Hey, Dava!" She called over the noisy bar life. "Got a customer for ya."

The door opened and a skinny old man with a long white beard and round dark glasses appeared.

"What is it?" The man asked, adjusting his glasses on his button nose.

"This is a friend of mine," Ebony motioned towards Birdie. "Her fella over here kinda has his hands tied."

"He's not my fella," Birdie said from where she stood behind Ebony.

"What's the issue?" The man, Dava, asked, fixing his glasses once more.

"These," Wren held up his wrists.

"Goddamn," Dava suddenly laughed, making Birdie fear he would topple over. "You better come in, boy. That's some freaky stuff you got your hands into."

"Come on in," Ebony pushed the door open. "Settle down and I will bring up some drinks."

"That won't be necessary," Wren said politely.

"No, no," Ebony laughed. "It's on the house. Birdie, come along and help me."

"Oh, oka-" Birdie turned just as Wren grabbed her hand.

"I prefer she stays here with me," he said looking at Ebony.

"Don't worry, you grace," Ebony teased. "I'm not stealing her away. We're just running down stai-"

"No," Wren said firmly.

"Wren, Birdie frowned.

I don't need you running your mouth and spilling all kinds of information with her, Wren said through their link.

I won't, Birdie protested.

Fine. Then go and deal with those men on your own.

"I...want to stay up here with Wren," Birdie smiled at Ebony.

"Okay," Ebony shrugged. "I'll go grab the drinks."

As Ebony rushed down the stairs, Dava closed the door to his small office and pulled up two seats at his table. He began to rummage through his tool kit as Wren rolled up his sleeves and laid one of his arms out on the table.

"You gonna tell me how this happened?" Dava asked.

"We got carried away having fun," Wren said flatly, looking at Birdie.

Embarrassed, Birdie kicked his chair and slid farther into her's.

"Foolish youth," Dava muttered. "It'll be the death of you."

Wren and Birdie watched the old man gather all his trinkets and get started on removing the cuffs. He began by tapping around to find any hollow point he could drill into before trying to crack it with an oddly shaped hammer.

Half way through Ebony returned with a tray full of drinks and food. She carried it over gracefully to the small table in the back and began to set up, telling everyone what she had brought up.

"You're making my mouth water, Ebony," Dava laughed.

"I hope for me and not the food," Ebony turned and winked at the old man.

Birdie watched the beautiful girl move around and couldn't help but notice how much happier Ebony looked. Sure, she deserved much much much better than where she was at the moment. But at least she wasn't with that creep of a general anymore.

"Come grab a plate for your fella, Birdie," Ebony called.

"He's not my fella," Birdie said once more, rising from her chair and walking over.

She could hear Wren laughing as she passed him and joined Ebony at the back table.

"I got shrimps, yams, butter biscuits, potato skins, duck stew, and ale to wash it all down," Ebony pointed.

"Thank you," Birdie picked up a plate. "It looks great."

"Come on, fill up your plate," Ebony pushed.

Birdie laughed as she began to make a plate for Wren. She was about to turn and ask the fey what he wanted when Ebony stopped her and leaned in closer.

"I had sent word about you to the Tyveer court," she whispered. "Did they ever find you?"

Birdie looked up at the girl and nodded, "You....how did you..."

"I had my sisters go to their compound and tell their commander," Ebony explained. "She has all the little kids bring back information to her. People don't pay attention to children."

"Ira?" Birdie asked.

"Yes," Ebony nodded. "Did she ever find you? I was hoping she would be able to help you."

"She's my grandmother," Birdie said.

"Shut up," Ebony gasped, her eyes wide. "What do you mean?"

"It's a very long story," Birdie sighed.

"Oh I bet," Ebony laughed, shaking her head. "I knew you were something when I first saw you trying to attack those palace guards in the courtyard."

"Ebony..." Birdie stared at the young girl. "You sent information to Ira to help me?"

"Yes, of course," Ebony nodded. "I did tell you I would try to help yo-"

Birdie didn't know what came over her as she threw her arms around the girl and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Thank you," Birdie said sincerely. "Thank you so much for your kindness."

Ebony was startled, "You're welcome."

"Ebony," Birdie pulled back, a sudden idea popping into her head. "Do you want to come to Earth with me?"

"What?" Ebony looked at the girl with worry.

"Come with me," Birdie took the girl's hands. "I promise you your life will be so much better there. You can bring your sisters. My baba can get you a really good job at court or anywhere you want. You won't ever have to work here and deal with the collector or the fey. Please, come with me."

"Hold on, hold on," Ebony said. "I...I can't just follow you into something crazy like this. Do you even know how to get home?"

"I will," Birdie nodded. "Soon."

"Okay..." Ebony said skeptically. "Why don't you figure it out first and then I'll follow."

"You don't believe me, do you?"

"Baby, I have too much on my shoulders to follow you off the face of my world," Ebony frowned. "I can't risk what I have here for something I know nothing about."

"Will you believe me when I do have the way out?" Birdie asked.

"I believe it when I see it," Ebony smiled.

"Success!" Dava suddenly yelled, startling the girls.

"You did it!" Wren said in shock as he held up his free wrist.

"Of course I did," Dava snorted. "Now, let's fix the other one."

Ebony hurried off back downstairs to tend to her customers as Birdie picked up the plate once more and filled it up. She made one for herself and Dava as well before carrying them over one by one.

"Thank you," Wren said as he took his plate and reached for the spoon.

"Stop moving!" Dava hit his fingers with the metal screwdriver in his hand.

"Ow," Wren complained, dropping the spoon.

"Here," Birdie said, picking it up and sticking it into the stew.

"Oh yes, thank you very much for that," Wren rolled his eyes. "It will now magically levitate into my mouth."

"Don't be such a jerk," Birdie said as she lifted the spoon to his mouth.

As Wren sipped the stew, he suddenly winched in pain and pulled back, "Fuck! That's hot."

"Shit," Birdie dropped the spoon and began to rub the edge of Wren's lip where the stew had scolded his skin. She grabbed his chin and pulled his face up towards her, hoping to get a better look. "Stay still."

"Like I have a choice right now," Wren said as Dava pulled on his wrist and Birdie pulled on his chin.

He was tempted to grind his teeth impatiently when he suddenly felt a light tingle run over his lips. His skin began to warm as Birdie leaned forward and brushed her thumb over it.

"There," she said with a sweet smile that made Wren dizzy for a second. "All better."

"Did you...." Wren arched his brow, trying to hold in a laughter. "Did you just heal me?"

"Yes," Birdie said.

"What was that?" Wren lost and began to laugh. "Is that how your kin heals people?"

"Why are you laughing?" Birdie asked, baffled. "Yes, that's how we heal people."

"That was so....cute," Wren chuckled. "Tiny little healing. Like a love potion or nursery spell."

"Be grateful, boy," Dava looked up and scolded the fey. "You have someone willing to heal you. Don't mock her."

"I wasn't mocking her," Wren said.

"No?" Dava snorted. "What were you doing just now?"

"I was..." Wren looked at Birdie who sat sulking in her seat not looking at him. "I was admiring her."

Dava looked at Birdie.

"He's weird and mean," Birdie said.

"I can see that," the old man nodded.

Wren rolled his eyes and tried to pick up his spoon once more. When it was clear he wasn't going to get any more help from Birdie, he gave up and used his fingers to pick off the shrimp and potato skins.

After several more minutes, Dava finished and dropped the cuffs onto his table. He wiped the sweat off his brows and sank into his chair, picking up a cold butter biscuit.

"Finally," Wren rubbed his wrists and wiggled his fingers. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it," Dava said.

"What do we owe you?" Birdie asked.

"No, no," Dava shook his head. "Your Ebony's friend. She'll never bring me food if I make you pay for this."

"Are you sure?" Wren asked.

"I'm sure," Dava said.

_____________________________

Adan rolled the dice in his hand, not really paying attention to them as Sara waited for him.

"Adan," she said sweetly, pulling him out of his head.

"Hmm?" Adan looked up. "Oh. Sorry. I wasn't paying attention."

"We don't have to play," Sara said. "I only suggested it to get your mind off of things."

"Thank you," Adan laughed. "I appreciate it."

"How's the ice cream?" Sara asked, packing up the board game they hadn't touched. "I made it myself."

"It's great," Adan said, giving it a lick and making Sara laugh. "What?"

"You have..." the girl pointed to the corner of his mouth. "Here, let me get that for you."

Adan stilled as Sara leaned forward and wiped off the edge of his lips. She was so close he could feel her warm skin and the softness of her hair. His eyes dropped just as Sara's lips parted.

"Stop," Adan said just as Sara began to lean forward.

"I'm sorry," Sara stilled.

"What are you doing?"

Embarrassed, Sara pulled back and began to fuss with her hair, "I....I just...."

"Sara, you know how I feel about Birdie," Adan sighed, running his hand through his hair. "We talked about this. I can't be who you want me to be with you."

"I'm sorry," Sara apologized. "I just....don't you think it's time you...."

Adan's eyes narrowed.

"It's been almost two years, Adan," Sara said gently.

"And?" Adan asked.

"Maybe...." Sara was too afraid to speak the words. "Maybe she's not coming back."

"Don't say that," Adan winched. "We're going to find her."

"I hope so," Sara sat back down on her legs. "I really hope you find her, Adan. You deserve to be happy."

"And so do you," Adan said. "Please stop waiting on me."

"I can't," Sara whispered looking down at her hands. "I keep waiting for you just as you keep waiting for her."

"I'm sorry, Sara."

"I'm sorry, too."

______________________

After saying their goodbyes to Ebony and Dava, Wren and Birdie climbed down the back stairs of the tavern and made the choice to stick to the allies. Night had fallen over the city and the little stalls all began to light up their lamps and candles. Wren and Birdie moved through the shadows, avoiding place guards and large crows.

"We can ride east on the horses," Wren said as they arrived at a farm stand. "It'll be quicker."

"Okay," Birdie nodded. "Except, we don't have any money to buy or rent a horse."

"For god's sake, sultana. I'm the crown prince of Xabia," Wren said.

"The wanted prince of Xaiba," Birdie reminded him.

"Still a prince," Wren said as he stepped out into the light.

Stay here, he said through their mind-link.

Birdie moved closer to the wall as she watched Wren approach one of the farmers and his daughter. The two instantly bowed their heads as Wren greeted them and took the girl's hand and pressed a small kiss upon it.

What are you doing? Birdie asked.

Wren didn't answer her as he began to flatter the girl with compliments and sad tales of his hardship on the run. Birdie rolled her eyes and huffed as the young girl hung on his every word and tugged on her father's arm. It didn't take too long for the girl to convince her father to hand over their horse to Wren.

Wren pretended he couldn't possibly accept the horse as the farmer practically begged him to take it. The daughter also began to run around with a small basket, packing the prince muffins and scones for his journey. Birdie shook her head as she watched the wicked fey use his charms.

I'm so good, Wren said as he walked away with the horse, leaving behind a swooning farmer's daughter.

Not that good, Birdie snorted. You only got one horse.

Hey! Don't be greedy. They needed the other one to get home. I couldn't have Bailey walk back all the way.

Who's Bailey? Birdie asked.

The person checking out my ass as I am walking away, Wren said.

Birdie looked back to find the farmer's daughter sighing.

You're disgusting, she announced.

Fine. Maybe you will like to walk all the way East then.

It's better than sitting with you, Birdie began to march off as Wren climbed onto the horse and followed her.

Birdie, he called to her, rolling his eyes. It's been a long day. You can't possibly walk all the way.

I prefer to walk, Birdie said.

Don't be so stubborn.

Don't be so controlling.

Wren chuckled, Darling, you haven't seen controlling.

And just as Wren said the words, Birdie could no longer move her legs. She looked down in alarm as her body began to levitate and move backwards.

"You forget I can do this now," Wren grinned as he motioned with his fingers and Birdie flew onto his lap.

"Don't yell," he whispered. "You'll attract too much attention."

"Let go of me, Wren," Birdie said through her teeth.

"Are you serious about walking all the way to the East end?"

"Yes!"

"Then no," Wren sighed as he adjusted Birdie onto the saddle and threw on a cloaking spell.

Birdie complained the entire way as they rode through the city and made their way to the glass giants. It was only when she had quieted down and began to struggle with sleep that Wren spoke up.

"Birdie?"

"Hmm?" Birdie struggled to keep her eyes open.

"Whatever you think happened between Jasmeen and me.....it wasn't like that."

"Hm?" Birdie leaned her head back.

"Darrian forced me to accept her as a gift," Wren said quietly. "I always asked her to stay in my chambers because my mother and I saw the way he looked at her."

"Nothing happened for months," Wren continued. "Until one night when Darrian got me and Jasmeen both drunk out of our minds and locked us in a room together."

"Huh?" Birdie tried to lift her head but Wren stopped her.

"He wanted to prove to my mother I was just like him," Wren said. "My mother expected better from me. Jasmeen and I don't even remember what happened that night. All we know is that we woke up and the whole palace was talking about us."

Birdie frowned, "Oh, Wren."

"The palace has a way of taking a story and spinning it around," Wren said bitterly. "I don't know what you heard but...I want you to know my side of the story."

"Why..."

There was a stretch of silence before Wren chuckled and pulled Birdie closer, "Not every question has an answer, sultana."

Hope you enjoyed this <3