Proposition

Stick swung his quarterstaff low and Demenik blocked it with a loud clack from his own staff. They traded blows until Stick stepped back and raised a hand to halt the sparring.

"Did you perform that last combination on purpose?"

Demenik wiped sweat from his brow with the back of his hand and nodded. "I saw a chance to move you so that the light would be shining in your eyes."

"Perfect." Stick ran a hand through his dry hair and tapped his staff against Demenik's. "You are a natural at this. We've only been practicing for three weeks and already you can get an occasional scoring hit on me."

"I haven't come close to touching you."

"Maybe not." Stick grinned. "But you would have struck an average opponent once or twice by now. That's very good, considering the short time spent." He narrowed his eyes and sat with his back against the wall. "I think you're lying to me, though."

Demenik sat down. "About what?"

"You're not a beginner. I can see it in the subtle things. I might be young, but there are few who could best me. I recognize skill when I see it."

"You are a born master."

Stick shrugged. "A master in another lifetime who never forgot the skills, perhaps."

"That's an intriguing thought."

"Don't change the subject. The way you hold the staff and swing it, even your footwork, you have prior experience with weapons."

"You mean the staff."

He shook his head. "I watch you at knives with Mouse and other weapons with Oak. You hold yourself like a warrior with all of them."

"Maybe I also have memories from another lifetime that my body has not forgotten."

Stick looked at him and shook his head. "Maybe."

"Can we call it a day? Warrior or not, you left new bruises on me and I'm tired."

Stick laughed. "We can be done. What would you like to do now?"

"I'm going to visit the doctor."

"Want company?"

"Not today."

***

Doctor Johnston held the flat, cold metal of his instrument against Demenik's chest while he listened through the earpieces. "Everything sounds good and your range of motion is back to normal. I would have told you to expect a full recovery from your wounds in seven to eight weeks, but you did it in four."

"I hate to wait."

The doctor laughed. "Put your shirt on. Do you want some tea?"

"Yes, please."

The doctor went to his kitchen and returned a few moments later with two empty cups and a pot of tea.

"I have a proposition for you," Demenik said.

"Do you?"

"Yes. How secure is this house?"

"Structurally?" The doctor filled Demenik's cup with steaming liquid. "As secure as any other building in this part of the city."

"You have rare medicines and equipment. Has anyone ever robbed you?"

"Never. It's bad for everyone if the local doctor leaves because he does not feel safe."

"Exactly."

"Why do you ask?" The doctor blew across the top of his cup and took a sip.

"I need a safe place to store my coin."

"How much do you have?"

Demenik told him.

The doctor's eyes widened and he whistled. "That is a frightening sum to keep tucked into your belt in the streets. Perhaps it is time for you to leave the alleys."

"Why?"

"Because you can afford to live in a better place."

Demenik sighed and shook his head. "What I am proposing is that you store my money here. I will visit you to get whatever I need from time to time. I will pay you a monthly fee for the convenience. How does that sound?"

"I do not need money."

"Everyone needs money."

"Let me say it this way, then: I already possess more money than I can use."

"So? More can't hurt."

"It serves no purpose."

Demenik paused. "You're serious?"

"Of course I am."

"Okay. It was worth asking."

"I didn't say no."

"You would help me for nothing in return?"

The doctor smiled. "I didn't say that."

"Ah, then what payment would you accept instead of currency?"

"Currency of a different sort than coin. Information and association."

Demenik took a drink of tea and placed the cup on the small table between them. "You are speaking about something more valuable than round metal pieces, Doctor. Hold my coin here and I will share what information I can."

"Excellent."

"Are you willing to also share your information with me?"

Doctor Johnston considered the question and nodded. "Absolutely."