New Keeper

Arkell and Demenik sat at a table and drank water while three boys from the alley loaded the weekly shipment of food onto a cart.

Arkell used a small knife to peel an apple as he watched the boys work. "This is the fifth week since we began our arrangement and I notice that you bring different helpers each time."

"The first week I brought my closest friends. Since then, there are many volunteers to help carry the food away."

"What do you give them for their help?"

"An extra amount of food."

Arkell nodded and leaned back, closing his eyes as the sun warmed his face.

"Are you a wealthy man, Arkell?"

"Not by a long journey."

"Is it only food that you sell?"

"That is my primary market, but I can acquire other items."

Demenik reached into his shirt and withdrew a list. "How about these?"

Arkell looked at the list and nodded. "I can get all of them."

"How soon?"

"Three days."

"And your price?"

The vendor's head moved as he added the figures. "One silver, twenty copper."

"Round the total up. I will pay you two silver."

"There's no need for that."

Demenik smiled. "I will make six silver when I sell the items."

The vendor laughed. "Then perhaps I should take the items to the alleys myself."

"You could, but I think that you would be robbed."

"There is that."

"Don't worry, I have no desire to become a merchant."

"Then why buy the items?"

"I continue to buy the food out of loyalty to you."

"Truly?"

"Of course. When I needed help most, you took a chance on me and were honest in your dealings." He reached out to place one hand on the other man's shoulder. "As long as you are a food vendor and I have money, I will buy from you."

"I don't know what to say to that, Demenik."

"There's nothing to say."

Arkell looked at the boy and nodded. "Why buy these other items?"

"Because friends have made requests, and six silver is much less than the going rate in the alley."

Arkell took a bite of apple and chewed for a moment before asking Demenik his next question. "What is it that you want to do with your life, if not be a merchant?"

"I am not entirely certain yet, although I have had some ideas lately."

"Do you sell the food?"

"In a manner of speaking. I share the food and receive good will in return."

Arkell snorted. "Not much you can do with good will."

"You would be surprised."

"Of that I have no doubt. You are full of surprises today, Demenik."

***

Doctor Johnston opened the door and smiled. "Good afternoon, Demenik."

"Doctor." Demenik smiled and gestured at the three boys standing behind him. "These are my closest friends, Mouse, Stick, and Oak."

"Pleased to make your acquaintances, gentlemen." The doctor opened the door wider and stepped aside. "Please come in and make yourselves comfortable."

The four boys entered the house and went into the parlour. Demenik sat first, then the others did the same.

"Can I offer you a drink?"

"Thank you, but not today. I've brought the money."

The doctor nodded and sat in the remaining chair. "Excellent."

Demenik looked at Oak and nodded. The large boy stood up, removed a fabric belt from under his shirt, and handed it to Demenik who, in turn, passed it over to the doctor. "Would you please count this and give me a written note to acknowledge that I have left it with you?"

"Absolutely." The doctor stood and took the belt to his desk. He opened it and counted the contents, then wrote the amount on a piece of paper and signed it.

"Is this amount correct?" He passed the slip of paper to Demenik, who looked at it and nodded.

"That's right. It is only fair if you charge me a fee for this service, Doctor."

"Our other arrangement will suffice," the doctor said.

"Thank you." Demenik looked at his friends. "I will never ask you to give my money to anyone not sitting in this room with me. If someone brings you a letter saying otherwise, they are liars."

"I understand."

"And, to be clear, if Mouse, Stick, or Oak come here on my behalf to collect some of the coin, they will possess a letter with my signature. No one except me gets a coin from this house without a note and signature."

"That is how it shall be."

"Good. Now, let us share rumours and information."

"We have a new Keeper in the neighbourhood," the doctor said.

"Is he as kind and helpful as Hector was?" Stick smirked.

"He is young and very kind."

"That must be an odd change," Mouse said.

"What is his name?" Demenik asked.

"Riley." The doctor paused. "He has been asking about Hector's death."

"That makes sense," Demenik said. "The twenty-four hours have long passed, but I would imagine the Keepers will continue their hunt."

"Officially they can't, but this is a serious red mark on their record. I suspect they will not rest until they find the guilty party."

Stick smiled. "I'm sure that everyone wishes them well in their search."