Keeper Riley

The bell attached to the front door rang to announce a new customer. The baker grinned and put two trays of fresh dough into the oven. "I'll be right out."

"Take your time."

The baker frowned and wiped his hands before walking out to the front of the store. His frown turned to a smile as he recognized the uniform. "Ah, you must be the new Keeper. Riley, isn't it?"

"That's right."

The man in front of the counter was young, perhaps twenty-five, tall and broad of frame with sandy blond hair. His uniform was clean, well-maintained. Riley was smiling, making the baker feel comfortable.

This one looks different. Perhaps we will be safer with this Keeper walking the streets of our neighbourhood.

"It's good to meet you." The two men shook hands.

"You as well," Riley said. "People in the neighbourhood speak well of you, sir."

"I'm glad to hear it. No one wants to buy bread from a grumpy baker."

"When I was a boy, our baker was not a nice man."

"I'm sorry to hear that. No sweet treats for you as a boy, then?" The baker turned and grabbed a sweet sticky bun from a tray and placed it onto a plate. He set it down on the counter and pushed it toward Riley with a nod.

The Keeper laughed and reached for the treat, smiling as he took a large bite and chewed. "There were definitely no treats from our baker. Do I taste cinnamon on this?"

The baker nodded.

"Delicious. My thanks."

"You are very welcome. What do you think of our neighbourhood so far?"

"It's a very peaceful region. The people seem a bit . . . timid of me."

The baker did his best to look confused by the comment but Riley laughed.

"I knew Hector. He was a monster of the highest calibre. In truth, I'm surprised the doors were not all barred to me as the new Keeper."

"He wasn't so bad as that." Best to remain neutral. This could be a trap to root out dissent. The Keepers are a devious lot.

Riley shrugged and took another bite of the sticky bun. "I suppose none dare admit the truth for fear of what that will say about you. Let me assure you, good baker, I am not like my predecessor. You will find me a fair person."

"That is good to know, Keeper."

"Please, when we are alone you may call me Riley."

"I don't know if that's such a good idea."

Riley shrugged. "As you like. I hope that, over time, you will feel comfortable enough to do so."

There was a noise from the stairs and both men turned.

The baker smiled. "Keeper Riley, this is my son. Alexander, this is the new Keeper. Say hello."

"Hello." The boy looked down as he spoke, making him difficult to hear.

"Hello, lad. It's nice to meet you. You're a strong-looking boy. Do you help your father with the ovens, then?"

"He certainly does." When I can convince him to come out of his room.

"Excellent. You are fortunate to have a trade that you can learn. Your place in life is secure."

The boy looked up and narrowed his eyes. The baker opened his mouth to scold him, but the Keeper laughed.

"I see you are at that awkward stage of life where you dream of something more than the ovens and baking bread."

The baker coughed. "Yes, he has become a bit rebellious of late, but as you say, that is his age."

"Maybe he will run off and become a soldier or a Keeper," Riley suggested.

"Or a lord," Alexander mumbled.

The Keeper laughed. "Set your sights high, then. Good for you."

Alexander glared at the Keeper and turned to run back up the stairs.

"Get back here," the baker called out, but Riley raised a hand and shook his head.

"That's okay. I must be going anyway. What do I owe you for the bun?"

"That was a gift to welcome you to the neighbourhood."

Riley shook his head and pulled out a small change purse. "A Keeper must not accept gifts. I appreciate that Hector caused confusion about that, but while I am here, there will be no lines crossed."

"I understand. It is one pence for the bun. I feel bad for giving it to you, now. My intention was not to force you to part with your coin."

"Think nothing of it." Riley found the proper coin and placed it on the counter. "I would have purchased one anyway once I learned there was cinnamon on them. It was delicious and I'm certain that I will return often for more."

The baker nodded and accepted the coin.

Riley stopped halfway to the door and turned as if a sudden thought had occurred to him. "I am searching for Hector's killers."

"Oh."

"I know. It's a strange thing that they remain at large. The Council of Law is very distressed that this is the case. If you help us find the guilty men there is a substantial reward."

"I will be sure to keep my ears and eyes open."

"One hundred gold coins."

The baker's eyes bulged. "I beg your pardon?"

"That is the reward for leading us to the murderers."

That's more money than I would make if I lived two lifetimes as a baker. "I will contact you right away should I hear anything."

"Thank you." The Keeper smiled and exited the store.