Regynn Winters

Misdirection

She sun shone brightly, turning the briney puddles in the rutted roads along the docks into mirrors. Regynn was struck by the simple beauty of the still life reflected by the water’s surface, quickly shattered by a rattling cart as it rolled, uncaring down the quay. She frowned and shook her head as if to erase the image, turning to give a half hearted smile at the sound of her name.

“I’m fine Jonah, it’s nothing.” she said in response to her companion’s questioning concern. She hefted her basket to her hip as she looked around the area, “I think we should go this way today, we went that way the last time.”

As the two stepped toward the street Regynn had indicated a young boy came barreling down the street, plowing into Jonah. The man stooped to right the boy, tosseling his hair with a grin as the child scampered off. He straightened, slipping his hand into his coat pocket, his fingers brushing across a piece of paper that hadn’t been there a moment before. He glanced around the market briefly then turned back to the priestess, “Why don’t you check the fruit stand one last time, they might have something we can take.”

Regynn, looking away from the road she’d intended to go down, turned toward the vendor with a sigh, “I already asked her earlier this morning but if you think it will do any good… okay.”

Jonah watched her until she was swallowed by the crowd before reading the note. He scowled at its contents then quickly stuffed it back in his pocket as Regynn came back with a small bundle which she’d added to the other goods in her basket, “A few apples was the best she could do.” she said, starting down the road she’d indicated previously.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, enough pressure to make her stop in her tracks. Regynn arched a questioning brow at her companion who turned his steps in the opposite direction, “Let’s go this way instead.” he said, “I think we missed a few houses the last time we were down here.”