Misti and the Dragon Egg

Marie Trogon would think Misti was crazy if she told her of the vision. She would probably laugh and dismiss the girl-cat. Misti knew that because that was how Mother Superior had reacted when she’d told her about the voice. Maybe Misti should just tell her it was a prophecy inscribed in the sacred stones or something. The Fixer seemed religious, she’d probably believe it. But that would be lying. What about not telling her the entire truth? Wouldn’t that be the same as lying? Misti did a lot of things, but she never lied.

Misti needed to resort to something else. What about just being honest? Why was she doing all of this anyway? Misti was rational enough to know that her quest had every chance to fail, but that didn’t stop her. If she failed, it would be yet another failure from yet another sindur who’d tried to change things. If she succeeded, it would mean the freedom of an entire race. The pros and cons were crystal clear.

Misti joined her paws together and closed her eyes. She might as well tell Marie Trogon the real reason why.

“I know I’m going straight into danger,” Misti said. “And I know my odds are slim, but I believe the only place this egg will hatch is Ailura. If there is one chance, even the slightest chance, that my people will be freed because of this, I have to take it.”

Something changed in Marie’s gaze. It was softer, more understanding. And then, it was surprised. That’s when Misti realized her joined paws were glowing. A soothing golden light that emitted a calming hum. Not this again... Misti quickly disjoined her paws and hid them behind her back. She smiled awkwardly and chuckled.

“Sorry, this happens when I get excited,” she said. Since Marie wasn’t saying anything, Misti cleared her throat. “So, what do you say, Mrs. Fixer?”

Marie chuckled in turn. “You are very strange, ti fi chat, but you have courage,” she said. Her voice was warmer. “I may even say that you inspire me. But remember, it’s easy to confuse courage for foolishness.”

In Misti’s case, those might be as joined as her paws had just been.

“I will accept your gold,” the Fixer announced, and Misti’s blue eyes instantly sparkled. “A ship departs weekly from Sadarka harbor. It is headed to Indus-Kali but always makes a pitstop in Kotma Ata to replenish supplies. This, of course, is a cover. The ship captain is handsomely paid to smuggle people in and out of Ailura. The next boat departs in two days at dusk.”

Misti could feel the excitement booming in her chest. “Thank you, thank you so much!” She was one step closer. “How much should I pay?”

“How much do you have?”

Misti searched through her pockets for the pouch of gold she’d taken from the temple’s treasury. This gold was used to maintain the temple and in case of rare emergencies. This definitely qualified as an emergency. Misti dropped the pouch on the desk, making a heavy clink.

“Is that enough?” she asked.

The Fixer seized the pouch of gold, opened it, examined it, then exhaled deeply. She looked hesitant, like she was calculating whether this would cover her service. Or maybe she was just concerned for Misti. She took out a few coins in her hand and returned them to the desk.

“Here, take this back,” Marie said. “Get yourself a good meal in Sadarka.”

Misti gathered the coins in her paws and pushed them down her pocket. “Thanks. Ehm...how do I know which boat I need to take?”

“Ask for Joshua Crane at the docks. He will be aware of our deal,” Marie said. She then leaned on the desk again, frowning, like she had something important to say. “Outsiders in Ailura need a token to move around, though you are sindur. The chances are high that you will be apprehended regardless.” Marie seemed to hesitate again. “If you make it there and you manage to stay alive, I have a contact who can help you move around the island. I strongly doubt she’ll help you, but that’s in your hands now. Her name is Agatha Bonnet. You will find her at the Lion’s Hearth near the Kotma Ata market. You can’t miss it.”

Misti made mental notes of everything the Fixer said. She nodded and grabbed her backpack again. Behind her, the large man from the entrance was back. Marie Trogon motioned at him. It was time for Misti to leave.

“Good luck, fi chat,” Marie bid. “May the gods watch over you.”

“And the Humble Star over you,” Misti whispered, completing a traditional sindur mantra people here knew little about. Marie didn’t hear her.

The large man escorted Misti out of the tanwar. He closed the door behind her without saying a word.

Misti was alone in the darkness of night. The distant chirps of night crickets reached her ears. The moon hung still in the sky above the clearing. It would take her a few hours to return to Sadarka, then she’d find a luxurious inn and pay for that good meal with the money she had left. She’d walk around the next day to see the market, renowned for its wide variety of fruit and exotic vegetables. Misti was particularly fond of coconuts, so she’d buy at least three. She’d have them chopped and cut into small pieces so she could take them with her on her journey to Ailura. Maybe Misti would need an extra bag, but she shouldn’t count on getting one. The one she was already carrying was already as heavy as boulders.

Misti reached Sadarka later in the night. The city was supposed to be asleep, though she could still hear street music coming from the harbor. Under different circumstances, she would have checked it out and educated herself on the traditional Taz drum. But Misti was tired and needed a good night’s rest. She’d been traveling for days, and this was merely the beginning. Although...maybe the music would be a good distraction after all, because as much as she tried to keep her calm, Misti was nervous, worried, anxious, scared...terrified.