Underhill would never not be eerie, but it wasn’t terribly hard to find, if you know where to look.
Jax found a place where a river sank through the rock and into blackness, and jumped in. The current pulled him this way and that, and old magic washed over him.
It found the coin in his pocket. The gold coin with writing he couldn’t read that was so old that no human culture would ever recognize it.
The coin he earned after his third job for Lydia, and one that cost him a Favor in return.
The gold warmed in his pocket, and a bubble glowed golden up around him and then he could breathe. Warm, spiced air washed over him and left his clothes soft and dry even as he filled his lungs. The flavor of berries he couldn’t name lingered on his tongue.
The Troll Market rumbled with creatures of every shape and size. Pixies darted through the air around the heads of trolls, pulling wagons of inhuman produce. A sedan chair floated by on its own, and Jax didn’t dare try to look and see who was inside.
It didn’t do to catch the attention of anyone powerful down here. Not when he was already looking for someone who may or may not be more dangerous than he was.
The iron on his guns and in his blades heated warningly. Iron wasn’t welcome here, and he knew it, but there was no way someone with an ounce of human blood could risk The Market without it.
Stalls lined either side of the road, selling everything from stolen human artifacts to bundles of fruit no human would ever be able to name. To one side, a pack of goblins hawked charms of every shape and size. They were trying to shout down the ogre across the way who seemed to be a butcher. He ignored them as he calmly portioned out something Jax thought might be a goat.
The tavers and party halls were farther on, and they were Jax’s most frequent haunt down here. A good place to buy or sell information, it was probably the place where he would find some sort of lead on his current target.
There was something to be said for being one of the few hitters who walked in both worlds. He might be human, but where the residents of Underhill were concerned, that could be a good thing. He could handle all sorts of things they couldn’t.
Yes, magic could be a problem, but one that could be handled with the right use of iron and silver. Maybe a little mountain ash if he was feeling creative.
The Silver Rose. He was supposed to be looking for a tavern called The Silver Rose, where his most recent bounty might be hiding. Or so Lydia thought, anyway, and her information was usually pretty reliable.
It turned out to be a decidedly classy bordello that catered to those with a lot of money and expensive taste.
“Greetings,” the hostes said as soon as Jax walked in. She was judging him. He could tell. Well, he supposed he couldn’t blame her. He didn’t look much like the silk-clad bodies that drifted around the room bearing wine and food, and showing tantalizing glimpses of skin. “Please be welcome at the Silver Rose. How might we sate your desires this night?”
Jax considered his options and decided not to make a fuss. Not until he had to, anyway. He pulled a few coins out of his pocket and handed them over. The hostess smiled when she saw the gold ad tucked it away with the magical quickness her kind always possessed.
“Wine and a pipe of whispers,” he told her, and cast his gaze about the room casually. He had a picture of his target, but Lydia hadn’t known if Tanglethorn was a patron of this place, or if he worked here. Jax hoped for the second. He would be easier and less expensive to find. “Something sweet to accompany. And someone who knows things.”
“Of course,” the hostess agreed, and lifted her hand. Her nails glitered black with silver roses. “This way.”
Jax followed her through the room ad took note of the many quiet nooks. Many were occupied and soft giggles and the hints of conversation drifted here and there. The air smelled of warm incence that wafted in silver clouds to linger in the rafters.
He had paid enough for a private room and got one. When they entered, the rich reds of the couches contrasted with the shimmering blue pipe that waited for him, and the crystal decanter and glass beside it. A selection of expensive-looking treats completed the table.
They might even be safe for human consumption.
“I will bring your company momentarily,” the hostess said, and vanished.
Jax settled himself on one of the chairs and kept his shot gun in close reach.
Probably they wouldn’t try to kill him, but he hadn’t made it this long without being the cautious sort.
When the door opened again, he looked up, straight into the blue eyes of an elf he knew well and had never met.
Tanglethorn. The very elf he was trying to find.
Maybe he could get lucky every now again.
The elf saw him, and his eyes widened ever so slightly when he saw Lydia’s rune where it shimmered against Jax’s skin. Jax had to give him credit. He didn’t bolt, and his surprise probably wouldn’t have shown if Jax wasn’t looking for it.
“I am Tanglethorn,” the elf introduced himself, and painted on a smile that promised things that were more expensive than wine and a pipe. He sank down onto a chair and his silvery robes seemed to flutter in a breeze Jax couldn’t feel. “I have answers.”
“Good,” Jax nodded to the wine and sweets. Tanglethorn helped himself to both and sat back, glass dangling from is fingertips. “Start with the reason Lydia Talashare wants you found.”
At the Sign of the Silver Rose: