Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 16)

"Two," he amended before Myna could respond. Myna dipped her head.
"I'm not one to take gold," she told him. "I can give you two in exchange for a favor and a dear item."

Ky rubbed hers guiltily. "Do you want a favor from me, too?" That didn't feel good.

"I gave you that one for free cuz you're the one with the cloudy head," she replied.
"I'll allow you to practice your peddling without a commerce charge," Gaius said quietly. He reached into his cloak pocket and pulled out the glove he used to read his books. "And this is my dear item."

Ky watched, confused. "Why do you want that?"

"Dear items carry powerful magic," Myna said, fishing around in her bag until she came up with another fingerbone and a vertebra. "There's much to be done with something like this." She took the glove and gave Gaius the bones. He tucked them away in his pocket and dipped his head.
"Thank you," he murmured. "Terran, I'd like to go home now."

Ky still didn't understand, but that alarmed her. "Wait I haven't gone to Sven yet."

"Then go."
"You should go, too," Bay suggested. "You can sit down in there and I'll have someone get you a drink."
"Fine." Gaius gave a tight nod.

Ky nodded, glancing back at Myna. "Thank you."

Myna dipped her head. "Both of you be safe."

"Hopefully," Ky agreed with a sigh, turning away.

Bay helped Gaius limped after her.

Ky gently opened the shop door and held it for them.

Both of them entered.
Sven was in the back room.

Ky wandered up to the counter, glancing around.

"Sven," Bay called.
"Ay!" Sven came hurrying out of the back. "Ah, Captain! And--Lord Ash?" His eyebrows show up, and he looked down at the missing leg. "I--sir--"