Brian Kittrell - The Consuls of the Vicariate

“Manfred. Manfred Shoffe… well, Manny is fine.”

“All of Azura was present to witness Manny Shoffe’s fine garments draping the backs of the heroes who saved us in our darkest of times,” Laedron said, gesturing grandly for effect. Manny clasped his hands and peered upward as if seeing the possibilities.

When he could see a stack of gold sovereigns behind the tailor’s eyes, Laedron asked, “You think you’re busy now? Imagine the patronage you might receive after such a claim.”

“All right, all right,” Manny said, snatching the tape from his shoulder. “I’ll fix you up fine. I don’t have time to make anything from scratch, but you’re all lean enough to fit some of my back stock.”

“Back stock? Old fashions?” Laedron asked.

“No, no. They’re in style, but not entirely custom. I’m sure they’ll be quite fetching.”

“How much is all of this going to cost?”

“The four of you? You did hold up a platinum-”

“And we saved the city, you understand.”

Manny frowned as if the thought of a discount was abhorrent. “Fine, fine. Three-quarters a platinum, then. Seventy-five sovereigns, which means I’ll give you twenty-five back.”

“Seventy-five?”

Manny gave him a firm look. “That barely accounts for the materials and my hours of labor. Seventy-five is far cheaper than the regular rate.”

“Fine, fine. Here you are.” Laedron handed over the platinum coin and received the difference. The gold gleamed nearly as bright as the platinum, and he remembered the days when even the sight of a gold coin would pique his interest in the one possessing it. Holding twenty-five gold coins and still having another platinum in his pouch, he was richer than he ever had been, even with splitting the entire purse four ways. Opening the pouch, Laedron dropped the coins into it with a pleasant jingle.

“Who’s first, then?” Manny asked.

Laedron raised his hand. “I’ll go first.”

“Very well.” Manny turned to the back of the shop. “Larson!”

A boy came running up the aisle. “Yes?”

“Fetch my wife, boy. Tell her the shopping can wait. And my daughter if she’s there. We’ll need everyone we can muster to get these orders finished on time.”

“Yes, sire,” the boy replied, then ran out the front door.

Manny turned back to Laedron. “Come along, and we’ll see if we can find you something suitable.”

* * *

After toiling with Manny for an hour, Laedron returned to the front parlor of the shop, wearing the fine coat and pants the tailor had fitted for him. He had never worn crimson, but the dark red vest accented the black coat and the white silk shirt.

“You clean up nicely, Laedron Telpist.” Marac stood. “I suppose I should go next.”

“While I’m fitting him, change back into your other clothes carefully,” Manny said, pointing at Laedron. “I’ll need to alter the clothes, and my marks were made with great precision.”

By the time Laedron finished changing clothes, Marac had been fitted and Brice was already in the back with Manny. “That was quick.”

“You like it?” Marac asked.

Looking at the light blue vest and the tan overcoat, Laedron smiled. “Very nice.”

“He had this one already done. Said a nobleman requested it, then cancelled the order at the last minute.” Marac stretched out his arms. “It’s a little snug, but it fits well.”

“That it does,” Laedron said, then turned when the curtain flew open to reveal Brice.

Brice shook his head and paced through the parlor. “I don’t like it.”

“What’s wrong with it?” Manny chased after him, still trying to take a measurement of the sleeve. “Will you hold still?”

“I’ve made a pair of pants or two in my time,” Brice replied, kicking his legs. “These will never fit.”

“Trust me, would you? If you would just hold on, I will show you.”

Brice sighed, freezing in place. Manny manipulated the pants around the waist, then tugged at the back around the knee. “Any better?”

“Yes, but how did-”

“Secrets of the trade. I can’t give everything away, can I?” Manny pinned the pants. “Now, get changed so I might get started on her dress.”

Brice disappeared behind the curtain, and Manny put his hands on his hips. “What colors do you prefer, miss?”

“Violet and pink, if you’re able. I’ve always favored those,” Valyrie said.

Manny glanced at the ceiling and tapped his chin with a finger. “It could take some time, but we’ll find a way. The rest of you have a little wait on your hands.”

“We’ll remain here,” Laedron replied. “She sat peacefully through our fittings, so we shall wait through hers.”

“If you wish, but I’d at least recommend sending someone across to the tea house. Get me a pitcher all my own.” Manny handed Brice a silver piece as he came out from behind the changing curtain. “Dresses can take much longer to get perfect.”

Laedron nodded and looked at Brice. “Do you mind?”

“No, I could go for something to drink about now.”

Valyrie followed Manny to the back, and Laedron and Marac sat on the tufted bench which ran along the front of the shop. Returning shortly with a pitcher of tea and some mugs, Brice took a seat with them.

* * *

Normally, Laedron would have become uncomfortable and drained from waiting so long, but Jurgen’s spell apparently held strong because Laedron felt fresh and eager regardless of how much time passed. Marac had fallen asleep, and Brice, having plenty of open bench on his side, had lain down and stretched out.

Manny came out and slid the curtain to the side, revealing Valyrie wearing a deep purple dress with soft pink trim. Speechless, Laedron leaned forward, taking in her beauty. Though she lacked a crown atop her head, he likened her appearance to that of a princess. The dress fit perfectly, accentuating every curve and the lines of her body.

She did a quick twirl. “What do you think?”

“Amazing,” Brice said.

Marac roused from his slumber and stared at her with wide eyes. “Beautiful.”

Laedron stood and took her hands in his. “I think it’s wonderful. Breathtaking.”

She simpered, apparently embarrassed by their reactions. “Thank you.”

“I’m surprised it fit so well. I’d planned to give that one to my daughter as a gift, but I have plenty of time to make another like it.” Manny tugged at the sides of the dress. “You’re very close to her size, close enough not to require any sweeping alterations, at any rate.”

“You’ve certainly earned your keep,” Laedron said, giving Manny a grin. “I can see that your shop lives up to its name.”

“Thank you.” Manny turned to Valyrie and gestured to the back room. “Lay it across the table when you’ve changed, and I’ll finish everything up by nightfall.”

“We’ll send someone around to pick them up after dark, then.”

Once Valyrie returned, Laedron led the way into the street. “Have we anything else to do?”

Marac shook his head. “A good meal tonight and plenty of rest for tomorrow, I’d say. Beyond that, I can think of nothing.”

Laedron smiled even though he knew that the next morning would come after another sleepless night. It could be worse. Combined with an inability to sleep, I could be fatigued all the time. At the very least, I feel wonderful, despite the fact that I feel unnatural.

Arriving at the Shimmering Dawn, Laedron glimpsed a full table and said, “Looks as if the quality of the food has increased with the quality of the lodgings.”

Along with the others, Valyrie gave him a nod and said, “I’ll be in my room. Much to do in preparation for tomorrow.”