My gaze flicks back and forth as I peak out of the shore. Where is Jane's apothecary? It should be right here. Hissing, I pull my heavy head back into the sewers to re-evaluate.
Right, straight for 7 leaps, left, right, straight for 3 leaps. And it brings me to just under the shore. I recount the steps I took. They're correct, so why don't I know where I am? A frustrated hiss escapes me. I can't just idle here, my coat is soaked and heavy from the relentless drips above.
Hells, I'll have to go above and figure it out.
My timing has to be just right, or I'll end up under a wheel. Peaking out, I take note of my surroundings. 'NOW!'' my inner guiding voice roars at me. I leap and scurry to the closest laneway.
I recognize none of the shopfronts. I must make haste towards the River, if I make it there then I'll find my way home. I sniff the air for remnants of salt. It's faint but it's there, I mustn't be too far.
'Aye! Get gone ya dirty rodent!' The abrupt shout startles me and I scurry behind a crate. Through the slats, I realise whoever it is, has some audacity to call another being dirty. A deep rust of red smears his apron and dried blood coats his hands. He's a burly bloke and round enough for it to surely cause him some concern. I shake out my body, hoping some of the sewer spray reaches him. At my movement, he looks down at me once more, his features twisted in disdain. I should of realized he'd hear me hissing at him with pointed ears like that. I best be off.
I follow the scent of salt, winding through legs and merchant stalls. Although eager to get to my laneway, my intrigue gets the best of me. Perched under a stall that smells of frankincense and reminds me of Jane's shop, I look up at the stalls occupant.
'Kitty, kitty, kitty.' Gods, a troll merchant reaches towards me. My back arches by default, hoping the troll will be discouraged. 'Nervous kitty! Fret none. I like Kitty's.' I should run but I don't. At closer inspection the troll has kind eyes. A quick pat on the head and the troll straightens again, distracted by people moseying by her stall. 'Enchanted crystals. Hand dug, my burrow.' the troll shouts over and over again while nodding at her supply. No one listens. 'Aye Kitty. Crystals good. People stupid.' she looks between me and her stall over and over again. I can't help but think this troll has a twitch. And I also can't help myself by offering some comfort. I lean in close to the trolls legs, rubbing and purring until the troll cracks a smile 'nice kitty' the troll laughs heartedly and pats my head.
