literature

The Adventures of Moth and Flame, Chapter 1

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Published: Jul 1, 2013

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Literature Text

The Interview
Andromeda pushed her way through the crowds of Xanadu, turning up her nose at monsters that dared to challenge her with disdainful expressions. The brick and stone buildings on either side of the red-haired woman were completely unfamiliar to her, much to her displeasure. Why, Mother? Why did you have to send me to this rat-infested hell-hole, all for some stupid, measly job? She scowled, imagining the ugly mug that awaited her.
Her directions took her farther and farther from known territory into a shady district, full of filthy beggars, posh conmen, and sultry sluts basking in the lamplight at every corner. When Andromeda reached the end of an alley, red neon lights above a door proclaimed, “The Cask and Flask,” and several flyers on the front advertised the tavern’s specials. Andromeda double-checked her directions, took a deep breath, and straightened her black jacket.
The door to The Cask and Flask wailed when she pushed it open, but hardly any drinkers bothered to turn their head. Andromeda took a seat at the bar to await her prospective employer, and took the chance to look around. Blackened glass lamps barely lit the smoke-shrouded tavern, and the stench of ale mixed with vomit threatened to overwhelm Andromeda. Just another dirty hovel, she thought, putting her sleeve to her nose. This guy doesn’t have any respect.
“Care for a drink, Miss?” the bartender asked. Drink glasses clinked together as he hung a freshly cleaned one, and he dried another with a rag before doing the same.
“Not interested,” Andromeda answered. She didn’t turn from her scrutiny of the tavern.
“If you don’t order something, I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.” Another glass clinked with the rest.
“I’m waiting for a job interview.” Andromeda turned to glare at the bartender.
“Really? Sorry, I don’t think we’re hiring waitresses at the moment.”
“Waitress!” Andromeda slammed her hands upon the bar, standing up. “Do I look like a waitress to you?”
The bartender lowered the glass in his hands to face her. “Well…” His eyes traveled down and he smiled wolfishly. “With the right get up, I’d gladly have you at my place.”
Andromeda cried in disgust. “I make you regret that, you filthy, little—”
“Kurtis!” the tavern owner bellowed, coming from the kitchen behind the bar. “There be no flirting with the customers!” The bear-man’s paws were clenched, ready to beat him.
“Sorry, sir!” The bartender turned back to the glasses and didn’t look back up. “That girl was asking about a job interview.”
“Interview?” the owner narrowed his fur-covered eyes at Andromeda, but then widened them in understanding. “Oh, you’re here for that suited bloke. He be in private booth number four, along the back there.” He pointed towards a wall of curtained rooms.
Andromeda looked, thanked the owner, and went to the booth, glad to get away from the bartender. She pulled back the curtain and said, “I’m here for my interview.”
“Good evening,” a panther-like man replied with a nod. He stuck out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of the drinkers, with his clean, pinstriped suit and shaven face. “You go by Andromeda, correct? My name is Ewlys Michaels.” Andromeda sat down and pulled the curtain closed. “Would you like me to order us anything, or would you prefer to get right down to business?”
“Business, please.” She sat back, looking critically at a tear in the seat cushion next to her. “But might I ask why you chose to meet here? I know better places than this.”
“Regarding food and ambiance, I would agree.” Ewlys laced his fingers together. “However, it is difficult to match the security. It’s highly unlikely that unwanted ears will be able to spy on us here.”
“Huh. Well, then, go on. What’s the job?” Andromeda asked.
Ewlys pursed his eyebrows. “Weren’t you already informed on the matter?”
Andromeda shook her head. “No. My mother told me nothing except that my resume would appeal to you.”
“I see. It is quite remarkable, I must admit.” Ewlys picked up a briefcase from underneath the table and pulled out her resume to scan it over. “Numerous achievements, highly skilled… Though, all of your recommendations noted that you are difficult to work with. Care to explain?”
“I’m a mercenary, not a socialite,” she answered with a wave of her hand. “I get the job done for money, not just for kicks.”
“All right, then. At least you’re professional.” Ewlys then pulled out a large envelope and pushed it across the table towards Andromeda. “This details your assignment, should you choose to accept.”
Andromeda pulled out a sheaf of papers and skimmed the information. “‘Guard the Moon Dew’? What is that?”
“It’s an ancient, powerful relic that’s part of a festival on the northern side of the city. My client is in charge of its care during the event, and he requested a highly experienced guard to help.”
“Okay. So what’s in it for me?” Andromeda looked up from the papers.
Ewlys pulled out a small bag and dumped gold coins onto the table. “You’ll receive a third now if you accept, and the rest upon completion of your task.”
Andromeda counted the money with a glance. “Sounds good to me. I accept.”
Ewlys nodded. “Very well.” He divided the coins between two bags and gave Andromeda her third. “I shall see you at the festival. It was a pleasure working with you.”
“Yeah, same here.” Andromeda pocketed the money and left the booth, avoiding the gaze of the bartender as she left the tavern. Well, this will be easy money. I keep watch over a silly little relic for one night, and I’m done. The thought brought a smile to her face on her way home.

A tale of action, wit, and the unlikely friendship between a cynical girl skilled with fire-based magic and a tiny but daring moth-like boy.

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