She takes them off the shelf and passes them over to me. ‘They’re a new acquisition. I didn’t think we’d get much interest in them.’
‘How much are they? I mean, how do I pay? I don’t have any money.’
Esme laughs. ‘No one ever does. Usually, you would exchange something.’ I stare at her blankly. ‘You find something, bring it in and I’ll let you exchange it for something else.’
I chew on a fingernail. ‘The thing is...’
‘You don’t have anything to exchange?’ I nod. ‘It’s your first visit so I’ll let you have those for free.’
It’s a kind gesture but it does put me in mind of a drug dealer drawing in a new client. ‘Um, thank you.’
‘No problem.’
I stuff the bag awkwardly into my back pocket. ‘What happens when I leave? I mean, when I wake up. Will I have the marbles when I...’ I pause ‘...unapparate?’
‘Disapparate,’ she provides. ‘Yes, if you leave them somewhere safe they will still be there when you return. If you keep them on your person, they’ll end up back on the streets. Of course, that’s assuming you don’t lose them to a group of marauding small boys before that point.’ She smiles.
I file away the information. ‘Well, thanks again.’ I stay where I am, just looking at her.
‘Is there something else?’
‘Have you heard some strange noises recently? Like neighing? Or, um, whinnying?’
Esme stiffens. For a moment she doesn’t say anything then something flickers in her eyes as she seems to make a decision. ‘Three doors down. But you didn’t hear it from me.’ She jabs a finger at me. ‘I have enough things to worry about without the Mayor knocking down my door because I’m blabbing. Got that?’
I blink. ‘Yes. Um, thanks.’
‘Any time. And Zoe?’
‘Yes?’
‘Do be careful. We wouldn’t want to lose you when you’ve only just found us.’
I lick my lips and pretend that I’m not nervous. ‘Sure.’
I’m even more confused when I leave the little shop. I shake myself and spot the familiar figure of Bron on the other side of the street. Perfect. I can chat to him while I wait for my opening.
He doesn’t appear particularly happy to see me. ‘Hey, Zoe,’ he mutters.
‘Hey. How are things?’
‘Good.’
‘I wanted to thank you for your help the other day. I know I probably came over as quite ungracious.’ I laugh. It’s a high-pitched, false sound.
‘I guess you didn’t find the mares then?’ There’s neither surprise nor curiosity in his voice. Interesting.
‘Uh, no.’
‘It’ll be safer if you stay away from things like that, Zoe.’
I bristle. ‘Safer for whom?’
Bron sighs. ‘Go to the pub, walk along the river, pick mushrooms in the forest. Enjoy your time here.’ He’s certainly changed his attitude towards me. ‘I mean it, Zoe. Ashley was looking for you before. She’s round by the square.’
His eyes flick upwards, and I know the last part was a lie. ‘Bron,’ I say slowly, ‘what are you doing here?’
‘I’m a Traveller.’
‘No. I mean here. In this spot.’
He instantly looks guilty. ‘I’m waiting for a friend.’
‘Who?’
‘No one you’d know.’
‘I’d like to meet them.’
He runs a hand through his hair in exasperation. ‘They’re shy.’
‘Bron, are you planning to storm that little building there and free the mares?’
His mouth drops open. ‘What? No!’
I step back, my eyes travelling up and down his body. He’s holding himself rather stiffly, just as if... I whip my hand round to his back, my fingers brushing against cold steel concealed under his T-shirt. ‘Is that a weapon?’
He doesn’t meet my eyes. ‘No.’
‘Bron,’ I exclaim, throwing my hands up in the air, ‘you know I want to help the mares. I admit I went about it the wrong way yesterday by confronting the Mayor. But I’m here now, for the mares.’ It occurs to me how similar both words sound. ‘The horsey ones, not the scary dictator one. I know they’re being kept in that building across the street.’
‘It’s too dangerous.’ For some reason he still won’t look me in the face.
‘I can look after myself.’ At his sceptical expression, I lean forward and whisper, ‘I’m a dreamweaver.’
Bron jerks back and stares at me. ‘What? You can’t be!’
I fold my arms. ‘Probably not. I don’t even really know what a dreamweaver is. But I can help you. Or you can help me.’
‘If the Mayor catches you, it’ll be really bad.’
I reach out and touch his shoulder. ‘Bron, he’s capturing wild animals so he can give people nightmares. It’s already really bad.’
He looks down at the ground then, eventually, nods. I give a sigh of relief. From what I’ve understood from Dante, most people can’t venture near the mares for fear of getting seriously hurt. At least I’ve still got sugar cubes in my pocket.