The mage slumped back in his chair with an exhausted sigh.
"You're new," he said. "And you don't know better."
His voice was softer now, though the hostility remained. "Which is the only reason you're still here. If one of them had tried this, I'd have them chased out with curses and a bill."
The broom finished its work with a sharp sweep and retreated to its corner. The mop followed.
The mage flicked his metal stick once more, and both went still.
"So," he said, settling deeper into his chair, hat slipping low over his eyes again. "You're not being punished. You're not being harmed. Consider this mercy extended on account of ignorance."
"Excuse me?" Sonder said, though it wasn't an apology.
He snorted. "Don't say sorry yet. You're still in my house."
The room went quiet for a moment.
Sonder thought for a brief moment that this was her fault.
Maybe her intention had been misjudged?
Maybe her assumptions about people were wrong.
The lord of the dark lands had been formal and polite. Aest had been patient and kind, welcoming even, in his own way. Even Lady Thiliel, as sharp as she was, had been reasonable enough. Her sharpness had always had a reason.
She thought that if you approached with honesty and kindness, most would meet you halfway.
This mage did not.
He wasn't guarded or afraid, nor so high in rank that Sonder couldn't be his equal. He was simply rude.
And worse, he was comfortable in it.
Sonder straightened in her chair. "I've come a long way," she said, less gentle than she usually was. "I didn't come here to waste your time. I just need-"
"I don't care," the mage cut in immediately.
He didn't even lift his head.
"I don't care where you come from. People move from place to place. That's nothing special," he waved one hand dismissively. "I don't care what led you here, or what you lost, or what you think you're chasing. Just get out of here. If you're cursed, or want someone to be cursed, look for another mage. If you got a mystery, go get a reeve. If you want advice, ask your parents. Your looks already make it clear that you didn't bring anything of value. You have no money to pay for my attention. Or am I wrong?"
"I have money," Sonder said, and from her pack, got out the money Lady Thiliel had given her.
She hadn't had any use for it until now, but now it seemed to come in handy.
It was in a small leather pouch, and she handed it to the mage.
For the first time, he seemed interested in what Sonder had to say.
He took the whole pouch and, almost greedily, opened it.
But his face scrunched up when he looked into it.
He threw the pouch back at Sonder.
"I don't know what that is, but it's neither gold, silver, nor jewels," he said.
Sonder looked into the pouch and saw that there was some sort of paper.
Gloamish and Neshian money were banknotes, not coins or any other type of metal, and the mage did not accept it.
She guessed that she was so far from Gloam that the money meant nothing here. The thought left her unexpectedly upset.