Masquerades - Kate Novak [54]
The girl playing Alias led the crowd in jeers as the Faceless tried to avoid being soaked. Finally, she and the halfling cornered the Faceless at the very front of the stage. The halfling swung the bucket forward just as the Faceless ducked. As one, the audience near the stage held up their hands to hold back the expected splash of water.
A cymbal crashed, and the bucket rained a spray of shiny blue confetti over the crowd.
The audience cheered and applauded, and those who'd just avoided a drenching cheered the loudest. The stage Alias and Dragonbait each set a foot on the Faceless's prone form and took their bows. Then they dragged the Faceless off the stage by her arms, leaving the halfling to lead the crowd in one of those interminably long halfling
songs. Alias recognized the chorus, but the lyrics of the verses had been twisted into a commentary on House Thalavar's supposed cheapness:
"Some say the Thalavars are fools, But I think they're pretty bright. They hire halflings by their weight, But pay them by their height!"
"You look insufferably pleased with yourself," Alias noted to her companion as the crowd bellowed the song's chorus.
"A small part, but vital to the plot," Dragonbait replied. "Given time and good reviews, I could see that character carrying the entire show. On the whole, I think its a valuable artistic inclusion."
"Well, patron of the arts, I suppose your fifty gold was well spent. I wonder where Jamal gets all her information."
"I was wondering that myself," Victor Dhostar said behind them.
Alias spun about in surprise. "However did you find us in this crowd?"
"I saw you leaving your inn and followed you here. I've just come from the Tower, where Durgar was reluctantly reviewing your victories to Father. He sounded rather put out, claiming that you'll clog all his jail cells before the magistrate can deal with the cases. Father suggested he should just have a watch patrol and a magistrate follow you around, and we could dispense with the jail and send the Night Masks right to the dungeons."
Alias shook her head. "I'm afraid they'd make too much noise and warn off our prey."
"Hadn't thought of that," Victor replied. "I guess that's why you're the pro. At any rate, the performers seem to be right. You are giving the Faceless a drenching."
"We've made a start," Alias replied, trying not to overemphasize their progress. "So what brings you here?" she asked.
"Well, Family Dhostar is commissioning a new trading ship tomorrow evening and capping the event with a party on board. I'd like to extend an invitation for you to be my guest at the party."
Alias shifted uncertainly, remembering how Luer Dhostar had reprimanded his son yesterday for planning to have dinner with her. "Does this invitation come from your father as well?" she asked.
"Father? Why do you-" Victor paused as insight dawned on him. "Just because my father hired you for your sword, I don't see why I shouldn't have the chance to practice my courtly graces on you. Unless, that is, you'd object to that?" Although Victor's voice sounded light, there was the trace of nervousness in his question.
Alias flushed, but she recovered her composure quickly. "I can't think of any objections. I would be delighted to accept your invitation."
Victor broke into a smile. "Good. Um. Will Dragonbait be chaperoning you?"
Alias gave the paladin a questioning glance.
"Trapped on a ship filled with partying merchants and traders?" the saurial harrumphed.