Free Assassin's Curse by Debra L Martin, David W Small Page B

man, frustration written all over her face.   “Just what do you think I am going to do with any of your precious information you might accidentally slip my way, eh?   For the gods’ sakes, I’m just trying to get to know you and the girls.”
    “Why do you want to know us?”
    Clara looked skyward and spoke to herself.   “Heaven save me from this distrustful man and any of the fates that made him this way.”
    “Why do you say a thing like that?’
    “Cause you are the most suspicious and perplexing man I have ever met.   Most people do not mind a question or two and are happy to talk about themselves and their families.”
    Jeda looked at the strange woman, trying to gauge and understand her intent.   From his perspective, Clara was the suspicious one asking questions and prying into his past.   He did not have much experience interacting with people outside of the guild, but he knew that anyone who pried into other’s past or business usually did so for nefarious reasons.   That was the way of the world and he had learnt early to keep his personal information to himself.   It had kept him alive so far and he saw no reason to change his ways.   Of course, he also knew that being secretive or suspicious would probably draw more attention to the twins, so it would be in their best interest if he learned how to blend in.
    “I’m not trying to be difficult, but where I come from, trust is a rare commodity.”
    Clara nodded her understanding.   “Out here in the country, everyone knows everyone else’s business.”
    “Doesn’t that cause problems?” Jeda asked, perplexed at the sheer absurdity of letting anyone know his business .   
    “Sure, sometimes it does, but it also brings people closer together.   Just because you know something about someone doesn’t mean you are going to do them any harm.”
    “Where I come from, personal information is valuable.   You can use it to discover a person’s habits, his weaknesses, his treasures, what he values most in life.   That type of information can be used to exploit and control him.   Get him to do things he might not otherwise be inclined to do.”
    Clara glanced over at the young man sitting next to her.   “Well, remind me never to go where you come from.   It sounds like a terrible place.   It’s no wonder you left it for the country.”
    Jeda thought about what Clara said and decided to take a leap of faith.   “Actually, we had no choice.   We had to leave because there are some bad people after the girls and me.”
    “I guessed that much by the way you’ve been acting, looking at every little shadow we pass like there’s some thief or murderer hidden inside.   I’m surprised you don’t go scouting ahead just to make sure it’s safe for us to pass.”
    That thought had actually crossed Jeda’s mind.   He had not acted on his compulsion because he would not leave the twins alone with Clara or anyone, but her comments caused him concern.   If he could not fool a simple baker about his intentions and purposes, then he would have little chance hiding from the guild.   He had to learn to blend in and not stick out like a man on the run or they would find him within days.
    “The worst part is the people who are chasing us are family,” Jeda continued.   “The girls’ mother was tragically killed and she left me to raise the children.   Her last wish was for me to get the children away from the city and the clutches of their wicked grandmother.   She wanted me to get them to the safety of the country.   It may sound like a fairytale, but it’s true.   She mentioned the healer at Rocher as a place to start, so that’s where we’re going.”  
    “Family, huh?” Clara snorted.   “Doesn’t surprise me in the least; I got family problems of my own.   One of my own daughters won’t have anything to do with me.   Ashamed of me, she is.   She was a pretty, little thing and married a highfalutin’ fellow from the