FTLOAB- CH.3

Lamont seems to have found what he was looking for. Balthier has to admit he’s curious. What would a boy his age want with Magi cite? But he has other problems. While to be honest he doesn’t really care much about Zaari, caring took far too much effort and he doesn’t want to apply it. But there was something decidedly off about the boy.
Asking would be the high point of rude. And Balthier had not been raised to be rude…then again…Balthier had been raised to be an upstanding member of the Arcadian empire, a judge and to help his father with his work.
And where was he now?  A Skye pirate with a crazed Bangaa following at his reels. Rude? No, to the point. But he didn’t have to get anyone else’s attention. Besides, Zaari…was an interesting case to be certain…and one that was best handled with care… Balthier has the worst feeling he knows why.
“Zaari?”
Zaari jumps like he’s been struck, but doesn’t stop rubbing his arm. That’s irritating but people have to have to calm themselves. The more of a nervous wreck the more annoying the behavior.
“Yes?” At least the boy doesn’t stutter.
“How old are you? Why were you wandering the streets of Bhu Jurba? Aren’t your parents going to be worried?”
“No.” Zaari shook his head, but was more concerned with the ground or anything but the one talking to him…Balthier sighs, how often did they have to hit you for you to learn to act like that?
“No? To which question or are you not answering at all?” Practice kept annoyance out of his voice…but dealing with the people hurt by his father’s greed was vexing. Not his fault, not their fault…but it was just the same.
“I don’t have parents.” Zaari answered risking a quick glance at Balthier but refused to remain looking. “So they can’t be worried…”
“Is someone expecting you?”
Zaari shakes his head but doesn’t answer. Well, it’s better then telling a lie… that this child is no good at. That’s going to need work if he intends to work on his own.
“Hmm, I was under the impression someone was.” Balthier adds, looking at the far wall. “Or do you look over your shoulder out of habit—”
Before Zaari could answer or Balthier ask more bluntly, the name Draklor came up. Now Balthier switches his attention back to Lamont.
“Errand all finished then?” He asks crossing the room to where Lamont is looking at the walls.
“Yes, Thank you. I shall repay you shortly.”
“No, you’ll repay us now. We’ve got to much on our hands to go on holding yours.” Dealing with one child is enough. “How do you know about Draklor, where did you get the sample you carry?”
Lamont backs up and intends to walk away, but escape is prevented. Balthier used to be a judge; he knows how to get information from people like Lamont. Lamont indeed, why not say your real name now, eh?
Lamont opens his mouth but doesn’t get the chance to say anything.
“You kept us waiting, Balthier.” The last voice Balthier wanted to hear sounded from behind him. At least now he could vent his frustration. He was not about to strike either Lamont or Zaari, least of all the latter of the two. Zaari had seen the back of too many hands, and a great lot of good it’s done him. “First that judge now this boy. The whole affair has the smell of money about it. I may have to wet my beak a little.”
Balthier turns to face Ba’gamnan, now with Larsa mostly behind him. One minute threatening the boy himself now protecting him. What’s going to happen to my reputation after this…? Skye pirate indeed.
“This thinking ill befits you Ba’gamnan, keep your nose in the trough where it belongs.” Good verbal warfare this Balthier could win.
Lamont looked from Balthier to Ba’gamnan then tossed his Nethicite sample, catching the bounty hunter off guard. Then he ran.