Old Fryk pulled his coat up about his ears. The howling had begun two spans ago and it hadn’t abated since. It had brought a damp, cold breath across the Lake and sent a shiver through everyone’s bones. The air played tricks down there at the best of times, but this wind? It felt alive. Even the warmth of his favorite ceramic racta cup, full to the brim with piping hot goodness, wasn’t enough.
Regardless of the noise and the weather conditions and the age of Fryk’s ears, he still heard like a bat. He could detect any boat inbound to Lakeside at least half a span before it reached the quay. And that span was no exception. He had been waiting for half a span already. It was a good part of his job. That and regular summoning of the constables. He had swept the quay and swabbed it, one ear swiveled to hear the nearing gentle splosh-swish of oars. Old Fryk was rarely surprised.
He finished the racta with a leisurely swig, slowly walked out to his hut, placed the cup lovingly back on its shelf, turned and was exactly halfway across the quay when the boat bumped against the lake-wall.
“New boat, eh?” said Old Fryk.
“New to me,” said Teller Mas as he climbed out of the boat alone. “Keep it. It’s yours.” Mas said, turned and walked away.
THE END
If you’re new to the Dark universe, welcome!
The Dark series so far (2021) comprises:
Dark (2016)
Darker (2017)
Darkest (2021)
Here’s an excerpt from Dark to tempt you!
“This is Lt. Myrch Weston, service number NXBF-105345-GDT. Not that that matters overmuch now. I’m the last of the mission to Deepspace Colony Sirius 4, though the natives here call it Dark.”
Excerpts from <Distress Beacon SN-1853001>. Found by E.S.V Vixen Terradate: 26102225.