Alis by Naomi Rich Page A

to stay awhile with her aunt who lives in the eastern quarter, close to the river.”
    The red-faced man had seated himself at the table and was making an entry in the ledger.
    His companion looked directly at Alis for the first time. “And what is your name, child?”
    She felt the warning pressure of Ethan’s hand.
    “My name is Sarah, sir, but I am c—c—c—called Sally at home.” She knew she was blushing, but he did not seem suspicious.
    “Well, Sally, I hope your mother will soon be recovered. Master Ethan, I am sorry that this young woman must be lodged in the eastern quarter. That part, especially near the river, is not as well ordered as it should be, though we have begun to remedy that.”
    He turned to his companion. “You have the record? Yes? Then let us be gone. We have much to do. Good day to you all.”
    He smiled, but the other man gave Alis a long stare before gathering up his materials and moving away. It occurred to her suddenly that the names Sally and Alis sounded very much alike, and she shivered.
    The heavy wooden door swung shut behind them, and Ethan let out a long breath. Moll served two of the men at the table with more ale and came across the room. Ethan looked at her, frowning. “What’s all this, Moll?”
    She sat down at the table with them, brushing some loose strands of hair from her forehead with the back of her wrist. “You’ve seen nothing yet! I went to pay the rent last quarter day and found the lease had been sold. Instead of old Cora with her cap and leather bag—counting on her fingers and never forgetting a copper piece—there was this long-faced Master Bartholomew and a young’un with a quill writing it all down. Now we must abide by strict rules or the place’ll be taken from us. You never know when they’ll turn up either, asking questions and poking about. The good times are gone, I tell you, Ethan. Some drinking houses shut early now. Soon we’ll all have to be abed when the Elders say and go to prayer meetings, I shouldn’t wonder.”
    Ethan raised his eyebrows. “The city authorities, they are content with this?”
    Moll shrugged. “And why not? It saves them the trouble of keeping order themselves.” She got up. “Well, I must be about my work. You’ll be biding a day or two, Ethan?”
    “Maybe, Moll, but I must deliver this young’un to her aunt soon, and maybe I’ll bed down there for a night or so. You’ll keep the horses stabled for me?”
    She nodded.
    When she had disappeared into the kitchen, Alis seized Ethan’s arm in terror. “We must leave at once. Perhaps they have news from Two Rivers. They will take me back there—to Thomas and Robert.”
    “Steady now.” His craggy face had a brooding look. “Our Master Bartholomew has no reason to mistrust that you’re my niece if I say so. Still, you cannot stay here much longer, I agree.”
    “I cannot stay at all! Oh, Ethan, I beg of you, let us go now, before it is too late. They may be back at any moment, and there is danger for you, also.”
    She could not bear his sitting there still, when they might be safely away. He looked at her without moving. “There is danger in staying here, it is true, but this lad I spoke of—I do not know if he is to be trusted. Maybe he can lead us to your brother, maybe not. I am to meet him by the bridge and cross the river into the southern quarter. It is an ill place. There is more danger for you in going there than staying here, maybe.”
    “I do not care! I will come with you. Whatever happens to me, it cannot be worse than going back.” Seeing that he still looked doubtful, she added desperately, “Ethan, how can I stay here alone? Suppose they return while you are gone.”
    At that, he pushed back his chair. “Come then. I’ll not leave you behind. Fetch the bundles, while I speak to Moll. She must think you are going to your aunt, so that she may tell our inquisitive Elders as much.”
    Alis went quickly up to the tiny room at the top of