You Said

Ciaran’s brow furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Brenna said, “I cannot help you.” And she scooped up her harp and sword and started to walk away.

Ciaran stared, dumbfounded. Then he started after her. “Oy, you said --”

An old, blind man with a cane came tap-tapping toward the blanket, and he seated himself in Brenna’s place. He smiled in Ciaran’s general direction. “Can I help you with anything, lad? Interested in buying a fine bowl?”

Ciaran took a deep breath. “No, thank you,” he said. He spun on his heel and started on the road home.