This town gave Elias the chills. It was cramped with buildings, its architecture was messy and drab, going up to three storeys high. The ones at the coast, closest to the harbour were shops, pubs, bars, and hotels. The houses became more cramp the further up the street they went.

The crew, Sabur had sent to accompany Elias through the town, were walking around him, as if they were trying to hide him from something - or someone. There were so many different people here - poor and rich, the ones who held their heads high and the ones who seemed like they didn’t want to be seen. There were pirates, sailors, women dressed in big gowns and Elias noticed that the further up they went, there were more young boys dressed in the same greenish dresses. They were only separated by the different coloured bracelets on their wrists.

Elias pulled his hood closer to his face. Sabur had made it clear that his face mustn’t be seen. It was because of that and because of the smell. The air was full of dampness and the town stank of filth that people were throwing on the streets. It was unbearable.

Somehow, he knew this town couldn’t mean anything good. He was certain he would’ve been even more uncomfortable if it weren’t for Nick. After Sabur ordered the ship to sail towards Bradfordshire, Nick stormed into his cabin, with a face of agonising worry.

Elias couldn’t hear clearly what they were talking about. It was something about The Green Woman, not working with her and a mask. He could hear Nick’s worried voice. Elias just wanted to jump over the railings - Bradfordshire couldn’t mean anything good for him. Yet, when Nick came out, he looked more at peace. He noticed Elias watching him and gave him a warm reassuring smile.

“We’re here.”

Elias almost crashed into Kian, who suddenly stopped in front of a small shop, hidden in a side street. He moved to the side and pushed Elias towards the open door.

They struggled to fit in the small, cramped shop. Elias looked around, still holding his hood over his head. The shop was filled with shelves of handmade jewellery of all shapes and colours. Elias was in awe with all the colours glimmering around him. Elias could finally take a big breath. The air smelled of Winlies, small violet flowers.

Someone entered the room through the door behind a counter. It was a woman of an older age. Her dark brown hair was just greying at its roots and she had it pulled up into a neat bun. Two match pairs of blue stone earrings hung down her ears. She was dressed in a white plain dress. Elias’ eyes met with her green ones. She smiled at him kindly - the same warm smile as Nick’s.

“Do ya have it?”

Elias snapped back, remembering that he should be covering his face. The woman looked at Kian and nodded. She crouched down to retrieve something from behind the counter. When she stood up she moved to Elias and handed him something wrapped in cloth.

Elias hesitated when Kian nudged him forward. “Take it.”

He carefully took it, afraid of what it might be. Elias carefully removed the cloth, revealing a mask with red windings on it. He looked up at the woman who smiled at him. Elias looked at the mask and then at the lady a couple of times, not knowing what to do or say.

“I recon ya agreed with Sabur for the price.” Kian reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a sack of money. He threw it to the lady. “We’ll contact ya if we need anythin’ else.”

They turned to leave the shop. Kian turned to Elias who was still staring at the woman. “Let’s go kid.”

Elias went to follow but before he left, he turned to the lady and said with a small voice. “Thank you.”

He pulled the hood down and exited the shop. He held the mask tightly to his chest as he and the crew made their way back to the ship.

When they were back on The Rose Sparrow, Kian said to Elias, without turning to face him. “Go to the Captain.” Elias contemplated if he should first take the mask to his net. “Now!”

Elias’ legs moved on their own. He didn’t knock on the door, it was unnecessary - if Sabur wanted to see you, you were expected to show up immediately.

“Did you get it?”

Elias hugged the mask closer to him. “The mask? Yes.”

“Show it.”

Elias unwrapped it with shaky hands and handed it to Sabur. He took it, turning it around in his hands and examining every inch of it. After some time, he handed it back to Elias. “It’s a bit too big, but you’ll grow into it.” He leaned back into his chair. “Now, you’ll wear this mask everywhere at all times.”

Elias opened his mouth to protest, but Sabur continued. “You don’t need to wear it when you’re below deck or when sail.” Elias closed his mouth. “Nobody except for the crew can see your face. Ever. Have I been clear?”

Elias nodded hastily.

“Good. We’re staying here for two weeks. That mask better stay on your face.”

He didn’t have to say to Elias that he was dismissed, Elias was on his way to his net. He sat down in it and uncovered the mask. Now he had the time to properly look at it. Sabur was right, it was a bit big, but it still sat firmly on his face. It was white and Elias couldn’t figure out what material it was made from. He traced the red lines going underneath the eyeholes and a red mark with two swirls in the middle of the forehead of the mask.

Elias wasn’t entirely sure what the mask was for, but he didn’t question it any further. If it was the Captain's order he should obey it.

He placed the mask on his knees.

Two weeks.

That was quite a lot. He didn’t like this town whatsoever. Just the thought of it made his stomach twist, yet he had nothing else to do on the ship. He already spent most of his time here, so why not take these two weeks to explore the town. There had to be some parts of it that weren’t that bad.

He reached for his bag, grabbed some essentials, and put them in. He grabbed his dagger and knives and attached them on his belt. Elias contemplated taking his two swords with him, but he decided against it. They would only get in his way.

He took the mask and pulled it over his face, rushing up on deck. Just as he was about to leave Nick stopped him.

“Where are you going?” Elias pointed towards the town. Nick hesitated for a moment, looking mildly uncomfortable. After a lengthy moment he sighed. “Be careful.”

Elias nodded and ran down the plank and into the city. He walked up the main street, but quickly turned into one of the side streets. He made sure that no one was around and took his mask off. Elias knew he shouldn’t have taken it off, but it bothered him. Besides that, if he was careful and made sure no one saw him it would be okay. Nobody in this town knew him either way.

If I stay in the side streets it will be okay.

I am stealthy enough, I can manage it.

Elias placed the mask in his bag, pulled the hood of his coat over him and went deeper in the dark street.