Chapter 4
Meanwhile, back at the Warriors' Guild, one week later...
Lorre followed Cyrrus into his office, not sure what to expect. He was relieved to see a comfortable room with a large window and a few overstuffed chairs instead of the torture dungeon created by rumor. Cyrrus sat down behind his desk and gestured toward one of the chairs, indicating that Lorre should sit.
"Now, Lorre," he said, leaning forward. "I brought you here because you're untrustworthy, whiny, and scared of absolutely everything. That's why you're perfect for the job I have in mind."
"Um, what?" Lorre asked, bewildered. "What's going on? Is this a joke?"
"I'm afraid not, Lorre," said Cyrrus sadly. "You see, you've attended this guild for seven years. Seven years, Lorre. That's seven years of me enduring you getting in trouble with everyone else. I can't help you. There's nothing really more I can do for you. The only person who can help you with your sword mastery is my daughter, Ramisse. Unfortunately, she and two of her friends disappeared a week ago. I need your help to get her back. Miss Dale has volunteered to help you."
"Um, do you know where she is?
"She was last seen in the Underworld."
"Oh, hell," Lorre cursed to himself.
"That's right, hell. It's a dangerous place, so I'll give you some better armor and a better sword to help."
"Um, thank you, sir," Lorre mumbled.
"Lorre?" Cyrrus asked. Lorre turned back, and Cyrrus beamed at him. "Good luck. You leave tomorrow at sunrise."
"I'm sure I'll need it, sir," Lorre said, smiling back.
He continued out into the hallway and was suddenly tackled by a flying blond mass. "WOOOOO!"
"Cassandra, whyy-y? I thought you already proved you can pin me!" Lorre laughed, struggling up.
"I want to make sure I haven't lost my edge," Cassandra giggled, drawing her mahogany broadsword. "Get it? Edge?"
"Very funny, but what's your point?" Lorre retorted, drawing his own sword.
Cassandra laughed. "That one was sharp!"
"Seriously, enough with the sword jokes. I'm about to die laughing," Lorre said in all solemnity. "Can you believe this quest?"
"I don't think I can," Cassandra said. "In fact, I refuse to. Tra-la-la-la-la, nothing is wrong."
"This is serious, Cass," he reprimanded. "I don't know if I can do this."
"Don't worry, Lorre. Nothing will happen as long as we're together," Cassandra said soothingly, taking his hand. "Sleep well tonight, okay?"
"Okay. I'll... I'll see you at sunrise. In the courtyard." Lorre and Cassandra turned and went to their quarters, ready for a long and quite possibly sleepless night.
