12
Sharp
"Every Great One loses its child and yearns for a surrogate."
...
The Hunter's Dream
"Now, I am sure that all of you have progressed as Hunters." Kyril sounded pleased as Lily, Sanakan and Hugh sat in chairs in the Workshop. "Now comes the next part of your training, I have shown you how to imbed your weapons with blood gems and how to fortify them with blood stones."
His apprentices paid close attention as Kyril pointed at a table filled with lit candles. "Today I will be teaching you how to enhance your bodies with Caryll Runes."
"Er...Who is Caryll?" Sanakan asked. Hugh nodded alongside her looking at Kyril expectantly.
"An old runesmith, a masterful one actually." Kyril said as he leaned on the table. "He could hear the words of the Great Ones and inscribe them into runes that granted the Hunters with tremendous strength. Unfortunate that his works are mostly unknown to many and incomplete but here we are."
"So the runes are responsible for giving you strength?" Lily asked politely.
"Yes." Kyril answered smiling inwardly to himself. "To make it simple: I can shrug off blows that would kill most men, I am quite resistant to many ailments and poisons, and I do not tire easily."
"All this because I have it etched into my mind." He finished. "Any questions?"
"So you have to cut open my head to put the runes in? Is that how it works?" Sanakan didn't look too convinced at someone poking around in her mind.
"Nothing so crude." Kyril said smiling thinly. "Just memorize the runes and the Dream shall take care of the rest. But first...I must teach you how to understand the runes." He pulled out a large roll of parchment and unfurled it. All three apprentices saw squiggles and symbols that seemed unremarkable but there was a tinge of power there. It was hard to see but it was definitely there, as if waiting to be discovered by those who had the skill to do so.
"Understanding these will allow you to discern their meaning and thus what they can do for you personally." Kyril told them. "Once you have mastered that, then you will eventually pick the ones that have a...proper fit."
"Proper fit?" Lily asked.
"Yes." Kyril said raising a finger. "Not every rune works for everyone. So, I'll show you all of them and each of you will pick the best three that feels the best."
He let his apprentices look at the Scroll, idly enjoying the fact that one of them was going to have a headache.
/
Later on...
"Ugh..." Sanakan leaned on Hugh's shoulder as they walked the streets of Ken's bustling marketplace. "That lesson was nauseating."
Hugh was inclined to agree as the mute looked a bit pale. But he was recovering steadily. He could still see the runes wriggling in place on the parchment. He did not understand how Lily could sit through such things without much trouble. His head pounded. Then again, if he had disregarded Kyril's advice on not eating breakfast for this session he probably would have vomited all over the floor when he got back from the Dream.
Now his stomach was rumbling and he needed something to eat anyway. It was rare for any of them to have a break whenever Kyril was around but the Good Hunter had allowed them a pass for the coming days as he had to oversee the training of new recruits into his company. Sanakan was definitely going to use it. Hugh would follow her around of course but it was more to keep Sanakan out of trouble than anything else.
It was a cool morning, which meant that winter was getting close. Hugh saw the townsfolk getting ready for the day and the market stalls beginning to open. The mute sniffed the air already he could smell the bakeries getting ready for the morning rush for breakfast.
"Right, let's go get some breakfast before we walk around to splurge." Sanakan remarked.
The pair ended up sharing a hunk of bread and a bowl of baked beans.
"Hoo..." Sanakan remarked as she washed down the beans with a helping of ale. "Now that's what I call breakfast. Those beans are damned good. Damned good!"
Far in the back, one of the men who was cooking blushed a deep red. The baker in charge laughed as Hugh put down an extra bit of coin for the quality of breakfast. They spent the day meandering about, looking at the market stalls for anything interesting. Hugh let Sanakan have her fun, in their childhoods they usually scouted the market stalls for anything good to steal or sell for food. After that they'd head over to some abandoned shack or house and sleep there before heading for the next town with what they had.
It was a long time ago and now they were apprentices to one of the most murderous knights in Celestine Lucross's service and they had a paycheck. They were also more than capable of murdering dozens of greenskins and bandit scum. Hugh sometimes thought that it was a fever dream and he was actually just dying in an alley. It filled him with melancholy sometimes when his thoughts turned in the direction of the past.
Hugh plastered a smile on his face and waved as Sanakan tried on an eye patch. She didn't need to know what was worrying him right now. He'd tell her later when the night was quiet, about the letter he received in the morning. A letter from his mother, who he had long thought was dead. It'd piss her off something fierce but if this woman who claimed to be his mother was insisting on meeting up, he'd rather have her at his side than away from it.
Sir Kyril knew, like he always did, but he respected Hugh's request for silence and allowed him to do what was needed. Hugh appreciated that. He really did. If this was nothing but a sick joke then Hugh would deal with it. Permanently.
In the meantime, when they got back to their room...they'd have a quiet chat to discuss what was going to happen.
/
Grace rubbed her forehead and groaned as she put another party invitation in the "No" pile at her desk. She could deal with sneaking about or speaking with the various lords and ladies of Ken but paperwork was the bane of her existence. Still, it beat serving ale to some drunken lout who liked to grope. That and the pay was a lot better.
Grace was now exposed to just what kind of man Sir Kyril was. He hated parties or wasteful diffidence that had nothing to do with the current war. He was actually quite simple actually, he didn't like to be bothered when he was busy and he hated small talk. Sir Kyril did however appreciate anything that expedited his mission which was rooting out supposed traitors in the noble class...and possibly killing them.
Fortunately for her, this was not the case for her first day as his retainer.
The Dark Elf looked out the window. Sir Kyril was out at the barracks observing the new recruits to his company in training. She looked at the new dress she was wearing. It was nothing fancy although she preferred not having such a red color. Still, it was comfortable. Grace continued with her work, realizing that the "No" pile was actually bigger than the "Yes" pile. Kyril had told he'd take care of the rest and that she could have the rest of the day to herself after she had finished up here. Grace sighed as her fingers tapped a nonsensical rhythm on the wooden desk.
Anna was busy with the move to Ken, but she had answered her letters at least and had invited Grace to come over in a few days after she and Ian got everything sorted out in their new home. Grace had wanted to bring Sir Kyril with her too but it was for the best that he didn't come over. Anna was still upset about her being with the knight on his quest to put down Michelle Pantielle.
Grace saw the outcome of the trial by combat, and knew her new employer was not someone to mess with. That meant that she was safer with him. When she had put this thought into words, Anna was absolutely livid. But she accepted the reasoning, even if it pissed her off mightily. Grace made a note to get Anna a little gift to try and smooth things over as soon as she got paid.
/
She finished within an hour's time and she stretched, raising her arms behind her. "Oof..." She rubbed her wrists. "I should probably take it easy and not do anything strenuous for the rest of the day." Grace rolled her shoulders. "My butt is numb." She stood up stiffly and headed out of Sir Kyril's quarters, making sure to lock the doors. People here were more discreet but she knew how much enmity Dark Elves got from the other races.
The only reason those people didn't act out on their prejudice was because of Sir Kyril the Bloody, whose reputation for being murderous to his enemies was well known. The guards schooled their expressions as she passed while the servants were more discreet. They said nothing however, for it was said that Kyril could sense ill intent somehow. Several guards had already tried to covertly threaten her into doing something she didn't want.
When Sir Kyril found out those guards had been reassigned...or, as the rumor mills always say, they disappeared entirely from the face of Eostia. Grace didn't put much stock in the second option even if it seemed more likely when it concerned the Hunter.
The Dark Elf wrapped a shawl around her shoulders as she headed out of Celestine's palace, showing off Kyril's sigil to the guards at the gates before heading into the barracks out of curiosity. She had been informed that Kyril was spending most of the day there, as he was surveying the new recruits who had signed up to serve in his company.
Grace chuckled to herself. Sergeant Bergen, one of the lynchpins in Sir Kyril's company, had said that more than half would wash out by the time they were done. As she finally arrived at the barracks she found Kyril shaking his head as a group of recruits sat in circles. Many looked distraught or angry. Some had resigned looks about them, and even fewer were happy that they made it.
Kyril and Sergeant Bergen were discussing things before Bergen barked out a command, saying that the recruits were dismissed. The crowd of tired young men and women filed out grumbling and groaning. Grace waited for a moment before approaching Kyril and waiting.
"Grace?" Kyril asked noticing her. "I assume that you're done for the day?"
"Yes, Sir Kyril." Grace answered. "I was wondering if...you'd like to accompany to look at the market."
Kyril blinked and Grace's ears drooped slightly as she waited for the inevitable refusal. "As you wish."
Grace lightened up brightly. "Uh...O-Okay!"
Bergen looked at Kyril who shrugged. So he was bored...
Hey, he needed a break too. And Grace did ask so he would oblige her.
As the pair left Bergen kept watching them leave. He then grinned. Grace was a beautiful woman, he understood why Kyril would oblige her. His unscrupulous captain was lucky, he supposed.
/
"S-So..." Grace started the conversation first. "Um...Do you...What exactly do you do for fun, Sir Kyril?"
"Sitting down for a while." Kyril said serenely looking around the bustling market, ignoring all the stares directed at him and Grace.
"Oh...I see." Grace mumbled.
"Forgive me...I dislike being in a crowd." Kyril spoke quietly. "I prefer places of quiet, all this noise doesn't help me in the slightest."
Grace could understand that. Sometimes she sought solitude just to hear herself think for a while.
"Much of my life has been dominated by fighting for my survival." Kyril said. "Although...I do wish to own a farm." There was a melancholic smile on his face.
"You want to take up farming?" Grace asked sounding very amused right now. To see the indomitable Sir Kyril working his back off on a farm way out in the middle of nowhere was a funny picture.
"Yes..." Kyril said. "I'd like to find a small piece of land to live out the rest of my life in peace." He smiled fondly.
Grace realized she was seeing a side to the Hunter that few would ever see, a small glimpse into the cold hearted, murderous knight that was Kyril Sutherland.
"Um...Have you ever thought about getting...married?" Grace asked, ready to apologize if she had just touched an extremely sensitive subject.
"No." Kyril shook his head. "And I do not think I shall ever will."
Grace frowned. "You're very lonely." She told him.
"An astute observation." Kyril deadpanned. Grace didn't know whether he was joking or not, but somehow she knew he was. So she let that slide...for now. She looked at the market, knowing full well that some people were trying to put on appearances that everything was going to be fine. She knew better. To know that those who ruled your city could easily be swayed into allowing evil men to enslave your wives, your sisters, your daughters. To give them to such a horrifying fate as a sex slave.
"They're afraid." Kyril commented.
"Huh?" Grace asked.
"The people here. Sure they have their jobs to do and they are still trying to make a living but you can see it in their eyes." Kyril's voice was quiet. "They are afraid, hence why they stare at me sometimes."
"Because big bad Sir Kyril is in town?" Grace tried to lighten up her employer's mood.
"Perhaps." Kyril said shrugging. "I do have a reputation for ferreting out traitors. Or maybe they look for hope." His smile was grim. "The most fatal of poisons."
"Well, that was a happy thought." Grace commented. She then suddenly grabbed his arm. "Perhaps we should find something fun to do as you are a bit moody, Sir Kyril."
"Very well."
As the pair continued meandering aimlessly through the market, neither of them noticed the sullen look Maia had on her face as she caught sight of them. Biting her bottom lip, she turned away and headed back to the palace.
/
The Hunter's Dream
Kyril looked at Celestine who was wringing her fingers looking absolutely guilty as she sat down on the chair the Plain Doll had set for her. Celestine was guilty because she had ended up in the Dream once more without meaning to, which meant that she was once again prying into Kyril's secrets.
The High Elf's green eyes locked onto Kyril's own dark orbs. He was so emotionless that it was hard to read him, the only emotion she had ever seen him express was irritation and she did not want to progress that irritation into anger.
Instead, the Hunter merely went to a cupboard and opened it. He reached inside for a simple kettle and began making tea. He did so quietly, such was the silence that Celestine would have been driven mad by it. She had to say something, apologize for intruding upon a place that Sir Kyril deemed sacred and secret.
"I...I wish to apologize Sir Kyril." Celestine said wincing as Kyril stopped briefly before hanging the pot over the fireplace. "I didn't mean to step foot into your abode, I don't know how to leave though."
"Your Highness, you have caused me no offense." Kyril told her patiently as he pulled up a chair to sit in front of her. "The Doll has informed me that you have been before."
"I...Yes." Celestine answered. "But I never meant to."
"You are connected to the Dream now. Perhaps my journal has given you that connection. Either way, it is of no trouble." Kyril said. He leaned back in his chair to check on the kettle. "You are my guest for tonight." He tilted his head. "Have you told Lady Olga?"
"Um...sort of. She didn't believe me at first." Celestine answered feeling more relaxed.
Kyril hummed. "I assume she wishes to visit as well?" He asked her.
"Yes?" Celestine answered uncertainly as if Kyril was going to explode.
The Hunter reached into his coat and fished out a small piece of parchment. He handed it to Celestine and the High Elf took the parchment and flipped it over. She saw the very same upside down rune that Kyril used as his personal heraldry. It...seemed to move on the piece of parchment as if it was alive. She blinked and suddenly it remained still.
"That symbol will allow you to come into the Dream if needed." Kyril told her. "However it is usable only for one time...or if I allow it to work."
"What do you mean?" Celestine asked.
Kyril looked at her gravely. "This place is tied to my will. I can enter and leave it if I wish. But bringing visitors means I must be a lot more cautious." He answered honestly. "Some secrets are best left undiscovered after all."
Celestine flushed guiltily. Was he still angry about the journal?
"However, you were polite to the Doll." Kyril said. "And you are a kind soul to all who encounter you so my worries were unfounded. Apologies for not welcoming you properly Lady Celestine."
The kettle began whistling. Kyril removed it gingerly from the fireplace. "Let's have some tea." He said to her.
"Oh...um, thank you Sir Kyril for your hospitality." Celestine said now smiling. This was surreal. But as Kyril set down a cup of tea in front of her on the small round table she found that this Dream of his was...peaceful in a sense. Like all her troubles just faded away. She noted that Sir Kyril's mood had improved significantly, seeing as this was his home. Celestine frowned, wishing that she could offer such a home to Kyril in her country.
She savored the bitter aftertaste of the tea as she looked out the window. "Um Sir Kyril, you train your apprentices here do you not?"
"Yes." Kyril answered sipping his own cup of tea.
"Were there other...Hunters like yourself? Are there any other Hunters right now?"
Kyril set his tea down. "I'm afraid not for a long time." He answered Celestine honestly. "Those who take the oath during the Night of the Hunt may be consumed by the bloodlust to become no better than the beasts they hunt. Others die lonely and in pain."
Celestine swallowed the lump in her throat. "So...you could have ended up as a name on one of those tombstones." She whispered sadly and kept another part to herself. And we would have never been able to meet.
"Yes." Kyril said. "As the Doll told me, countless Hunters have come and go from this Dream. I keep the graves clean in their memory."
He smiled sadly. "My mentor had the same idea before he passed on his title to me, and as the First Hunter of this Workshop I intend to not disappoint him."
Celestine remained quiet for a while. Then looked at the Hunter curiously as his gaze went to the door. "Well now, it seems that I have another guest."
Kyril stood up and walked outside. Celestine was a bit disturbed. If this entire place was bound to his will...she didn't want to know. The High Elf rubbed her forehead as another headache came on. It was best not to think about it.
Madness lay down that path. If she decided to peer further into what lay behind Kyril Sutherland's mask then she would probably never return from leaping over that edge.
/
Olga Discordia was not in her recliner taking a nap.
She had woken up in an undignified heap in a field of white flowers. The Dark Elf Queen managed to get back onto her feet and looked around. She was on a hill, underneath a great tree. The area she was in was melancholy, lonely but peaceful. She walked down the slope of the hill carefully eventually reaching an iron fence and a gate that was ajar.
She instantly stopped when she noticed the...thing standing there waiting for her. It was a Doll, a Doll that was standing up. Looking at her with glassy blank eyes. It wore fine clothing, a dress with intricate patterns sown into it and a bonnet that covered her silvery, white hair.
"Hello." The Doll spoke in a strange accent before bowing.
"What are you?" Olga asked the Doll warily. She gripped her staff tight.
The...thing tilted its head in curiosity. "I am a Doll. Here to care for the Good Hunter." She told Olga honestly.
The Dark Elf Queen narrowed her eyes further. There was...something in the Doll that made it move, an ancient power.
"Who is this Good Hunter?" Olga asked once more.
"I..." The Doll started to say but turned to someone who was approaching, someone very familiar to Olga.
"Good Hunter." The Doll said inclining her head to Kyril Sutherland, who returned the gesture warmly.
"We have another guest." Kyril spoke. He looked at Olga whose eyes had widened. "Welcome, Lady Olga. To the Hunter's Dream."
Olga narrowed her eyes. Kyril had always been exuding an aura of menace, a stormy cloud of dark power that was barely seen. Here, in this place whatever it was, his power seemed to swell tenfold. It was quite difficult to look him in the eye. That faded gradually however and she found that Kyril seemed...happier here, his eyes held a warmth that was jarring to see. Like a man who comes home from a good hard day's work to a quiet house.
It only cemented the fact that Kyril Sutherland was the strangest person she had ever met...and one of the most dangerous.
"So, I assume this is your little getaway." Olga spoke officiously. "Though...I do not think this is anywhere in Eostia that I have ever been in."
"It was created by my mentor." Kyril said. "A refuge for the Hunters of this very workshop." He gestured to the small building sitting on a smaller hill. It was surrounded by gravestones, most were worn smooth by time. Olga saw the Doll cleaning one with a rag and water.
"I assume your little apprentices are here as well?" Olga asked, turning her attention to Sir Kyril.
"No." Kyril answered. "Hugh has personal business to take care of and Sanakan went with him. Lily has volunteered her services to Lady Celestine's Healers. They will return eventually as I have a number of monsters that I need slain before the end of the week."
Olga wondered if that was how he trains them, setting them loose to cause mayhem amongst Orc kind was dangerous...but they've survived this long, surely wiping out a few orc bands was no longer trouble for them?
She followed Kyril up to the workshop without a word. The silence was uncomfortable and Olga was about to say something when he opened the door. Celestine was sitting at a round table with a cup of tea in front of her. The High Elf's eyes widened as she beheld Olga. She then started giggling.
"What?" Olga scowled at Celestine.
"Lady Olga, there are some flower petals in your hair." Kyril said pointing at said petals lodged in Olga's midnight locks. The Dark Elf huffed irritably and shook her head, dislodging them with her hands if needed. She then took Kyril's seat as the Hunter poured out some tea in another cup for her. Olga scowled at Celestine who was overcome with giggles.
"So...Since Celestine is here. I suppose you both have even more questions for me." Kyril said as he set the pot in the middle of the round table in the Workshop. He then pulled up a chair, this one was ornately designed with little wheels. He leaned back into it comfortably.
"Time flows differently here so do not worry." Kyril clasped his hands together.
"What was that...that Doll out taking care of the graves?" Olga asked. "Why is it moving?"
"She." Kyril corrected Olga who narrowed her eyes slightly but did nothing more than that. "She is-was my mentor's servant. She has been here for most of her life and as such she is the caretaker of this Dream."
A living Doll... Olga was sure that Kyril was not a magician but the Doll's creator surely had to be. There was no other way. The ancient power she sensed within the Plain Doll was nothing to scoff at either. The Dark Elf looked at Celestine discreetly, the High Elf was being polite of course but there was no way Celestine was going to let something so powerful loose.
"Can she...Can she leave the Dream, Sir Kyril?" Celestine asked. "I mean no offence but this place seems...well, she seems lonely staying up here all by herself."
Kyril tilted his head. "That is up to her." He told them both. "But, I suppose if she wants to I can bring her out of the dream once in a while."
"Ah, that would be nice." Celestine said clapping her hands. "Any friend of Sir Kyril is a friend of mine!"
"I appreciate your kindness, milady." Kyril said. "Now, let's go ahead and finish up this tea. Would you like some more Lady Olga?"
/
Later...
The bar was boisterous and loud but Maia wasn't paying attention as she looked inside her tankard of ale. She still had nightmares about Michelle-that man, touching her. She squirmed as her eyes widened and her breathing came out in terrified pants. Calming herself down, Maia tried to take a drink, managing only a few sips before she felt tears roll down her cheeks. Wiping them away, she clenched her fist as she put down a bag of coin for the drinks and walked out.
Kyril was busy. He was always busy, but how could he take time to see someone like her? When he had that Dark Elf hanging onto his arm? He even got her a present. Maia didn't know how long she could keep herself from falling apart but she...
Maia shook her head. Vault had given her to Michelle Pantielle to toy with. Vault whom she had loved when she was still a Black Dog. Vault, charismatic, handsome, powerful. Now he was nothing more than a warlord who wanted nothing but the enslavement of women for his so-called Sex Empire. Vault, who saw her as nothing more than a good slave, meant only for fucking. Maia snarled.
She kept walking down the streets, knowing full well Lily was looking for her. She knew she shouldn't have skipped out on their talks. But it was pissing her off, being all touchy feely. She knew what she wanted, killing Vault was the one thing that mattered now. Him, Kin. That bastard Hicks too.
Michelle was dead. The fat pig wouldn't be able to harm her anymore. But every time she closed her eyes to sleep, she could still see herself tied to that bed, Michelle's belly between her legs as he pushed inside her.
Maia started sobbing, gripping her arms as she sat down in an alley. This wasn't her! She was supposed to be strong and brave! She wasn't supposed to break down crying! She was the Queen of Mercenaries! Another voice, one that belonged to her tormentor, told her that she was just a lovely doll just waiting to be used. That she didn't need to think. That she was only made to make others feel good.
Whimpering a denial, Maia clapped her hands over her ears trying to drown out the tormentor's voice. The utter silence reminded her of Kyril. The foreign mercenary turned knight who had saved her even though he had no reason to fight for her or Eostia. She remembered his hands, being gentle with her as he carried her out of the city of Ansur and towards the healers' tent. She remembered watching Michelle die thanks to his apprentice. She remembered their fights together as the war against the Black Dogs escalated.
It started raining.
Maia hugged her knees to her chest as she gazed emptily ahead. A shadow loomed over her. She looked up into the dark eyes of Sir Kyril Sutherland who looked down at her. His expressionless face was hidden once more behind his cloth bandana. The cloak in his hands found itself wrapped around her shoulders. Maia stared. He was here again, saving her.
Kyril said not a word as he gently lifted Maia in his arms.
"Wh-Where are we going?" She murmured.
"I'm taking you back to Lady Celestine's palace." Kyril told her quietly.
"You won't let him hurt me right?" Maia mumbled vulnerable.
"...No." Kyril answered.
/
The room prepared for her was dark and lit only by a candle, but it was quiet. Maia lay in bed. Kyril was in a chair next to her, writing something in the dim candlelight. He closed the journal and stared at the door as he leaned back in his chair, periodically checking on Maia who lay staring at the dark ceiling above her.
"You're gonna leave again, aren't you?" She asked.
Kyril remained silent for a time. "...Do you wish to be alone?" He asked in return.
"No." Maia answered as she rolled over to look at the Hunter. His mask was down, revealing his somber face. He looked tired but still he went about trying to win the war by himself. "No, I don't want you to leave."
Kyril sighed. "You're drunk." He told her.
"Yeah, I was gonna wait for you but..." Maia murmured. "I guess you didn't want to deal with a woman crying. I saw you walking around with that Dark Elf."
"Lily asked me to find you." Kyril said. "I don't have a problem with crying women either." He exhaled through his nose. "I apologize, Lady Maia. For not making it in time. For letting that filth touch you."
Maia started crying, which made Kyril flinch slightly. "I...I dream about it. Ever since I got back here, I dream about it." She sobbed. "It won't stop."
"It will." Kyril said. "You're alive. You will live, you will find happiness and love. Someone will value you and make you happy."
Maia shook her head. "Not me...Not me..."
Kyril sat down next to her in the bed. "This will not break you." He told her. "Not someone like you. You're stronger than you think."
He stood up to go get Lily but Maia stopped him by grasping his sleeve. "Please...don't leave me like this." She whispered.
Kyril had barely any time to react as Maia pulled him into the bed. Right on top of her. "Stay with me." She murmured. "Please."
The Good Hunter bit down on his tongue, smothering his passion with the same callous efficiency he used in Yharnam to block out pain. "Maia." He spoke her name. "Sleep."
"Eh?"
"Hush." Kyril said, hoping that this would work. "You are tired. You need to rest."
Maia's eyes drooped and she yawned before starting to snore. Kyril sighed, glad that it worked. He covered Maia with a blanket and headed out the door. The Good Hunter sighed as he was spotted by Chloe, who narrowed her red eyes at him suspiciously before turning around and walking away.
He said one word.
"Fuck."
/
The next day...
Kyril decided that he hated rumors. He hated them with the intensity of a thousand suns. No, he did not lay in bed with Maia for a whole night. Nothing else happened in that room. No one seemed to believe him however and thus he spent an irritating day doing his best to ignore the stares.
Grace Campbell was glaring at him. While she did help him with paperwork, Kyril could sense her glare. It was like having knives being driven into his back. The Good Hunter asked what was wrong.
"Nothing, Sir Kyril." Grace's tone was polite but there was a dangerous iciness to it. Kyril just exhaled through his nose and continued working. When that was done, Kyril left the rest to Grace who took it with commendable efficiency. She still glared at him though. Kyril just shook his head and continued to the council chamber to meet with Celestine.
The High Elf looked sadly at him, disappointed even. Her green eyes were teary but she maintained her composure as she discussed the status of the newly recruited soldiery. Claudia, who sat by her side, also gave her report and kept shooting disapproving looks at the Good Hunter. By the time it was Kyril's turn the nobility around him had paled considerably as they tried to stay away from the irritated Hunter.
He stood up to give his report. "My company is back to full strength." He told Celestine. "As such we are once more ready for battle and are awaiting further orders."
"Excellent." Celestine said, still looking outright miserable. Kyril shook his head slightly. Why was she acting like he had done something to offend her? He barely paid attention to the next round of reports and when the day ended Celestine had stalked off before Kyril could even figure out what had happened.
Kyril pinched the bridge of his nose. He decided that enough was enough and gave up. Kyril walked out of the council chambers and out towards the kitchen. He was going to eat lunch and no one else was going to bother him. So off to the kitchen he went, ignoring the stares that were either jealous or not. He got his food, a pot of baked beans and a pound of hardtack. He left for his quarters and sat at his desk to eat.
He was not bothered for the rest of the day.
/
Not a lot of action for this chapter.
Sorry for the delay. Destiny 2 had my attentions for the week.