Of Wyverns and Brands

Chapter 29

Sothe and I turn toward the wall as we hear Mist's sudden excitement. Guess that means she found the dress. After getting back last night, I had left it in their room after we had went to bed. I was too self-conscious to just give it to her after Titania's 'encouragement'. I wasn't really doing it to be thanked anyway, so I'll just stick with being anonymous.

That is, as long as Sothe stays quiet. He's already starting to smile as he realizes why Mist is so excited this early in the morning. "Don't you breath a word," I warn with a glare. I hope mine carries even a bit of Soren's glare, since I'm used to seeing it so often.

"You're acting like a little kid," Sothe retorts, laughing at me. "You should just tell her that you like her already."

I throw one of my many extra pillows across the room at him. "I don't. It was just…a gift. As friends."

Sothe rolls his eyes and adds my pillow to his large stack that was already twice mine. "Sure."

This is like being in high school again. You can't explain things to kids like him. "I'm serious. Like you with your friend. Do you like her as a friend or something more?"

That catches his attention. "You mean the person I've been looking for? Of course she's just my friend. Like a sister, really. And wait. How did you know she was a girl!? I never said that!"

I shrug as I grin. Knowledge truly is power. "Who knows? It's not like I've met Micaiah before or anything."

Sothe leaps off his bed at me and grabs me by the arms. "Where is she!? Tell me! I've been looking everywhere for her! You need to tell me, Drake! Please!"

I raise my index finger at him. "One condition. Not a word about the dress from now on. Got it?" Got him hook, line, and sinker.

Sothe immediately nods without even considering it as he lets me go to listen.

"I haven't met Micaiah," I repeat. "But I have seen her. I can see events in the future. Visions, if you will. And I know that you'll meet up with her again in the future." …Should, at least. Everything's already messed up, so this shouldn't matter.

"Where? When? How soon!?" Sothe demands, looking desperate.

"In Daein. I can't tell you the exact day, but it will be after Crimea is liberated. So after Ashnard is killed."

Now Sothe looks doubtful. "That's so long, though. How do you know? How can you be sure?"

"It's just like Micaiah's ability to see the future," I reply. "Besides, how would I know that the two of you met in an alley in Nevassa while she was traveling as a fortune teller then?"

"Well…that's a good point, I guess," Sothe admits, sitting back on his bed. "But Micaiah can't see the future. She just acts like a fortune teller. She can't actually read anybody's fortune or anything like that."

"She can, though. She has visions just like I do," I insist.

"Why didn't she tell me, then?" Sothe mutters, seemingly to himself.

The door suddenly bursts open without warning as Mist leaps into the room, a certain cream-colored dress on. Mist twirls around, letting the dress swish around her. "I got a dress! Look guys! It's that dress that was in that shop! I woke up this morning and it was sitting in the room!"

And the dress does look good on her. But I'm more focused on her smile. For once, Mist seems genuinely happy without any reserves. I haven't seen her smile so earnestly since her father died, something that had been hanging on my shoulders. Who cares about the teasing? Seeing her look so happy was worth a misunderstanding or two.

Sothe simply nods his head and smiles a little but doesn't say a word. Good boy, Sothe. Good boy.

"Oh, thank you, Drake!" Mist exclaims, stopping her spinning to hop over and hug me real quick. "I love it!"

How did she…? Shoot. I didn't think Titania would rat me out. Yet another misunderstanding. This is why I like being a lone wolf. I can hear Sothe snickering a little, but at least he's not saying anything…yet. "You're welcome," I finally say. "How did you know it was me?"

Mist just smiles. "Titania and Princess Elincia didn't buy anything, and Sothe doesn't have any money," she points out.

Oh. Didn't think of that. Well, hindsight is always 20/20. At least Titania didn't snitch on me. Though I do see her smiling at us from the common room. Hopefully I live this down one day. Mist doesn't seem to be reading any more into this, at least.

"I think that was a very kind thing for you to do, my lord Drake," Elincia comments as we come out into the common room.

I shrug a little and sit down. "So who am I supposed to be masquerading as for now?"

"The Count of Fayre's younger brother."

Oh. That's good. So I don't have to pass as a Duke or anything like that. …Maybe? I'm pretty sure a Count is lower than a Duke. And I won't have to act like the heir of a house, either. Fayre, eh?

"I have heard that the Count is rather…eccentric, though," Titania chimes in. "Will Drake be able to pass as his brother?"

Fayre actually sounds familiar, though. Hmm.

"He has a rather extensive vocabulary, but I believe my lord Drake should be able to accomplish it," Elincia replies. Well that's reassuring. "His father also had dark hair, so Drake's hair color is still passable as well."

"Who is the current Count of Fayre?" I ask.

Elincia looks at me, confused. "I believe you have already met him, have you not? My lord Bastian is the Count of Fayre."

Bastian. Bastian! "Wait, Bastian!? I'm supposed to act as his brother?"

"Yes," Elincia confirms. "He is the noble that I am most associated with outside of my direct family and Lucia's house."

I didn't really even want to hear his name again, but I guess I'd have to eventually. But to have to associate as his brother? Out of all the nobles in Crimea to be picked. I would have even had been fine masquerading as the brother of that one noble that rebels.

I want to reject the idea, but can't. I don't really have a legitimate reason to give besides disliking him. Besides, it's not like I'll be meeting and talking with him. …Fine, let's do this.

With my new identity settled, we spent the next hour discussing Begnion political culture and mannerisms. I'm pretty sure I only retained half of all that information, but some is better than none with all the meetings we'll be attending.

With time left before tea, I head out to check on Midnight. The noble quarter is rather confusing though, with towers everywhere and no real signs to guide visitors. After a bit of wandering, I finally see a set of stables and begin to head toward it, only to stop as a lance suddenly appears in front of my face.

I jump back with a start. At the other end of it is Tanith, standing there with a stern expression on her face. "And what are you doing approaching the pegasi stables, sir? State your name, designation, and business."

"I'm Drake, brother to the Count of Fayre," I quickly reply, thankful I had practiced that just moments ago. "I am with Her Highness Elincia Crimea. I was looking for the wyvern quarters."

Tanith sighs, but thankfully relents as she lowers the weapon. "I apologize for not recognizing you as one of her retinue. I shall lead you to the wyvern stables. I take it you are then the owner of the black wyvern then, correct?" she asks as she begins to lead me back the way I came.

"Yeah. Her name is Midnight."

"She's of good stock. What line is she of?"

Line? Umm…no clue. "I don't know? I've only had her for about six months now."

"If I didn't know better, I'd say she was one of Commander Farlow's breed," she continues, not sounding pleased. The name strikes a bell, but the way she used it with disgust makes me not comment. "How did you acquire a wyvern in Crimea? I have not heard of them owning any."

I can't really say I got her from Daein. Hmm. "My brother got her for me as a coming-of-age present," I say instead. "Count Bastian enjoyed spoiling me."

"I believe I have seen him once or twice. It is his reputation that precedes him, though. He has the ability to even put the Senate to shame." Was that a good thing or bad thing? "Well, here we are."

The stone stables we reach looks just like the pegasus stables, so I can't really be blamed for mixing them up. There is a bit of distance between them, though.

A man standing just outside it comes over to greet us. "Lady Tanith," he mutters, not sounding happy.

Tanith nods formally, a bit more rigid than a few moments ago. "Sir Zeffren," she replies curtly. "Good day, Sir Drake." And with that, she walks off at a clip, obviously not wanting to be here anymore.

Zeffren snorts at her departure and turns to me. "If you are Drake, then you must be here to see Midnight, am I right?"

Well if he knows both Midnight's and my names, then that must be a good sign. I nod. "Yep. I wanted to see how she was doing."

"As ornery and snappy as expected," Zeffren responds, leading me into the stables.

The inside is quite similar to a stables, though a bit more well-built by appearance than Daein's set that I slept under. Various wyverns fill the pens to either side of the center aisle. Midnight is at the far end next to empty pens. Above, the wooden ceiling appears to be rigged to open when needed.

"I was worried she would have bitten someone by now," I admit.

Zeffren chuckles. "Aye. She snaps at the smallest thing, which has sent the new recruits running. But they need the exercise. She is of Farlow's stock, isn't she? I recognize his training anywhere."

"I believe so. Is there…something between you and Tanith?" I ask, my curiosity finally taking over.

Zeffren frowns and shakes his head. "Not necessarily. She's a dog of the Empress. No loyal Dracoknight is comfortable around one of her ilk." My confusion must be showing because he explains more. "Begnion doesn't have an official army. Instead, each dukedom has its own personal army. The Senate also has a personal guard, the Dracoknights, and the Empress has her Falcon Knights. A true, loyal, Begnion citizen would never join the Falcon Knights. The Senate are the ones who truly protect us."

Okay. So more Senate vs Apostle stuff. That does explain why the Apostle couldn't just wave an army our way, though. Politics.

"Well, I'll leave you to check up your girl. Let me know if you need anything," Zeffren says, walking away.

Midnight seems genuinely pleased to see me, which improves my mood as well. At least we're getting along better nowadays. I spend the next hour rubbing her down and humming a few tunes as I relax with Midnight. Titania had told me to relax before during our shopping spree, but I don't think I ever managed it. I feel much calmer here with Midnight than out there in a crowded market. It's only now that I realized how tense my shoulders have been getting. Maybe some training later will help me get loosened up.

Funny. I always considered taking care of animals and doing drills to be chores back on Earth.

-o-

We follow along behind Tanith as she leads us to the spot. The tea party was being hosted in the gardens. The weather outside was perfect for it…even if it was tea.

From the outside, the gardens appear to be similar to those English hedge mazes I had seen pictures of, though with a lot more flowers on the inside. With only the sound of trickling water and the faint wafting of various flowers in the air, the gardens did appear to be much more tranquil than the rest of the city.

Sephiran, now in his white Senate robes, stands just inside the entrance and greets us with a smile and bow toward Elincia. I think it's the one used for equals…maybe. "My, these beauties do shine in this magnificent weather. If this is just a sample of your retinue, then I wish I could have seen the entirety, my lady Elincia."

"You are too kind, Duke Persis," Elincia replies, curtsying in return. "Might I help you today?"

"I am not sure I am worthy for such ready assistance, but enough of such trivialities for the moment. If you would, I would like to borrow your most honorable Sir Drake. I'm sure a tea party might not be to his taste, and the other senators have been wanting to meet him as well." You've got that right at least. No tea for me.

Elincia gives a slight curtsy again. "Of course, Duke Persis. I hope that you will be able to get well acquainted."

Sephiran gives another bow in reply. I hope they don't think I should be able to do this all as well. "Thank you for your generosity, my lady Elincia. Well then, I do not wish to make our Empress wait any longer. Please go ahead."

It's not until they've almost disappeared behind the flowers and hedges that I notice Titania giving me a worried look, and I realize that this is actually a bad idea. Even if I had to drink tea, I would be in a group and could divert questions and such to Elincia if I didn't know the answer and could copy their etiquette. Now, I'm alone with what is slowing dawning on me as the most influential and dangerous man in Tellius. Not good.

"I'm sure we'll run into some of the other senators if we just walk around for now," Sephiran comments, leading the way in the other direction from the others. "So you are Sir Drake Fayre, younger brother and heir to the famed Count Bastian."

"Yes, sir," I reply quickly, already feeling intimidated as I try to match his slow pace.

"I had not heard of such a close relation to the Count, but knowing Bastian, I know he never shows any of the cards in his hand until necessary. Your brother is a cautious man."

I nod along, but I have no clue what to say. I don't actually know much about him, and I'm horrible at the Smalltalk skill. I probably have negative points in it, in fact.

Sephiran keeps the conservation going with questions. But with the serene look on his face, I can't tell if he's grilling me for possible info or just being polite. Without any clue on what I could add to the conversation, it simple became a question-and-answer session.

The gardens are rather large, with hedges placed to keep the feel of it smaller than it is. All sorts of flowers line either side of the paths while fountains dot each intersection. If I was any less nervous, I might have tried to keep a map of the place in my head, but only a minute in, I had no sense of direction left.

I finally start to think that Sephiran is almost done as his questions slow, only to hear a new voice begin to call to us. "Duke Persis! What a pleasure it is to meet up with you right now!"

We turn and see two robed men approaching. I immediately recognize the fatter man as Oliver, Duke of…something or another. The taller is probably Lekain then, though he looks a bit different in those robes.

"Ah! Duke Gaddos and Duke Tanas. It is a fine day today for a walk through the gardens," Sephiran replies. I'm slowly getting surrounded by senators. That's never good.

"Quite," Lekain replies, his gaze shifting to me. "I see you have a new friend with you. Is this the Sir Drake I have heard of so much about? The one who saved the princess' life?" Huh?

Wait. Focus. You're being addressed. Let's see now…bow like this? I think both Sephiran and Lekain are trying to hold back smiles at my clumsy attempt, but at least I tried. "I am Sir Drake Fayre, though I am not certain of which exploits you have heard of."

"Fayre," Lekain murmurs, looking thoughtful. "An old and respected house even in Begnion. You brother is well known, and it appears you plan to challenge his reputation at that. Bards are probably already beginning to make songs of how you rescued your liege off of a battlefield with a flurry of wings."

I have no idea what is going on now. Who's been spreading that? Or is he just testing me somehow?

He doesn't give me a chance to reply as he continues. "I would love to talk about your exploits, but I am afraid the two of us have some pressing matters to attend to. Later on, then?"

"Uh, sure." I try to copy his bow as the two senators leave, quite happy to let the conversation end. My shoulders loosen a bit as I watch them walk off. This is going to be a lot harder than I envisioned. Knowing that they're all backstabbing traitors that desire the world to end doesn't help.

Sephiran chuckles a little, reminding me that it isn't over yet. "No need to be so nervous my friend. I understand well that the Crimean culture is different from Begnion. It is not as scary as it may seem."

Liar. You're one of the scariest. No. Pretend, Drake. Pretend. I try to fake a smile and nod.

After that short encounter, we don't meet up with any of the other senators. Everyone's probably just lost. This garden is huge and rather confusing. But Sephiran never seems to lose his way as he weaves through the scenery.

Finally, our walk ends as we reach a large cleared section where the Apostle and the others are just getting up from a table full of tea and pastries. No one mentioned the pastries. "What impeccable timing as always, Sephiran," the Apostle says, smiling up at him. Despite this being a simple tea party, she's still wearing her red robes. "We have just finished, though I am sad to not be able to meet yet another of Lady Elincia's retinue."

"I am sorry for pulling him away, but I was curious myself to find such a noble tied to Count Fayre. Our conversation was lovely." More like nonexistent. He asked questions, and I answered them. Even I know real conversation is a two-way street that requires flow.

"As much I as wish to continue with such reveling, duty calls," the Apostle states, barely giving me a passing glance. "Please let me know if there is anything amiss with your accommodations, Lady Elincia. Good day."

"And a good day to you as well, Your Highness," Elincia replies, giving her a curtsy. Such a difference in politeness.

I start to relax as the Apostle marches out of the clearing with her servants. Right before they're all gone, though, Sephiran stops next to me and places a hand on my shoulder for a moment while locking eyes with me. "I would take care to keep your secrets hidden, lord Fayre," he whispers before leaving.

What does that mean? Does he know I'm not Count Bastian's brother already? Did I give it away somehow? And he said secrets, right? So he might be talking about my brand as well. Shoot.

"My lord Drake?"

I snap out of my quiet stupor and shake my head. "Just thinking," I reply.

I half listen as Mist describes the tea party as we walk back to our quarters. I was more focused on Sephiran's words, though finding out Sothe had stashed a few of the pastries distracted me for a bit. How much did Seriphan know? And how would that affect things? Would he tell everyone or try to stop them from giving us support? Maybe not. World war is what he's wants, after all.

When we get back to the quarters, I describe my trip with Sephiran, trying to recall as many questions as I could, as well as telling them of his warning.

"Most likely, Duke Persis knows you are not Count Bastian's brother," Titania concludes, Elincia agreeing. "The question is how this may affect our diplomacy."

"I don't think he'll try to stop us, at least," I say.

"That may be the case," Titania replies. "For now, we'll need to play it safe, though."

By 'safe', she meant more lessons. For the next few hours, Elincia and Titania started to coach me on court manners. Normally I learn fast, but I'm also usually rather engaged with the subject. Etiquette, not so much. I keep having flashbacks of my strict lessons my mom taught me, which is doubly painful each time I remember her. And there are so many trivial things to keep track of. There are 21 different bows, each of which are meant for different purposes. Why? Why, why, why?

By the time we finish, I'm ready to hit the hay. In fact, we're all about to turn in when a knock sounds on the door. Mist quickly answers it and comes back. "There's a servant outside waiting for Drake. He says the Duke of Gaddos would like to speak with him, if he has some time."

"Why me?" I sigh as Mist just shrugs her shoulders. "Should I go?" I ask Elincia.

"We should try to make as many connections as possible, and this may be a good way to earn favor with Duke Gaddos, if you would be so willing, my lord Drake." Despite her roundabout way of leaving it to me, I still feel like I have no choice but to accept.

Giving into my fate, I head out and follow the servant out of the tower and down the street. It's rather late out now. Despite being a huge city, there's not many lights to be seen around. In fact, if it wasn't for the full moon, I probably wouldn't be able to see to walk. Why does he want to talk to me this late?

We head to one of the smaller buildings, which is still probably five stories tall. The inside reveals itself to be a library. Full of books and rounded staircases, this place was awesome. Just plain awesome. As a book lover, my instincts scream at me to start browsing through this large collection. Especially since they all have the old looking book bindings that I love to look at.

"I see you have a love for books as well." I turn toward the voice and see Lekain making his way over to me. The servant who led me here bows and leaves, closing the heavy doors behind him.

Trapped with a Senator already. "Well, I enjoy reading a lot."

Lekain gives a deep, yet somehow 'polite' sounding, laugh, as though it had been rehearsed. "The pen truly is mightier than the sword, wouldn't you say? If you enjoy reading, then I will show you a few of my favorites."

Lekain leads me off and continues talking to me about literature as if we knew either quite well and were actual friends and not strangers who met just earlier today. He asks a few questions, but they all seem to be about books without hidden agendas like Sephiran's. Anyone who acted overly friendly toward me makes me a bit edgy, and the more time that passed, the more I became uncomfortable with the whole setup. Did he really just call me out here to talk about books for hours?

"I am pleased to have met such a book enthusiast as yourself," Lekain says after finishes his latest conversation. "And I must say, the books in Crimea sound fascinating. Tales where wagons go without horses and metal can fly in the air! Such original pieces of art!"

Sadly, Begnion's books cannot boast the same, as most read similar to Tolkien's "Silmarillon" without much creativeness behind them.

I smile, then hold back a yawn. It was late. Really late. I'm starting to get tired, and…wait, is this the plan? Lure me into a half-stupor and then drill me for information or something? I sit up a little straighter, willing myself to increase my awareness. Don't let down your guard, Drake.

And Lekain seems to have noticed, too, as he shifts gears as well. "So you are the famous Count of Fayre's brother, correct? Being the heir for such a man must be hard for one so young."

"Not really," I reply. "Count Bastian usually takes all the responsibilities upon himself."

"Honorable, but maybe a little foolish," Lekain notes. "After all, with so little experience, it will be hard to succeed him now that he has perished with so many others. I am sorry for your loss."

Loss? So he thinks Bastian to be dead. Wait, that would technically mean I've already inherited the position, or at least in their eyes. Calm down, Drake. Don't let anything slip. Play along. "I still don't think I'm used the thought of it, either."

Lekain gives a dramatic sigh. "It is unfortunate that the process of climbing the ladder is often filled with death. I still remember the day my father passed away. I was only fourteen years old when I suddenly become the Duke of Gaddos. It is so tough at times." Yeah, I bet he was somehow behind that death as well. "The Count of Fayre is an important spot, though, is it not? I hear that they are the closest in line to the succession should the royal family perish."

Well. I wasn't told that bit of information. Though he might be lying to test me. "I don't care much about my position. I just wish to serve my liege. I have no desire to lead."

My response seems to have pleased Lekain…a lot. Too much, to be honest. "Such nobility in so young a man! I should expect as much from the late Bastian's brother, but truly, you are a knight of virtue. I cannot even compare." You've certainly got that right, Mr. Evil.

"I wish I could hold such a bright torch as well," Lekain continues, the obvious, overmuch flattery starting to get a bit grating. "I cannot vouch for any of the other senators, but you have my full support in liberating Crimea."

Oh. That was sudden. "Thank you," I reply numbly, not knowing how to respond.

"I do fear for your country, though. With wars all over the land, it must be damaged and will probably take a lot of restoration. And that will take gold."

And now I sense the other foot coming down. "True."

"I do not wish to see our fellow neighbor be burdened so," Lekain says, pulling out a scroll from his robe. "In fact, your words have inspired me. I have here a contract that will supply all the gold needed to get Crimea back on its feet. It is a loan, of course, but I will not be so cold-hearted as to charge such a honest, patriotic man interest. All I will need is a signature, and your country's future will brighten considerably."

My blood starts to run cold as he unfurls the already prepared scroll. Not good. A preplanned scroll from a man already controlling a nation of crows. It's a Blood Pact! I can tell without even looking. He's going to try and make me sign with blood. Not happening. "Shouldn't my liege be the one to sign such an important document?"

"I am sure lady Elincia will be quite busy with preparations to take time to sign such a trivial thing," Lekain drawls. "As the Count of Fayre, you would hold quite enough influence to be able to sign for her, and I'm sure she'd be happy that you would take the initiative to acquire the needed funds. Besides, I wish to place my faith in you."

What do I do? If I spurn him too much, it might affect the war effort. But I can't sign it. That isn't an option at all. No blood pacts, period. Come on words! Speak! Lekain patiently waits as I inwardly consider what to do. I can't let this drag out or he might get suspicious as well. Find an excuse! "To be honest, I am rather tired this evening," I start off, grasping at straws. "Your deal is quite amazing, but I would a day to consider it. After all, this will affect my country as well."

Lekain only looks a bit disappointed and doesn't protest. "As you say, lord Fayre. Just remember, though. These are wartimes, and you never know just how much time you have. Don't live with regrets." Trust me. I already am, and plan to not make more.

I quickly leave, his parting words settling uneasily in my gut. Something is up. It would almost sound like a threat if he hadn't said it so naturally, and he let me leave quite easily. One thing's for sure, I need to find a way out of this fast.

After a few minutes, I finally make my way back to the right tower and head to our quarters. It's really late now. Everyone's probably been in bed for an hour or two. Hopefully I don't wake-

I freeze, hand on the doorknob, as I feel two knives press against my neck and back. After a moment of silence, a quiet voice asks, "And where were you at?"

"Volke?" I venture, keeping my voice low as well.

"Answer the question." He sounds serious. Deadly serious.

"I was at the library with Duke Gaddos. He wished to speak with me and we lost track of time."

"Do you know what's on the other side of that door?"

Huh? "Our quarters, right? I didn't get lost again, did I?"

The blades stay in place for a moment longer before he finally puts them away. I turn to look at him, but can't really see any details in this dark hall. "I'll be keeping an eye on you."

Why? Rather than respond, I just nod and open the door to go in, quite confused. Inside, the four others all jump up with looks of relief as I enter.

"My lord Drake! I am so glad to see you are well," Elincia says, even as Mist tackles me in a hug.

"What's going o-?"

And then I see it. Blood. Everywhere. The torchlight makes it seem all the more gory. Seven men lay scattered around the room, bodies lined with cuts. Dark clothing and small weapons; assassins. They had been attacked.

Lekain's words come back to me immediately. He had already planned this. That's why he let me go so easily. If I was the only one left, he thought I'd agree easily the next time. In fact, with Elinica gone he might of even be thinking of making me into a puppet leader like Palleas.

"Volke protected us, and got most of them before they could get in the rooms," Titania explains for me.

"What do we do now?" Mist asks, looking scared.

Titania begins to take charge. "For now, I say we try to get as much rest as possible. When this gets out, it will cause a ruckus. Best that we discuss this in the morning, as I think we're all to frazzled to think clearly right now."

You almost died and now you want to sleep? Sothe and Mist seem to be of the same mind as well.

Titania must have read our expressions. "Volke will be more than capable of handling anything else, and I am sure there will be no more attempts tonight, at least."

"My lady Titania is right," Elincia adds. "Let's all try to get a little more rest for now."

I guess we'll wait till later to discuss this. But I don't think I'll be able to sleep at all now. The sight of the dead assassins jolted me awake.

I follow Sothe into our room, but stop as I see a body pinned to the wall inside right next to the door. My glaive had been thrust right through the guy's throat and lodged against the wall. That was rather disgusting, and now I know I really won't be able to sleep now.

I pull my glaive out of the man's throat and let the body slump to the floor. Sitting on my bed, I start to clean it of the ichor before it could harm the fresh weapon.

"Were you here at the start of the fight?" Sothe asks, sitting balled up in his pillow pile.

"No. I was still talking with Duke Gaddos. I think he might actually be behind this," I reply, not enjoying the fact that some of the blood had already started to dry on the blade. Maintenance was essential to making weapons last. "You could have at least wiped my blade off after using it, you know."

"I didn't." Is that…fear in his voice?

"What do you mean?" I ask, looking up to see him staring at the glaive in my lap.

"I woke up when I heard a strangled scream," Sothe explains. "When I got up, that man was already pinned against the wall, dead. That's why I asked if you were here."

"Then Volke must have done it," I dismiss, finishing my cleaning.

"Volke was still taking on the others in the common room," Sothe adds, a little panicked.

"Wait…are you saying the glaive attacked the man on its own?" I press. "That's ridiculous, Sothe. Ghosts and curses and stuff don't exist. A weapon won't just fly up and kill someone on its own."

Sothe is still looking doubtful. "You heard what that shop keep said. It's cursed! And he said it could fly around on its own! Think about it, Drake! It's the only thing that makes sense."

Oh, because a possessed weapon wanting to target some assassin and having better accuracy than me makes sense. "Go to bed, Sothe. It's just your imagination running wild. You'll feel better after you sleep."

Deciding to take my own advice, I lean the glaive in the corner again and head back to bed. After tossing a few times, my eyes drift back to the unmoving glaive. Ridiculous. It can't be cursed, right? Right?

-o-

AN: I finally managed to sneak some writing time in. Well, not as much sneak as simply not sleep.

So mixed news. My earlier hospital visits gave me the all clear on health, though I found out I'll have to watch for diabetes and heart trouble much further down the road. My sickness is gone as well. Then the bills came in, and I found out why people said my health insurance was horrible. I now have racked up debt, and while I managed to work out a payment plan, I have to cut down on everything, from moving back in with Mom to changing to a minute phone. The second of which involves you guys. I only make a few calls a month (introvert), and I won't be able to afford my phone plan again for at least two months, depending on how my (hopefully soon) interview goes. Without my phone: no story.

So, cutting that all down to size: I won't be able to update again for two to three months. I will be back once life gives me a break. First priority. Second, but close, is getting back out on my own. I know this chapter might seem a little below quality, as I typed it up in bits and pieces during my move, but as my plan ends in two days, I want to get this out and not forget. Till later.

Update: Went back and changed bits and here and there, mostly clerical errors. Still feel uneasy about this chapter for some reason.