In which Thomas makes a poor life decision.
There really is no logical reason why this would ever be deemed acceptable.
The contents of this chapter are loosely based on a series of comment threads from January 3rd, 2005.
We've really outdone ourselves this year.
The first light of the morning began to stretch across the courtyard. He stood outside at the front gates and drew his winter coat closer, surveying the decorations adorning the manor with pride. Not since the Second Firebringer War had they thrown such a pleasant party. Everyone was well-behaved, and Yun's decorations really stole the show. Thomas couldn't help but be pleased. It felt good to ring in the new year without any accidents or disasters.
"It's too bad Cecile wasn't here to join us," Kinnison smiled, leaning against the stone wall and rubbing his gloved hands together. "Have you heard from her lately?"
The castle master shook his head. "Not in quite a while...although I hear Caleria has gotten an unusual amount of snow."
"Caleria…" Kinnison scratched the back of his neck. "You'll have to forgive me, I'm not too familiar with the region. And Viki has no memory of sneezing me here, so I haven't gotten many answers out of her either…"
Thomas felt a pang of guilt. He'd almost forgotten the archer was amongst the new "teleported" arrivals. "It's...er...it's quite far south, so snow is a little rare for the area," he laughed nervously. "I imagine maybe she's simply snowed in. Knowing her, we'll hear from her soon."
Kinnison smiled warmly and put a hand on his shoulder. Thomas couldn't help but blush at the gesture. "You've really helped me feel welcome since I arrived. It means a lot to me."
"I-I try," he stammered nervously. It felt good receiving acknowledgment, especially from one of the newer arrivals.
The sound of heavy footsteps crunching against the snow-covered stone approached them. A large man clad in shining white armor ascended the castle steps. Despite the cold air, he seemed completely unaffected by the chill. A fine dusting of snow coated the tips of his black hair and clung to his cape.
Another new arrival?
Suddenly Kinnison tensed at his side and thrust his arm out in front of Thomas's chest. "Damn it," he whispered, "I'm unarmed."
"W...what?"
The man stopped and looked down at the two of them. Did Kinnison recognize him? Perhaps he was simply caught off-guard? There was something unsettling about him, and Thomas found himself more anxious than usual.
"Um, um... h-how do you d-do?" Thomas stammered. "Um, I'm the m-master of this castle, Thomas. Uh... w-welcome to B-Budehuc Castle."
"Budehuc," the man growled. There was a fire in his eyes. "What's the matter, boy? Cat got your tongue?" he chuckled. "How could someone scrawny like you become master of a castle?"
"I...I just stutter when I'm nervous," Thomas admitted and shuffled uncomfortably.
"The first and most important thing you should know about being a leader is to never show any sign of weakness!"
He gulped. Everything about this man was demanding. "Y-yes sir, I'll be sure to work on that!"
Kinnison remained at Thomas's side. The castle master could sense his unease. "Ah…" the archer darted an anxious glance between the two of them, "Luca Blight...I thought you were…"
"You know me?" the man's eyes narrowed. "I don't recognize you…Bah, no matter! As long as I'm 'welcomed'... heh heh…"
"Welcomed?" Kinnison blanched.
The man named Luca ignored Kinnison and looked back at Thomas. His stare was uncomfortable. "You, castle master. I have questions for you."
"Q-questions?"
"What year is it?"
Thomas blinked. Was he a late guest to their New Year's party? "Uh...IS 480, as of this morning. H-happy new year?" he offered weakly.
"So the child was telling the truth," Luca mumbled to himself. An uncomfortable silence passed between the three of them. Kinnison's arm was still outstretched, and Thomas began to feel himself sweat in the cold winter air.
"A-are you looking to stay here?"
"Thomas—!" Kinnison hissed.
Luca raised a heavy eyebrow. "I anticipated having to force my way in, but this makes it easier. I'll be making this my base for the time being," he pushed past the two of them and walked up the steps.
The archer stood in shock and lowered his arm. There was another uncomfortable silence as Luca's footsteps tapered off. "D...do you have any idea who that is?"
"No...but…"
"Does the name Luca Blight not mean anything to you?"
Thomas shook his head in embarrassment. "N-no…"
Kinnison sighed. "People teleporting through time, people returning from the dead…Thomas, I know you have a reputation around here for being kind and just, but I'm urging you to be careful. He's...he worse than Yuber. I hope you know what you're doing..."
"I try to give everyone a second chance," Thomas swallowed and nervously played with his gloves. "But if anyone steps out of line...you have my word as castle master that I'll take care of it."
"I trust you..." Kinnison reached out and rumpled his hair. Thomas felt his face grow warm at the kind gesture. "I guess that's why everyone around here cares about you," he added with a smile before ascending the steps.
"T-thank you…" Thomas timidly waved. His knees felt weak.
Am I doing the right thing…?