Chapter 12

Someone was knocking on my door. I try to open my eyes and blink a few times to ban the sleep from them. I groan and turn around in my bed. It wasn't even light yet! Why was Creton waking me up at this hour? Neither of us had gone to bed early. He knocks louder and more persistent. Why couldn't he leave me alone? Seeing as I'm still not answering he knocks a third time and calls out my name. This guy isn't going to give up until I'm awake, is he?

"Yes?" I grunt sounding very annoyed. I wasn't a morning person, never was, never will. The best thing for everybody to do is NOT bother me when I'm sleeping. But it seems he's not affected by my annoyance and comes in. I hear him sighing and the next moment I'm cold. Pulling up my knees to my stomach I groan again. What was up with him? He shakes me awake and tells me that there has been a change of plans and that we were expected at the bank in less than an hour.

"Whatever"

And I let my hand travel around on the bed, searching for something to cover me with again.

"If you're not out of bed in five minutes I'm going to throw you in the canals."

"Fine"

I'm definitely not happy. He woke me up before sunrise and I probably had less than an hour of sleep. I think that somewhere in that sick little mind of him, he likes to torture people like this. Finally sitting up in my bed he leaves. I rub my eyes sleepily and notice a faint yellow glow near my pillow. What on earth?

I remember yesterday and the strange creature that had woken me up. He told me something about being able to see him in a day or so. So I guess I'll be able to see him fully in a few hours. I slightly poke the glow, whispering his name. In return I get a grunt and I smirk. Guess I'm not the only one with a morning problem. My gaze falls on the dress from yesterday, and the tear I'd made so I could ride the horse comfortably. I guess it'll have to do. Seeing as Creton is a man, and unless he's hiding something, I doubt he will have any female clothing in the house.

Washed and dressed I wonder why exactly we are going to the bank. Maybe they wanted to make my execution public? I don't know, but I have to keep thoughts like that out of my head. I'm scared enough about anyone finding out and killing me as it is. I can't believe how much I've changed my opinion. A few days ago I would have stood in the crowd as they threw rocks at a warlock, or cheer as one got punished. And now the thought disgusts me. It seems so wrong to judge a human being for what their ancestors did. But this was how the world worked.

Pagrin suddenly calls for me as I'm about to descend the stairs. Looking behind me I see a mass of grey and yellow, but nor real details yet.

"Can you see me?"

"A little."

"Good, you're improving."

Without asking he jumps onto my shoulder. When I comment on this he says that his little legs can't follow me around that fast and that it would raise more suspicion if somebody accidentally tripped over him. I sigh as I go downstairs. As soon as I learn how to dismiss him, he's out.

Creton's already waiting for me at the door. Looking warily at my shoulder he hands me a hooded cloak. Seeing the fine purple colour and pattern stitched around the edges I realise that it can't be one of his. He probably saw my thoughts written all over my face because he speaks in a low tone, like he's ashamed of admitting it.

"It's a gift; it can get really cold out here. It should keep you warm."

I'm touched. Never figured Creton to be the kind that gave gifts. Putting it on, I feel Pagrin move from my shoulder right next to my neck. Strange, I could've sworn Creton's eyes had followed the movement. Could he see Pagrin? Oh god I hoped not.

"Put on the hood kiddo."

As casually as I can I put the hood over my head and follow Creton through the door. He leads me back to the district with the blue rooftops. It seems to be a busy day. The streets are practically littered with people, some of them roughly shoving past me. One of them actually pushing me out of the way, causing me to trip.

"Watch where you're going half-breed."

What did he call me? How did he dare? He doesn't even have the nerve to show me his face while he's saying it. I want to shout at him, challenge him to say it to my face like a man, but Creton pulls me on my feet and drags me away from the rude guy.

"You'd better behave around here. A lot of people aren't that friendly towards half breeds, and would take any excuse to hurt or kill them."

"How did he know?"

"Hunter probably."

The bank comes in sight and I can't help but gulp. The building was gigantic. It seemed so different from the rest of the buildings, and yet it fit right in. Benjamin is waiting for us at the entrance. He's smiling and shakes my hand, asking how I'm feeling. I wanted to say that I was fine considering I had an entire day wiped from my memory, but all that comes out is a fine. He leads me into the bank, Creton following silently. He motions me to a chair as he sits before me, his smile fading and his look serious.

"Before I continue anything, is your name Merrilynn?"

"I thought you established that yesterday?"

He nods, not really pleased with my rudeness, but I blame Creton. Still looking gravely he hands me a letter with slightly burned corners. I frown, looking from the letter to his face, back to the letter.

"Your mother had this in her hands when she died. I think you should read it."

I snatch the letter from his hands. Why did he wait so long to show this to me? Weren't these the kinds of things you give to a person immediately? He apologises, but I don't care. How could he? To top it off the envelope had been torn, he had read my letter! If I knew how to curse someone already he would've been my first victim.

My dear Merrilynn

Today is a black day for the alliance. We are being attacked by the horde as I write this letter, and your father is outside, fighting them off with the few people that can still wield a weapon. I don't know how much time I have, so I write this with haste.

Know that we love you dearly, even though at times it seemed otherwise. We know the pain you go through learning the ways of my lore. I feel the pain that burns in your heart. But we thought it was for the best. We hoped that by ignoring it, you would learn to do the same. And you did, though I realise now that we did you more harm than good. We treated you ill by forcing a lore onto you that you could not wield. I guess selfishness clouded my reasoning, for I wanted so much to be proud of my little Merri following in her mother's footsteps. We have always been proud of you, never forget that.

I should not have ignored your pain.

The screams are coming closer. I should go out and fight alongside your father but I wish to finish this letter. I must be quick

In the third bookcase from the left, on the third row there is a book with the name 'A city with secrets' Take out the book and the secret room will be revealed. All the treasures in there are yours now my dear. I hope you will not hate us for keeping this information from you for so long.

I must go now. I hope sincerely that you are safe somewhere and that you will be able to read this letter.

Your father and I will love you until the end of time.

My knuckles had turned white from clutching the letter. My eyes are stinging and I squeeze them shut to halt the tears. In the last letter she was blaming herself for the burns I suffered. She shouldn't have, I chose to follow the lore didn't I? I could have said no whenever I wanted. But it seems I'm not even allowed a moment of peace when Benjamin speaks up again. He shoves me another letter and a large key.

"This letter declares that you are the single owner of a vault in this bank, this is your key. If you ever need anything from it, just show the letter to a clerk and they will show you to the vault. Do you wish to go see it now?"

I nod, not really feeling strong enough to take. I follow him quietly and never take my gaze off the ground. Pagrin whispers in my ear.

"I'm sorry kiddo, I didn't realise."

The vault is filled with not only coin, but several pieces of weaponry as well. One of them draws my attention. It's a staff, made from black metal. On top of it was a red crystal. But around the crystal there were four smaller crystals, twirling as if guided by some strange magic. Grabbing it I wonder how it is able to feel so light. Creton hands me some sort of belt.

"That way you don't have to carry that thing in your hands all the time."

Although his voice had sounded mean I didn't miss the awed look he sent towards the staff. He gave me a small bag of gold as well, saying I needed new clothes.

After the bank visit the commander leads me to an inn and buys the three of us drink. Right, like that'll cheer me up. Plus, I don't drink; alcohol always leaves a vile taste in my mouth.

"Do you have any questions?"

I look at him, making him promise that whatever question it might be, that he will answer it, and truthfully. His face tells me that he is dreading this, but he promises nonetheless. A smirk appears on my face and I voice my question, hopefully for the last time

"What happened to me on the day my village was sacked by the horde?"

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Well, he promised to answer…he could've just said no. On another note, the staff I so horribly described is an epic staff called the staff of Jordan. I used that one because my brother gave it to me, even though he could've sold it for a lot of gold. So the thing has some sentimental value for me. Besides, it looks cool

Mixcow: Disheartened? Never. I write stories because I want to. If nobody reviews, tough luck, even though the feedback is always appreciated. On the spelling thing: I'm not English, but that's not a real good excuse. I really need to get myself a beta.

Uruqiel2: You're absolutely right. Succubi are the only pets that can go invisible. Imps can phase shift, meaning they cannot be harmed by anything in the normal world. As a result, in game, they go see-through. But for the good of the story, I bended the rules a little bit. Imps are only visible to warlocks, to people who can sense shadow, or who the imp trusts. That's why the imp hides underneath her hood. You never know when a mighty paladin will pass by.