-Chapter Fifteen-

Casavir paced the main room of the Sunken Flagon as they all waited impatiently for Lana to return from the City Watch. Everyone else talked and speculated but Casavir did not join in. His thoughts were a jumbled torrent of confusion and anger and it did no good to vocalize them. The others were arguing the same thoughts he had to no avail.

He sighed and quietly went to his room to try to put calm himself. Casavir knew it was hopeless but wanted to be alone with his thoughts. He gathered up his sword and a whetstone to sharpen it with, it was at least something productive to do with his hands while he waited.

Casavir did not have to wait long before there was a light tap on his door. Lana's voice was soft as she asked to come in.

She opened the door, but did not meet his gaze. She silently strode into the room after gently shutting the door behind her. She carefully sat beside him without saying a word.

What has happened? Something new is troubling her, something terribly wrong.

"Do you trust me?" she asked so softly that he almost couldn't hear her.

Uncertain of her question and what she was searching for he replied, "Of course my lady. Your presence has steadied me in these difficult times." He knew it was not the answer she sought but waited for her to continue.

"Your past is your business, I will not ask you to share what you cannot. However, while I was at the City Watch, Sir Grayson asked me to convey to you that your past transgressions will be ignored as long as you pledge to remain in my service. What is your concern with Neverwinter?" she asked gently.

The time had come, he owed her an explanation. She had to sell her loyalty and now his was in question when she needed him most. He bowed his head, embarrassed, "I did not inform them of my decision to leave, so I did not part in good graces. I suspect that many of them do not even know why I left."

She reached over and took his hand. "I do not mean to pry, but can you tell me about this?" she asked gently.

"I... betrayed my oath to my order. To Neverwinter. I had... doubts about my service to Nasher, to the city itself," he sighed, shifting to clasp his hands together.

Lana sighed, "But why did you leave?"

"It was an impulsive decision, and not the correct one. There was no place in Neverwinter for me any longer. And the farther I traveled from Neverwinter's walls, the more I saw what harm was befalling people - such as those at Old Owl Well," he said sadly.

Lana nodded slightly but still seemed to be searching for more. "What do you mean?" she queried.

"I needed to travel to Old Owl Well to try and take direct action, to make a discernible difference in the lives of those who need it... and I feel there we may have succeeded. So for that, I thank you," Casavir finished.

Lana sat quietly for a moment, not saying anything.

She thinks I'm a hypocrite and can't think how to say it. She loathes me now and I don't blame her. I should have told her sooner instead of letting her find out this way!

Lana gently took his hand and pulled him so he was looking at her. "I thank you for sharing that. I know you have been carrying your burden for a long time. I want you to know that I understand how hard this was for you to share," she told him. Lana squeezed his hand and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. Her eyes were full of sadness, "… but now I must go to the Solace Glade for the evening."

Casavir nodded. She stood with her head bowed and left for her night of solitude and meditation before becoming a squire. He wanted to go with her, to hold and comfort her but could not. This was something she had to do alone, without interference, but knowing that was no consolation.