Chapter 15

Pherein knew he should continue to look into the disappearances in Grantsbend, not brooding about the news Lily and Lauren had clashed over him. He should be keeping himself in fighting shape, doing something other than allowing himself to get into gridlock over this.

But he couldn't.

Instead, he had left his lodging early in the day and gone into the woods. He went not to hunt, not to commune with nature, no, to hide. He did not want to see either of the women right now. He didn't know what to say or what to do. The voice inside of him hammered away at his failure, his lack of manhood, his inability to make a seemingly easy choice. So, he stayed away through the morning and through midday.

"Enough!" Pherein bellowed, startling a number of birds nesting in the trees above him in the thick forest.

The islander knew he had to talk to someone about this and there was only one he could think of.

A short time later, Professor Horsewood looked at the Delorgan warrior with a measure of surprise but also delight. "I say, what are you doing here?"

Pherein knew the academic was the one to share his thoughts with so had come and hung around the campus of Grantsbend University in hopes of seeing him. Several of the students walking between the buildings of the esteemed institution gave him strange looks though all kept their distance from the burly fighter. He was hoping to see one and not another but in fact wasn't sure which one he preferred. There had been nothing but confusion since he'd returned from the Dead Lands, and it was time for this to stop. The academic's confidence in recommending him for the investigation also said something about the man's confidence in him. Then the big Delorgan saw Professor Horsewood, and his doubts melted away. The esteemed academic was lost in thought as he came out of the building housing the department of archeology so didn't see the man approach.

"Hello, professor," Pherein greeted the academic, the burden obvious as he was unable to say more.

"Well, Pherein," Horsewood declared, the surprised look on his face soon turning to delight, "how are you, son?"

"'I'm well, thank you. How is your research going after your discovery?" the Delorgan warrior answered.

"Absolutely smashing!" the academic declared enthusiastically. "There have been several incredible discoveries that have been made as a result. Again, I cannot thank you enough for what you did to make this happen."

"It was nothing, really, just my job."

"One you do extraordinarily well." The professor stopped speaking and began to assess the man intently, as if looking for something. "But you did not come here to see how my research is going, did you?"

"Well…I…," the fighter stammered.

"Nor do you have any reason to be on campus…or do you?" The professor raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

"In truth, I did come hoping to see you," Pherein confessed.

"And not another?" Horsewood responded playfully.

"No!" the Delorgan responded a bit too strongly. Face reddening, he declared, "No, just you."

"Truly," the academic replied. He looked at the man intently who had saved his life several times with affection as if assessing the man's intent. "Come. My house is not far from here."

A few minutes later the pair were seated comfortably in the study of the professor's modest but handsomely appointed home. The academic handed the Delorgan warrior a glass of whisky then made himself comfortable as the fighter fidgeted nervously.

"I understand you took the charge to look into the disappearances in the town," the professor stated, settling into his chair.

"I did," Pherein answered with a slight chuckle. Of course the man knew already. Then becoming reflective he declared, "I appreciate your confidence in me though I am uncertain I'm up for the task. I confess I don't know much about this kind of thing."

"Well, I appreciate you doing this. Something bad is afoot and when Calvert asked me for assistance yours was the first name that came to mind," Horsewood stated looking intently at the Delorgan. "You have an honest heart, a keen eye and seem to be able to read people. All are valuable traits for this kind of task."

"I just hope I'm up for the task," the fighter confessed, looking at the rug on the wood floor.

The Professor gazed at him keenly then asked, "Why are you really here? What's on your mind, Pherein?"

"I have a question…or perhaps something I would ask you advice on," the man stammered, staring hard at the oriental rug on the floor.

"Okay, how can I help you, my big friend?"

"I am confused…about a matter of the heart…about two women."

"I can likely be of little help to you, Pherein, in such matters. I am a bachelor and have not had much time for such things."

"Yes, but you are wise." Pherein paused. "And I trust you."

Horsewood was deeply touched by the declaration, in a way he hadn't been expecting. Pherein MacDiarmidson was someone many looked up to, admired even. He would count himself among that group, and yet the fiercely independent man had declared his trust in him. That meant something.

"I am deeply honored, Pherein, and will do the best I can to guide you," the professor declared. "Is one Lauren?"

"Aye, not too hard to figure that out, I suppose," the fighter chuckled ruefully. "Yes."

"She did seem quite taken by you after you saved her in the crypt. But I was unaware you had feelings for her."

"I do, but I'm not sure of the nature of them."

"And there is another?"

"Yes, Lily. We met right before our trip and things ended badly. That led to my accepting your contract on such short notice, I confess. I wanted to be gone from this cursed place."

"And now?"

"And now she is much changed and has made clear her actions. I…I am very confused."

Horsewood paused and the room went silent. He steepled his fingers, deep in contemplation. Finally he let out a sigh. "Hmmm. I can see your dilemma, Pherein. This is a tricky situation."

"So, what should I do?" The big Delorgan warrior thought he would rather be back in the crypt fighting ghasts than having to deal with this. The man was not unfamiliar with women, but this was a situation beyond his experience. He wanted to go and fight something.

"Sadly, there is no easy answer to the situation." Horsewood saw the disappointed look on the man he was starting to feel genuine fatherly affection for. "I would give it time. See what develops and trust your heart and judgment. You are a skilled fighter, but you are also good with people and are an honorable man. Your path is not clear, wait until it is so."

The academic waited for an answer from the warrior, but the islander just stared silently at him with his icy blue eyes. "Is that not what you would do on an adventure?" the man pressed.

The Delorgan gave a low chuckle. "Aye, tis true. The problem is this is not the form of adventure I would choose. But your words are wise and counsel sound."

Professor Horsewood clapped Pherein on the back and they both laughed spontaneously at how each felt inadequate for the conversation they'd just had. A new level of relationship was forged in that moment, each feeling a kinship for the other to a deeper degree.

With a renewed sense of hope and feeling the power that comes from a genuine friendship, Pherein knew it was time to take a more direct approach to what was happening in Grantsbend as it was reported another person had went missing, this time a young woman.

Pherein went purposely to a part of the town he'd not been to before. He knew this was the place he sought though there was no sign out front. The two-and-half story building of stone and plaster was in a better part of the town where many wealthy merchants lived. Dressed in plaid and jerkin, he carried only his dirk more as a symbol of where he came from than for fighting purposes. He knew if things went wrong here he would likely die whether fully armed or not. The Delorgan took a deep breath, wondering what he had gotten himself in to but resolve and the desire to do the right thing took over. Pushing open one of the two heavy oak doors, he entered into a large workroom. He could see several clerks working behind desks off to the side and directly opposite was a door that likely led to the stairway up. Two tough looking men who likely possessed orc blood blocked the way. They eyed Pherein as he walked purposefully towards them.

"What be your business here?" the thicker of the two demanded, hand going to the hilt of his long sword.

"I wish to speak to Amon Sul," Pherein answered.

"Never heard the name," the guard grunted. "Get ye gone."

The clerks stopped their work to watch discreetly what was transpiring.

Pherein shook his head in amusement. "Tell him Pherein MacDiarmidson is here on a matter of business."

That seemed to strike a chord. Tilting his head to the other the guard said, "Go and tell him."

The other opened the door and walked up the stairs closing it behind him. The main guard then came to stand in front of Pherein in a clear act of intimidation. The warrior didn't flinch, nor did he appear moved by the act.

A few minutes later the second guard returned and announced, "He'll see you. Follow me."

Pherein followed the guard up the stairs and then into a more intimate receiving chamber. The walls were paneled in cherry but had thick tapestries hanging on them. The wood floor had several thick rugs on them and was painted red with gold geometric designs on it. There was no furniture save for a raised dais with a comfortable tapestry couch on it. Amon Sul lay propped on the couch in a cream silk banyan with crimson turban on his head. Behind him a scantily clad, busty blond haired beautiful woman stood with her hand in his shoulder. To the other side behind was an ogre in leather armor carrying a two-handed axe. Also in the room were 3 humans all amply armed and looking like fighters. It was an altogether intimidating scene.

But not for Pherein.

"Ah, Master MacDiarmidson, so good to see you again," Amon Sul greeted him warmly. "What brings you to my humble business?"

"I would like to speak to you, sir, about the recent disappearances from the town," Pherein answered politely.

"Yes, a sad state of affairs. But what would I know about them? I am only a humble businessman."

Pherein wanted to laugh at the crime boss of the whole region but held his tongue knowing diplomacy was called for here. "There is little that happens in this town that you are not aware of. I thought you might have some knowledge of this."

"You are not implying I have anything to do with this, are you?" Amon Sul asked coyly, leaning forward on his couch.

The ogre guard behind him let out a threatening rumble, gripping its axe tightly.

"Not at all, sir," Pherein responded politely. "I did think that a man of your stature and connections might have some awareness of what is happening here."

"Hmmm, and yet I do not. What interest is this to you, Delorgan?"

"The mayor has asked me to help as I am able with this situation."

"That is a noble charge. You continue to impress me Pherein MacDiarmidson," Amon Sul declared honestly. "I will say, then, that I do not know anything about this situation, truly."

"Thank you. If you do hear anything, I would appreciate knowing about it."

"And why would I make it my business?" the crime boss stated without emotion. "I am a busy man."

"Because if word of this becomes more common knowledge throughout the region this will have negative implications for all manner of business," Pherein pointed out. "It would also bring attention perhaps even reaching the level of the king since this cannot continue unchecked."

"You make an excellent point," the pragmatic man confessed. Then with a smile added, "And besides, I like you. I will see what I can find out and let you know at your lodging."

"Thank you. I would appreciate it," Pherein declared genuinely.

"Think nothing of it." The crime boss then got a playful look on his face and added, "Oh, and how is your pretty blond friend?"

Pherein's face turned red at the unexpected question. "Well sir …I …uhm …well …it is complicated."

Amon Sul roared with laughter, much to the Delorgan's embarrassment. "Yes, it usually is in the ways of love. I can help you in that department." He grabbed the hand of the woman behind him and pulled her forward. "Take her, as an uncomplicated gift."

The fighter's face reddened even more as the woman smiled and looked at him willingness. "No sir…please…no…I mean…no thank you."

Amon Sul laughed even louder. "Very well. A noble Delorgan to the end. Well then, I bid you a good day."

Two of the guards came and stood on either side signaling it was time to leave. Pherein gave a low bow and walked out of the room then out the building satisfied he had done all he could.

Vance Sul walked into the receiving room from the antechamber he had been in and said to his father, "Why did you even talk to that oaf? You should have had him beaten and thrown out for the impudence of even coming here."

Amon Sul looked up at the wood ceiling and let out a disappointed sigh. "You have much to learn especially from such a one as our Delorgan friend, boy, if you ever hope to take over my business someday."

In fact, the crime lord had a pretty good idea of who was behind the disappearances, but he was not quite ready to share that. Still, he was a man of his word and would do some checking into the situation that now had his attention.