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Story Summary:
A world in peril, a phantom army, and an unlikely band of adventurers... In the midst of a great war, the three shall meet and a legend will be born.
Chapter Summary:
The seventh chapter in an epic tale; as Horaden and the others finally enter the gates of Arrak Nor, Jermian is reunited with her companions as well. Meanwhile, a desperate situation forces Hendak's hand, as he struggles to escape his ill-fated bargain.
A/N:
Wow… I wasn’t thinking that this chapter would take so long, but damn… certain details delayed it quite a bit (more like my dissatisfaction, but eh). Hopefully all my nitpicking will be worthwhile, since it tends to horribly delay all my works. I swear... there's nothing more irritating than not being happy with what you write to the point where you scrap it and start from scratch ALL over again.
A whole bunch of new characters are introduced, and Jermian’s friends are finally given names - Hooray! Enjoy, and don’t stop with those reviews.
Section Quick Find:
Listed below is a lexicon of all the sections of this chapter. Simply press CTRL + F, and type in the exact lettering of the section you want to jump to (ex. to get to section 3 of chapter 7, type “(chap07-03)” without the quotes). Enjoy.
(chap07-02)
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(chap07-04)
(chap07-05)
Chapter 7
“Reunions.”
“It’s not like this place ever gets warm, y’know.”
“I know, but you’d think there were better things to be assigned to then simple watch duty.”
“What, the cold too much for you or something?”
“No, I just didn’t think it’d be so—”
“Boring?”
“… Yeah.”
“Think of this as a break then. With all the dispatches the council has sent out, I’m pretty sure the knights will be returning shortly.”
Two guards were carrying a conversation, making sure to keep an eye on the horizon. Atop a watch tower, there was almost nothing that could escape their sight. The stone slabs of Arrak Nor’s main gates rested down below, sealed by a single wooden crossbeam.
If not for the sharp draft that wafted through the air, the watchmen would’ve fallen asleep long ago, leaving Arrak Nor defenseless. Boredom tended to have that sort of effect on people.
“Hey,” one of the guards said.
“What?” asked the other.
“Who do you think those people are?”
The guard pointed out towards a winding pathway just within the edge of the forest. As his companion looked outwards, the two watchmen caught sight of a group of adventurers trudging their way through the snow. They were headed for the main gates.
“I’m not sure, but we’d better stop them first.”
“Hold! Who goes there?”
One of the figures below looked upwards, almost surprised. He had trouble finding the watchmen initially, as his companions joined him in his search.
“Up here,” one of the guards said, annoyed.
The man looked around, his blue hair whirling about. A few moments later, he looked up, clearly delighted when he caught a glimpse of the sentries. He waved back in acknowledgement.
“Could you open the door?” he asked.
“Identify yourself first!” the guard replied.
“The council summoned me here; they called for Jensarak Kane.”
“What?” the watchman cried incredulously.
The two guards stared at each other briefly before glancing back down towards the gate. Had they heard correctly? Was it Jensarak Kane who was standing outside, waiting to be let in?
“Well don’t just stand there, go down and check!”
Although he was startled, the other guard quickly darted down the winding staircases of the watchtower, his scale mail and holstered broadsword jingling about, before stopping in front of the gate. He slid open a small panel, revealing the group of strangers.
The man claimed he was Jensarak Kane, and at the moment, he looked quite convincing. The bangs of his azure hair hung loosely over his eyes, which sported a pale, yellowish pink hue. Looking closer, the guard noticed more of the man’s regal dress; a gold trimmed, silver studded overcoat, and fine, white gloves.
“Do you have the letter they sent you?” the guard asked.
“Yes,” he answered. “I believe this should set things in order.”
He handed a folded envelope through the opening as the guard inspected it. Though broken, an ornate triangle was clearly visible in what remained of the wax seal, the council’s symbol. The letter inside, addressed to Jensarak Kane, further consolidated the man’s identity.
By now, the other guard had come down from growing impatient. Snapping the opening shut, the two watchmen lifted up the crossbeam before pulling the gates open. The heavy doors slowly parted, groaning as they revealed the interior of the city to the outsiders. Once the mechanical locks clicked, the guards returned to properly greet their visitors.
“Sorry for the delays, Master Kane, but you know how tight security is supposed to be around here.”
“No worries, as long as we’re able to see the council. Tell me… why the sudden increase though? Paranoia?”
“Our commandants have informed us that there’s a wanted criminal within our midst.”
Jensarak arched an eyebrow. “Really? How long ago did this happen?”
“Moments before you arrived. We were looking for stragglers before implementing total lockdown. It’s lucky you arrived when you did.”
“So it would seem.”
“It’s surprising that they’d actually ask for your presence here though.”
“Well… not just me.”
As if on cue, a young woman stepped out from behind Jensarak, her emerald green cloak fluttering as she moved. Her long, flowing blue hair was tied in a ponytail, and she wore a loose fitting, cobalt blue shirt, white pants and fine, leather boots. Though mainly decorative, the guards noticed an elaborate teal sash wrapped around her waist as well.
“Ah, I see,” the guard mumbled.
As though drawn further back, the guards turned to the other man behind her. His ghastly, shoulder-length white hair contrasted against his tanned complexion. Strangely, the man’s violet long coat possessed armor plating. One of the guards shielded his eyes from the sunlight reflecting off the man’s halberd, which was when they noticed his eyes.
His crimson eyes scanned the first guard, then the second, unnerving them both. It seemed as though the tall warrior was gauging them.
“Uh… is h-he with you as well?” whispered the guard.
“What? Oh, yes! He is,” Jensarak answered, a wide grin adorning his face.
“Oh… okay.”
“Can we get going yet?” the girl asked.
“Yes, of course! I think we’ve been delayed long enough,” Jensarak said, hurrying through the gate.
She sighed, smiling as she ran after him into the streets of the city, the other man following closely behind. Jensarak nodded his companions and himself off as the two guards stood dumbfounded.
Entering the main plaza, the three of them stopped to take in the sights. The residents barely gave notice to the visitors as they tried to go about their daily business, despite a noticeable growth in the presence of armed guards. Children played in the streets, dressed for the cold by parents who were now more concerned with the day’s laundry. Others hurried about to wherever they were going as the trio stared.
Arrak Nor certainly lived up to its nickname of the jewel city. Lavish rows of houses and streetlamps lined the road sides, surrounding a decorative, marble fountain. Bustling with activity, the marketplace was booming as people flooded in and out. The towering spokes of the grand temple, Suldanessar, were visible far in the distance as well.
“It looks a lot prettier since the last time we were here,” the woman said.
“Sister, we were four the last time we visited Arrak Nor,” Jensarak replied.
“Has it really been that long?”
“Yes, it has.”
Heading off towards the government district, the three of them passed through marketplace as they made their way towards the Suldanessar. Curiously, people seemed to be going out of their way simply to avoid them as they walked down the meandering streets.
The lady smiled. “You’re scaring the locals, Grikacaja.”
Cocking his head, the white haired man turned to her. “They fear what they do not understand, Lady Irenicus.”
“You could at least stop whatever it is you’re doing.”
“I am doing nothing to cause alarm.”
She turned to look at Grikacaja. His face was expressionless, with only a slight furrowing of his eyebrows to hint at his confusion. It didn’t help that he always looked like he was ready to go off into battle.
Irenicus shrugged. “He’s such an odd character,” she thought.
“I wonder if the knights have returned yet,” she mused aloud.
“I’d think so,” Jensarak said.
“If those five from earlier are any indication, they are well on their way,” added Grikacaja.
“Shouldn’t we wait for them then?” asked Irenicus. “Jermian is with them.”
“She’ll be fine,” said Jensarak. “Those others seem to have taken good care of her.”
“Be that as it may, I think we should meet with them.”
“We can head them off at the local church then. If anything, they’ll bring Jermian there to check on her wounds.”
“You talk about her being injured with such detachment. Brother, don’t you care about her?”
Jensarak stopped, his coat swaying slightly. “Of course I do… but I’d rather believe she’s in good hands than malicious ones.”
His response caught her off guard. “I… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“It’s alright, sister. Despite me being the older, I don’t mind if you worry on occasion.”
A moment of silence passed, the calm winds wafting gently about while they waited for either sibling to speak.
“You’re not that much older,” she sneered, breaking the silence.
“That was fast,” Jensarak thought. “Irenicus doesn’t stay flustered very long.”
“Well?” she said irritably. Jensarak had forgotten how long he’d been standing idle.
“Ah, right! Come, Grikacaja, we head to the church!”
“As you wish,” the warrior said.
“Hold!”
Jensarak, Irenicus, and Grikacaja turned back towards the direction of the voice they’d just heard, spying a group of armed soldiers approaching them. They seemed to eye Grikacaja most warily as they continued to speak.
“Identify yourselves,” one of the guards demanded.
“Here we go again…” mumbled Irenicus as she rolled her eyes.
Jensarak merely handed them the same letter he’d given to the watchmen at the main gate, much to his sister’s surprise. The soldiers perused the parchment for a while before handing it back to Jensarak.
“Sorry for disturbing you, Mr. Kane, but you know the situation, I hope.”
“Wanted fugitive within the city walls, yes? The sentries at the gate informed us when we entered.”
“Good, then you won’t mind if we take our leave now.”
“Not at all.”
And with that, the soldiers left as quickly as they came, heading off through the streets down towards the plaza. The trio glanced amongst themselves haphazardly, confused by the sudden turn of events.
“How much trouble can one fugitive be?” asked Grikacaja.
Huddled off to the side lay a group of figures. Amongst them, a flaxen haired sorceress in a black and red-trimmed robe, and an old man in blue could be seen. One monk was huddled down, treating the other two of their company as many others gave their offerings and prayers to the Prophets.
“Are they going to be okay, Reverend?” asked Rheya.
“It’s nothing serious for the young man here, just a few scrapes and bruises. I’m more worried about the lady, but she’s going to be fine. It’s a good thing you at least tried to treat the wounds.”
“It’s nothing really,” she replied, a modest tone filling her voice.
“Oh no, something like this deserves credit, Miss Aerilyn. It’s not often that I see the old methods being put to use.”
The sorceress smiled, a furious shade of red adorning her face as the monk continued inspecting her handiwork.
“You could use some practice though… the bounds on her shoulder are a bit constricting.”
“I know,” she said.
“Wounds like this should be allowed to breathe in order to speed up the healing process.”
“I know,” she repeated.
The monk looked at the two youths before him, straightening his robes as he stood up. “You two take it easy, and you’ll be fine in no time.”
“Thank you,” replied Jermian and Horaden.
Without further adieu, the monk left the quartet to themselves. Xel and Rheya edged in next to Horaden and Jermian as they sat in silence.
“Are you two all right?” Xel asked.
“You heard the monk; we’re going to be fine,” Horaden answered.
“I wasn’t referring to your physical condition.”
Horaden suddenly felt all eyes upon him, as he struggled to contain his inner turmoil. Even though he thought he would be ready when the time came, in the end, he wasn’t.
Hendak had escaped.
“I should’ve known… I should’ve been ready,” he sighed angrily.
“Look, it’s not your fault,” Jermian said. “I don’t think any of us were expecting that.”
“Doesn’t matter, the bastard’s still out there…”
The cleric frowned, rubbing at her bandages gingerly. “You’ll get him next time,” she finally said.
“Hey, cheer up, Horaden,” added Rheya. “There’s always going to be another chance to get him. And besides, we’re here!”
He smiled, although his head was bent so low that none of his companions could see. True, the lecherous thief had given him the slip yet again, but he was drawing inexorably closer to the day when he’d finally bring his former friend to justice.
With a mighty groan, the doors of the church were flung open, chill winds rushing into the hallways to fill the void. The four of them looked to see two men and a woman striding through the entrance. A wide, beaming smile crossed Jermian’s face as she leapt off the bench.
“Jensarak!” she cried.
Barely averting a collision with the blonde before entering the aisle, Jermian sprinted towards the doorway, locking arms with the regal man as they twirled about in a short, spinning embrace.
“Wow… I missed you too,” he whispered once they’d stopped.
“I knew you’d come.”
“It’s not like I was going to leave you behind.”
She could feel the heat of his breath against her lips, a sweet, soothing sensation she hadn’t felt for days on end. The alabaster hues of those familiar eyes gazed into her own. Jermian soon found her neck craning upwards, as her lips drew closer to his, Jensarak returning the motion in reflex.
And with a mighty hush, silence befell all onlookers as the two kissed. Rheya cupped a hand over her mouth. Xel smiled and watched. Horaden simply gawked. None of them were expecting this of Jermian’s companions.
“Ahem.”
Lips locked, the lovebirds turned to see Irenicus’s gray green eyes glaring at them. They broke away abruptly, apologizing for the unabashed public display of affection. She was about to lecture the two when they all noticed Horaden, Xel, and Rheya.
“Oh, I should probably introduce you all to each other,” Jermian said.
“That would be kind of nice,” mumbled Jensarak.
Hearing his comment, Jermian slapped Jensarak on the shoulder without hesitation. He returned the favor with a look of mock surprise, much to the cleric’s chagrin. She cleared her throat, and began the introductions.
“Jensarak, Irenicus, Grikacaja, meet Horaden Vetiyass, Xel Ovhrimas, and Rheya Aerilyn,” she said, gesturing to each person in turn.
Grikacaja and the Kane siblings extended a warm welcome to the other party, numerous handshakes ensuing afterwards. The tall warrior seemed most pleased to meet Xel, though that wasn’t really saying much.
“Horaden, Xel, Rheya, meet Jensarak and Irenicus Kane, and Grikacaja Zetas,” she continued, again gesturing to each person in turn.
Suddenly, a strange expression washed over Horaden’s face. The young knight seemed to have come to a realization, although what he’d just realized was anybody’s guess.
“So that’s where I remember her from,” he concluded.
“You’re Jensarak Kane. I thought I’d heard Jermian’s name from somewhere before,” the knight said.
Jensarak furrowed his brow. “Really?”
“Yes. Word spread throughout the knights that a cleric of the holy order was swooned by one of the wealthiest noblemen in the land.”
“… Do go on.”
“Well, I found my curiosity had gotten the better of me, and I eventually discovered that the two of you were the couple my fellow knights had been gossiping about ceaselessly.”
“So wait,” Jermian interrupted. “Exactly how many people know about us?”
“I imagine the entire knighthood of Arrak Nor for starters,” answered Horaden.
Her expression was one of utter shock. Perhaps, as odd as it would seem, the cleric did not anticipate that she would be drawing so much attention to herself upon being claimed by one of the richest nobles in the country. It wasn’t completely unbelievable.
“You can’t say this wasn’t expected,” added Rheya.
“Well… damn,” conceded the red head.
“You and Jensarak seem to be quite an item,” the sorceress continued.
“Well, we have been together for quite a while now.”
“I would’ve never imagined after seeing that.”
Jermian huffed at Rheya’s quip, more than a little annoyed with what the blonde had said. Weary of the needless attention the couple drew upon themselves, Irenicus merely shook her head.
“I think that’s enough talk about us for now. I’m just glad I could meet all of you. It means a lot, you taking care of Jermian and all,” said Jensarak.
“It was no trouble at all,” Xel reassured.
Jensarak scanned the group, but came up confused. “Strange… I was sure there was a fifth one amongst them,” he pondered.
“Is there something wrong?” a curious Horaden queried.
Evidently, the regal man’s fumbling about gave away his confusion.
“Oh, it’s nothing really,” Jensarak explained. “It’s just that you look like you’ve all been jumped in a dark alley or something. What happened?”
“It’s a long story.”
“We’re a bit tired too, so forgive us,” added Rheya.
“Oh, that’s not a problem,” Irenicus said. “Why don’t you all come with us for a bit? I figure you could use this opportunity to relax.”
“Where are you going?”
“My brother and I own a private townhouse here in Arrak Nor. We’re going to take a break before heading towards the Suldanessar.”
“The what?” Rheya said, rudely interrupting Irenicus.
“You know… the grand temple over on the east side of the city. Surely you’ve noticed it, haven’t you?”
“Oh… oh! That… I’m sorry. It’s just been a long journey here.”
“We should get going then,” suggested Irenicus.
“Excellent idea! Perhaps you can explain what happened after we’ve settled down,” added Jensarak.
“Sounds like a plan,” the young knight agreed.
The seven adventurers headed out of the church, seeking the townhouse that the Kane siblings mentioned as more friendly banter echoed down the streets. Soon, they disappeared into the crowd of patrolling guards and townsfolk.
Footsteps were drawing closer from behind him, as the cloaked figure ducked into a small alcove. Several guards passed by, but the figure was nowhere in sight… that is, until he popped his head out of the wooden barrel he’d been hiding in.
“They’re onto me,” he concluded.
He threw off his hood, freeing his unkempt hair from the shadows. Hendak let out an exasperated sigh, scanning the alley as he stepped out from the darkness. As much as he hated to admit it, the current situation was more than he bargained for.
Edging out from his cover, Hendak stuck to the alleyways as he headed towards the southern gate of the city. Rather than stay grounded though, he eventually took to the rooftops. Once he’d reached his vantage point, he saw something he didn’t like.
The gates were barred, meaning the city was in total lockdown.
“You’re a real bastard, Horaden,” he mused.
Perhaps if he could find a way to scale the wall, then he’d be able to make it to freedom. But then another thought crept up on him. Hendak had taken several days to traverse the wintry forest outside. Why would he go back out there?
Lacking proper equipment forced him to flee into the city, despite the deal he’d made with his former friend. Ducking out of sight, Hendak took a moment to review his current options.
“Staying out of sight is easy enough, but that’s no fun. I need something… something to get me out of here.”
“Hey, you!”
Hendak turned to see a guard had finally spotted him. Snickering as he leapt off his perch, the thief rolled out to cushion his fall as he sprinted back towards the marketplace.
“After him! Don’t let him get away!”
Cat and mouse had just begun.
As the city’s mobile infantry sent search parties into the crowded marketplace, Hendak quickly realized they were trying to box him in. Thinking it best to take to higher ground, Hendak worked his way up to the rooftops. It seemed to work, as the pursuing guards below were left bewildered.
The sound of nearby splintering wood alerted Hendak to another threat though. Looking down at the split shaft, he was shocked to see a sharpened iron tip attached to one of the fragments.
“Crossbow bolts,” he realized.
Turning around, he saw a several archers spread out amongst the rooftops. His relative safety now completely gone, the thief dropped back into the alleyways, inadvertently alerting a pack of soldiers of his presence.
“Hold, thief!”
“Plenty of time for that when I’m dead!”
And with that taunt, he took off again. Truthfully, he had no idea where he was headed. Like a rat caught in a maze, it’d only be a matter of time before he tired out and the cats caught up to him.
But that was time in which he’d make a living hell for them.
Taking a gamble, Hendak burst out from the constricting alleys and threw himself out into the open marketplace. Hopefully, the uproar from the frightened citizens would draw the attention of most of the guards, giving him room to breathe.
It seemed to be working, as the city’s infantry swarmed to the marketplace like ants. Somersaulting over the heads of townsfolk and guards alike, he weaved in and out of the crowds, disorienting the pursuing soldiers.
Three guards formed a makeshift blockade before him, the center one readying his bill hook. Hendak grinned, grasping the shaft near the blades as he flipped over the hapless guard. The thief’s momentum sent the guard flying out into the streets as Hendak floored the other two.
Eventually, he came to regret that decision, as a sizable number of soldiers had now encircled him. The heads of their spears, lochaber axes, and bill hooks pointed at the intruder, the guards eyed Hendak as he stood with his stolen bill hook in his hands.
“End of the line, Kelar.”
Hendak turned to see the commandant of the soldiers step forward. Sunlight glinted off the steel of his pike, as the commandant edged towards the fugitive. Hendak stood ready, readjusting his grip on the cumbersome pole arm as he gazed outward.
“Hmmm… so you don’t want me dead?” the thief asked.
“… Now is hardly the time to be joking.”
“Who says I’m joking?” Hendak countered. “You seemed so intent.”
“We do what we have to.”
Raising his hand, the commandant kept his eyes on Hendak as the other dozen guards readied their weapons. Sweat drenched his neckline, as Hendak looked back at the spiny death awaiting him. And with a drop of his arm, the commandant gave the order. Every other soldier stabbed forward simultaneously.
A strange cloud of smoke erupted just as the thief was pierced, its sickly gray aura spreading outwards. When the smoke cleared, Hendak was nowhere to be seen.
“What just happened?”
“… He disappeared.”
“He’s a sorcerer?”
“No, he can’t be!”
“Heretic!”
The chatter quieted down once the guards took note of the commandant. He stepped into the circle, analyzing the residue leftover. After a few moments, he looked out with a grim expression on his face.
“He had accomplices,” said the commandant.
Several guards glanced at each other as their commandant rose to his feet, dusting off his gloved hands.
“Continue searching the city. I want to make sure he’s gone before we lift the lockdown.”
“Yes, sir!”
Cat and mouse wouldn’t be ending so quickly.
For being rich, the Kane siblings were certainly modest about their private townhouse, especially when it turned out to be a sprawling mansion. A stone exterior kept out the cold and sealed in the warmth of the interior furnace. The hard wood interior was splendid to look at as well.
Chicken pastry, chopped spinach, and other salted meats lined the dining room table, no doubt imported from other lands, as everyone helped themselves. Jermian and the Kane siblings stared in awe as Horaden and Rheya ate rather voraciously, taking their silverware and skewering their food like pitchforks to wild game. The two of them soon realized they’d become the center of attention though, and slowed down. The sheer amount of meats, fruits, and vegetables was simply too enticing to resist.
“Exactly how long have you gone without food?” a rather surprised Irenicus inquired.
“Fruits and fowl from the wilderness tend to do that to people,” Jermian explained.
“Hmmm…”
“I’m sorry,” Rheya said, a sheepish grin on her face.
“I’m not,” Horaden quipped. “I haven’t eaten in three days.”
Jensarak laughed aloud as Irenicus continued to stare.
“Good grief…” she mumbled. “He's like a starving wolf.”
Rheya simply shrugged as she dug in to her dish of chopped spinach. The crisp bacon contrasted with the chewy spinach as she savored the flavors. Although the dish certainly looked odd, it tasted wonderful. With food like this, Rheya wondered why there were other simpler, salted meats strewn along the length of the table.
“I don’t think it was necessary to bake a hen for each of us,” said Xel.
“Nonsense,” Jensarak interrupted. “Food and shelter is the least I can offer after what you’ve done.”
Rheya looked up between bites as Horaden gnawed at the flesh of a drumstick. He seemed to have trouble getting the crust off, the pungent smells of saffron and sage wafting through the air as Horaden hacked at the pastry crust with his knife. She smiled after gulping down a mouthful of the spinach dish.
“Where’d Grikacaja go?” asked Jermian.
“He’s in the courtyard, said he wasn’t very hungry,” Irenicus explained.
“You don’t need to worry about him, he’s always like that,” added Jensarak.
The cleric nodded slowly before taking a sip of the wine they’d been offered. She often enjoyed the sharp taste, this time being no exception, though it really was something one had to acquire. Xel had insisted on almond milk instead, in keeping with his ‘no drinking’ policy.
“Horaden, what exactly happened to you outside the city?”
Jensarak’s question caught the knight by surprise, causing him to almost gag on the meat he was eating. He looked around the table to see everyone else looking back at him, some with expressions of concern, and others with bewilderment evident on their faces.
“I think it’d be best if we leave that for later,” suggested Xel.
“… You’re right. It’s been a long journey for you all, so we should just eat and be merry,” said Jensarak.
“That’s the first sensible thing you’ve said all day,” Irenicus quipped.
Jensarak frowned after hearing that, but Horaden and the other girls simply laughed. Grikacaja heard them outside, but thought nothing of their meal. His concerns were directed elsewhere.
The snow lined trees in the courtyard almost blended into the midday sky, as Grikacaja traipsed along the cobbled walkway. Unlatching his halberd, the warrior took it in a single arm, practicing a series of slashes and thrusts as he edged along the open space. Several more thrusts and swings emerged as though rehearsed. Taking his weapon in both hands, he went through a few more basic motions before moving into the more fanciful maneuvers. Twirling his halberd as he passed it to each arm, Grikacaja took to the sky in a corkscrew leap before planting his halberd on the pavement with a heavy clang. Moments later, he heard the soft clink of pottery against stone. Turning back, he saw Jermian leaning over a plate of chicken, his curiosity compelling him to investigate.
“You always seem to practice your routines when we eat,” she said. “Thought you could use a bite.”
“Thoughtful, but I am not hungry.”
“You don’t need to be hungry to eat.”
“I often skip meals though.”
“I know, I know… the whole 'Templar' way and all that. But can't you take some time out of your training to at least eat with your friends?”
A moment of silence passed as the clouds wandered about overhead. He replaced his halberd in its holster as Jermian presented the plate of food.
“C’mon inside, you can always practice later,” she suggested.
“… If you insist.”
Another roar of laughter echoed out of the dining room, as the two went back inside to join the others in their dining.
“You teleported another one in upside down!”
“Are you telling me you don’t enjoy their expressions when they plant their faces into the floor?”
A woman’s laughter echoed as Hendak peeled his face off the floor. He swore he could feel his brain jiggling about in its own juices as a monstrous headache swamped him.
Quickly, he surveyed his surroundings, discovering he was now within what appeared to be an abandoned house near the marketplace. How he got here was a mystery, but it seemed the quip he heard about teleporting gave a possible clue. Gripping his forehead did nothing to quell the pains that followed though.
“Fucking hell,” he groaned mentally.
“I’d prefer it if you did not think such profanities in my presence.”
Hendak looked towards the source of the voice to see a woman. Her teal and white robes were barely distinguishable amidst the shadowy darkness, but her ruby red eyes glistened with an almost demonic aura.
“Who the hell is she?” he wondered.
The woman raised her hand as a sphere of electricity crackled to life in her palms. Naturally, Hendak’s eyes widened as the pain in his head dulled, a result of what he was seeing.
“I will not repeat myself a third time; stop directing those insipid thoughts at me.”
This time, Hendak did nothing, breathing a sigh of relief when the sorceress lowered her palm. As she did so, the aura around her eyes faded to reveal her natural amber hues.
The weary thief got to his feet as he looked around. A dusty floor, boarded windows, and even cobwebs all supported his earlier conclusion of being in an abandoned home.
“We have need of your skills, Hendak Kelar.”
He turned to see another mage, a man dressed in the same garb as the woman. His was a shade of lavender though, and his eyes a slate gray. Surprisingly, he gave off more chills than the woman did.
“You haven’t told me your names,” said Hendak.
“Heh… you may call me Felkor. The lady to your left is Jesmar.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Hendak could see her twiddling her fingers in a half-hearted hello. He turned back to face Felkor, keeping a wary eye on the sorceress.
“I’d advise you to avoid making any… questionable thoughts of her. She’s quite sensitive to what others think,” continued Felkor.
“So I see,” was the thief’s reply.
“Your reputation of thievery far exceeds your… awkward appearance.”
“Looks can be deceiving,” he said, finally releasing the bill hook from his grip.
“True…”
“… What do you want?”
Jesmar giggled, drawing his gaze as she stepped forward. “I do so enjoy it when they’re direct, don’t you, Felkor?”
“It makes things that much easier,” he agreed.
“We need your expertise to aid us in our acquisition of a certain artifact.”
A grin spread across the thief’s lips. “Sorry, not interested.”
Brushing the mages aside, Hendak moved towards a boarded window, only to notice the guards had continued their search. A groan escaped his lips as he bashed his hand against the wall.
“I think you might be now,” Felkor said.
“We ask of you but a small favor, and in exchange, we’ll give you this…”
Turning around, Hendak saw Jesmar brandishing a sparkling gem in her gloved hand. The light it emitted was faint, but enough for him to understand what it was; a warp crystal.
“You need a way out of this mess, and we have one. All we request in return is one small favor,” Felkor explained.
“Even someone as nimble as you would be hard pressed to escape from here alive. Now what do you say?” she asked.
“… What’re you after?”
Here’s hoping that Chapter 8 will come a lot faster.