I watched Crick's ascent up the stairs for only a moment before Ama pulled it back to her by tapping her glass against a large metal ring.

“Good Prince won’t you and your attendant join me for a drink? The Barkeeper has supplied me with a bottle of ninety-two year old Denai Cider.”

Wincing I quickly catch Aster’s eye, there’s no decent way to decline. She knows it and so do I.

“It’d be my pleasure Lady Ama.”

The words slip from me almost against my will.

“Make a path people!” The Barkeeper called. She raised a tray of glasses above the crowd revealing her prize. Clear glasses with golden rims that seemed to sparkle even in the low light.

She marched forward clearing the path with her meaty hand if the patrons weren’t fast enough to move themselves. As she broke into the ring I stood in I found Aster keeping pace with her. The two moved to either side of me and continued on.

“Don’t slow down.” Aster snapped as I caught sight of a mop of dark hair in the crowd.

Together we took the stairs and as we did the party began anew.

May they all stub their toes, useless twits.

“I become more enamored with this drink every night”

Ama took a long drink from her cup and sighed as she fell back into her chair. Her eyes locked on a closed door. Crick’s closed door, I realized.

“You have fine drinks here.”

I nodded, “I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it.”

It's true to, I spent hours tweaking the idea until I came up with the cider she’s drinking. The Denai Berry Stalk, which is the primary ingredient looks alot like an artichoke that grows like a cactus and a jam like substance can be found in its thicker leaf’s. It tastes like blackberries.

The barkeeper extended a cup to me filled with the lightly steaming purple-red liquid. “Would you like to partake your Highness?”

Accepting the cup, I brought it up and took a careful sip and sighed as it rolled across my tongue. Then the soft burn of the alcohol that spread outward from my stomach.

Nine hells. Its just as good as I imagined better maybe.

“That’s amazing,” I look at Ama and gesture at the table. “May I sit.”

A wide smile spread across her face and she snapped her fingers. The man she’d knocked down the day she arrived, what was his name again? Whatever, he emerged from the small alcove near the stairs and pulled out the chair.

“It’s a rare thing to have one such as you pay attention to one of my station Prince. I rarely meet with anyone but the King and his heir.”

I nodded and added, “which I’m not and don’t wish to be.”

Aster cleared her throat at that, her message clear. Keep your intent to yourself, you are the prince.

She’s such a goodie-goodie.

Endurance couldn’t keep from adding his two cents.

For one intent on staying off the throne you’re well on your way to doing just that.

Tenacity and Desperation nudged me from either side and squeaked and rumbled at me respectively.

“It seems your compatriots think otherwise. Then again you are the Sage, the chosen child of your goddess. Supposedly the savior of your people.”

Taking a cloth she dabbed at her lips and paused as she pulled it away. She inspected it for a moment before nodding clearly pleased and set the napkin aside.

Aster stiffened her hand drawing nearer to the sword at her side. “Where did you hear that.”

“Your people are remarkably tightlipped, even here.” Ama answered waviung about the bar. “Those soldiers below acted like they would for nearly every prince, that is impressive. But, there’s always someone with loose lips.”

I laugh, “think so? Well, you got a rumor instead and not a good one.”

Ama raised a delicate eyebrow and pointed at the animals beside me. “Care to explain your menagerie then?”

I gave Desperation a long look to which the canine responded to by growling at Ama.

“Tamed animals.”

Ama sighed and waved her hand about in front of her face as if trying to rid herself of a foul smell.

“If that is what you wish Highness, I won’t argue otherwise.”

Sensing the lull in the conversation I took my chance.

“What will be Crick’s punishment?”

The cup she was lifting to her mouth stilled. “Happen?”

She sounds honestly surprised by the question. She is good.

“Why would anything happen to him?”

Aster cleared her throat. I ignore her.

I shoot Ama a minor glare, “you don’t seem the sort to allow a slight to pass without response.”

“Hohohohoho,” she laughed though her smile doesn’t come close to meeting her narrowed eyes. “Well you are a straight forward one aren’t you?”

My answer is a shrug. Lifting my glass I take a drink as she continues to scrutinize me. It’s a look I got from my boss at the convenience store when he thought I was dating his daughter. One that’s angrily scouring me for an answer.

Then with a shrug Ama leans back in her seat. “Crick will be made to drink milk.”

Milk? Did I do something to dairy when creating this world or something? It sounds like something I wouldn do, weaponizing milk that is. But did I do it? I spent a minute wracking my brain for the answer and got nothing. I need more information.

“What kind of milk?”

Ama gently set her mug on the table and stood. “I fear I’ve enjoyed a drink to many, please excuse me Prince and worry not about Crick. He has a valuable skill set, he will be fine.”

I’m not the soort that would ever consider myself smart. Clever? Yeah. But not smart. Yet, I know that everything Ama said is a lie.

“I’m glad to hear that! Then I can assume he will be done with whatever punishment you give him in the next few days? I’ve a gift for him you see, however it will be a few more days yet.”

Ama’s smirk widened, “I regret to inform you Highness that we return to the crescent city come morning.”

Narrowing my eyes i quickly did the math. Add the loss of several of their wagons and all the cargo that entailed to the fact that they’d the last week to sell their goods much of which was purchased at asking price for the cages… Yeah, they’d plenty of time to sell it all. It wasn’t necessarily because of Crick.

Damn.

Damn.

Aster jerks and as I turn to face her she tips forward crashing into the table. The cider flips into the air but I hardly notice as it douses me. My attentions are firmly locked on the sparks the emitter is spitting and on Aster’s flailing body.

“Hold her!” I snap.

“Excuse me?” Ama respnds sounds insulted.

I don’t answer at least not directly but I believe Tenacity and Desperation jumping atop her is enough in and of itself.

Kneeling beside her I pull her hand away and shove it beneath a knee and slowly unclasp the first of the earrings. She struggles harder.

“Aster, you need to calm down okay? It’s going to be fine. You’re going to be fine.”

As much as I’m saying those words to her I’m telling myself as well. I remove the second and she rolls toward me, her eyes are rolled into the back of her head and her mouth opened into a silent scream.

Still, at least she went still, the last two came off far easier than the first two and I chuck it to the side before grabbing on to my own.

What are you doing! You’ll kill us both!

Endurance roared as his arms formed extending from my chest and grabbed on to my wrists.

“Enough Endurance! I’ll be fine and so will you!”

Take the barkeepers!

“Highness please!” The barkeeper said, reaching for her own emitter.

“No!”

I offer the barkeeper what I hope is a reassuring smile. It probably wasnt. “It will be fine. Now please.”

She looked hesitant for a moment before reaching out and grabbing on to Endurance’s arms and began to pull. Slowly at first Endurance was pulled away and then another pair of arms reached out and took hold just below her own speeding the process.

A good thing too. Blood began leaking from Aster’s nose and spilling from her tear ducts.

In no time I removed my own and began clamping them into Aster’s ear. With the connection of the first the light flickered on and her tensing began to ease. The addition of the second stopped her shaking entirely. Her eyes rolled down and focused on me for a moment before they shut and she lost consciousness. The final one did nothing visible but only once it was attached did I relax.

“Shouldn’t you be flopping around on the floor like she was.” Ama asked curiously. “Yes, I’m quite certain you should be.”

“You’ll be careful how you speak to the Prince here.” The barkeeper snarls.

Raising her hands defensively Ama made a face. “It’s your place Ms. Stella, I’ll not break hospitality rights if you don’t.”

Stella nods and relaxes. “See that you don’t.”

Ama started for her room and stopped. “Have a good evening Prince Vandal, and my sincerest congratulations on your survival. One might call it miraculous.”

“Safe journey’s Ambassador. Please give my regards to Crick.”

She nodded and quickly vanished into her room.

With a glance towards Crick’s room I scoop Aster up and look at the Barkeeper who’s cleaning up the table. “Is there a back way out of here?”

She nods toward, “There is, but, I don’t believe it’ll matter much Highness.”

My heart drops into my stomach even as I turn and find a silent group of warriors, one of which is Crane, standing there. Their focus glued to my bare ear.

“We heard the crash.” Crane explained and scratched at the back of her head.

Slowly I nodded, it made sense. But if the information got out any hope I have of the Sage, or chosen one, rumors going away. Can I trust them to keep their mouth shut?

The answer was made for me as one of them in the back, a warrior with long hair and skin darker then mine, took the stairs three at a time in her haste to run from the building. And with my chance to come up with a stop gap.

“Deidra, his Highness doesn’t want this getting out. Go get Tara..” Crane said looking up at a woman that despite being two stairs lower still towered over her.

Deidra opened her mouth before closing it and with one last glance at me ran down the stairs.

Crane smiles.

I smile back but it feels hollow.

“I need to get out of here before she’s back.”

The Barkeeper, Stella, I remind myself, takes me by the arm and jumps back as if I’d burned her while inclining my head. “The back stairs lead to the kitchens side door.”

She points to the dark corner where Ama’s attendant had disappeared to earlier. Huh, I thought the mousy man had just hidden himself well.

“Lead on. Crane, everyone, thanks for fighting with me earlier.”

I fell into the step behind Stella and trailing me were Desperation and Tenacity. What an interesting parade the five of us made. In less than a minute she had us at the door leading to the outside where the morning suns light had already begun to stretch across the sky.

It takes me a moment to orient myself but in no time at all I’ve already three routes to Rue’s planned out depending on the amount of celebrating going on. For crying out loud its like mardi gras! Without the beads. And the Flashing.

ON the upside the majority of them seem to be more interested in celebrating than in looking at me.

“I recommend getting your aid there to a healer.”

“I’m on my way there now.”

I would have waved as I left but my hands were full.

Twenty minutes later and three routes later and I stand before Rue’s rooms, and so does she, and one of her assistants.

“Diamon, take the girl, I want eyes on her at all times.” The old woman ordered as she grabs me by the arm.

Aster is pulled from my arms with surprising ease and Diamon offers me a easy smile. Tenacity squeaks and hisses at him and he takes a quick step back.

“I’ve got her Highness.” He said and inclined his head, but it seemed to be enough to calm Tenacity.

He glances up at my barren ear as he backs away.

Rue cleared her throat and Daimon hastily retreated into the building.

She leads me across the street to a small building. One that looked ready to be demolished. Still the urgency she’s leading me with can only mean one thing.

“He’s here.”

Rue sharply nods.

“Keep your head down boy.” She spoke quietly as she stopped and reached up into my hair.

I tried to pull away but she didn’t relent.

“Stop acting like a child!” She groused. “It’s all I can think of without handing you my own stabilizer!”

Blinking I look at her. I kind of expect her to do just that. So why didn’t she? So I asked.

She looks at me like I’m the world's greatest idiot.

“Now’s not the time for such things! You must keep your head down before you lose it! And keep those blessings of yours in check!” Rue growls.

Has she lost her mind? King (check for name) adored his children. Even if he is a major narcissist he wasn’t about to kill one of his kids.

Wait did she just call Desperation and Tenacity blessings? Blessings? She has lost her mind! That better not catch on!

She tousles my hair again before I can say a word, a moment later I wince as she shoves me through the door.

“Seriously Rue?” I snap and windmill my arms trying to reaffirm my balance. Shivers ran through me and I just know I’m not getting my balance back. I stop struggling and brace for impact. As I slam my eyes closed I grunt as I hit something distinctly metal.

“Get yourself together! You stand before your King!”

Taking hold of my shoulders he spins me about. And there he is. Breathing so hard he looks like he’s half a beat from hyperventilating and he looks at me with wide eyes. His pupils are pinpricks.

“Explain.”

He spoke quietly and as if it took all of his willpower to keep from tearing into me.

Maybe it did.

All of the sudden, it didn’t seem to far a fetch to believe his adoration of his children would surpass the adoration he held for himself.

What am I supposed to do? If Rue’s right telling the truth would only get me killed while keeping silent as far as I could figure would likey have the same outcome.

Then before I can answer, he moves, far faster than the hares. Grabbing me by the hair and drags me upward until only my toes reach the ground.

I pull my sword from my side, or would have if his other hand hadn’t caught me.

Desperation and Tenacity slowly make their way into the room their voices rumbling in their throats.

Piety raises his sword and prepares to meet them.

[Wait.]

Their response is a surge or anger, and hate, along with the desire to feed. Though I think the last one came from Tenacity.

“Wait.” I order.

Its the wrong thing to do. Hauling back the King punches me in the face. My head rings, lights move before me like they were shone by a strobe.

I send the message again. [Wait.]

Another follows the first. “You think to order me!”

Spittle fly’s from his mouth striking me across the face. Though I suppose it might be my own blood. It feels like its seeping from my nose.

“You believe yourself--”

The King stops.

Fury. Rage. Pain. Hate. Hunger. Pain. Disgust. Hunger. They swirl through my mind and only one of them mine at least I think its mine. Its hard to tell. Never thought I’d hate any character that I’d created even if I designed them to be hated. Something the King wasn’t. But, I hate him.

He’s staring at my ear, at where my emitter was. He opens his mouth to say something than closes it. He does it again and again.

“You could have died.“ He speaks softly.

He throws me to the ground and storms right up to me.

“You could have died!” He roars. “What were you thinking!”

“Enough Father.” Evander says as he steps to the center of the room. “The people are beginning to gather outside.”

Piety grabs him. “Do you believe yourself high enough to command a King? The matter is already being taken care of.”

“Piety restrain yourself!” The king hissed.

For a moment the manifestation didn’t look like it was going to listen, before backing away from Evander and stomping to stand behind the King. At first I thought his intention to look menacing, that lasted right up until he began breaking down into minute motes of light and scattered through the room before he faded to nothing.

“Vandal, if you believe yourself well enough to lead an assault on the horde as you have, then you must believe yourself well enough. You will return to your guard duties tomorrow.”

My jaw clicks closed with an audible ‘click’. I said nothing as he strode toward the door only to stop beside me. “You have a long way to go before you’re worthy to lead our people.”

He sneezes and regards the animals still growling just outside the door before rubbing at his nose.

“Keep your creatures in check.” He quietly added and with another scratch at his nose he walked out of the room.

With him out of the room I allow my head to drop to the floor with a quiet groan.

Concern. Concern. Concern. Worry. Fear. Hate. Concern.

“I’m fine.” I say trying to wave their negative emotions off.

“You’re bleeding like a fountain spews water, but if you say you're fine, so be it.” Evander snaps as he moves through the room.

He pauses for a moment, “a fountain is--”

“I know what a fountain is.”

He sniffs. “Seem’s you’ve been reading. Are you truly trying to position yourself to take over for Tolwren?”

I shake my head before I could think about how much it would hurt and wince as it feels like I’ve been struck all over again. “Being King is your dream. I just want to do my job.”

“And live a quiet life. I know. Father knows! Yet you do things like organize an army!”

I lean forward and peer at Evander. “To defend the city!”

Evander shakes his head. “Always a fool,” he said.

Gritting my teeth I roll on to my side and get a knee under me. “And where were you during the fighter Evander? Hiding in that bunker of yours listing the names of the past Kings?”

I don’t need to look at him to know he’s stiffened up. Because that’s exactly what he did. Despite being a match for Tolwren with the sword, he’s a coward. All because the trainer hit him a bit to hard when he first started out..

“At least I’m not going to get myself killed!”

“Probably.”

I shrug. Whether it was some bandit, a random sweeping plague, an attack from a new strain of subterranean elephant, which thankfully doesn’t exist, or some other way death is coming. Maybe if I were the type to have highs and lows in my last life it might have been different. But with only lows, death is something I’ve actively searched for before.

Comparatively waiting for it is like the difference between a massive jawbreaker and a small one. Same thing, just different speeds and old age isn’t something I care to see anyway.

Evander wrinkles his nose, as if he’d just seen me for the first time and feels nothing but disgust and makes his way for the door. “I’ll speak to father. Between fighting today and your injuries, you should be able to at least rest tomorrow.”