Walking right out the door, I do not care what anyone says to me, I am no hero! I just want to be paid. I have nothing left. Well, I still have this knitting needle; I could sell it for some good slips. Is that carriage still here? I just want to sleep.

Good, it is here. I feel a hand on my arm. I turn and it is Stillwater with the Rejects and the Travellers in tow. Great, what does she want?

“Yes?”

“Take it!” She has the medal in her hand. “I don’t care if it was another ploy of Zlata’s. This is yours, and you do deserve it.”

I look at her, and then around at everyone else. “I am no hero. Everything I have ever done I did for myself. Really, you deserve it more than I ever will.”

I step out of Stillwater’s grasp and hop into the carriage. “Residential Road, please.”

I leave them all standing there, stunned. I do not care. How dare they pile it all on me? I did not ask to be a part of this. It is pure luck that I became a part of anything.

Maybe I should quit the Rejects. I am an outsider and always will be. It was like that in the army; it was like that at the orphanage. My mother, father, and sister have all left me. I have no one, and I do not need anyone! To the Abyssus with all of them! Where do they get off? Bloody medal!

Okay, okay, calm down. There is no point to this. Even though you are a loser, leaving the Rejects will just put you back at the start again, with no job and no money. No money means no roof, no food, and worst of all, no grog.

I see that I am on Residential Road. Good. The driver pulls to a stop and pops his head in. “What number, sir?”

“Here is fine.” I hop out after tipping him with my last silver slip. “Thanks for the ride.”

“That is what I get paid for.” And he takes off.

I can relate to that statement. I wander down the street. I will admit that I am glad I pay attention to all the street names. Even if they are so stupid a simpleton would have thought them up, they are easy to remember.

I walk up our steps and unlock our door. There is Pela, sitting there washing her face and neck with a towel. The candle light hits her just right. She is so gorgeous. She would make me the luckiest man alive; well, maybe one day.

She looks up and covers her shoulders with her shirt. “Solo, I didn't expect you home so—What happened to your clothes?”

I look down to see that my clothes are ripped to shreds and covered with dried blood. Damn, I forgot. “It is nothing, just another day. I want to clean up and go to sleep. I have another job, so I am about to pay a lot of rent.”

“Who cares about rent? Are you injured?”

“No, I was touched by the Trinity via Abbot Kamil. All my hurts and pain …” Not every hurt or pain. “I am fine. How was your night?”

She shakes her head. “If I'm not going to get it out of you, I won't try.” She takes a deep breath. “Well, I did hear something about a couple of Charters linked to murders on the highway: the Fellowship of the Sword and the Helpers. Yeah, who are they helping?”

I cannot say anything. I do not really know her. “Yes, I am going to be one of the guards at the courthouse tomorrow for the trial.”

“So, they are guilty? Screw them. Well, you have a big day tomorrow, I’ll let you wash and sleep.” She comes over and kisses me on the cheek. “Good night, Solo. You’re a real hero.”

Grabbing my towel, spare clothes, and soap, I wander down the hall to the bathroom. Wash away all this waste of time. I stand there just letting the water cascade down my back. I love hot water. The boiler; such a marvellous invention. It is over and my body is so weary. Sleep is needed.

As I walk back, Pela calls out to me from her room. “Oh, your clothes, armour, and weapons were delivered. I put them in the corner.”

Good, and I will be bringing my shield with me too. “Thanks, Pela. Good night.”

Set up my cot, and sleep overcomes me.

Before I know it, a shaft of light hits my face; it is morning already. I still feel so tired. Pela must be asleep as her door is closed. Time to get ready; armour on, sword, knives, and last of all, shield. Off to the Hall. I check my wallet; eighty copper bits. I should have enough for breakfast and a nice cup of ale.

I should leave a note. Yes.

Pela,

I’m heading to the Hall for breakfast.

I’ll see you tonight.

Lone

Leave that on the table, and now off to the Hall.

I do like wearing my full outfit; people always get out of my way. I wonder why!

Arrive at the Hall, not many people here. But there are Seth and Belgrim sitting down having breakfast. Should I talk to them? Either way, it will happen.

“Morning, guys. What are you doing up so early?”

“Oh, morning, Solo. Over your hissy fit from last night?” Belgrim asks. Seth laughs so suddenly he inhales the food he was eating and starts coughing.

“Yes, Grim, I am. I just wanted to be clear. Besides, the people who received those medals last night really deserved them. I just do not think I do.”

Seth finishes coughing, takes another mouthful, and calls out, “Bertude, get this hero some breakfast!”

I add, “Could I please get an ale too, Bertude?”

Bertude looks up and says, “What do I look like—your servant?” Pours an ale and walks over to our table. “You go to one bloody noble party—” Drops a hefty mug in front of me. “—and you think everyone is here to serve you. Bah! I’ll let you off this time, but we serve at the bar, not tables!”

“Thanks, Bertude.” She just grunts at me and goes back behind the bar. I turn back to Seth. “So, are the Travellers ready for today?”

“Yeah … except for Olive.”

“Yes, I noticed she was not there last night. Where is she?”

“Well, you know how we went out to stop the Bloody Swords? During the fight, Olive was hit by four arrows. Althanis stabilised her but it’s going to take some time for her to heal.”

Belgrim laughs. “Yeah, she’s going to be really pissed that she missed last night. She'll say it would have been the best story for her to write. Oh well, I’ll just have to tell her later.”

Seth points out, “She won’t be pleased with your description of events. You are too blunt.”

“Yeah, that’s why it’s going to be so funny!” We all laugh at that.

Bertude dumps a plate in front of me. “Thank you, Bertude.”

“Yeah, yeah. You owe me one silver for that!”

Seth holds up his hand. “Don't worry, I have this.” I nod and thank him. “So, what do you think we’ll be up against today?” Belgrim just grunts. I guess he likes rolling with the punches.

I answer, “Not sure. Not like Zlata would do something stupid. I mean, there will be at least twelve guards there.”

“Well, me lad, I always expect something stupid to happen because people are stupid.” I do have to agree with Belgrim. I have done that too. “Finish up your breakfast and ale. We need to move to the courthouse soon.”

I finish while Seth pays for the bill. I have to pay these guys back soon. I do not like owing people money. “You done?” I nod at Grim. “Okay, let’s go make sure Zlata gets what’s coming to her.”

We start moving towards the door and it opens, and there are the rest of the Rejects. Stillwater looks straight at me. I do find it more comfortable to see her in armour and battle gear than in that pretty dress from last night.

“Good, you are here.” She steps forward and punches me in the gut. The wind is knocked out of my lungs. As I am on the ground, she says, “That’s for last night! Now that’s done, we have a job to do.”

Seth and Grim help me to my feet. Both are chuckling at me. “You sure have a way with women, laddie.”

As I still cannot breathe, Gunnar whacks me on the shoulder. “You are lucky she didn't kick you in your Jara’s hammers, Solo.” With that, Seth, Belgrim, and Gunnar laugh even harder. Stillwater is already out the door.

We move towards the door and WayWocket stands in the way. “Come on, Way. We have to catch up or we'll end up getting the Solo treatment.” More laughter.

WayWocket has not moved. He opens his mouth and words come out without his lips moving.

“This is the time all will become clear.

Fear the future, darkness is coming.

Only the Dawn will reveal it all.”

He collapses. We look at each other and I am unnerved. “Way?” I motion to the others, “We have to move him. Help me!”

Gunnar steps up and takes his other arm. I ask him, “What the Abyssus was that?”

He shrugs. “Don't know. Way can be weird, but I think that takes the cake. He'll come to soon, so we can ask him. Let’s catch up and let the boss know what happened.”