Chapter 22

Departure

“It’s all my fault...”

“Hey, shush. It’s not, okay?”

I said to her as I embrace her into my arms, softly rubbing her back to calm her down. I don’t know why she’s like this, but Aira has been depressed ever since they told us that miss Fay is condemned to death for attempting to murder the commissioner.

Why did she do all that? The others are saying she’s after the commissioner’s life from the very start, but I don’t get it. Who would ever risk becoming a slave just to kill someone she doesn’t even know? However, wasn’t she already slave in the first place? Was she, perhaps... being controlled by someone?

While I was thinking all that earlier, Aira suddenly broke down, crying and saying that it was her fault. That’s how we got to where we are now, with me trying to console her.

“What should I do, Kae...? It’s my fault, and now they’re going to kill her...”

“D‒Don’t cry, Ai. How could it be your fault? No one could’ve known that she would... do all those things.”

“But, I... it’s because I told her everything that she...‒”

She suddenly stops and closes her lips tight, as if to stop herself from uttering another word.

“Ai? What’s wrong...?”

“She’s gone!”

someone shouted, gaining everyone’s attention.

“The magus, she’s not in her cell! She broke out!”

“....What?”

--- --- ---

...She’s really gone.

It happened when Rips was checking her health. The doctor took a blow to the head, and it wasn’t until much later that someone found him unconscious. By that time, the cell was already empty. When she learned about this, Aira finally calmed down, relieved, even. I was about to scold her that it wasn’t right, that miss Fay is actually a bad person. I couldn’t, not when I’m feeling exactly the same.

Some people from the city council came after that and ordered a lockdown and curfew, but the commander stopped them by saying that it’ll cause unnecessary panic, and that if we were to capture miss Fay, we should do it outside city grounds where there’s less stuff to blow up. The guild is now working together with the city watch to put out search parties into the outskirts. I applied, but the commander only allowed C-ranks and above.

So while the drifters in the search parties prepare, I stayed put right here, with Aira and miss Farica.

“...We can’t just sit here and do nothing,”

I said to the others.

“The commander said we should stay put. There’s not really anything we could do, anyway.” (Farica)

“But she’s out there! Somewhere, running from us. Don’t you see, they’re treating her like a demon or something, when she really isn’t!”

“...And what if she is,”

Farica snapped back, a spark of ire in her eyes.

“She tried to kill the commissioner and hurt a lot of people. I also overheard the drifters talking. They said the commander is keeping it a secret, but she had contact with the demon in Halhallart’s Dread. Maybe she’s actually‒”

“That’s not true!”

Aira cried out, standing up from her seat in agitation.

“She’s not a bad person! There’s a reason for all this!”

“I wished there was, but she never said anything when I asked her.”

...Wait, about what Aira said when she broke down earlier...

“...Ai? Earlier, when you said that it was your fault... what did you mean by that?”

I asked her, because combining that with how she acts right now, it seems like she knows something about miss Fay.

“I... I can’t tell you. If I do that, everything she did would’ve been for nothing.”

“What? Did she tell you something?”

Farica questioned as she grabs Aira’s shoulders, causing the latter to falter as Farica continued,

“tell us. We promise we won’t tell anyone.”

“...There’s no way I can be sure of that,”

Aira replied, taking Farica’s hands off her. With that answer, I feel a pang somewhere. Does Aira not trust us? Why...?

“Ai...”

“I can’t tell you, but she’s a good person!”

She yelled at us before hurrying out of the room. Farica balls her shaking hands into fists, turning around as to hide her face from me.

“Miss Farica, I... I’m sure Ai didn’t mean that. She’s just been so depressed lately, and this incident‒”

“She told her.”

“Eh?”

“Fay told her, but not me.”

“That’s...”

Oh no... What should I say?

“Um, I’m sure miss Fay had her reasons. I mean, maybe it’s just because she didn’t want you hurt or something. Y‒Yes, that’s got to be it! Although, without knowing her reason, I know I’m being unreasonable, but I know that it’s‒”

“A message.”

“Eh?”

“It’s just as you said, Kaelyn. Her reason. She might’ve left something, a message to explain it all for us!”

“A message? But, how...?”

“I left that with her! Come on, Kaelyn, let’s go!”

“Eh? ‘That’? W‒Where are we going?!”

I couldn’t say anything as I let miss Farica drags me away.

--- --- ---

She took me to the dungeon. It’s so dark and the air feels so humid and foul. It makes me sick how they made such a delicate girl sleep in here.

“Umm... miss Farica, why are we here?”

“When I met with her before, I left her tools she could write with. I was thinking, maybe she...”

“Left a message with it? Miss Farica, that’s smart!”

“Huh? N‒Not really, and I’m not sure if she did leave a message, considering she doesn’t trust us in the first place.”

“I’m sure that’s not true! Just you see, the message will be there!”

However, nothing is there.

Standing behind her, I can see Farica’s shoulders trembling.

“M‒Maybe she left it hidden for us,”

I said to her.

“...No. She didn’t.”

“M‒Miss Farica...”

“That’s enough, Kaelyn. There’s no message.”

“...I’m sorry.”

*clack*

A strange sound, like a door unlocking, turns both of our heads. Moreover, the sound came from the inner part of the dungeon, even though it seems to be empty.

“Is someone there?”

Farica asked. Meanwhile, uneasiness grows in me as something tells me, we should get out of here while we can. Why, even though there’s no one there...

...Wait.

That’s not right. I remember Hork telling me that there’s a special cell located in an isolated part of the dungeon, saved for extremely dangerous individuals. Miss Fay was supposed to be locked in there, but it was already... occupied...

...Ah. That’s right. There was another prisoner. Which is weird, because we called out earlier, and no one answered. Even though there’s supposed to be guards posted, why is there no one?

“Hello?”

Farica tried again as she walks in the direction of the sound.

“M‒Miss Farica, I think we should go...”

Ignoring my suggestion, she continues to walk.

“Miss Farica, I really think we should go...”

“No, but... it might be her.”

“It can’t be! She already escaped!”

“M‒Maybe she came back...”

“Why would she?!”

Despite my pleas, she made her way to the isolated section, and I followed because I couldn’t leave her alone. Inside the room, there’s a pungent smell which makes me feel even worse about this. What is this smell? Some parts of the room are unlit and I feel like there’s something in there watching me, hiding in the shadows.

“...Kaelyn? Where does that door lead to?”

Farica asked, pointing at the metal door, the only door other than that which we walked in from.

“I think that’s the special cell.”

“Was someone supposed to be in there?”

“Yes.”

“But it’s open.”

“Yes.”

“And no one’s inside.”

“...Yes.”

I feel a chill running up my spine. Now, I just want to get out of this place. I don’t know why, but I feel like we’re suddenly in danger.

I don’t have my spear with me, if something happens... where are the guards anyway?!

...Oh god.

There, hidden among the shadows, two bodies are laid in a mess of... that’s... that was the source of the smell I whiffed on when we first came in here. The smell of blood.

The both of us freeze when we see that. I know we should escape, but I’m afraid to make a move. Something is here with us, something dangerous.

“...Kaelyn, l‒let’s go back.”

“Um... yeah.”

“You’re not going anywhere,”

he said.

Who’s “he”?

I don’t know, but the second I heard the voice, I pushed Farica out of the room and closed the door behind her. As I did, I feel a sharp pain on my back as an object is pierced into me. Even though I can’t see it, I can visualize a steel blade penetrating my flesh.

Someone’s banging the door from the other side. I muster my will, ignoring the pain to shout at the person outside,

“Get help!”

At once, I turn around to face the source of this dread. He emerged from the darkness, his dark skin glistening under the dim candle light. He’s still at a distance away, which means the object in my back must be a knife he’d thrown.

I feel bad. Like really bad, as if I’m going to die the second I turn my back on him.

Crap... this situation... I’m in a really bad position, aren’t I? Injured, barely trained, and without a weapon. Meanwhile, the opponent is a legendary assassin and he seems to have another dagger with him. Good thing is, I know he won’t throw that away because he needs a sure kill, but still...

This is bad, this is bad... I’m in real danger!

(In a fight where you’re greatly overpowered by an opponent, one unpredictable move can change the flow of battle. This especially applies against humans, because it’s easy to underestimate a small girl like you.)

Ah, I see, Hork. This is one of those situations.

Unpredictable... that’s it.

Throwing away any chances of second thoughts, I run towards him. His arms moved, faster than my eyes could see, but I know from instinct that he just threw his other knife at me. I moved a bit to the side, and the knife ends up on my shoulder. Even as the pain screams at me to, I can’t stop, else he’ll take me down.

Just as I got to him, he punches at me, but misses just as I lower my body.

It’s a move Hork taught me to use against larger human opponents, and one I practiced with him many times. I slide one leg between his legs and, as I ram his centre of weight, I bend my leg to lock his ankle, shoving him off his feet.

“Shit!”

I did it!

...Ah, no. That’s not good.

As I thought, it’s harder to do in a real fight.

I feel him counter my grapple, twisting my arms and then throwing me towards the back of the room. I land on my back, pushing the object deeper into my flesh with a painful squelch.

“Uaagh!”

Goddess...! I’m going to die here. After everything I’ve gone through... being sold by my own family, and then rescued, and the arduous training with Hork... just to die here...?

I can’t accept that!

As I painfully try to stand, I notice that I didn’t land on the stone floors, but on something soft instead. I look down to see what I’m on top of, but the red liquid explains it all. The guards... they had weapons. Inside one of the dead guards’ grip, is a spear.

I lunge in and take the spear, take a position on my knees and point my new weapon at the assassin.

I have a weapon now, and he doesn’t. The table has turned, and yet... why is he smiling?

“I like the bricky ones. They usually last a little longer. I would’ve tried to enjoy this, but I’m in the middle of a breakout.”

“C‒Come get some, assassin!”

“...As you wish.”

=== === ===

--- --- ---

=== === ===

Upon seeing me, Ichard widens his eye in shock, his mouth opening to shout or scream. Before he could do either, I jump in and close his mouth with my hands as I peer into his eyes, our noses almost touching.

Make a sound, make a move, and I will really kill you this time.

Slowly, I remove my hand from his mouth, and he seems to get my threat because he’s being quiet. I take my seat opposite of him, meanwhile he’s watching me with unblinking eyes. I can tell, he’s genuinely afraid of me now.

I grin at him, teeth and all, and to my delight, his face distorts with horror in response. After that, I abruptly stand up while baring my nonexistent claws at him and, as if to give me pleasure, he gives a small shrill in reaction.

This little game continued until the chief climbs into the carriage, his large frame barely fitting through the door. At that time, Ichard couldn’t take it anymore and just blew up at the chief.

“Ald, what in Thalvos’ name is this?!”

“Shush, keep your voice down, Ichie. You’ll alert everyone,”

the chief replied as he sits next to me, taking most of the space and pushing me into the corner.

“But why is she here?!” (Ichard)

“Sorry, I lied about getting you to safety. Hey, don’t look at me like that. This was Orlev’s plan.” (Aldwan)

“Him?! This is him?!”

“Well, his and her plan. Mostly her, actually. Don’t worry, she won’t hurt you as long as you behave.”

I’m not so sure about that.

“She tried to kill me, you crazy gibface!”

“Believe me, if she did, you wouldn’t be breathing right now.”

Ichard breathes heavily as he tries to calm down, making sense of what the chief said. Indeed, this was the plan... sort of. I never expected for the chief to take part, or that I would be riding with this guy.

“Well, I suppose I have some explaining to do for both of you,”

the chief said while waving his hand outside the window, signalling the coach to move.

“You bloody do, Ald.”

“Where should I start?”

“Whether you and Orlev mutinied, that seems like a good start,”

--- --- ---

“...So, the girl set this up with Orlev, is that right?” (Ichard)

“Yeah, pretty much.” (Aldwan)

Like an illusion, the shock and fear on Ichard’s face warps into that of wrath.

“What if I don’t cooperate?”

he challenged.

“Then we’ll reveal what you really are. You’ll be ostracized by every aristocrat circle, lose your name and shame the family that you’re so proud of.”

“You think I’m stupid, Ald? Without me, the Movals will slaughter your kin.”

“Haha! That would’ve been the case, but you see...”

as he replies, the chief pats my back with his big hand, continuing,

“this little one happens to be rather close with someone more powerful than you. Truth.”

Ichard snuffles in disapproval.

“Who?”

“Latasha Ardent, heir of House Ardent. Even the Movals wouldn’t dare cross another cardinal.”

Ichard props his forehead on his heads as he produces a strange sound, like an animal grunting.

“Then why did she let me live in the first place?”

“It just seems simpler this way. You should’ve seen this was coming, with what you’ve been doing with all those girls.”

“...That? This is about that?!”

Throwing himself back against his chair, Ichard does an exaggerated, exasperating laugh.

“Hah! Yes, I confess! I made bed with the luphaens that I took in and kept safe. Me, I saved them from the injustice they faced years ago. It’s my family’s wealth that kept the fucking Movals on their leashes, so is it wrong if I ask for a little appreciation in return?”

“Appreciation... you say?”

“That’s right! Just so you know, I’ve never forced myself on them when they’re unwilling. I let them decide their own schedule, and if they were feeling bad, I always let them rest. So, yeah, I took advantage of them, but that’s the least they could do for me in exchange for what I did for the‒”

Before he could finish, the chief’s fist already made its way. Blown by the blow, Ichard’s body is heaved back against his seat, shaking the entire carriage. Even the coach notices and stops the horses.

“Everything alright in there?” (coach)

“Aye, everything’s fine!” (Aldwan)

The chief cracks his knuckles and flexes his arm while Ichard whimpers in pain.

“Phew, I’ve always wanted to do that, see if I can wipe that gigglemug off your face.”

“Augh... you fucking animal!”

“Yes, I’m one of the many animals you saved all those years ago. Consider this my thanks,”

the chief replied as he grabs Ichard’s collar and pulls him in, breathing down his face.

“I. Held. Back. But if you go out of your line again, I won’t be holding back my punch. Do you bloody understand?”

Ichard could only nod in response.

After that, we continue the trip, mostly in quiet. Even so, there are some things I still don’t understand.

If Ichard never cared, then what had he even fought for? Based on what I heard, most of the people were actually against on inhuman rights then, so it couldn’t have been to gain support as the commissioner. He said it was because he wanted to make a change, but was he telling the truth?

Was all the good he did genuine or not? That’s what I would probably ask if I actually believed in good or wrong, but the question stands. Could it be that he was different back then?

...Ah.

I just remembered something. The name he muttered back then, could it be? To make sure, I write the word on my slate and taps on Ichard’s leg to gain his attention.

“...What do you want...”

I show him the word I wrote.

‘Frea’

Reading the single word on the slate, his arm drops, and his face turns to cold stone and with it, I know I’ve shown something he never wanted to read. The chief too has a stiff expression, but says nothing about it.

--- --- ---

It took several hours before we finally came to a stop. I peek outside the window and notice that we’re in a military establishment. Some kind of small scale fortification with wooden walls and makeshift scaffolding and towers. I hear the metal bangings of a smith and horses neighing, but aside from that, the place is barely populated.

Suddenly, the chief throws a bundle of clothing to me and Ichard.

“Wear that and keep your heads low.”

Ichard spreads out his, and it turns out to be some kind of hooded scarf. For me, what I got is a long dark-colored hooded cape. We both wear the new apparels. Ichard’s hood-scarf covers his face in the shadows, enough to obscure his identity. Meanwhile, my new cape perfectly covers everything from my neck to my ankles and wrists. I pull the hood forward enough to cover my face, but there’s still some strands of hair sticking out no matter how I try to tuck it in. At waist-length, it’s starting to be an annoyance. I guess I’ll have to cut them, one of these days.

“Oh, and... little magus, a message from Orlev.”

the chief said to me, leaning in and continuing in a whisper,

“ ‘agents of the faith was in the area. They’ll be searching for you.’ That’s the message. Make any sense to you?”

Yeah, thanks. *nods*

I’ve regarded the possibility of this “secret order” finding out about me after the stunt in Tarnlake. Not to sound too arrogant, but I think I can handle a group of overzealous fanatics.

After putting on our new apparels, the three of us steps out of the carriage. A soldier greets the chief as soon as we got out. Aside from the pistol at the soldier’s hip, his equipment seems more suited for beasts rather than men; a plated chain mail and a spear, as well as a large rounded shield with a symbol of a horned horse etched on it—the same symbol I saw on the reps back in the rescue mission. That’s the symbol of this country’s military, I think.

“...Only one wagon?”

the chief asked the soldier, pointing at a coached wagon near the stables.

“There’s no word from the other one. There was a landslide at the Red Cliffs, I presume they got held. The one that’s here is the one heading south.”

Upon hearing the news, the chief lets out a frustrated sigh. He faces me and Ichard and talks to us in a low voice as to not let the soldiers hear,

“that one’s yours, Ichard. I’m sorry, little magus, the one that’s supposed to carry you isn’t here, and we can’t risk you lingering here for too long. Have you ever ridden a horse, before?”

Err... not exactly a horse, but I have ridden a wolf before. It shouldn’t be that different, right?

*nods*

“Vaosha. Then we’ll send Ichie off first.”

“...How long will I have to stay ‘sick’?”

Ichard asked.

“As long as it takes. Now go, don’t be a slowpoke and run along now.”

“You know that I’m still your boss, right?”

In reply, the chief bares his teeth in a beastly way. Ichard only scoffs back before getting on the wagon. With a lash of his harness, the coach motions the horse and the wagon starts riding away. I wave Ichard away, just to see that vexed expression on his face.

“...You really are too kind, little magus.”

Sorry?

“You could’ve killed him, and even though you didn’t, you know you’ll still be charged with murder, don’t you? And yet, even though it would’ve been easier to just put him off his misery, you still spared him.”

Uhm, well...

That’s because I felt like the commander wouldn’t have cooperated if Ichard dies in the plan. The thing with Latasha is just a big bluff, anyway. I barely know her, and even if I had the slightest relation, I don’t even know how to contact her. Ichard seems to have bought it, so all is good, I suppose.

“...He wasn’t always like that, you know.”

Uh-huh?

“He was honourable, back then. Virtuous and passionate. A bit naive, but he had this flame that no one could extinguish. At times, it felt like it was personal to him. That name you wrote, I don’t know how you even know that, but... do you know who that name belongs to?”

I shake my head at him.

“Well.. he had a lady friend back when he was young. They were close, intimate even, but somewhere along the way, she... well, you know...”

What?

I look up at the chief interrogatively.

“...She was a luphaen. “

...Oh.

“I know you may not see it with him like this, but I truly believe that the Ichie back then was true to his heart, and I think Orlev knows that too. Power... it corrupts people, especially young, inexperienced people like Ichie was when he first came to power.”

Right...

I don’t think that’s an excuse for what he did, though.

“Anyway, let’s find a horse for you.”

With that said, we go to the stables, led by one of the soldiers. The stable itself is rather small for a military establishment, containing only eight stalls with only four occupied.

“Pick one, the big guy’s gonna pay for it,”

the soldier said.

Alright, then.

Since it’s chief’s money, might as well chose the best one.

Hey, horsie.

...No reaction. Next horse.

Hey, can you hear me? Can you understand me?

“Neiigh! *munch* ”

Gah! Don’t munch my hair!

I push the horse’s face away, and it retaliates by shoving me back with his head. I would’ve fallen if the chief hadn’t caught me.

“Haha, careful, laddie. These guys do tend to get a little excited when they see someone they don’t know.” (soldier)

Oh, great...

As I brush the dirt off my cape, I examine the next horse, but... I wouldn’t take it even if it did respond to me. It looks so sickly and weak that it might die before I could even get on.

Hahh... that’s strange. Thought transference isn’t working with them. I’ve actually thought of this before, but like how it works differently to different people, it could be the same for animals as well. I guess I’ll just have to keep trying.... Huh?

“...Quack.”

Well, aren’t you a familiar face.

“Quack.”

I nod my at the bird’s direction to let them know my decision.

“The scurry...? This is the one brought back from the mission. You’re not serious, are you?” (Aldwan)

I am.

By far, Fanny’s the only one who reacts to my thought transference. The soldier accompanying us chuckles mockingly.

“Laddie, I don’t know where you’re from, but I’m supposing you’ve never seen one of them before. See, there’s a reason why scurries are used for cargo and not people.”

“That’s true, little magus. Compared to horses, they’re a bit too... jumpy, in more than one way.”

Jumpy?

I look at Fanny’s tiny legs and can’t help but doubt that claim.

“I know they don’t look like it, but these birds pack quite a kick,”

the chief elaborated. I’m still not convinced, but if being jumpy’s the only problem, then he’s definitely the one for me.

You’ll be good, won’t you, Fanny?

“Q‒Quack...”

--- --- ---

“There, all good to go,”

the soldier said, finishing up on putting the harness on Fanny. I hear a chink as the chief passes something into the soldier’ hands, the latter giving a wave before leaving us alone. I watch the chief walk back to me as he puts his coin purse back in his waist pocket.

“I still don’t understand you, little magus.”

Err, me too?

“By the way, here’s a little something for you,”

the chief said as he gives me a small travel bag with lots of pockets.

“There’s rations to last you for a few days if you use it sparingly. I also filled the waterskins in there for you. Also, there’s about five regils in there. It should last you a few weeks.”

Ah, thanks...

“So, I guess this is it. If we ever see each other again, it’ll be a long time from now.”

Chief...

I walk up to the chief, standing on my tiptoes and promptly circle my arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.

“A‒Oh...”

the chief stutters, his hand raised at his sides awkwardly. I let a good time pass before finally letting go to leave with my new companion.

Let’s go, Fanny.

“Quack.”

Fanny compliantly lowers his body, but his back is still too high for me to climb on.

Fanny, lower... whoa!

Swiftly but gently, chief lifts me up and puts me in place. With a tender smile on his face, he ruffles my head yet again, messing my hair even through the fabric of my hood.

“Be good now. I won’t be around to help you next time.”

Uh, yeah...

“Stay safe, little one, and let the white fowl soar in the skies you see.”

I tilt my head at his farewell.

I prefer the black raven, but thanks.

I give him one last smile before turning forward to see Fanny’s face, which is looking back towards me. I pet him gently below his bills, feeling his soft feathers on my skin.

Be good and I won’t cook you for dinner.

“Quack?!”

Now go, Fanny!

“Q‒Quack!”

Well, then...

Here’s to start my journey into the new world.

=== === ===

--- --- ---

=== === ===

“...Come on, come on...”

As the checkpoint comes into view, I pick up the pace of my horse. I hope she’s still there...

“Halt! Who goes?”

I jump off the horse and walk up to the guard, showing the fowl emblem on the back of my status card.

“It’s me! Luise, from Tarnlake!”

“The wolf? Are you here to‒ ah, hey!”

I brush past the guard and briskly walk into the establishment. Without needing to look around, Aldwan’s large, brown figure is already in view.

“Oy, Ald!”

I called out to him, ignoring the guards at my back as I quickly approach the avlark.

“Luise? What are you doing he‒”

“Where is she?”

“E, uh... who?”

“You know who, Ald!”

“I... I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, cut the crap. Orlev told me everything. You broke her out, didn’t you?”

“Ssh, oy!”

he puts his hand on my face, probably to cover my mouth, but ended up brushing his fur all over my face. Yugh...

“Not too loud, laddie.”

“Mmpf mmphf!” (Get your hand outta my face!)

--- --- ---

“...So?”

“Sorry, lad. She rode away hours ago. I was about to take off myself.”

“I see...”

...Damn it.

“Aw, don’t be sad, laddie,”

Aldwan said as he circles his arm around my shoulder, putting his entire weight on me. I can almost hear my bones creaking under the weight.

“Get off me, Ald!”

“Ahh, young love... I’ve seen you with many women before, but this is the first time I’ve seen you like this.”

“Shut up!”

“Nah, you have to tell me first. What makes her different?”

“...Are you really asking me that?”

“Hahaha! True, she’s just like a storm, isn’t she. Probably the ballsiest lass I’ve ever met.”

With that said, the chief releases me with a shove and throws me off balance. I scoff at his rough demeanour. In response, he lifts up his eyebrows at me and couples it with a knowing smile.

“She’s different, alright. But I don’t think that’s your reason.”

...I can’t say that’s not true.

I know she’s strong, I know it so well after she’s proven it so many times, and yet, there are times when I see this expression on her face. I don’t know what it is, but when I see it, I can’t help but feeling like I want to protect her.

That, and the fact that I know, she’s not really that strong. The chief doesn’t know, but I know. I saw her scars, the wounds she carried from the past. She looked so small and weak back then, and... I think it was at that moment that I fell for her. I wanted to give her a place she could confide into, to give her the love she never received.

Yeah... that’s what I wanted to do.

“...Did she really thought of everything all by herself?”

“From what I’ve heard from Orlev, yeah. Most of it, at least.”

I still can’t wrap my head around it.

She knew that there were two reasons that made Ichard’s leadership vital to Tarnlake. One is that he had the people’s trust and support, another is the fact that for the Movals, the Anselovs are business affiliates not worth losing over some religious zeal. So what she did was hit on those two factors.

First she attacks and “injures” the Ichard to make him go on a “sick leave”, creating a chance for Orlev to take over. Orlev had been Ichard’s go-to counsellor for a long time and everyone knew that, including the Movals. They should think that Orlev has Ichard’s support and the change is merely a change of personnel and not of leadership. In other words, in the Movals’ eyes, Ichard would be still in charge.

She also purposely made a scene when she attacked Ichard, big enough to warrant the attention of the entire city. She made a demon of herself to make Orlev a hero for saving Ichard’s life, as well as defeating the enemy that threatened the city. Thus, she created a momentum for the people to shift their supports to the new commissioner.

All this, just so that her friend wouldn’t suffer from Ichard’s lust.

“Both the kingdom and the guild will go after her,”

I commented.

“That depends. If Orlev plays his words right, this attack may be perceived as an attack on Lephander’s noble, not the guild’s commissioner. She’ll be safe as long as she gets out of the country.”

“I guess I need to step up my game before I court her again.”

“Ay, never thought I’d hear that from your mouth! Anyway, it’s getting late. I should head off to Gerslow before sundown. Did you go here just to meet the girl or is there something you need from me?”

“Actually, yes. Orlev needs you.”

“Hah... really. I’m gone for a few hours and he needs me already?”

“Something happened, Ald. The snake, he got away.”

“...What?”

“We’re still looking into it. The city’s locked down, but I doubt that’s a problem for him. Orlev thinks he had inside help and they used the commotion Fay caused to escape. We’re screening everyone at the guild now. We need your help.”

Aldwan props his hands on his waist as he lets out a long and heavy sigh. Everyone feels the same; frustrated, losing our biggest lead against the rattlers after such a long time. This after Fay’s get away, and the possibility that a traitor helped the snake escape, means that everyone’s morale will be on the gutters back at the guild.

“...Was anyone hurt?”

Aldwan asked.

“...Yeah. Welhow and Ferret, they were the ones on guard. Never even stood a chance, probably died before they realized it. Also, one girl was injured when he made his way out.”

“Anq’vok... the guild’s suffered enough losses in the recent weeks. Is the girl alright, at least?”

“Her life’s not in danger, but... she got it pretty bad. She might have to give up on being a drifter.”

“So it’s little Kaelyn, huh? Poor girl. She’s a feisty one, would’ve made a great drifter.”

“ ‘Bad things happen to good people’ as Horky said. Do you have a ride? I don’t think my horse can handle you.”

“Nah, I’ll take the carriage back. Hey, coach! How much for a ride back!”

“Same amount, chief!” (coach)

“For Goddess’ sake, Ald. Do you have that much money to spare?”

“I sure do... huh?”

The colour drains out of his face as he alarmly searches his every pocket. Finally stopping, I see him smiling awkwardly as he whispers to himself,

“that girl...”

“Is something wrong, Ald?”

“...Sorry, Luise. Can I borrow your money? I seem to have lost my purse.”

=== === ===

--- --- ---

=== === ===

I smirk to myself as I throw the coin purse in the air, filling the joy to hear the sound it makes.

I said I’d get back at you, didn’t I, chief?

Since it was getting dark, I decided it was safe enough to make camp. With no fire or shelter to keep me warm, I curl up against Fanny’s body and bury myself in his warm feathers.

I know what I want to do now. I know what I have to do. Thalvos told me to find the “true king”, so that’s where I’ll start—to the heart of the empire, District Cardinal. But before that... while I’m still in the country, there’s a place I’d like to see. I have to head back north, to Falreas, the place where the slavers found me. I’ll head out in the morning, but for now... I’ll just sleep.

...It feels weird. I’m probably being chased by many dangerous people right now, and yet I feel perfectly normal, whereas the comfort I felt back in the guild felt like a fleeting illusion. I guess I’m too used to living on the run.

I close my eyes and relax my mind, letting it drift into darkness. As sleep consumes me, memories of the past fill my consciousness.

Not a dream, not a nightmare, just memories.

Memories of them, and a time long past...