He carefully walked through the entrance to the main office of the Hold, the door closing quietly behind him. He didn’t move in any direction other than straight ahead, turning to the side, leaning, twisting, bending…anything other than standing straight up and moving in a single straight line caused him immense pain.

Using the walls to prop himself up, he gingerly and clumsily made his way to the office door. Braddock reached into his pocket and fished out the key to unlock it. Just before the tip of key was about to enter the keyhole, it clicked against the side and fell to the ground. As if it was all happening in slow motion, the key fell from his hand to the ground, landing with a small clanking sound. Staring at it after it stopped bouncing, he let out a long and exasperated sigh.

“This. This is brilliant…” he said to no one in particular.

“Having a bit of an issue there, sir?” the voice came from behind him and caused him to flinch, sending a wave of pain through his abdomen and chest, he quickly thrust his hand out and braced himself again his office door.

“Ugh…don’t…do that!” he breathed a few times to let the pain go away and turned to see who it was that caused him the sudden shot of agony. “Ah…Lestith. I don’t suppose you could, um…” he looked down at the key and then back up to Lestith.

“Of course, sir.” He quickly reached down and retrieved the key, then waiting for Braddock to step to the side slightly, he pushed the key into the keyhole and twisted it until it clicked unlocked. Turning the door handle and pushing the door open Lestith stood to the side and allowed Braddock to enter first. “Did you need assistance to your…”

“I’m fine! I’m fine, thank you.” Braddock interrupted him before Lestith could finish.

He continued to watch as Braddock slowly made his way to his desk, he didn’t know whether to feel bad because he could do nothing, laugh because he looked so ridiculous or concerned that a man of Braddock’s skill could have been injured so thoroughly and so quickly. He instead decided to be silent and emotionless while he waited.

Braddock had finally made it to his desk and was slowly working his way around to the chair, he pulled it out grunting at the act, and then slowly, very slowly sat down. Once he was fully seated he let out a large and excessively long sigh. Lestith couldn’t help it anymore, he let out a small laugh. Immediately clearing his throat and coughing to try and hide it.

“Shut up…I know I look ridiculous. Don’t add insult to injury.” Braddock chided.

“My apologies sir. I know I shouldn’t have.” He wasn’t very convincing, the smile clearly evident on his face. Braddock raised an eyebrow and shook his head.

“Anyway. Did you come here to harass me, or did you have something you wish to discuss?”

“Ah, yes sir. The young woman. From Edgewood? She has woken up, sir.”

“Ugh…please tell me she doesn’t wish to speak with me? I don’t think I can make that kind of a journey in my current condition.” He lowered his head and placed it on his desk.

“No, sir. Instead she wishes to speak with the kind old man that rescued her from the, and I quote, ‘black nightmare that swallowed everything dear to me’….sir.” Lestith said this with a completely serious facial expression and at full attention. Braddock for a split second thought he was still being taken for a fool, but Lestith knew of the place and time.

“I see. Dammit. Well at least we know of two things.” He leaned back hissing in pain.

“Two things, sir?”

“Yes, firstly, the old man was really not a criminal assaulter as we thought. Secondly…we have no idea where he is!” he chuckled, then instantly regretted it.

“I…I’m afraid I don’t follow the second part sir. That’s funny because?”

“It’s not! It just figures that after all we’ve been through recently it just adds yet another notch in the failures we’ve accumulated in the last week.”

“Ah, I see. Umm…there’s another issue that needs to be addressed…sir.” Lestith, usually completely composed and unfazed by issues, was looking slightly impatient, causing Braddock no end of concern.

“Ugh…this day is just going to be the death of me. Fine, what is it? A disturbance in the Nobe’s sector? A robbery in the merchant district? The Mercenary Guild need assistance from us?” Braddock just wanted to relax and try to contemplate how to get more information on Amrin, and apologize for his atrocious behavior towards Elynara.

“I wish it were only so simple, sir. It seems a few of the recruits, 5 specifically, took it upon themselves to arrest…” he swallowed hard. “Arrest Amrin Endrane and try to teach him a lesson in the forest south of here, sir….”

“What!?” The shout shook the glasses and decanter he had on his desk, he stood up quick enough to knock his chair back, the pain that erupted from his body caused him to double over screaming in pain on top of his desk. Lestith quickly ran to the other side of the desk, pick the chair up and help him back into it. Through gritted teeth, he continued. “Now is not the time for jokes Lestith...!”

“I only wish it were as such, sir. Truly.” He was back on the other side of the desk and at attention once more.

“Please tell me they didn’t harm him?”

“Harm him? Sir? They were lucky they didn’t get killed. The ones that were still conscious said that the level of magic and power he displayed was…not of this world. Sir.”

“So he’s a chanter is he? That would explain a few things then. I’m assuming at least a Mid-Chanter? No, he must be a Swift. Judging by his skill during our bout.” Braddock was convinced that he was no ordinary person and that this was why he elicited such respect from Elynara.

“That’s the part that concerns me, sir. According to one of the recruits, no incantations or chants were uttered. Everything that happened, happened instantly and without preparation. And, I wish that were all, but there seemed to be a type of magic they had never seen before. The two that were conscious described it as ‘the weight of the world itself crashing down upon them as if the Gods themselves were angered’…”

Braddock’s head reeled at this information. He put his head into his hands and placed his elbows on the desk. He didn’t know what to think. Not only was Amrin able to easily defeat him, but rendered a group of recruits’ unconscious or struck fear so fierce within them that they thought the wrath of a God was upon them? Even ridiculousness had its limits.

“They were ordered to not cause any issues! They were orders directly from the Headmistress herself!” the comment was muffled by his hands.

“I took the liberty of suspending them for the next 2 months without pay, but will continue to get food rations. Sir.”

“Now we just have to figure out a way to find him…and apologize to the Headmistress. As if I didn’t already make a fool of myself enough in front of her!” Braddock began to grumble to himself. “Bring a carriage, we depart for the Academy immediately!”

“Grandall is awaiting us outside as we speak, sir. We figured this would be a matter of utmost importance and took the liberty…”

“You never cease to amaze or disappoint Lestith. Quickly now…help me up. Now is not the time for pride.”

*****

After telling Elynara and Adalyn about what had happened to him in the forest he knew exactly what was going to happen, and Elynara didn’t disappoint.

“That…idiot! I’ll make sure he is in no way, shape or form able to ignore an order I have given!” her face was red from anger and the air around her began to warp and distort, as if one was looking through a glass filled with water.

“Ely, what’s done is done. I made it a point to disengage the spells in the forest when I was a fair distance away, I’m positive they’re back in the city and tending to their wounds. They’ve been punished enough I think. As for Braddock…I find it hard to believe he would have anything to do with this.”

“But Master!?”

“Ely?” he looked at her in a manner that showed he wasn’t angry, but he wouldn’t hear any more about it.

“What makes you so certain though?” Adalyn questioned.

“The elements.”

“Ok…and that means…what?” she shrugged her shoulders.

“Oh, during our fight yesterday, he was able to use Earth and Wind magic. Quite a powerful form for each I might add.” Adalyn still had a confused and unconvinced look on her face.

“Meaning the elements love him. And remember what I said before? Elements are very good judges of character. I don’t think someone that is loved by two elements to that extent would stoop this low as to attempt to have me killed in a forest somewhere. This is probably just an example of overzealous and stupid soldiers trying to stick up for their commanding officer.”

“Well…if you insist. But we don’t really know for sure do we?” she seemed hesitant to accept it.

“Not 100%, no. But I’m also a pretty good judge of character too.” Adalyn pursed her lips, narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. Thinking specifically about the event not too long ago about how he was moments away from ending Elynara’s life for betrayal. Amrin knew exactly what she was getting at.

“Shut up…one time!” Amrin held up his right index finger, then turned away and rolled his eyes. Adalyn chuckled a little. Elynara was confused at their exchange.

Just then there was a knock on the door.

“Enter.” Elynara responded, using her Headmistress voice.

The door opened gently and the guard that had escorted Sebastian had returned. She bowed to Elynara and acknowledged that Adalyn was still accompanying her. Then her eyes moved to Amrin and narrowed slightly. He noticed this and raised an eyebrow in concern and confusion.

“I have returned Your Grace.” She bowed “There also seems to be someone in the atrium requesting an audience.”

“You’re quite the popular one today aren’t you?” Amrin said sarcastically. To which the female guard Knight shot him a glare of disdain.

“Who is it Karin?” Elynara asked to keep the guard from doing something foolish.

“Yes, Your Grace. He calls himself Knight Captain Lestith, although he wishes to seek an audience for Commander Braddock.”

The room fell silent, surprise filled everyone’s face. Except Amrin.

“Ugh…of course…” he grumbled, throwing his head back and looked that the ceiling. Once again eliciting an angry glare from Karin, but this time he didn’t notice.

“I see. Please show him the way if you will.” She responded and sent her on her way to fetch Braddock. “Well, this is quite fortuitous isn’t it? Now we’ll be able to hear exactly what he has to say for himself.”

“Do I have to be here for this?” he said, his voice filled with annoyance.

“Oh stop being such a big baby!” Adalyn chided him. She seemed to be the only one that was willing to talk to him in such a way.

Amrin couldn’t help but wonder if this is what it would feel like to have a nagging older sister. Except in his case a nagging younger sister. Regardless, to him it was a nagging sister either way.

“Hey! I’m not being a baby…I just…don’t want to have to deal with it, that’s all!”

“Uh huh. Whatever you say.” He frowned at her reply.

The three again waited in silence for a moment, until they could hear footsteps echoing in the hall. They gradually grew closer but much slower than they imagined it would be. Finally the door clicked open and Karin stepped in and ushered Braddock, who was using a walking cane to hold himself up and wearing only plain cotton clothing. Following behind him was Lestith, in full plate armor that shown its brilliant silver finish.

With the six of them now in the room, the silence was incredibly awkward. The first to break the silence though was Amrin, he hated awkward silences the most.

“Ah, please, take a seat!” he stood up and offered Braddock the seat he was at, standing by Elynara’s desk instead. Braddock bowed slightly and made his way to the couch, Lestith close behind.

“That will be all Karin, thank you. You may stand guard outside now unless there are other matters that you need to attend?”

“My gratitude, You Grace. I shall do as you request.” She bowed deeply and left the room closing the door gently behind her.

“If you were in such condition Commander, we could have accommodated you at the Hold instead of having you make the effort to visit me.” Elynara said.

“Oh, no Your Grace. I would not dare to have you make a house call on my account…again. And…” he adjusted himself on the couch. “This is something that required immediate attention on my part.”

“I see. Would this have anything to do with the attempted arrest of my honored guest here?” she gestured towards Amrin.

Braddock glanced at him and then immediately looked away.

“Y-yes, ma’am.” Braddock stood up, shakily, and carefully leaned forward as far as he could without wincing in pain. “I am truly sorry for the behavior my recruits have shown this day! I assure you that I made it explicitly known of your orders. But regardless…I wish to offer my deepest apologies, Your Grace. The recruits these days tend to be overzealous and take matters of punishment into their own hands. Nevertheless, I take full responsibility for their actions!”

“Well, that’s well and all, but you see, the men you are apologizing for, to the incorrect person no less, had no plans of merely punishing him, instead, they meant to see that he was never capable of making a mistake again.” Her voice was sharp and carried with it a tone of anger.

Braddock and Lestith dared not to make eye contact. Adalyn sat next to Elynara in awe and slight nervousness. She had never seen someone of Elynara’s status work, and now that she had…she was glad she never angered anyone like her.

“Y-yes, Your Grace. That had been mentioned as well. Luckily, Amrin here is…”

“You do not speak his name!” she snapped. “Luck had nothing to do with it. If he was not a far better fighter than any you have ever seen and a chanter the likes this world will never know, standing againstfive of your recruits would no doubt have ended either in his death or wounds that certainly would have led to it!” Braddock instantly closed his mouth and winced, not in pain, but realization that he had angered Elynara.

Amrin pursed his lips and his eyes went wide. He had never seen Elynara angry. Well he had seen her angry at Gindel or Justinian, but that was nothing more than the tantrum of a child towards someone that was picking on her. What he was witnessing was one of a person of authority and respect enforcing that authority with vigor and zeal. He was impressed. But he also couldn’t help but think that she was getting a bit too into it.

“Ely….nara….” the last part of the name was thrown in haphazardly and sounded incredibly awkward. Elynara slowly turned her head and looked confused, Adalyn covered her mouth and Amrin couldn’t help but want to follow suit as his eyes went wide.

“Headmistress Elynara, my apologies. But, as you can see I am fine. The Commander made it all the way here, injured no less, and is attempting to assure you that his orders were handed down, but a few soldiers in the ranks overstepped their bounds. To which he is greatly apologetic for.” He looked at Braddock, who while had a look of confusion, also nodded in agreement.

“T-that’s correct. Thank you for your kind words, Amrin…sir.” He stumbled through the words.

“If you say so, Mas…” a loud cough erupted from Amrin’s throat, causing her sentence to get cut off. Everyone in the room turned to look at him.

“Oh, oh my. I’m, so sorry. My, uh, my drink there.” He pointed to the glass of water on the table between the couches and leaned forward to grab it. As he did he turned his head to the side and gave Elynara a rough look and pursed his lips.

“Um, yes. Well…” she cleared her throat. “Just make sure that it does not happen again, and the ones responsible are punished accordingly.”

“As you wish, Your Grace. We have already suspended those involved for two months with zero pay. Further disciplinary action will be taken after we investigate these matters further.” Braddock and Lestith bowed to her.

“Do not disappoint me.” She pondered something for a moment. “And, it’s quite fortunate that you are here, actually. There is another task that I wish for you to undertake. If you are ready, and think you are capable of performing it.”

“Yes, of course Your Grace! I will personally see to it!” Braddock shouted and bowed once more.

“I wish for you to locate someone for me. And this is to be kept completely confidential. Do you understand this?” her tone of voice was like a razor. “Captain Lestith, I trust you are worthy of keeping this to those within this room?” she cast him a glance.

“Absolutely, Your Grace. I will not fail you.” He bowed as well.

Amrin couldn’t help but think he had seen that person before. He began to furrow his brow and tap his finger on his lips. He couldn’t place it though.

“This person you wish to be located, ma’am. Is there any information which we can start our efforts with?” Braddock asked.

“Hmm, yes.” Elynara looked towards Amrin who shrugged and shook his head. “Um, if you will excuse me.”

She stood up from the couch and walked towards Amrin. Pulling him off to the side they both faced their backs to the group. Standing as close as she could she began to whisper something. Braddock couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy at the distance she kept with Amrin.

“Who did you want them to look for next?” the panic was clear in Elynara’s voice.

“How the hell am I supposed to know? I’m the one that was stuck in a mountain, remember?”

“B-but…we need to try and have them look for someone…pick someone!”

“I…I don’t know! I can’t think of anyone!”

“Pick someone...I don’t think it matters!”

“Well the rumors you heard, were they about someone in particular?” she paused to think for a moment.

The three on the couch continued to look at them, all they could make out was the hissing and occasional grunts of frustration. Adalyn was totally uncomfortable with the situation and tried not to make eye contact with anyone in particular. But she happened to look at Lestith at the same time he looked to her. Their eyes met for a brief moment. But in that moment it felt like forever. She couldn’t explain it, but she couldn’t look away.

Amrin and Elynara were still mumbling and arguing about who to look for next. They had no idea what their conversation or method of narrowing it down was, but it seemed to be rather chaotic.

“Well the only other person that was with me was Little Gin. We were both rendered unconscious. So if anyone else might still be loyal, it might be him?” She said earnestly.

“I suppose it’s better than nothing. But didn’t you also say he was gone by the time you woke up? Did Justinian mention anything about where he went or what happened?”

“No…I’m sorry. I-I just knew that he was already gone by the time I had woken up.”

“So there is still a possibility that he could be involved…or at the very least has information on what happened that night.”

“I also believe he would never betray you, Master.” She said quietly.

“Oh? And what makes you so certain?”

“Because he was just like me…perhaps even more devoted. He would always talk about you, looked up to you and aspired to be just like you. If the thought of betraying you causes me such pain and grief…I find it impossible for Little Gin to be any different.”

The conversation was taking longer than the rest of the group thought it would, but they continued to wait patiently. They were guests within the Headmistress’ office after all.

“Well it’s better than nothing…which seems to be all we have at the moment. So we’ll go with it. Let’s find Little Gin.” Amrin said and nodded to Elynara.

“Good! Ok, I got it!” Elynara turned around and shouted a name. “Gindel Lantess!”

Her shout brought Adalyn back to reality, she shook her head and immediately cast her gaze to her hands, which were fidgeting uncontrollably in her lap.

“Gindel…Lantess…ma’am?” Braddock looked perplexed. “I’m sorry, the name does not ring a bell at all, is there more we could possibly have?”

“Yes, of course. He has been missing for quite a long while now. We are unaware of any potential aliases or his last known whereabouts. But he is a gnome, his age should be around 20 to 25 years.”

‘I’m…sorry, Your Grace. But that will make it nearly impossible to locate him. Is there nothing more you can give us to go on?” Lestith said, completely confused as to how so little information would yield any results.

“I can do that.” Amrin chimed in. Much to Elynara’s relief. “Little Gi…” he cleared his throat. “Gindel Lantess is a reformed thief. I have no reason to think he had reverted to his prior vices, but since I have been out of contact with him for…many years, I don’t know for sure. But it’s all I have to go on.”

“A…thief?” Lestith repeated.

“Reformed thief. There was a time when Gindel was the best at what he did. But he had a very specific set of rules he followed. Now if, if, he has gone back to his prior ways, he only steals from corrupt nobles and government officials. Leaving a…calling card behind in place of the items he steals.”

Amrin explained further, he was leaning against the large desk with his arms crossed across his chest.

Elynara quickly turned her head towards Amrin, who was beginning to mention things she had never heard about Gindel before. But it made sense to her, Gindel was a part of the group before she had arrived, which was a point of argument between the two on a number of occasions. She couldn’t help but smile at herself when remembering the petty and ridiculous arguments they used to have.

“He was quite a capable thief as well. He also never harms innocent bystanders. Guards included. His thought process dictated that if he is unable to achieve the goal utterly undetected then he had failed entirely.”

“So we are to look for a 20-something year old male gnome that steals from the rich and leaves a calling card and doesn’t like hurting people?” Lestith said in a mildly sarcastic tone.

Amrin couldn’t help but understand where he was coming from, and being on the butt end of a sarcastic comment he also couldn’t help but feel a bit of annoyance, and wondered if this is how everyone else felt when he was like that.

“That’s correct. If you want to put it like that.”

“What exactly is his calling card, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Ah, it’s a wooden carving of a weasel.”

Elynara let a small snort go when she heard this, and immediately tried to cover it up with her clearing her throat.

“A weasel?” Braddock questioned.

“Yes. A weasel.”

“Why a weasel?” Adalyn chimed in.

“I don’t know. Ask him. I always pictured him as more of a chipmunk…or a squirrel?”

Elynara covered her mouth with one hand, and turned her head away from the group, she was trying desperately not to laugh. She cast a gaze to Amrin, who didn’t make it any better. He curled his mouth down and bugged his eyes out when he looked at her. She clenched her eyes shut and held her breath.

“So yeah. You’re looking for an elusive, very talented gnome thief that leaves a wooden carving of a weasel behind after robbing nobles or government officials. Oh, corrupt nobles and government officials.” He corrected himself. “If I’ve learned anything about Lit…Umm, Gindel. Is that he hates corruption, lies and any exploitation of the hard working.”

He paused to think for a second.

“And actually, that may be another avenue to search. Assuming he doesn’t go back to thievery, he may very well be performing deeds that benefit those less fortunate. That’s not to say he will be a government official himself, I can’t see him doing something that…troublesome.”

“Well, that should give us at least something to go on I suppose, but unfortunately we cannot promise anything as of yet.” Braddock seemed confident “How soon do you need this, Gindel Lantess, located?”

“Immediately.” Amrin answered without hesitation. His eyes were cold and showed no signs of wavering on his answer.

“As…you say.” Braddock looked from Amrin to Elynara, who was finally able to compose herself and nodded at Braddock, indicating that Amrin’s answer was the same as hers. “Very well. I will put my best men on it with all haste.”

“Very well.” Elynara nodded in confirmation.

“If I may ask something…Your Grace?” Lestith piped up, and bowed as he asked this. “Please forgive my rudeness. But I feel this is important for the continued safety of the Academy as well as those of the Capital Knights.”

Elynara, Amin, Adalyn and even Braddock were surprised at his sudden behavior. Not sure what he was trying to do Braddock looked at Elynara and shook his head side to side and raised his shoulders slightly.

“Lestith! What are you…?” he attempted to stop him.

“No, if he deems it so important I shall hear him out.” Elynara stopped Braddock.

“Your graciousness is inspiring, Headmistress.” The courtesy and manners he displayed were slightly overboard from how he was acting earlier, so the group could only think it really was a pressing matter. But Braddock wasn’t aware of anything that needed such an approach. “It is in regards to…your ‘honored guest’, your Grace.”

Braddock’s eyes shot open and he was filled with fear. He couldn’t believe Lestith would outright begin questioning him, especially after the recruits had done something so foolish earlier in the day. His heart felt as if it would burst and he began to break out into a cold sweat.

“Oh? Is that so?” She said in a defensive and unimpressed tone. “And what makes you think you deserve to know anything of him?”

“Well, Your Grace…according to the reports from the recruits that were, um, subdued, and his actions during the Mock Battle the day prior, I have reason to believe he is more than he appears to be. And anyone with capabilities such as him, and even if the reports seem to be nothing more than the ravings of trauma, they are still things that must be looked into thoroughly.”

He paused and swallowed hard. He knew he was treading on thin ice.

“Your Grace…”

Elynara turned to look at Amrin who was still leaned against the desk with his arms crossed. He cast his gaze at her and lifting up one hand made a small gap between his index finger and thumb.

“Very well. I will tell you all that you need to know, and nothing more. Is that understood?”

Braddock hearing this visibly relaxed, all the tension he had was released and do to him tensing all his muscles, the act of loosening them caused him no undue amount of pain. But he did well to hide it. He was also quite grateful for bringing Lestith with him for if he himself asked about Amrin it would seem too suspicious.

“You have my utmost thanks, Your Grace!” she nodded in agreement. “Well, the first thing I would like to ascertain is…his allegiance.” Lestith didn’t waste any time.

“You certainly don’t mince words, do you Captain?”

“My apologies. But it is of utmost importance to determine whether he could be a potential spy against the Kingdom of Arestoth.”

Amrin had no idea what the Kingdom of Arestoth was, who the king was or any political figures. If he had to guess Arestoth was the name of the city. Being totally indifferent to political squabbles he remained completely unfazed at the name.

“So you believe that he could be working for The Dominion? Or perhaps Valdiss’ Enclave? He doesn’t appear to be a demi-human so the chances of him working for Tranquil Refuge seem quite small.” She began to berate Lestith for such a ludicrous accusation. She knew full well that he served no one, for there is no one greater than Amrin, especially in her eyes.

“Headmistress. If I may?” Amrin interrupted.

Lestith slowly turned to look at him and his eyes were filled with gratitude as well as determination. He would get the answer even if he was to be made a fool.

“I serve no kingdom, domain, noble or other. I am my own man. That is all.”

“I see. Well, I suppose serving no particular kingdom is better than serving one of our potential enemies…” he chose his words carefully. “As for your rank, are you ranked with the Guild at all?”

Another thing Amrin had never heard of before. He just curled his mouth downward and shrugged.

“The Guild of Chanters is an organization, neutral in their stance, which monitors, mentors and cultivates all those within the magical community. They are also responsible for ranking and classifying each member based on their exploits, skills, magical affinity and social recognition.” Elynara recited. A simple by the book explanation made it easy for Amrin to understand what he was asking.

“Ah, thank you for that, Headmistress.” He paused momentarily. “None.”

Braddock and Lestith just sat there with blank faces. As if the response didn’t register.

“I-I’m sorry?” he finally realized what Amrin had said.

“None. I have no rank.”

“But…but you must have at least something registered with the Guild!?” Braddock shouted unintentionally.

“Sorry, But I have never been to this, guild, you speak of.”

“He is easily at the level of Master Chanter. I can attest to his skill. If his lack of credentials with the Guild will be a cause for concern I shall accompany him to the chapter within the city personally.” she was starting to lose patience. “Is there anything else you wish to know?”

“Ah, yes. Just one last questions and we shall be on our way and begin preparation for the search of Gindel.” Lestith stood and looked directly at Armin, steadfast and unwavering. “Were you present in the village of Edgewood a few nights prior?”

The room fell silent, the tension was heavy between Lestith and Amrin. Elynara and Adalyn held their breath fearing what could happen if anyone made one wrong move.

“What makes you think I was there?” he asks calmly, no sign of uneasiness.

“Call it a hunch…a gut feeling, you could say.”

“And let’s pretend for a second that I was…what happened in Edgewood?”

“Dozens of people dead, the only living survivor being a young woman on the verge of death herself from malnutrition and dehydration, cuts and bruises present on most of her body.”

“And you think I was the person responsible for this?” Amrin narrowed his eyes. He remembered where he had seen Lestith now. Lestith was the one to put him under arrest and threw him into the back of the carriage for the trip to the city.

“No, in fact, it was because of an old man…” he put emphasis on the words to see how he would react. “That we were able to discern the events that befell the village and the young woman is now recovering nicely.”

“I see. Well sounds like everything can be explained by the young lady, no?”

“True, but there is one thing that the young lady has requested that we are unable to provide.” He suddenly bowed to Amrin, causing everyone in the room to gasp slightly at the random and unexpected act of deference.

“W-what’s this about?” it even took Amrin by surprise.

“I would first like to offer my sincerest apologies for suspecting you for the destruction of the village and the deaths of its inhabitants. And to thank you for saving the young woman as well.”

Braddock had no idea what was going on. Having interrogated the old man personally and then looking at Amrin, there was no possible way they were the same person. He looked at his face closely, scrutinizing Amrin’s with the mental image he had of the old man, and then it dawned on him. His eyes. They weren’t like any eyes he had ever seen before.

“Your eyes…” Braddock whispered. But since the room was totally quiet, everyone was able to hear it.

Adalyn tensed up when they realized that the two had figured out who he was. Elynara was unaware of the events that occurred at Edgewood so she had a look of puzzlement and concern.

“Not only that, sir. But his…presence.” Lestith replied.

Amrin had enough. He raised his hands in the air in surrender and let out a long drawn out sight.

“Alright. Fine. As you can see, not so much an old man. And I’m glad that the girl is doing well. But I fail to see how this has anything to do with the security and wellbeing of the Academy or your Knights. You’ve said so yourself, I was not responsible for the events at the village.”

Lestith stood straight once more and continued to look at Amrin.

“Yes, as I mentioned previously. The young lady has asked us for something that we are unable to accommodate…as of yet. She wishes to speak with the one that rescued her.” His voice was steady and Amrin couldn’t sense any hint of deceit. “It would honor us if you could accompany us, Amrin, sir.”

He had no real reason to deny the request, and he did want to make sure the illness within the little girl had been healed fully. Although he was a little worried that she would misunderstand something since he didn’t look like an old man, but he’d deal with it if it came to that.

“Ok. I’ll go with you. But only to make sure the young girl is doing well.” He stood up straight and looked at Braddock and Lestith. “But make no mistake. If I feel I am being threatened, tricked or in any other way feel that what you say is not true…there will be consequences.” The words fell onto the two Knights heavily, it wasn’t a threat but they knew it would be foolish to attempt anything regardless.