Weeks passed by, the negotiations a threaded weave of motivations. Revelations of the tactics employed by the King of Bardoo’s faction and the lack of control he held over his own subjects. Various lies, from a false Truthsayer to hidden spies, were how they were able to secure the roads and keep the councilors from sniffing the truth.
Of course, Artowen’s aunt had known, as had some others in positions of power. Aunt Idwyn was not an idle woman; traps and informants had long been laid in Bardoo. Though she had willingly fallen into danger, she had flipped the situation around.
The King had been fully cowed, now relegated to an ally as he had no choice with the rest of his Kingdom against him. The discussions had been settling all the details as the King’s power waned.
Once all had been put into order, Aunt Idwyn thought of moving on to the next Kingdom, but word had not arrived yet of Royce and Emerii’s fate, so Artowen had insisted they stay. It did not take long for a letter to arrive announcing their immediate arrival at Rynswater within the next week.
Once his chosen friends had arrived in the capital, it became apparent just how extensive their injuries were. Escorted by Bardoo soldiers, they were wrapped in bandages and appeared broken and beaten, though they both wore smiles.
Artowen embraced them tightly, and they both screamed out in pain. “What happened?” He asked.
“We may have fallen off a mountain,” Emerii said with a chuckle. “Then floated down a river for a while until we were rescued by Bardoo soldiers. They had no orders to capture or kill us, so they helped. Which was good because we are quite wounded. I fear some broken bones,” She winced.
Aunt Idwyn, who had also come to greet them, sighed. “Come to our rooms so I can take a proper look at you two. My first guess is that it will be some time before we can leave again.
“You can go without us. Now we are only slowing you down.”
Aunt Idwyn smirked.
Artowen scowled. “No, what would be the point? You both sacrificed your well-being so we could complete our objective. I won’t leave you behind.”
“I suppose it would do well to reward you for a job well done, dear nephew,” His aunt said. “I will allot us a little over two weeks to remain in Bardoo. We have claimed a difficult ally, and I would be remiss to abandon those who assisted us, however slight that help was.”
Artowen beamed. “That means!”
“The turn of the year festival,” Emerii cut in. “We should be healed enough to take part in the merriment, but we could leave before that.”
Aunt Idwyn waved her hand. “Some fun will do good for us. Besides, there is still much to do. Focus on recovery, Emerii.”
Royce nudged Artowen playfully.
The band is back together. A part of my mission has been accomplished, and everyone is okay, if a bit beat up. We’ve done good.
Rynswater glowed. The first night of the three-day festival marked the end of the year. Royce had somehow managed to escape the clutches of his chosen friends, leaping into the night of partying Drajin. It was not that he did not want to spend time with them, but he had something important to take care of before giving himself up to the flow of the celebration.
Arty and Emerii had been drinking with the Champion of Bardoo at a local tavern, drawing much attention. I swear, how can he relax so easily with a man who was his enemy but a few weeks ago? So quick to turn one into a friend, perhaps we could use him to make peace with the Uxsons. Unlikely, that.
His chosen friend would gather a crowd, not only because he was the Promised One, but because that was the aura about him. The first day of any celebration was always the worst to try to spend with him, but by the second, the people would disperse, and Artowen himself would seek time with those closest to him. Royce could wait for that.
He knew Emerii realized this as well, but perhaps she was still missing him. The four-year absence had weighed heavily on her heart. Distant family, yes, but Artowen was like a younger brother to Emerii. More so, Ellerie and Arty were the last anchor to Vice. She was brighter now simply by being around Arty.
Walking the lit and crowded streets, Royce finally found the man he was looking for. Due to his height and features, Mav stuck out completely in a sea of Drajin. He was talking to two women, one around each of his arms.
Royce grimaced, but still approached.
When Mav noticed him, his expression soured, and his arms dropped from around the women. “Heya runt. You fully recovered?”
Royce’s eye twitched, but he tried not to let the name get to him. “About back to full strength. I’m sore and sluggish, but I’ll be fine soon. Lady Idwyn truly knows how to heal.”
An awkward silence ensued. The women sensed the seriousness of the conversation and were pulled away by more fun to be had. Mav hardly seemed to notice as his eyes darted around, intent on finding his own escape route.
Royce sighed. “I was looking for you, Mav. I came to apologize.”
Their eyes met. “What? Why?”
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“I did not treat you well. Doubted your ability. Now some of my attitude was warranted, but not everything.” Royce put his fist to the man’s heart, “Because of you, Arty was able to complete his goal. Thank you, Mav, you carried out your duty as a fellow Drajin.”
Mav’s eyes beamed as his mouth opened, but it appeared he was struggling to find the right words. Through the press of the crowded streets, someone knocked into Mav, stunting the moment.
“Watch where you’re going, cuug,” The man said.
The brightness in Mav’s features dimmed.
“What is a cuug?” Royce found himself asking, reining in the building anger in his voice.
“It’s something they call those with Citizen blood.”
The man had not managed to make it far through the torrent of people, one long stride away, and Royce was at his side. The man was carrying a drink, and Royce found his hand go underneath and spill the contents of the drink all over the man.
That started a brawl. Others joined in, but it did not last long. What had started as a grudgeful bout had turned into a good natured fight, then ended with all issuing apologizes, then dancing together. The festival atmosphere was too strong for even the grumpiest of individuals to maintain that disposition.
Grabbing plentiful food and drink, Mav and Royce found an open bench to rest on as they feasted. They were both bruised, but it was hardly worth noting when the night was filled with this much joy.
“Are you okay, runt?” Mav asked. “You’re still recovering; you didn’t need to get into a fight on my behalf.”
Royce shrugged, “I’m used to beatings far worse from my father.”
“You’re lucky to have parents. I’ve never truly known mine.”
He shook his head. “Only one parent. My mother is an inhuman.”
That halted conversation, but Royce let the silence linger. Mav was shocked but then continued to laze perhaps too freely, though he had certainly earned his due rest. They all had.
“What should we do now, runt?” Mav asked.
“It’s not runt. My name is Royce, call me that.”
The man blushed slightly. “Alright, Royce. Ah, but don’t take offense, you are quite boyish.”
“You can’t be much older than me.”
“Still, it’s a good thing. Listen, women love an exotic man. Look at me, I have no trouble finding a partner for the night.”
“What?”
Mav sat up and put his arm around Royce. “Now is the time to lean into your youthful and short appearance, Royce. The night is young, the twin exotic men shall hunt and claim some partners with our unique attributes.”
Royce turned a deep red.
Oh God, what have I gotten myself into?
Mav began to carry Royce toward the nearest crowd.
Standing at a table in her common clothes, Emerii put the mug of ale to her lips and partook. She could still feel the tightening of bandages as she moved, the ache of new battle scars. Luckily, she had recovered enough to enjoy the turn of the year, and after the festivities, they would be moving out to their next destination, the Dradris Kingdom, Lenda.
Emerii’s sword stayed strapped at her side, the need ever present. With her outfit, she may be mistaken for an off-duty Bardoo soldier. She took another swig, feeling the light intoxication at the back of her mind. Gingerly, she reached for her deity, just to make sure she could. Diligence was necessary when training one’s ability, and like anything, being drunk affected the efficacy of bodily functions. The average human could already barely summon a deity. In the revelry of this night, few would have to worry about a rampaging drunk using an ability’s might.
She had separated from Arty, now delighting in some time to herself. It had been enjoyable talking to the Champion of Bardoo, but the old man had become too inebriated for proper company, and Arty had drawn a crowd of new friends. They would spend more time in merriment during the festival, but for tonight, she left him.
Approached by a group of male suitors, Emerii sent them away kindly. They did not mean anything by the gesture. She was not particularly flattered, but this was a night of seeking pleasure.
Emerii sighed. Perhaps it would do her good to seek her own enjoyment. She could not hang from their coat tails always.
The stone square in front of her was filled with dancing bodies, and beyond was the music of instruments and singing. Various merrymakers weaved their way through the crowd, keeping spirits high. Emerii smiled. With the pressures of the coming year, people needed this time.
On the edge of the crowd, there was a group of men talking with some women. It was obvious that they were pursuing too aggressively, making the women uncomfortable.
Emerii approached, hand on the pommel of her sword. “I think you’d best leave them now and look elsewhere,” Emerii said, confidence etched in her every word. “There are plenty loose and free tonight, I’m sure you pack of gentlemen will find what you’re seeking somewhere else.”
The men eyed her briefly, then left with grunts of discontent. They would not try something out in the open in any case. Perhaps they were simply excited by the atmosphere that was encapsulating the city.
“Thank you,” One of the group said, a beautiful lass with an assortment of colorful ribbons in her hair.
Emerii grabbed her hand and brought it to her face. “It was nothing, my lady, though I seek a reward. May I have this dance?”
The woman blushed, but before she could answer, Emerii pulled her into the mass of dancing Drajin. I’m entitled to some fun, too, I believe.
It was officially the new year, and the days of the festival concluded as the morning light shone bright. Three days and nights where even Mav’s strange proclivities did not haunt him. People would still be nursing their heads and recovering today, but this was the first proper day of work for the year. Not for Mav, though. He had his fill of excitement and work. Today would be a day of rest. Please God, let me be worked to the bone today. That is all I want. Truly.
The Promised One and Mav’s patron would be leaving early today, but that was of no concern. He was a detriment to them. New bonds were forged, but he must forget and return to his everyday life.
Walking to his room, he stopped. The ladder was already down. No one else had a key to the lock. He drew his rapier and slowly approached, silently creeping up the creaking wood. He peeked his head warily above the hole to scout.
“Lady Idwyn!” He yelled in surprise.
She stood looking over the various clutter that had remained from when the space had been primarily for storage. “You have kept me waiting, Mav.” When he stepped into the room proper, she thrust his travel pack into his chest. “I have restocked the necessities. Grab your bow and spear, it is time to leave.”
Mav stood dumbstruck. “I don’t understand Lady Idwyn. My duty is here.”
“You can be quite dense at times, my young companion. You can try to hide your desires from God’s eyes, but I see right through you. You have found what you seek, and it is not here.” He tried to get a word in but was forestalled by her hand. “We are in need of your skills, and though Bardoo is now Welkia’s true ally, some may still seek harm against you. Gather the rest of your needs and meet me outside. We must make haste.”
She brushed past, leaving him alone. My prayer did not work. Perhaps that was for the best. Perhaps this is what he really wanted. He rushed, grabbing only the bare minimum, then leapt down the ladder. He locked his room for what he knew would be some time, then left for the stairs.
As he departed the building, he was greeted with the warm light of a new year. Illuminated ahead was his four new comrades, all fully equipped with welcoming smiles and the gear that would see them through to their next destination. They awaited him. Mav waved, then skipped over as he hummed a new ditty.
