Protectors: The Valdronius Kingdom
Chapter 8

Decisions and Destinies

Are they one in the same?

Destinies and Decisions

Are, only part of the game.

Damien pondered over the contents in his hands. Helenna may not have seen these type of markings, but he had, a long time ago. He didn’t know what they said, but he knew where he needed to go and he couldn’t go alone.

“Well it took all night but the Manor is once again a fortress. One way in, one way out.”

“Thank you Mils.”

“Have you been out here all night?” Damien handed the papers over to Ameilius.

“I’ve found something.”

“I have studied many languages Damien; these seem like scribbles.”

“I thought that at first but I’ve seen these marking before. After my initiation I was brought into the council. The king was finishing up some business, it was just a glimpse but I am sure of it. The Scrolls of Six.” Ameilius let out a breath.

“Do you find ways to dangerous territory or do they gravitate towards you?”

“Believe it or not Mils I’ve asked myself that same question.”

“The Scrolls of Six were banished for a reason. They hold an ancient magic even the Ancients were skeptical to approach. How are you going to find them?”

“It just so happens that we know a man that deals in dangerous territory.”

“Dresdin.”

“Dresdin.” Damien agreed.

“Even if he has those highly illegal scrolls, how are you going to get them?”

“That is the question. Tricky man Dresdin.” They were both quite for a moment.

“Shall I send Helenna to recover Felyx and Embry?”

“I’m sure Alecko is on it.”

“Very well. It’ll be half a day before they return and making plans while tired and hungry would not be smart at this point.”

“Always looking after me Mils.”

“Someone’s got to.”

Felyx couldn’t sleep, he watched the moon set and now he was watching the sky turning to the blue hew that would bring the sun. He was looking for any sign of Alecko, though he knew full well that the Temple wouldn’t allow any sight outside the grounds. He turned to the sleeping girl he was in charge of keeping safe. She didn’t complain, she didn’t ask for anything, she never once questioned the decisions about where he would take her. She came with him no questions asked. How deep did her faith and trust in us run? She was just a young girl caught up in this mess somehow.

“Embry?” Felyx cleared his throat. Contemplating shaking her shoulder.

“Embry.”

“Felyx?” She sat up quickly.

“It’s alright. We need to get moving.”

“Alright. I’ll just use the bathroom real fast and I’ll be ready.” Felyx got up to help her then stopped and watched. Her lips were moving, counting. She made her way to the wall and to the left. She defiantly wasn’t hindered. No, she was brave, strong, and resourceful. Would this place ruin her or make her stronger?

“What was that?”

“I asked if you were ready.”

“Aye.” Taking her arm, they head down the hall. At first it was strange to hold another persons’ arm, foreign. Now it was just a formality, a necessity.

“Did you sleep?”

“I rested.”

“Sleep is important.”

“We need to go down the stairs.”

“Where’s the banister?”

“Here.” Felyx placed her hand on the railing and watched how she stepped down the stairs. It took time but he didn’t mind. It was interesting watching her, he learned something new every time she was around.

“There are a lot of steps.”

“I can carry ya.”

“No, I didn’t mean…I was just making conversation. Unless I’m taking too long?”

“Not at all.” Conversation, did she feel uncomfortable around him?

“Ok.”

“Thank ya for stitching up my hand.”

“Your welcome. It’s the least I could do.”

“What do ya mean?”

“For everything you’ve done for me.”

Keeping me safe, you didn’t have to do that.

I agreed to keep ya safe Embry. It’s ya that I should be thankin’ for puttin’ your trust in me.

Damien trusts you. Why wouldn’t I?

“Last step.” Damien. That insufferable man again.

“If you will follow me my Lord.” Felyx was ready to put this place and titles behind him. The air was chilly for the morning.

“Thank ya Brother of Temple.”

“Your horse has been properly taken care of and is ready for departure. You will find there has been fruit and water added, in the packs”

“Are ya warm enough Embry?”

“Yes.”

“Brother of Temple?”

“Yes my Lord?”

“Please let Farah of Temple know that we thank her for the hospitality of the Temple.”

“I will my Lord.”

“On the horse ya go.” She was weightless, a lightness that he was not used to. Felyx climbed up behind her and moved Midnight forward.

“Felyx?”

“Aye?”

“Where are we going to go?” sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“We’ll head back to the Manor, find the others and go from there.”

“What if the others…what if…” He knew what she was going to say. The thought crossed his mind many times. Always did, always would when these situations came around.

“They’re fine.”

“How do you know?” She was nervous for them. For people she just met, people she barely knew.

“Because, they are fighters.” They were ruthless and exact fighters.

“Did you see what they were?”

“Some were human, others were fledglings.” He felt her stiffen.

“Emlyn said it took you all night to kill a fledgling.”

“Aye, the others they won’t have the trouble I had.”

“What do you mean?”

“The skill to kill easily.” What was she thinking?

“I thought you were in the Royal Guard?”

“Aye, I was. To kill a living being should never be an easy task. Coming to terms about what one has done, it’s never been an easy road for me.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Ya didn’t.” It was just a truth about him.

“Are we out of the Temple yet?”

“Not quite. The gates up ahead.”

“Felyx?”

“Aye?”

“You remind me of a quote by Orson Rega Card ‘Among my most prized possessions are words that I have never spoken.’” That caused Felyx to smirk.

“Conversation, it’s not my strong suit. I apologize if this journey spent with me has been a quiet one.”

“Am I talking too much?”

“Not at all. It’s quite comforting.”

“How so?”

“Alecko, he talks too much. It’s nice to have a slower tempo.” This caused her to laugh. Even so, what he wouldn’t give to hear Alecko’s babbling.

“Fair travels my Lord.”

“Thank you Brother of Temple.” The gates close.

“The air, it’s different.” Felyx brought Midnight to a stop.

“That’s because the Temple sucks all the happiness out of ya luv.” Alecko came from behind a tree and steadied Midnight by taking the reins.

“Alek.” Alecko’s voice was all Felyx needed to relax. Felyx’s feet joined with the ground. He found Alecko’s embrace a further comfort. His hand instinctively cupped the side of Alecko’s face, and Alecko instinctively brought his lips to Felyxs’. Felyx held on a little longer, bringing Alecko closer.

“Missed me did ya?” Alecko’s eyes looked tired.

“You’ve been out here all night?”

“Made ya a promise, now didn’t I?”

“Are ya ok?” It was always hard to spend a night away from Alecko. Especially during the moon phases. He needed Alecko to know that he was there for him, in any way that Alecko wanted.

“I’ve been worse.” Felyx wondered where he found his clothes, then remembered the spell he taught him.

“Alecko?” Alecko went to Embry’s side, his hand rested on her forearm.

“Embry luv, how was the Temple?”

“Unnerving. Have you seen the others?”

“Sort of.”

“Sort of?”

“Talk on the way, yea? We need to get going.” Felyx pulled Midnight along.

“He didn’t sleep did he?” Even though Alecko whispered Felyx could still hear him.

“Nope. What do you mean sort of?”

“Ah well, it’s coming back in pieces. Let’s just say it was a long night for all. I do know that Damien untied me. So I’m assuming he and Emlyn are alright. Pretty sure it was the harpy who tied me up though, so I guess she’s alive. She made a comment about going vegetarian that I don’t quite understand.” Felyx let out a small laugh, even he was startled by it. He remembered the men she killed, Alecko would have smelt the blood. Even though he’s a Wulver three nights a month, doesn’t excuse the animal in him for meat.

“Is he alright? They didn’t do anythin to him in there did they?”

“Not that I’m aware of. We were together the whole time.”

“Both of ya can stop your whisperin’, I’m fine.”

“How’d ya manage that? The Temple is right strict about everythin’?”

“Oh, we…um…Felyx…”

“We pretended to be married and I made a deal.”

“That sounds dangerous. The married part.” This time Embry laughed.

“What type of deal?”

“I owe a favor to Farah of Temple. One of her choosin’.”

“I bet she jumped to have a favor from ya.”

“Felyx?”

“Aye?”

“You said that you would explain who you were.”

“He didn’t tell ya luv?”

“No.”

“Well Felyx here is Royalty. Do ya wish to tell her or shall I?”

“One of us needs to pay attention out here.” He would never admit it to Alecko, his ego was already big enough, but he enjoyed it when Alecko told stories. There was something in the way he spoke.

“Very well. Felyx Ailpein of Dàl Riata. He’s considered a Grand Prince, his father the Grand Duke. Dàl Riata was a kingdom, in your world in fact. Ruling the West of Scotland in the very early years of your world. There was a battle between the Riatans and the Bernicians, and the people of Riata were falling. Not many people knew, but the Riatans held magic in their bones. The king, not wanting to lose his people, asked his Gods for another way. To leave that world and start anew in any way possible. The Ancients were listening and made a deal with the king. The Ancients were worried that he would only keep to the path that he had made, ultimately creating another war. The Ancients agreed to help his people, in return they asked him to relinquish his title. That his bloodline would never again rule over the people of Dàl Riata. He agreed on one condition, that he could choose who would rule in their place. He chose the house of Ailpein, a noble family dedicated to the people. After the war, the kingdom of Dàl Riata has since thrived here in this world, far stronger in their magic than ever before. Dedicated to the land, cherished by their people. Of course Felyx never told me of who he was, it was only made known when we joined the Royal Guard.”

“I thought you lived in the same place, how couldn’t you have known?”

“Aye we did. The family likes to keep to themselves. Helping the people from behind the curtains so to speak. Only very special people are privy to this knowledge, let’s try to keep it that way shall we?” Felyx didn’t much care for titles nor did he like taking credit for something that happened to fall into his lap.

“I won’t tell anyone Felyx, promise. Do the others know?”

“Aye.”

“Felyx?”

“Aye?”

“Can I walk for a bit?” Felyx stopped leading Midnight, he looked around contemplating.

“Here luv I’ll help ya down.”

“Thank you.”

“We have been going for a couple of hours now, it wouldn’t hurt to rest considerin’ ya didn’t sleep at all Felyx.” Alecko walked Embry over to a fallen down tree trunk, placing her hands on it and mumbling something. Felyx watched him walk over to a tree and lean against it. Felyx couldn’t get over how absolutely striking Alecko was, he hoped he never would.

“I’m fine.”

“Ya said that already. Well I could use an hour or so of shut eye.” Alecko looked like he could use a day; it really must have been a long night for him.

“A half hour rest. We’ll take the shortcut Midnight showed us. That will get us back to the Manor no later than one.” Felyx looked in the packs that were packed for them. Water pouches, apples, and peaches. Enough for a full day’s ride.

“Would you like an apple or a peach Embry?”

“Peach please.” Felyx let Midnight go graze on some grass. He gave a peach and water pouch to Embry, and an Apple and water pouch to Alecko. Taking a peach for himself.

“Why’d ya give me an apple?”

“Ya don’t like peaches.”

“How’d ya know? I’ve never had a peach before.”

“Alright then, here.” Felyx tossed his peach over to Alecko and Alecko tossed his apple back to Felyx. Felyx waited for Alecko to take a bite.

“Are ya just going to watch me eat?”

“Aye.” Felyx could spy a slight smile on Embry’s face, he wondered what her thoughts were.

“Fine.” Alecko took a bite and almost immediately spat it out.

“How’d it taste?”

“That was disgusting. How’d ya know I wouldn’t like it?” Alecko tossed the peach back to Felyx and he tossed the apple back.

“Ya don’t like sweet foods Alek.” Felyx just shook his head. Alecko sat down his eyes never leaving Felyxs’. Felyx knew that he’d never forget the color of Alecko’s eyes, but they always seemed a different shade than the last time he’d seen them.

“How can ya eat that Embry?” Felyx watched her shrug out of the corner of his eye.

“It’s sweeter than most peaches I’ve had, but it tastes good to me.” Felyx walked over to Alecko and sat down next to him.

I did.

Did what?

Miss ya. I don’t like not knowin’ if you’re safe or not.

I worry about ya to. Last night Helenna, she did her job. Kept me busy from going after ya and Embry.

She was supposed to.

Aye, but I just wanted ya to know.

“Ya hurt your hand.” Felyx watched as Alecko took his hand, gently tracing the stitches.

“This isn’t your stitching.”

“Nae, its Embry’s.”

“Really now? Fine job ya did here luv.”

“Thank you.”

“Hey Felyx?” Why did she keep asking me questions? Alecko was back.

“Aye?”

“It never occurred to me before. But when Alecko mentioned the Ancients bringing your people to this world, do people go between this world and mine, a lot?”

“They do.”

“So when everything is done here, all of you can come and visit me?” She wanted us to visit? Felyx was taken aback and unsure of what to say.

“We’d love to darlin’” Alecko answered.

“We should get going.” Felyx cleared his throat.

“Can I walk? I’m not used to riding a horse, my thighs are screaming.”

“Sure.” Felyx gathered up Midnight and lead her over to Embry. Her hands found Midnights mane easily.

Felyx?

Aye?

Here’s the ring, I took it off when I heard Alecko. I don’t think he saw it.

Thank you.

Felyx?

Yes?

Can I make a suggestion about the ring?

Alright.

It’s a bit plain.

Plain?

I know I haven’t known Alecko all that long but, I think he might like something a little bit more…

Not so plain.

Yes. Is it silver?

Aye.

Perhaps a design etched in black, maybe a small diamond.

A diamond?

Do they do that here, in this world?

Yes, I just never thought of it.

Oh well, I could be entirely wrong. I mean you have known him longer.

She was right, he had known him longer and yet it was exactly something Alecko would like. If only he hadn’t lost…no it was no use to dwell in past mistakes. No he definitely needed to rethink the ring, he could etch something, but what?

Midnight started to lead the way taking Embry with her. Felyx looked over at Alecko and did something that he had never done before. He held his hand. He watched Alecko out of the corner of his eye, watch him suspiciously.

“What’s gotten into ya?”

“Well if ya don’t want…” Felyx tried to pull his hand away.

“I didn’t say that.” Alecko tightened his grasp and pulled Felyx’s hand back.

“What’s going on?” Felyx and Alecko looked at each other unsure of what to say.

“I asked Alecko to sing and he’s being fussy.”

“You sing Alecko?”

“Just campfire songs.”

“Please? It was awfully quiet on the way to the Temple. No offense Felyx.”

“I bet. Who sang The Widow and the Devil?”

“Nae.”

“What’s that song?”

“Always the gentlemen Felyx. What’s that one song The High Kings sang, about the County Down?”

“The Star of the County Down.”

“Aye, how’s the tune go again?” Felyx looked over at Alecko who raised his eyebrows ‘innocently’. Felyx whistled the tune and Alecko picked it up easily.

“’Near Banbridge town, in the County Down

One evening last July

Down a bóithrín green came a sweet cailín

And she smiled as she passed me by.

She looked so neat in her two bare feet

To the sheen of her nut-brown hair

Such a coaxing elf, I’d to shake myself

To make sure I was standing there.

From Bantry Bay down to Derry Quay

From Galway to Dublin town

No maid I’ve seen like the fair cailín

That I met in the County Down.

As she onward sped I shook my head

And I gazed with a feeling queer

And I said, says I, to a passerby

“Who’s your one with the nut-brown hair?”

He smiled at me, and with pride says he,

“She’s the gem of old Ireland’s crown.

Young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann

And the star of the County Down.”

She’d a soft brown eye and

a look so sly and a smile like the rose in June

And you held each note from her auburn throat,

as she lilted lamenting tunes

At the pattern dance you’d be in trance

as she skipped through a jig or reel

When her eyes she’d roll, as she’d lift soul

And your heart she would likely steal

At the harvest fair she’ll be surely there

and I’ll dress my Sunday clothes

With my hat cocked right and my shoes shon bright

for a smile from the nut-brown Rose

No horse I’ll yoke, or pipe I smoke,

’til the rust in my plough turn brown

And a smiling bride by my own fireside

sits the star of the County Down

From Bantry Bay down to Derry Quay

From Galway to Dublin town

No maid I’ve seen like the fair cailín

That I met in the County Down.’”

“That was amazing.” Embry clapped her hands. Felyx couldn’t deny that Alecko had a voice.

“Thanks luv.”

“Do you sing Felyx?”

“Nae.”

“That’s a down right lie. He does sing, he’s just not always compliant. If we ever make way to Dàl Riata, there’s a tavern. We’ll all have a pint or three and ya won’t be able to shut him up.” Embry laughed and Felyx ignored him.

“Can I hear another?”

“Aye, why not.” Felyx couldn’t help but think that this was going to be a long trip. One he didn’t mind; it gave him time to think about the ring. She was right, Alecko definitely wasn’t plain, but he wasn’t over the top either. He couldn’t remember that last time he felt so nervous. It was a simple question, either he’d say yes or he’d say no, but he knew it wasn’t as simple as that. He was scared because he couldn’t risk not having Alecko in his life. Of all the things to fear in life, this was the one thing that would undo him. Forgetting about the ring Felyx contemplated asking at all.

Damien woke with a slight headache, even in his sleep he was searching for any sign that Embry might be in trouble. She was the key to all of this he knew it. He just didn’t know how just yet. He needed answers, not riddles not more questions. Before he knew it he found himself in the kitchen, with Emlyn handing him a cup of tea.

“How’d you sleep?”

“Fine.” Damien eyed Emlyn cautiously and smelt his tea for any other scents.

“There is food on the stove.”

“…Thanks. Have you heard anything about the others yet?”

“Ameilius and Helenna are still sleeping. As for Alecko, Felyx and Embry, no I haven’t.”

“Did you sleep?”

“I did.” Damien just nodded to her answer. They both just sat there drinking their tea. It was a peaceful quiet even if the company was a suspicious pair.

“You should take Embry with you?”

“With me?”

“To go see Dresdin.”

“Why?” Leave it to Ameilius to talk to Emlyn.

“Dresdin has a type of clientele that he likes to play against.”

“The type that can offer him something.”

“And none of us have anything that he would like, except you. That was your plan wasn’t it? To offer your services. One rarity for another.”

“Felyx has…”

“Do you remember the last time Felyx had dealings with Dresdin?”

“Right. He ended up losing a family heirloom. Do you know what it was?”

“Afraid not. But he was not at all happy about it.”

“Dresdin won’t do dealings with me.”

“He will if you’re not the one playing.”

“And what game shall Embry be playing?”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

“Felyx won’t want her to go.”

“Don’t tell him.”

“We are all in this together.” Not that he had a problem not telling Felyx, but it was the principle of the matter.

“It’s Embry’s choice.”

“And if she loses?”

“Then I’ll be setting the table for six.” This actually got a smirk out of Damien.

“I’m going for a walk.”

“Be careful.” The good thing about talking to Emlyn was the fact that she wouldn’t reject any idea. No matter how dangerous or stupid it may be.

They had been walking for the better part of an hour when Embry decided to use her cane. It felt solid in her hand and a comfort she hadn’t known she needed. Alecko had seized singing songs and taken up a conversation with Felyx who hadn’t got but a few words in. He was right, Alecko was enough of a conversationalist for the three of them. They talked mostly about what dealings Farrah of Temple has had with people they knew, trying to figure out what she would ask of Felyx. Felyx must have known the risk but Alecko wasn’t pleased that he made it. A slight pulsing in the cane brought Embry to a stop, Midnight along with her.

“Damien?”

“What’s that luv?”

“Damien, he’s here. Over there.” It was more than the cane, she could sense him coming, just like the first night. She turned to her left and pointed.

“How do ya know that?” Alecko asked.

“She has the inept ability to sense when I’m coming through the shadows.”

“Checking on us are ya?” Felyx’s tone wasn’t as light as it was a second ago.

“I needed to talk to Embry. Privately.”

“Hold on just a minute, how do we know it’s actually ya? Embry has only ever known Damien to come through shadows.” Felyx was cautious.

“Shadow magic is reserved only for Shades.”

“Felyx is right. Prove that you are Damien”

Felyx has always and forever will be a nuisance.

Prove it Damien.

Unbreakable.

“It’s him.”

“Now if you two don’t mind I need to ask Embry something.”

“We were just about to take a break anyways. Here luv, I’ll take Midnight.” Midnights hoof steps followed Alecko’s not too far away.

“Alright, what is so important?” Damien took the cane out of her hands and led her to a stump. She sat down and waited.

I’ve found something.

What did you find?

A language I’ve seen before a very long time ago.

A language? What’s so important about this language?

It leads somewhere.

What did this language say?

Absolutely no clue.

So you remember a language but have no idea what it says, but you want to go somewhere that this language leads you?

Yes.

Because that makes perfect sense.

Glad you agree.

Why aren’t we telling this to Felyx and Alecko?

Because I need to ask you to go with me. And Felyx won’t like it.

Why not?

Because it is dangerous.

Why are you asking me to go and not Ameilius or Emlyn? Anything Felyx thought to be heeded was a good enough reason for Embry to really think twice about what Damien was asking.

Because the person we need to see won’t do dealings with the rest of us. You are the only person he has never made a deal with. The way Damien wanted to protect her yesterday gave her reason to believe that he wouldn’t ask unless he needed to. All of them risked their lives yesterday, for her. For the cause? She could do this for them right? Damien would keep her safe, wouldn’t he?

Ok. How far do we have to go?

It’s not as much as how far as where we have to go.

And where do we have to go?

To the Shores of Token.

What’s there?

Information.

Information? Embry could hear him moving around in front of her.

Yes.

Information for what…or from who?

Do you trust me Embry? She could feel him breathing, he was in front of her. There was a shuffle and he took her hands in his and rested them in her lap. He must be kneeling, was the quick thought that passed through her mind.

Do you trust me? Do I? He’s gone through so much to make sure that I wasn’t hurt. Was that for my benefit or his? My hands seem to move on their own travelling up his arms then his shoulders, the fabric was soft. His hair felt rough, I heard his breath falter as I touched his face, the thin beard as rough as his hair. His chin was prominent an indent in the middle of his chin indicated that he had a cleft chin. His jawline was strait, his cheeks sunk in giving him high cheek bones. The side of his forehead held tiny ridges, scars. His eyebrows thick, eyelashes tickled my fingertips as they closed. His eyes were almond shaped, his nose held a point. His lips…my fingertips lingered there, my hand caught by his.

“Do you trust me Embry?” The whisper was so soft that I could barely feel his breath on my fingertips, causing my stomach to flutter.

“Yes.” Before I could say another word I was pulled up off the bench.

Hold on to this…never let it go. My cane in its small form was placed in my hands; I brought it close to me. My arms were grasped just below my elbows. That’s when I felt the ground start to disappear, I moved in closer his arms wrapped around me. I faintly heard Felyx’s voice cursing Damian. I could feel the darkness around us, I gripped my cane tighter. That’s when I noticed that I couldn’t feel the heartbeat.

Damien?

Yes?

The crystal, whenever your close…I can feel…

My heartbeat.

Yes…but I can’t …it’s not beating.

Would I be talking if it weren’t?

No, I suppose not…but… The ground began to feel solid again and I can hear the sound of waves. The wind whips around us. The salty air stings my lungs. I feel like I was holding my breath for too long causing me to cough.

“Embry breath, sorry I forgot morphing can be quite rough. You’ll be ok.” A hammering in my ears distracts me.

“Felyx didn’t seem too happy.”

“He’ll get over it. You might want to hide that crystal.” His arms fall away from me.

“And where do you suggest I hide it exactly?”

“Right. We’ll tie it to your arm under your sleeve.”

“Won’t that look bulky? Like I’m hiding something?”

“Do you have a better idea?” I did actually, I turn away from him. Fidgeting I manage to slide the crystal down my shirt, down the length of the corset. I feel the outside, perfect no bulge. I turn back around.

“Can you notice?”

“What?”

“Can you see where I put it?” Wasn’t he paying attention?

“Where’d you put it?”

“Perfect, now what?”

“Now we go place a bet.” My left arm was taken and placed around his arm.

“Place a bet? We came here to gamble?” We start to move forward, the ground was hard.

“Sort of.”

“I thought we were getting information.”

“We are. There’s a man in town that collects many rare items.”

“Like the Midnight Crystal.”

“I wouldn’t mention that if I were you. But yes, he does carry that, but I didn’t get it from him.”

“What’s the man’s name?”

“Dresdin.”

“How are we going to get this information?”

“He likes to play games, he uses information and items as currency.”

“What kind of games?”

“Dresdin is a very smart man. He gets cocky though, he lets his opponent choose the game.”

“Isn’t that a good thing though? Doesn’t that benefit the opponent?” I was starting to hear noises, hoof beats, talking.

“Like I said, he’s a very smart man.”

“And what makes you think that we can beat him.”

“A hunch.”

“A hunch?”

“Yes.”

“Ok. What else should I know about him?”

“He’s sneaky.”

“We’re going to meet a man that deals in rare items, probably items that are not legal, and all you have to say is that he is sneaky?”

“Yes.”

“Unbelievable. Why do you need me?”

“I can’t play.” I stop abruptly.

“What do you mean you can’t play?”

“I have special talents that he can’t compete with, he said it was a cheat and banned me from playing.”

“So when you say we? You mean me? I’m the one that will be playing.”

“Yes.”

“Ok. What else aren’t you telling me?”

“He’s a very dark man. He may take a liking to your eyes. You are going to have to bluff like you can see. Can you do that?”

“Yes.”

“You need to bluff like you’re not afraid of him, of the situation. And if he asks why I am here, I lost a bet.”

“What kind of bet?”

“It won’t matter, Dresdin won’t want to know. When the game begins he will set up a ring. This ring will prevent any communication from the outside. It will also stop you or him from lying or cheating. Once the bet has been agreed upon there is no turning back. Be very careful of what you say. Do you understand?”

“Pretend I can see, fake like I’m not afraid, and watch my words.” We start walking again. The voices are louder now.

“What is around us?”

“A market town, he likes to keep to a certain tavern.” A sneaky guy in a certain tavern, I’m sure I could guess which type.

“What is the information that we need?”

“The scrolls of six.”

“The scrolls of six? What’s so special about this parchment?” We stop.

“We are here. Embry, you will be fine. Just be very careful with what you say.” I nod.

“Ok. Be careful with what I say, got it. I still have questions.” A door scrapes open and we walk in. There is staleness to the air, no doubt some type of alcohol. There is a piano playing softly somewhere.

“And he has a fondness for daggers.”

“Daggers!”

“Damien.” The man’s voice was rough and sounded old. Daggers?

“John.” I know that you can hear me Damien.

“Damien! Who’s the wench?” The woman’s voice was shrill. Wench? Me?

“Verica. This is Lady Embry.”

“OOOhhh a Lady is she?”

“Pleased to meet you.” I say.

“Never thought you were one too have someone so trampy on your arm?” What did I do?

“Jealous Verica? You should hold your tongue; I believe it has more practice in the bedroom.” Did he really just say that?

I heard her scoff, her shoes clicking as she walks away.

“What was that about?”

“She’s just a hateful woman.”

“Still, you didn’t have to say anything.”

“Well there’s only two ways to shut her up.” And I’m sure you’ve used both. It was a spiteful thought. Heard that.

“This way please.” It was the man from earlier. We walk forwards, something clinking as we went.

“Damien. It’s been a while.” The man’s voice was deep, gravelly; it had a swing to it.

“Yes it has.” There was a scrape on the floor and heavy footsteps that followed afterwards. They stopped just in front of us. My hand was taken and a kiss was placed on it. The crystals rhythm changed.

“You’re are a sight for sore eyes. Dresdin is the name.”

“Embry, thank you.” I pull my hand back slowly.

“No, thank you. You have the most peculiar eyes, beautifully rare one could say.” Something in me told me not to look away.

Bluff Embry. I force my eyes to look like I’m looking around the room.

“You have quite an…establishment.” His voice rang out in a laugh.

“Why thank you. Come, sit down, and make yourself comfortable.” There was a scraping sound across the floor. Damien dropped my arm, his hand traveling across my back gave me shivers. His hand landed on my right elbow down to my hand. My hand was raised pulling me forward.

If you lift your left hand and move it to the left, you’ll touch the back of the chair. I do so, the chair was made out of wood; the kind with a tall back.

“Are you her keeper Damien?”

“Just being a gentleman Dresdin, even you can admire that.”

“Indeed. Just noticeably out of character for you Damien. In fact, this whole situation is out of character for you. Very suspicious, very suspicious in deed.”

“Not at all, I simply lost a bet.”

“I see. Speaking of which, what are you here for milady?”

Tell him.

“The scrolls of six.” There were whispers around the room. Were there people in here?

“Those are some very pricy artifacts not to mention illegal to have them. What makes you think that I have them?”

“A hunch.” I smile lightly, the corner of my mouth rising into a smirk. If Damien needed me to act like I knew what I was doing, then I needed to act like it. I trained my eyes on his voice trying not to waver.

“The scrolls, they are the only set in creation, beautifully rare, one could say.”

“Such dark humor in front of a lady Dresdin, you should feel appalled.” He wants my eyes? Is this a sick joke?

“And somehow…”

“You are quite right though, one rarity for another. I perhaps would do it justice.” What? No, he couldn’t give himself up. What is he thinking?

“Interesting…so very interesting. And why are you so willing to be her bet?” He was laughing between his words. My bet…he’s already given so much of himself. I can’t let him do this…can I?

“Like I said…”

“You lost a bet. Must have been some bet?”

“Indeed it was.”

“So the last known Protector at my disposal.” This man is sick, demented. I can only imagine what he would use Damien for.

“One of my eyes.” My voice was stronger than I felt, but it wasn’t my heart that skipped a beat when I spoke.

Embry no!

“It would be an awful shame not to have a full set.”

“A full set? Perhaps I will think of something you can give me when the game is finished?”

“Agreed. Assemble the ring.”

What were you thinking!

You have already given too much of yourself! I can’t let you do this, what if I fail?

Then it would have been my services, not your body parts!

You’re putting so much faith in me, enough to give up your freedom. It’s the least I can do Damien.

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice anything Embry!

I’m not sacrificing. With or without my eyes I am blind Damien. Do you need anything else from Dresdin? Something sizzled on the floor.

I don’t…but Felyx he…

Damien? Nothing, the ring must be up. What was that about Felyx? Damien said they have all made a deal with Dresdin, I got the feeling not all of them won.

“Ugly Business, making bets. No I prefer the games. Now for the fun part milady, what is your game?”

“My game.” What was my game?

“Don’t tell me you came all this way unprepared?”

“No of course not, the game is Riddle me this, Riddle me that.”

“Riddles. How does the game work?

“We each tell a riddle. We start by saying riddle me this. When you think you know the answer, you say riddle me that before you answer. Each person has one minute to answer. The first person to not answer or answer wrong, loses.”

“Alright, John a one-minute hourglass please.” Feet shuffled across the floor and something thudded on the table, probably the hourglass.

“John will turn the hourglass over, agreed?”

“Agreed.”

“Very well. You, lady Embry may have the honors of going first.” Right, great what now? More like what riddle. What was the one Griffen gave to me, the one about shadows?

“Riddle me this never does it sleep or wake, never does a sound it makes, never does it live or die, never will it say goodbye, trust it in the darkness and trust it in the bright, something hard to find without the light.”

“Time starts now.” It was John who spoke. But the laugh came from Dresdin.

“Riddle me that shadows.”

“Correct.”

“You my dear are going to have to do better than that.” He was right; Damien warned me he was a smart man, that riddle took him all of ten seconds. I can do this right?

“Riddle me this there is a thing which nothing is, yet it has a name, a follower of the light, invisible in the night, of all sizes it can appear, nothingness filled is unclear.”

“Time starts now.” Ok, a nothingness that follows you in the light goes away in the night…wait. Was he messing with me?

“Riddle me that a shadow.”

“Correct. Let’s say that was a practice round, shall we?” I smile lightly, the less I say to him the more I can concentrate.

“Riddle me this it stands alone with no bones or solid form, adamant it prospers to never be wrong, though it may hurt, sometimes twisted, malicious, and curt, but always straight as an arrow, this substance always harrows.”

“Time starts now.” I’m running out of ideas. I can guess riddles, coming up with them is something different. I wish I knew where Damien was, how can he be so calm? His heartbeat, it’s been nothing but constant. I resist the urge to touch the smoothness hiding beneath the corset. An inkling of an idea arises, now all I have to do is be careful about my words.

“Riddle me that, the truth.”

“Correct.”

“Riddle me this you cannot see me.” I heart skipped a beat.

“Hear me, or touch me, I lie behind the stars and can alter what is real, nothing you can grasp and nothing you can feel, close your eyes and I’ll be there, the opposite of fair.”

“Time starts now.” He did that on purpose. He is playing with me. What can a seeing person not see? Has no sound, or feeling to it, closing your eyes and it comes, and the opposite of fair. What is his meaning of fair? This situation isn’t fair. He obviously knows that I am blind. He is sneaky, using my own obstacles against me.

“Thirty seconds.” Crap, ok what can a seeing person not see? Or, what do I see? I see nothing, it’s all just…”

“Fifteen seconds.”

“Riddle me that the dark.”

“Correct. Almost thought I had you there. You are clever.” I could feel my heart calming down. Ignore him Embry, just ignore him! Think of your words because the only right thing he has said is that you are clever. So prove it! Good pep talk.

“Are you alright Lady Embry?”

“Riddle me this, the object of the affection, a daily protection, an essence forever in their presence, a daily sacrifice worth the ending sentence, this heart sometimes sings to a different tune, stealing this object a worthy boon, a pitter patter of a life, priceless but not without a price.”

“Time starts now.” Damien’s heartbeat matched mine, a hammering that seemed to echo in my ears and yet it was quite, nothing stirred.

“Thirty seconds.” I laced my fingers to keep them from fidgeting.

“Riddle me that, the search for true love.” My breath caught in my throat.

“Wrong.” The whisper came out in a quiver.

“What did you say?” Dresdin’s voice was dark.

“Your answer, it’s wrong.” This time I was stronger.

“You are lying!”

“The ring does not lie. Lady Embry is the winner. I believe there was a further inquiry into your winnings milady?” It was john who answered. There was sizzling, the ring must have come down. I could hear whispers and shuffling of boots.

“Felyx Ailpein, he lost here?”

“Yes milady.”

“I would like his bet.”

“Very good milady.”

Damien?

I’m here. There was a hand on my right shoulder. I use the table to stand up, I was shaky. I turn towards Damien his hand found my right hand and I walk forward. I clasp my right arm around his left arm.

We did it.

You did it.

“Your bets milady.” I unwrap from Damien and hold out my hands. The back of my left hand was taken and opened up and closed around something heavy. It was box of some sort; I pull it close to me, holding it against my chest. My right hand was given a soft fabric pouch of some sort, it was light. What was it?

“What was the answer?”

“That was not part of the game Dresdin.”

Time to go. Damien’s left arm traveled across my shoulders to my left shoulder turning me around. I felt like I was being rushed, not that I didn’t want to leave.

“You tricked me somehow, I know you did. I will figure it out Damien, do you hear me!? I will figure it out and I will settle the score!” Those words made me want to run out of there, instead of running I was slipping, like the floor was being pulled from underneath me. I tried to catch my balance but there was nothing to catch my balance on. Damien’s left arm travelled down and grasped me around the waist; pulling me backwards. The darkness was around me again.

Damien what happened?

Sorry about that, we just had to get out of there fast.

He doesn’t take losing very well, does he?

No, no he does not. The ground started to come back; I stumbled forward, a searing pain shot through my shoulder down my arm, causing me to drop the items. The box clattering to the floor was all I heard until a scream escaped.

“Embry!” I try to reach to where the pain came from, a dizziness starting to take over.

“…Damien…I…I don’t….feel…” Sharpness slices out of my arm. This time the darkness sought me out.

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