Chapter 139: Another Reunion (1/2)

The figure gave one last glance at the duo at the countertop. Lifting his mug, he gulped the remaining golden liquid that he kept swirling for a while now.

He reached to the side where a carefully wrapped sheath was resting against the wall. There was a sword in it, but besides the hilt's vague figure nothing could be made out, as the thick linen wrapping carefully hid its decorative motifs.

He stood up and slowly put the holstered weapon back to the empty scabbard on the left side of his black leather belt. Raising his arms in the air he yawned loudly and stretched his tired back. After several days of information gathering and fruitless search, he finally found this runaway boy.

The only thing that puzzled him, was the second person, the female figure that arrived with him. Who was she? He couldn't glance at her due to the baggy hood they were wearing, but in the end, it doesn't matter. He had a job to do, and he can finally complete it and bring him back.

Glancing at them with one eye, as he finished his refreshing exercise, he slowly walked towards them. He was in no hurry, he wanted to catch a few bits from their silent whispers before interrupting.

As the scruffy man slowly, leisurely walked forward, Drake waved at the stout innkeeper who just came back from the kitchen with a large plate. Just looking at the plate full of steaming hot, dark brown grilled meat was enough to start the duo's waterworks. As for the bed, white rice was served with sliced mockernut and leeks. A bit of fried chard and chokeberries could also be seen.

It was hard for the duo to restrain themselves and not jump at the plate after a long and tiresome day of journeying. Seeing his hand, the innkeeper walked up to them. Giving a friendly smile, he greeted with his loud, powerful voice.

”Good Evening to you guys, the name's Arvin, the owner of this fine little establishment. What can I serve ya?”

Drake pointed at the plate that was just served as he replied in a hushed tone.

”That. Two servings please.”

The friendly smile not leaving his face, Arvin nodded and looked towards the kitchen. In the same manner, as he greeted them, he shouted back 'sending' the order to the person attending it.

”Ey, Elyn! We got two more servings needed!”

Then, he turned back, gesturing a thumbs-up with his thick right hand.

”Okay folks, it should be ready in a few minutes. You can wait here or…” he briefly glanced at the room, looking at the tables before he continued. ”...you can take a seat somewhere. I will call for ya when it's ready.”

”Thanks.” Drake curtly spoke. After Arvin stepped away to take the order of someone else, he looked at Scarlet who was still looking at the already half-empty plate next to them as if she was in a trance.

Sighing, he gently caressed the back of her hooded head, waking her from her stupor. He didn't say anything, just smiled at his sister.

Their tranquil moment was interrupted when suddenly a big hand lightly tapped Drake's right shoulder. He turned to look at the person only for his face to turn ugly upon seeing the smirking fellow.

Seeing his brother's reaction, Scarlet also turned to look at the guy. Scruffy, unkempt beard, large ugly scar on his face, and dusty black short hair. He looked vaguely familiar, but she wasn't sure from where.

However, before she could ponder on the matter more, Drake addressed the man.

”It's you… I hoped you would give up, you know I will not go back, no matter what you say.”

The man gave a tired sigh upon hearing his words. Caressing his brows, he spoke in an exhausted tone.

”Let's not start this again, Draco. You know I have to take you back, this is not up to me or to you. We both know that you have responsibilities, you can't just shirk them away. You can't just elope with every commoner girl you-.”

As he glanced over at the woman, his words froze in him on the spot due to the shock. Looking carefully at her fiery red tinges, the shadowy visage of her delicate face… Even after so many years, he could still recognize her. He stuttered to continue.

”P-p-p-princess?! H-h-how did… When… What?!” He mumbled in utter disbelief. He couldn't believe his eyes, the little girl that was taken away years ago with her brothers are back.

Drake smirked at the man's shocked expression. With a smug tone, he asked.