Chapter 3 - The Meeting (2/2)

”That was certainly not a normal cast. Was it modified somehow by your friend?”

I shrugged, ”Hades if I know. He just taught it to me and didn't explain how it worked. He just said it was a spell that only put people to sleep.” I hoped that was the case.

”I would like to meet this man. There is something I would like to ask him. Very irresponsible of him, not providing adequate instruction.”

”Suit yourself. I have no clue were he is. I am going to the Capital, he might be there.”

Solskin

I watched the exchange from the side. I was especially interested in Xavier. He was completely composed despite the tense conversation. Something about his nature seemed off to me. His eyes suggested calm, but his clenched fist screamed ”guarded.” As I studied him closer, I saw scars running down the left side of his face. They seemed vaguely familiar.

”Y-you are in the arm-my. How can I best get a position to serve the king?”

I sensed a certain sadness from him, similar to my own. His eyes became unfocused and he seemed stuck in a certain memory. I sheathed my sword, and reflected upon myself. He was just like me.

Xavier

”Simply put, you gain the king's attention. Why such interest in protecting the king?” I questioned. I was still stuck in my past. I felt the urge for my eyes to well up with tears from remembering those scenes. They were scorched into my mind with its sheer brutality and horror. Bodies were drained of their very life force and withered. I forced those memories back into the depths of my mind and steeled myself. I locked eyes with Solskin.

”I'vve al-always look-ed up to the soldiers. Alsoo, I was in Solaire du-during the attack.”

”You were there?” I was surprised. ”Do you know about the Bloody First?”

”Já. M-m-my father was first to find them. Never got the exact de-details. Th-then my v-village was attacked by I-I-It. It killed Erik. I want to protect others from that same experience..”

The remnants of alcohol loosened his lips and he began to overshare. Tears began to form in the corner of his eyes as obviously painful memories came to the forefront. I stared at him blankly.

I cut off his remicising. ”It has been awhile since I have traveled with others. I don't really care, but you can come along.”

”The magic you used was very intriguing, it's… familiar. I want to meet your friend and ask him about it. If it isn't a bother, I would like to accompany you on this fine little adventure. Shall we meet in the marketplace tomorrow morning?”

Persephone

Hidden in the nearby alleyway, I watched the exchange, listening in on their conversation. The man who fought the entire tavern, now known to me as Xavier, seemed to be a skilled fighter. Yet, when it came to the more social situations, his wit was not as sharp as his blade. I pulled out my pocket watch and checked each one of them.

It was odd, my watch had never failed before, and yet, whenever it was anywhere near Xavier, the hands suddenly stopped at twelve. I did not know what was happening, but I intended to find out. I tuned in to the conversation again.

”I am heading back to the tavern.”

”I-I'm going to sleeep.”

”Farewell. I must return to my manor, there is business I must attend to. Good night, gentleman.”

With that, I watched the group break up and walk their separate ways. Going to the Capital wouldn't draw me away from my duties too much. I wondered if I should meet them face to face. Deliberating the entire way, I ambled my way back to the church.