Chapter 32 - The Lieutenant (2/2)

”Yes,” I replied quietly.

Savah left, leaving behind two guards at the door. I went downstairs and into the bar. The barkeeper was a kind old man. He rambled on and on about what was happening in town.

Solskin soon entered.

Solskin

”What is happening in town these days? A murder at my front door. Now, my guests are being attacked. I am too old for this.”

”These are some trying times.” I walked up behind Persephone, starting up a conversation the barkeeper. She quickly joined the conversation, making some idle chit chat.

”During the demon outbreak, the town was just as crazy as now. What was it, 10 years ago?”

”Really now?” Persephone seemed genuinely interested in the conversation.

”Yes, yes. The town was filled with doomsayers and cultists. Lieutenant Savah, at that time he was 'bout 19 or so, helped eject those people from the Capital.”

”You mean the same guy who was just here,” I blurted out.

”That is the one. He is a regular here. Actually, he is my dear friend's grandson.”

”You seem to have quite the connections,” I whistled in appreciation.

”It's nothing like that. Old war buddies. It is not surprising that I know many in the army.”

After hearing that, I reverted back to my old self. I felt like I was listening to Erik in the suffocating tavern. The fireplace roared and I sat entranced, listening to the these war stories.

The old barkeeper kept rambling. ”Ah, yes. That reminds me, there was that young man that transferred in from Skanadia. Erik was the name I think. So full of energy. Practically bouncing of the walls,” the man gazed into the empty air, a faint smile on his lips, his voice wistful, ”He had the makings of a damn good soldier. I wish I knew what became of him.”

I mumbled out a few words. ”Erik became a guard at Solaire. Taught me how to fight. He died in the demon outbreak.”

The old man stared at me ”I am sorry.” His voice was filled with guilt and became tremulous as he realized he stumbled upon dark memories. He let a silence fall over the group as he mindlessly wiped a beer glass.