72 A Knights Tale Part 2 (1/2)

Aura pointed a pale and delicate finger at me. ”This is Dean Dapper. The older brother of Luca. The new, um, indentured soldier Chancellor Kairon recently acquired.”

Clearly, Aura wasn't keen on starting things out on a sour note. How unfortunate for her that there was no nice way to say, slave.

As expected, the atmosphere quickly darkened. It surprised me because I didn't expect any of them to look even remotely embarrassed by what they'd done to my brother.

Take note that I wasn't aware who the heck Kairon was at this point and just thought they were all kidnapping bastards. I was overwhelmed with fury when this whole fairy problem began. Not that any of that feeling has really gone away since.

Eventually, it was Orryn who broke the ice. And believe me, I was very surprised by how the child-like creature spoke in such an authoritative voice. Not something you'd expect from someone who appeared like he was just nine or ten years old.

”If he's the brother of the child we took then how exactly are we supposed to trust him?” Orryn pointedly asked Aurana. ”Can he even be loyal to us after what the clan has done to his family?”

”He and I have—”

”—he can speak for himself, thanks,” I growled.

I wasn't entirely sure why I was being combative. Possibly I just wanted to vent now that I was face to face with Luca's kidnappers.

”Aurana's filled me in on your problem. I'll help as long as she keeps her end of the deal,” I answered quickly.

”Her end of the deal?” Orryn looked from me to Aura. His gaze finally resting on her quickly paling face. ”Princess… tell me you didn't contract with a human?”

”A-and why can't I, Chancellor?” Aura asked while looking flustered.

”Because you're the sister of the patriarch! You have your position to consider before invoking the Rule of Equivalent Trade with some random boy,” he lectured.

In other circumstances, it would have been hilarious to watch a child lecture the very pretty she-elf. Unfortunately, I was in a testy mood.

”Look, kid—”

”I beg your pardon?” Orryn looked mortified. ”I am not a kid…” Orryn puffed his chest when he continued with, ”I am Orryn Timbers, Chancellor of the Sun and chief advisor to the Patriarch!”

”I don't know what any of those titles mean,” I pointed out.

I'd like to think that this first verbal spat between us wasn't the reason Orryn isn't very fond of me. Maybe it was. But I clearly remember Aura suppressing the laughter from bursting out of her. She was clearly enjoying the situation.

Things would have escalated for the worse for sure if Auranos hadn't stepped in himself.

”It is alright, Orryn,” Auranos breathed. ”I knew and approved of my sister's intentions when she left for Mudgard.”

Orryn bowed his head reverently. ”As you wish, Patriarch.”

With his head still bowed, Orryn sent me a scowl that was reminiscent of a teacher warning a student not to cause any more trouble.

Auranos turned the deep blue eyes hiding behind his golden mask on me next.

”Tell me, Dean Dapper… can you be the strength my sister requires?” he asked.

Despite the softness of his voice, I couldn't help feel intimidated by the fairy who'd spoken. It might have been his eyes. The way they didn't falter or blink when he gazed at me.

My eyes were dry because I couldn't blink. I had the impression that blinking meant I would lose.

”Y-yes…” I squeaked. Sighing, I took a deep breath and tried again. ”Yes, I can. No… I will. If you guys promise to give me back my brother when this is all over.”

”I will honor whatever trade you and my sister made… if you prove to be the asset she claims you can become,” Auranos said.

He raised his hand palm-forward toward me.

”Come closer,” he urged. ”I shall give you our Trickster's Blessing and we shall see what kind of potential is locked inside you.”

There was much more to this story but the weight that pressed against my gut had abruptly ended my flashback. Next thing I knew, I was back in the present and getting pushed kick away from a very injured Jimmy Jonas.

I tumbled away and rolled on my back until I was able to get upright again five meters away.

”Dean, are you alright?!” Luca yelled from somewhere in the crowd behind me.

I sent him the thumbs up, the universal sign for ”Sure, I'm okay although I'm feeling bruised all over!”

”Way to go, Dean!” this time it was Qwipps' voice rising above the clamor. ”Muds! You got him good!”