Chapter 94 - Ninety (1/2)

The only problem I encounter after entering the room and putting our bags on the side is that…

There is nothing for me to do until night comes!

What the heck prepare the place up, even if there was something to clean or arrange, I wouldn't do it because I'm not really his servant!

In the end I did what I could and checked the dormitory up to the smallest details, to the fireplace and the framed map to the question of why there were so many chairs on the sides of the room for a one-person place; beyond that there were many places to put incense in, colorful pillows over smooth sofas, a bed with covers on the back, separated by a screen made of wood, the dark brown lumber being shaped like a phoenix mid-fly, leaves fl.u.s.tering around and feathers dropping gracefully, a stunning moment captured with expertise by the crafter.

But, well, there was only so long that my mind could be captured by these petty things, and soon I found myself laying on the couch on the side, one arm resting over my eyes, bored and considering to invade the place when it was still bright outside.

I wasn't dumb enough to risk myself like that, but every minute doing nothing there felt… wrong, even more when my brother could be suffering out there.

That's when I thought to make better use of this free time, and beyond reading part of the books that I took from my space and trying to discern if they were of any relevance to our quest, I started talking with my Shadows.

'Deadbite, any news from your side?' I ask through my link and wait for his answer.

'Yo, boss, ahm… not really, 't hasn't been long since we talked soo… Only that the king came out to confirm, is legit, they really are on a treaty ya see…'

'Tell me more. What did the king say?'

'Only that the union of so many countries 's a blessed thing brought by the representatives, as he calls the ones from the Rotherhithe, and he says this alliance 's for the greater good and to bring peace to all, unite and 'stuff. He seemed oddly eager, enthusiastic even…'

'Anything else?'

'Uhm… only that he named the alliance The Enlightening.'

That makes me raise an eyebrow. 'Is that so?'

'Aye boss, 's dis.'

'Ok, thank you, you have been very useful so far, keep me updated to anything odd you may find there.'

We chat a little more about his plans for the next few hours but, after a while, with nothing more to say I stop talking with him, passing some time with the pages, getting tired of having to scan the letters with my eyes over and over again, but without that the situation goes back to what it was before and with nothing more to do I would only have the raising boredom and anxiety as company.

Uhm… I wonder how Leonel is doing… Not that I'm worried or anything, is just a thought… brought by boredom I bet.

Yes yes, how about I check on them as well? No harm done there.

As Darkjaw cannot speak our link works more in sharing images and thoughts, so I reach out for his mind and see through his eyes, watching as the woods unfold before me as he growls, acknowledging my presence.

'What are you up to buddy?'

He turns his face around, as if to show me the place up, and right beside him Leonel's face comes to view, his eyes looking down, reacting to Darkjaw moves, and staring deep into his eyes.

…

Darkjaw! You were supposed to stay hidden! What the heck are you doing walking beside them oi!

I can hear a whimper at the back of my mind as flashes of his memories rush in my mind, the smell of food and the cold woods, the temptation and the loneliness.

…So they conquered you with food? What are you, a beast?

And do not dare to whimper a yes!