Chapter 320 (1/2)

Doing his best to put his Path woes out of his mind, Randidly turned his attention towards his immediate goals. Dealing with the Creature was at the top, but Randidly still wasn’t confident in his ability to do that yet. Although it felt a little bit like procrastinating, Randidly was unwilling to move forward without first understanding Aether a little bit more completely.

The strength that thing had displayed on their last encounter… it made Randidly grit his teeth. He was not at that level yet.

Below that was investigating in the whereabouts of Sydney and Ace. This was difficult because, based on what Randidly knew from his dreams, she was near the Skeleton Knight. IF those dreams could even be trusted.

Ace was apparently in contact with her, although there was some conflict there, so he was likely near there.

Randidly turned and surveyed the area. Previous classes of pledgees had come back to the area around the Wild Rider, from whatever anthill they had been hiding in. There were about 70 of them, and based on their movements, they were quite well trained and focused. As Randidly watched, the Wild Rider held a quiet discussion with Jemma while a contingent of these riders flanked her, glaring at anyone who would come near their leader.

There was a blind devotion in their eyes that made Randidly slightly uncomfortable. Well, perhaps uncomfortable was the wrong word. He didn’t like them, and planned on having as little interaction with them as possible.

Of course, just as Randidly thought that, the Wild Rider began walking over towards Randidly, dragging Jemma along with her. Randidly groaned inwardly, and did his best to keep his face neutral.

Apparently his acting was extremely poor, because as soon as she arrived, the Wild Rider said, “Am I really that bad of a conversationalist? You look like you are preparing to eat your bonded animal’s dung.”

As Randidly opened his mouth, he paused, because every one of the riders that followed, and ostensibly guarded the Wild Rider, was giving him a glare thick with jealousy and animosity. Were they offended because the Wild Rider came over to joke with him, or because he didn’t consider it an honor to eat his animal’s dung…?

This was exactly why he didn’t want to interact with extremist groups. Randidly supposed that the Wild Rider’s extreme independence was similar, but that also made it so she cared very little whether people followed her. Probably, she would prefer if they didn’t. As such, it fell to her little peons to become over involved in the affairs of the world…

Randidly just shrugged helplessly, half meaning it as an apology.

The Wild Rider laughed, which sounded like chirping insects. “Well anyway, I would like to discuss your future plans David. And of course, you too…?”

The Wild Rider gave Randidly a questioning look. “Neveah,” He supplied.

“David and Neveah,” The Wild Rider said, nodding. Randidly could tell that underneath her Regalia, the girl was giving the Bone Wurm a wide smile, as if it was the cutest thing in the world, and not a huge construct of bone and rot.

What Randidly didn't expect was Neveah’s reaction, as she flailed somewhat, and rolled her body towards them with a upthrust of rock. “Why David? Name’s not David.”

There was an awkward silence. Randidly winced, rubbing his neck. It took a few seconds for the people around to understand Neveah’s raspy, echoing voice, combined with her broken english, but very quickly they seemed to reach the correct conclusion all at the same time.

Of them all, the guards seemed to take this the most seriously, as if a fake name was a discovery that could threaten the Wild Rider. As if now that his fake name had been revealed, Randidly could turn against them, striking now that his cover had been blown.

Jesus, how touchy can you guys get…?

Jemma just seemed confused, and the Wild Rider tilted her head to the side. “Your… name isn’t David? But you told Simon-”