SoC: TbF Chapter 4- Stepping Stone Part 2

    ‘Breakfast…was a quiet one.  The pub was calm, despite last night’s activities.  Arwyn walked in, pausing to look around in the doorway before spotting me.  Then, she walked up to the table, reaching out for the chair in front of me.  Spinning it around, she sat down and glanced at the empty spaces between us.  Her eyes settled back on me as her thin eyebrows furrowed.

    “He’s not up yet,” she asked.

    “No, not yet.”

    “Odd for him,” she hummed.

    I hoped she would drop it.  My mind was still wrapping itself around what I saw.  I turn my focus to my plate: a couple fried eggs, potatoes, toast, and bacon.  In turn, I attempt to block out her and the ambient noise.  But I could still make out her words as she tried to coax me into a conversation.  My knife and fork clinked together louder.  Another attempt to obstruct her words.

    I tensed as a hand landed onto of my dominant hand.  My head jerked up, pulling my attention from my plate to a pair of brown eyes.  She stared right into me, seeking reasons for most likely my behavior.  Her calloused fingers dug into my skin.

    “What is wrong with you,” she hissed.

    “Nothing.”

    “Is that how it is?”

    “How what is,” I asked.

    Arwyn’s grip tightened.  Then it left as suddenly as it came.  She pushed her torso off the table, sitting back in the chair.  Her arms immediately crossed over her chest as her eyes bore into mine.  An index finger tapped her beige shirt…like she was thinking about answering my question or not.

    “You and Hellsbane…  Something goes on between the two of you and you keep quiet about it,” she said.

    And with each word, I picked up her frustration.

    “I think he deserves his privacy…”

    “So, keeping me in the dark is the whole goal here?”

    And…jealousy?

    “Are you still mad about me…”

    “Is that what you are thinking,” Arwyn snapped.  “Sure, you purposely helped him conceal his identity.  His own brother even helped.  Both of you lied to me and your father about him.  Yes, I’m still annoyed about that, but…”

    “I don’t see how this has to do with your jealousy, Arwyn.  It doesn’t suit you,” I dared to cut her off.

    “My jealousy?!?”

    “Yes,” I answered.

    Her eyes lit up more as the tapping stopped.  Her nostrils flare as she kept herself from launching across the table and food.  Then, she rose up, leaving me behind as she walked up to the bar.  I scoff at her.  What is really her big deal?  And why would she of all people envy us?

    I took a bite and cringed.  Cold food…great.  First I worry about my past life.  Then there was that small argument with our teacher.  And now…a cold breakfast…  Perfect way to start the day, I swear.  Still…I paid for it, might as well finish it.  I filled my fork as much as it could go and ate.  My eyes occasionally strayed from the plate, glancing up at the bright wings.  Their outline was blurry; a good chance that they fluffed out in her frustration with me.

    “Present life?”

    I jumped, bashing my thighs against the tabletop.  I clamped my teeth shut, right on the tongue that dared to curse.

    Facing me, Sanatos’ eyebrow rose.  His eyes studied me as I tried to recompose myself.  Then, they flicked over the bar.  Sanatos walked to the chair next to mine, sitting down.  He rested his chin in his right hand as I could watch his mind work.  While he was clothed in his black tunic and pants, I focused more on his hair.  San had tied back with a yellow ribbon near the base of his skull.  But, the sea of red blocked out what I really looking for, which is that black lock.

    “Did you two have a fight,” he asked me.

    “Huh?”

    “Did you have a fight with Teacher, present life,” he repeated.

    His gaze focused on me like he knew the answer, but still wanted a confession.  My throat flexed, swallowing a bit of air as I hung my head.  He groaned softly, rubbing his eyelids with his fingers.  “Over what?”

    “She was talking about how we beat you down here,” I answered.  “I…I didn’t really pay attention to it.  I felt that you deserved your privacy about it.”

    “About what?  I slept in after making sure you fell back asleep last night.”

    “San,” I paused, looking at him after raising my head.  “How are you feeling though?”

    “Fine, perfectly fine.  Though, I should be asking that to you,” he said.  He lowered his hand and his eyes softened.  “How are you?  How often do you have dreams like that?”

    I hesitated…because I didn’t want to admit it.  I really didn’t.  But, my dreams have made my rest restless, almost fleeing.  So, I answered, “I don’t know…  Maybe a month or two.  They are either a bright place with her voice calling out to me and a silhouette…  Or like last night, a cold and dark place where I am…”

    “Isolated from everyone else,” he finished.

    I nodded, earning a sigh.

    “We need to find a way to end those.  If the nightmares keep coming, it will only be a matter of time before they affect both of us.”

    “You don’t have to stay awake…”

    “I usher you back to sleep because I want to.  You are my top priority,” he reminded me, emphasizing the last sentence.  “So, we’re looking for this other Helvian today?”

    A crooked smile curled my lips as I snorted.  In almost military fashion, he switched topics on me.  Either that, the move was in a political fashion.  I don’t know which.  And it doesn’t matter.  My dreams and that lock of his hair could be a puzzle that we can set aside.  Once we have a chance, then we can return to them and figure them out.  Our current one has a piece that is just waiting for us.  I know it.  And he does to as he smiled at seeing my lifted spirit.  Pleased with himself, he requested his meal.

    As he ate, I watched Arwyn turn away from the bar.  From the stiff shoulders and scowl, I daresay that her anger still lingers.  But she put it aside as she approached us and greeted San.

    “I’ll be doing my own errands today.  Whatever it is you two are up to, count me out,” she snapped.

    I flinched at it while Sanatos remained unbothered by it.  He nodded as he swallowed.  Then, washed down the remaining food with his fresh milk.  “All right.  What do you say?  Meeting back here at sunset?”

    “That is fine with me,” she agreed.  Arwyn rolled her shoulders, in which I could have sworn she paused.  She noticed me studying her and glared, forcing me to look somewhere else.  Then she left in silence.

    I glanced at San, whom watched her leave.  “Didn’t she seem to be in pain to you?”

    “No…  She looked to be stiff, but not in pain.  I thought her stiffness after a lesson or two is normal for her,” I answered.

    Sanatos’ scowl deepened.

    “Why?  Is there something more between you and…”

    “Present life, pull your mind out of there…now,” he ordered, looking at me seriously.  “That is a death wish right there.  Even in my time, she was still my senior.  There is just something else…”

    I looked at him.  Something else?  What could she be hiding?  Is she really hiding something?  The questions run through my head.  I shook it, trying to dispel them.  If San deserved his privacy, so did she.  I shouldn’t pry into her matters.  If it was something important, Arwyn surely would have told us by now.  “Come on,” I urged him, “let’s do what we need to do.”

    Sanatos’ posture relaxed.  His shoulders dropped slightly as tension melted away.  A small nod of acknowledgement was my answer before he resumed his meal.  Finishing it in a couple scoops, he rose to his feet and stretched, reaching up to the ceiling.  Rolling his shoulders, he spun his chair back around so the back faced the walkway.  I followed suite and led him out of the tavern into the street.

    I inhaled the air and looked up to the sun.  The city slowly stirred around us.  Mostly traders lined the streets, packing up to finish their journey.  Others just arrived, guiding their carts to the marketplace to set up.  A few of them greeted us, which I returned as we walked away from the door.  Our heels clicked on the cobblestone, but masked by the hooves and wooden wheels.

    I tried to think who and where I could ask.  With the constant of visitors, the markets were still my best bet.

    “The market, present life?”

    “Yeah,” I confirmed.  “We’re not asking for a female Helvian this time though.”

    “We are looking into a rumor of another one that lives along the route.”

    “Right.” I nodded.

    The only problem was that I didn’t know whom to ask.  I guess everyone again and see where that gets me.  So, it begun as the noises of the market welcomed us as things were starting to pick up.  I floated from one person to another.  Some gave dumbfounded looks.  Others confirmed the rumor, but only had that rumor to share.

    “Beros,” Sanatos called.

    I looked at him as the merchant stopped.

    “What?”

    Sanatos grabbed my hand.  “Come with me.  I found your lead.”

    He pulled me along as I muttered my thanks.  The merchant nodded and possibly muttered something about our behavior.  I don’t know.  I do know that Sanatos dragged me along, weaving in and out of the crowd with ease.  The stalls blurred as I focused on just keeping up.

    “Wait,” he shouted.

    I tried to see whom he was yelling at.  A man rose to his feet in front of us, turning to the wagon and pushing a box in.  He turned back to us and looked at my past life before me.  “That your friend,” his deep voice rumbled.

    “Yes, you said you know the one we are looking for.”

    The hired man hummed.  “I do.  I paid a visit to him last we were there.  My horse needed to be looked at,” he said.  “His name is Maurus Blake.  One of the best I know.  Good with animals.  He started his practice in Dios some time ago.”

    “How about long ago,” I asked him.

    “Maybe a month or so after Caelius and Ares returned,” he answered.  “Dios is about a two to three day ride north of here.  It is one of the larger hubs, so it may take a bit of time to find him.”

    “What does this Blake look like,” Sanatos asked.

    “He is about hey high,” the fighter gestured at his shoulder.  “Blake often wore robes when I saw him.  Oh wings…  He is one of your kind…  I know one of the colors is a dark brown.  I think his primary and secondary feathers were orange.  Maybe, I could be wrong on that.”

    “Thank you for your time,” I said as his employer finally noticed us talking.

    The man nodded, “Good luck to you.  Safe travels.”

    “Same for you, good man,” Sanatos returned.

    The mercenary returned back to his work.  The merchant observed his hired hand return to loading the last items into the wagon.  Once he finished, the mercenary mounted his horse while the merchant climbed into the wagon’s seat.  With a snap of the reigns, they rode out.

    “We have time to kill.  Still a few hours before sunset,” he pointed out.

    I nodded.  “Wanna head back to the inn, grab the gear, and have a round.”

    “Sounds good to me,” he grinned.’

    ‘Two days have passed since talking to that man.  That night was our last night in Balis.  We spent the evening informing Arwyn of the plan.  She appeared to have accepted it, but I can’t shake the feeling of her displeasure.  We decided flying was our best opinion, in order to make up time before fall gives way to winter.  However, it still required low altitude to make out the road and landmarks that led to it.  We managed to land early yesterday morning and promptly slept most of the daylight away.  I tried to look for Maurus Blake yesterday evening, but didn’t make much progress.  I hope today will bare better fruit.

    I carry this hope as we walk the streets of the market hub.

    “Fine linens! Fine linens here!”

    “Mutton, fresh mutton!”

    And more shouting surrounded us as we walked with the crowd.  Despite Dios being a stop, the market called out much louder than that of Balis.  Stalls lined both sides of the street.  Bright tarps covered their vendor and goods as the masses flocked towards them.  Stone bricked building surrounded the plaza.  Their wooden shudders welcomed the noise into the home.

    “I don’t remember this…at all,” Sanatos whispered into my ear.

    Glancing at him, I nodded.  But it did nothing to take away what he was feeling.  My past life stuck close to me as we walked.  His gold eyes lit up in uncertainty and agitation.  His muscles tensed at each unintentional bump.  Then, he bit his cheek to keep himself from lashing out.

    “Just breathe,” Arwyn said.

    But even she looked to be on edge.  I couldn’t hold back my chuckle.  I admit it that seeing them like this amused me.  Much like how Arwyn got her kicks from training.  And Sanatos…He got it from about everything else.

    “Come on,” I tried to encourage them.

    “You’d think with more eyes, we’d find this Blake by now,” Sanatos growled.

    “Not if you keep huffing about it.”

    “Who ever thought of places like this were out of their minds.”

    “Aw, don’t think like that,” I grinned.  Sanatos skeptically looked at me.  “Just think of it as your own trading district has evolved.”

    Sanatos scowled as Arwyn rolled her eyes.  Both of them went silent.  I shook my head at their antics.  Really, how can one not feel rejuvenated in a place like this?  Or at least curious about it all? Party poopers.

    “Thanks again, Mr. Blake.”

    I froze, looking to my right.  Among the stalls and shops, a pair of doors stood open.  A man stood in the doorway with another, on top of a little bit of straw.  The one standing a little closer to the street was about my height, but possessed more muscle mass than I.  However, the man in the door drew my attention.  He had a pair of dark brown and orange wings, pointed ears, and the deepest brown eyes I’ve seen…on anyone!

    I stumble forward, hearing both Sanatos and Arwyn voice their disapproval.  As I straightened, their conversation stopped.  The more muscular man snarled at us.  Then, a mass of tricolor wings blocked my view.  People screamed as two swords clashed.  I felt my color drain, already fully aware of the lengths he will go.  I could hear Arwyn about to join in.  Probably due to her allegiance to him years ago.

    I had to stop this…

    My mind toned out the noises of the crowd.  I barely heard ‘Blake’ demanding his man to stop.  But, the swords remained locked together.  I pulled Arwyn back, glaring at her as she struggled.  In her eyes, I could read her questions and doubts.  Maybe I am a little crazy.  But who is better than the other half of a soul?

    I released her as the swords broke free.  It is now or never.  My left hand snared the hilt and pulled as I stepped around my past life.  The swords swung and clanged against mine.  The man whom was talking to ‘Blake’ blinked, but San…

    He glared like an angry child who had his toy taken away.  His eyes hardened…to where I found myself looking into pools of lava than gold.

    “Sheath it,” I ordered.

    The glare continued as is eyes flicked towards the figure behind me.  The clicking metal whispered of the merc’s fidgeting, an itch that needed to be satisfied.  I twisted my sword, breaking the stalemate.  The armored male backed away as I formed the block between them.

    “Sheath it, now.”

    I watched Sanatos as he tried to catch a glimpse of the other man.  I shifted my weight to keep my knees from locking.  And to make sure that I obscure his attack window at the same time.  Sanatos growled, but it died as I tapped his weapon with mine.  I repeated my order.  The former prince relented finally, sliding his sword back into its scabbard.

    He lowered his gaze, accepting the order.  Yet, in the air around him, I could feel his dislike for it.  With the situation somewhat calmed, Arwyn moved to stand next to him.  Her eyes danced between us, almost flabbergasted.  I paid no more attention to them as I turned around.  The mercenary tensed, but stared as I slid my sword back into its scabbard.

    “That’s enough.  Haven’t we jumped to enough conclusions for one day,” I asked.

    The Helvian stepped forward, extending his arm to block his companion.  His brown eyes glowed softly in gratitude.  Yet, it felt like that after a while it will be water under the bridge.  I breathed, taking in my lung capacity, in attempt to calm my nerves.

    “Maurus Blake, I presume,” I asked him.

    “To whom it concerns,” he answered.  “What are you after?”

    “I came looking for answers, sir.”

    He raised his eyebrow, studying us.  “Really?  Two males and a female?  How do I know if one of you isn’t seeking mate…”

    “Sir, information is all I’m seeking,” I repeated.

    I could have sworn that I heard San mutter something along the lines of me being taken.  I’m not completely sure on that.  But if so, I’ll deal with it behind a closed door.

    Blake’s eyes narrowed while the mercenary looked at him.  Black locks fluttered as he shook his head, denying the armored man something.  A winter breeze rushed past all of us, nipping at our skin and toying with our hair.  Once it settled down, silence remained in its place.

    “I’m sorry, but I cannot help you,” he finally broke the silence as he turned around.  “Have a good day.”

    “Sir, you lived in Caelius once,” I protested, reaching out and clamping down on his shoulder.  “I want to know if your territory neighbored a female with…”

    “Boy, that should be a given.  It is in our nature. Now excuse me.”

    He pulled his shoulder out of my grip.  He finished turning away from me and the crow.  They parted for him and the mercenary.  As he was about to follow, the armored man looked over his shoulder and sneered.  Then, he walked away.  The part closed.  And the people turned their attention on us to see what we do.

    My hands clenched shut, digging my nails into my skin.  My lungs expanded before my legs propelled me forward.  My eyes focused on the merc’s retreating back as I force my way through the crowd.  With each step, my conviction welled up.  This Helvian is the one I looked for in Balis and here.  What he knows is within reach.

    And I dared not to let this only chance slip through my fingers.

    My nostrils flared.  My mind forced my legs to pick up the pace.  The voices around me fell on deaf ears; including the sounds of my past life trying to catch up with me while our mentor followed him closely.  ‘Blake’ had my complete focus as his mercenary friend took a different path.

    I reached out.  Blake’s form teased me, lingering just out of reach.  I snarled, accelerating my pace even more.  “Blake.”

    The Helvian stopped, turning his head to look at me.  His eyes hardened.  What warmness they had was gone.  “I have nothing for you, child.  Go home.”

    I still followed, but stopped in my tracks.  My stomach twisted and churned violently.  I forced myself to stay on my feet, allowing my left arm to cross over my abdomen.  I cursed at myself, recognizing the potential situation that I put myself in.  In an attempt to lighten the cramping a little, I stepped back.  But even with that, I didn’t feel better…  Just a hair safer in being a couple steps away.

    Dammit…  In my focus, I almost trespassed.  And he knows it.

    “Trying to intrude, boy?”

    “No,” I gasped out.  I noticed my companions approaching and signaled them to stop.  Only I needed to be here at the moment.  Then, at least those two can pull my hide out if things get too bloody.  “I just couldn’t let you slip away.”

    “I said go home.”

    “I’m not going anywhere.  Not until you answer my question.”

    “Stubborn child,” he growled.  “I appreciate you stopping the sword fight, but that is all.  Now, stop this foolishness before you get yourself killed.”

    “Then answer a simple yes or no question,” I challenged.  “Did you or did you not know a Helvian woman with canary yellow feathers? Yes or no?”

    I tensed as a set of hands helped me stand up.  I turned to look at whom, meeting another set of gold eyes.  I scowled, but decided to deal with him later.  So, I focused back on the other male, whom stared at me.

    “How do you know that?”

    “I pieced things together.  A vet that didn’t exist here until after the seal broke,” I explained.  “As for the feather color,” I paused as I fished the only reminder out of my shoulder bag.  I held it out for him to look at.

    Then, he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.  He waved his hand, telling me to put the feather away.  Blake grumbled to himself before looking up at us.  “Very well.  You all may enter.  We’ll talk inside.  I am indeed Maurus Blake.”

    “Beros Solaris,” I introduced myself.  “The woman with me is my mentor, Arwyn Stalis.  And he…is my cousin, Malachi.”

    I nodded in confirmation, pushing away from Sanatos.  Despite the permission, my stomach had yet to settle down.  At least I feel better, mentally, knowing that he is letting us in.  A small smile crept onto my face as my eyes finally take the time to look around us.  The crowds of the market had died off.  Stalls and shops gave way to one and two story cottages.  They lined up at the edge, waiting for their occupants to return.  A few people walked around where heading towards the market.  A couple of people occasionally entered a building and soon came back out with a package in tow.

    Blake stopped in front of a cottage.  A wooden sign with a painted eye hung above us.  A large window looked out onto the street.  The eye was painted on it as well, above a small display of a clear glass ball on a small table.  I looked up, noticing a second story.  It had to be the living quarters.  Yet, I couldn’t wrap my mind on why a vet would live here.

    I jumped as a finger tapped my shoulder.  Sanatos stepped into my view, briefly glancing at me and a jar front door.  Our host stood inside, waiting for us to enter.  An apology tumbled out of my mouth as my head hung low.  My legs carried me over the threshold.  And into a different realm.

    Dark blue fabric hung off of sections of the walls.  The glass counters were filled with bunches of sage and sticks of incense.  Carefully carved crystal skulls peeked from the shelves; over scrolls and behind leaning books.  Sweet aroma of spices filled the air of the spaces.  I could also hear a gentle voice coming from a nearby room.

    “Quiet, there is a reading going on,” Blake ordered.

    I nodded as he led us to a door on the back wall.  My eyes glanced over at the left wall, peeking past the tapestry.  A pair of women leaned over a table, eager for something.  Satisified, I directed my gaze forward, but stopped in my tracks as a gasp left that room.  I spun around, attracting my companions’ attention.

    “How does that fit my question?”

    “I don’t know…This card usually never shows.  Please allow me to try again.”

    “Please do, Ms. Aerora,” an elderly voice pleaded.

    Our host pushed me aside, walking up to the panel of cloth.  Shuffling cards filled the void as he pulled the tapestry back.  I tried to peek around him; in order to do so, I had to move parallel to the room.  The room’s walls were lined with a purple fabric and secured in a way that it resembled a tent.  A soft lavender cloth covered the table’s surface.  The two clients sat on one side of it.  All I could see of the reader was thin, delicate hands.  They shuffled the small deck of cards, dealt three onto the table, and turned over the first one.

    “Again,” the reader paused for a moment.  “Someone’s energy…  That energy must be influencing the cards. Oh, Maurus, welcome back,” she greeted him after realizing he was there.

    “I have company with me.  They won’t be long.”

    “I understand,” the reader answered.  Their fingers picked up the cards again, not bother to flip the other two.  Silence returned briefly before the sound of shuffling began.  The reader’s hand pulled the top card off the deck after cutting and flipped it.  “Thirteen again…”

    “What does this mean,” one of the women pressed.

    I glanced at our host to understand why we haven’t moved.  But I think this occurrence in the reading had his attention.

    “Someone’s energy is blocking out mine.  I’m sorry, but until the influence is gone, I cannot do any tarot readings at this time,” she apologized.  “This session will be refunded, ma’am.”

    “I hope this dilemma passes soon, Ms. Aerora,” the younger client said as she and her companion rose to their feet.

    They turned towards the tapestry, thanking Blake for holding it open.  He stepped to the side, allowing them passage.  The women blinked at us for a moment.  Confusion lit up their eyes. Then, they progressed towards the entrance without thinking anymore of us.

    “This doesn’t make any sense.”

    My eyes moved back to our host and froze on the woman next to him.  Curly blonde hair tumbled over her shoulders and down her back.  Blue eyes glanced at us and then on Blake before returning to us.  They reminded me of periwinkles just blooming.  Long pointed eyes peeked out of her hair.  Sheer violet fabric wrapped around her head and over her mouth.  A very light blue blouse covered her torso, stopping a hair short to reveal a little bit of waist.  A violet cloth was tied at her hip and flowed down to her calves.  Thin gold chain was layered on top of the dress to add to her gypsy feel.

    “You…” She paused, “you are not of this time.”

    Her words caught me by surprise.  I blinked while my mind tried to figure out whom she was referring to.  Then, I noticed her eyes were focused next to me.  I glanced out of the corner to see who was there and met a copy.  Sanatos.

    “Aerora,” Blake addressed.  “They are only passing through.”

    “All right, all right,” she said, closing her eyes and waving her hand at him.  As she opened her eyes, they focused on Sanatos again.  “May…may I have a word with you later?”

    “If that is what you wish,” Sanatos replied with a slight bow of his head.

    The elf nodded, smiling slightly.  “Now, how can we help you?

    “They are asking about Anna,” Blake cut her off.

    Aerora’s eyes widened.  Her hands clasped each other, folding them over her waist.  Her eyes darted to the floor as she pondered.  Her hands freed themselves before pulling at her dress.  She lowered a little.  “Excuse me then good sir, but I will rejoin you in a bit.”

    She strode around Blake and to the back door, vanishing inside.  He watched the space she occupied, waiting.  Then his attention shifted to us.

    “Now then, shall we…”

    “Who’s Anna,” I pressed him.

    “First, we sit; then talk,” he glared at me, but his answer implied that he will address the question.

    So, I decided to trust that implication.  Blake walked back to the door.  When he opened it, he gestured for us to step in.  A small staircase led up into a decent size living room.  Benches lined the edges of an area rug.  Behind us the kitchen waited while a hallway branched off in a few feet from the stairway.  Blake walked up behind us, closing the stair well door behind him.  As he approached the top of the stairs, he signaled us to sit down, in which we obeyed.  Aerora walked into the room, garbed in a crème blouse and simple strapped dress over it.  She waited for Blake to settle down as San and I took one of the benches.  Arwyn opted to lean against a wall, instead of sitting down.  Once everyone had found a spot and settled down, Blake let out a sigh.

    “Anna Bolshov…was a female that neighbored my territory.  Back in the Age of Peace, I lived in Caelius, just like you figured.  The southern portion of Minosha in fact.  I lived in the farming village, Yumi, and worked as a vet.  Anna…lived in Yumi as well, in a house on the southern outskirts of town.  For the most part, we only interacted professionally.  That is until she expressed interest in a mate.”

    “I had to take some time to think about it, but when I worked up the courage…  Another of her interests visited the town.  A big male with dusk orange and dull gold wings.  He had ginger red hair that was tied back and scruff…”

    “This male,” I interrupted.  “Did he have scars on his arms?  And was he from a town north of you?”

    “Yes, that is what the townsfolk said.  He was a weapon smith…”

    “Solaris,” Arwyn muttered.  We all looked at her, unsure if we even heard her.  She lifted her head in realization.  “I think know this woman…somewhat.  Before I found you, I flew myself into exhaustion.  A healer had found me and helped me get back on my feet, as you would put it.  I remember her being a Helvian.  But…I didn’t know this healer possibly mated with your father.”

    “Father,” Blake repeated her.  His eyes turned to me, silently asking me to clarify.

    “My father is a weapon smith from Dilera in northern Minosha.  He’s a big, muscular fellow with dusk orange and dull gold wings.  And he definitely looks like he’s been a few fights.”

    His eyes lit up.  “That man was, I mean, is your father,” he stammered.  “You’re not built like him at all.  Instead, more like Anna…”

    “More like her,” the words tumbled out.

    “Your body type.  You have a lean build to you that your musculature matches almost perfectly.  Even your facial structure, I see her,” he clarified.

    I leaned back into my seat.  Excitement had set fire to my nerves.  “Tell me.  Is she…is she still there?”

    “Maybe,” he answered.  “She was when I left.”

    “Why did you leave,” a voice next to me broke in.  Sanatos briefly glanced at me before returning his gaze back to Blake.

    “A couple reasons,” our host started.  “One, like I should continue, was her nature.  She had left Yumi for about six years after I failed to return interest.  I went to her to try, but all she had on her mind was her child.  She wanted the child to live with her; not its father.  She kept saying that she was better suited to raise it.  It took a while, maybe half a year or so, to realize that she was just using me as a venting post.”

    “The second was her choice in company,” he paused.  He raised his hand as my mouth opened to ask.  I closed it and allowed to continue.  “About when I realized that, I also started to notice some strange folk in town.  Especially a half dwarf with dirty blond locks.  He was about her height,” he pointed at Arwyn for reference.

    “A client, maybe,” I probed him.

    Blake shook his head.  “A client that needed a lot of medicine in a short period of time?  Something else was there.  I moved as soon as I could once the seal broke.”

    More questions mingled with the new information as my eyes stayed on him.  Arwyn also looked to be in the same boat I’m in.  Only San seemed to be unfazed by it all.  Or he was just that good at hiding it.  I’ll never know with him.

    “What will you do now,” Aerora spoke up.

    I blinked as I realized whom the question was directed at.  I looked at her, seeing the curiosity and worry in her eyes.  “We will head north to Yumi.”

    “You intent to meet her,” his sentence rolled out like a question.

    I nodded.  “She has some answers about my childhood.  I’m hoping that…she isn’t as my father and brother painted her out to be.”

    “We should plan for this,” Arwyn stepped in before our host could.  “What do you think, Solaris?”

    “Yes,” I agreed.  I looked back at my host and stood up.  I bowed slightly and said, “Thank you very much, Mr. Blake.”

    He waved his hand dismissively.  Getting that we are free to leave, I turn to face San.  But, he shook his head.

    “Go on without me.  Our hostess wanted a word with me, remember,” he replied.

    “Malachi,” Arwyn addressed.

    “I’ll be fine.  Don’t lose your excitement because of me,” he smiled as he spoke.  “I’ll meet you back the inn.  Just keep an eye on him, will you Arwyn.”

    She nodded in acknowledgement.  She looked at me briefly before turning to face our hosts.  Like me, she bowed to them.  “Thank you again.”

    Arwyn glanced at me once more before walking over to the stairwell.  As she started to go down, I looked at San again, who nodded at me to go on.  I nod slowly and turned to follow.  I rushed past Blake and Aerora in attempt to catch up with my mentor.

    Thinking back, I think Blake looked concerned.  Or maybe annoyed.  It could be both.  Either way, as I exited the shop, I didn’t stop to ask.  Nor did I return to find out either.’

    Beros read over the words, trying to see if he missed something.  With a sigh, he closed his journal and looked out the window.  Vibrant magenta painted the clouds as a blanket of dark blue crept closer.  A knock commanded his attention.  Beros voiced his permission.  The room latch clicked and the wooden door opened.  A short woman with vibrant tri-color wings entered the room, closing the door behind her.

    “No sign of him?”

    “No,” he answered.  “I know that San can hold his own…”

    “You fear that he got into something,” she asked as she sat on the edge of the bed.  “Understandable.  I’m still amazed that you managed to persuade him to back down.”

    “It was all about letting him know I wasn’t in danger.  That’s all,” he explained.  ”Anyway, this is probably our last night in an inn.”

    “I take it that we are running low?”

    “Yeah, but don’t worry about it.  Just get some rest, okay?”

    Arwyn scowled, but didn’t fight him about it.  “Very well.  Good night.”

    After watching her leave, he directed his attention back out the window.  Where are you, his mind wondered.