Chapter 5
Bree was a very attractive woman.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2QJLamF2O
She had long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a toned figure from her time as a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rL7ppadBo
Blade and now serving as a Captain in the Eluvian military. Instead of her123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBMBLNPNG9
regular soldier attire, she decided to wear tight brown pants, brown booties,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigFFZ9hv3w
and a white sleeveless blouse. It looked as though she took a lot of care in123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOV9Qi837g
her choice of attire as he had to try hard to ignore the feeling welling up in123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYGxdcjzQs
his chest. They weren’t together anymore.
“Oh Vander, I’ve missed you.” She123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMspC8Uwif
reached up to touch his face, but he grabbed her hand as he pulled back.
“You don’t get to do that123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dcTnMKnhF
anymore.” Vander took a step back into his room. “You made your choice six123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6Jvvg6zmi
months ago and I’m not one to play second fiddle to someone else.”
“Come on.” She scoffed. “You know123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWjYTgH9pb
I had no choice. My father forced me into this, I couldn’t disobey him.”
“Not even for someone you123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHjHransEI
professed to love?” he snorted. “I’d have left the Blades if you asked, but you123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBHKas7xy3
dropped me as soon as your father snapped his fingers. You never loved me Bree,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHkdoALKdP
not really.”
“Vander, that’s not fair.” He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g4qUVvaB0
voice was starting to rise. “I spent a lot of time this past six months123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSA1wEs4Olz
thinking about us. I will tell my father to end my engagement to Leon, so we123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM1sxTYHaY
could be together.” Vander’s heart pounded at the thought, but he wouldn’t allow123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIlqMOZUQl
himself to be ruled by his emotions.
“I’m sorry, but you made your123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIL5KqfK3x
choice and now we both have to live with it.” He walked towards the door and123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcpx8dkYvN
held it open. “It’s time for you to leave.” She sat there in the middle of the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeyaehlAL7
floor her face flushed with rage. She clenched her fist and for a second he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI33zXddr5
thought she was going to swing at him. She thought better of it but made sure123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNc4Kr6NVB
to slam her shoulder into his arm as she left. She didn’t even say goodbye.
“Give me the word and I’ll rip123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYmcRevocC
her throat out.” Shea snarled. Vander walked over to rub her head.
“I don’t want to give you123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9IBzwt0r7
indigestion.” He teased.
He had known Bree since their time123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A96kA4Vyx
as recruits roughly eight years ago when they were both sixteen. They had123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20zFlaCRNI
gotten close, along with the other members of their squad, but after an123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4IiYcW0h1
incident during their first mission cost the lives of their training officer as123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HLLnIgrNv
well as two of their comrades, they hadn’t been the same. They had clung to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ973nRfHasO
each other during the rougher times and grew close. They had been each other’s123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWYkgh1i1T
first, a bond he thought would cement them together for the rest of their123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOyYhPumfD
lives. But six months ago, that had fallen to pieces. He had done a lot of soul123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR8DLFafru
searching while he was in isolation with his new recruits and decided that he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuHp6bgjy1
would keep things professional between them, nothing more, nothing less. She123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKQSVOHXZR
had ended things with him for her father’s favorite and got engaged to Leon123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxJsSNjHpM
instead. That was something he wouldn’t readily forgive or forget.
He rubbed Shea’s head then123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l1RWhyiZl
promised to bring her back some beef from the kitchen when he returned later.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQIttlNPT8
He didn’t want to be late for his recruits first night out since joining. He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsgOlMlmnN
left his sword behind because he doubted he would need it, then left the room.
If there was a lot of people123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN67U4krpQ
before, there was even more now. People were crammed against the walls and the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu8wG3LFrb
servers were having issues making their way through everyone. A larger square123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab0eVuaryl
was opened up between the booths and musicians for more people to dance the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1J0y0zp3Z
night away. Upon stepping into the floor, he saw Alexander’s head poking up123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIMy4Lk9ct
above the crowd. It was one of the perks of being friends with a giant. His123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh4MmtkEuU
voice thundered out to order some food and drinks for his table sending a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPrKf35m1O
couple of the servers scrambling to fulfill his wishes. Vander snaked his way123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyi7dlg9Ps
through the crowd dodging flying elbows and kicking feet to get to the table. Alex123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WlEGM6eTn
was still wearing the clothing he had on earlier, but he left his uniform top123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0Ij7moqi5
at home and instead opted to wear a black leather jacket.
“About time you got here.” Alex123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwtvUue4qv
grumbled. This man did not like large crowds, but he came out to spend time123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoEmGlJsRt
with his friend. A sacrifice that wouldn’t go unrewarded tonight. “Would me123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhiTGrfc3P
seeing Bree storming out of here have anything to do with it?”
“Some.” He motioned for the bigger123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHodTLHovEH
man to slide over so he could sit down. “She told me she would end the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6OVsNmXtQ
engagement with Leon to have me back, but I told her that I wouldn’t get back123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffFmmKVQqN
with her. She made her choice six months ago and I won’t be played for a fool123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMVYVDBxOy
again.”
“You turned that down?” Forest123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsJnKcg9n5
gasped. “I would have thrown myself at her if she asked me to be with her.”
“You’d throw yourself at a bear if123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoURqjttdq
you think you’d get lucky.” Briar snorted. Forest shoved her then she shoved123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbKStjFfLP
him back. It would have devolved into a fight if Rooster hadn’t pulled them123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mxHm6bU7s
apart.
“We’re here to have fun.” He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbvc3fj55F
snapped. “Not get thrown out of here before we even had a drink.”
Each of them had dressed in their123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFokvHRdca
best clothes for tonight. Most of their clothing was now a little too small123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl8WASEctx
since they had each packed on a ton of muscle since they left the city. He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJymbdNz8d
guessed that he would have to make a request to his grandfather to give them123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27oZgR1u0e
some money for new clothing. The only one that seemed to have gotten clothing123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap0x7JmUhl
that still fit was Eve. Unlike the others who wore pants and a shirt, she had123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUkmN11M2e
decided to wear a long white dress and shoes. Even Chicken had decided to dress123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJOUmo3iOl
for the occasion and leave her oversized clothing at home. She wore a brown123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4HlnitVG1
buttoned shirt and a pair of tan pants. He wondered if Eve had lent the outfit123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSz7caUGMl
to her.
“Each of look very nice.” Vander123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzdUKUOREM
nodded his approval. “Remember, tonight feel free to eat and drink as you123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpP1AkRvEe
please, but there will still be training tomorrow as usual, and I will not go123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zXa2CfpIN
easy on you just because you are hung over.”
“Come on Forest, let’s go dance.”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEAl4nqJNY
Briar pulled on his arm, removing him from the booth. He protested fully but123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW8oRRUFc6
allowed himself to be led away by her. She grabbed his arm, placed the other123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuRwBhNvDe
one around her waist and started leading him around the dance floor making sure123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ5ocTP59E
not to bump into anyone along the way. Within moments the two of them were lost123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqym8uYnFT
from sight.
“Will you dance with me Vander?”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB4LgkWcXy
Eve looked down at her lap. It took him a moment to register that she had been123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzGa1ffndk
the one to ask him and not Chicken.
“He has two left feet.” Alex123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE0jRYOjNg
slapped him on the back. “I’m you’ll find someone to dance with you out on the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5GGA9XsIR
floor. Look,” they turned to where he was pointing and saw two young men123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA7ckGdlNH
smiling at her from the other side of the Inn.
“But I want to dance with-“
“I’m sorry, Eve.” Vander forced a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmj8rTZZkr
smile. “I’m a bit worn out from our travels today, so I think I’ll sit tonight123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7ep2pvcHC
out. Shall I call you over once our food is here?” Nodding angrily, she walked123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrfE6WDfoX
from the booth, grabbed both young men by their arms and pulled them onto the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ60Np81WaI
dance floor.
“What about the two of you?” Alex123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02pHcscfpI
asked Rooster and Chicken.
“I think I’m just going to read.”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwAhmc2OBW
Chicken removed a thick leather-bound book from her bag from under the table.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJFz4B2Stk
The title was called: The Life of Boris Britebyrd, The First Blade. He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4WeLBg9Qx
didn’t know that she was into history, seemed as though the two of them had123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjpYtKlc4b
quite a bit in common.
“I’m okay just sitting here.” He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3HjJizPDv
looked wistfully out towards the dance floor. Tracing his gaze Vander saw that123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59CEAPKAiZ
he was watching Eve dance with the two men. It looked as though she was123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp5SLsjAyN
enjoying herself, but that might also have been for his benefit.
“Why don’t you ask her to dance?”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9WXfGpeKG
Vander asked.
“Because I see the way she looks123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyQBXtW5mv
at you.” Rooster grumbled. “And I can’t ever hope to compete.”
“It’s just a crush.” Vander123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbRDXTxH1J
reached over to place his hand on Rooster’s shoulder. “She will get over it.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40mfTIdGsX
Besides, no one could say no to you. You’re a wonderful kid and you won’t know123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUaBk79gaM
unless you try.”
“Alright, but later.” He sighed.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj46lFyG2vZ
He became quiet up then proceeded to stare out the window until the food123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu1tWghtQC
arrived. The server placed down a basket full of bread, a bowl of hearty stew123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe1CIfuyvC
for each of them along with a tankard of beer and many glasses. Vander asked123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x8GtkFLkh
her to bring him some Dwarven Whiskey as well. She came back a couple of123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXZSDHpAOg
minutes later with several shot glasses and the bottle.
Rooster and Chicken wasted no time123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPaLsGlk3T
and started digging into their food. They never let food grow cold or go to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSob3QDC6CB
waste. A pair of bottomless pits which stemmed from their time homeless and123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQTAnatbAn
never getting enough to eat. Forest and Briar came after a few minutes. Briar123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye7aSbBeDy
was grinning ear to ear while Forest slumped into the booth breathing heavily123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiLQ6Bchfj
and sweating profusely from his brow. Briar helped prop him up before starting123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTkkAjqZK2
to eat. Eve was the last one to make it back to the table. She was out of123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHypgd2Iy19
breath, her face flushed with exhaustion. She sat down next to Chicken not123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39TMbNldyY
looking up at Vander as she started to eat.
As the music thrummed into his123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrjqIfisAT
head, he started feeling ill. Loud noises and people sitting so close to him123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzu7BNqLkE
wasn’t something he enjoyed. His senses were being assaulted and he needed some123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9plfmWsyYb
air, but first he wanted to make sure the recruits were taken care of.
“Congratulations on making it123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCrlxrpkHI
through your first six months of training.” Vander said. “Alex and I couldn’t123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZOOaUxmgz
be prouder of all the progress you made since we started and while things might123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYZTkJgw0j
not get easier from here on out, I know you all make fantastic Blades. So, eat,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxDVZG9BGr
drink, and party to your hearts content.” Four of the five of them cheered.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDAX3HXGuI
Vander poured them each a shot and they all tossed it back at once. “Will you123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QDASjS3Xz
make sure they get home alright?”
“Of course,” Alex looked123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqmO85W7Jg
concerned. “Is everything alright with you?”
“Too much noise for me to handle.”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg8k8fkVIU
Vander explained. “I just need to step outside for a few minutes okay?”
“Alright, just take it easy.” Alex123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B2YzRmV3V
said with a slight frown. Vander excused himself from the table. He went123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn9zqjQaXO
through the kitchen then out the back door into the cool night beyond.
Nighttime in the city was123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYGbjPg8oQ
different from the forest. Out there the sky was clear you could count the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRtTLIIfCN
stars or try too at least. Humjir’s light shone everywhere even in the darkest123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v9z5MEtUs
corner. The animals made sounds of course as the night hunters prowled the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1akEPDeWKK
ground and sky, but there was a rhythm to it. There were times he and Shea123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplQ0YLYCX0
would stay out under a large tree listening to the animals as they relaxed from123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqqGqYGGQe
the day’s activities. Often enough Alex would come out to wake them out because123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3IbiGLR90
they had fallen asleep in the grass. Here, there was nothing soothing about it.
Humjir couldn’t be seen from the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVopzRGu0O9
city aside from the highest tower in the King’s estate. You could only see a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaGZqUtSwf
couple of stars, but even then their lights were muted. Then came the sounds123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2nP83C1Te
from humans, not animals, that showed how rotten the city truly was. The sick123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3LQ1nTupX
could be heard coughing all night long as the homeless shuffled along looking123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex12tmGuAh
for a place to stay, any place that would take them. The hungry wails of123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanPflVgGLT
children often fell on deaf ears because everyone else was too busy partying123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEHuAvB1r3
the night away. He couldn’t help but wonder how many people inside the inn123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMfAqNkAw2
right now children at home starving had while they were drinking the night123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVPlwy769k
away. Both he and Shea were of one mind that they would be happier living in the woods away from all these people, but123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T8Jq6ntA4
duty called and neither of them wanted to turn their backs on their friends.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdtM5DPUli
Perhaps, one day, they would be able to retire somewhere far from here.
He was so lost in thought that he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfOjSHIQzA
failed to notice the door opening behind him. “You should really be more123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aBZStnzCy
careful out here.” Julianna said. He wasn’t one to startle easily, but he leapt123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM6mwWbzQi
from his boots once she spoke.
“Don’t scare me like that.” He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgpQ4HuyJO
growled. She wrapped her arm through his and pulled him to his side.
“Don’t be a pansy.” She giggled.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmvXlGZ7jw
He could smell the slight tang of booze on her breath. Her face was flushed123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLLXdoHKY3
bright red, and she was breathing heavily. The strap of her dress hung loosely123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlRsd21UVm
on her shoulder, so he reached over to pull it back up for her.
“You needed a drink to come out123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfAdNGs3we
here and greet me?” he teased. “I thought you were braver than that.”
“Oh please.” She rolled her eyes.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoUKGrSvc7
“This wasn’t for you. Some of my patrons like me enough to buy me something to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aqsKQ61eH
drink and dance with me. I just came out here for a breather.” The two of them123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVuc5qHtVS
stood there in silence leaning up against the side of the building. Julianna123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQxNwj1dHM
placed her head on his shoulder, but she remained stony faced and still.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRyADZXIPl
“Vander.” She said after a few minutes.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Did you get the closure you123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBZT6dYjpB
needed with Bree tonight?” He looked down at her. There was a wistful look on123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88AvRbq6hm
her face as she looked straight ahead.
“Heh.” He laughed. “I was123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyw9H6xsfX
wondering how she made it past you. You let her in didn’t you?”
“Guilty.” She spoke softly. “If123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ1aThXwcx
you were going to take her back, I was going to throw you out of the Inn. Once123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WfYznexCV
she stormed off pissed as hell, I knew you made the right choice.”
“You’re always looking out for me,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66GrJooRXm
thank you.” he bumped her shoulder lightly with his. She smiled up at him with123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOelqH8kor
a slight blush on her face. The two of them sat out there for a little bit123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM6CjsKalA
without speaking. The quiet night air helped him soothe any aches he may have123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS6FxXvyL3
had plus her company was a welcome boon. He knew that she didn’t harbor any123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXEMk1TbRd
feelings for him, neither him for her, but their friendship would stretch for123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71VEWJBWvE
years to come, he could feel.
A sudden shout along with the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD8jZpgYuC
breaking of glass broke the serene quiet air. Julianna turned too him with a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fZ1DQ6l7u
concerned look. “What the hell was that?” she asked.
“I don’t know.” He frowned. “But123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEskWM9K3X
stay here, let me go look.”
“It’s my Inn.” She snorted. “I123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OQobrh0UK
won’t be waiting outside like some helpless damsel. Let’s go.” Shaking his head123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunvstMJKe9
as she rushed past him, he hurried behind.
As soon as she walked through the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoxqCwuj3m
door, he pushed her head down as a glass mug hit the wall next to them123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM1Jo9PqyI
shattering upon impact. Shards of glass rained down over them, but they slid123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgOfYg48Oo
right off his sleeve. Thankfully there was no liquid inside.
“Bring that white-haired bastard123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVMG6GxIIO
out here this instant.” Someone shouted. Vander recognized the voice as Leon’s,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k6WS0sXkx
so he must have been talking about him.
“Fucking Bree.” Vander pushed past123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk2TgxakD0
Julianna through the kitchen and into the main Inn. Right in front of the door,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0R0RW1Zhy
flanking both sides keeping anyone from either entering or leaving were four123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSOAGG55aO
Blades, in uniform, with their hands on the hilts of their swords. Standing in123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucph1XK9Yl
front of them was Leon with his sword out pointing to the ground. Vander met123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmdg4OkLh3
Alex’s eye. He was standing in front of the table blocking the recruits from123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHDLmPc7Se
being spotted by the pissed off Captain. Their eyes met. Alex shook his head123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jgnWJdVTy
and motioned for Vander to leave out the back, but he was going to leave these123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTulguClVhu
people here to take Leon’s wrath. As a captain he had a duty to uphold the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSZ4vogX8H
standard of the Blades, so he pushed his way through the crowd to stand in123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu3c1TK6AX
front of Leon.
“What are you doing?” His voice123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYbLguSQ6U
boomed. He made no attempt to hide the annoyance in his voice. “Is this how a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvVKr2GyYK
captain of the Blades is supposed to act? Drawing your weapon in a business and123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRxi6BMYIT
trying to intimidate everyone here? What’s the matter with you?”
“There you are you bastard!” Leon123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfc3EEc1Ul
raised his sword pointing it at his chest. “Why was Bree here? What did the two123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXX9AVKkang
of you do?”
“Is that what this is about?”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETNK2CUTOv
Vander scoffed. “Nothing happened, I sent her home, end of discussion. Now it’s123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON1KxDxGUR
your turn to get going before I report this to the Commander.”
“And you expect me to believe123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wJVtNtvAO
that?” Leon laughed. “You were gone for six months and the day you come back123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLmquftfPx
she comes to visit you? You’re full of shit.”
“It’s true.” Julianna pushed her123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFeSVdIFVK
way through to stand by Vander. “I let her in, and she left five minutes later123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXunrKpwyPh
crying. I suggest you take it up with her and get out of my inn.”
“Now you have your new bitch123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBQQzSGxig
covering for you?” Leon snapped. “Take this punk outside, we will settle this123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasHyyU7qcj
like men.” The four Blades guarding the door moved forward towards the crowd.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNh4Rd623F
Alex pushed past to stand by Vander causing the four of them to pause mid-step.123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33fZFxj5Nh
“Alex, stay out of this, this doesn’t concern you.”
“It concerns us all when you use123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuOPNB53ml
your power for your own ends.” Alex snapped back. “You came to a private123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U0FidvGIW
establishment, threatened citizens, and are threatening a comrade, one that,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXeY5xdgHr
until recently, outranked you. This is an abuse of power especially settling a123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsheM9RlU3
private affair.”
“You think that matters to me?”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL7rPkRVhN
Leon asked. “When my honor is on the line? Do what I ask or I swear I will use123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mexW1zhO6
everything in my power to crush you.” Vander stepped out until they were face123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQBqthfSCB
to face.
“Is that a threat Leon?” Leon123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxbR7VDIP7
responded by pushing Vander backwards then bringing his sword up underneath his123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvaGtTflX3
chin.
“No this is a- ahhhhhh!” Shea123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2eXJvCMNA
leapt out from nowhere and bit down on Leon’s sword arm. Vander could hear the123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡregPbuq9Yf
bones crunching in his arm as she screamed out in pain. He dropped his sword123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsUEhBaliV
then tried to wrench her mouth off his arm. Blood sprayed as everyone started123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS1jNbJjW1
screaming. Vander saw Leon’s goons rushing towards her, so he rushed forward blocking123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnfxnLKRFE
their path.
“Shea, release him.”
“But-“ her voice echoed123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P3uf8AfOO
back.
“NOW!” She released him, but123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGDlG4cqAy
jumped out of reach and bared her teeth. With blood dripping down his arm, he123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYDQneotm3
slowly got to his feet. His face was red with rage.
“Your mutt will pay for that.” He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7lzpQS0of
whispered. “You will all pay for standing in my way.” He grabbed his sword,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnuFen8Sf4
spun around, and thrust at Vander. Because he was facing away from Leon, Vander123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcJmQptK2q
couldn’t anticipate the move. However, in his rage, he missed anything vital,123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4apDjqO8t0
but he still carved a deep gash into Vander’s side. He fell to the ground123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqjBgtIXkP
holding the wound as blood seeped through his fingers.
“Damn it.” Vander groaned. “What123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeayRZUeHk0
the hell is the matter with you?”
“You’ve looked down on me for too123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBio7QwuZid
long.” Leon spat. “Now it’s time you tasted defeat.” Leon lifted his sword123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTW9ghmdkQ
again, but Alex got there first. His fist collided with Leon’s face sending him123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBtaBFAncv
sprawling onto the ground.
“You crossed a line and not even123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiB5HzQNiX
your father will get you out of it.” He snapped. “You four, get him out of here123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY7J7U0Zst
before you find yourselves thrown onto the streets and not even Viggo Visc’s123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1y7xLy9pT
influence will keep you safe.”
“This isn’t over.” Leon growled as123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTscdWoMSNb
his four lackies picked him up off the ground and dragged him out. “You better123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YwWMn9yMi
find yourself a new job, Alex. I’m coming for your ass.” Vander heard rushed123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWzGeLW5VO
footsteps coming towards him. Julianna placed a towel over his hand to help123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEsuidaRiu
staunch the bleeding.
“Let me see.” She whispered. He123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79DuGq6RkI
winced with pain as he carefully moved his hand. “It’s deep but didn’t hit123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr7L6PY5aI
anything vital. We are going to have to stitch you up.”
“Fine.” Vander allowed himself to123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RmmaVDGtQ
be lifted to his feet. “Alex, will you make sure the kids get back safely?”
“We should get you to a doctor.”123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwGwPpJ1Ds
Alex said, but Vander shook his head.
“I’ll be fine.” He gasped. “Pay123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn6qTwbCpH
for everyone’s meal as an apology for Leon’s outburst. There should be enough123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRP57aV0Ma
money to cover it in my room. We will also pay for the damages here.”
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“I understand.” He said. Alex123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2wiwRY8TK
began to shout, but Vander’s eyes started to close. The blood loss was more123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mFFhjwJLM
than he thought as he had difficulty staying awake. The last thing he saw was123Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wVIIWA43v
Shea leading the way upstairs towards the room.
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