User blog:Mauller/Absolution 021

Absolution, Chapter:021


Kimiko launched herself towards me like a predator striking its prey. In a single leap and with outstretched claws, she was on me within a single bound. Yet as dangerous as the situation sounded it was over as soon as it started. The pint sized terrors arms flailed while I held her at bay with a single hand on her face.

I could feel her trying to bite the palm of my hand while her nails tried reaching their target. And considering that I did not fancy being scratched to pieces I waited for her to tire herself out.

‘Done now?’ I raised an eyebrow after her arms went limp. ‘I said I was sorry Kim.’

My companion sighed and her large fluffy ears drooped.

‘I am sorry as well, I did not mean to lash out at you. It has been… so infuriating. I thought I could enjoy a fun adventure going around with you.’ She looked up and I lowered my hand. Her doll like smile was more reminiscent of the Kim I remembered. And the mischievous sparkle had returned to her eyes.

‘Well, I am glad that you are okay Kim. I enjoy spending time with you, working the stalls and I appreciate the help you gave me. But there are things I need to do for myself, some that must be done soon. Working here in the city is one of them. Don’t look at me like that, I will still come and see you. I live in the town and work at the barracks, you can always come and visit me. And I hope Malachi will keep his word.’

Kimiko’s ears had been wiggling during her display of thoughtful expressions. Most of them looked mopey, but she smiled during the silence.

‘I understand, as selfish as I am for wanting you to stay, I know you need to go. I can’t keep you here as much as I would like to. I mean… I enjoy your company… and you are a hard worker.’ The mischievous trader started acting pouty and folded her arms.

I chuckled and hugged her. ‘I know what you mean Kim.’ The hug was returned and with a final squeeze I let go then sat back. ‘Anyway, what did you do to the other two?’

Kimiko raised an eyebrow and folded her arms. ‘You mean the cow and powderpuff?’

‘Kim…’

‘Okay, I mean Linette and Amanda. Well…’ Kim started rubbing her hands together and gained the same look she had whenever a sale was guaranteed. ‘The men of Malachi’s band were getting a little irritated with having a minotaur around. They did not mind the mutton, okay, okay… they did not mind Amanda. But Linette was another story, So well, I kind of…’

‘You did something to make them look human, in the same way you hide your tail and ears?’

‘Yes!’ Kim perked up and sat taller. ‘Oh…’ She then shrunk down and covered her ears with her hands. ‘Oh darn… when did they pop out?’

‘Just after you went feral and started clawing at me. To be honest I thought it was rather cute the way they popped out of your hair.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I had seen her flush before, but the glow she gained made me feel embarrassed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I’m a Gyoubou Danuki… or just Danuki.’ A peak over her shoulder revealed a poofy brown tail that matched her hair. With a pouty look, she let go of one of her ears and poked me in the nose. ‘I am not a rat… the Ratmen are sleazy and would swindle you for everything you had. We Danuki are proud business owners and would never do something to harm someone.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Then did you forget to say that you ran me over so I would be in your debt? Then having found and saved me from the cold you would have me work for you. And with my lack of money and assets I would work till the debt was repaid? But you never had any plan of letting it be repaid, did you?’ I leant back against the wall and crossed one leg over the other. ‘You also never considered letting me go in the end? Even once my debt was repaid.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hey! Now that is unfair! You were covered in snow and we didn’t know we had hit you till I checked the wheels. I thought we hit a log till I saw your hand sticking out of the snow.’ Kim’s tail wagged behind her. ‘And it’s was not going to keep you against your will…’ She stopped poking me and leant a little closer. ‘So who told you my plan? Was it Goldie?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No, you just did.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko looked stunned for a moment, she then raised her palms towards me. ‘Wait! I would never do something like that with ill intentions! I mean, I’m not some shady ratman.’ The blush returned to her cheeks. And the way she scratched her head and laughed revealed her embarrassment.

<p class="MsoNormal">I sighed and shook my head. ‘Kim, kim, kim. I am ashamed, I save your life in return and yet you still plotted to keep me as your pet.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her eyes went wide and her mouth opened and closed. So I smiled then pet her on the head. She looked a little annoyed and grumbled while I entertained myself. The soft fur on her ears rubbed against my hand on occasion as they flicked about.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kim grumbled to herself then looked up at me. ‘You are horrid…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, so now you catch on that I was playing with you?’ I started laughing while continuing with the petting. ‘Look, you might have had some grand scheme in the beginning as a way for me to repay you. But I know you mean well at heart and wanted a friend.’ I looked around to check if the coast was clear. ‘And to be honest I would want more company on my grand mercantile journey. It is like trying to squeeze blood from a stone when talking with Goldie at times.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko snorted and smiled, her sparkle having returned. ‘Don’t you mean water from a stone? Where did all of that come from? I always thought you were a bit simple at first, but now… well.’ She smiled and her eyes softened. ‘I think more of you.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Maybe there is more to me than meets the eye… and the ears. Especially the ears, I would just forgo past conversations and impressions. I have still been working hard while learning what I can. I also asked Antonio where I could find information and he sent me to this big building that was full of books. It was amazing! I never knew you could find so much knowledge in one place. At first I felt awe struck, then enthused! And after an hour I had found books on medicine, fighting and something called magic. Also a love novel or two… I erm… just ignore that part, Merse requested me to find her something to pass the time. Since I was going anyway.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I smiled and looked at my companion, the confusion was priceless. If only I had a way of capturing that moment to show the others. Or to just keep in my pocket.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘That is called a Library Martin… And you can read? Since when could you read that well? You always kept asking me what the silly squiggles meant. While I thought it was a bit cute, you always seemed better at math than reading.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I shrugged. ‘Well I went through about five books in an hour.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Five?! Since when did you get “That!” good at reading?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I don’t know, I just started looking over the pages and it came to me. You wouldn’t believe it, but I have been having these dreams and… why did you just put your hand on my forehead?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Just checking to see if you are well. You started turning pale, maybe you should lie down?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I, oh.’ The outline of the dagger rubbed against my fingertips. I only noticed I was touching it when I shifted. ‘I think I need some fresh air. Maybe I should head back to the barracks then take the day off.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko looked worried and she grabbed my arm as I was about to stand. ‘Martin, I think you should stay, you look very ill.’ She pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and started dabbing my forehead. ‘you are sweating; I really think you should stay.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Kim, I will be fine, it is just hot.’ I adjusted my collar then stood. ‘see, I just tightened it too much, I will be fine...’

<p class="MsoNormal">It felt as though the room was shifting and my head started to hurt. Since when did I get sea sick? I had in the past but only on my first few voyages. Wait, when did I go to sea?

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin! You should sit down.’ Kim tugged on my arm and my legs gave way. The small girl let out a yelp as I fell on top of her.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Kim…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘M-Martin! What are you?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Kim… can you stop the caravan from rocking, I’m going to be sick.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I rested my head on the bed, I could feel Kimiko’s fluffy ear against the side of my head. It felt nice, warm, safe. I think Kim was shouting something but I couldn’t tell. I just wanted to sink into the warmth.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">It had been two nights since the inquisitor’s procession returned to Lescatie. And the soldiers were more than happy to back in the barracks with their families. But the atmosphere between The Inquisitor major and his lieutenant was still tense.

<p class="MsoNormal">Major Duskhelm stood staring out of the window of his new office. It was more spacious than he expected, he never thought he would have his own secretary and reception. Those were niceties reserved for those from a noble background.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘It appears that you are going up in the world, my little Alec.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The sound of a woman’s voice tickled the inquisitor’s ears, a voice he knew too well. But he continued his observations as though nothing had happened.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh come now Alec, stop your pouting and talk with me. I have always been watching over you, throwing out little hints from the shadows.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Alec Duskhelm sighed, the person he was avoiding brought painful memories to the surface.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘If I jumped at every beck and call I would be no more than a lap dog. The old men know that I work best when left alone, so why have you returned Nyx? And for the last time, will you stop using Anastasia-’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What if I was her Alec? What would you do then?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Alec growled and turned to face the woman. She looked up at him with a hint of mischief in her eyes. ‘you are my toy and I will play with you how I like.’ Was what her cheerful disposition said to him. It was the same playful look Ana would use when she wanted Alec to help with one of her mischievous schemes.

<p class="MsoNormal">The dark haired woman’s head tilted as she inspected his face. Her fingers started to curl around his long blonde hair while she hummed to herself. ‘You should shave; the grizzled look does not work with your complexion.’

<p class="MsoNormal">   The inquisitor sighed and rubbed his forehead. ‘Don’t you think that If you irritated me less then I would be more willing to talk with you?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh? Now what would be the fun in that? You were always the playful one, so it was always amusing to play with you in return.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘For a goddess of the night, you seem far too cheerful at times.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The petite woman frowned. ‘Why can’t I have my fun? I might not be as well-known as others, but I have a following.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The inquisitor did not know what irritated him the most, her cheerful personality, or her appearance. The young woman decided to dance around his office while humming to herself. It ground at his patience but he had to admit that she was graceful and beautiful. Even if her appearance reminded him of someone he once knew.

<p class="MsoNormal">Could they be the same person as she says? Alec knew he was overthinking. But their dress sense and Doll like appearances made them uncanny. They were not identical, but when Nyx changed her hair into golden ringlets it always made it hard to pick them apart.

<p class="MsoNormal">He often enjoyed long conversations with Ana, till he realised it was Nyx taking him for a fool at times. It was a large shock when he took Ana to his home for the first time to find out it was Nyx instead.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ooh, is little Alec thinking something naughty about me?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The inquisitor massaged his temples, she had a way of getting into his head in a literal sense. the goddess of night span then flopped onto the sofa near the fireplace. Her dark dress flowed around her when she moved. Alec always compared it to staring into an abyss.

<p class="MsoNormal">The woman was a literal shadow when she pleased. Her power coming from the Void and those that worshipped her.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘A storm is coming.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘what do you mean?’ The young inquisitor walked over to the sofa and looked down at the outstretched goddess. Her hair spread out behind her, making it appear as though she was floating over cracks in reality.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘A wind will sweep across the heavens and earth, shaking them to their foundations. A war started long ago will begin a new, claiming all in its path. No one will be free from its destruction.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘If that is true then why has nothing been said about it?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Nyx huffed then rolled onto her side so she was facing away from Alec. ‘Maybe the others are too blinded by their “light” as they call it. The darkness hides and reveals many things, I have told you that before.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Alec gripped the back of the sofa as he looked down at Nyx. ‘Then what can be done about it?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘The Fallen Lord, lost children, a mountain, a blade, a lone wolf, a princess and a weeping angel. They will be the salvation of this world and others.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you mean others?’ The inquisitor raised an eyebrow when Nyx looked up at him. The small smile on her face was as mischievous as any other she gave.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You will find out in time, just know this Alec. You have met two of those already. Seek them out, help them. And you may find the salvation you seek.’

<p class="MsoNormal">A knocking drew Alecs attention. When he looked back to the sofa, Nyx was gone.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes! I am coming!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The inquisitor major straightened his clothes and walked to the door. When he reached for the handle he felt someone hug him from behind.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Remember Alec, you are mine and I care for your health. Prepare to leave this place within a month. And follow through with your orders from the Supreme Paladin, they are important.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Nyx had a habit of disappearing when she pleased. It no longer phased Alec, so he opened the door to his office and stepped into his reception area.

<p class="MsoNormal">He did not expect to find one of the Cardinals standing with Brianna. The young woman, his childhood friend, appeared far from excited.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ah, Inquisitor Major Duskhelm.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Alec saluted the cardinal and dropped to one knee.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh there is no need for that my boy, I have come for a talk.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Alec stood and looked to his friend, she still appeared as passive as before. So he looked back to the older man. ‘I apologise, but I don’t know?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ah yes, of course, I am Cardinal Domenico. I came to you today to discuss something of utter importance. It involves the wolf pup you brought back to us among other things. I appreciate that she was unharmed. A spry young thing, we have made sure that she won’t escape again.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes, I heard that she was not a monster in the end. But how can that be so?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh she is a monster in her own right my boy. And she seems to have become a little fond of the Lieutenant here. She was always a feisty thing but appears to calm when Miss Steelhart is near.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, shall we take tea in my office?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Splendid! That sounds right on the money. Lieutenant, you may leave us for now.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes sir!’ Brianna saluted, turned, then began to leave. Alec felt confused as the girl seemed as mechanical as a construct. More so since she did not once look at him.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Don’t worry about her my boy, I have heard about your childhood connection. She has her own mission for me, now, let us discuss important matters.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The older man wrapped an arm around Alec’s shoulder. His secretary appeared shocked when the pair passed her on the way into Alec’s office. She rushed to close the doors behind them as though she sought to hide what was occurring.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Now my boy, I would like you to do something for me.’ The grin on the old man’s face was telling. Alec felt as though something was off with the entire situation before it started.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I am a busy man Cardinal, but I will do what I can.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You will do what I tell you if you want to keep your position boy.’ The kind demeanour vanished in an instant. ‘You are an Inquisitor of the church; you would do well to remember who your superiors are.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes sir.’ Alec grit his teeth, he wanted to say more. But he knew he was on thin ice from previous incidents.

<p class="MsoNormal">The cheerful demeanour returned as Cardinal Domenico let go of the young man’s shoulders. ‘Good, good. Then listen well, since it is of upmost importance that you complete this mission.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Alec wanted to speak out, he had always been left to his own devices when it came to completing a request. It had been a long time since he was given a direct order. And he begrudged getting them now.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So what would you have me do? Cardinal.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The smile on the old man’s face reminded Alec of a certain cat from a book he once read.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">Deep within the catacombs of Lescatie Cathedral, sat a young woman. And although her weeping echoed through the tunnels, no one cared for her predicament. Her only company was the dripping of water and the occasional squeak of a rat.

<p class="MsoNormal">The cylindrical chamber of her cell was far from comfortable. A single drain at its centre collected the water that blead through the stonework. And the small cot that she sat on was far from comfortable. But at least it was dry.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her spirit was shattered long before she arrived in confinement. So she sat huddled into herself while nursing her various bruises. Her black eye still stung to the touch. Looking up at the bars overhead revealed the contempt that her captors had for her.

<p class="MsoNormal">A few of the guards had the audacity to spit at her. But growling had only earnt her more bruises since her arrival. The infernal golden collar and chain that she was wearing left her helpless to their beatings.

<p class="MsoNormal">She believed her time was over when guards with spears appeared overhead. She felt naked without her pelt, it had been taken away from her on arrival. Never had she felt so exposed and helpless in her life. All she wanted was to return to her pack sisters, she did not care that they had driven her away. Freedom was what she craved.

<p class="MsoNormal">The guards could be heard talking about her and what they wanted to do with her. Many had lost family and friends to various monster attacks.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I just want to go home… someone, help me…’

<p class="MsoNormal">Valis vison blurred and she found herself moping and laughing at her predicament.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I am so pathetic; why do I believe that he will save me?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The overhead click and squeak informed the wolf woman that the end was near.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘On your feet prisoner and get into position!’

<p class="MsoNormal">As instructed, Valis stood then walked onto the drain in the middle of the cell. The floor of her room jolted and began to rise. After a few moments the floor stopping once she was half exposed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Get her out of that cell and onto her feet! Don’t look at me like that! Get someone on the chain then lift her out, or you are going into a cell yourself?!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Five guards greeted the young wolf woman. Her ears had long drooped to the side of her head making her appear as pathetic as she felt.

<p class="MsoNormal">Three of the guards stepped forwards, one reaching down and unshackling the chain from a bar on the cell. The other two stood on either side of the cell entrance. They Lifted valis and placed her onto the cold stone floor once her leash was free.

<p class="MsoNormal">The head Gaoler walked up to Valis and looked her in the eye. ‘I received a letter from a special friend of yours, I would not believe it myself if they had not turned up in person. But it appears this is your lucky day.’

<p class="MsoNormal">A well-dressed man held a crystal near Valis. it emitted a blue glow with specs of purple mixed into it when near her.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Small traces still sir, nothing to worry about. Her isolation on the way here must have helped to clear it from her system. She appears clear enough of corruption to be of no harm.’ The man scratched his head while looking at Valis ears then eyes. He then repeated his gesture with the crystal. ‘Strange, the levels shouldn’t be this low with what she appears to be.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So she poses no threat of corrupting others?’ The head Gaoler raised an eyebrow while looking to the man. The guards near Valis appeared to relax. She could smell their fear when they approached her.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No sir, nothing worse than if you ventured through one of those kinds of farms or towns sir.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ah, I see.’ The head Gaoler returned to glaring at Valis. ‘Just give me a reason and I will cut you down where you stand. Now you follow me and don’t say a word, is that clear?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Valis nodded and shivered. She went to speak but recessed into herself when she heard the unsheathing of a sword. Her tail would have been between her legs if she had her pelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Good, now let’s get a move on men. Let’s make this quick before we cause a commotion.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The well-dressed man and head Gaoler lead the procession. The group passed many cells as they wound their way through the catacombs. A large number of them full. Many of the occupant’s cat called and whistled when Valis neared. A few made to grab for her but were knocked back by the guards.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I will not see her harmed men, unless you want to end up down here yourselves.’ The head gaoler often reminded the group whenever the internees became restless.

<p class="MsoNormal">After fifteen minutes of walking, the group began to ascend various stairwells. More corridors greeted Valis along with various new smells. She only noticed they had left the underground level when passing a window.

<p class="MsoNormal">The corridors had become more spacious after three flights of stairs. The floors were still stone but everything smelt dry while the faint smells of incense tickled her nose.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Wait here.’ The head Gaoler stopped in front of a large door. He knocked on it once before opening it and peering inside. ‘We have brought her as you requested your lordship.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Good, bring her in.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The guards opened the door and lead valis into a spacious and dark room.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Sit here and you might yet live.’ The guard that was holding her leash eyed her then placed it on the floor. He then left the room along with his counterpart and the head Gaoler.

<p class="MsoNormal">Valis felt confused when the guards closed the door and left her alone in the dark room. Her eyes lacked their keen night vision when she had her pelt, she rubbed them a few times with how sore they felt. She wanted to get up and run but the feeling of dread in her stomach stopped her.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘wah?!’ The young wolf woman jumped when something collided with her. But to her surprise it felt soft and smelt familiar. ‘My pelt?!’ She hugged it close to herself and started weeping anew.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘It has been a while little wolf cub.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The sound of an old man filled the room. Valis ears perked up and began to scan her surroundings.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘W-who is there?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Have you already forgotten me wolf cub? I might be old but my memory is sharp, it has not been long since we last met.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The wolf woman hurried to clothe herself. A familiar warmth filled her body once her fur was back in place. As the intoxicating glow filled her body she started to feel her strength returning.

<p class="MsoNormal">Valis still felt at the mercy of her collar. The longer she was wearing it the more she felt it affecting her. Its hold had grown to the point where the leash no longer needed securing to keep her in place. She felt incapable of moving when given the order to stay, even if the leash was left on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">Although it would take all of her strength she would fight to escape. She felt reinvigorated with the return of her pelt. Although at a glance she still appeared beaten down.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Show yourself!’ Valis stood and looked around in the dark. Her keen sight began to return. The darkness of the room started to subside revealing a robed figure ahead of her. ‘So there you are old man, don’t think I won’t defend myself.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Valis began to growl as the figure approached her. Yet something felt off, he did not appear hostile and another familiar smell lingered in the room.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You were always a feisty one wolf pup. Maybe this will help jog your memory.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The old man raised a glass sphere in one hand. With a flick of his writs it illuminated, revealing his wrinkled features, kind eyes and a soft smile.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hello Valis, do you remember now? Cardinal Daniel? Or maybe grandpa baldy might jog your memory?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Valis breath caught as she inspected the old man’s features. ‘I, no… I don’t… I belong with my sisters and…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh? You have been a naughty girl Valis, my granddaughter was heartbroken when she found you had run away. I took you in as a pup, looked after you, let you play with her, do you remember?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The wolf woman’s tail curled between her legs and she fell to her knees. The mixture of shock, anger and embarrassment left her conflicted. All she could do was stare up at the Cardinal.

<p class="MsoNormal">Daniel walked up to Valis and pet her on the head. Earning a sheepish groan from her.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Welcome home little wolf cub.’

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">I could hear voices next to me and It felt as though I was lying on something soft and warm. My eyes stung as I opened them, the numbness in my body began to subsite as I looked around.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin?!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Boyo!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The girl’s voices called out as blurred shapes moved nearer to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Did something happen? Ah… my head hurts.’

<p class="MsoNormal">As I looked around the room my vison began to clear. The golden aura next to me coalesced into a human looking Amanda. The large tan shape at the foot of the bed turned into Linette. While the blue and pink shape turned into a worried looking Kimiko.

<p class="MsoNormal">Peering past the girls revealed the Mercenary and her friend sitting on the sofa.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin.’ Amanda grabbed either side of my face and turned my head towards her. She started inspecting me with a stern look. After a moment she nodded in self confirmation and smiled. ‘Good, you don’t appear to have suffered a stroke.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Stop hogging him Amby! Let me have a look at him!’

<p class="MsoNormal">I gasped when Linette jumped forwards and put her entire weight on top of me. Her face hovered above mine while her bountiful chest pressed into me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Why hello boyo.’ She smiled and chuckled while holding onto my shoulders. ‘It been a while.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Lin! Get your huge butt off him! You are going to break something!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hey! My butt isn’t that big!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda began pushing Linette towards the wall which ended up in a wrestling match. The worst part was when both of them fell on top of me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Although I would not say I hated the situation. The moments of soft and jiggling bliss alleviated the agony of the occasional knee in the rib. But it ended as fast as it began when I saw Kimiko standing at my feet. She grabbed the girls by an ear each and tugged them into a seated position.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Now you two behave, Think about Martins wellbeing before your own jealousy.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda gained a mischievous smile as she looked towards lin. The muscular girl winked in response. They looked at Kim before pushing her onto the foot of the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hey! Let go of me you two!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Not before you admit that you are the jealous one, considering you wouldn’t let us touch Martin.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah, you didn’t even tell us that he was hurt. Damn near gave me the chest pains when I heard.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I moved my legs away and sat on the edge of the bed, the girls could finish their spat in their own time. A twinge crossed my brow that left me hunching forwards.

<p class="MsoNormal">The pit of my stomach felt as though it fell away when my headache cleared. I could feel sweat beading on my forehead as my body numbed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Is there something wrong Martin?’ Goldie shifted in her seat. ‘You look rather pale and that is far from a healthy sweat.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked up at her darkened cowl and could feel her watching me. ‘I have been getting head pains again. Some worse than others, the other day one sent me reeling. I was training with a staff at the time, I could manage the forms that Merse showed me. But halfway through I was struck down as though something bludgeoned me in the back of the head.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The farm girls were still arguing and man handling Kim beside me. They had all grown loud which did not help my already ringing ears.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And what does that have to do with your current appearance?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook my head and looked at Goldie again, I just wanted to throw up at that moment. ‘Memories, it has to do with my memories. You see, when I picked up the staff again, it flowed through my hand as though I was dancing with it. As I continued I could feel the forms coming to me along with the knowledge of what I was doing. But this time…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What about this time? What did you remember?’ Goldie moved a little closer and appeared to put her hand on the pommel of her sword. I gulped and looked at the girls, they had calmed down and were all watching me.

<p class="MsoNormal">I was not sure if I should tell them, but I knew I would have to in the end. I looked around the room at my companions before lowering my gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I… I murdered someone…

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