Chapter 5
Bree was a very attractive woman.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aPSxxSeAI
She had long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a toned figure from her time as a138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzklYt6tdJt
Blade and now serving as a Captain in the Eluvian military. Instead of her138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcC5qkqgYI
regular soldier attire, she decided to wear tight brown pants, brown booties,138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOMIHNxtos
and a white sleeveless blouse. It looked as though she took a lot of care in138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas64pDEVjt
her choice of attire as he had to try hard to ignore the feeling welling up in138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtajiA7SwSA
his chest. They weren’t together anymore.
“Oh Vander, I’ve missed you.” She138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF5exomX3R
reached up to touch his face, but he grabbed her hand as he pulled back.
“You don’t get to do that138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79SXDjsw8i
anymore.” Vander took a step back into his room. “You made your choice six138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx00YLofN99
months ago and I’m not one to play second fiddle to someone else.”
“Come on.” She scoffed. “You know138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxReB8SzxF
I had no choice. My father forced me into this, I couldn’t disobey him.”
“Not even for someone you138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknoV8F7RMh
professed to love?” he snorted. “I’d have left the Blades if you asked, but you138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRacqMjjTJ
dropped me as soon as your father snapped his fingers. You never loved me Bree,138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6ncELFNKq
not really.”
“Vander, that’s not fair.” He138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DjPnnLtgF
voice was starting to rise. “I spent a lot of time this past six months138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86JaKDebgL
thinking about us. I will tell my father to end my engagement to Leon, so we138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcENOVQ2m3
could be together.” Vander’s heart pounded at the thought, but he wouldn’t allow138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtk8V8mQ3O
himself to be ruled by his emotions.
“I’m sorry, but you made your138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TOILQq8hB
choice and now we both have to live with it.” He walked towards the door and138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLVvgb1ENu
held it open. “It’s time for you to leave.” She sat there in the middle of the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOaZDfsX8J
floor her face flushed with rage. She clenched her fist and for a second he138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhspcpJ8ac0
thought she was going to swing at him. She thought better of it but made sure138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98RArDldtq
to slam her shoulder into his arm as she left. She didn’t even say goodbye.
“Give me the word and I’ll rip138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftb0yboymF
her throat out.” Shea snarled. Vander walked over to rub her head.
“I don’t want to give you138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qo73i19hx
indigestion.” He teased.
He had known Bree since their time138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmAC2eiWPz
as recruits roughly eight years ago when they were both sixteen. They had138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZIuU7xQEQ
gotten close, along with the other members of their squad, but after an138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryVnp9GayJ
incident during their first mission cost the lives of their training officer as138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIklHdfy59b
well as two of their comrades, they hadn’t been the same. They had clung to138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PdK3Go7vd
each other during the rougher times and grew close. They had been each other’s138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W5L81TeVv
first, a bond he thought would cement them together for the rest of their138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtUak76VCn
lives. But six months ago, that had fallen to pieces. He had done a lot of soul138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX146kwip1
searching while he was in isolation with his new recruits and decided that he138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTtADfJNmY
would keep things professional between them, nothing more, nothing less. She138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBgU80sCG8
had ended things with him for her father’s favorite and got engaged to Leon138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewAfDBouLn
instead. That was something he wouldn’t readily forgive or forget.
He rubbed Shea’s head then138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2fQhkPHUJ
promised to bring her back some beef from the kitchen when he returned later.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOJfKdkDeZ
He didn’t want to be late for his recruits first night out since joining. He138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX0TJXA8WV
left his sword behind because he doubted he would need it, then left the room.
If there was a lot of people138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpMK8F6fuc
before, there was even more now. People were crammed against the walls and the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXXKqgF1S7
servers were having issues making their way through everyone. A larger square138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarQBJjVOgE
was opened up between the booths and musicians for more people to dance the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGr3zrJ0ok
night away. Upon stepping into the floor, he saw Alexander’s head poking up138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKKqXMzKGF
above the crowd. It was one of the perks of being friends with a giant. His138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vEnhgD8ue
voice thundered out to order some food and drinks for his table sending a138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQusIxxCFFa
couple of the servers scrambling to fulfill his wishes. Vander snaked his way138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1kVFIgCJE
through the crowd dodging flying elbows and kicking feet to get to the table. Alex138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjWLru5lvm
was still wearing the clothing he had on earlier, but he left his uniform top138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLkOVDdPCq
at home and instead opted to wear a black leather jacket.
“About time you got here.” Alex138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCNLGftuTq
grumbled. This man did not like large crowds, but he came out to spend time138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T2DL5TAiO
with his friend. A sacrifice that wouldn’t go unrewarded tonight. “Would me138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX90BEiAOkZ
seeing Bree storming out of here have anything to do with it?”
“Some.” He motioned for the bigger138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM470im6UM
man to slide over so he could sit down. “She told me she would end the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLQbBTCot6
engagement with Leon to have me back, but I told her that I wouldn’t get back138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhnnGrrlt7
with her. She made her choice six months ago and I won’t be played for a fool138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy7TF3JpUH
again.”
“You turned that down?” Forest138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2IQGYkkoF
gasped. “I would have thrown myself at her if she asked me to be with her.”
“You’d throw yourself at a bear if138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96do0vY5SV
you think you’d get lucky.” Briar snorted. Forest shoved her then she shoved138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFvB0qfqWT
him back. It would have devolved into a fight if Rooster hadn’t pulled them138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoPalxm325
apart.
“We’re here to have fun.” He138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVenBve8gXa
snapped. “Not get thrown out of here before we even had a drink.”
Each of them had dressed in their138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHE3uLUCPH
best clothes for tonight. Most of their clothing was now a little too small138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdxyfiysM2
since they had each packed on a ton of muscle since they left the city. He138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIlL8jgHj9
guessed that he would have to make a request to his grandfather to give them138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUWQN1alC3
some money for new clothing. The only one that seemed to have gotten clothing138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftkSAAYJpi
that still fit was Eve. Unlike the others who wore pants and a shirt, she had138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmhcAXr5T2
decided to wear a long white dress and shoes. Even Chicken had decided to dress138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H5oB1hZXd
for the occasion and leave her oversized clothing at home. She wore a brown138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEftEEA0kMW
buttoned shirt and a pair of tan pants. He wondered if Eve had lent the outfit138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvRIZD7hNo
to her.
“Each of look very nice.” Vander138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwaGUiUoKx
nodded his approval. “Remember, tonight feel free to eat and drink as you138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zFRwks0eo
please, but there will still be training tomorrow as usual, and I will not go138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyQORAak72
easy on you just because you are hung over.”
“Come on Forest, let’s go dance.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmqjvXWpgl
Briar pulled on his arm, removing him from the booth. He protested fully but138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HLeYXNgXH
allowed himself to be led away by her. She grabbed his arm, placed the other138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4hbehpkqu
one around her waist and started leading him around the dance floor making sure138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPFQbVxGHO
not to bump into anyone along the way. Within moments the two of them were lost138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZlNzDcaNS
from sight.
“Will you dance with me Vander?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoYDqughrP
Eve looked down at her lap. It took him a moment to register that she had been138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jTWrehy4w
the one to ask him and not Chicken.
“He has two left feet.” Alex138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkccFBev824
slapped him on the back. “I’m you’ll find someone to dance with you out on the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsddej7bOAY
floor. Look,” they turned to where he was pointing and saw two young men138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y8l2Rhwbi
smiling at her from the other side of the Inn.
“But I want to dance with-“
“I’m sorry, Eve.” Vander forced a138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lSLOKJbJP
smile. “I’m a bit worn out from our travels today, so I think I’ll sit tonight138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZBJ7k0a42
out. Shall I call you over once our food is here?” Nodding angrily, she walked138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIABkPUAczW
from the booth, grabbed both young men by their arms and pulled them onto the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaccwVT5yL
dance floor.
“What about the two of you?” Alex138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqBrDsckoa
asked Rooster and Chicken.
“I think I’m just going to read.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpSuK6sYR6
Chicken removed a thick leather-bound book from her bag from under the table.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWtkrzQi0t
The title was called: The Life of Boris Britebyrd, The First Blade. He138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi4bNHhJ0N
didn’t know that she was into history, seemed as though the two of them had138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KxR3gIPvm
quite a bit in common.
“I’m okay just sitting here.” He138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCzT1tTPTP
looked wistfully out towards the dance floor. Tracing his gaze Vander saw that138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgVRHtH2xB
he was watching Eve dance with the two men. It looked as though she was138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOlE3yfCzf
enjoying herself, but that might also have been for his benefit.
“Why don’t you ask her to dance?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VuFzLHVuU
Vander asked.
“Because I see the way she looks138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs7K1E7sMF
at you.” Rooster grumbled. “And I can’t ever hope to compete.”
“It’s just a crush.” Vander138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclrC1g43w0
reached over to place his hand on Rooster’s shoulder. “She will get over it.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOeQpxJlFJ
Besides, no one could say no to you. You’re a wonderful kid and you won’t know138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGEfpefUM3
unless you try.”
“Alright, but later.” He sighed.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqOATiC6zu
He became quiet up then proceeded to stare out the window until the food138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUloNS2ari
arrived. The server placed down a basket full of bread, a bowl of hearty stew138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteeha1TO8f
for each of them along with a tankard of beer and many glasses. Vander asked138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwojqCKE7V
her to bring him some Dwarven Whiskey as well. She came back a couple of138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKF593VKbL9
minutes later with several shot glasses and the bottle.
Rooster and Chicken wasted no time138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhxuk8Lj8F
and started digging into their food. They never let food grow cold or go to138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg9RXLCEgv
waste. A pair of bottomless pits which stemmed from their time homeless and138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TGYgVS6Zz
never getting enough to eat. Forest and Briar came after a few minutes. Briar138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC43kZJbUM
was grinning ear to ear while Forest slumped into the booth breathing heavily138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFRfEe0NoY
and sweating profusely from his brow. Briar helped prop him up before starting138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhKPUh4VPR
to eat. Eve was the last one to make it back to the table. She was out of138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9IEi5MGz5
breath, her face flushed with exhaustion. She sat down next to Chicken not138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxmy1qSiB8
looking up at Vander as she started to eat.
As the music thrummed into his138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5beTlT6DW
head, he started feeling ill. Loud noises and people sitting so close to him138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZYQPA2RZr
wasn’t something he enjoyed. His senses were being assaulted and he needed some138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoztXNvKca
air, but first he wanted to make sure the recruits were taken care of.
“Congratulations on making it138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMzINAjtz5
through your first six months of training.” Vander said. “Alex and I couldn’t138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ggvbhadEm
be prouder of all the progress you made since we started and while things might138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18SbcSFwjk
not get easier from here on out, I know you all make fantastic Blades. So, eat,138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5U9IzoCuY
drink, and party to your hearts content.” Four of the five of them cheered.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmel0VRqwI8
Vander poured them each a shot and they all tossed it back at once. “Will you138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDaI2GSmvU
make sure they get home alright?”
“Of course,” Alex looked138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96iIt3JVFv
concerned. “Is everything alright with you?”
“Too much noise for me to handle.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOPWuobLql
Vander explained. “I just need to step outside for a few minutes okay?”
“Alright, just take it easy.” Alex138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj7Pmw3cRh
said with a slight frown. Vander excused himself from the table. He went138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkjMSoXZ6w
through the kitchen then out the back door into the cool night beyond.
Nighttime in the city was138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZLJprDwr4
different from the forest. Out there the sky was clear you could count the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokCAI5rvGv
stars or try too at least. Humjir’s light shone everywhere even in the darkest138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbrKLbakGS
corner. The animals made sounds of course as the night hunters prowled the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpv9KAxfJu
ground and sky, but there was a rhythm to it. There were times he and Shea138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnm85yxDAL
would stay out under a large tree listening to the animals as they relaxed from138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd8iNMfmhO
the day’s activities. Often enough Alex would come out to wake them out because138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs8BFc66ll
they had fallen asleep in the grass. Here, there was nothing soothing about it.
Humjir couldn’t be seen from the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjulf7gXvN
city aside from the highest tower in the King’s estate. You could only see a138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisqjcI28uj
couple of stars, but even then their lights were muted. Then came the sounds138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTGA9dHKpt
from humans, not animals, that showed how rotten the city truly was. The sick138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncoVaGnpyZ
could be heard coughing all night long as the homeless shuffled along looking138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbNQwdMXSZ
for a place to stay, any place that would take them. The hungry wails of138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VKQb4KUdD
children often fell on deaf ears because everyone else was too busy partying138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWG3qF7QHc
the night away. He couldn’t help but wonder how many people inside the inn138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gxl7tneOI
right now children at home starving had while they were drinking the night138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qy1AIqiL2
away. Both he and Shea were of one mind that they would be happier living in the woods away from all these people, but138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQG4wsdZKl
duty called and neither of them wanted to turn their backs on their friends.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ255Ioj1sZU
Perhaps, one day, they would be able to retire somewhere far from here.
He was so lost in thought that he138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaovtfHBdrx
failed to notice the door opening behind him. “You should really be more138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KVemjiGX9
careful out here.” Julianna said. He wasn’t one to startle easily, but he leapt138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqeDM1SAfK
from his boots once she spoke.
“Don’t scare me like that.” He138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVLjgN6EKA
growled. She wrapped her arm through his and pulled him to his side.
“Don’t be a pansy.” She giggled.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuHFchzskp
He could smell the slight tang of booze on her breath. Her face was flushed138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kULtsyIQB
bright red, and she was breathing heavily. The strap of her dress hung loosely138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmgxsn51yd
on her shoulder, so he reached over to pull it back up for her.
“You needed a drink to come out138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cz8HzBGcC
here and greet me?” he teased. “I thought you were braver than that.”
“Oh please.” She rolled her eyes.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkumhd1z724
“This wasn’t for you. Some of my patrons like me enough to buy me something to138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PuMmFN1Aq
drink and dance with me. I just came out here for a breather.” The two of them138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6sub7seJK
stood there in silence leaning up against the side of the building. Julianna138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6euAHUbFi7
placed her head on his shoulder, but she remained stony faced and still.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51z48txGyf
“Vander.” She said after a few minutes.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Did you get the closure you138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZwxQWqRDS
needed with Bree tonight?” He looked down at her. There was a wistful look on138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplyK7cgF8O
her face as she looked straight ahead.
“Heh.” He laughed. “I was138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtsa16OGXN
wondering how she made it past you. You let her in didn’t you?”
“Guilty.” She spoke softly. “If138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygUacVzUBJ
you were going to take her back, I was going to throw you out of the Inn. Once138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50mVmshKVV
she stormed off pissed as hell, I knew you made the right choice.”
“You’re always looking out for me,138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQWOWZ2vcd
thank you.” he bumped her shoulder lightly with his. She smiled up at him with138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pXBTgXr1t
a slight blush on her face. The two of them sat out there for a little bit138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnea5e22OI
without speaking. The quiet night air helped him soothe any aches he may have138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ745RglV2ti
had plus her company was a welcome boon. He knew that she didn’t harbor any138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IKC7ObB1A
feelings for him, neither him for her, but their friendship would stretch for138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbxKyPPwSv
years to come, he could feel.
A sudden shout along with the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy7KKvO60t
breaking of glass broke the serene quiet air. Julianna turned too him with a138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jfBLpYPVu
concerned look. “What the hell was that?” she asked.
“I don’t know.” He frowned. “But138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3NVdjcf8q
stay here, let me go look.”
“It’s my Inn.” She snorted. “I138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgOYK3VS40
won’t be waiting outside like some helpless damsel. Let’s go.” Shaking his head138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpbjODTmDy
as she rushed past him, he hurried behind.
As soon as she walked through the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuhGNNHDmG
door, he pushed her head down as a glass mug hit the wall next to them138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFsJTT0ywB
shattering upon impact. Shards of glass rained down over them, but they slid138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvgTM80M4t
right off his sleeve. Thankfully there was no liquid inside.
“Bring that white-haired bastard138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISlSeTKozr
out here this instant.” Someone shouted. Vander recognized the voice as Leon’s,138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmT0Rt475Q
so he must have been talking about him.
“Fucking Bree.” Vander pushed past138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQwAADIWux
Julianna through the kitchen and into the main Inn. Right in front of the door,138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5ahzQDw3x
flanking both sides keeping anyone from either entering or leaving were four138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoaehYMHq8
Blades, in uniform, with their hands on the hilts of their swords. Standing in138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrxk0d2fJQ
front of them was Leon with his sword out pointing to the ground. Vander met138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfzz76q8qX
Alex’s eye. He was standing in front of the table blocking the recruits from138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8X12HXHep
being spotted by the pissed off Captain. Their eyes met. Alex shook his head138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O9UuXuDg0
and motioned for Vander to leave out the back, but he was going to leave these138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUUsEggcAg
people here to take Leon’s wrath. As a captain he had a duty to uphold the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO6Zwpoc1O
standard of the Blades, so he pushed his way through the crowd to stand in138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EPyUbgjp9
front of Leon.
“What are you doing?” His voice138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf6yjdQPG0
boomed. He made no attempt to hide the annoyance in his voice. “Is this how a138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLM5GcGU4q
captain of the Blades is supposed to act? Drawing your weapon in a business and138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9A7HztcBv
trying to intimidate everyone here? What’s the matter with you?”
“There you are you bastard!” Leon138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92cWSRjCC8
raised his sword pointing it at his chest. “Why was Bree here? What did the two138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgikTQCvXa
of you do?”
“Is that what this is about?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZHVvgp7Ga
Vander scoffed. “Nothing happened, I sent her home, end of discussion. Now it’s138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RA9jgUtWw
your turn to get going before I report this to the Commander.”
“And you expect me to believe138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL54J39A5K
that?” Leon laughed. “You were gone for six months and the day you come back138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp96FtHsMM
she comes to visit you? You’re full of shit.”
“It’s true.” Julianna pushed her138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCiF4cBo7W
way through to stand by Vander. “I let her in, and she left five minutes later138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF83urCr7n
crying. I suggest you take it up with her and get out of my inn.”
“Now you have your new bitch138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwigKUhD2g
covering for you?” Leon snapped. “Take this punk outside, we will settle this138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF3hLbPx5m
like men.” The four Blades guarding the door moved forward towards the crowd.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1Sem6KkJM
Alex pushed past to stand by Vander causing the four of them to pause mid-step.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrNOmc2BUI
“Alex, stay out of this, this doesn’t concern you.”
“It concerns us all when you use138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszs9ivyJdG
your power for your own ends.” Alex snapped back. “You came to a private138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2F4fmKeOf
establishment, threatened citizens, and are threatening a comrade, one that,138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeJLXHIXFn
until recently, outranked you. This is an abuse of power especially settling a138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT77E1URwL
private affair.”
“You think that matters to me?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFA5QfCr5x
Leon asked. “When my honor is on the line? Do what I ask or I swear I will use138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFot7RaJu4
everything in my power to crush you.” Vander stepped out until they were face138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8deCqp1UU
to face.
“Is that a threat Leon?” Leon138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIydfdDxPC
responded by pushing Vander backwards then bringing his sword up underneath his138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6Zj5nWX5W
chin.
“No this is a- ahhhhhh!” Shea138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G2vUvn2YW
leapt out from nowhere and bit down on Leon’s sword arm. Vander could hear the138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaCVJdgumh
bones crunching in his arm as she screamed out in pain. He dropped his sword138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ3uW1tAX9
then tried to wrench her mouth off his arm. Blood sprayed as everyone started138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSdI9J1cbO
screaming. Vander saw Leon’s goons rushing towards her, so he rushed forward blocking138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3GD5BpQZU
their path.
“Shea, release him.”
“But-“ her voice echoed138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nzsWErVGu
back.
“NOW!” She released him, but138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjkW7rAwhb
jumped out of reach and bared her teeth. With blood dripping down his arm, he138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23lfI3NPXY
slowly got to his feet. His face was red with rage.
“Your mutt will pay for that.” He138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oQmNBpucL
whispered. “You will all pay for standing in my way.” He grabbed his sword,138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt7dsOhUHi
spun around, and thrust at Vander. Because he was facing away from Leon, Vander138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs5cEA9ztq
couldn’t anticipate the move. However, in his rage, he missed anything vital,138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q0eLt5BlY
but he still carved a deep gash into Vander’s side. He fell to the ground138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkOR34ms4d
holding the wound as blood seeped through his fingers.
“Damn it.” Vander groaned. “What138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu7rN1SoO2
the hell is the matter with you?”
“You’ve looked down on me for too138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlGF5U4lOV
long.” Leon spat. “Now it’s time you tasted defeat.” Leon lifted his sword138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3slzFvHwm
again, but Alex got there first. His fist collided with Leon’s face sending him138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1KZEv2XyR
sprawling onto the ground.
“You crossed a line and not even138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLCKJCIrwE
your father will get you out of it.” He snapped. “You four, get him out of here138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1H93Pks4D
before you find yourselves thrown onto the streets and not even Viggo Visc’s138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa7JILxGvN
influence will keep you safe.”
“This isn’t over.” Leon growled as138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKM0e0ONaFm
his four lackies picked him up off the ground and dragged him out. “You better138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvysBsADn0
find yourself a new job, Alex. I’m coming for your ass.” Vander heard rushed138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2lKgKw7IW
footsteps coming towards him. Julianna placed a towel over his hand to help138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPqXH7L9WV
staunch the bleeding.
“Let me see.” She whispered. He138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlFtZOkk9V
winced with pain as he carefully moved his hand. “It’s deep but didn’t hit138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAAtHSBJAl
anything vital. We are going to have to stitch you up.”
“Fine.” Vander allowed himself to138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxcrHZc6YP
be lifted to his feet. “Alex, will you make sure the kids get back safely?”
“We should get you to a doctor.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgKstCdAq0
Alex said, but Vander shook his head.
“I’ll be fine.” He gasped. “Pay138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcrsHXxK9F
for everyone’s meal as an apology for Leon’s outburst. There should be enough138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfLUG43bZN
money to cover it in my room. We will also pay for the damages here.”
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“I understand.” He said. Alex138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8B7khMJBl
began to shout, but Vander’s eyes started to close. The blood loss was more138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WOPqy9kgT
than he thought as he had difficulty staying awake. The last thing he saw was138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqZYSSkAkN
Shea leading the way upstairs towards the room.
