Page 14 of Shadows in Bloom

“Oh, you’re going to love this,” Zorinna snickered. “Just wait until you meet him. He decided to wait back at the inn.”

Alandris raised a brow. “That is rather ominous, you know. Nevertheless, lead the way.”

I waited until Kallistra and Zorinna were some ways ahead before I pulled Alandris by the sleeve. In a low tone, I spoke, “Thank you for not mentioning what happened to Kalli.”

Alandris slowed his pace to match mine. “There is no need to thank me. I get the sense that Kallistra doesn’t fully trust me. It would be unwise to speak of what happened today while you were under my care, lest she blame me.”

“Right…”

“That is not to say I wouldn’t have kept your secret regardless,” he added. “Though I hope you will eventually trust me enough to tell me more about your magic.”

So, he hadn’t fully believed me. The truth and the lie. And yet, he hadn’t pressed me for information and had let me train with him, knowing I was withholding information. For that, I was thankful. Despite that, Kallistra’s words were ringing in the back of my head. Do not trust him.

“Come on, keep up the pace!” Zorinna shouted from ahead of us. “Don’t tell me you’re tired already!”

“Not a chance!” Alandris yelled back, taking off after the two in front, leaving me without the opportunity to respond.

I stumbled over my feet, catching up to them.

Chapter 7

The sun was beginning to descend by the time we’d found our way back to the inn. The sky had finally shown some color for the first time that day, painted in beautiful warm tones of orange and pink. It was almost a shame to leave it behind, entering the inn that was already rowdy with patrons clamoring over one another.

One man in particular was commanding the attention of everyone in the establishment. He was a hulking bear of a man, towering over those around him in stature by no less than two heads. He had fastened his shirt sloppily, allowing his deep brown muscles to be on full display. His skin also displayed a number of cuts and scars, clearly indicating an adventurous life.

“Let’s see, then. Who’s next?” the man bellowed, turning to the crowd, which was now surrounding him in the center of the room.

“Aye! I’ll have a go!” a deep voice returned the offer.

This man, though bulkier than most others around him, looked like a child next to a giant. Pride must have driven him to throw his silver down on the table, as even a blind man could see which of the two men would win in a physical fight. When they each sat on a stool, propping their elbows up on the wooden table, my suspicions were confirmed. A trial of strength. The bear man would be victorious.

The challenger gave his best effort, straining against his opponent’s grip, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His opponent, however, appeared comfortable, making no effort to push back against him, only holding his ground with a cheesy grin on his face. The challenger continued to struggle against the man’s strength, grunting and groaning with every attempt to overtake him.

“Had enough fun yet, Kaz?” Zorinna called out, shoving her way through the bodies, blocking her view.

“Hey! Zorinna! I’m just making some pocket change,” the larger man answered, turning away from the task at hand.

So, was this to be the man Kallistra and Zorinna had arranged to join our group? This burly man, Kaz, looked as though he could snap the other man in two if he willed it. Where Kallistra and Zorinna had found him, I hadn’t the faintest idea. He was bigger than anyone I’d spotted in the inn last night. He must’ve only arrived today.

“Would you mind passing over my tankard, Zorinna?” Kaz asked, tilting his head to the ale just out of reach.

Zorinna crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. “Another nuisance has joined our team.” Despite her annoyance, she gave the tankard a little push toward Kaz, barely within reach, so that he could just grab it with his free hand.

Kaz lifted the tankard and gulped the whole thing down in one go. All the while, his opponent continued to fight against his grip. Cocky, yes, but well-earned. “Ah! Now that’s the good stuff.” He gave the man suffering in front of him a beaming smile. “What’s your name, son?”

“H-Haakon,” he grunted through bared teeth.

“Haakon, what do you say—time to give up? You put up an honorable fight. I am sure they will sing your praises this night.” He waved his free hand through the air. “Haakon the Brave!”

“Ugh. Bastard! I will n-never!” Haakon was all but foaming at the mouth. His face had turned a deep shade of crimson and his entire body was shaking as he forced himself beyond his limits.

Kaz sighed. “I did offer.”

The harrowing sound of a crack silenced the room, save for the sudden gasps escaping from horrified mouths. Silence—until Haakon started screaming. When he stood, his shoulder was sagging, contorted into an impossible position. He rushed toward the exit, shoving his way through the crowd until he was out of the inn, the door slamming behind him.

“Hey! Watch it!” the innkeeper yelled from behind the counter—a Dwarven woman with ginger hair tied back into a series of complicated braids. She hobbled over to where Kaz was seated. “What did I tell you about causing trouble, boy?”

“Hmm, you did mention something about that… but come on! I didn’t even break it. If he hadn’t run off, I would’ve snapped it back into place for him.”

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