Page 99 of Storms & Sacrifice
“I will see you afterward at my parents’, alright?” He steps close and runs his hand through my hair.
“I’ll see you there, Sir.” Fuck, I’m even gonna miss callinghim “Sir.”
I find my friends in the marketplace easily enough, the group of humans sticking out like a sore thumb. Everyone’s happy to see me, and unlike some of the rangers, they don’t seem scared. They all look the same as yesterday, except for Liss who has gotten a haircut. Rather than redyeing her hair black, she seems to have had all of it cut off, leaving her with a head of short red hair styled almostlike mine.
“Alright, first I want to make sure we’re all clear on what we’re doing.” Adam is the responsible one, as always. “Five days ago, David was killed and then resurrected through an ancient magical ritual. The only two places we know with information on that ritual are Pákannon, which is a five-day walk north-northeast, and Manamequohi, which is a two-week hike from there. I say we hit both places and gather all the info we can. Any objections?”
“Nope!”
“No.”
“Nah.”
“I guess not.” It feels weird to be the focus of our group’s activity. “But there’s something else we need to do to: find Redwish. He’ll know more about what happened to me,andhe needs to be held responsible for his hand in allof this.”
“Alright, tracking down our skeezy former lawyer is added to the list,” Adam says with a grin, and it’s damn hard not to grin back. “Let’s get stocked up because we leave in themorning!”
The first thing we look at are food and rations. It’s only a five-day journey, and I’ve learned a few of hunting and fishing tricks while on patrol with Khazak, but it’s still good to stay prepared, so we get enough for a full week. Mostly jerky, but we also find some things like nuts and dried fruit. I insist on buying, something the group reluctantly agrees to. I also convince them to let me grab us a few collapsible fishing poles. Then I try to buy Adam a brand-new sword, and he quickly turns me down and tries to assure me that I have nothing to make up for. So no, not gonna be able to get rid of my guilt that easily.
After the rations, we take care of the rest of our supply and equipment needs. Weapons are sharpened, armor is repaired, and new clothes are bought. I finally pick up that second sword and I even grab a bow to practice hunting with. It’s really interesting watching how my friends each handle their purchases. Adam is as patient and respectful as always, and it sounds like he actually picked up a little of the language while in jail, maybe even more than I have. Liss is more silent with a lot of pointing and holding up fingers to count. Corrine uses her hands a lot when she speaks too, though I’m not sure it’s actually helping, and Nate just tries talking louder, at least until he gets his answer shouted right back to him.I missed these guys.
When we’re finished, the afternoon is long over and all of us are starving, which means it’s time to head to the Ironstorm residence. I am fully expecting the massive feast Rurig has prepared for us when we get there. What I’m not expecting is for almosteveryoneelse I know in the city to be here too. Work and otherwise. While I’m happy to see them all, it also means there’s a lot more opportunities for my friends to discover more about what I’ve been up to while they’vebeen gone.
There are way too many people to keep in one room, and everyone sits down wherever they’d like once they’ve piled their food onto a plate, table or not. That makes it even harder to try to keep an eye on everyone. Eventually, after downing a few beers, I manage to calm down.Everything will be fine. You’re leaving tomorrow. Try to enjoy this.
“For hardened criminals, your friends have been excellent house guests, David,” Ayla jokes, grouped in a corner with me, Nylan, and Ragnar. “The brunette has been a little squirrely, but honestly, my parents have loved having them here.”
“The blonde isn’t bad to look at, either,” Nylan adds.
“He does seem like your type.” Ragnar looks over at Adam, currently talking with Arik and Glasha. “Tall,handsome—”
“Arms that could pop my head like an overripe melon,” Nylan finishes, ignoring the way Ragnar rolls his eyes. “It’s going to be weird not having you around anymore, David. I’ve gotten used to having someone who knows what it’s like dealing with all this.” He gestures between him and Ragnar.
“You’re pushing it, boy,” Ragnar warns.
“...Sorry, Sir.” Nylan stretches up to kiss his owner on the cheek. “I’m just really gonna miss you, David.”
“I’m going to miss you too, Ny. All of you.” I take a moment to think about what I want to say without getting too sappy. “I know I didn’t end up here under the best pretenses, but it’s honestly been amazing. You guys have taught me so much stuff, about myself, about the world... Even with all the bad, I’m not sure I would have done anything differently. I’m going to miss this place a lot.”
Suddenly, my arms are full of a sobbing half-elf. “You have to promise to keep in touch. You can’t just forget about us or nevervisit or—”
“Ny, I’mliterallyleaving to go meet with your father. There’s no way you won’t hear from me again,” I try to reassure the guy sobbing into my chest. “I’d never be able to forget about you.”
“I don’t think you’re the only one to feel that way,” Ayla says while Nylan composes himself. “I know I have not been around very much, but I cannot remember the last time I saw my brother this happy. He normally takes everything so seriously, but since I’ve been home, I swear it’s like he’s ten years younger. He makesjokesnow. I can only imagine how much he’s going to take it once youare gone.”
I look over at Khazak, who’s standing with Corrine and Nikka, feeling the heat rise in my face as Ayla’s words sink in. I tell myself it’s justthe beer.
Later, after most of the other guests have left, Khazak and I make our excuses to head home ourselves. I half-expect my teammates to wonder why I’m not sleeping here with them, but even with the open beds they have, I’m pretty sure Adam and Nate are still sleeping on couches, so I have the excuse of wanting a real bed if Ineeded it.
As Khazak and I walk home, for once devoid of leftovers, I feel one of his hands reach over and slowly envelop mine. We walk the rest of the way hand in hand in silence, his thumb stroking mine. I’m smiling, and I know he is too, but there’s a feeling of melancholy hanging in the air. This is our last nighttogether.
We don’t stop holding hands until Khazak has to unlock the front door. We enter quietly, lingering in the living room, neither of us sure what we want to say.
“David—”
“Khazak—”
After some chuckling, he finally goes first. “I just wanted you to know what these past few months have meant to me.” He takes both of my hands in his as he talks. “Despite the circumstances that led to us meeting, and the last few days notwithstanding, I have really treasured our time together. I can only hope when you look back on this, it is not the ways I hurt you that you focus on. I am so sorryfor that.”
