CHAPTER 24: Beneath the Falling Blades - Part 3

  He and the Wingard brothers made a short visit to the blacksmith workshop. Apart from their ability to dampen Prana and Mana, the bracelets were just ordinary shackles, and removing them required no special technique. Tongs, a hammer, and done.

  Ryse spent his time until the evening feast in his room. But first, he had something to do. He took out a wired needle, stuck it into the wall dividing his room from the Wingards’, and listened using a small bowl at the other end of the wire.

  “We must capture Ryse,” one of them said – indistinguishable, as telling them apart was like distinguishing which hand dropped a coin. “He's the only one who can clear the Princess's name.”

  “We can't do it here. The bandit leader clearly sympathizes with him. We can't force him to testify publicly because Isfan will kill us first. Taking him to Arvane is even more impossible. We might not even make it back ourselves.”

  He had anticipated less than honorable intention from the two, and had even requested to be placed next to them so he could eavesdrop.

  “At least let's silence him. Brother, you follow the main directive to protect the Princess and find a way home. I will stay behind, waiting for the opportunity to silence him.”

  Eavesdropping on the two plotting his demise felt uncanny to Ryse.

  “You’re right, but I want our roles reversed. You should return and guard the Princess. It is your duty to be by her side.”

  “Our duty, Brother.”

  “Our King's health has waned much since we departed from Arvane. Should he pass at any moment, the Princess, as his heir, will require our protection in those critical times. And I believe the Princess would appreciate your presence more.”

  “Brother, you know that I and the Princess...”

  “Well, I am your older brother after all. Remember, there are rumors that one of the Princess’s sisters is not our King's offspring and plans to usurp her during the succession. Leave Ryse to me. You focus on returning to her side.”

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  “…Very well, Brother.”

  Ryse withdrew his needle. They were just complicating matters. Yet, he still had to head east. His mission was more important than the mere peace of Arvane-Isofea or even Arvane's succession.

  As midnight approached, the entire village held a feast. They lit several small bonfires to avoid drawing too much attention, brought out tables and chairs, and all manner of foods.

  Ryse sat alone until the Wingard brothers approached, each holding a wooden tankard.

  “We've decided to trust your words,” Wingard with the tankard in his left hand said.

  “Igmar and I will no longer insist on you taking the responsibility. You are free to leave,” Wingard with the tankard in his right hand said.

  “Guess that's good news, huh?” The manner in which the Wingards made him feel safe only to ambush him was so stiff that he was reluctant to entertain them.

  Ryse drained his drink – a root extract, slightly bitter but sweet and refreshing upon swallowing. “Well then, farewell, we won't cross paths again.” He stood and left before the feast ended.

  As he opened the door to his room, a breeze stirred the red hair of his sister. She sat there, playing with her dice.

  “While looking for a ship, I heard you were to be chopped up. But it turns out you have good partners in crime. Except for that sneak at the bridge. Ryse, come with me to Cairdelis. I'll keep you safe, and we won't have to split up again.”

  “Sis, I have no idea about what's going on in our mentor's head, but we've got to put a stop to him. The Alchemy weapon is not what he thinks.”

  Elsja put the dice in her bag. “I've never laid eyes on an Artifica weapon, let alone something centuries older than that.”

  “I once did his bidding to grab something from Dragon Fang town. Turns out, it was the key to activate an Alchemy weapon.”

  “Who knows if that weapon even works anymore? Besides, without knowing what it's for, he's probably playing you. Marfas didn't set you free either because he couldn't find any proof, right?”

  “But I can’t take the risk. Especially because I’m half responsible.”

  “I’ve said that I’ve important matters to attend to. If I don’t sneak out tonight, I'll be stuck for a while.”

  Elsja hugged Ryse and kissed his forehead. “I've promised to stay out of your business, but keep an eye out. Our mentor once fooled the fourteenth Thief Master when he was seven.”

  Ryse turned as the door was knocked. “Can I come in?” Sherry asked from outside. Elsja had vanished by the time he turned back.

  Sherry approached as he opened the door, causing him to step back.

  “What’s your plan now?” She moved closer, close enough for him to feel her breath.

  “I am heading east.”

  “And how will you cross the border?”

  “I’ll put my bet on Marfas and–”

  Sherry placed her index finger to his lips. “What if you just stayed here with me?”

  He held Sherry's shoulders and moved her back. “Thank you for the offer, but I can’t.”

  “Is it so important that you would pass me by?”

  “Sorry, but this matter is–”

  “I understand.” Sherry turned away. For a moment, she hesitated to take a step, before finally leaving.