“That doesn’t look like a normal bump in the wall.” He says, scrutinizing the wound and reaches out a hand as if he’s going to probe it I brush his hand away before it reaches, “I’m alright. Though I would need something to cover it with. I imagine it makes me too recognizable.” Zen looks at me fo
“It must’ve been hard for you, Mr. Heisen.” Lukas picks up his cup, observes the tea and sets it back down “If you don’t mind, could we see Raiden’s usual lodging?” “Err, that’s a bit,” Mr. Heisen looks away, twisting his mustache Zen pulls a heavy bag from his belt and sets it on the table. Clink
I whip my head up to look at him “You spied on these people?” “After they never responded to the letters, I asked a few close acquaintances to dig up their whereabouts.” Lukas says, not guilty in the least “I wouldn’t call it spying if it’s for the safety of the country. It’s more of an undisclosed
Thunder roars above our heads. Lady Starcovesky growls lowly “We are not murders, boy. We aren’t going to harm the girl.” Zen says nothing, only looks down at her icily. The expression on his face is inscrutable, and if it wasn’t for the utter stillness of his frame, I would think he’s as calm as
“Worry not, scholar.” Lady Starcovesky says, noticing the look on my face, and hands me the small lamp “She’s not dangerous. It’s likely that she would just overlook you when she doesn’t recognize you.” I nod, and push fear to the very back of my mind. It doesn’t matter anyway. This is what I came
Lady Starcovesky gives me a somber glance, and closes the door behind. The smell of blood and the sound of singing is forever burned in my memory. “Did you pray for her?” She asks me, her eyes downcast “Will… she find peace?” I’m at a loss for words. Everything that comes to mind turns to dust on
“Hey!” A familiar voice calls from one of the bigger tables “You three! Over here!” I turn my head, and find the other four already at the table. Lukas, Zen and I walk over to the rest of the expedition team. Zen pulls a chair for me, before pulling a chair from a nearby free table and putting it a
“It’s empty,” Lukas peers at it from the side “Are you sure this has traces?” “It reeks.” Zen says simply “And it’s warm. Like it’s been placed beside a fire for long.” I can’t say anything of what it smells like, but I felt the same thing. It’s oddly warm. “It’s buzzing too.” I touch a finger to