The temptation to let the guard bleed to death was too great. Joseph was unsure of what to do with his damaged blade. He could either discard it or give it further purpose. Was he in command of such a great decision? A simple weapon that was seldom sought by those like him. It was worthless in a sense. Could he still put it to use? Did he want to?

In response to his impending death, the guard pushed himself up to a nearby tree and began crying internally. His composure was slipping away and Joseph could see the tears breaking through. Maybe the blade didn’t want this. He never bothered to ask it what it wanted out of its existence. Then again he was also the one who kept referring to it as a mighty sword when it was really just a poorly designed dagger he stole from a passing merchant.

Autumn helped set up the scenery nicely. Leaves of all different colors and patterns tumbled from the tree tops and landed on the wounded guard’s head. He was too petrified to notice the beauty that was unfolding around him. A grand spectacle of nature that could have been comforting to him if Joseph did decide to go through with the dirty deed and end the man’s miserable life.

“Tell us of your name, sir.” Joseph requested without choice.

The guard shook his head. It only fueled the terrifying realization that those that he helped raise would no longer receive his wisdom. Joseph could not see it, but the guard had other things on his mind other than the blade at his throat. For one thing, he was greatly considering turning his back on an oath and revealing his name to the enemy.

Joseph smirked and fell to one knee to look into his victim’s eyes. He stuck the dagger into the ground and reached to a vial of liquid strapped to his side. Without breaking contact with the test subject, he twisted off the cap of the glass and gave the substance a good inhale.

“Smells just fine. Surely you won’t gag. No one else has.”

The guard lifted up a leg and kicked at Joseph’s hand, but only found his ankle to be nearly ripped off a second later as it landed in his opponent’s grasp. Joseph laughed hysterically and leaned toward the pitiful victim with immense interest. Ever gradually tipping the vial over, the guard could only watch as he became subject to only the work of a madman, or perhaps a masochist, or maybe the worst of them all - a “gale.”

“Omar!” The guard shouted.

“Is that your final answer?” Joseph halted for a moment.

The guard looked to be struggling with many options. He looked around to see the bodies of his fellow guards strewn about in a deceased manner. He had never expected his post to become a graveyard in only a matter of minutes. This Joseph was a fast one. He had encountered many a gale before, but this one easily took the cake. It was the only one to achieve the upper hand. Now he knew that he would never see anything better than this one.

“Is that your final answer, sir?”

“Yes. Just let go of my ankle for Christ’s sake!” Omar shouted.

Joseph looked to his left hand and noticed he still had the poor man’s foot clenched in his hand, the now bleeding skin becoming victim to his tense fingers. To keep the tender conversation aflow he gave into Omar’s desire and stepped back slightly. He capped the vial and returned the dagger to its respective sheath.

Omar was able to retain his cool the entire time that he was on the brink of destruction. It would have been such a disappointing death at that. Most of his friends had died at the hands of grand war generals such as Luke or Ordan. Others had sacrificed themselves to the glory of their ancestors. He would have died to a single gale if said predator had not decided to act reasonably.

The sunlight from beyond the trees was breaking through and shining on the two. Joseph found it strangely fitting. He stood up and helped Omar to his feet, but kept him up against the tree, “Let’s get a few things straight as of now. You are no victim. If need be I will kill, but not because you are a threat to me. If I choose to lay waste to you then it will be because there will be no further use for you. Understand?”

“Honestly, as long as you spare me long enough to bid farewell to my daughter then I will be all the more pleased.” Omar twinged at the feeling in his feet. There were red marks where Joseph had decided grab hold of him like an animal. At that point Omar found the two indistinguishable.

Some sort of subtle reflection caught Joseph’s attention several yards over. It was the weapon of a fallen soldier. A long sword that he had never had practice with before. Omar wanted to show his attest to Joseph’s thievery, but by the time the weapon was in his hands he knew that his captor was all the more deadly now. “Omar, that is not how I act. All that I am saying is that you’d better make yourself useful or else I’ll make you useless myself.”

“Sounds like a fair trade.” Omar knew he was lying now. Perhaps it would be his first fault.

“Now let’s begin bringing all these goods together and deciding what we need. You guards are surprisingly well equipped. Too many swords, though. Not enough variety. Lack of variety means lack of preparedness. That’s something that will definitely ruin you when a goddamn dragon comes outta nowhere and strikes you all down.” Joseph brought all the bodies that he was done with to a large pile underneath a tree. In a matter of minutes the fallen comrades had all been deprived of their weapons that, if used properly, could have spared their lives.

Omar had never dealt with a dragon. Even though it was just an expression, though a very far fetched one, it always stuck with him how simple his life was. His career has been subject to serious stagnation. Staying in the same county as he always had since he moved out at the age of seventeen. No dragons. Not even an imp. Just merchants who are bullied by the other guards for being low lifes.

The loud and obnoxious sigh of a horse from up a nearby hill alerted the two of them. Joseph was quick to react and dove behind a tree, leaving Omar out in the open. When the animal came in sight, there was a tall man riding the magnificent specimen with a spear in hand. He wore a grandiose beard that stroke the head of the stallion gently. Surely the horse was even jealous of the hair of its rider.

“Omar Heeren, what in God’s name are you doing here? You look as withered as the oak behind you.” The man dismounted the horse and slid down the hill without missing a single step. He seemed overly proud of himself yet Omar had yet to decide if he knew the man or not. The knight had platinum armor, which was common amongst the Grand Brigade. He had a Lunar Spear, which was only given to those who had done a great service to the chancellor. If he was both and Omar had yet to know of his identity, then was the man even all that he would make himself out to be?

More importantly, however, was the fact that this stranger knew of Omar.

“You know of me?” Omar questioned. He remained perfectly still. If he were to show his injury on his foot it would tip the knight off to there being an attack. This would lead to the man finding the bodies. Subsequently, Joseph would return from wherever he had lurked off to and slay the man and, in response to tipping him off to the attack, Omar.

The knight stabbed the butt of his spear into the ground and nodded graciously, “Of course, sir. Your father, Andreas, was a good friend of mine. Just seeing you grown now makes me happy inside. Though your current presence in the middle of Atelier County raises many more questions.”

“You question why I am here yet here you are as well.”

“Ha, seeing my faults. Just like Andreas. You take up to him, eh? Very well. It just so happens that I’m heading to my sister’s wedding in Hemlock. Seeing you here is a grand coincidence. Do you perhaps work here? I would have expected much more from the son of Andreas.”

Omar noticed the knight reach his hand out and grab onto his arm. He pulled back, but found the knight’s grip to be great, “What is the meaning of this? Let go of me. I’m not your doll.”

“Come. Let’s go back to your station. It’s time you get promoted. Atelier is not good enough for the likes of you, Omar.” He demanded and pulled on the guard.

His grip was eventually repelled when Omar fell face first into the dirt. He shouted in pain from the marks in his foot and was frozen in time, unsure of what to do next. He remained still. He had just blown the first part of Joseph’s cover. Should he have felt bad about it since he still didn’t know the captor’s name?

The knight threw his spear to the ground and kneeled beside Omar, “Dear God, what has happened? Are you in pain?”

“N-No, nothing of the sort. Let go, goddamn it. I’m stronger than that.” Omar responded. He was full of lies that day for some reason.

A strong wind hit against the knight’s backside. He turned around and reached for his spear. Before his weapon could be retrieved, however, he felt a strong pierce through his back. Blood spilled over the leaves. He coughed and was frozen in time alongside Omar. When the blade was pulled out of his body he fell forward, preparing to see Death and all his glory. A great pit was formed in his stomach. On his deathbed and he wouldn’t even be able to see his killer.

Omar was taken aback by the surprise appearance of Joseph. The gale pulled the very long sword that he had recently stolen out of the knight’s back and threw it to the ground. “Did not expect it to go that well. Swords aren’t usually my fit, but this could be a start. What was the guy’s name?”

“He never said.” Omar said and hobbled to his feet, “Then again, neither did you.”

“Joseph.” The gale said and began to inspect the wounded knight’s body.

Omar watched. Joseph had an odd way of looking into the knight’s belongings. He was careful and concerning with every single movement, “Is he dead? Did you kill him?”

“If he is then so be it. Death isn’t usually my thing. If it happens, though, then there’s nothing I can do about it.” Joseph stood up and patted his hands clean of any dirt, “To Hemlock it is.”

Omar looked up at the knight’s horse, “Hemlock? Is that where you were heading either way?”

“Hemlock? Not a chance. There is no way I would freely travel to that oversaturated stock of degenerates. Most of us are working hard to keep things in order. All of them are just situated on the matter of who is going to get married next or what the baby’s name is gonna be. A bunch of things that are as pointless as this carcass’ sister’s wedding.”

“So the reason that we need to go there is what?” Omar stood quietly. The pain wasn’t as bad on his foot. He was still surprised that he was caused so much sheer pain just from Joseph.

Joseph climbed the hill to the deceased knight’s horse and petted its mane, “We must keep this little mishap hidden from those who may know him. Most gales are professionals at getting caught - not I. It was neither of our faults that he just happened to come here. It was never my intention to kill him. However, it happened. If we go to Hemlock and give his sister the assumption that he attended then we’ll be good to depart for where we’re actually needed.”

“That seems overly complicated. Shouldn’t we just dispose of the body, as well as my comrades, and just leave now? We’d get a horse too.” Omar made his way up to the horse as well. The two climbed on and thought deeply about the situation.

“But think about it - it’s his sister’s wedding.”

Omar smiled, “You just said you didn’t care about such things as weddings.”

“Never said that. Merely said that the ideology of the community is poison. Weddings can be a blast. It just seems necessary to right our wrongs.”

“You mean right your wrong!” Omar noticed that the horse was now starting to trot down the path, “I was in no way involved with his death! That was all you.”

Joseph kicked the horse slightly to speed it up, “But you are my prisoner as of now, so I’d recommend you go along with me lest you wish to be killed without bidding farewell to your sweet daughter.”

The most horrifying nightmare that Omar rarely thought about. It made him feel sick whenever he did. On that horse he felt the urge to vomit. He maintained himself and leaned towards Joseph in the front, “A-Alright, just promise me we’ll see my daughter before going to wherever it is you need to go.”

“Fine, fine,” Joseph complied, “Don’t think of questioning my intentions either. Because if you do then-”

“Then you’ll kill me.”

“Right. You’re a fast learner.” Joseph said as they left the forest.

2: Chapter 2: Stockholm Syndrome

Several miles up the path that was most traveled between Atelier and Hemlock a large fortress stood and blocked the way. While most may see it as just a large block of stone meant to keep the peace, it was actually a very large town that just had the misfortune of being confined within towering brick walls. It was a popular tourist destination that sat just a little past the border into Hemlock.

Most days it was just a quaint community that lacked reason to bother anyone outside of their own walls. This particular day it opened all four of its gates and allowed for anyone from outside Bartholomew to enter and partake in the day's festivities. It wasn't just any day in Hemlock County. It was the ideal day for a wedding, at least to the bride. She was known as the finest woman in the town. Outside of it - not so much. The only person who knew her outside the town was her own brother, and he seldom visited.

"Kaden, has he arrived yet?" The fine lady asked. Three of her dressers were working their mortal magic on her white fabrics. She sat in a lavish chair by the window, playing with the curtains calmly in attempt to suppress her fear that the second most important person in the world to her might not be making an appearance that day.

A short man standing by a large window shook his head. He was bald and held a golden telescope in his hand. He stroked his mustache and made his way over to the bride, "No, my dear Savannah. Perhaps we should give it time. People of such importance as he rarely have time to themselves."

"But it's not to himself! It's to me!" Savannah was starting to show her inner emotion, "He promised me years ago that he would attend my wedding if I attended his. It wouldn't be like him to suddenly cancel."

"Did he get married?" Kaden asked and set the telescope on a table.

"No, but-"

Kaden cleared his throat to cut her off, "So where is his obligation to hold up on the deal? It isn't a promise unless all prerequisites are met. Maybe you aren't thinking far enough into this. He is a noble and intelligent man so it is very possible for him to see this through."

A door on the other side of the room opened up. A tall man in black armor stepped in, a pointed helmet in hand. He grabbed a comb off a nearby table and used it to groom his white hair before tossing it to the floor. He walked over to the other two and simply smiled. The maids all eyed the knight and agreed through eye contact to dismiss themselves from the room.

"So precious older brother has still yet to show up. And what is the reasoning, Kaden? Something about a deal? Yes, a miniscule deal. A promise that they made when they were young and foolish. Get over yourself and face the reality that weddings in Hemlock aren't all that you nincompoops make them out to be." The knight set his helmet on the ground and pulled Savannah to her feet.

Kaden took his spot in Savannah's chair and began playing with the same telescope from before, "You aren't any wiser, Elkin. Do you perhaps know where Belenus could be? After all, you did serve him in the Grand Brigade in the past, correct? Maybe you could shed some light on where precious brother could be right now."

"You sound smug. A hypocritical smug is someone that I do not take to speaking with. Since it is unavoidable now, I will say that Belenus is of no concern to me. The Grand Brigade is behind me so there should be no reason that you think that I am capable of supplying information on it now."

Kaden shrugged as if it were a reasonable answer. His attention turned to Savannah whose arm was still being held onto by Elkin, "What do you want, Elkin? Bothering me on my wedding day is not something that I appreciate. Now, of all times, is even worse."

Elkin let go of the bride and handed her a scroll from his hand, "These are the total expenses for our services. We plan to have our payment by the time of our departure in two days. We've already talked about the repercussions of your little family here in Bartholomew if you fail to meet our request. Do you remember?"

"Yes."

"Good. That is all. I just wished to remind you. The groom's room is my next destination. He shouldn't be too hostile to deal with, correct?" Elkin laughed and walked to the door. He closed the door without realizing that the helmet of his was still on the table.

With lack of respecting one's belongings, Kaden grabbed the helmet and stroked its surface. It did not have any dust build up. It looked to have been cleaned right before he entered the room.

"Belenus isn't coming, is he?" Savannah said.

Neither of them were really sure. Kaden had never even met the legend. Most of those who were good friends with Savannah spoke highly of the knight even though, just like him, they had yet to even meet him. They could only wait and hope that he show up before the sun sets. When the sun finally dd decide to take its rest on the horizon that is when the ceremony would begin. It would be no ceremony without the only blood family she would have left.

Outside the building was a flood of people all moving in a pack. They were all heading for the same destination - the lower half of Bartholomew where the majority of town events took place. Street vendors and shop owners were ahead of schedule and preparing to bombard citizens with their new products while everyone prepared for the grand wedding.

Savannah stepped outside just as the crowd passed and bit her lip. Seeing everyone excited to see her was heartbreaking. They thought she was special - so special that, like the other hundreds of people in the town, she would get married. It wasn't even her idea. Her soon-to-be-husband had suggested they get hitched and live in prosperity, but that wasn't what she wanted.

A guard approached Savannah from one of the watchtowers in the front of the city, "Excuse me, Miss Savannah, but it appears that some travelers would like to have a word with you."

"Tell them I'm busy getting married."

"They say it cannot wait." Another guard approached.

Kaden moved past Savannah and looked to her conflicted expression, "Shall I speak with them?"

"Yes. Deal away with those strangers. Have any of you seen Adam?" She asked.

"Try the herb shop. He said that the food preparation was coming along slowly so he would have to step in. If not there then try the reception stage." One guard spoke and led Kaden to the guard towers. They stepped through the door and climbed the winding steps to the top of the tower. The sun shone brightly upon them and dozens other guards who lined the upper facade of the fort. Kaden looked over the edge of the wall to several merchants arriving at the city. Among them were two other men both riding the same brown horse.

The one in front blocked out the sun with his hand and looked to Kaden, "Do you speak for the bride?"

"Where is your invitation?"

Joseph turned and looked to Omar. They both made eye contact and tried to think of an excuse off the bat. They stepped off the horse and dropped all of their weapons on hand. Merchants around them stared with uncertainty. Kaden looked at the guards who shrugged their shoulders. He sighed and went back down the tower. He then followed another crowd of people to the lower level of Bartholomew and arrived at the gate.

On the other side he approached the two cautiously. He noticed that Omar had significantly less on him then Joseph who didn't sport the look of a trustworthy ally either. Kaden skipped past Joseph and went right to his accomplice, "Where is your invitation?"

"We, uh, don't have one." Omar replied honestly.

Joseph eyed Omar angrily, obviously not pleased with his response. He pushed Omar aside and faced Kaden himself, "We're not here for the wedding. We're here for the bride."

"You expect to have one without the other? Savannah is busy. Her schedule is tight. If you wish to speak with her, wait until the wedding has passed." Kaden said and turned back to head into the town.

"How long will that take, sir?" Omar asked.

Kaden stopped, "About five to seven days including their honeymoon."

"We're not waiting a week! If she could just lend me her ears for but a moment then we'll be on our way." Joseph followed Kaden back to the front gates.

Numerous guards piled out of the gates and blocked Joseph from getting any closer to Kaden. He stopped at the gate and looked back at Joseph again, "What relation do you have to her? If you refuse to answer me this then there will be no further chances to earn my trust."

Joseph looked back at Omar, who was becoming incredibly irritated. He stepped up to the guards and began, "We know of her brother's fate," Omar blurted out.

All guards rested and looked to one another, still out of the loop on the mystery of Belenus.

"You knew Belenus?" Kaden was interested again, "Where is he? I'll have you arrested if you refuse to divulge this information this instant!"

Joseph was angry on the inside at Omar, but realized that this could be a prime opportunity for them. He stepped forth along Omar and took the lead, "Of what relation do you have to dear Belenus, sir? It seems that we are here for a very important reason. We must speak to Savannah about her brother. It is information that only family of hers should know."

"Then you are family, correct?" Kaden asked, "That seems unlikely considering that all her blood relatives are deceased."

The duo looked to each other. Joseph gave Omar a wink before turning his stare back to Kaden, "We're not blood-related, though, sir. We are connected through a variety of marriages that end us back within the lineage of Belenus' ancestors. Though we may not be directly of relation to her, we are the last ones who she could possibly trust. She seldom speaks of us, correct? That is only because she wishes not to include those relatives that knew not Belenus as closely as she did. Is that formidable enough proof for you, sir?"

Kaden took the in-depth excuse to heart and smirked, "Very well. Savannah will be thrilled to see you. I will lead you to her room. She will be with you very soon."

The two followed Kaden into the city of Bartholomew. Though before Joseph never had a problem with it, he began to feel incredibly claustrophobic. The amount of people, along with the closeness of all the shops, made him feel like he was trapped in a box. He looked to Omar in front of him but couldn't tell how he felt. He remained quiet until they reached the room of Savannah on the second floor of the town.

They entered and were told to sit on a couch in the corner. Kaden stood by the door and simply smiled, "Yes, she will be with you momentarily."

With the door shut, Omar felt more relieved. He leaned back and groaned, "This town is worse than I thought."

"You're just not used to it."

A knock on the door startled the two. They sat up and ready to speak with Savannah, who seemed quick to tend to her guests. When the door opened a large hulk of a knight stepped in and stepped to the front of Joseph and Omar. He was angry and unsettled by something.

Omar moved up in his seat a bit, "Can we help you?"

"You're here to see Savannah about the fate of her brother, correct?"

They nodded.

"And by fate, you mean that he is deceased?"

They hesitated at first, but eventually nodded.

The knight clenched his fists and stared down the two, "If you hold back any information on Belenus then be sure that I will put you two under. Tell me now, what was the cause of his death? Murder? Disease? How do you know of his fate? You are not the brothers of Savannah! They're all gone anyway."

All optimism shared between the two was gone. They couldn't quite wrap their heads around the matter that they were already being caught in the act. Omar still wasn't completely sure of what they had to do in Bartholomew, but he was beginning to see Joseph's cunning. He almost seemed trustworthy - but that's like putting your own life in the hands of your assassin.

"Elkin, remove yourself please," Savannah shouted from the door. She stepped in and waited for the knight to turn around and make his leave before confronting the two herself. When Elkin finally left she slammed the door and turned her eyes to Joseph, "Explain yourself. Where is my brother?"

Joseph stood up and held out his hand to Savannah, "The name's Joseph Truman."

Savannah didn't accept his greeting. She slapped the hand away and crossed her arms, "Don't think that I'm not as suspicious as Elkin or Kaden. Belenus has not contacted me in days even though he said he would appear at my reception. Is it true? Is he dead?"

"I wouldn't say dead, ma'am, but he certainly is not well and will not be making his appearance today," Joseph said and retreated back to his seat beside Omar, "I'm very sorry to carry this news to you."

Grief rushed over Savannah. Her world crumbled down - the world that she had built in her dreams. The world that would develop following her marriage where she would have a child, live with Adam, and become notoriously wealthy. Such life seemed out of reach at that moment. She wanted to break down and cry, but she was not sure if she was being given accurate information. She still had little idea of who she was speaking with.

"Joseph, you say?" She said while looking out the window.

"Yes?"

Omar shifted in his seat nervously.

Savannah swung around, her golden hair crossing from one shoulder to the other in a fluid wave, "Where is Belenus now?"

"He is resting back at Omar's station in Atelier. We have come to tell you of his grim state. We will depart back for Atelier once we find that you have coped appropriately to the situation. We are very sorry that this news had to come to you on the greatest day of your life." Joseph said.

Something about Joseph's lie was nerving to Omar. Could it be the simple redundancy? He did find improper English to be aggravating at least, but it wasn't that. It was just the word - we. He could not stand it. It was losing meaning to him. Omar completely zoned out and thought about how he was captured. It was Stockholm Syndrome. He was beginning to like Joseph.

"Omar?"

Snapping back to reality, Omar looked up to Savannah, "Hello?"

"Is Belenus doing fine?" She asked.

She was beautiful, Omar thought. Absolutely stunning. Now that her concern was deteriorating and she was becoming more humble, her inner beauty shined like the sun. He had to look away before he could let loose a terrifying grin, "Yes, he is. Belenus is fine."

"You see? There is nothing to worry about," Joseph said and stood up, "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Savannah. Tell the lucky guy that I said hello and good luck."

"Would you like to tell him yourself?" She asked, "The wedding is very soon. If you ever so wanted, you could stay for the ceremony. Would that be thanks enough for clearing up my greatest fear?"

Joseph looked to Omar, "Yes, fine by me. How about you?"

"I'm fine."

Savannah smiled, "Great. The ceremony is being held at the center of town. Shouldn't be too hard to find. Let me know if Elkin gives you trouble, however. He is my body guard until his team leaves town, so don't think that he has a deep place in my heart like Belenus."

She left the room, leaving the two alone once again. Joseph began walking around and inspecting the various toys and books that the lady had. Omar was feeling bad. They were lying still. Not only that, but they gained her trust with their lies. She just invited her brother's killer to her wedding, he realized.

Joseph turned around, "Something the matter?"

"We can't go to the wedding."

"And why is that?"

Omar walked to a mirror on the wall and looked at himself. He felt as if he was changing for the worse. "Lying is wrong, Joseph. It's even worse that it's her brother that is the subject."

"Look, Omar, I know you may not feel comfortable around my work environment, but understand that I am not like other gales," Joseph said, "Most gales get caught out of stupidity. If I get caught, it had better be honorable."

"That doesn't mean we go to the wedding." Omar insisted.

Joseph walked to the door, "Fine, be that way. Savannah lacks understanding of her husband's death. She only thinks that he is ill when he is long past that stage. We will wait for the reception to end. Then we shall speak to her once more. This time she will know."

"You're going to admit your crime?" Omar was blown away by Joseph's honesty.

Joseph nodded and opened the door, "It's the only way that I feel I can die happily anymore."

3: Chapter 3: Instinct's Finest

Something about the wedding ceremony seemed off to Joseph. He watched the expressions on both Adam’s and Savannah’s faces change at random as they took the stage to open their cider and have various friends toast to their happiness. Their glances, smiles, and complexion didn’t seem to react with one another. Joseph noticed this first when Savannah went to get her glass filled with cider. Behind her, Adam stood and stared around like a lost child.

Omar approached Joseph in the back corner of the room with a glass full of cider, “They seem happy. Well, for now at least. Just wait until you confess your crime. At that point I might as well be out of here.”

“No, you’re still a part of this operation.” Joseph grabbed Omar’s glass and chugged the cider within seconds.

“What operation exactly? Was it your plan all along to kill Belenus?” Omar asked. He looked up and around to make sure no one overheard him. He dropped his tone and leaned closer to Joseph, “Where exactly do I come into your little game? There are plot holes all over the place and I’m not waiting around for you to patch them up.”

Joseph looked through the crowd in front of the stage and watched as the newlyweds walked down the steps and began dancing in the spotlight. Just as he had noticed before, their faces changed constantly. It didn’t seem like they were happy just yet. Perhaps it was the massive crowd of people only hoping for drama to ensue. None of them wanted to be there to support Savannah or Adam.

“Have you ever had urges?” Joseph asked.

“What? Well, of course,” Omar seemed off-put by the total change in discussion, “It’s part of us as human beings. They’re terrible, of course. Everyone has them.”

Joseph smirked, “Yeah, I’m having the urge to completely upstage their dancing.”

“You can dance?”

“No,” Joseph said and began to lead Omar towards the crowd, “But I can be just as entertaining.”

Omar tried to pull away, but was swallowed by the audience. He couldn’t see where Joseph was dragging him to. When the spotlight at the center of the arena grew brighter and more visible, he felt his heart drop. Whatever Joseph had in mind was already being put into action. He looked around and noticed people already beginning to stare.

Eventually Savannah and Adam finished their dancing and bowed to their surveyors. All the people clapped and shouted in excitement. Their attention was lifted from the bride and groom and laid upon two bumbling fools who approached the newly weds. One stood confidently in the light while the other was falling to his knees.

“Joseph, it’s good to see you attending. Did you see our dance?” Savannah asked.

“Yes, and it was atrocious.”

The audience gasped. Some people looked to those beside them in disbelief. Others grew more excited of what this could result in. Neither Joseph nor Omar were recognizable by the crowd, so seeing two fresh faces cause a ruckus could add to the drama. Everyone drew closer in to listen to what banter would follow.

Savannah stared at Joseph curiously and leaned towards him, “Please don’t feed the fire.” She whispered.

“I need to speak to you.” Joseph said.

“It can wait, right? I don’t want people to get suspicious.”

Joseph felt Omar tugging on his arm. He pulled up and looked Savannah dead in the eye, “This guy isn’t strong enough to hold me back. Not yet at least. If you can speak to me now, then none of that will be necessary.”

Nobody around them understood a single word. Even Adam felt completely abandoned on the spot. He stepped in between Joseph and Savannah and smiled, “Shall we commence with the rest of today’s festivities, or are there some relationships that were never concluded before this time?”

More gasps from the audience began to anger Savannah. She looked at Adam and smiled, “Alright, let’s continue on. What is next?”

“The grand dinner, of course! Prepared by the finest chefs in the county, it sure will be a delight to feast upon!” Adam said and began to lead everybody towards the tables on the other side of the Bartholomew plaza. He tried to pull on Savannah, but lost his grip and kept walking.

Savannah looked back to Joseph, “It has to wait. Adam doesn’t appreciate being left out of my affairs. Let’s speak about this tomorrow, okay?”

Like a whip Joseph grabbed ahold of Savannah and whispered frantically to her, “It cannot wait. We will speak alone and Adam will deal with it.”

She had no idea what to respond with. This was the true side of Joseph that neither she nor Omar had witnessed. Omar pulled Joseph back and leaned to his ear, “Let’s get going. She has more important matters to handle.”

Joseph turned and smacked Omar across the face, leaving red marks everywhere, “You don’t decide what’s best for me.”

“Please don’t ruin this day, Joseph!” She said and looked around to see if anybody was watching them, “Give me a second then. We’ll meet up at my home. You’re not going to… hurt me, are you?”

“Not if you don’t hurry up.” He said and began walking.

Omar stayed behind with Savannah. The two of them watched Joseph storm out of the plaza, looking like more of a mess than he did before, “I’m so sorry for the way he’s acting. This shouldn’t be like him.” Omar apologized.

Savannah said nothing. She turned her back to Omar and marched to the seating area in a similar fashion to Joseph. With no one left to speak with, Omar looked at Joseph as he began to make his way up the stairs to the upper levels of the city. He followed behind quietly, more anxious of the situation he’d gotten himself into.

Over at the seating area, many folks looked curiously at the seemingly dismayed Savannah as she swayed past the tables to her husband. She stood beside the seated Adam and tried her best to smile and seem joyous. The others at the table, which included Kaden, all stared at her. They were completely oblivious to her feelings. Adam turned after noticing their gazes and kissed his wife on the hand.

“What can I get for you, Savannah?” He asked her romantically.

“Nothing. Don’t worry about me,” She said calmly and rubbed Adam’s shoulders slightly, “I’m gonna go back home and get something quickly. It’ll only be a few moments.”

As Savannah pulled away, Adam pulled her arm and dragged her back, “Don’t keep me in the dark. What’s at home that can’t wait?”

“Oh, at home?” She said and laughed a bit, “A, um, a present.”

“For me? Why, how pleasant! However, that can wait. I only need one gift right now, and that is to have my wife by my side!” Adam said and sat Savannah on his knees. He continued on in eating his meal. Savannah only felt more in danger than before. She looked back to where Joseph and Omar had made their deal with her.

Savannah stood back up forcefully, “It can’t wait, dear. What better time for a gift than at dinner? Let’s not get clingy. Just let me go get it and I’ll be back.”

“She’ll be quick-like, Adam,” Kaden supported, “She lives a bit from here. Don’t think that you’ll be without your wife for the remainder of the day.”

Adam thought for a second before nodding and turned his attention away from Savannah. She sighed and began rushing off to the stairs. On her way she noticed a shadow standing beside them, leaning with their arms crossed. She kept her distance at first, but approached it when she realized it was only Elkin, dressed in his armor as usual.

He stood up straight and stopped Savannah as she tried to begin ascending, “A gift for Adam?”

“Uh, yeah. Surprised you knew.” She replied and began to slowly climb the steps.

“Lies travel fast in this place. Milady, please do not think of finding those two buffoons from before. Don’t think that I glossed over them at the reception earlier. It’s hard to ignore the only two men who lack proper wardrobes.” Elkin kept his eyes glued to Savannah. She couldn’t move while he was glaring at her.

She stood and thought for a moment on how to reply to such accusations. She faced Elkin nervously, “You’re here to watch over my wedding. If it weren’t for Adam you wouldn’t even be here. I will decide what’s best for me. Not some temporary guard who is getting ahead of himself!”

“But, please. Milady-”

“And when did this ‘milady’ thing start? It seems odd that you’re treating me like royalty here. Why not go ahead and start bowing down to Adam at the dinner table? Perhaps call him master a few times! That’ll make him think that you did the job properly today.”

Elkin didn’t reply. He shook his head and departed from the scene halfway through Savannah’s rant. On the steps Savannah stood completely still. She felt hollow within as she watched the guard walk away. When he completely disappeared behind the corner, she looked back up the steps and continued on her way.

Something about Elkin’s intent stuck to her in the back of her mind. He barely knew her yet he gave all his attention to her. She tried to forget him, but was always brought back to him. He called her “milady” of all things. Nobody ever called her that. He really was different from the others.

Maybe he was right.

Savannah followed the path over to her room and stood by the door. It was left slightly open, already showing that Joseph was waiting. She looked around to make sure she was completely alone and ventured into the unknown meeting. Closing the door behind her, she looked and saw that the room was vacant. Nothing in her collection seemed moved or tampered with. The place looked just as it had when she had left earlier that day.

Except she noticed something new on the dresser against the nearby wall. There was a golden picture frame faced down. She stepped over and looked around to make sure no one was watching her. It was an eerie sense that she had developed over the years, often making living alone more difficult than it should be for her. Nonetheless, she turned back to the frame and lifted it up quickly.

Her eyes shot open as the beloved smile of her brother appeared before her. Belenus was in casual wear, smiling at the photographer on a hill of grass. Beside him was another girl, one that Savannah had not recognized. She stroked his glass face with her index finger, a shock in her heart forcing tears to fall.

The creak of a door roped her back to reality. She felt her back press against the dresser and the point of a knife nearly end her at her neck. She gulped loudly and stared at Joseph as he looked back mercilessly. He didn’t smile. He didn’t frown. He looked hellbent on getting his way. Stepping back slightly and releasing the knife from Savannah’s neck, he eyed the chair.

Savannah grabbed the picture frame and stepped over slowly to sit down. She wasn’t entirely sure of what Joseph was planning. As her fear began to consume her more, she looked back to Belenus for support. It wasn’t enough.

“Just be glad you’re still alive. Sitting down and relaxing as well. Quite the life you live here in Bartholomew, huh?” Joseph began and wandered around the chair, slowly circling Savannah before noticing something was missing, “Omar, please show yourself. Without you this fine lady might not make it out of this room.”

Out of a door on the wall behind her came Omar, looking down in frustration. He stopped at the chair and looked up to Joseph, “Even though I’ve told you how this has nothing to do with me, you still persist. It’s strange how my purpose still hasn’t been shown.”

“Urges, Omar. Remember. Now then,” Joseph said and grabbed the picture from Savannah forcefully, easily breaking her nervous clench, “It looks like sweet Belenus was seeing someone else, wasn’t he? Do you know her name?”

“What? No, of course not. Where did that picture come from?” She was tripping over questions, “How did you get it?”

Joseph smiled greatly and held the image for Savannah to see, “This isn’t mine. It’s Belenus’. I never got it myself, you see. It was discovered while we were going through your belongings back in the closet. Omar found some neat stuff. Should really wash his hands after all that, though.”

Omar turned red and looked away.

“But that’s beside the point. Though it seems to be untrue,” Joseph held the picture in one hand and the knife in the other, “I’m not here to hurt you,” He handed the knife to Omar, “I’m just here to hope that you’ll not turn your back on us.”

Lies travel fast in this place, Savannah remembered Elkin saying. She turned to see Omar walk away with the knife, opening the window to toss it outside. She knew she had to talk her way out of here, “Elkin is a foolish man! Such is with Kaden and some others who have distrusted you after only knowing you for a few hours. The people here are judgemental, I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

“Maybe they should know better, but that is beside the point,” Joseph turned his eyes over to Omar in the corner of the room. He quickly gave a wink and looked back at Savannah, who was staring down at the picture in Joseph’s hand, “Savannah, how much did you love your brother?”

What a sudden question, she thought. She stared at the picture, smiling at the happiness in Belenus’ face, “A lot. He was my only sibling. Well, the only one alive still. All the others died at birth or through diseases. We were pure.”

“Pure? How so?”

“Nothing was wrong with us. We weren’t perfect, but we were better off than the others. It made us feel special to know that we would live our lives to the fullest. It’s not bad to think like that, right? I’ve always wondered if it makes me a horrible person to not care for my siblings who weren’t going to make it.” Savannah tried to remember their names, but they were all meaningless anyway.

As she became lost in thought, the feeling of something pulling her to the back of the seat. She looked down and saw a rope covering her chest, making her arms frozen. She turned her head to see Omar quickly tying up the rope and stepping back. The smile on Joseph’s face only furthered her rage. She attempted to break the rope by pulling away, but only felt pain in her chest. The only movable part of her body at this point was her head and legs, which were all useless at this point. She now realized that Elkin was completely right.

“Sorry that it has to be this way, but this is the only way that I can tell you without possibly causing a commotion. Now, just for the extra mile,” He said and pulled some tape from off the table. He cut off a piece and quickly placed it over Savannah’s mouth. He stepped back and marveled at his work proudly, “Yes, there we go. Now we’re ready to begin.”

Omar stood in the back of the room, regretting accepting to be Joseph’s hostage. He listened to Savannah’s cried from underneath the rope and tape. Their agony was inhumane. He was a criminal at this point. A father, a knight, and a criminal of all things. He sat back and stared at Joseph angrily, “Joe, after this, can I leave?”

Joseph shook his head, “Don’t call me Joe, alright? That’s long past.”

“Whatever. How much more do I have to put up with until I can see my family again? You promised me that we’d stop and see my daughter before leaving. It seems incredibly strange that you go back on your word.”

“Omar, there’s work to be done. If you act like this then you’ll suffer the same fate as Belenus!”

Savannah stopped screaming underneath the tape and looked up to Joseph. Her eyes began twitching as she began connecting facts. Something about Joseph’s presence only made the realization all the more unsettling.

“Now, I don’t mean to be rash or anything, but please don’t tip me over the edge. There are many things that irritate me. Irritation leads to conflict, and conflict leads to death. At least that’s how it’s always worked for me,” Joseph turned his attention from Omar and to Savannah, “I never want to kill, but sometimes it just happens. That’s why you’re here, Omar. To prevent that.”

Savannah was crying.

“It’s sad that you weren’t quite ready for such a task when Belenus arrived.”

Her legs were kicking wildly. She was about to completely lose her mind.

“If you had been more prepared, I wouldn’t have killed him.”

All sense of humanity within Savannah had completely snapped in two. She looked up to the ceiling and began screaming madly even though her voice was muffled. Omar only sat down with his head in his hands. Joseph was as he always was. He stood and looked around the room, waiting patiently for Savannah to calm down.

When her legs lowered and she had stopped screaming, Joseph ripped off the tape and grabbed a hold of her chin, “Now that you understand where I come from and who I am, let me get one thing straight. I am not a killer; I’m a defender. If there is ever trouble, my only hope is defense. Killing will only extend my suffering.”

“Then why Belenus?” Omar stood up angrily, “Belenus did nothing wrong, you lying psychomaniac! If these morals of yours are true, then it’s hard to believe that you thought Belenus was causing you trouble. How many other people have you killed in that same mindset, huh?”

Joseph looked back at Omar calmly.

“Well? How many people have you killed?”

“Thousands.”

Both Savannah and Omar froze. They had suspected that this man was untrustworthy, but never quite expected to find him to be so extensive in his line of work. Joseph looked down at Savannah and smirked. He turned away and walked to the front door of the room. He gave a thumbs up, signaling Omar to untie the hostage and let her free.

When she jumped up she attempted to run at Joseph. She raised a fist and sent it sailing at his head. He grabbed it, twisted it around, and kicked at her ankle. She fell to her stomach and began sobbing on the floor as both Joseph and Omar stood over her.

“Misses Savannah, it would be very unkind of you to report my mistakes,” Joseph remarked, “So let’s make this clear. If you report my mistake, then there’s no telling how many more I could make in just a single day.”

Without another word the two left the home and watched over the plaza of Bartholomew. A man was now beginning up the steps, possibly looking for Savannah. Omar identified him as Adam and followed Joseph down the path to the front of the city. The sound of Savannah’s soft cried lingered on with them as they reach the dark corners of Bartholomew.

“I feel terrible.” Omar said.

“You’d best get used to it,” Joseph lamented, “It’s all that’s going to be happening from now on.”

4: Chapter 4: Lovestruck

Elkin stood by the stairs, serving as an accomplice to Adam as he went to check up on his dear. He was told simply to remain still until his return. Elkin did so and with pride. He watched several of his own men pass by, enjoying their night as best as they could. Some were, for once, happy to be a knight that rarely saw home save for few special occasions. Having to be a captain, however, took its toll on Elkin. He knew that he wouldn’t get those same benefits.

The growing absence of Adam began to dawn upon Elkin. He turned his head ever so slightly to see if he was turning around the corner and coming back down with Savannah. It was still empty and silent. Soon enough Kaden approached him with a glass full of water. He raised the glass to Elkin and smiled, “Cheers to relaxation and enjoyment of two happy people coming together for eternity!”

“Work is a necessity when the times become curious. I’ll work as much as I’m afraid to,” He said and took the water from Kaden, “I don’t mean to sound rude and demanding, but perhaps you could go and search for Adam. He went to seek out the bride and has yet to return.”

Kaden watched horrifically as the bulking knight drank his fresh drink. He would have fought for it back, but knew that getting tangled with a knight of Elkin’s size was asking for pain. He nodded obligingly and began scurrying up the steps to the upper level of Bartholomew. He turned around the corner and trekked down the path, looking into the various homes and shops lining the wall.

As he approached the residence of Savannah, a faint moan was echoing outward. He stopped and wondered if Adam had a specific reason to approach his new wife alone. This only led to him pondering whether he feared intruding upon a pair’s privacy or ignoring Elkin’s orders more. With that in mind, he proceeded to the entrance.

Inside he first saw a weeping Savannah on the floor, her face pressed against Adam’s side. He sat beside her, stroking her hair and hurting on the inside from the unexplainable horror of seeing your wife sobbing on the night of his wedding. Kaden wanted to back out, but only continued on.

Adam looked up and stared angrily at the servant, “You there!”

“Kaden.”

“I don’t care of your name! All that I want is for you to go and retrieve Elkin for me! We have some serious searching to be done now.”

It did not take Kaden half a thought to even leave as he was ready to exit from the dramatic scene at any moment. As he stepped out into the hall he noticed the knight Elkin standing obliviously at the bottom of the steps, watching over at the dining hall where the rest of the guests were serving themselves to the feast.

Kaden leaned over the railing, “Elkin!”

The brute heard nothing.

“Elkin, help!”

Elkin turned his head slightly as if he thought he heard something.

“Elkin, Adam needs you!”

The knight turned completely towards Kaden, “What? What is it? Is Adam alright?”

“Get up here, you brute! Adam needs you! Something is wrong with Lady Savannah and he needs your assistance instantly!”

Elkin rushed up the steps and down the hall, pushing Kaden aside and stepping into Savannah’s residency. He watched in horror as Adam attempted to calm his wailing bride, whose mascara was running down her face. Adam looked up, fury completely shrouding his face, “Find the man who did this.”

“Did what? What in oblivion is going on, sir?” Elkin asked.

“Someone has scarred my Savannah. Someone has imposed threats for if she were to spill their names, but we need not their names! Search the city and find the scoundrels who dared to even come close to her to act in such a barbaric way!”

Elkin saluted and departed from the room, once again pushing Kaden aside to look out over the city. He stared at the dining hall where numerous guests were feasting upon the food. No one looked out of the place. He looked all around the rest of the town that was visible from that area, but could not come to a conclusion.

“Elkin, where are those two gentlemen?” Kaden asked.

“Gentlemen?” Elkin repeated, trying to maintain focus.

Numerous people at the table below began to notice that Adam and Savannah were not present. Before Elkin could return to calm them down and resume the festivities as usual, Kaden grabbed his arm and pulled him back, “Those gentlemen! The strange ones! Remember? You were awfully suspicious of them, as was I, but-”

“Ah, yes, those two. If I recall from the guards at the front, it was you who gave them entrance to Bartholomew, correct?” Elkin said, staring at Kaden as if he could lie at the center of their troubles at this point, “That duo has me thinking - what could they possibly need Lady Savannah for? Has she wronged anyone outside of the city, nay the county?”

“Not that I am aware of, sir.”

Elkin noticed that the dining hall was already beginning to clear out, “It seems as if there’s more to this mystery than is let on. Savannah won’t speak out of fear; Adam won’t speak out of anger; you, Kaden, won’t speak out of stupidity; and I cannot speak for I know nothing of these two gentlemen other than their ominous and potentially threatening presence.”

“What shall we do, sir?”

A moment passed as the gears in the knight’s head began to work themselves tirelessly, “I shall hunt them down and make them bleed to death. You, Kaden, should stay behind and serve Adam as needed. I’ll have my knights accompany me should the strangers somehow gain the upper hand, though do not count on that happening.” Elkin waited for Kaden to finish saluting before he disembarked down the hall towards the front gates.

At the tower, he began climbing, walking past curious guards who had not seen him before since they were not allowed outside the gate and its rooms. He reached the roof and met with a different looking guard, one wearing more decorated and vibrant armor of light blue and yellow ribbons. The head guard turned towards Elkin, looking confused at the presence of a peculiar new fellow, “How may I help you, sir? This is nowhere for a guest to be.”

“I am no guest. I am Elkin, a captain of the Grand Brigade. It has become known to several of us within the city that two trespassers have caused strife for Lady Savannah. Close down the gates at once until the criminals are captured. Let us know if there is any sign of suspecting individuals, understand?”

The head guard nodded slowly before calling several guards over. He gave them the command to shut the gates and turned back to Elkin, “Very well. Do you have a description for us to go off of?”

“Uh, let me think. I seldom have seen them,” Elkin thought back to his encounter with the two in Savannah’s room, “One was dressed with various parts of the Atelier County armor for guards, if you happen to know what that looks like.”

“I’m afraid not, sir.”

Elkin couldn’t remember anything strikingly different about the two. He began to stroll around the top of the fort, looking out over the fields that separated Atelier and Hemlock. Down at the front of the gates, he suddenly noticed, waited a horse with a few other guards. This horse - he recognized it. The guards surrounding the steed were just preparing to take him into the stable, “Sir, that horse!”

“Yes, that’s a horse,” The head guard said, looking over the edge as well, “Actually, now that you mention it, that horse did belong to two travelers that Kaden had to speak to. They looked like pretty normal guests, but I know who you’re talking about now.”

“No, that horse!” Elkin trailed off, staring at the tail as it disappeared into the wooden stables that were placed near the front gates, “That’s… Belenus’ horse!”

“Belenus? From the Grand Brigade?”

Elkin groaned, “Okay, you know Belenus, but not I?” He began to realize his sidetracking and refocused his attention on the horse, “Never mind that. If those two had Belenus’ horse, then that means…” He trailed off and turned around to see, of all people, Joseph and Omar standing across from him, hands in their pockets and completely relaxed.

The eyes of the opposing parties locked. The head guard looked both ways before crawling away in fear of his own life. Joseph took one hand out and left it hanging at his side, “This was expected of my carelessness. If only I had known Savannah’s company would blow her hormonal reactions out of proportion then I would have kept my honor to myself and not revealed the truth. That truth, I’m sure, is what you’re trying to put together at this moment.”

“You…” Elkin said.

Joseph smiled and unsheathed his blade - the blade that once belonged to Belenus.

“Go ahead, sound it out.” Joseph said.

Omar remained quiet, red with anger at the gradually worsening situation.

“You,” Elkin unsheathed his own sword, acknowledging that the sword that his opponent held had another owner, “You killed Belenus!”

A strange urge catapulted Joseph forward. It was, he realized as he launched his sword forth at Elkin, who blocked appropriately with his own sword, his realization that he could not screw up any further. After the revelation that he had been causing trouble, as he never intended to, he saw that there was only one way to resolve the mayhem that was ensuing. The strength that Elkin possessed began to destroy that possible resolution. Joseph pushed himself back and watched as the Grand Brigade captain changed into a more combative stance.

Omar stood by, arms crossed and eyes rolling, “You’ll die in a minute or less.”

“Then what will you do? You’re not exactly a free man at this point.”

“I’ll run, but this time I won’t have to worry about you making it harder to leave.”

That seemed like a reasonable response, Joseph thought, “Alright, can you fight with a sword?”

“Yeah, of course. I’m not fighting for you, though.”

Joseph anticipated Elkin’s next attack, which missed him and collided with the stone behind him as he slid out of the way. Omar stepped aside calmly, knowing that the Grand Brigade soldier wasn’t going after him at the moment. He watched as Joseph began to act a bit more afraid. He was jumping from side to side, trying to keep his energy up for when Elkin would attack again.

Since Omar seemed completely incapable of helping him now, Joseph gripped the sword more firmly rather than loosely and went in for an attack. He hit the outer surface of Elkin’s armor, but made no mark. Elkin pushed the sword aside with his dense gauntlets and began hacking furiously towards him. Joseph jumped back, inching closer and closer to the edge of the roof where he would fall to his death. He jumped onto the ledge, noticing how considerably higher than Elkin he was now.

Elkin did a horizontal slice towards Joseph’s legs. Instead of making contact with his enemy, he could no longer see him. Rather, Joseph had disappeared from his presence on the edge of the tower. Elkin looked around, but could not see him. All that remained was Omar, who had been watching the entire time.

“You!” Elkin approached him cautiously, “Where did he go?”

“What do you mean?”

“That bastard! He’s gone! Where’d he go?”

Omar pushed Elkin back a bit, “That’s because he’s a gale.”

Almost all of Elkin’s systems shut down. He froze in place, staring dead pan at Omar. He regained his composure slowly, holding his sword with only one hand, his other trembling uncontrollably, “H-He’s a gale? He could be anywhere now! What? Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“I owe you nothing.”

The skies grew gray with storm clouds, though it would still be quite some time until the storm struck Hemlock. Elkin felt the pressure on himself now. He hadn’t expected to have encountered the strangers so quickly. If he had known he would have gathered his men first, but now they were inside when he was nearly cornered. It was all over, he realized.

He’s a gale, Elkin repeated in his head. This was his first mistake.

Soon enough he felt the impending stab through his back. Striking through his dense armor and right through his chest, he wanted to cry. Never before had he underestimated his opponents this much. All time froze as his eyes became clouded in blood and black. When the blade was removed moments later, he fell over onto his stomach, unconscious and close to death.

“Damn it, Joseph. You’ve killed another Grand Brigade captain!” Omar commented.

Joseph sheathed his dagger, which Omar had realized was much stronger than he had expected considering it could penetrate such a dense armor as Elkin’s and still kill him, “Our intentions don’t always equal our actions.”

“Now what?” Omar asked, looking around at the various guards, scattered about the gate, that were watching at the fall of Elkin, “We’re even further into our graves now! Stop killing people, damn it!”

“Shut the hell up. We’ll get out the same way we got in.” Joseph noticed several of the guards that began to move towards the scene of the battle, their weapons drawn and ready to enact justice.

Omar, unfortunately, had no choice but to follow after Joseph back into the town, “And that is?”

“Stop!”

The two of them did not stop. They instead picked up the pace. The sound of soldiers’ feet stomping on the steps from above signaled that they were now on the run. Once they were back into the main town, Joseph leaped over the railing, falling a bit of a ways down to the ground floor. Once there he withdrew into the shadows and hid away, waiting for Omar to catch up moments later, though that’s only because he took the long way down the stairs.

“Joseph! Don’t leave me to die here!” Omar cried out.

Joseph stepped out from a corner, “They won’t kill you since you did nothing, but I will if you choose to betray me. Did you see Savannah?”

The company of guards made their way down the stairs and began to surround the duo. Omar looked back towards the dining hall, “She returned to finish her meal from the looks of it.”

“Good. Let’s make our way back there.”

“What? No, let’s get the hell out of here!”

Joseph ignored Omar’s advice and escaped the pack of soldiers that were slowly approaching. His flee grabbed their attention, letting Omar catch his breath for a minute before running after them. What was Joseph trying to do?

At the dining hall, Adam stood up to gather the plates left by his guests while Savannah relaxed and continued with her own meal. She took her time, but focused on things outside of her plate. She became distracted soon by the loud conundrum that reminded her much of a war cry that the Grand Brigade made.

That’s because that’s exactly what it was.

A massive army began approaching her with Joseph leading the pack. She stood up and stepped back after noticing where he was heading. Soon enough, without Adam present to save her, she was snatched up and held in Joseph’s arms as he fled the scene. Omar, making his way around the group of soldiers, nearly screamed out to Joseph. He stopped and watched as Savannah cried and kicked for Joseph to let go.

“Savannah?” Adam called out upon returning from cleaning the dishes.

The storm of soldiers ran after Joseph, who ran towards the stairs. Omar tried to fight the urge to follow, but knew that Joseph was likely to keep to his word of killing him if he did not help out in his mission. He cursed himself and ran after the guards, but was stopped by Adam all of a sudden.

“You! Where did Savannah go?”

Omar turned back around and began running again.

“Where is Savannah? Don’t you turn your back on me!”

Omar shook his head and continued running before realizing that Joseph was about to be cornered. Knowing him, however, he would attempt something stupid. Omar stopped and turned back around, heading for the front gates.

Up on the top level of Bartholomew, Joseph continued to resist Savannah’s cries and kicking for freedom. He raced down the path, passing stores and houses before coming to an entrance to one of the back towers. He kicked open the wooden door and sprinted up the stairs, passing by numerous oblivious guards.

At the top of the fort, Joseph looked out over the depressing plains that were cast underneath a cloudy sky. There was an incline nearby that he realized would be an apt spot to leap to, but knew that he was not about to abandon Omar.

The pack of soldiers arrived at the top and began to surround Joseph again. Soon Kaden rose from the stairwell as well, looking agitatedly at Elkin’s killer as he held onto Savannah with the twitching look of insanity in his eyes, “Put Lady Savannah down this instant!”

“She is coming with me.”

“This is absurd! Savannah has wronged no one, so you have no justification for you actions!” Kaden shouted

Through Savannah’s incessant fighting, Joseph stayed calm and still, “I understand that. I know that she has done nothing wrong, and I’m not saying she has. However, I must atone for my own mistakes by taking her to see her brother, Belenus.”

“Why the uproar, then? Why must you slay one of our own men?”

Savannah attempted to speak, but Joseph pinched her neck, silencing her, “Elkin attempted to claim my life as well as the life of a colleague. His brash actions are the same reasons that led me to slaying Belenus.”

The soldiers, as well as Kaden, fell silent.

“That’s right, it was I. My name is Joseph Truman - I am a representative of the House of Gales, and I am the man who killed your beloved Belenus! Behold as you unwittingly let me in, sir, and allowed these events to occur! Should part of the blame be put upon you?

Kaden did not speak.

“That is how I hoped you would respond.” Joseph turned to leap off the fort.

“Wait!” Kaden finally spoke up, “Don’t hurt her, please!”

Joseph turned around, “Don’t worry. She’ll come back in one piece.” In the next moment he was gone from the fort. His instantaneous disappearance completely shocked the soldiers. He didn’t simply just jump - he disappeared into thin air with Adam’s wife.

Down on the grass below, Joseph began running, Savannah still held firmly in his arms. He wanted to turn and see if he could see Omar looking down upon him from atop the fort, but escaping the scene was more important as, truthfully, he did not want anyone else to get hurt. The sound of soldiers shouting from behind him let him know that if he didn’t pick up the pace then that’s exactly what would happen - he hadn’t escaped Bartholomew just yet.

“Where are you taking me?” Savannah cried.

“Away.”

The sound of galloping broke through Joseph’s resistance and made him turn his head. As he thought it was a guard gaining up on him, he was relieved to see it was only Omar approaching them, riding Belenus’ horse. He reached the two of them, hoisted Savannah up onto the back, and allowed Joseph to climb on before sprinting off into the oncoming storm.

“After them!” Adam shouted from the back of the pursuing soldiers. Even though they made haste, the soldiers all stopped after seeing the trio disappear, “Damn it all! Why didn’t you men use your horses? Don’t try to outrun a horse, numbskulls!”

“It was Kaden!” A soldier shouted, “He told us to ignore everything and-”

“Enough!” Adam slapped the speaking soldier, “We will have a meeting about this. I will not allow that man to hurt my Savannah. He shall pay.”

Everyone stopped speaking as rain began to pelt the ground below. They looked to each other, taking in each other’s presence, and looked out to the horizon, which was dark and empty. It was over. They were gone.