The Veiled Monarch

by Shae Bryant

  "What will you do now?" Vince asked him.

  "What should have been done." Faulkner produced a small stake from his pocket, "This. You deserve to do it."

  Vince examined the stake. He closed his eyes and pushed it back towards Faulkner, "There was a time when I would have gladly done this. In fact, I have. I will not do it again."

  "Vincenzo, please." Faulkner tried to push it into his hands, "I want my rest. The Hook is gone. Jacob is gone. No one can hold me here any longer."

  Vince smiled at him, "You are free now. Don't you understand that? You are free from the Iron Oath. Free from Jacob Stuart. You have so much more you can do than crumble to ash on my floor -- again. Make amends, Theodric. Fight back. Help others fight back. You have more ammunition against them than anyone else."

  The stake stayed in limbo between Vince and Faulkner for a moment. Then, Faulkner stuffed it back in his pocket. "I suppose you are right. Perhaps it's time I fight the Iron Oath on my own terms. I can return to Ireland. I know some things about what they are up to in the UK. I can help our groups there take care of them."

  "London is still a large stronghold for the Iron Oath. The Monarchy is under their thumb, and has been for centuries." Vince agreed, "You would be a big help to everyone there."

  The two of them shared a moment of silence together. Then, Vince extended his hand, "Good-bye Theodric."

  Faulkner shook his hand with a grin, "Good-bye Vincenzo. You know where to find me."

  I took Vince's hand in mine. Both of us let the Florida breeze blow inside the house while the palms swayed back and forth. We stood in the opened doorway long after Faulkner's taillights disappeared on the road.

  "You didn't destroy The Hook."

  "No." He pulled me close, "I didn't."