Lastly, Falcon went to his pack and removed a roll of cloth. He placed the cloth on the ground and unraveled it. He quickly wiped the blade clean and picked it up by the blade. Falcon took a knee in front of Drake and presented the handle to him.
Drake took the blade with both hands and lifted it above his head. Once again the crowd cheered. As the cheers died down Drake offered his hand and pulled Falcon to his feet, “Thank you.”
Falcon took a step back and flicked his cloak behind himself, “Don’t thank me yet, I need to bond it to you and this is going to hurt. A lot.”
“Right now?” asked Drake.
“Yes,” said Falcon.
Drake dug the tip of the sword into the platform and gripped the pommel. Falcon wrapped his hands around Drake’s and swallowed, “Clear your mind and try to stay calm.”
Drake nodded, “Whenever you’re ready.”
Falcon closed his eyes and focused on the sword. Even through Drake’s hand he could feel it hunger for his magic. According to Albatross, once the bond started there would be only one of two outcomes. If it accepted Drake he would be forever linked to the blade. If Falcon failed or the blade rejected Drake, they would both be lying dead in a few minutes.
Falcon sent a tiny bit of magic into Drake’s hand, attuning himself to his friend and giving him a taste of what was coming. He waited for Drake to calm himself then he sent more magic through Drake’s hand into the sword. The moment magic hit the divinus cupla, the sword came to life. Like a starving child it sucked magic from the closest source: Drake. Falcon heard him take a sharp breath and sent a surge of magic through Drake’s hand. The sword hunger grew and it began sucking magic from Falcon.
Falcon bit his lip and endured the pain while the sword drank his magic. The more magic it drank the stronger its hunger became. Falcon looked down at the blade; the runes were glowing red halfway down the blade. Falcon sent another surge of magic down into the blade lighting up more of the runes, but it still was not enough.
Something cool hit Falcon’s hand, he looked up at Drake’s face. Beads of sweat ran down his face that was a tightly controlled mask. Falcon pushed more magic into the blade igniting the last of the runes. Falcon squeezed Drake’s hand and started to cut off the flow of magic then suddenly stopped. The blade’s thirst for magic was too strong. If he stopped feeding the blade it would focus on the only other source. And Drake would be dead before anyone could blink. But if he did not cut it off, they would both be dead soon.
He had to try something. Falcon slowed the flow and pulled together everything he had left. He clenched his hands around the pommel and sent everything into the blade all at once. The moment the magic left him he cut off the flow. Falcon released the sword and collapsed to his knees, his hands stiff and pained. At the same time Drake stumbled backwards still holding the sword. Dominick jumped forward and caught Drake’s arm, holding him up.
The crowd’s cheers cut off when they saw Drake stagger. He wiped the sweat from his face and stood up straight. Drake extended a hand to help Falcon up. Falcon took it and tried to stand, but he felt himself blacking out and collapsed again. This time Drake caught him under the arm and held him up.
As Falcon blinked the stars from his vision, he heard Drake whisper, “Thank you, brother.”
He waited for his head to clear and stood on his own, “Use him well.”
Drake took Falcon’s hand and raised it to the crowd, “Him?”
Falcon waved to the crowd to show he was okay, “Altor.”
Drake raised an eye, “Who?”
Falcon shrugged, “You’ll figure it out.”
Chapter 20
A Shitty Hand
“What are you doing up so early?” asked Falcon. The sun would not be up for another two hours at the earliest, and most of the city was fast asleep.
Thomas wrinkled his forehead, “Me? What are you doing awake so early?”
Falcon started jogging around the courtyard, “I always get up this early.”
Thomas kept pace with him, “Bullshit, the only one I’ve seen this early is Decimus. After yesterday, I doubt we’ll see him at all today.”
“I guess I haven’t been here since you moved into the barracks. How are you settling in?” asked Falcon.
Thomas increased his pace forcing Falcon to catch up. Thomas did not reply but he kept increasing his pace every time Falcon caught him. The two fell into a competitive rhythm, each one pushing the other to go faster, and before they knew it, they had finished a couple dozen loops. Panting, they finally slowed their pace and walked over to the water barrel.
Falcon opened his mouth to ask his question again, but Thomas spoke first, “I’m not sure the legion is for me.”
Falcon took a healthy drink before answering, “Give it time, it gets easier.”
Thomas shook his head and leaned on the barrel, “That’s not what I mean. I feel like I can do more.”
“You can do good work in the legion, live a good life,” said Falcon.
“Good work, a good life, I don’t even know if I want those things,” said Thomas.
“I can’t give you any answers. No one can. But maybe what you need are questions. Like why did you join the military?” asked Falcon.
Thomas splashed a little water on his face and ran his hand through his hair, “Decimus. I wanted to be like him. I wanted to beat him, to be the best. Now that I’m here I realize I was just a child dreaming.”
Falcon pushed Thomas’s shoulder, “I wouldn’t say that until you beat him. But there are more important things than fighting.”
Thomas laughed, “You mean like getting married?” Thomas shoved Falcon, “Congratulations by the way.”
Falcon jerked upright, “What do you mean congratulations?”
Thomas turned to Falcon and wrinkled his forehead, “Octavia announced that you were betrothed to Aemilia Grey. She’s a goddess, congrats.”
Falcon froze. Octavia announced that to everyone except him.
Thomas smacked him on the back, “Ha ha, don’t tell me you’re scared of a beautiful woman?”
Falcon splashed a little water on his face, “No one told me, I thought I had time.”
Thomas picked up a couple practice swords, “I know what you need, a trip to Tatiana’s new place. She’s got a new girl, Mary, amazing. Simply amazing.”
Thomas tossed one of the swords to Falcon. Falcon let the sword hit the ground, “Did you say Mary?”
Thomas walked over and picked up the sword, “Yeah, why? Do you know her?”
Falcon chopped the air with his hand, “About this tall, sandy blonde hair, hazel eyes, and is always twirling her hair like this?”
Thomas squinted at Falcon, “I take it you know her.”
Falcon grabbed Thomas’s shirt, “Take me there. Now!”
“Are you sure this is the place?” asked Falcon. “Doesn’t look like one of Tatiana’s brothels.”.
Thomas stepped in front of him, “It’s not.”
“Then why the hell are we here?” said Falcon as he pushed past Thomas.
Thomas bumped Falcon’s shoulder forcing him to turn to keep his balance, “This is the right way, but we’re not going anywhere until you calm down.”
Falcon pushed Thomas away, “I’m calm.”
“It’s dangerous to roam the city at this hour especially the day after a large celebration,” said Thomas.
“Lead the way then,” said Falcon.
Thomas led Falcon half way down a side street, then stopped and looked up at the building next to them, “Can you climb?”
Falcon rolled his eyes and glanced up at the building. Falcon gave Thomas a little wave and launched himself onto the roof of the building. On the roof Falcon leaned over the ledge looking for Thomas, but he was gone. He checked the main street then went back to check the alley again but found nothing.
A pebble hit him in the chest. When he looked up Thomas was standing on the roof across the alley.
Falcon used
another burst of magic and hopped over to Thomas, “How’d you do that?”
“Not all of us grew up in a Castle,” said Thomas before he jogged to the edge of the roof and leapt to the next building. Falcon ran after him, but each time Falcon jumped to the next rooftop Thomas was on his way to the next building. In a few minutes they covered what would have taken them an hour on the street. Thomas finally stopped and waited for Falcon to catch up.
“This it?” asked Falcon.
Thomas arched an eyebrow, “It is but wait a minute. I need to see something first.”
“See what?” asked Falcon.
“Who’s guarding the door,” answered Thomas.
“I’ll take them out if need be,” said Falcon.
Thomas grabbed Falcon’s forearm, “Don’t be stupid. This city is full of dangers you know nothing about.”
Falcon sat back on his heels and watched the street below, “As you wish.”
“You’re a lot like him,” said Thomas.
“A lot like who?” asked Falcon.
“Master Rocious, Lockland,” said Thomas.
“How would you know that?” asked Falcon.
“I’ve been hearing stories about him all my life,” said Thomas.
“He’s nothing like those stories,” said Falcon.
“Maybe not, but there’s some truth to them. The castle’s staff and soldiers at the barracks have a lot to say too.”
Falcon narrowed his eyes at Thomas, “Why are you asking around about him?”
“I didn’t ask, people just talk. I listen,” said Thomas.
Falcon looked back at the brothel, “What people?”
Thomas picked loose a stone from the roof and bounced it in his hand, “Legionnaires, Drake, Fafnir. Said a lot about you too.”
“Like what?” Falcon snatched the stone out of the air. Falcon opened his hand, “The fuck?” His hand was covered in shit.
Thomas started laughing and showed him the stone, “Full of danger.”
Falcon reached for Thomas’s shirt but he slipped away. Falcon sent a slight bit of energy running down his arm throwing the shit at Thomas. Again he dodged and the shit coasted into the street outside Tatiana’s. Before Falcon saw where it landed Thomas yanked him away from the edge by his cloak.
A fraction of a second later a scattering of crossbow bolts buzzed by where they were standing, “Full of dangers,” said Falcon.
Thomas let out a huff, “Yeah, three of them. Two in the alley across the street, one in a window three houses down.”
Falcon glanced across the street to find the alley, “I’ll take care of the two in the alley,” and took off running toward the edge of the roof. Right before the edge he launched himself across the street over the two assailants and into the alley. They were still focused on the roof when he landed. He rushed in, catching the closest man by the chin. His head snapped back and Falcon knocked him onto his back.
The second man dropped his crossbow, drew a pair of daggers, and lunged at Falcon hoping to catch him off guard. Instead he caught a blast of force to the chest and crunched against the side of the alley. Falcon finished the first man with a kick to the head. He took a moment to make sure they were not severely injured then casually walked toward Tatiana’s place.
Thomas was already leaning against the door waiting, “I win.”
Falcon shook his head, “You’re full of surprises.”
Thomas held open the door, “Did you think I spent the last ten years twiddling my thumbs?”
Falcon checked down the street toward the window with the third attacker. A small section of the window was broken but otherwise normal. Falcon turned his attention back to Thomas and led the way inside Tatiana’s. As usual, a pretty young girl greeted them, “Thomas, welcome back. Who’s your friend?”
Thomas smiled back at her, “Morning Kara, Mary still up?”
Kara locked her eyes on Falcon and slid closer to him, “Not sure, ask Sabina behind the bar. I’ll take care of your friend.” Kara looped a hand around Falcon’s waist and used a finger to move his chin until he looked her in the eyes.
Falcon caught Kara’s hand and moved it away from his face, “Sorry Kara, I’m only here for conversation,” said Falcon.
Thomas went to the bar, leaving Falcon and Kara behind.
Kara in turn took Falcon’s hand and led him farther into the room, “We can talk, if that’s what you’d like.”
Falcon twisted his wrist free of Kara’s hand, “I need to talk to Mary.”
Kara pursed her lips, “You know where to find me.”
Falcon caught up to Thomas and followed him upstairs, “How do you do that?” asked Thomas.
“Do what?” asked Falcon.
Thomas looked back at him, “Kara, Aemilia, Floriana.”
Falcon nudged Thomas up the stairs, “What about them?”
Thomas hung his head, “Beautiful women throw themselves at you and you don’t even realize it. Kara’s not a working girl. She handles the books and runs the place for Tatiana.”
“I didn’t realize Tatiana hired girls for stuff like that,” said Falcon.
Thomas walked to the end of the hall and stopped in front of the last door, “You’ll find more between a whore’s ears than between her legs.” Thomas knocked on the door.
“That sounds familiar,” said Falcon.
Thomas closed his eyes listening, “Something Decimus says.”
“Oh,” said Falcon.
“Just a minute,” called Mary through the door. Falcon reached for the door but Thomas smacked his hand. Falcon narrowed his eyes at him, Thomas held up his index finger. Falcon crossed his arms and waited.
Thomas smiled, “And you say you’re not like him.”
Falcon started to reply but stopped when Mary opened the door wearing a negligee. Her face lit up when she saw Thomas, but a moment later it took a dark tone as she noticed Falcon. Her bright smile dimmed and she looked down.
Thomas touched her chin lifting it slightly, “No smile for me today?”
She ducked back into her room, but left the door open. Thomas followed her. Falcon hesitated. He was so focused on getting here that he never thought about what he wanted to say. Falcon cracked his neck then went inside closing the door. When he turned around Thomas was lounging on the bed and Mary had wrapped herself in a less revealing robe. Falcon scanned the room and sat in the only chair next to the door.
“So I take you two do know each other,” said Thomas.
Mary sat on the bed and shoved Thomas’s feet off the edge, “Why would you bring him here?”
Thomas put up his hands, “Until this morning I didn’t even realize he knew you.”
Mary’s eyes narrowed and she punched Thomas in the arm, “You knew I was from Reed.”
Thomas put his hands up to defend himself but did not try to stop her, “You know how many girls from Reed work for Tatiana, heck, there’s even guys working the sheets for her. What’s the big deal?”
Falcon hung his head in his hands, “Is it really that bad here?” he asked.
Mary stopped attacking Thomas and sat on the bed with her arms crossed, “What do you want me to say?”
Falcon looked up at her, “Tell me the truth.”
Mary huffed out a breath, “Is that really what you want?”
“Yes,” said Falcon.
Mary hopped off the bed and leaned over Falcon, “You want to hear that the happiest day I’ve had in ten years was when I lost count of how many times I got fucked, but I got paid. Or do you want to hear about the day I got raped because I walked down the wrong street. Or maybe you just want to hear that everyone’s great so you can go back to your happy life?” asked Mary.
Falcon looked up at Mary, “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
Mary slapped him hard across the face. He squeezed his eyes shut then blinked a few times. As his shock wore off his face started to burn. When he looked up at Mary she was clutching her hand.
“I visit every
chance I get. Why didn’t you say anything?” asked Falcon as he stood up and reached for her.
Mary turned away, “Oh come on. Nobody wants to talk about it. We live it every day. If you didn’t see it then you weren’t looking.”
Falcon’s eyes started to fill with tears. Mary turned back toward him, “Look, nobody blames you.”
Falcon looked down, “Maybe they should.”
“There’s nothing you can do,” said Mary as she reached for his face with her injured hand.
Falcon caught her wrist, “Yes there is.”
“Yeah, what?” she started to ask as Falcon healed her hand.
Falcon let go of her hand, “Do you have anything to write with?”
Mary went to her nightstand and opened the top drawer, “Yeah, why?”
Falcon took the parchment and quill and started drawing, “How quickly can everyone be ready to leave?”
“What do you mean?” asked Mary.
Falcon kept drawing, “I mean everyone from Reed, how quickly can they be ready to travel?”
Mary looked at Thomas then to Falcon, “I don’t know, a couple days.”
“A week. To gather food and supplies, make sure everyone has warm clothes. They’ll need horses for the carts,” said Thomas.
Falcon glanced at him then shrugged, “Whatever, I welcome the help.” Falcon handed the parchment to Mary, “I drew you a map and some instructions, follow them. If all else fails, stay close to the river.”
Mary looked down at the map, “Wait. Are you serious? You want us to just pack up and leave?”
“Yes,” said Falcon.
Thomas put his hands behind his head and crossed his feet on the bed, “Just like him.”
Home (Hidden in the Reed's Book 1) Page 24
