Noble Solutions

by Schinhofen, Daniel

  “Should have listened,” Sean said, standing up.

  “What about us?” another head asked.

  “I’ll deal with you in time,” Sean said. “You all chose badly. Do any of you have family that needs to know about wills?”

  No one spoke.

  “Tell me, did you want to leave Denmur’s group? All of you, tell me.”

  All said they did, and Sean snorted, then pointed at three of them. “Helga, those three. Take them.”

  Three heads vanished. “I have them, sir.”

  “They spoke the truth,” Sean said simply. “You can’t lie to me here. Keep that in mind for when I come back. We’re done for now, ladies.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Good to see you, Babbitt,” Sean greeted the older man.

  “MacDougal,” Babbitt replied. “I was told to start using given names, but it’s a hard thing for me.”

  “It’ll sink in eventually,” Sean grinned. “I’m not used to calling you Thomas yet, either. How’s Bear?”

  “Good. The Messenger Fairy that joined my employ is well, too. I have them doing what you had yours doing— pairing with Bear as extra security. It’s an idea I’d never have considered... Is it possible to get one of those crossbows for them?”

  Ven flew up to Babbitt with a crossbow and quiver. “I thought you might want one.”

  Sean chuckled as he thought back to calling Ven his office wife the other day. “Thanks, Ven. Here you go, Bab… Thomas.”

  “My thanks, Sean. Ven, right?”

  “Yes, I am Ven, sir,” Ven replied, sitting on Sean’s shoulder.

  “Are we ready to go?” Babbitt asked as he tucked the small weapon into his belt pouch.

  “Almost. Toivo should…” Sean trailed off when he heard a horse. “That’s probably him now.”

  Babbitt frowned, then turned to look back at the front gate. Bloodheart came riding a white horse into the yard, and Sean thought the horse suited him.

  “Ven, let Quinna know that we have a horse for her to care for, please.”

  “It’s done, sir,” Ven said, still sitting on Sean’s shoulder.

  “Good morning,” Bloodheart called out to them as he dismounted. “I’m glad to see I didn’t get here late.”

  “We were about to go ahead to the carriage,” Sean said. “Follow me.”

  Leading them around the manor, he smiled at Arliat as she climbed onto the driver’s bench. She nodded back to him, looking impassive when she did.

  Must want to be professional with the two behind me, Sean thought.

  “You had a horse for me?” Quinna asked as she left the stable.

  “Bloodheart, Quinna here can take care of your steed, if that’s okay?”

  “That’s fine,” Bloodheart said, holding the reins out to her. “Truth is even-tempered and won’t give you any trouble.”

  Quinna took the reins. “Truth? Very well. Come along, Truth. We’ll get you comfortable.”

  Helga came out of the manor. “Sorry for the delay, sir.”

  “No delay,” Sean told her. “Are you both ready?”

  When they nodded, Sean got them into the carriage, then looked at Arliat. “A comfortable long loop to start with. I’ll let you know when we want to visit the businesses.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Sean got in, followed by Helga. That left Helga beside Sean, facing the two men.

  “Okay, first, the Agreement of silence, then the story,” Sean said. “Arliat will be taking us on a drive while I tell the story so we won’t keep starting and stopping. If you have any questions, please hold them until the end. Good?”

  Both men nodded and Sean began to offer them the Agreement.

  ~*~*~

  “That’s… hard to take,” Babbitt said slowly.

  “Hmm... Amedee believes, so I have no reason to doubt,” Bloodheart said. “Each of them found a new Talent or variant?”

  “Yes, along with more energy,” Sean said. “You both have some. Thomas only has a small bit, but it’s enough that he likely won’t feel a rush of pain.”

  “My hand tingled a few minutes ago,” Babbitt said. “It was unpleasant, but not painful. If you can heal, though… Would you mind looking at my knee? It’s been stiff and painful in the mornings.”

  “Probably arthritis,” Sean said. He leaned forward and touched Babbitt’s knee with a single finger. After a minute, he sat back. “Yeah, it’s just your age catching up to you. It’ll be fine now. Your lungs are healed, too. Not sure why you had scarring on them.”

  Babbitt blinked at him, then took a deep breath. His eyes widened as he kept inhaling and, after a few seconds, he exhaled and chuckled. “When I was younger, I was a fool. Let’s just say I haven’t had the same capacity since.”

  “I won’t pry,” Sean said. “Though I wonder if you’ll explain your blade and the barrier it produces to me?”

  Babbitt touched his sword. “Guardian... it comes from my twice-great-grandfather. The barrier it creates stops anything, and if a person touches it, it pulls energy from them to strengthen itself.”

  “I see,” Sean said. “I’d like to feel it later, please?”

  “That would be interesting, but I feel I’d be giving up a lot, considering your story.”

  “What do you want?” Sean laughed.

  “Will you see my wife?”

  Sean blinked, not having expected that request. “Huh?”

  “She… hasn’t been well for the last year,” Babbitt said. “Fredrick hinted that those near you do better. It was one of the reasons I joined the association and agreed to the silence.”

  “After we make the rounds,” Sean said. “I understand worrying about your wife.”

  “My father was shocked at the duel,” Bloodheart said. “He might want to meet you soon, Sean.”

  “I won’t tell him much, not without the Agreement,” Sean shrugged. “Oh, Ven, tell Arliat we’re ready, please?”

  “Yes, sir,” Ven said, flashing past the two men.

  “Even I was shocked,” Bloodheart went on. “I know you said the sword would work, but seeing it in action was…” He trailed off, shaking his head.

  “It’s a killing blade,” Sean said.

  “Helga, why flame for your spear?” Bloodheart asked, shifting his attention.

  “Because I made it before electricity was available to me,” Sean said. “As you saw, it was still effective.”

  “It was for you,” Bloodheart snorted. “Father was impressed at how hot and long-lasting the flame was. I was going to ask about how you killed Valorant, but now I know... It explains how you killed Knight Loplis when he used Troll Blood.”

  “I can be Human, and I am most of the time,” Sean said, “but if I need to, I can be much more.”

  “Yes. Father was shocked you stopped Valorant’s parry.”

  The carriage slowed and Helga looked out the curtained window. “The workshop, sir.”

  “Our first stop,” Sean said. “After this, I can drop you off before taking Thomas home, Toivo.”

  “I’ll be glad to go with you,” Bloodheart said. “I have no plans until this evening.”

  ~*~*~

  Babbitt’s home was only slightly bigger than the one Sean had lived in when he came to the city. The difference was that he had a walled-in yard that isolated it from the other residences nearby. A man with one arm opened the gate to let them in once Babbitt had spoken to him.

  “Friend?” Sean asked.

  “We were in the guard together,” Babbitt said. “He lost that arm saving my life.”

  “Giving back to those who deserve it,” Bloodheart nodded. “Good.”

  The carriage slowed again, and Helga was the first one out the door. Babbitt followed her, and Sean was the last one out of the carriage.

  Another older man in uniform was standing near the house. He had an ugly scar running down the side of his face that twisted when he smiled, like he was when they walked up.

  Sean looked ba
ck at the gate guard, then at the guard on the door, and looked thoughtful. He followed Babbitt and looked back at Arliat. “I’m sure we won’t be long.”

  “See to the driver, please,” Babbitt told the scarred man.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Toivo, Sean, Helga, welcome to my home,” Babbitt said as he opened the front door. “Thank you for sending a Fairy ahead of us, Sean.”

  “Figured she’d want to know ahead of time,” Sean smiled. “My mother always did.”

  Babbitt’s wife was in the front room, waiting for them. She stood as they entered, the cane helping her get to her feet. “Welcome to our home. It has been a while since we had company.” She looked at Bloodheart, her brow knitting briefly. “Knight Bloodheart, it’s been years.”

  “It has. I apologize for not coming by before now.”

  Sean waited before he said, “Ma’am, it’s an honor. I’m Sean MacDougal, and this is my Bonded, Helga Oathsworn.”

  Her lips compressed slightly when she met Sean’s eyes. “You don’t look like the bloody madman I’ve heard about.”

  Sean’s eyebrows shot up and Babbitt rushed to her side. “Marie,” he said softly, “he’s a good man. I heard his story today, and every rumor you’ve heard is wrong.”

  Marie met her husband’s eyes, then sighed. “I apologize, Thomas.” She turned back to Sean. “MacDougal, please come in and have a seat.”

  Sean took a seat and the tea she offered. He felt bad that she was serving them when she had trouble being on her feet, but she obviously was going to do whatever she wanted. Once they all had drinks, she sank back into her seat and exhaled a ragged breath. Babbitt watched her with concern, then shifted his gaze to Sean. He nodded before setting his cup down.

  “Ma’am, I know you don’t know me,” Sean said. “Your husband asked me to help you, though. I just need a small Agreement that you won’t tell anyone that it was me that healed you.”

  Marie looked at him oddly. “Heal me?”

  “Marie,” Babbitt said gently, “just agree. It’s a hard Agreement, but it’s worth it. Please? I agreed earlier.”

  Lips pursed, Marie exhaled. “Okay, MacDougal. What is this Agreement?”

  “It’s on your life,” Sean said gently.

  “What?” Marie asked, her eyebrows rising. “Thomas?”

  “I did, and again I say please, dearest?”

  When Marie looked back at him, Sean spoke up, “I, Sean MacDougal, offer you, Marie Babbitt, this Agreement: you will hold my secrets on your life. In return, I will heal you.”

  “I agree,” Marie said, then shivered at the weight of it.

  Sean held out his hand. “I need to touch you. Your hand is fine.”

  Marie placed her hand lightly in his, watching him warily. She breathed deeply when she felt warmth suffuse her. It reminded her of her father comforting her when she’d injured herself as a child. Blinking to hold tears back at the memory, she was shocked when Sean let go of her hand so soon.

  “You’re healed,” Sean said, sitting back and picking up his cup.

  Marie was about to call him a charlatan, but then frowned— her chest didn’t feel heavy anymore. She took a deep breath and the constant ache was gone. Eyes widening, she went to push herself to her feet and found that she didn’t need the cane to lever herself up, as her legs were strong under her. Mouth opening, she turned to Babbitt in shock.

  Babbitt’s lips were compressed and his eyes bright when he stood up and held her. Both of them shed tears as they hugged. Bloodheart looked on with a sad smile, clearly thinking of something that the scene brought to mind. Sean sipped at his tea, glad he could help them.

  After a few minutes, the older couple separated and Marie sat down, looking at Sean. “Thank you, MacDougal...”

  “Sean, please? I prefer Sean with my friends.”

  “Sean,” Marie sniffled. “How can we repay you?”

  “There’s no need. Your husband asked me, and I help my friends.”

  “But...?” Marie looked at Babbitt. “Thomas?”

  “I’ve talked with the others. Sean doesn’t ask for anything, normally,” Babbitt said. “He honestly does just want to help. In this case, he wanted to see the barrier from Guardian.”

  “On a related tangent,” Sean said, setting his cup down again, “your two friends, the guards outside? Would they be interested in being healed, too?”

  Babbitt’s eyebrows went up. “I can understand Vinny. The scar doesn’t bother him and he’d remove it, but the healers want too much. Omar, though… no one can replace an arm. I have asked all the healers in the city.”

  “Do you know Brendis Bronzeshield?” Sean asked.

  “Yes.”

  “His arm is fine now,” Sean said simply.

  Babbitt swallowed and stood up. “Let me go speak with them.”

  Marie got to her feet, too. “I’ll go get a new kettle.”

  With both of them gone, it left just Bloodheart, Sean, and Helga in the room.

  “You can regrow limbs?” Bloodheart asked slowly. “You didn’t mention that earlier.”

  “I skipped over some things,” Sean said, “but, yes. It’s taxing, but yes.”

  “What if the limb was malformed since birth?” Bloodheart asked hesitantly.

  “You know someone?” Sean asked.

  “My sister. Her foot has no toes. It’s made life difficult for her. She’s done a lot, but it has hindered her in many ways.”

  “If she will take the Agreement,” Sean nodded. “I do help my friends.”

  Bloodheart swallowed and sat forward. “Please? This more than anything will sway my father.”

  “If he’ll agree, as well, he can come with. I’ll tell him what he wants to know and heal her,” Sean said. “Being friends with your family strikes me as a good idea.”

  “He’ll agree,” Bloodheart said. “The city trembles and the majority have no idea.”

  ~*~*~

  Sean felt a little uncomfortable, but was glad that the two guards were happy. Both Babbitt and Marie just stared at him, trying to shift their view of him.

  “Thomas, are we good?” Sean asked.

  “Yes, of course,” Babbitt said.

  “Do you want to step outside or is in here okay?” Sean asked.

  Babbitt blinked at him, then nodded. “Sorry, here is fine. If we can just move over there?” Babbitt went over to the far side of the room, which was empty of things. “I’m not sure it’ll do you much good, though. You can’t see the barrier, and touching it is unhealthy.”

  “I’ll be fine,” Sean said.

  “I’ve seen his barrier kill a man,” Bloodheart told him.

  “Hmm...” Sean said. “Can I just see the sword, then? Maybe that will be enough.”

  Babbitt drew his blade and held it out to Sean. “Here.”

  Sean looked over the nearly-unadorned sword. A single diamond was sunk into the butt of the pommel. As he inspected the blade, he could see faint runes engraved down the middle of the blade. Touching the runes, he could feel the energy thrumming in them. Opening Mage Sight, he could see the faint gray energy of the barrier shimmering along the runes. The energy made his finger tingle unpleasantly. Suddenly, Sean knew why the barrier had felt familiar— it felt like death.

  Focusing on the energized runes, Sean could feel their knowledge sinking into his brain like every other energy he’d absorbed the understanding of. With a ragged exhale, he closed Mage Sight and passed the blade back to Babbitt. “Thanks,” he said, his voice rough.

  “Are you okay?” Babbitt asked. “You looked like it strained you.”

  “The energy is death,” Sean said softly. “That barrier isn’t a joke. The diamond is weakening, though, and it pulls from you now when in use.”

  Babbitt nodded slowly. “That explains why I felt exhausted using it over the last few years.”

  “Come home with me and I can fix it up,” Sean said. “I’ll replace the gem, charge it, and it’ll be better than new
.”

  Babbitt hesitated as he looked down at the sword, then at Sean. “Are you sure? This blade is… ancient.”

  “I know,” Sean said. “I think it was made around the same time as mine.” He pulled Dark Cutter out and held it to Babbitt. “Be nice to him,” he said.