7 #2
Part of the reason I detest him so much, not only for the state he continues to leave Hidale in. But also the fact that he’s all too happy to send the citizens of Hidale to war but he’ll sit cosy in his castle.
He’s despicable.
The King doesn’t say anything when I sit but I watch as he nods his head to Finch, who in turn gets up and brings me some food in an instant. He’s ever so quick with the King’s command.
Finch seems incredibly loyal.
I take the soup cup and bread from Finch, offering a slight smile as a thanks but hesitate when I look at the food in my hands.
I still haven't made my decision.
I feel the King watching me and when my gaze meets his, I see him roll his eyes.
The King puts his meal on the ground and rests his bread on the lid of his soup cup. Before grabbing my own from my hands, ripping a piece of bread off, dipping it into my soup and eating it.
“There.” He says finally after finishing his mouthful and handing me my soup and bread back.
“See, not poisoned.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Thank you for your sacrifice.”
“Anytime.” He says with a wink.
I start to eat the soup and by the gods it feels good to have something in my stomach. Especially something that warms me from the inside out. I haven’t felt this kind of warmth in days.
“Cole told me you’ve never been attacked by that creature before.” I say suddenly, after eating quietly for a few moments.
He considers this, while taking another sip of his soup.
“It was the first time and hopefully the last.”
“You don’t feel anything now?” I ask.
“No, Mannuel did his job, I’m good as new.” He replies quickly, lifting the side of his mouth to offer a sly smile.
“Right, the healer.” I note.
The King nods to the healer just across from us, eating his own dinner in front of the fire. I see that he’s sitting just off to the side from the rest of the King’s guards.
Just like he always does.
Mannuel’s face seems youthful compared to the others, though you can never be certain of a fae’s age.
He looks up, noticing us staring at him and smiles. It’s a cheerful smile that I can’t help but return, though mine doesn’t match his energy in the slightest.
“That’s him, he’s been my healer for as long as I’ve been King.”
I look back down and say nothing in response, resuming eating.
After a few moments, I turn to face the King. “Did you see its face?”
His expression goes cold, he doesn’t need me to explain who I mean.
“No.” Xander says bluntly, taking a breath before continuing. “There’s no record of what they look like, because if you have ever been close enough to see their face, you would have surely been killed not a second later.”
A shiver runs down my spine.
I look up at the sky, trying to take my thoughts away from the Sentirex.
It’s getting quite dark now and the forest is starting to get louder, with all of the bugs and frogs making noises.
It’s actually quite peaceful, much more peaceful than thinking about the creature that lurks in Devils Pass.
So I lay back, listening to the noises and looking up at the stars.
To my surprise, the King lays back with me and turns his head, watching me.
“What are you thinking?” He asks softly.
I scoff at him. “Why would I tell you?”
He sighs and turns his head to look towards the stars.
“And here I was starting to think we were getting somewhere.”
I don’t answer.
“Why are you continuing the war?” I ask him suddenly and even surprise myself.
“Oh, I see how it is.” The King says sarcastically. “You get to ask me questions but I can’t ask you any?”
He smiles and faces me, propping his head up on his hand.
“That question is a lot less personal.” I say, rolling my head to the side to look at him.
“I beg to differ.” He replies, a certain seriousness lacing his tone, which he brushes off quickly before continuing.
“But I will tell you, once we’re home. You can decide your loyalties or if you simply don’t care, we’re paying you anyway.”
“I don’t care, not really, war is just about ego and land and it’s a stupid waste of life.”
“Says the Assassin.”
I shoot him a glare.
“I may kill for a living but I’m not leading innocents into battle where they will face things much worse than death.”
The King props himself up on his side, resting on his forearm and elbow.
“I’m not either, in case you haven’t noticed.” He says, his voice starting to have an edge. I must be getting close to hitting a nerve.
But that doesn’t stop me pushing further. “What do you mean?”
“My army doesn’t work on conscription, they apply, are trained and are paid for their work.”
I look at him for a moment. I had known Erador wasn’t conscripting their soldiers, it’s obvious by their lack of numbers in comparison.
“Conscription is worse but your soldiers are still manipulated by propaganda and most end up paying with their life, despite the fact that they’re paid by you.”
He sits up abruptly and rests his forearms on his knees.
“Judge me all you want but you do not know the full story. My army knows exactly what they’re getting into and what and who they’re fighting for. You’re naive to think it’s all about land and resources.”
“Who?” I question, ignoring the rest of what he said.
“I’ll explain more when we’re in Erador.” The King says abruptly as he gets up and moves over to where Cole is sitting.
I notice the commander has been staring at us.
For how long, I’m not sure. But he doesn’t look impressed.
“Desmond, you’re on assassin watch tonight.” The King orders.
I go back to watching the stars as Desmond stalks over to sit next to me. I don’t bother to look up and see the glare that’s surely in his eyes.
Guess it’s going to be another long night.