Chapter 5
Bree was a very attractive woman.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhz7NyspMc
She had long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a toned figure from her time as a156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu4iO1VQqW
Blade and now serving as a Captain in the Eluvian military. Instead of her156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpvlHVloq3
regular soldier attire, she decided to wear tight brown pants, brown booties,156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnIyQnyGM3
and a white sleeveless blouse. It looked as though she took a lot of care in156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgz0bvGcAhy
her choice of attire as he had to try hard to ignore the feeling welling up in156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrRjOYHXGD
his chest. They weren’t together anymore.
“Oh Vander, I’ve missed you.” She156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ErfNlbCok
reached up to touch his face, but he grabbed her hand as he pulled back.
“You don’t get to do that156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXXZqSohLB
anymore.” Vander took a step back into his room. “You made your choice six156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwZ1Ox6Ohz
months ago and I’m not one to play second fiddle to someone else.”
“Come on.” She scoffed. “You know156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4wZKcVCTS
I had no choice. My father forced me into this, I couldn’t disobey him.”
“Not even for someone you156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7nYAh9IsX
professed to love?” he snorted. “I’d have left the Blades if you asked, but you156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkUMQRjbwD
dropped me as soon as your father snapped his fingers. You never loved me Bree,156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMTl7aOEMZ
not really.”
“Vander, that’s not fair.” He156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5fiycsb69
voice was starting to rise. “I spent a lot of time this past six months156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTUTCm4VkT
thinking about us. I will tell my father to end my engagement to Leon, so we156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8SZUCsSYY
could be together.” Vander’s heart pounded at the thought, but he wouldn’t allow156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFAfybrJIM
himself to be ruled by his emotions.
“I’m sorry, but you made your156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHHWFkDR4f
choice and now we both have to live with it.” He walked towards the door and156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0imMNJC3mK
held it open. “It’s time for you to leave.” She sat there in the middle of the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjynNESm9UF
floor her face flushed with rage. She clenched her fist and for a second he156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQBQRubepj
thought she was going to swing at him. She thought better of it but made sure156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXFF2fxEB4
to slam her shoulder into his arm as she left. She didn’t even say goodbye.
“Give me the word and I’ll rip156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJDANL8P6d
her throat out.” Shea snarled. Vander walked over to rub her head.
“I don’t want to give you156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZItFAUjKQx
indigestion.” He teased.
He had known Bree since their time156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUb1B8gO0W
as recruits roughly eight years ago when they were both sixteen. They had156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnStIQCKwiz
gotten close, along with the other members of their squad, but after an156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDw1ZwoYOE
incident during their first mission cost the lives of their training officer as156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bbhv7KQ3D
well as two of their comrades, they hadn’t been the same. They had clung to156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bAI5RRjWi
each other during the rougher times and grew close. They had been each other’s156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf0ndFOPwn
first, a bond he thought would cement them together for the rest of their156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWU2DG35MM
lives. But six months ago, that had fallen to pieces. He had done a lot of soul156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy0z8eoh3R
searching while he was in isolation with his new recruits and decided that he156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zmCtZOcjP
would keep things professional between them, nothing more, nothing less. She156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGMQh5kHBp
had ended things with him for her father’s favorite and got engaged to Leon156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDqEefFrVq
instead. That was something he wouldn’t readily forgive or forget.
He rubbed Shea’s head then156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BAN2r8Vyk
promised to bring her back some beef from the kitchen when he returned later.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OyBQJFcEy
He didn’t want to be late for his recruits first night out since joining. He156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl27VvOODmR
left his sword behind because he doubted he would need it, then left the room.
If there was a lot of people156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hATtFSCx8
before, there was even more now. People were crammed against the walls and the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpibyoRBc3f
servers were having issues making their way through everyone. A larger square156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl4LeOcl71
was opened up between the booths and musicians for more people to dance the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1WNBP4rac
night away. Upon stepping into the floor, he saw Alexander’s head poking up156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYxKxfnmRR
above the crowd. It was one of the perks of being friends with a giant. His156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs5QOWk8UH
voice thundered out to order some food and drinks for his table sending a156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelxjfDekcV
couple of the servers scrambling to fulfill his wishes. Vander snaked his way156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EUFr2Awyp
through the crowd dodging flying elbows and kicking feet to get to the table. Alex156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk9JC0wD8t
was still wearing the clothing he had on earlier, but he left his uniform top156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hYeuL27Kj
at home and instead opted to wear a black leather jacket.
“About time you got here.” Alex156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QfMielcOa
grumbled. This man did not like large crowds, but he came out to spend time156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhqvXu4eGd
with his friend. A sacrifice that wouldn’t go unrewarded tonight. “Would me156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVkECPpdMQ
seeing Bree storming out of here have anything to do with it?”
“Some.” He motioned for the bigger156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQHCxB72an
man to slide over so he could sit down. “She told me she would end the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjQbCtR6T3
engagement with Leon to have me back, but I told her that I wouldn’t get back156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEbTWTvelu
with her. She made her choice six months ago and I won’t be played for a fool156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdAQBguAGQ
again.”
“You turned that down?” Forest156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ppOCZvT8B
gasped. “I would have thrown myself at her if she asked me to be with her.”
“You’d throw yourself at a bear if156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR0iCUzqTr
you think you’d get lucky.” Briar snorted. Forest shoved her then she shoved156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3tmWs9UnC
him back. It would have devolved into a fight if Rooster hadn’t pulled them156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF0gomxOcN
apart.
“We’re here to have fun.” He156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhHNjZmDUT
snapped. “Not get thrown out of here before we even had a drink.”
Each of them had dressed in their156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVB5pYxWnC
best clothes for tonight. Most of their clothing was now a little too small156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJLBIdTznb
since they had each packed on a ton of muscle since they left the city. He156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQshjgWCfl
guessed that he would have to make a request to his grandfather to give them156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSQRuUlmsw
some money for new clothing. The only one that seemed to have gotten clothing156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NJkosV3Aj
that still fit was Eve. Unlike the others who wore pants and a shirt, she had156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3Q8bV6B3o
decided to wear a long white dress and shoes. Even Chicken had decided to dress156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrul6bQAR17
for the occasion and leave her oversized clothing at home. She wore a brown156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTFWW29Pnv
buttoned shirt and a pair of tan pants. He wondered if Eve had lent the outfit156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHlb0SQGiv
to her.
“Each of look very nice.” Vander156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3DUZEet8o
nodded his approval. “Remember, tonight feel free to eat and drink as you156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIljq0PKL4P
please, but there will still be training tomorrow as usual, and I will not go156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6Sk467EgO
easy on you just because you are hung over.”
“Come on Forest, let’s go dance.”156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEek41yo8F
Briar pulled on his arm, removing him from the booth. He protested fully but156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiY9GvwIEs
allowed himself to be led away by her. She grabbed his arm, placed the other156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEVmhiIg5s
one around her waist and started leading him around the dance floor making sure156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjSbP73C9n
not to bump into anyone along the way. Within moments the two of them were lost156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmd51Fj0ot
from sight.
“Will you dance with me Vander?”156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSZqzDT7qp
Eve looked down at her lap. It took him a moment to register that she had been156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrpGbuCVXD
the one to ask him and not Chicken.
“He has two left feet.” Alex156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5PZTVKg6u
slapped him on the back. “I’m you’ll find someone to dance with you out on the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRnb5AmZH2
floor. Look,” they turned to where he was pointing and saw two young men156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MFRmclfcI
smiling at her from the other side of the Inn.
“But I want to dance with-“
“I’m sorry, Eve.” Vander forced a156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe322l5DNx
smile. “I’m a bit worn out from our travels today, so I think I’ll sit tonight156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7twyV1UYL
out. Shall I call you over once our food is here?” Nodding angrily, she walked156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIcMydRnNH
from the booth, grabbed both young men by their arms and pulled them onto the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxaNif4UCC
dance floor.
“What about the two of you?” Alex156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsjbSzOzAt
asked Rooster and Chicken.
“I think I’m just going to read.”156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOmNncvhkk
Chicken removed a thick leather-bound book from her bag from under the table.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yGjkgP2tV
The title was called: The Life of Boris Britebyrd, The First Blade. He156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vDsomJF5a
didn’t know that she was into history, seemed as though the two of them had156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnD5m3rXV5
quite a bit in common.
“I’m okay just sitting here.” He156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5DuVYXAHA
looked wistfully out towards the dance floor. Tracing his gaze Vander saw that156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4oKyA8yPc
he was watching Eve dance with the two men. It looked as though she was156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwX5dzmuhw
enjoying herself, but that might also have been for his benefit.
“Why don’t you ask her to dance?”156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5VDiSg440
Vander asked.
“Because I see the way she looks156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K5fiewT9W
at you.” Rooster grumbled. “And I can’t ever hope to compete.”
“It’s just a crush.” Vander156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsAzsGLd7C
reached over to place his hand on Rooster’s shoulder. “She will get over it.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGhjqguliy
Besides, no one could say no to you. You’re a wonderful kid and you won’t know156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaSAHMvBAA
unless you try.”
“Alright, but later.” He sighed.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem3FJhxhqc
He became quiet up then proceeded to stare out the window until the food156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M06pbyuB4
arrived. The server placed down a basket full of bread, a bowl of hearty stew156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JzXKqWJJy
for each of them along with a tankard of beer and many glasses. Vander asked156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYW9dxLZqV
her to bring him some Dwarven Whiskey as well. She came back a couple of156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfijzHQ8Dll
minutes later with several shot glasses and the bottle.
Rooster and Chicken wasted no time156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIbmTDVTf5
and started digging into their food. They never let food grow cold or go to156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iUV9r9xCu
waste. A pair of bottomless pits which stemmed from their time homeless and156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5B52zzddj
never getting enough to eat. Forest and Briar came after a few minutes. Briar156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5zClimi85
was grinning ear to ear while Forest slumped into the booth breathing heavily156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQITVdyu98
and sweating profusely from his brow. Briar helped prop him up before starting156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw7PvLTO1J
to eat. Eve was the last one to make it back to the table. She was out of156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08BGbUlNN8
breath, her face flushed with exhaustion. She sat down next to Chicken not156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvzNWwLvTH
looking up at Vander as she started to eat.
As the music thrummed into his156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KZTSwBnlk
head, he started feeling ill. Loud noises and people sitting so close to him156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZmLUA2ipu
wasn’t something he enjoyed. His senses were being assaulted and he needed some156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXwqFy3wzF
air, but first he wanted to make sure the recruits were taken care of.
“Congratulations on making it156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB8u65FIWU
through your first six months of training.” Vander said. “Alex and I couldn’t156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3Nz7WVTnX
be prouder of all the progress you made since we started and while things might156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEnaeSMME0
not get easier from here on out, I know you all make fantastic Blades. So, eat,156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Nf9MHThWD
drink, and party to your hearts content.” Four of the five of them cheered.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ETDjUfzG9
Vander poured them each a shot and they all tossed it back at once. “Will you156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIicAwx2If
make sure they get home alright?”
“Of course,” Alex looked156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR5aOLL96S
concerned. “Is everything alright with you?”
“Too much noise for me to handle.”156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt1hhbFbyG
Vander explained. “I just need to step outside for a few minutes okay?”
“Alright, just take it easy.” Alex156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorF1nYTqYy
said with a slight frown. Vander excused himself from the table. He went156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEOnIpltdc
through the kitchen then out the back door into the cool night beyond.
Nighttime in the city was156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISL7kG7yIA
different from the forest. Out there the sky was clear you could count the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSavmfeWrJ
stars or try too at least. Humjir’s light shone everywhere even in the darkest156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KGxGZIo8M
corner. The animals made sounds of course as the night hunters prowled the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJewPaHmCg
ground and sky, but there was a rhythm to it. There were times he and Shea156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2nSsN5zY0
would stay out under a large tree listening to the animals as they relaxed from156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1c26SnjNBS
the day’s activities. Often enough Alex would come out to wake them out because156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXWRayn8uK
they had fallen asleep in the grass. Here, there was nothing soothing about it.
Humjir couldn’t be seen from the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTTpHSREM3
city aside from the highest tower in the King’s estate. You could only see a156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHATOUl9e6v
couple of stars, but even then their lights were muted. Then came the sounds156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1Xndnpjmb
from humans, not animals, that showed how rotten the city truly was. The sick156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIWgo4oWlr
could be heard coughing all night long as the homeless shuffled along looking156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI44JZ1u1Uc
for a place to stay, any place that would take them. The hungry wails of156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFrvwxnrbm
children often fell on deaf ears because everyone else was too busy partying156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADxBsurR3g
the night away. He couldn’t help but wonder how many people inside the inn156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcHextDdmj
right now children at home starving had while they were drinking the night156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpscFijmqB
away. Both he and Shea were of one mind that they would be happier living in the woods away from all these people, but156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMUTkz5iEE
duty called and neither of them wanted to turn their backs on their friends.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZUK1qXuXX
Perhaps, one day, they would be able to retire somewhere far from here.
He was so lost in thought that he156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD8a8d2Mtf
failed to notice the door opening behind him. “You should really be more156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRGBCiemWN
careful out here.” Julianna said. He wasn’t one to startle easily, but he leapt156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LImkRgaQS
from his boots once she spoke.
“Don’t scare me like that.” He156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYp7OQqshV
growled. She wrapped her arm through his and pulled him to his side.
“Don’t be a pansy.” She giggled.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oHewWwFuk
He could smell the slight tang of booze on her breath. Her face was flushed156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz3sW6uW8d
bright red, and she was breathing heavily. The strap of her dress hung loosely156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kkuRYF7B6
on her shoulder, so he reached over to pull it back up for her.
“You needed a drink to come out156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv1hFhcFUp
here and greet me?” he teased. “I thought you were braver than that.”
“Oh please.” She rolled her eyes.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQugpa2dSp
“This wasn’t for you. Some of my patrons like me enough to buy me something to156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQBm7Kdt8n
drink and dance with me. I just came out here for a breather.” The two of them156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZnJO09YQe
stood there in silence leaning up against the side of the building. Julianna156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2QTUpTgor
placed her head on his shoulder, but she remained stony faced and still.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6ztjvVwoj
“Vander.” She said after a few minutes.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Did you get the closure you156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2Jv0m5NXs
needed with Bree tonight?” He looked down at her. There was a wistful look on156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvXEu7PjCU
her face as she looked straight ahead.
“Heh.” He laughed. “I was156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXMAFvx9Tn
wondering how she made it past you. You let her in didn’t you?”
“Guilty.” She spoke softly. “If156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGgSj3I1xh
you were going to take her back, I was going to throw you out of the Inn. Once156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlSQqg9hCg
she stormed off pissed as hell, I knew you made the right choice.”
“You’re always looking out for me,156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2HHEnwtgX
thank you.” he bumped her shoulder lightly with his. She smiled up at him with156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDwnCHka23
a slight blush on her face. The two of them sat out there for a little bit156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhjYRbTzzH
without speaking. The quiet night air helped him soothe any aches he may have156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TJFSKDN98
had plus her company was a welcome boon. He knew that she didn’t harbor any156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XpZicdqNy
feelings for him, neither him for her, but their friendship would stretch for156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NLPFPDUBX
years to come, he could feel.
A sudden shout along with the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeCS71PPNd
breaking of glass broke the serene quiet air. Julianna turned too him with a156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfXq7CrS55
concerned look. “What the hell was that?” she asked.
“I don’t know.” He frowned. “But156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjIPKa9uv1
stay here, let me go look.”
“It’s my Inn.” She snorted. “I156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5npJ0ZL9Gz
won’t be waiting outside like some helpless damsel. Let’s go.” Shaking his head156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOXwynn4vh
as she rushed past him, he hurried behind.
As soon as she walked through the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV5dw0P9os
door, he pushed her head down as a glass mug hit the wall next to them156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFlyteOTqb
shattering upon impact. Shards of glass rained down over them, but they slid156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AFMKTXrjC
right off his sleeve. Thankfully there was no liquid inside.
“Bring that white-haired bastard156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDS75yk2pC
out here this instant.” Someone shouted. Vander recognized the voice as Leon’s,156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJ9dHYGpjc
so he must have been talking about him.
“Fucking Bree.” Vander pushed past156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9MZ4pMiFw
Julianna through the kitchen and into the main Inn. Right in front of the door,156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUzA9LIJxI
flanking both sides keeping anyone from either entering or leaving were four156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO0BzupzC3
Blades, in uniform, with their hands on the hilts of their swords. Standing in156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiQMihrWmN
front of them was Leon with his sword out pointing to the ground. Vander met156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxbzraccwH
Alex’s eye. He was standing in front of the table blocking the recruits from156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Xu51mOBjO
being spotted by the pissed off Captain. Their eyes met. Alex shook his head156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqPsGwrReG
and motioned for Vander to leave out the back, but he was going to leave these156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK33k8ikypJ
people here to take Leon’s wrath. As a captain he had a duty to uphold the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7owxrs0v0A
standard of the Blades, so he pushed his way through the crowd to stand in156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUUTV4TFsC
front of Leon.
“What are you doing?” His voice156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DLep76FKw
boomed. He made no attempt to hide the annoyance in his voice. “Is this how a156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBa5UR1isH7
captain of the Blades is supposed to act? Drawing your weapon in a business and156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvUtyTXbTw
trying to intimidate everyone here? What’s the matter with you?”
“There you are you bastard!” Leon156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa43rmYtM6b
raised his sword pointing it at his chest. “Why was Bree here? What did the two156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gfuGONEPO
of you do?”
“Is that what this is about?”156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqHLwsgOkt
Vander scoffed. “Nothing happened, I sent her home, end of discussion. Now it’s156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YUAFKdgKZ
your turn to get going before I report this to the Commander.”
“And you expect me to believe156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBQKBYuMAQ
that?” Leon laughed. “You were gone for six months and the day you come back156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPOwQ4N2hN
she comes to visit you? You’re full of shit.”
“It’s true.” Julianna pushed her156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGMRh2wB71
way through to stand by Vander. “I let her in, and she left five minutes later156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTAzX0xsDS
crying. I suggest you take it up with her and get out of my inn.”
“Now you have your new bitch156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFiWYlJyvi
covering for you?” Leon snapped. “Take this punk outside, we will settle this156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RUzEYwzgE
like men.” The four Blades guarding the door moved forward towards the crowd.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKYEJvOnwi
Alex pushed past to stand by Vander causing the four of them to pause mid-step.156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6BK0PwlgP
“Alex, stay out of this, this doesn’t concern you.”
“It concerns us all when you use156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfplvTJ53Ri
your power for your own ends.” Alex snapped back. “You came to a private156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6zGScb7X2
establishment, threatened citizens, and are threatening a comrade, one that,156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7JEomLUg1
until recently, outranked you. This is an abuse of power especially settling a156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51ISDCwItw
private affair.”
“You think that matters to me?”156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodqMFA3vup
Leon asked. “When my honor is on the line? Do what I ask or I swear I will use156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZODLCVDnf
everything in my power to crush you.” Vander stepped out until they were face156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q06wFRmE2
to face.
“Is that a threat Leon?” Leon156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8kSqLXeS3
responded by pushing Vander backwards then bringing his sword up underneath his156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyMDgnK3ZC
chin.
“No this is a- ahhhhhh!” Shea156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfHMNdnn54
leapt out from nowhere and bit down on Leon’s sword arm. Vander could hear the156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwqHTcsyZG
bones crunching in his arm as she screamed out in pain. He dropped his sword156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jUBqLYpln
then tried to wrench her mouth off his arm. Blood sprayed as everyone started156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdEODTtvPB
screaming. Vander saw Leon’s goons rushing towards her, so he rushed forward blocking156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOctxG3XmI
their path.
“Shea, release him.”
“But-“ her voice echoed156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj5F0BMNu6
back.
“NOW!” She released him, but156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoovZDOguRc
jumped out of reach and bared her teeth. With blood dripping down his arm, he156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNH9fp9yxZ
slowly got to his feet. His face was red with rage.
“Your mutt will pay for that.” He156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jJ3hPjxMs
whispered. “You will all pay for standing in my way.” He grabbed his sword,156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5RwpEXUyB
spun around, and thrust at Vander. Because he was facing away from Leon, Vander156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K9ytQ464w
couldn’t anticipate the move. However, in his rage, he missed anything vital,156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX6VNt7aGN
but he still carved a deep gash into Vander’s side. He fell to the ground156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1DZv8f7is
holding the wound as blood seeped through his fingers.
“Damn it.” Vander groaned. “What156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvT4muw9ef
the hell is the matter with you?”
“You’ve looked down on me for too156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVh5OXlUvg
long.” Leon spat. “Now it’s time you tasted defeat.” Leon lifted his sword156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UqDXOia9U
again, but Alex got there first. His fist collided with Leon’s face sending him156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoQf3L3JuD
sprawling onto the ground.
“You crossed a line and not even156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5xn2RtDAd
your father will get you out of it.” He snapped. “You four, get him out of here156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleNBEPkUkJ
before you find yourselves thrown onto the streets and not even Viggo Visc’s156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yMfddD4w4
influence will keep you safe.”
“This isn’t over.” Leon growled as156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOLpKCViSK
his four lackies picked him up off the ground and dragged him out. “You better156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfeEULfXUB
find yourself a new job, Alex. I’m coming for your ass.” Vander heard rushed156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38DMP2LrQj
footsteps coming towards him. Julianna placed a towel over his hand to help156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjywrmOt6Z
staunch the bleeding.
“Let me see.” She whispered. He156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCashahW5eS
winced with pain as he carefully moved his hand. “It’s deep but didn’t hit156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD305WL4GD
anything vital. We are going to have to stitch you up.”
“Fine.” Vander allowed himself to156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu69vljMeqa
be lifted to his feet. “Alex, will you make sure the kids get back safely?”
“We should get you to a doctor.”156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCsHVN743x
Alex said, but Vander shook his head.
“I’ll be fine.” He gasped. “Pay156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tBWEwT3mm
for everyone’s meal as an apology for Leon’s outburst. There should be enough156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7Rjniog60
money to cover it in my room. We will also pay for the damages here.”
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0NajaSohr
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iHNeOt4SI
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwekbZwsS5B
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCaCCVhvGH
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7vOoyzgzo
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE17ZBw4FK
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypxfbhnjOu
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOnmxbbNGs
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtL59drz5m
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3IOBanWo4
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyAVaSREIc
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAfDmiOXf5
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H9iIJiXKV
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LANQLiF7F
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEJ3Xs3vDY
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmby1hzPkzQ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUQ4wCsIiv
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHF9C7vpPB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ADnpwz4Jz
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5I6op29d2
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvftnTPkzL
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxBNExDC7R
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zPw1zFffl
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae5PHIw8SG
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92uPm1APdo
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoBP9H7UaW
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBhQ8DBClD
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6OCGQXw1J
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1iIGYtAIG
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQilwAvbKS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyZOKbg9Jf
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzZxgbxinV
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62ZCgU5qZq
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCUZcZgyd0
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7RHC3gCnG
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtW9BcTs3p
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1caGfbQNb
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMNGrUzL3r
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KyrZACD8E
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxArUy3ElIx
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ9XKFyMI3
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWhX4dcbzK
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mjFuZXIH8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpXmaeSZIo
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2OpoSUnPm
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tLnSCtWcN
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKKV69jANZ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftTMJijhKk
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2HDII9k6w
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1X2kyJKbz
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMwolF8t9L
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjTKpRuQJK
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgXH3NPeHy
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGDOdaUA6u
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxYB5nvpcB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiMIpbvV9c
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxeQIeITrX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaUVur4p30
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DwWGuDZCz
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6kDtGpgv9
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5H1Prr2SA
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9QvFUIDEJ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ypbP2KQlJ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Keq0TtB4V
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mnYQEMshr
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlOFB7G7yT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimU1dyXWFp
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIPJyl7W4u
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSK2esp9WL
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrc6j5dkeU
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjAwYfW1bi
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihL2MjuIe7
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyco81aAu9
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8udPybCsTj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK3QaJN9kC
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqATHM8eCDl
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWEtl93Sah
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm7VBpmsEb
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16bx83xifa
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXUZ8X2WmO
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡputsv1iKwv
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYa57irODj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyUIyFVKG1
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxmDLecANP
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzHpTUrXcX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY7Ed4i5kT
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheJFu0GlsV
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB05LDwBOz
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHOvNIXJhW
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O4K2kzmI3
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC4v7n0lh3
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGEc01BGtC
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEWK4gENEX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlVWo11PUg
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHj3fdgNeV
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Xp6ocYHUJ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvWhBixFbh
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqXWhOLjV5
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcBiA9F7wP
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfajzw0lfoc
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IaJPqfv5W
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fZnavfSRy
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEipzmhxljr
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ42b1WVNC9
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhL2sSRQyt
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafvi5O3CmA
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqfpqqt5S8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOibrz8eSv
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyQ7dLm5Kq
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvZFGnaxpf
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcdi5CjvQB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX4SXjdml4
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ne0y5wmaj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZsVbmBkv1
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaavNN2AIC7
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FHEMQSdiW
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKv1zejb9k
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLhe31WODZ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gedIbQK15
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbqgMeU4h4
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8jmFC90u0
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZkiBWXsbm
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeVSA3kT24
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU5POlQknN
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSweYo8E8we
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumNbl08JGB
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07IteHW3kz
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ1HmF5I6e
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiqIZHtxYy
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1XkfLGJ8r
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVrqviFDl3
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBs6eUb3Of
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaGMcqgSJn
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXKqcHZp9K
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUv1bxA1oy
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3pD8k0KPN
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S1c0Jb9Jj
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtdrTQKuO2
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYPOa1CTK8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItEo3QbDEt
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZgdoffAVn
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o2RGJcgth
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kfAEyM22J
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzwtd0NueX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34F0sirxPx
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ536CRCxXHQ
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLxAwE1zF5
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2nnLWlti8
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0B2XDW4pt
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDkqGSB7eU
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiqE0Umjgy
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkXkb3ObP2
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDi1o7ZCim
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0by4RALF1
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7w6bBydX0
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JueAEQrMS
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3rm2Cn9lX
156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU60Q6m4YBq
“I understand.” He said. Alex156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbbHZHbd0m
began to shout, but Vander’s eyes started to close. The blood loss was more156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJyXsqwKFH
than he thought as he had difficulty staying awake. The last thing he saw was156Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW7juxfi5S
Shea leading the way upstairs towards the room.
