Ether possession. A 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYsiGosAJa
phrase used when a being born from, or in, the ether. Beings such as the585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1skz1WjEh5
popularly called demons. Full bodily control is impossible, thus 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzNpiZ7SnF
whispered thoughts or controlling the flow of the ether when casted is 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyLBJSGVyL
enough to classify a person as possessed.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2h6KYyR3b
Many believe that mages 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl6WFQlNPs
are the most vulnerable group to suffer from ether possession but that 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOm2C93SN2
could not be further from the truth. Mages are the most common to suffer585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhublywvwx4
from ether possession but that also means that they are trained to 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUsYQLn207
tackle possessions.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvzfQlzcHk
No, the peasants who 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP2cb7dhxf
have only heard about the ether and its inhabitants from rumours and 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHdwDwGWZY
hearsay are the most vulnerable. Their minds being feeble, they're 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOkhkMRcQI
easily influenced. The popular case of 'Bloody Jack' that happened in 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUzXD9XYew
the Republic Isles, comes to mind. Where a poor peasant was possessed 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRHUHrw3Tb
and an ether being manipulated him into murdering his whole village. 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Qpw8Cdzn5
Having said that not 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P61VBXIuw
everyone can be possessed. For someone to be afflicted by an ether being585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPYv58aAQb
that person must have some of his presence, or soul, in the ether 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6eHb0Lfm5
world. Mages qualify as they borrow from the ether to use magic. Thus, 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGr5e04SHn
their presence there being constant.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5KQUgMQbp
Second group that 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1QxkgqaPG
qualifies, are the ones who have died once but managed to come back to 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD3ukUgU2C
life. While it is still debatable whether we go to the ether or 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQZxihB4z0
somewhere beyond when we die, it has been proven that we must pass 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluUACJwSLQ
through the ether, and once someone does a part of them stays there, 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWBgt6E6dP
forever.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLJqx4Vtc1
Third group that 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7m57XATuh
qualifies would be the ones who are insane or have mental diseases. It's585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSCHdjS6tg
currently unknown why they're susceptible. It's possible that they lose585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1MSr3mfLa
a part of themselves in the ether, but research is currently 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDkKVsPaWA
inconclusive. 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV77GMi6Tet
Something else to note 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDUhQ2efrO
is resonance. The more similar the demon is to the person it's trying to585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76xSLp5sCy
take possession off the more successful it will be. In some cases even 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkgCi9m0ie
opening gateways to the material world or even affecting the material 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlTVEBPUIH
world...585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7AnCY6JKg
Extract of the research paper written by Diego Vispuccy. Headmaster of the mage academy.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpjpjLlRpO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJIyUnr2iq
585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hRaJL61Nh
Who would've thought 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5xJPxkboe
that walking on sharp rocks would be more painful than walking on the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlF4YTQ5qm
soft ground? Not David, as he almost exclaimed and shouted a few words 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS1yELkgSw
no one would be too proud off once he stepped inside the cave. With his 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpwN8Lj6FO
shoes diminished to almost nothing the rocks were jabbing into his feet 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdUa8qnG9w
causing scars and painful blisters to appear, each step more agonizing 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8GLil3yM6
than the other.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn0XSPGvRA
Thankfully the walk 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaRggBdIak
didn't take long as they stopped at what seemed a dead end, with a 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpz5gYVgNu
protruding rock standing in their way. Gob knocked on the stone a few 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIgnsfyWUw
times, in what seemed to be a rhythm and the wall moved open revealing a585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzYuzwaIfk
group of people standing guard. They quickly admitted Gobs group, some 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIesg1mGA8
giving David a puzzled look, and moved the rock behind them, closing the585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiwHYKGNMH
pathway from any praying eyes.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe62TjZdAPF
As David entered the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0HEhGYK44
hideout of the rebels he was hit by a smell that reminded him of home. A585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKFlxoTj2u
smell of unwashed men and women and the residue of gunpowder and smoke.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5m7n6OBVT
Why if he wasn't surrounded by stone but metal he would think he was 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFieBizMui
back on a ship. Of course, there were other differences as well: the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsaMXePGk6
cavern that the group entered was huge, larger than any one room inside a585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl84Ztw9rhe
ship. David guessed this was their main room since he could see tents,585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdOOYOLhsz
cooking fires and children playing around. David glanced up and could 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVvZNYH3Iw
see the ceiling high up, with its sharp ends pointing down, possibly 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8fnKvABq4
waiting to fall on an unsuspecting victim. He definitely would not be 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNATWONEeT
able to reach it, unlike the ceiling of a ship.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13DjWPxcrJ
"Get a move on. We need 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ObzoMYcHL
to speak to her ladyship" Gob said to the group pushing through a throng585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG7TzCSl8J
of people that came out to meet them. David got pulled immediately 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAFA0kb2eM
after him, stumbling, while the rest of the group said their apologies 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXt6GpKdfi5
and rushed to catch up.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9fjrAZ6FZ
Gob led them down one of585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3ewTrKzoK
the pathways leading further into the cave, away from the main cavern, 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC74ER8ulc
the path was lit by a mix of torches and lanterns. 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhMU2igh0u
After a few more turns 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcOF7RpJ9U
and twists they seemed to have reached their destination, a secluded 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtagEj6syb
door in front of which there were a few guards. Gob gave them David's 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoaf9QgFjr
rope. "Don't leave your eyes off him and no talking." He then waved the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU4OMgB371
rest of the group onward with him. "You guys come with me." And with 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpzWrKvg7L
that he went inside, followed by the rest of the children.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdk9tJiLog
"So, what do you guys do585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFA3j9Da5f
for fun round here?" He asked his new guards, but they seemed to be as 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H079Cwwws
mute as Rock. David imagined it was fear of Gob that made them as mute 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw6DIyhyQ5
as a rock. After giving a few minutes and not receiving an answer David 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBH9S3fr9q
shrugged and leaned on the wall. Slowly sliding down to hit the ground, 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPPMwymlA8
it was uncomfortable and his back hurt after sliding on the jagged 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUEHvjppnv
rocks, but the relieve his legs felt overcame any sense of pain.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdco8GaITau
David even managed a 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXB8PeQVZH
nap, .but the blissful moment of quiet ended when Gob came back to pick 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8KUnklcAP
David up. As per usual form he didn't wait for David to get up and just 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGtmuPSAAb
yanked him up with force. Which resulted in David waking up and diving 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxVSrnCs4z
headfirst into the ground.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl6hO3t76K
"Ow..." David managed as his nose started bleeding again, not fully healed from Gob's painful jabs before.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4cOwUbuXt
Gob grunted and pulled the rope again. "Come on." David could see one of the guards smirking as he passed the doorway. 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hyq1buqsD
David entered the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTRBA6iVPK
secluded chamber and was greeted with something that he hasn't seen for a585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SvGqa0xIy
while, a bed. Even if the bed took most of his attention he could see 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DfQAwVd3f
the rest of the group standing behind Gob and a woman. Who David could 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1GRF0e5rV
tell was royal, they always had that air around them.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIVLp1AcLM
"Ah this must be our honored guest." She said giving David a wide smile, but not looking in his direction.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwxoKIxkYC
"Indeed." Gob replied, humbly, subdued. David was astonished that Gob knew what it meant to be, let alone sound, so.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO1cbHDoY3
"Perfect, leave us 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7s8F8OtCd
alone." She nodded with a smile to the children and they bade their 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWWGLHC0hn
farewells. The only three people left were Gob, David and the woman.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP8s8he4IW
"Yes Gob?"585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKkNSoIJrJ
"I don't believe it's safe to leave you with him without anyone here, my lady."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BI8qXb5L8
The woman gave Gob a warm smile." I appreciate the concern, but I hardly see a point in killing me in the middle of our camp."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVlaQgwlKv
Gob walked up to her a bit closer with intensity in his voice, "if you die, the rebellion dies. If you die..."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T8UdXSyA4
"Enough." She said sharply, not loud but commanding. "I know you care for me, but I'm no child. Leave, Gob." 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYYLkxNtVN
Gob stilled at that but 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TGxOs32fI
followed the command. "And we agreed you wouldn't call me lady anymore.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlY0mOfC8K
It's just Francesca." She called after Gob, steel in her voice all but 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgIAmvWdDj
gone.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBUyCIOlFk
Francesca turned towards585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdh68WstxJ
David and gestured at a free chair. " Please sit, I apologize for your 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmu6XgneSk
bounds, Gob would've had a fit if I pushed on that." She said, slowly 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvteKBB9e3
feeling her way around with her hands and sitting down on the opposite 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIZ73IfXF0
side of the table.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHL5inGMUX
David nodded and moved 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXWkX164rk
towards the chair, smiling amicably. now that he got a better look at 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb6BbJeMxa
Francesca, David could tell that she was about the same age as Denis and585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP0ibGSlZq
his siblings. Hopefully that also meant she'd be easy to manipulate, 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaydqKpR6cC
you could never tell with those pesky nobles,585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmAkOFRNVF
"Who chose you?" The 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatjiQQONIn
soft voice pierced his thoughts as he sat down. Francesca was still 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMCMowNFZj
smiling but he could also hear some tension in that voice.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHHvCudnOv
"Excuse me?"585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWCTammQqa
"I can feel a...magical tug. It allows me to feel when another chosen is nearby."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdVGxbJJAx
David was still confused, so he decided honesty was the best policy. "Excuse me?"585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwfUysVeHQ
Francesca tilted her head, and then put her hand to her mouth and made a gasping sound. "Oh my! You truly don't know?" 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIftFSK7KFb
"We have been chosen by 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJMBZik77d
one of the great five!" She begun excitedly. "I have been chosen by 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4hvGKDXgG
Asmodea. She told me that I'd feel a connection to others chosen by the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPcf19aGvp
Five! Do you really don't know who chose you?"585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ3PO2sOBW
David wanted to laugh at585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p8e8Ct8Dg
the idea that Jester was one of the Five. Sadly, he couldn't, not after585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZO5395FQJ
what he'd seen and survived. David also remembered having a strange 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqd1PmakGF
feeling at the entrance to the cave, maybe it was that magical tug that 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJV8Ks2fns
Francesca mentioned, although he was too tired and too much in pain to 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgP9KdtYzmo
feel anything else right now, though.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46Bw1Rb3Er
"Sorry, no idea." He 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yggLajqMR
said it in his most innocent tone. "One moment I'm on my ship, the other585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid1sp8e120
I'm on the ground getting manhandled."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrlMJ6hWxP
"I apologize, Gob can be...paranoid. But he means well " David just nodded and smiled at that.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSvqia5d4r
"I'm also sure the one who chose you will communicate with you soon enough!" 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtdxyZ1ZDp
David hoped he wouldn't. "So, what does it entail, being chosen?"585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhmC6r9Q3k
"Oh! Well when Asmodea 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYQEwGn7pb
shown herself to me it was before the rebellion began. She told me of 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJF4q2PddN
times before the elevation, various inventions, their way of 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx8uNNIitK
life...That's what gave me the inspiration and courage for the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2bT526DfN
rebellion." She paused as if unsure if she should mention the next part.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc2N5y3cr7
"Mostly it's just advice now, she can sometimes hear and see what I 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZE3WHQVGx
hear and see. Of course, your benefactor might have a different 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3Io0T1H4O
approach, I cannot presume to know the minds of the Great."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KLO6gCJcP
David nodded, as if his 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ514Rz2zQeI
currenFt predicament made complete sense, or maybe he was just going 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMx6zLty0c
crazy bit by bit. Going with the flow seemed to be the best approach for585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNmYZC9Idk
now, especially if it got Francesca on his side. 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwDgsbX78X
"Does anyone else know of you being chosen?" David asked Francesca.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgbTO5toTl
She shook her head 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7q6te9wrZ
sadly. "No, I'm ashamed for lying to my friends but it would be hard to 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7sSCkGQIy
explain. You're the first person I spoke to about this. I was hoping 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOnHPQbCRK
you'd know more, but..."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQy5wq56Yv
"Sorry for not being more helpful."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8LNlkTS6l
"Oh, gods, no! It's not 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBljbKklJI
your fault, I'm sorry for telling you all of this. You must think me 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzii3wjIZmj
crazy or an idiot." She gave a weak laugh.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSQ5zzWpPJ
David sensing an 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3pJBlrSo4
opportunity moved closer and took a risk of holding her hand in his 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1biEtLv2E6
own." In these few moments I've known you, you've shown yourself to be 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvLEYBf856
kind and smart. I thank you for telling me, hopefully together we can 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUEJtqzSqH
work through this together." David heard that nobles were suckers for 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ689sV1IbWh
the chivalrous knight types, he decided to test it out.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujAmTmQ8cq
Francesca looked up to 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRPSf5r2xU
David and he could see her glassed over eyes, he could tell she was 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigajs0UcnA
blind. That explained why she kept avoiding looking in his direction, 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteDVhm97pk
also showed a lot of undue trust in David. "Thank you, the way you talk 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrcODH2fFD
seems so elegant and wise. Looks like Denis was correct when he claimed 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BQSUrKtl0
you traveled all over Astaria"585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn2u9ewgYS
"Traveling the isles 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55raexDVGS
doesn't really make you elegant or wise. You just bring out the best of 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi4BP3QorB
me." Was he laying it on too thick? Probably.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWugV5AVBNB
"You jest." She shook 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXL4UdnzGI
her head chuckling, a smile lingered nonetheless. "You were saying you 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQfnjXeIBa
were on a ship, the one that crash-landed?"585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9UX2kP7Fs
"The flying fish, yes. I was one of the officers."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18fLf77DTz
"My condolences for your585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8aO7bQZGi
crew members. They died trying to get the weapons to us." She squeezed 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBbt1Ckvcc
Davids hands tighter. "I shall not forget their sacrifice."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18W75NydE1
David nodded and looked 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdt9IwCUs8
down. He didn't really care that they've not survived, most of them were585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGntv0lLDA
scoundrels, David included. As far as David saw it, they've done the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc7QuJD5l2
world a favour by dying. Not David though, he was a scoundrel worthy of 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU51BjHJFl0
redemption, one of the Five seemed to think so at least and if they 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oe51eT0vX
could not see the good in a person then who could?585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3iqv85lMB
"Gob believes you are 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVrfyH9bXu
dangerous to the rebellion. He also believes me to be naive, but I'd 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhS4X5manJ
rather put my trust in people. You can stay here with us. I will not 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfFeHVYLvS
make you fight but I also cannot promise you safe passage home, at least585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqPwy8l3xr
not now. Maybe later, but you can stay safe and share our food." She 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzdJMSOFOx
paused a bit and the continued more quickly." Only if you wish to, of 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToQZYoZKdh
course. If you have no desire to, feel free to leave and I shall give 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3k6207wVR
you some clothes and food from our stockpiles."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54cuiyOrOf
David shuddered at the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff4jQBotK8
thought of spending dark, cold, hungry nights out in that forest. Even 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY1FQvzys5
if he did decide to leave, he didn't have anywhere else to go. No, as 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfvaSnvhkV
far as David could he had no alternative but to stay. He was never a 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdajLEFDqGZ
rebel before, he wondered if he'd enjoy it. "I'll be more than happy to 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOHblIojdq
take up on your offer to stay here. As for fighting for your righteous 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDel92R4CSK
cause? It would be my pleasure." David would probably regret saying 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoaz07x0kw
that, but he can always go back on his words if the situation requires 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwtroc2RUy
so.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK7Q6jjM8m
Francesca giggled and 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjWx2QMFoS
clapped her hands. "Excellent!" I shall ask one of the guards to get you585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt5xfG5yEe
a sleeping bag and some supplies. " She wrinkled her nose. "Maybe a 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZVDdpN2cR
bath as well"585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjIB32BOt0
David gave a fake laugh,585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwCHDLup3z
nobles always so rude. Though the fact that she had a nice scent even 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUM5V4h1IT
when living in these conditions didn't help his pride. "I'd definitely 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hu8EU5ZSk
appreciate it, my lady."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnboXK2Gyoi
"None of that, it's Francesca."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9inlIvmofL
"Francesca it is, then. Thank you, Francesca."585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcdhp7Set9
Francesca nodded and 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU97x7Vnd5d
gave David a warm smile. "Nook!" One of the previous guards peeped in. 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkjisUVoTL
"Take David and get him a sleeping bag. Take his bounds off as well, 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMUI5nTLq1
from this day on he fights with us. I'll let Gob know." She added the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k6LT7A4lC
last part as Nook was about to protest. But he nodded and took David 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFPM3FUcRu
with him with no further complaints. Nook took out a knife and cut the 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOh8q0QqIR
rope that was holding David, who nodded in appreciation.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ji3rXTWnN
Rubbing his wrists to 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrCRHe55Hn
relax them from the strain he smiled. With things finally looking his 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEjVQr8j6e
way David had a better outlook on the future. If he plays his cards 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGNAnbsEhf
right he might just get out of there alive. Francesca herself seemed 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CIC6D1OX2
easy to lie to and manipulate, though he did feel a bit bad about lying 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdogdUziKg
to her.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw3nKNjOFA
~don't trust her, don't 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0rO0vsx3B
trust anyone but yourself. ~ David shook his head. He almost forgot that585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPgHvbrRcf
lifelong lesson. He couldn't get too comfortable, he always had to be 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabu3LFLIhU
on his toes and aware. David will betray her and everyone in this 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1JwIAF15F
rebellion. Just like he betrayed everyone else. After all, they'll just 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPevKV2RVzT
betray him first if he doesn't.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16Owrt8hqm
His new home didn't seem585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjo91Qns1N
much, he was placed in the spacious cavern near the rest of the rebels.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA841pdOFE
David didn't really have a tent but was given a sleeping bag by Nook. 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJAgppAwfE
"We have specific feeding times, you'll know when it is when everyone 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRjzKvaBE1
starts gathering around the pots." 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qKtGYOEVz
David just nodded at 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjUMl28KLU
that. He didn't really care about hunger, he only cared about how tired 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuqCDbicFw
he was as his knees gave out and he fell on the sleeping bag. Finally, 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRggO2a9qu9
some comfort, he could still feel the rocks but compared to beforehand 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8oWyp5tCn
it was basically sitting on a soft cushion.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89p27o626D
He looked around and 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uecrH1xMX
noticed some of the rebels stealing glances at him, no one brave enough 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1qHKziXx2
to come up and start a conversation though. The guards seemed especially585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbSmytRTzS
weary as they didn't even try to hide the fact that they were glaring 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSHArP5M0X
at him. It made sense, he came here as a prisoner and David was looking 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l8UmLtekj
forward to finding out how long it'd take to get them on his side.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg001hWM5Wh
As he laid down further 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgU8byd9cM
on the makeshift bed he felt something in one of his pockets. David put 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqR3Jb262t
his hand down the pocket and pulled out the locket from Boyle, 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwBw7LurmR
surprisingly it wasn't destroyed. That reminded David that he stole some585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFj6z2f7nT
coins as well and decided to rummage his pockets for them, sadly he 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX8XZ4KI4V
couldn't find any.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9PTdOFDZQ
Giving a sad sigh, David585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFiy76w8Cr
started playing with the locket. It seemed to be gold or at least a 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAhLdP0Glc
golden colour. After a while he managed to open it, revealing a picture 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdFYZEorHQ
of Boyd, a woman and a child. They all seemed happy, which made an 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6FaR7E1Sl
unexplained feeling of anger rise within David and he closed the locket,585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStGPHR2Ojv
putting it back in his pocket. The faster he pawns the falling thing 585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8qudd7188
the better.585Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNtGMB2gPM
Not much else followed after that last thought as the days finally caught up to David and he finally fell asleep.
ns216.73.216.10da2
