Lights of agramont trilo.., p.29
Lights of Agramont Trilogy, page 29
He sneaks across town, taking in the suspense. Each step is electrifying. Maybe he was never meant for covert work, but he loves the thrill of it. Once inside the inn, he sneaks pass the innkeeper … which is easier said than done and down the hall. He walks until he hears what sounds like Kriv. He places his ear against the door to listen.
He hears Kriv’s laughter as he speaks. “Lynn, stop. I can’t take anymore.” More laughter. “Get off me. Please.” Louder laughter. “I’ll do … whatever you want … please.”
Serilom feels sick again and his head is pounding. This isn’t fun anymore.
“You’ve been a bad girl. You’re my little bad girl, aren’t you? What? No, I’m not going to spank you. I’m joking. You’re always a good girl.”
Serilom vomits a little in his mouth.
“Again already? I just recovered from the last time. Lynn, stop! You’re crazy.”
That’s it. Serilom kicks open the door. There is a scream and a wall of air hits Serilom in the face, sending him flying back against the wall on the other side of the hall.
Kriv scrambles to his feet and runs into the hall. “Serilom? What are you doing here?”
He picks himself up and glares at Kriv. “What are you doing here? I heard everything. You are absolutely the worst person on the planet. I hate you. How could you do this to me?”
“You can join in if you want.”
“What? No! You are a sick bastard.” Serilom screams at him.
“Lynn, give me a minute, okay?” Kriv closes the door and pushes Serilom against the wall. “Don’t use that kind of language around Lynn. What has gotten into you?”
“I’m not doing this. Go back to your whore and get out of my life. You are unbelievable. What happened to the man I fell in love with? You aren’t him.”
“Serilom? What do you think is going on here? She’s not a whore.”
He pushes Kriv away. “You are having sex with her.”
“Oh. By The Creator, no. Never. Why would you think that?”
Before Serilom can answer, the door opens. “Krivy? Who’s that?”
Kriv sighs and gives Serilom one last stern look. “Lynn, this is Serilom. We are just talking. Go back inside, okay?”
“Is he a bad guy?”
“Sometimes I wonder. No, he’s not a bad guy.”
“I’m scared, Krivy.”
“Don’t be scared. Go inside. There’s some taffy in my coat pocket for you.” Kriv says.
“Oh, thank you!” The door shuts again.
Serilom’s mouth falls open. He had no idea. This raises even more questions and soon Serilom finds the world spinning.
“Are you drunk, Orrentius?”
Serilom braces himself on the wall. “No, I haven’t had anything to drink. What is going on here, Kriv? I … I don’t understand. This is even more confusing than what I thought before.”
“Why? Who did you think Lynn was? Oh. Oh I see. I guess I forgot to tell you that she is five. I can see how this was confusing for you.”
She’s five. Serilom rubs his eyes.
“Well, you’re already here. Would you like to meet her? I’m never going to get her to sleep tonight. Good job. She’s going to be up with nightmares.” Kriv opens the door and Lynn runs to him, wrapping her arms around his legs. “Hey now, you’re going to get my clothes all sticky. Go wipe your hands. This is my little helper. I met her outside the tavern one day. She doesn’t have any family so I help her out by paying for her food and this room. I couldn’t let her sleep on the streets.”
“So this is where your money has been going.” Serilom says, still trying to put the pieces together.
“It’s not like I need much. She needs it a lot more than I do. Look at her. She’s so happy.”
Lynn walks across the room and stops in front of Kriv. She holds up her tiny hands and wiggles her fingers as a smile lights up her face. “Tickle time, Krivy.”
“Not right now. You already got me twice tonight. Why don’t I tell you a story? Would you like that?”
“Can he be in it?” Lynn points at Serilom.
“Who? Serilom?” Kriv asks.
She nods her head and tries to pronounce his name.
“Call him the Little Princess.” Kriv says as he gives Serilom as dark grin.
“Okay.”
Serilom stares at Kriv. “No.”
“What’s wrong, Serilom? Maybe I would have given you a better name if you hadn’t been spying on me. You’re my little princess again so get used to it. Good thing you shaved this morning.”
“There’s no way in hell I’m doing this again.”
Kriv shakes his head. “Language, Little Princess. A true princess doesn’t use words like that. Isn’t that right, Lynn?”
“Yes, Krivy.”
Kriv smiles.
Serilom’s anger flares up. “I am going to punch that smile off your face, bard.”
“Threats aren’t going to get you anywhere. You’re in my play now, Orrentius. Don’t mess this up for Lynn. I speak from experience that tickling is the most innocent looking form of torture, but it is torture nonetheless.”
*
Exhausted, still entirely confused, and desperately needing some whiskey, Serilom wakes up to see Lynn’s tiny blonde curls on Kriv’s shoulder as she sleeps in Kriv’s arms. He can’t hold back the smile growing on his lips. They are too cute together.
Kriv opens his eyes and motions to the door. He puts his finger over his lips. “Shh.” He tries to move out from Lynn’s grip on his arm, but she grabs tighter and wakes up. Kriv sighs. “Serilom, get my coat and hat please. Lynn, I have to go now, okay?”
She shakes her little head and wraps her arms around Kriv’s leg as he stands. “No.”
“I have to.” He slips his coat and hat on. “I have to make money so you can stay here. I promise I’ll be back. You have those books I bought you. When I see you next time, you can read them to me.” He goes to the door.
Lynn’s tiny footsteps run up to him and she begs him. “Don’t go, Daddy.”
Kriv stops. His grasp tightens around her little hand. He takes off his hat and kneels down in front of her. “What did you call me?”
Lynn bounces on her toes. “Krivy?”
“No, you called me something else.”
“Daddy.” She says with a smile.
He stares at her. “That’s what I thought you said. Lynn …”
“What’s wrong? Am I a bad girl?”
Kriv wraps his arms around her and holds her close. “No, no. You are such a good girl.”
She looks up at him and pats her hand on his face. “You’re crying. You’re sad.”
He shakes his head and smoothes her light blonde hair. “No, Krivy’s not sad. I’m just happy. People can cry when they’re happy too.”
*
“So … Krivy, huh?” Serilom asks as they walk down the street towards the docks.
Kriv blushes. “Yah.”
“Why are you doing this? There has to be a reason other than she’s an orphan who you found on the streets.”
“She reminds me of someone who could have been.” Kriv says as he looks off at the horizon.
“Is this another one of your dark secrets?”
Kriv watches the boats in the harbor with a distant look in his eyes. “Don’t push me, Serilom. Please. Just take this for what it is. She has no one and nowhere to go. Why does there always have to be some secret to influence my actions?”
“Because everything you do has a connection to something in your past. That’s how you work.”
“That’s not true at all.” Kriv says.
“Really? Name one that hasn’t been.”
Kriv is silent as they walk down the slushy streets. A minute passes. “I ate an apple today. I never eat apples.”
Serilom glares at him. “You’re in denial.”
“I’m not. I swear.”
“Kriv, eventually you are going to stop lying to me about everything. I am getting tired of trying to pry answers out of you. Do you realize that nearly every time we talk, I find out something new and confusing about you?”
“That keeps it interesting.”
“No, that keeps me irritated. Just come out and tell me everything so we can move on.”
Kriv stops and grabs Serilom’s arm. “I swear to you, there is nothing else. Is my word not good enough, Brother? I love Lynn and she means the world to me. Let me have this. I can be her friend and her father. Let me make up for what I haven’t done before.”
43
Kriv’s door opens and Commander Cailen steps inside, his brown hair matted with sweat and the smell of alcohol on his breath. “Admiral Tide-Storm, organize your men and prepare to sail.”
Kriv crosses his arms across his chest. “What’s this about?”
“We are at war with Vernition.”
“Under whose declaration?” Kriv asks.
“King Adolphis.”
“I don’t understand.” Kriv looks over the map that is spread out on his desk. “We don’t even know if they are a true threat and with the possibility of untold numbers appearing, I can’t agree to this. It’s a hasty decision that is putting many lives at risk.”
“It’s not your place to question the king’s orders.” Cailen says.
“It is my place to protect the men under me.”
Cailen leans over in Kriv’s face. “You can exercise that privilege with that mage lover of yours. I’m sure you like it when he’s under you.”
Kriv’s face turns red and clenches his fists. The anger flares up in his words as he speaks. “What I do in my private life has no bearing on my position and my responsibilities. I don’t criticize your friends and family so I expect the same in return.”
“What’s wrong, Tide-Storm? Not enough of a man to get a woman?”
“This is neither the time nor the place for this discussion. Leave my quarters.”
“I will leave when I’ve finished what I came to do.”
Kriv tosses his hat on his desk. “What other business do you have with me?”
“Many of us do not approve of your relationship with that man. That kind of behavior is heathen and inappropriate. Someone of your station should uphold the moral views of the kingdom and the view of the kingdom is that you are a savage, uncultured, and sacrilegious barbarian. What you are doing is unacceptable and goes against everything The Creator and the Honored teach us.”
“Are you done?”
“No, I will never be done with the likes of you. You are a blasphemer and an uncultured pathetic excuse for a man. If you do not repent and cease these perverse actions, then I will be forced to beat you into submission.”
Kriv slams his hands in the middle of his desk. “Have you finished, Commander?”
“As long as you understand and repent for your sins, then yes.”
Kriv attempts to calm himself. “I allowed you to speak and now I will take my turn. I am your equal in rank and I expect to be treated as such. First off, when did The Creator appoint you to be his hand of judgment in the world? Second, it will do you good to get your facts straight before initiating a fight. If I am a heathen and a blasphemer, would the Honored have blessed me with their magic? Would they continue to protect me? Orrentius and I are here under the direct plan of the Honored and therefore The Creator himself. If you must know, Commander Cailen, the Honored have given their approval of our relationship and I am bound to Sir Orrentius in both magic and blood. Our relationship transcends the physical and if you so much as breathe a word of your petty accusations, I will take it up with the Honored and you will face The Creator’s true judgment. As I stated before, I hold my position with the sincerest respect and dignity. I will not allow the hatred and prejudice of those around me to influence my performance and my dedication. Not once have I berated anyone about their decisions and their choices. Not once have I attempted to change your beliefs and your morals. Not once have I barged into your quarters with an air of brutality, insulted you, and threatened you. Now if you will excuse me, I have the fate of this kingdom and the world to think about. How nice it must be to have nothing better to do than waste your time picking apart the lives of others. How is it going day to day without an important thought passing through your head? Take your leave before you push me farther.”
“This isn’t over.” Cailen points at him. “One of these days you will be punished for your sins.”
“So be it.”
Malice rings out in Cailen’s voice. “Maybe I’ll pay your little friend a visit. When you hear her screaming, know it’s me.”
Kriv draws his revolver and points it at Cailen. “If you so much as look at my daughter, I will kill you.”
“Your daughter?” Cailen laughs. “She’s not your daughter. You should stay away from her. It would be terrible for people to find out that you raped her.”
Kriv storms around the desk and throws Cailen against the wall. “I will kill you, Cailen. I have done no such thing. How dare you? I have never been inappropriate with her in any way. She is like a daughter to me and you are a twisted and sick man to even think that way. Get out of my sight before I make you bleed all over my expensive rugs.”
“Just know that you will get your punishment. One day, Tide-Storm … one day you’re mine.”
As the door shuts, Kriv takes a deep breath and sits down. His face shows the concern and fading rage.
“Are you okay?”
Kriv pushes the maps aside and leans over his desk with his head in his hands. “I will be. It’s amazing to me how intolerant some people can be. I didn’t expect to be threatened at this point in my life. It just brings back memories of Agareth.”
“I know.” Serilom rubs Kriv’s shoulders. “The king won’t let him touch you. I won’t let him touch you. If Ievas gets word of this, he will act. Don’t let Commander Cailen mess with your mind.”
“I never touched her.”
“I know. Cailen’s just trying to get you angry. Don’t let him win.”
*
They walk along the beach with the warm afternoon sun on their skin. Serilom watches their surroundings, prepared to fight Cailen if he makes a move. He won’t let Kriv get hurt. He swears it. They make it to the rocks that stretch out into the water below the cliffs and Kriv climbs on top to sit and watch the waves.
Serilom notices a familiar fragrance. Nestled behind the rough rocks is a small clump of yellow flowers. “Ilsip flowers. These weren’t here before.”
“Maybe Alistiria is thinking about you.”
Serilom twirls the flower between his fingers. “Maybe.”
“I have a question and you don’t have to give me an answer. I will understand either way.” Kriv says as he leans back on his hands. “If Alistiria was still alive, would you be with me?”
Serilom sighs and looks out over the harbor. “I don’t think it’s a simple yes or no.”
“I see.”
“Of course … I would be with my wife if she was my wife. As I told you before, I still love her very much and I would give almost anything to get her back. However, the one thing I would never give up is you. What Alistiria and I had was beautiful and the time I had with her was some of the happiest of my life. We were perfect for each other. Let me ask you this then. Would you be with me if you had Raesa?”
Kriv takes off his hat and smoothes his hair. “I understand.”
“Listen, the connection that you and I have couldn’t exist if things were different. We are as close as we are because we lost those who were important to us. We need each other. Do you want to know the truth?”
“If you think I need to know it.”
“You have made me happier than Alistiria ever did. As much as that pains me to say, it’s true. You are my blood brother and the keeper of my heart. I rely on you for support and for companionship. I wouldn’t be here without you, Kriv. The Creator has a plan and if we are together now, then it was always meant to be.”
Kriv leans against Serilom’s legs. “Is this what you meant by different kinds of love?”
“Not exactly. I told you that before I was willing to accept the way I feel for you now. You will never be able to take the place of my wife. That is the simple and honest truth. However, you don’t need to. I love you in a completely different way, one that is all encompassing and more than I ever thought was possible. You are my lover, my friend, and my brother. I didn’t have a blood bond with Alistiria. I chose to have that with you. You and I are eternally bound to each other and our souls can never be separated. Look at where we are now. Not even me being brought to a different reality could separate us. Kriv, I would give my life for you and no one will ever be able to take your place in my life. Know that if nothing else.”
44
The door opens and a disheveled Kriv stumbles inside and drops to his hands and knees on the floor. He stays there catching his breath and his hair is slick with sweat. He tosses his hat across the room as he moans.
“Kriv? By the Honored, what happened?” Serilom asks as he runs to his side.
Kriv glances up and the lantern light reveals his swelling eye and bloody nose. He coughs and clutches his side.
“Come lie down. It’s okay.” Serilom tends to Kriv’s wounds. “Who did this to you?”
“Cailen.”
“Son of a bitch. We’ll report this to the king.”
“No.” Kriv says.
