Jake didnât slow down his pace as he walked away from Aiden to find Shadow; he could feel his heart beating so fast inside his chest he had to wonder how it was humanly possible. As he reached the horse, a voice snapped him out of his thoughts rather abruptly. âWhere ya going, Killer?â
âDammit... Irvin... You scared the shit out of me.â Jake muttered at the kid. âIâm on my way to Newhaven, to meet a friend.â
âThatâs odd, you usually see me coming. Distracted are we?â The boy asked.
âIn a hurry too.â Jake stated. âI wonât be gone too long though, just a couple of hours.â
âCanât I go with you?â
âNo, not this time. Remember your end of our deal?âJake asked as he occupied himself with saddling the horse.
âStay away from any Wolves until you say otherwise? Oh, your friend is a Wolf, of course.â
âShe is a recruiter, she works at the Inn in Newhaven, and sheâs a close friend so...â
âAnd your friend is a she, too.â Irvin snickered. âIs she attractive? Oooh, is she a redhead?â
âA brunette, actually.â Jake muttered, a little bit of amusement breaking through his annoyed tone. âAnd yes, she is very attractive, if you must know. Maybe one day Iâll let you meet her. You two would get along, I think, although youâd have zero chances with her.â
âAw, why is that?â
âShe has a rule that states âone must be at least eighteen years of age to go on this rideâ.â Jake answered with a chuckle. âAnd you canât pass as an eighteen year old to save your life, kid.â
âWell... Darren could though... And he likes brunettes, you should introduce them.â Irvin stated idly, going into thought for a second and smirking as he asked. âAnd how old were you when you met her, Killer?â
âSeventeen... And no. Donât even think about asking that question.â Jake warned the boy with a severe look in his eyes. âSheila is a very dear friend of mine, and thatâs all she is. Are we clear? As for Darren, well... Maybe, but I donât know if Iâm comfortable setting up a teenager with a lady about ten years older than him. Sounds a bit creepy to me, even if the lady in question is a good friend of mine.â He said, with a little snicker, making sure the saddle wasnât loose in any way before turning to face the kid. âYou stay in camp, and donât give Captain trouble while Iâm away, then Iâll consider taking you with me next time.â
Irvin nodded, putting on a fake innocent face. âIâll be good. After all, the last thing Iâd want to cause Captain any trouble.â He stated, with a little playful smirk. âAnd do we get to start training when you get back?â
âOf course.â Jake confirmed. âAnd Iâm pretty sure you can find some work to do in the meantime, right? Make yourself useful.â
Irvin nodded. âIâll see about finding some work to do, sure. Lazy is one thing Iâm not.â He stated, a rather proud note in his voice.
Jake smiled, patting the kid in the shoulder. âI believe you kiddo. Sure youâll do a good job.â
âGee, alright... Want some tea with all that sugar?â Irvin played. âJust donât waste your whole day gossiping with your lady friend, kay?â With that said the kid turned back towards the camp and ran off.
Jake chuckled shaking his head and giving Shadow a gentle pat on the neck as he mounted. âThings are going to get complicated soon, my friend.â He sighed.
Darren was about ten minutes out from the Nest on foot, whistling happily as he took his time in the direction of NewHaven. He was smart to stay off the road, skimming along the treeline just far enough to spy any possible movement through the sleeping foliage. âBlackwell.....â He muttered to himself, focusing to remember who he was commissioning for new weapons, his heart set on something light, lethal, and manageable for an array of engagements. âMaybe an axe of some sort....â He mused, his eyes lighting up happily at the thought. Darren had mentioned to the Captain he would be out to do some errands and most likely be back by evening, joking about a search party if he wasnât back in at most three days time. He planned on speaking to the blacksmith first before asking around how he would find the White Knight he had encountered in Blackpond's prison; perhaps leaving a message to meet with him when he next came back to pick up his new toys. Then again, Darren was getting a bit ahead of himself now.
Jake let Shadow stroll lazily down the path towards Newhaven, not caring much for how fast heâd get there. All things considered, even though he promised Irvin they would get some training done, he would welcome any reason to delay his return to the Nest. It seemed to be just inevitable for him to deal with Luckas soon. Sooner than he expected, even, but if things were anything like Aiden said they were... Inevitable. âIâm an idiot, Shadow, thatâs what I am.â He muttered, receiving a rather condescending snort from the animal as if to show his agreement. Jake sighed softly simply shaking his head, even though his normal, if one could consider it normal, would be to argue with the horse. âYeah, buddy... Iâve really done it now, huh?â He whispered.
Darrenâs head turned to glance over his shoulder at a sudden, soft echo of hooves moving at what he guess wasnât a very fast pace. He smiled as it grew closer, the sound of a snort confirming it was a horse which most likely meant it had a rider. His blue eyes brightened, flickering side to side at the trees that surrounded him until he spotted one beside the road he felt he could climb easily enough. Darren was always a curious type wondering about everything and everyone that crossed his path and this was just another example. With a chuckle he shimmied up a dying Pine, positioning himself so he dangled off a branch only partially hidden from another larger branch. If someone were to look up suddenly, theyâd notice him but he didnât seem to worry much about that. Darren squinted, focusing his vision on the figure that came closer, nodding some as he saw a rider that was expected, a smirk creeping along his lips. He wasnât expecting to see a familiar face however and began whistling, the call almost like a nest of crickets and the humming of a Worm-eating Warbler. He paused, quirking a brow before taking another breath and repeating the action, waiting for Jake to approach.
Jake was mostly distracted with his thought, but not so much that his eyes didnât catch a bit of movement amongst the trees not too far ahead, he didnât make too much of it though, probably just someone moving to or from the camp... Anyone trying to sneak up on him would be more quiet; anyone who would pose as a threat at least. To be on the safe side, however, Jake let his hand casually move to the hilt of the sword at his waist, straightening himself up in the saddle, and absently giving Shadow a pat with his other hand. Not much further down the road he heard something the he would almost consider a bird call, its sound wasnât something that stood out in the woods, but was only slightly off. Still he would have paid it no mind, but then he heard it a second time, which caused him to actually stop and look around for the source of the whistle. It only took him a few seconds to spot Darren perched up on top of a tree branch. Jake raised a brow, amusement crossing his face as he stared up at the boy. âAre you waiting for someone, or...â He chuckled softly. âIs your little ambush just for my benefit?â He played.
Darren chuckled, leaping down from the branch to land a few feet before Jake, bowing playfully. âTook ya long enough.â He joked. âPerhaps youâre not too familiar with bird species...the call I made you will only hear around these parts in warm, humid weather..otherwise they fly outside of Valcrest for the winter.â He shrugged. âApparently I am waiting for you....â Darren paused glancing up at Jake. âActually I was headed towards the city in search for a blacksmith....what about you?â
Jake gave a light shrug. âI donât need to know so much about bird species to know that you donât move like one of âem.â He said with a little smirk. âMaybe Sham has a point though, when she says I need to look up more often.â Running one hand through his hair, Jake was silent for a moment or two before addressing the question of where he was heading. âIâm going to see a friend at the city... And maybe run an errand or two while Iâm at it. Been away for a month, as you know well... And things tend to pile up.â He said, heaving a discrete sigh as he idly released the hilt of his sword, only now realizing he was still gripping it, and giving Shadow a gentle nudge with his boot to get him moving again, just as slowly as before, if not even slower. Jake didnât mind how fast he got to the city, but he didnât feel like he was far enough from camp to just stop moving altogether. âA smith, huh? You looking for something specific?â
Darren raised his hand as Jake went to pass him, letting his fingers brush lightly along the horseâs neck and began walking beside the two, continuing forward. His smile widened, his attention facing forward as he spoke. âAye, knowing oneâs surroundings isnât easy and we canât forget to keep in mind all directions and positions...course Iâm more detailed on sound than sight myself.â A few moments dragged on, Darren absently petting Shadow as they walked, his eyes shifting, feeling a bit uneasy being on the road yet not as much as before with his present company. âWell, I have something in mind, but who knows what I will find with this Blackwell I was recommended to. I hear...heâs âŠâ Darren bit back a laugh, searching for a word. â...A bit eccentric? But your lovely friend recommended me to him, and I have a hard time doubting such a pretty face.â Darren glanced up at Jake with a playful wink, his smile falling slightly, a gentle, almost timid gaze shone out from his eyes as a flash of lavender crossed his stare. âThis....is her horse, no?....Just...I see her same face on this creatureâs mind...â Darrenâs voice trailed off. âVery powerful, coming from an animal..â
âBlackwell, huh? Heâs... An interesting fellow.â Jake stated simply, his voice lowering only slightly as continued. âI see you ran into Crys.â He gave Shadow a few more pats as he nodded. âYou could say this is her horse, yes. She doesnât really know I have him though... Itâs a complicated story.â He said, once again finding himself staring at Darren and feeling that odd sense of familiarity, shaking his head a bit and snickering as if doubting his own state of mind as he moved on to another subject. âEver been to Newhaven before? I can show you around if you need. Iâm not so sure I know where Blackwell keeps his business nowadays, he moves around, but Iâm sure I know someone who has that information.â
âAh...complicated...say no more...â Darren went silent, thinking to himself how Jake seemed a bit pale and had a feeling he may have hit a slightly touchy subject, so didnât push it further. His expression was mildly abashed as he went with the change of topic. â..No, never been to the city....Iâd be happy to tag along, if youâre sure itâs no problem...â Darren jogged forward, turning to face Jake, walking now backwards, wagging his eyebrows comically in a playful manner. âYou know youâd rather have some company...I mean...we are going the same way anyhow.â He was quiet after that for most of the trip, letting his mind wander until he saw the city upon the horizon.
Jake nodded quietly as Darren mentioned never being in the city before, he wasnât sure if he wanted company, exactly, but maybe it was best if he had some anyway; especially considering where he planned on going in the first place.
NEWHAVEN
The trip to the city was a short one, so Jake didnât mind the silence much, it gave him time to settle his thoughts at least for the moment. Only a couple of miles away from the city walls he dismounted and set Shadow loose, lovingly scratching the horse behind the ears. âYou be good now... Unless some messes with you.â He told the horse. Shadow shook his head, giving a soft snort as if agreeing with him. âGood boy.â Jake chuckled, letting the horse wander off into the woods as he made his way towards the city gates.
There was no trouble getting through the gates, there hasnât been for most travelers for a quite a while, to an outsider Newhaven seemed like it was doing fantastic, but to someone who had seen its better days, it was noticeable how the city had changed from the time before Perryâs death. In the past four years the city streets had grown less crowded and more silent; a change that actually reminded Jake of what Blackpond once used to be in its best days. It gave him an odd feeling, as if he was somehow watching history repeat itself... Hopefully just a feeling, but sometimes he wasnât sure. Absently looking up from his scattered thoughts to see that Darren was still with him as he headed towards a particular path, walking slowly towards the building where the Wolves ran their business. It was too early in the day for there to be any considerable movement at the Inn, so Jake thought it would be an uneventful visit to Sheila; a friendly chat and maybe the whereabouts of Blackwell. Jake knew the man didnât stay in the same place for too long, and he didnât welcome just anyone into his ever-changing workshop... He was eccentric that way, but that was precisely what made him so talented.
As Jake pushed the door of the Inn open, the subtle sound of the bells above the door alerted the Innkeeper of the fact that customers had entered the establishment. Sheila was not behind the counter, and the bar was in fact completely empty. Knowing it wouldnât take her long to show up, Jake took a seat at his usual table; the one that was just a bit more isolated from the rest, at corner near the entrance.
Darren cracked a curious smile as he wandered past Jake from where he sat and to the counter. âKinda dead around here, no?â He muttered, reaching into his pocket for a few silver coins and began dropping them rather abruptly and noisily upon the counter top one at a time. By the time he got to the third one, a hand appeared seemingly out of nowhere, up from behind his line of sight and snatched the coin in mid air. Darren caught a bit of angry muttering before a messy haired brunette stood from behind the counter, a mix of annoyance and intrigue smiling out from an alluring gaze.
âMorninâ hun..â She began before quirking a brow, absently brushing aside her hair from her eyes. âArenât you...a bit young to want a drink?â
Darren waggled his eyebrows, leaning in towards the woman invitingly, blue eyes flashing a subtle violet hue as they did a once over across the womanâs figure. âWho says I want a drink?â He played, retorting with, â...Arenât you a bit young to be working in a joint like this?â
Both the woman and Darren chuckled. âThatâs...rich Kid...â The woman whispered. âI just started the fire, so no food yet...least hot...so...whatâll it be?â
Darren stepped back a bit to glance over his shoulder. âWell...Jake....you up for starting early with a shot?â
Jake was just watching from his corner as Darren and Sheila talked, Irvinâs comment earlier causing him to lower his head as he stifled a fit of laughter. A playful look in his eyes as watched the woman, wondering how long itâd take her to notice him there. His wait was cut short, probably by a few full minutes, when Darren addressed him, causing Sheila to immediately look over the boyâs shoulder and look at him. The womanâs eyes narrowed as she glared at Jake in fake resentment as she spoke. âJacob Turner... You... Have got some nerve showing up here after the mess you left on your last visit.â
Jake raised an eyebrow trying to look shocked by the accusation. âWhat... Ever... Do you mean?â He asked. âI paid for all the damage... The second fight wasnât even my fault!â
âUh-huh...â Sheila mumbled, a tone of disbelief in her voice as her expression broke into an amused smile. âWe both know how behaved you are, Jake.â
Jake snorted a laugh at being called behaved, even if it was clearly in a sarcastic manner. âDonât worry now, I have no intention of causing any trouble.â He smiled, failing to look innocent. âDo you... Happen to know though... Of Blackwellâs whereabouts?â
Sheila snorted softly. âTwo of your usual, hun?â She asked, ignoring the question.
âThree... Or is it too inappropriate to buy the innkeeper a drink?â Jake played, giving her a little wink. âItâs not like you are very busy right now or anything...â He stated, indicating the empty bar.
âSince when do you care for whatâs appropriate, huh?â She chuckled, grabbing three shot glasses and pouring the drink into them; pushing one across the counter, towards Darren, giving the boy a playful wink as she took the other two glasses and made her way over to the table, placing Jakeâs drink on the table before him and taking a seat across from his. âYour girlfriend was here looking for you.â She stated, the playfulness in her voice disappearing. âWouldnât take no for an answer either.â
Jake reached for the glass, leaning forward in his seat, a frown taking over his expression as he caught a name carved onto the tabletop. âHmm...â He mumbled, at first not catching Sheilaâs words, but then abruptly lifting his head to meet her gaze, a slightly hopeful look in his eyes. âWait, what, when?â
âA day or so after you came by.â Sheila muttered. âQuite the unfriendly chat, it was.â She mumbled a few curses under her breath and heaved a sigh. âWhy do you need Blackwell... He doesnât like you; youâll only get yourself stabbed in the ass again... If youâre lucky.â
Jake snorted softly, emptying his glass and grimacing slightly as he chuckled. âNot my proudest scar, Iâll admit. Not for me though.â He said simply, indicating Darren with a nod. âDarren, by the way.â He absently pointed at the Innkeeper and smiled at Darren. âSheila. Whatever she says about me, is a lie.â He stated, giving the woman a glare as if to warn her about telling any embarrassing stories.
âWhy, Jakey, thereâs absolutely nothing shameful in being stabbed in the ass.â She told him, trying to keep a straight face.
Jake shook his head in annoyance, not addressing her comment but simply muttering: âDonât call me that.â
Darren couldnât contain himself, a short roar of laughter erupting from his belly, playfully alternating quirked brows at Jake. â...Stabbed in the...ass? Really?....Huh, guess thatâs what happens when you âturn the other cheekâ, no?â Darren took another breath as if to calm himself, only laughing out loud some more. âOh....could have been worse...â Darren downed his shot, walking over to an empty seat between Sheila and Jake, he rested his elbows upon the table smiling impishly over at Sheila. âWhat other stories do you know?â Darren teased. âWho doesnât like Jake? I find that hard to understand..â Darren shrugged, leaning back in the chair he balanced on two legs. â..I have plenty of coin....or I can do favors....â Darren winked. âIâm good at those too..whatever is needed...just really looking for new âtoysâ....something that could define a person without a word spoken..and I was told Blackwell is the man to see...â
âYes, yes... Hilarious...â Jake chuckled, shaking his head. âThe guy is a lunatic, alright? I sat in âhisâ chair and after he told me to piss off I carved my name in it.â Jake sighed. âSo... He said he was going to carve his name on me.â He finished, rolling his eyes. âDidnât get that far though, gladly.â
Sheila snickered giving Darren a playful nudge. âOh, Iâve got stories, just be sure to stop by sometime when Jake isnât anywhere around... You know, so he canât choke me or anything.â
âI could just choke you now.â Jake said, raising an eyebrow at the woman. âIâve got nothing better to do.â
âHush you, not in front of the kid.â Sheila played. âAnd to answer your question... Iâm not sure where the crazy old manâs shop is set up, but he does eat here almost everyday. He and Sean been exchanging letters on occasion too. Not sure if heâs working with the Pack again... Odd considering how close he was to Bastian and all that.â
âHm...â Jake mumbled, his hand absently reaching for the sword at his waist. âWell, he was pretty good friends with Seanâs father too, you know. And Lena as well.â
âSpeaking of... Is it true what I heard? That sheâs...â
âYes. Thatâs true.â Jake said, absently pushing his glass across the table in the womanâs direction.
âOh, Iâm so sorry, hun... Are you alright?â
âIâve been worse.â Jake stated simply, giving a little shrug. âSo you suppose the guy is going to show up today?â He changed the subject.
âUsually early, if he comes... In a few minutes.â She replied, turning her attention to Darren. âLike Jake says... Lunatic, but the man is a genius, so if youâre looking for something... Special, heâs the man to see. Just... Donât move around too much when in his shop... Or stare at him for too long...â
âOr touch anything...â Jake added. âOr talk too loud... Or sneeze...â
âAre you sure you want to meet this guy, love? You can always take something from the âlost and found boxâ... We got some good blades in there...â She chuckled, pointing at a large wooden trunk near the staircase the led to the upper floors. âBesides, theyâre free.â She added, pushing her full glass towards Jake and taking his and Darrenâs empty ones for a refill.
Darren nodded slowly, glancing between Jake and Sheila. Darren made sure not to ask any questions about this Lena woman, unaware of what had occurred, instead he briefly rested a hand upon Jakeâs shoulder, giving a firm squeeze before removing. âSo....just donât breathe...I get it...â He chuckled. âHeâs a businessman, right? Iâm sure we should be able to come to some sort of arrangement...See....I need something new with no previous owners...â Darrenâs eyes flashed a dark violet, the blue flickering beneath the sudden change of color. â...Less...âdistractionâ ...I appreciate the offer, but if he is a genius as you say, payment is not a problem.â Darren smiled, his eyes darting after Sheila as she walked back towards the bar, lingering for a moment before casually turning his attention back to Jake. A sudden thought swept across his face, closing his smile as he zoned out for a bit. Darren leaned forward, letting the chair fall back onto all four legs. Bending his fingers along the edge of the table, his knuckles began cracking one after another from left to right. After a pause the noises repeated from right to left. Realizing he was practically staring at Jake, but past him at the same time her muttered what was crossing his mind. âSheila....know anyone who may have had encounters with an Asher..Hearst?â Darren shrugged, his smile slowly returning as he was curious to hear the answer, thinking of the rumors he had only to go by and wasnât sure if the manâs reach was as far as they said.
Sheila had refilled the empty glasses and was on her way back towards the men when Darren asked his question, a curious expression crossing her features. â...Canât tell for sure...but Iâve heard the name....â
Darren nodded, fingers idly touching the glass that was placed before him. âWhat else...have you heard?â
â..Not the kind of man you should mix yourself with....but also one who can make you rich pretty quick.....Also...I hear heâs in prison..â
Darren sipped at the drink this time. â...You heard right...least last time I checked...â Sheila moved as if to speak again, Darren not hearing what she was saying, finding himself distracted at the distant chime of bells, ringing softly.
Jake was listening to the exchange between Darren and Sheila with interest, his eyes catching the change in the manâs eyes, he waited for Sheila to walk back towards the counter; an action driven by the sound of the bells at the door announcing the entrance of another costumer. Jake made sure to not look at the doorway and simply accompanied the sound of the patronâs slow pacing towards the counter. His fingers quietly traced the lines carved on the surface of the table and he sighed, once again emptying his glass as he spoke. âYour eyes were purple...â He mumbled, eyes looking straight past Darren, before he slightly shook his head and nodded towards the counter. âThatâs him. So, what Captain told me, about missing kids, itâs got something to do with that journal you had me and Irv take?â He asked, now turning his gaze towards the counter where Sheila was speaking to a man in a grey hooded cloak. The innkeeperâs usually casual manner replaced by a considerably more serious one as she addressed the man. After talking with him a while and pouring him a drink she looked over to the table. âYou boys want something to eat while Iâm at it?â After which she gave a discreet nod and mouthed the word ânowâ.
Jake snickered. âIâm down for some food... Whatever you can spare.â He answered, giving Darren a nudge. âYou go talk to him, I donât think seeing me will do much for his mood.â
Darren stared down at the table as if he may burn a hole straight through the wood. â....That journal most likely will hold many answers...why else would it all be encoded? I donât know for sure but, like I told the Captain..I trust my gut, and the flashes I saw...things I felt...â Darren exhaled a shaky breath before raising his stare trying to force a slight smile; a subtle nod acknowledging Jakeâs words on food and Blackwell sitting at the counter. Pushing himself away from the table, Darren wandered over towards the bar, dropping a few more coins upon the counter. â..This should be enough to cover it, aye Sugah?â Darren smirked, sitting with an empty stool between the older man and himself. Sheila smiled, sliding the coins into her hand before moving about to prepare something for the men.
Darren sighed softly, glancing to his left where Blackwell sat sipping at a drink, a curious smile gradually widening along his lips. As he spoke, he let his eyes absently follow Sheila around the room whenever she popped into view. â...Excuse me....do I know you?â The man didnât turn, his only response was a soft grunt. Again, Darren spoke, a bit slower this time. â...Youâre...famous around here, no?....â Silence was Darrenâs response. Clearing his throat he tried again. âListen, I donât mean to intrude or disturb-â
â...Then why do you feel the need to talk incessantly?â Blackwell grumbled, glancing discreetly out the corner of his eye. âWhat...a man canât sit quietly and enjoy his breakfast?â
â....I do apologize....â Darren held back a chuckle. â..Technically thereâs no food out yet..â
â..Donât be a smart ass....â The man scowled.
â..Ok...but wouldnât it more offensive to be..-â
â...A dumbass...yes yes...how old do you think I am, boy?â He interrupted Darren. âYou got a point to be making or do you just like hearing yourself speak?â
Darren nodded, his smile closing slightly as he reached into his pocket to retrieve a black coin purse which he placed between the man and himself. âOk, fair enough....little birdies tell me if I need a good, reliable weapon, I should go to the best...which I hear is you...â
âNot interested...â Blackwell grunted.
â...You didnât let me finish...â Darren politely protested.
âDonât need to. I only work for those worth my time, and you have only wasted it..â
Darren smiled again, pushing the pouch closer to the man. âWell...Miss Rivers thought to recommend you to me, so I canât be a complete waste of time, no? She spoke quite highly of you....â Darren paused noting the man had turned slightly at his words and actually looked at him. Darren shrugged, turning his gaze away, once again trailing Sheila as she walked by. â..She sends her regards, by the way..â He continued.
Blackwell stared at Darren a moment before focusing back on his drink, his expression softened a second before his brows bunched together in question. â..Did she now? Hmph. And what if I said Iâm not feeling so inspired right now?â
â...Well, Crys said you are creative...so I look at that as you take pride in your work and most likely take your time. I clearly do not expect the finished product in a day of sorts...â He paused, a serious expression taking hold of his normal grinning face. â...How can I help...inspire then?â
â....Time decides...â Blackwell didnât look at the coin pouch as he picked it up and tested its weight before dropping it in his coat pocket. â...How old are you boy?â
âNamesâ Darren...and seventeen sir.â Darren straightened a bit.
âStand up, Darren.â
âStand up?â
âYes...am I speaking another language? Stand upâ
Darren stood a bit confused as the man turned to look him over, pausing along his hands. âHowâs your balance, boy?â He asked, not given Darren time to respond, kicking the empty stool towards his legs causing the boy to wobble slightly yet already ducking the mug that followed, flying just over Darrenâs curly locs. â..Not bad reflexes...butâ
âWhat the....â Darren couldnât help but laugh.
â....you prefer strength or speed?â The older man continued.
âBoth...â Darren quirked a brow. âEspecially in close combat...but variety is best..â
Blackwell nodded, patting his pocket. âVariety costs more....but payment we can talk later...I havenât decided yet...let me think about it..â
â..Youâll THINK about it?..uh...Well...guess thatâs only ..fair....â Darren felt confused, but smiled thinking the bit of coin he fronted should be a good investment if what he heard was true.
âCome see me in a few days...should know by then.â
Jake took the opportunity to exchange a few words with Sheila in private while Darren was speaking to Blackwell, one eye watching in case the old man tried to pull something crazy, or more than his usual crazy at least. Sheila sat down when she had a few minutes to talk, giving Jake an overly sympathetic smile, as if she could see the exhaustion clear in his face; he didnât really doubt she could. âSo, seriously... Are you alright?â
âWhat, do I look really that terrible?â Jake asked, raising an eyebrow. âIâm not perfectly alright, but Iâve been worse, like I said. Now tell me something: What did Crys say?â
âShe said that she was looking for you and that she needed to talk to you.â
âAnd you told her what, exactly?â
âNothing at first, but... Well... Like I said, not a pleasant talk so once she pinned my hand to counter with a blade I told her pretty much all I knew, which admittedly wasnât really much.â
âShe did what?â Jake asked, raising his voice a little more than he would like, and lowering his head a bit as he realized it. Lowering his voice again, he continued. âMind if I ask what you did to get her that angry?â
âWh-... And what makes you think I did something?â Sheila muttered. âYou know she doesnât like me.â
âUh-huh... What did you do?â
âDoesnât matter.â Sheila mumbled, looking around the room and avoiding Jakeâs gaze.
âAll...Right... Then...â Jake said, looking at the woman with a suspecting look in his eyes. âTell me something else then; the woman who signed this table...â He pointed out the signature by tapping it with his fingers. âDo you remember her?â
âJacob... Not to be intruding in your personal affairs or anything, but... Seriously... Are you collecting redheads or something?â
âSo you do remember her?â Jake asked, ignoring the question.
âYes... I remember, was the same night Crys was here. The only reason I remember though is because of the weird looking kid she was with... He tried to get away with not paying for his drink... Although Iâm not quite sure how... Crys had to set him straight. She paid for him even.â
Jakeâs eyes narrowed slightly. âWeird looking kid?â
âYes. I think... He told Crys his name was Luckas.â
âSon of a...â Jake sighed. âAlright, Sheila, thanks.â
âYour... Welcome?â The woman replied, a bit confused with the questioning. âI take it you know these people?â
âYou can say that.â Jake replied, leaning back in his seat and letting out a weary sigh.
âWell, you tell your friend when you see her that sheâs gotta pay for the table she vandalized... Sean wouldnât shut up about it last time he was here... Even after he was stabbed... Annoying prick.â Sheila muttered out, heaving an irritated sigh before cracking a smile and standing up. âIâll be right back with something to eat, alright hun? Iâm sorry about your aunt, please send Annie my regards when you see her again.â
âSure.â He said, nodding as the woman walked away. Jake ran his hands over his eyes and let out a discreet yawn as he turned his attention back to where to the only other two customers in the place. Blackwell didnât seem to have notice him, thatâs what Jake thought, so maybe heâd get to just eat breakfast and be on his way without any trouble. Thatâs what he thought.
âSo, boy...â Blackwell spoke, without turning around, but clearly addressing Jake simply by the tone in which his spoke; as if still scolding a child who misbehaved one too many times. âDid he really let you have it?â
Jake sighed softly. âWhat are you talking about... Sir?â
The man was silent for a few moments following the question, and Jake almost thought heâd dropped whatever subject on his mind, but after some time he replied. âKyleâs weapon; did Sebastian let you have it?â
âYes, he gave the sword to me when I graduated.â
âHmph... Pathetic waste of a perfectly crafted blade.â He muttered.
âWhatâs it to you?â Jake asked, started to get a little annoyed with the man.
âHow often do you tend to it?â
âThe blade is in perfect condition, if that is what youâre asking.â
Blackwell let out a low grunt and mumbled something under his breath that Jake couldnât quite understand. âLet me see.â
Jake hesitated a moment, but after a while he stood and walked over to the man, placing the sheathed weapon on the countertop. He took a seat as he watched the older man unsheath the katana and examine the blade. Jake didnât know exactly how long a blade like this was meant to last, but he knew the sword was older than Bastian himself would be if he was still alive, and yet it was just as good as any new blade; given the proper care. Even though it wasnât his primary weapon, Jake did make sure the sword was in perfect condition, and usually he never let it out of his sight. After a moment of watching the smith examine the sword and mumble things to himself, Jake began to grow impatient with the man... It seemed like he was looking for a reason to say something was wrong with it. Finally he sheathed the sword and handed it back to Jake. âSeems youâre not completely useless.â He muttered.
âOh, my...â Jake chuckled. âThat was almost flattering.â
âIs the Kid yours?â The man asked suddenly.
Jake looked at the older man with a slightly confused look before looking to Darren, and then back to Blackwell. âHeâs... Six years younger than me... Do I really look that crappy? I should go get some sleep.â He joked.
âI meant recruit... Wise-ass.â
âNot with the Wolves anymore, old man.â Jake replied, returning the sword to his belt. âNice that you think Iâd be an instructor by now though.â
Again the smith muttered something under his breath, shooting Jake a disapproving glance, but saying nothing more to him.
Darren bent down to pick up the fallen mug, noting a bit of liquid spilt on the floor. Placing the mug upon the counter he reached over the other side, swiping a rag to wipe up the spill. He smiled as Blackwell addressed Jake, absently using the point of his foot to flip the fallen bar stool upright. Darren walked around Blackwell, so that he was standing behind Jake when he placed his weapon upon the counter, peeking curiously over his shoulder. âOoo I bet that has quite the history, no?â He whispered, blue eyes flickering before standing straight up once again. Chuckling, his gaze followed Jakeâs when he looked at him and then to Blackwell curiously, when asked if he was âJakeâsâ. Playfully he added, âItâs the black hair and blue eyes, Jake...we almost match.â
Sheila appeared behind the counter, smiling as she placed a few steaming bowls of something that looked like oatmeal before them. âNice to see SOME people clean up after themselves around here..â She teased, slowly winking at Darren.
The boy nodded, staring down at the bowl, lightly pushing the spoon around as if deciding what was before him. Gradually he brought the spoon to his lips, trying the mushy substance and shrugged when he discovered it wasnât half bad. After a few more mouthfuls of food, Darren spoke. âJake...while we are in town...I thought Iâd try to look up someone...I think I mentioned to you about this a few weeks back...I believe you said you knew the White Knight I described back in Blackpond...the one who âbrokeâ my nose? Iâm quite curious why he only pretended to do harm and then mention how I may be âusefulâ...amongst other things.â Darren cleared his throat before shoveling another spoonful in his mouth. âMaybe thereâs a way to send him a message?â
Jake chuckled softly when Darren mentioned they matched, the kid had a point there. Rolling his eyes at Sheilaâs comment he quietly turned to his food; taking it as an excuse to do some silent thinking. Crys wanted to talk to him... A month ago. If she had a change of heart since then heâd never stop hitting himself for missing the chance.
Waking from his worried trance to an empty bowl and the sound of Darrenâs voice Jake turned his attention back to him with an intrigued expression. Was Dominic still in the castle? He wasnât with the Guard, so he must have stayed. Jake couldnât blame the guy for not running off and deserting with the others; he probably believed this was the best way he could serve Newhaven. Finally he broke out of his reasoning with a little nod. âWeâve crossed paths a couple of times, in my short time in the Castle... I wouldnât go as far as to say I know the guy... Just a very...â Jake paused and snickered. âInteresting... first impression.â He gave another moment of thought to Darrenâs question, nodding his head here and there as he thought. âWell, you could go to the front gates and ask for him; but since you donât know what he wants with you it might not be the best alternative... I suppose that to get a message to someone inside the Castle, the safest way to do it would be to write it down and pay one of the lower guards to deliver it to that person directly. Remembering not to write down anything you wouldnât like others to read. Itâs also not the best thing to sign your name either; instead add something to it thatâll let him know itâs you. The guards at the service entrances should be easier to pay off than the ones on the main gates, they suffer less pressure from superior officers. Does that help?â Jake asked; his tone casual as if it just normal for anyone to know the inner workings of the castle that well. âI have something I want to check on while you do that, shouldnât take more than a couple of minutes. Do you want to meet somewhere after that?â
Darren chewed on his lip thinking over Jakeâs bit of advice and nodded. â...Makes sense...thanks man. Uh..I heard about some party where rumor has it was special invites only..â Darren quirked a brow, a mischievous smile curling his lips. âKnow anything about it? Iâm..thinking about going..but need something to wear. So, how about I meet you at that tailor shop we passed on the way in?â With another chuckle Darren stepped back from the counter. Muttering past Blackwell that heâd back back in a few days, he sent an innocent wink in Sheilaâs direction as he disappeared out the door.
It took Darren more time to figure out what to write down in the damn message than to find the service entrance of the Castle or to find a willing Guard to pay off to deliver the message. If it hadnât been for Jake, Darren wouldnât have known who the Knight was, although he supposed description may have been enough. The expression he received from the Guard gave it away that this fellow was hard to miss. Just as Jake rightly assumed, when the Guard thought he was out of sight he âsnuckâ a glance over the note which Darren hadnât even bothered to seal.
Thought Iâd look you up since my stay in Blackpond was cut pleasantly short. Youâve sparked my curiosity in how someone like myself could prove useful. If you can not find me at the Inn, leave a message with the barkeep and I will get it next time Iâm in town. By the way, my nose âhealedâ just fine.