Darkness Rising 1: Chained

  ***

  Jem and Hunor sat on the stone wall awaiting Orla to return with the pair of horses. The mood had been tense since the soldiers’ visit.

  “That has to be the worst drawing of me ever made. And what’s with the description—‘A Thetorian of mean disposition, lank pony tail, characteristic excesses of earrings.’ You can hardly read it.”

  “Thetorians were never renowned for their talents with the written word, nor the quality of their printing. There’ll be hundreds of these circulating now, Hunor. We will need to stay clear of Thetoria for the foreseeable future.”

  Hunor shrugged and tossed a stone against a wall with a clatter.

  “I’m not certain we’ll be welcome back here either,” Jem said.

  Hunor winced and nodded. “It feels all kind of wrong, to bring this crap on Jaan’s head. He’d left it all behind when he moved up here. I guess trouble just follows us around, mate. Might be better for Emelia to leave her at Master Ten’s place and make a run for it. You know, for her safety.”

  The Goldorian stroked his clipped moustache.

  “I know what you are saying, Hunor, and it has a certain sense to it. I would be lying to claim that I haven’t thought the same, albeit transiently. But we’re a trio, a threesome. Hunor, we’re waist deep in something huge, something of significance. I can sense it. The day we became involved with Emelia and with this crystal was the day it all changed.”

  “Why us, my friend? Why us? Surely this is the stuff for heroes, for ballads, for knights? I just want a bit of fun, a bit of a thrill and a pouch of gold for my troubles. Look, let’s get rid of that crystal—flog it, dump it, give it to tin knickers, whatever. We owe the world nothing, not one copper. All I care about is here with me now.”

  Jem placed his hand on Hunor’s cheek. It burned to the touch. Genuine affection illuminated his somber face.

  “You’re a good man. A good friend. I know I can be difficult at times. But give me your word, as a friend, that we’ll stick together through all of this. Wherever fate and Engin are taking us. The three of us.”

  “Of course, Jem, you have my oath. Looking out for each other, like family. And the world can just get along without us.”

  “I’m not sure that’s an option anymore,” Jem said.

  The two sat in silence in the warm Thetorian sun.