knockknock

Somebody softly knocked on Draven’s door.

“Lord Draven, I have come with breakfast and your morning drink.”

“Enter.”

Cornella carried a plate of eggs, fruit slices, and vegetables. Next to the plate of ornately placed food, a red bottle stood on the platter.

“Your favorite drink, Lord Draven. Dwarven Firebeard Rum- produced straight from the flames of the Iron Barracks, of course.”

Cornella was surprised that Draven was not in his bed. The sun had just come up recently, and Cornella was used to being yelled at to leave it on his nightstand.

“Yes, yes. Leave the food on the table and bring the bottle here.”

Cornella walked over to the desk that Draven had been working. She looked at the papers with weird sketches and writings. Her eyes wandered to Draven’s burnt hands, which brought a sudden tightness to her chest. These were memories that she had tried to forget.

“I did not know that you were one that enjoyed the arts, Lord Draven.”

Draven continued to write for a few more moments before casually opening the bottle and took a couple gulps of the alcohol before speaking.

“It is one way to start the day. Of course, Dwarven rum is a better one.”

Draven chuckled mentally. He had already decided that he would not do anything to raise further suspicion than necessary upon himself. If Glow had thought that Draven had gone from a useless nobody to a diligent worker, he would eventually deal with the issue as he did Jade. Additionally, his body had grown a necessity for alcohol. While he planned to eventually kick the habit, he felt that it would be best to keep appearances up for a while. Of course, this did not mean using more Dream Crystal- that was playing with fire.

“Cornella, you are aware that I am dueling Jarrett tomorrow morning, yes? Are you aware of the circumstances of the match’s outcome?”

“Yes, Lord Draven.”

“Would you prefer if I lost tomorrow?”

Cornella was surprised by the question. ‘Without a doubt, Lord Draven has changed…’

“I-I would never hope for my Master’s failure, Lord Draven…”

“I see. You are dismissed.”

With a bow, Cornella left quietly. As she walked down the hallway, Sting approached Draven’s door. Cornella bowed before politely speaking.

“Lord Sting. If you are here to see Lord Draven, he is just inside.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Cornella. It was actually Draven that sent for me, though.”

“Eh?” ‘But… Lord Draven doesn’t associate with any of the other Lords… Additionally, someone like Sting who is nearly beneath even Lord Draven’s influence… What is going on with him?’

.

.

Another day passed. Noon had arrived- and Jarrett stood in the courtyard with his sword on his hip. Garm stood nearby with his arms crossed and his eyes closed. His right eye, which had been slashed years ago from one of his many battles, would never open.

“He’s still not here?”

Blaire walked into the courtyard with Samara at his side. Her icy blue dress matched her aura.

“Of course he’s not, Father.”

Jade’s legs were crossed as she sat on the lavish bench. The wind blew her hair in front of her face, which she then pushed behind her ear. The diamonds that decorated her neck were expensive enough to buy an entire town.

“I doubt he’ll even show up.”

“Then why’d you bother coming?”

Glow, who had been sitting next to her, asked her while sipping tea. Jade snapped as her face went slightly red.

“How could I not?! If he does show up, I get to see him get whipped like a dog.”

“Still mad over what he did to your precious boy toy?”

Jade’s face locked onto Glow. Her cold gaze could be felt by everyone in the courtyard.

“Henry did not deserve that fate, Glow. Draven crippled him for spilling his precious alcohol on the ground. If you dare speak to me in that manner again, I’ll cripple you myself!”

“My, my. Settle down, Sister. I was merely making conversation to pass the time.”

At this time, four servants, who were carrying two large ornate chairs, sat them near the bench. Blaire took his seat in something that more resembled a throne while one of the servants led Samara to her seat.

“WHERE IS HE?! HE’S LATE, AS USUAL!”

The echoing holler came from Lara, who had entered. Her dark brown hair, which was tied into buns onto her head, bounced as she stomped her way over to the bench.

“Lara, must you be so loud?” Glow’s naturally narrow eyes glanced at her as she took her seat.

“Huh?! I am NOT loud!”

Blaire checked his pocket watch.

“It’s already a quarter past noon… So, he’s really not coming?”

“No.” Jarrett spoke for the first time since entering the courtyard- which he had come an hour early.

“He’ll come.”

“Why do you think that, Jarrett?” Jade asked. “It would be just like Draven to say all that and not show up.”

Jarrett closed his eyes and smirked. ‘Why do I think he will come? He has no hopes of winning… but yet!’ He reflected on how Draven had spoken at the family dinner. Something about him was different- even if he wasn’t sure what it was. Jarrett, while just and firm, was no fool. He felt that Draven had something up his sleeve. He had a guard keep track of him over the past three days, but he had not left his desk in his room at all.

“He’ll come.” Jarrett firmly repeated himself.

The bench stared at him. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the courtyard. Jade covered her eyes with her arm to keep sand from being kicked into her face. When she lowered it, a man with snow-white hair and dark clothing was across from Jarrett.

“So, you showed up, huh?”

Jarrett broke the momentary silence.

“I said I would, so here I am.”