“Highness! Can you hear me?”

Samira? What? What the hell is going on?

My teeth rend the preys flesh. The coppery taste of blood coats my tongue. Its euphoric. A tingle unlike any I’ve ever felt, not even during my time dabbling with drugs in my youth. The tingle is so much better!

Pain lances through my head. A man stands in front of me his grey skin visible in the wane light. He holds a spear.

[Get back here now!]

I send the message down the connection.

Impressions of rage, and of hunger fill me. And then another flash of pain. And eyes. The figures dark eyes that seem more pupil than iris. They may just end up haunting me.

Leaning forward I clutch at my head with one hand and scrape my tongue with the other. Holding to the light I find no blood.

“Highness? Tell us whats going on.”

What did you do!

“Both of you shut your mouths.”

I think not! You will ans—

Widening the connection I bring up the most annoying song I can think of and shove it at him.

A moment later “Who let the dogs out” began to play.

Enjoy you great pain in my ass.

Leaning back I sigh as I feel the cool stone floor and open my eyes again.

“Highness, I must know whats going on if I’m to help.”

She’s just trying to help. She’s just trying to help. Taking a deep breath I begin counting down from five. Her concern makes sense. It probably terrified her when it happened.

What was it exactly? It was as if I was somehow riding along in Tenacity’s brain even if I could only spectate. But I thought that was only possible with the Makompar. A spined cat that primarily hunts with its vision. Lock eyes with the target and strike with a brief but violent mental assault.

Tuviat couldn’t do that. They didn’t have the capacity.

But there’s no denying it happened.

So how?

“Highness.”

Looking up I glare at her. “If you’d give me a moment to figure out whats going on, how I am, and if I need you to do anything you’d likely get your answer!”

She takes a step back her eyes wide before she bows.

“Of course Highness.”

Damnit. Now I’m the bad guy! I’ll have to apologize.

Pushing myself to my feet I sigh. “Samira…”

Breathing out a deep sigh I bow, “I’m sorry.”

“Highness! You must not bow to me! You do yourself a disservice!” Samira stammers as she drops to the floor.

Straightening I shake my head. Okay, apologizing isn’t working but its good to know there is a way to fluster her. So plan two. Make it up to her, and I know how.

I think.

“Samira, think you can help me with my spear work?”

She looks up the surprise clear on her face before it shifts to something closer to determination.

“It’ll be my pleasure highness.”

She means it, and I don’t think its because she has a chance to hit me with a stick, which would be my primary motivation if I were in her position.

“Thats well and good but can someone explain what just happened?” Baba interjected.

Right, somehow I’d forgotten she’s here.

“Tenacity went and killed off the majority of the bandits, maybe all of them.”

Baba’s teeth audibly ‘click’ together. “Tenacity, thats one of Highnesses beasts?”

Though not exactly what I would call her, its not wrong either. Tenacity would probably even like it if she understood. And thats far more of a toss up then I would have expected.

“How, why, what? You didn’t leave your seat until you collapsed.” She hisses.

I smile ruefully, and tap my head. “I don’t have to be near Tenacity to tell her what I want. You know like you and your Stolid. It’s pretty much the same thing.”

She takes a step back. “I’ve not mentioned Stolid, nor has she stepped from me since your arrival.”

Shrugging I turn my attention to Danda, “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to bring me another plate of those delicious noodles?”

He smiles thinly and disapears into the back for a momment before reappearing with a plate of the steaming food.

“That was quick.” I mutter. Did he bring me food he’d set aside for himself?

He must have understood my thought process. “I chose Persnickety, she might be a bit choosy but I’ve never regretted it.” He says.

“Then as long as its not your meal I’ll gladly enjoy it.”

Taking the plate I don’t even bother with the table and instead just start to eat.

Is there a reason you’re still fully clothed? They did say doing this in a wrap or small clothes is preffered.”

“I can’t,” Aster groused crossing her arms in front of her chest. “Samira says I’m your guard for the day.”

I nod in understanding. It wouldn’t be proper for a guard to enjoy themselves while on duty. It might distract them from their work.

“I say if you want to relax you should relax. Were in the middle of the city afterall.”

She look half ready to agree before shaking her head. “No, no. I’ll enjoy myself after Samira is done with her soak.”

Shrugging I move into the open area where Kida is still waiting. She bows at the waist. “Please just follow me Highness.”

I do just that, down the hall and into another room, one thats temperatures remind me of the hottest part of the day. Even the stone beneath my feet is warm. Its extremely comforting.

Across the room were a series of tubs, one of which contains someone. Samira? Yeah, probably. This is what I get for not having any nudity taboo’s.

“Highness.” Aster says pointing off to the right where Kida stands in front a relatively small metal banded wood door with an iron ring for a handle.

“Right this way highness. All of the attendents joined the Hare hunting party I’m afraid, but I believe I can do what they do, at least for the most part.”

Kida announces with a wide smile as she swings the metal banded door open revealing a small stone room with a sandy floor.

“I’ll bring you a glass of water in just a moment Highness.”

I nod and walk into the steam room. It’s lit by Dartite, the stones fractured and pressed into a thin adhesive mortar in multitudes of miniature swirling patterns. Beautiful hardly describes it.

Aster follows at my heels.

Settling myself on to a bench I look at my guard. “Should you really be in here if you’re guarding me?”

SHe pauses and purses her lips. Turning on her heel she marches out mumbling something I can’t understand under her breath. She slams the door shut behind her.

“This is so not fair you know.”

Her voice barely penetrates the door.

“Well its not like were meant to be on vacation you know.”

“I know.” She sighs.

She lapses into silence and I turn my attention to the stones and begin picking out patterns. People always add patterns whether they mean to or not. For example, the majority of the swirls move in a clockwise pattern which its offset by the occasional counter clockwise one.

Then above the door frame are the names. Most wouldn’t notice, but I can see them.

Zinkan, Ebering, Marksman.

If I hadn’t seen my cousins husband paint his initials on on the back of a brick that he placed into a fireplace I may not have noticed. But it taught me builders and artists always left their name somewhere on their work.

More impressive they managed to do it without breaking the swirling patterns.

“Did you know Samira has been trained to be a battle healer?”

Sighing I let my head fall back and lok up at the ceiling. Even thats been well decorated with swirling patterns. I’ll have to compliment it, though they probably heard it all before.

“If you wish to join the white, healing is a requirement.”

“Ah.”

We settle into a comforatable silence, just breathing in the steam and relishing in the heats contrast with the cool sand that surrounds my feet. Sweat trickles down my face, down my back.

Its heavenly.

“Do you think the bandits were really after the gold and dartite and nothing else?”

I start to shrug before realising she can’t see me. “Probably, its not like a band of goons can really do much.”

“Exactly! Say they break in they get into the mines and each get a sack. It’s not like they’ll be able to carry much over all. And they wouldn’t be able to hold the city if they took it.”

Well damn.

Then what are they after? Lyomenos for all its awesomeness was only featured in a short side story! That is apart from the passing mention of the gold mine. Actually now that I think about it the gold isn’t even smelted in Lyomenos.

So why?

Ten minutes pass without an answer forthcoming.

Then twenty. My head feels more than a little fuzzy.

You’re overheating.”

Shut up Endurance! “Can’t you see I’m busy overheating here.” I grumble at the personality.

My hearts thundering in my chest. I could really do with some water.

Wait, why hasn’t Kida come back? SHe should have been back by now right?

“Aster. Has Kida come back with the water yet?”

She doesn’t answer.

“Hey Aster, whats with the silent treatment?”

When she still doesn’t answer I push myself to my feet and push the door open, or try to. It’s wedged closed.

“Aster?!” I slam my shoulder into the door, it shudders but doesn’t open. I hit it again, harder. Still, the door doesnt budge.

Sliding to the ground I begin churning through the sand until the deepest stuff, the coolest sand is on top. As soo as there’s enough I press my back into it. The coldness is like a shock running through my system.

Gazing at the door I shake my head. “I cant do it.”

I’m not strong enough. I’ll need help.

[Find me. Danger]

I sent the impressions to Desperation and Tenacity. They’re the only chance I’ve got. Well them and Endurance. No matter how unlikely.

“Endurance. I need your help.”

I fail to see how helping you would be condusive to your overheating.”

Bastard.

Shrugging I close my eyes. “Fair enough. I’ll kick here and steam, you do you.”

I can almost hearr him grinding his teeth together. If I aid you will you—

Raising a hand I curse myself. “If you want me to listen to you, probably not.”

He stops cold.

Excuse me? A little bit of respect after saving your life wouldn’t be uncalled for!

“Your right. But me especting you isn’t the same as listening to you. I’m not going to lie.”

You will at least turn off this infernal noise. The dogs must be put away!

That’s still playing? Interesting. I vaguely remember a few designs for Da Vinci’s car, some guy named Galluzzi even did digitial modelling for it and built one! Would Endurance be able to view the plans?

Focus fake prince! You will aggree to stop this disgrace they call music before I free you!

I snort. “Give it long enough, you’ll save me anyway. And if you want me to be nicer you best stop with this fake prince stuff.”

Then perhaps you might introduce yourself.

The personailty states drolly.

I never introduced myself? Well thankfully my ma’s not around to tan my hide for just how rude I’ve been if I haven’t introduced myself.

“Faust. You can call me Faust.”

I’m so tired. As I start to fade I break the connection with Endurace. My stomach churns and my eyes begin to burn as a hand of glowing black stretched out through the darkness.

Faust is it? Understand this discussion is not over but you must rise now.

He takes me by the arm and halls me to my feet. Than rearing back he slams his foot into the door. It bursts open.

“Sorry for making you wear those pointy shoes.”

Am I slurring? I think I am. That can’t be good.

With Endurances help I make it to the door when i find my foot caught on something. I’m tumbling forward when a hand catches me. At the same time a stab of pain that lances through my eyes tells me Endurance has been destroyed. That’s to bad.

Hey his hand is huge! Its massive really, possibly enough to wrap around my head, even it not all the way.

“A prince here? Shouldn’t you be in that hovel you call a castle?”

He’s a Reversalar. Thats okay, I know their weak point.

Laughing I crack my knuckles and then I strike. As fast as i can I poke him in the eyes.

“Arrgh!” He screams.

Laughing I fall to the ground. “Your eyes aren’t armored! Now suffer! Ha ha ha!”

Rolling on to my side I feel the boiling bile claw at my thoat until I relent. Opening my mouth I spray the vile liquid in a cone like pattern on the floor in front of me and everything straight up disapears.

***

I awake in darkness, but I’m not alone. There’s someone else. I can feel her watching me.

“What’s going on?”

“One of the bandits seems to have made it into the city.”

It isn’t Samira who answers but Baba.

“Did you catch him?”

At first she doesn’t answer, I can hear her stand, her back pops a handful of times as she does.

“Afraid not. We only came at all because of the Twanlad. It wouldn’t stop kicking up a racket.”

That sounds right. I send all the appreciation I can muster to the hound. I can feel him perk up but I feel like im missing someting almost.

“Highness did you see who did this? Can you at least confirm it was a bandit?”

Squinting through the darkness it takes me a minute to locate Baba where she stands near the door.

Shaking my head I lean forward. “All I know is that at least one of his parents are Reversalar.”

Grunting her undstanding, or at least I think it’s her understanding, and if its not then why is she grunting she continues.

“You needn’t worry about your attendant. The bandit didn’t kill either of them. Thought they will have rather large knots on their heads for a time.”

Wait, this guy knocked Samira and Aster unconscious? And I didn’t hear a struggle or the slightest of thumps. Who ever the guy was he was definitely skilled to do that.

“If Samira’s fine where is she? She’d be here.”

Someone cleared their throat to my left and I cock my head to find Samira standing beside my bed her head hanging low and on her brow is a knot. One the size of an egg.

“I’m here Highness.”

She sounds so sad, but I can’t find it in myself to mind. She’s alive after all. Aster’s alive. Which considering I just saved her life is a great thing. I’d be pretty pissed if she didn’t make it a day before kicking off. And the cherry on top, I’m alive! Wait should I be the cherry?

That doesn’t seem right.

With a sigh of relief I lower myself back down into the furs.

“Don’t beat yourself up. We’re behind the cities walls, it gave us the feeling we’re safe. Thats on us. The walls are meant to repel armies not individuals.

“I am the prime. This shouldn’t have happened!”

Does she really believe that? Who would expect someone that huge to get the drop on them?! I know I wouldn’t and I’m fairly certain i created the character. Even if he was originally nameless.

I start to console before remembering Baba and turn toward the door. Shes gone. Nine hell’s but can that woman be silent as the grave.

“Samira.”

Gently I place a hand on to her shoulder, she stiffens. Good. She can be as uncomforatable as me. I’m good with that.

“The guy’s got a trick we don’t know, it’s not like he beat you in an straight fight.”

I slam my fist into the side of my bed and she jumps. Slapping a wicked smile on to my face I continue.

“Don’t think for a second that he’s getting a pass. This isn’t over just yet. Our patrol still has what nearly a week before its over?”

“That’s true. We still have five days” She mumbles.

“So we just make sure we figure out the trick for next time.”

She’s doesn’t answer and for a time it remains that way. I’m okay with that. Just when i’m about to try and go to sleep she speaks.

“His royal highness will have me replaced once he finds out.”

Does she think I’d let that happen? She’s been more than slightly valuable to me this entire time! No it’d be easier to get rid of the King as far as I’m concerned. But saying that might lead to Samira trying to take his head. So I choose a different approach.

“No he won’t. Just get some sleep Samira. We can talk about this come the morning.”

She bows low. I don’t think she believes me. In fact I’d say she outright thinks I’m lying.

“I have set my up sleeping gear just outside the door Highness and have Love in position already. He won’t be getting by me.”

I smile. “I never thought he would.”

She quickly retreats from the room and I close my eyes. Two almost glowing red eyes are staring back at me.

Damnit. He didn’t even do anything to me! And I’m— wait did the bandit have red eyes?

No. No they weren’t.

Silence reigns, even Samira who’s set herself up outside my door, has already passed into a light slumber. A useful if creepy skill. No doubt she’s counting on Love to pick the slack. The perfect use of a Manifestation if there ever was one.

A soldier who cannot tire, that cannot become bored. Perfect for any form of stakeout or guard position. An army of one man armies! The true face of warfare.

One that doesn’t fully exist. Or at least thats what they were designed for.

I sigh. The furs are warm but I still can’t seem to find sleep, or it find me as the case might be.

And I know why. Or at least I think I do.

Those red eyes, they return everytime I shut mine. Staring at me as if waiting for a mistake to capitalize on.

It sends a shiver through me.

Worse, I can’t seem to get the grubs out of my mind. I created worms and flys and other parasitic creatures that held a host of strange abilities, ranging from one the Avian use as pain killers to one that causes night terrors. One thats uses human blood to self multiply. Two that finds other worms to absorb, they take the ability so that they might feed on whatever animal is typically nearby.

There’s even one that can control a living brain kind of. The person more or less cannot keep from slapping themselves silly.

But the grubs in the body that detonated… They seem oddly normal. Wait what color were the splotches on them?

Damnit I can’t remember!

I start to roll from my furs and curse. It’s the middle of the night. It’d have to wait tilll morning.

Were they orange and black?

Green and Grey?

Straight beige?

Sitting up in the room I look around. There’s at least another six hammocs hanging on either side of mine.

“Or maybe the rooms too big and you’re overthinking the whole grub thing..”

Warmth spreads through me and with it a feeling of comfort that I haven’t felt since I came to this world. Like part of my family is here.

The impressions are clear. Tenacity with her adoration, worry and hunger and Desperations, joy, his love and exhaustion.

Screw getting a Kirusk. For all of its majesty I don’t think it could have matched up to either of the two I have. Not even close.

Tomorrow I’ll see about getting the two of them something special.

An image from Tenacity swims into my head, its blurry at first but as it clears I choke. The memory is of baby curiously reaching upward. It seems so full of joy.

And knowing exactly what happened to that babe I shatter the image without mercy.

[No! Babies are not for eating!]

Her disagreement is clear as the image comes again but vanishes a moment later. She’s still better than a Kirusk. Though maybe not quite to the extent I imagined before.

The eyes appear as I close my own, only this time I’m not alone. Desperations and Tenacity’s presence isn’t enough to cause them to vanish, but thats okay. I allow myself to sink into the impressions they’ve left.

Slowly I feel myself drift off until everything seems weightless and everythign is consumed in the blackness.