Hector switched between muttering to himself and speaking out loud to Jon.

“Everyone’s so bloodthirsty,” Hector muttered. “But no one wants to pick up a sword."

Jon shrugged. He wasn’t blood-thirsty. That was why he used a gun.

“I spent my life trying to help defend people and now, they’re all trying to get themselves killed, Jon. It’s like I wasted my life…”

Hector opened the door of the spiral staircase and lifted Jon with both hands.

Jon didn’t mind, especially because didn’t have a suitable way to go up these types of stairs yet.

“I could have been doing something else, you know what I mean?” Hector continued. “I could have gone fishing. Or go see my sister. Or even follow Mallory around. He’s always following me…”

They continued until they reached the top.

Hector plopped Jon’s chair on the floor at the top of the stairs.

“The farmers didn't fight for fun,” Hector continued. “They fought because their lives were in danger. And now…”

He stopped outside of the room for Mercy’s door. There weren’t any guards, and the door was open.

“...You think she knows we’re here?” Hector asked.

Jon shrugged. He couldn’t tell if Hector saw him.

They waited a few minutes. When it was clear that no one was coming out, Hector started to push Jon slowly.

Once they got close enough, they could see Mercy and Junwata sitting on their knees across from each other, much like Jon had seen in the barracks the other day. They were talking when they stopped and turned to the boys.

“You were waiting outside for a while,” Mercy said.

“Damn it, why don't you say something,” Hector muttered. He pushed Jon into the room and closed the door behind him.

“What’s up?” Mercy asked.

“What’s up? You just beat the crap out of my-” Hector took a short breath. “I mean, how are your injuries?”

“I still have them,’ Mercy said. “I apologize. Usually, after I fight with one of my clanmates, I confer with the nearest elder and we go over what happened. In this case, it was Junwata. It just felt like second nature, so…”

She put her head down in shame. “Sorry for stepping out like that.”

“I’m not. Don't apologize! I mean,” Hector cleared his throat. “You should be sorry. But I don’t care. No one gets out of a fight with Macy without getting something hurt. Except for Charlotte.”

Hector threw his hands apart. “You’re not Charlotte.”

“I’ve heard lots about this Charlotte,” Junwata said.

“Me too,” Mercy said. “I would actually like to fight her-”

Hector made another cough.

“I mean, meet her one day. Yeah.”

“Mercy has assured me that you're a man of battle prowess yourself,” Junwata said, holding his hand up. “You assimilate parts of several sword styles, as well as several styles of martial arts and spellcasting, all to a fine point.”

“Yeah, sure,” Hector said. ‘I mean-”

“Would you like some tea?” Mercy asked.

“No thanks,’ Hector said.

“Sure,” Jon said.

Mercy began pouring a cup of tea for herself, and then Jon.

“What I mean to say, sir,” Hector said, “is that I’ve failed to master any sort of sword training my father has provided me. Every time I get a teacher, I learn enough to get started… and then I falter in making any other advancements. That’s why I have to use my fire to compensate. I’m… a bit of a failure.”

“Hector…” Mercy sighed.

“Hmmm, something tells me you’re a bit of a scholar too,” Junwata said. “You judge yourself on a scale of someone who studies for a test.”

“I’m not a scholar,” Hector said. “I only read books when I’m interested in learning something.”

Mercy nearly choked while taking a sip of her tea.

Junwata didn’t respond for a while.

“...You are quite humble. Perhaps to a fault.”

“I… I think I’m humble?” Hector looked down at Jon. “I can’t say.”

“You would have to be humble to be around someone like my niece,” Junwata said. “She would shred down any instance of pride you would have in something, all while trying to feed her own."

“Psst, tell me about it,” Hector said casually, drawing a dirty look from Mercy.

“Here you go, Jon...” Mercy said, lifting the cup of tea she poured for him. “It might be hot."

The cup was steaming as she held it up to Jon.

Whoa. Jon had reached up for it when Hector took it out of Mercy's hands.

“That was for him!” Mercy said in shock. “I thought you said you didn’t want any!”

“I don’t,” Hector said. “But this is extremely hot, so I’m holding it for Jon.”

Just like Hector said, he held the cup casually at his side.

Mercy looked at Jon with a sad expression. He didn't know why she was sad.

“...Young man, I want you to think of an image in your head,” Junwata started. “I-”

“I’m thinking,” Hector said.

Junwata looked at Mercy, who tried hard to avoid his gaze.

“...An image of a bucket.” Junwata continued. “Now, the bucket exists underneath a number of trees, in order to collect unfiltered water.”

“Then it would take a long time to collect the water,” Hector said.

“Exactly. Every time it rains, that bucket collects the smallest amount of water. But will it collect that water forever?”

“Of course not,” Hector replied. “It’s gonna fill up to the top. Eventually.”

“So imagine if you are that bucket,” Junwata said.

“...So I'm trying to learn too much… and if I'm not careful, it’s gonna spill out my brain. Is that what you’re saying?”

“...My niece, you have quite the taste in men.” Junwata nodded slowly. "No wonder you wouldn't settle for any of the men in our village.”

“I'm not marrying someone who might be my cousin,” Mercy responded. “And besides, Hector has a lot of qualities that make him a good leader… and a good husband.”

“Hmm…” Junwata looked up at Hector. Then at Jon.

“Hi,” Jon said.

“Anyways, my niece told me about what happened downstairs,” Junwata said. “She fought your sister.”

“Yeah, sorry,” Hector said. “I’m supposed to defend your niece.”

“And part of defending my niece is defending her honor,” Junwata said. “And the honor of her family name. I told you that she would be put in danger.”

“But, from my own family-” Hector started.

“The threats are numerous, and everywhere…” Junwata gestured outward with his hand. “Are you willing to continue with this life?”

“Hector looked down. “I… I don’t know.”

“Hector!” Mercy turned around.

“Let the boy be honest,” Junwata said. “Marriages survive off of honesty.”

“You’re one to talk!” Mercy said.

Junwata sighed. “Of course.”

He looked up at Hector. “Is that why you've been afraid to look me in the eye, Hector, you’re ashamed that you didn’t protect my niece?”

“...I’m afraid I didn’t do enough.” Hector grimaced.

“If you were so truly concerned about her safety,” Junwata said, “then maybe you would have brought her back home, where her father could protect her.”

“...Wouldn’t she just run away again?” Hector asked.

“...Would she?” he asked Hector.

“Well…” Hector groaned in thought. “That’s why we’re getting married. So that she doesn’t run away from home anymore.”

Junwata looked at Mercy. “And not ‘cause you love her?”

Hector looked up in shock. “I didn’t-”

“Uncle, I think you’ve said enough,” Mercy said, standing up. “I need to get back to our healer.”

“Of course,” Junwata nodded. “This was a good talk.”

“Always, Uncle Jun,” Mercy said. “The day is yours…”

“And the day is yours…”

They bowed to each other.

“Let’s go,” Mercy said, walking out the door.

Hector realized that he was still holding Jon’s teacup.

“Keep it,” Junwata said. “A reminder. Of your burden. You held the cup because it was too hot for your friend, but now, it is your responsibility.”

Before Hector could say anything, Jon took it out of his hand and drank it.

“Thanks, Hector,’ Jon said. He didn’t want Hector to be burdened. Plus he really wanted tea.

It wasn't very flavorful, and there weren't any molasses around to give it extra flavor, but the difference between the smell of this tea and the one back home intrigued him enough to make the small drink memorable.

Hector took one last look at Junwata before turning Jon and pushing him out of the door.

Jon could have sworn he saw Junwata eyeing him as they left.

Once they were outside the door, Hector and Mercy looked at each other.

“She knows,” Mercy said.

“What?” Hector asked.

“About Jon. She knows… about us…”

She held the side of her stomach and began walking forward.

“Did you tell her?” Hector asked. “Did she ask about-”

“No, she probably doesn't know about Rista,” Mercy said.

Rista. There was a name he didn’t hear of in a while. He wondered what she was up to.

“...Macy was always a master manipulator,” Hector said. “She can go and whisper something in someone’s ear, then cause a fight to break out immediately after.”

“Why didn’t you say that before?” Mercy asked.

“What you were saying before… about being my enemy…” Hector looked at her. “She’s always been annoying. Sadistic. Mean. Dreadful. Antagonistic. But never my enemy…”

He looked down and sighed.

Mercy put her hand on his shoulder.

“I’m glad it’s never been that way for you,” Mercy said.

“Right… well…” he turned to Mercy.

“One more day, right?” he asked.

“One more day,” Mercy said.

“One more,” Jon added.

They moved quietly for the rest of the way, Hector carrying Jon back down the stairs with ease.

They ended up back in the room with the three beds. Mallory and Tallow were waiting inside.

“Good, you found us,” Mallory said. “Your sister’s with your dad.”

“Oh no,” Hector said.

‘No worries. She said she’s keeping her word, and she’s not gonna tell her father about what happened.”

“And you believe her?” Mercy asked.

“Macy may be a lot of things, but she always keeps her word,” Hector said.

“Now shut up and go on the bed,” Mallory said.

Mercy sighed but she did what she was told.

As soon as she laid on the bed she reacted in pain.

“It took you long enough,” Tallow said to them. “Where were you, making out?”

“We were talking with her Uncle,” Hector said. “And why would we be making out. There were three of us.”

“Uh-huh.” Jon wondered what Tallow’s logic was of three people making out. Was it at the same time? Or one at a time?

“There we go…” Mallory put his hand over Mercy’s head. “I already got an expert coming in.”

Within a few minutes, there was knocking.

“Aw man,” Hector said. “More noise.”

“I recognize Lester,” Mercy said. “But I don’t recognize the other one. Maybe-”

Jon was on his way to the door, but Hector suddenly raced in front of him and opened the door.

“Liz!” Hector exclaimed.

“Well met, Hector!” Liz said.

She gave him a strong hug again.

“Did things go well with your father?” she asked.

“I don’t know what that means anymore.” He broke away.

Jon remembered Hector saying he didn’t have friends here, but Liz certainly seemed like a friend.

“Hey, Hect.” Lester came in after Liz and gave him a fist bump. “Heard about Macy.”

He looked at Mercy. “You survived. Good job.”

“Hmph.’ Mercy looked away, even though Jon could tell there was a hint of satisfaction to her face.

Liz made her way over.

“Ribs?” Liz asked.

“She’s gonna need to eat a whole plate to replace the ones she lost,” Mallory said. “Of course, I'm joking, she’d be dead if that was true.”

Liz pulled up a chair and sat down next to Mercy’s side.

“May I?” Liz asked.

“Of course. It’s not like I’m wearing anything there anyway…” Mercy was still looking away.

Liz’s hands began to glow blue as well, but it was a darker tone than Mallorys. She pressed around Mercy’s body.

“The pressure points in your arm…” Liz pressed against her shoulder. “They’re nearly ruptured.”

“Yeah.” Mallory nodded grimly.

“That’s fine, I can fix that too…” Liz raised her hands over Mercy’s stomach.

“There’s not too much damage, but I can fix them,” Liz said.

“Alright…” Mercy nodded.

“It’s gonna hurt,” Liz said. “Do you…”

She looked at Hector. “Do you want to hold her hand?”

“Let Jon do it,” Hector said.

Everyone in the room turned to him.

“I mean…”

“I’ll be fine,” Mercy said. “It’s not my first time.”

“Alright…” Liz cocked her head in understanding. “Here we go.”

She pushed her hands into her stomach. Mercy slammed the sides of the bed immediately.

Jon thought she would scream, but Mercy gritted her teeth through everything.

“...Done!” Liz pulled her hands away. “I just have to do some softening up around the edges, and then I’ll work on the arms. You’ll be a hundred percent by tomorrow.”

“You’re amazing…” Mercy said.

“Aw please,’ Liz said. “I just have experience on the field. Sometimes, it’s up to you to have to learn these things, when no one else does.”

Her hands began glowing on Mercy’s stomach again, but she barely pressed on her this time.

“Your mana flow… is so different than anything I’ve dealt with before,” Liz said. She picked up her hands from Mercy’s stomach and reached for her arm.

“I’ve only felt this type of mana flow from…”

“Bandits in the northwest?” Mercy asked.

“...I apologize,” Liz muttered.

“It’s fine.”Mercy sighed.

“I’m still fascinated,” Liz continued. “You’re like an explosion ready to happen at all times.”

“As opposed to what?” Hector asked.

“As opposed to someone who’s trained their mana to be available for smaller attacks, you know?” Liz said. “It would be fascinating to…”

She stopped talking.

“What?” Hector asked. “What’s wrong?”

Liz didn’t answer.

“Let me take your arm,” Liz said.

Mercy pulled it away. “Are you sure?”

Are you sure? Didn’t Mercy want to get herself healed?

“Are you sure?” Liz replied.

Mercy grimaced and held out her arm.

Liz held up her two fingers. “This will hurt too.”

They began to glow blue.

Liz then stabbed her fingers hard into Mercy’s shoulder.

This time, Mercy yelled out loud.

Jon nearly jumped in his chair. He also heard another sound and turned to see what happened.

Tallow had stood back up. Her hand was hovering over her sword.

Tallow? Why? He looked at Lester.

Lester also had his hand over his sword handle.

“Why are you both like this?” Hector asked. “What’s going on?”

“Tallow, it’s fine,” Mercy said. “I’m okay…”

She was exhausted. Liz pulled her arm away.

“I’m just trying to make sure there’s no sabotage for tomorrow’s circle,” Tallow said.

“And I’m trying to make sure my girl doesn’t get hurt,” Leser replied.

“Sabotage?” Hector shook his head. “Liz wouldn’t do that! She’s not fighting.”

“Hector, her family has status in her land like yours do,” Mallory said simply. “If the head family wills it, she can fight with Mercy tomorrow.”

Hector’s eyes widened. “No! No way! Liz, tell me you won’t fight!”

“...I told you, my duty’s to my family and to my guild,” she said. “But to my family first.”

“But we are family,” Hector said.

Liz stood up. “I know Hector. We are.”

She bowed to Mercy. “Mallory should be able to take care of the rest.”

“Yeah.” Mercy still hadn't returned her look in the eyes. “Thank you for your time.”

“Of course.” Liz crossed her arm over her shoulder and bowed. “Best of luck tomorrow.”

She turned. “Let’s go, Lestor.”

“Right,” Lestor said. “Tallow. Jon. Hector. Mal. Princess. Be seeing you later.”

Mercy didn’t react to “princess” like she usually did.

“Goodbye everyone,” Liz said. “'Til tomorrow.”

They left out of the door and closed it softly behind them.

“I think I’m gonna burn whatever comes through that door next,” Hector said.

“I agree,” Tallow said. “Save us trouble.”

“Good idea!” Mallory said.

Now, it was his turn to receive all of the looks.

“What I mean…” he continued, “is how about we don’t leave this room for the rest of the day. We have a bathroom. I just have to go get some food, but I can arrange with Sally and co.”

“...I think he’s right,” Mercy said. “I have to recover, right? And outside-”

“Other people are hell,” Tallow cut in. “I mean, you guys are hell too, but there’s more hell outside."

“Okay, then.” Hector stared at the door. “We stay. Jon?”

Jon nodded. He agreed. Fewer people meant less trouble. He didn’t mind, but that seemed to be for everyone else.

There wasn’t much said after that. Mallory started to work on Mercy, then when he was finished, he found a book in the bookcase and started reading it.

Mercy sat in bed, looking down at the covers. This was the calmest and quietest Jon had seen her. Usually, she’d be fidgeting in place or thinking about something. Here, she seemed content with whatever was in her head.

Hector had chosen to sit on the wall and look up at the ceiling. Jon wondered if he was sleeping at points, but Hector would occasionally stretch his leg out, disproving that idea.

Jon was continent to relax in his chair. He looked at all of his friends and just sort of took in everything. It was a relaxing, yet somewhat worrying sight. He hoped they were all happy in their thoughts.

Tallow eventually brought out a small toy that was a string connected by two balls. She flipped it back and forth in her hand, spinning them around while not really paying attention to them. Jon thought it was fascinating.

“...Can I try?” Mercy finally asked.

“So that you can prove you’re better than me?” Tallow asked.

“I… sorry…” Mercy looked down in shame. “I don’t… get to really…”

Tallow sighed. “I just wanted you to say please, don’t start the waterworks now.”

She sat next to Mercy on the bed and held out the toy to Mercy, who took it.

“Thank you,” Mercy replied.

“Uh-huh. Have fun.”

“I should get the food, right?” Mallory asked. “I’ll go get it.”

Mallory stood up and left the room, leaving his book in his place.

“...Hey Jon,” Hector asked. "What do you think Rista is doing right now?”

“...Farming,” Jon said.

“Right… ‘cause she’s a farmer… right…” Hector nodded in understanding.

Soon, Mallory and Sally both came back with enough plates for everyone.

“Thanks, Sally,” Hector said as she helped put everyone’s plates in front of them.

Sally left without a word.

Hector noticed Tallow glancing at her.

“...What?” Hector asked.

“Ah, nothing.” Tallow shrugged. “I think I’m just overthinking things.”

“You definitely are with that sentence,” Mallory replied.

Jon already knew that a huff was coming from Tallow’s end. He almost found it funny.

Everyone was still eating when the door had found a new knocker.

“Oh God,” Tallow said. “I hope it’s Sally with seconds.”

“I’ll get it…” Hector walked up to the door and opened it.

It was Luther. He was holding a box.”

“Dad,” Hector said. “I’m not doing anything the rest of the day. If you-”

“Wanna play a game?” Luther asked, holding up a box.

“...Why would I play a game with you now?” Hector asked.

“...Old-time sakes," Luther answered. "You know, we never finished the game we had before you left.”

“You were winning,” Hector replied, "Like always."

“Then we’ll start a new game.” Luther gestured with the box again.

Hector sighed.

Jon wondered what game it was.