Discord sat under a tree, just out of sight from the roof, as his mangled legs bled, shards of bone sticking out randomly, the legs themselves looking akin to a broken accordion.
He grabbed his ankles and pulled them straight outward, setting the major chunks of bone that remained roughly in place. Within seconds, they were as good as new. He sprang up and was on his feet as soon as he was sure he could walk, shaking off the lingering pain.
“Note to self: next time you break your fall with your legs, bend your knees.”
He looked around, as he knew the only way to get her attention was to be at the site of the crime and he needed to get his directions right. He knew the hotel faced exactly cardinal west, and he took into account where he was before, and once he was sure which way to go, like a sprinter, he got ready to run, lining up on the proverbial block.
In an instant, he was gone, almost unnoticeable by the naked eye save for the wave of force that followed in his wake. Such was the reason he went through the woods, as well as going at a slower speed than he would have preferred so as to not disrupt the trees too much and give away his location to anyone who might be hanging around.
He ran for about three minutes before coming to a stop at the clearing where he had met Derrek only hours before. He took stock of his surroundings, the Conex where he assumed the Frostbyte equipment was kept, the outline where Boyd once lay, and the silhouette of a robed figure stood over it, slightly shorter than Discord.
Just who he wanted to see.
“You’ve been ignoring my calls, drifter,” the figure said with a cold, feminine voice and a mild English accent.
“Sorry, I get bad reception out here in the boonies.”
“You know that’s not what I mean. I’ve been speaking to you for hours.”
“And I’ve been busy.”
“With the new devourer? Honestly, what do you think he will say?”
“Doesn’t matter. I’ve got it covered. Besides, there’s other matters we need to discuss.”
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
“Obviously,” she said, gesturing to the burnt outline of an oversized skeleton.
“I’m sorry about Boyd. I tried to get Havok to spare him, but his instincts took over, and he finished him off. We’re gonna start training tomorrow to get that under control.”
“No worries. Boyd was on his way to the Ether anyway. I knew about all of his ‘deals’—that’s why I let him perish.”
“I thought it was weird you didn’t step in. Figured you were busy with a contract.”
“No, I haven’t had to deal with a contract in decades. Delegation and whatnot.”
“Right, right. So what’s it like being the big boss?”
She glared at him, revealing her piercing green eyes. “There’s no need for small talk, drifter. I’m only here on business.”
“Then let’s get to it.”
She turned to face him, her features still hidden by her robe, save for her eyes.
“The devourer has the reaper’s touch, which makes him a bigger threat than other incarnations and also puts at least part of the burden that comes from the destruction he causes on my shoulders. Since you did me a favor by taking Boyd out of the picture, I’ll allow you amnesty from the slew of regulations you broke tonight.”
“Well, I sure appreciate that, Grim.”
“But …”
“Aw, shit.”
“If this turns bad, I want your word you’ll take responsibility and kill him.”
A tense silence washed over the two, and they stared at each other, unblinking. The deafening quiet roared over the forest. Even the wind has ceased rustling the leaves.
Discord finally spoke, with one of the most serious tones he had ever taken in his long life. He said, “If he can’t handle it, if he loses control, if he goes crazy, I won’t hesitate to snuff him out. I’d think you of all people would know that.”
“Yes,” Grim said, “but I needed to hear you say it. Desk guy will hear nothing from me, but your Havok will—once he gets settled, of course.”
“Seems fair to me. Give him a few months or so.”
Grin silently nodded and turned toward the burnt grass that once held Boyd. She knelt and waved her hand, which glowed with green light, over the patch. Gradually, the burn began to shrink, condensing on a single point, until it too was replaced with the living grass it once had been. She stood, clearly proud of her work, and walked toward the tree line, then stopped just before she was out of sight.
She turned her head to Discord. “What a shame. It seems Boyd’s scythe was lost in the chaos. Oh well.”
She disappeared into the trees, and the ambient sounds of nature started anew.