He turned to the knights once more. Whatever discussion they had was over at this point. They dismounted their horses and reached for their flasks to drink. He intently watched the water as it trickled down the Mace’s chin. He had to restrain himself from making a comment when he saw the drops trickling down on the bright red armour, though most of them were squandered on the ground. Reacher caught his stare.

“What the fuck do you want?”

“I didn’t get any water,” he replied hesitantly.

“Water break is over. Should’ve used the chance. Now you have to wait until we’re finished here. Get moving!”

“But you made me hold-”

Reacher flung his flask to the ground and stormed over.

“I’ll make you regret talking back to me, you useless piece of shit!”

The knight loomed over him, his armour now devilishly red in the mountain’s shadow. The Mace pressed a finger against his forehead, pushing him towards the cave.

“Who the hell even let a twig like you work in the mines? Who brought you here? Did he do it just to mess with us?” Reacher raised his voice, continuing to prod him repeatedly. “Huh? Answer me! Did he do it?!”

Who is he? The Baron? I don’t know. What’s your problem? The gauntlet hurts!

“There’s no reason for a whiny fragile boy like you to be working the mines, unless you’re meant to die and cause us trouble. You should be in the Manor sucking the Baron’s-”

“That’s enough!” the Sword intervened. “Just look at the boy. He has no clue. You’re scaring him shitless for no reason. He did the trek for the first time, cut him some slack.”

“Tomorrow you won’t get the same treatment.” Reacher backed down but continued his rant in a murmur.

He scanned him repeatedly in search of answers to his questions.

“Here.” The Sword handed him a flask. “Your lips look nasty. Can’t have you dying in the mines and stinking the place up. Take a sip!”

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He didn’t hesitate to take the flask and press it to his mouth. He couldn’t resist. The cold water felt heavenly. He could feel his insides thanking him for finally getting some hydration. His throat, though still sore, didn’t hurt as much when he swallowed. He couldn’t stop himself. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mister Sword!

Suddenly, he was struck across the face. His ears rang. It took him a moment to gather his senses. The first thing he registered was the flask on the ground. His jaw was numb. His lips felt wet and warm. He touched them and saw blood. He looked at the knights. The Sword had hit him with the metal of his gauntlet. He could see his blood on the back of that hand. It took him a moment to process everything. The Sword waited patiently for him to comprehend the situation.

“When an Adventurer says a sip, he means a single sip,” he finally said. “Do yourself a favour and listen to orders more attentively in the future.”

What’s with that guy? One second he’s all nice and then he smacks me. He’s even worse than Reacher! Why are the Adventurers like this?

“There’s no reason to look at me like that. You’re being told what to do, so do exactly as you’re told. Don’t forget your place,” the Sword said.

image [https://i.imgur.com/aBqxJ7z.jpeg]“Becket,” Reacher said. “Did you see that?”

The Sword, Becket, turned around. “What is it?”

“Did you see that?” His tone sounded different, terrified.

“What do you mean?”

“Just now, when you hit him. For a quick moment-” Reacher stopped.

“What are you talking about?” Becket asked.

“His Combat Status.” Reacher was troubled.

Becket appeared as perplexed as he felt. He leaned over to take a closer look. Their eyes locked.

“No…,” Becket murmured to himself. “This doesn’t add up. Unless…”

With slow movements, he picked up the flask between them and poured some water on his gauntlet, rubbing it to get the blood off. He never broke eye contact.

The Mace commanded: “You, into the cave. You’re with PP and Montgomery at the very back.”

What is happening?

“Didn’t you hear me? Move it!” Reacher was shouting again, though less confidently.

He slowly picked up the last pickaxe at his feet and looked around for a torch and bag. Like prey sensing a predator, he moved with as few sudden movements as possible. He wasn’t sure if this was another trick, so he watched their movements closely. They appeared tense. Not like predators at all.

“Just go!” he heard Becket say.

He decided to take a sack with him and go without a torch. There was no reason to linger any longer and upset them further. The numbness in his face slowly gave way to pain. He hesitantly descended into the mine, unable to see where he was going. When he was completely enveloped in darkness, he heard the two knights begin to whisper to each other. He couldn’t discern what they were saying and soon enough, couldn’t hear them at all. Doesn’t matter what just happened, I have to be more careful around these two from now on.