How do you think the next boss will go? Honestly, don't give me any of that coy crap. And don't try to act like you're something you're not. This whole damn operation would be a bust if it weren't for you and your men, but your men wouldn't be here if it weren't for you.

Paul mentioning my men brought the sudden pain of doubt to my mind. Shadeo and Rafael, I hadn't seen them since waking up. How were they?

The bard and the warrior, my men, how are they?

Urgency caused my voice to break out like two dogs released from their kennels.

With a laugh at my expense, he smiled and replied calmly.

Those two men already have a band of brothers between them. Shadeo, the big man, has a group of young tanks taking after him. They train hard with their swings, then, figure this, they take breaks from the newly discovered emerald pools.

..

Fishing, of all things. Big men capable of swinging tower shields like children's toys, fishing in a calm patience. It's funny yet terrifying. If they can find tranquility and transfer to the battlefield, our Frontline won't break anytime soon.

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His words relieved me, but there was still the other.

What of the bard?

Rafael's got more women following him around than flies to shit. The other musicians and pretty boys were scornful, pride eating them away like acid, yet they now follow Rafael as well; seeing that he pays the women no attention, the men follow him in hopes of becoming him. But you and I both know that would never be… there's something strange in that man's voice, powerful behind those pretty boy eyes.

Gulping, my suspicions were validated by a man like Paul. There was something more to Paul. Something that he was keeping to himself but so distinct that those who know the realm and its powers can smell it even when hidden away behind song and dance.

Everything is fine, then.

I sighed with relief and took another long drag of the pip. Looking at it keenly, I began to crave it, like a long-lost friend reunited. I had to be careful; I didn't want to go back down that path. To be a follower of an ideal was one thing, but following the pipe was another beast.

Paul's voice broke me out of that cathartic haze I was barely slipping into, thanks to the pipe and that which burned inside.

No, nothing is fine; things are simply moving, which is what would happen regardless of the cost. So, back to my original question: How certain are you?

With a chuckle, I set the pipe down and got my ass out of that ornate chair made of twisted bone, which made my bones feel just the same right about now. It felt like it, too, as I rubbed and stretched my legs. Meeting his eyes again, I saw a twinkle of fear behind his robust features. This man was my equal, and he was beginning to see more of me than there was…

Nothing good comes from worry. I'll see you in the boss's room, Paul. Don't worry so much. I don't.

Without anything more left on the table and certainly nothing left in the pipe, I set down his pipe with a twinge of pain, left the tent, and walked off in search of my friends.