The carriage slowly came to a halt a few miles from the Braxton Bridge. It was easy to see the lit houses from where they stood. Khal, Arzela, and Ewin were still dressed in all black with a red spider plastered at the back. They needed regular clothing and supplies before they could continue the journey north. They knew it would draw too much attention if they were to enter the village the normal way. As such, Khal had volunteered to sneak in without detection.

Khal placed his mask back on his face before taking off. For the two days since waking up, he had tried his best to control his wind element. Unfortunately, he couldn't even feel it inside of himself anymore, it was as though he was no longer an elementum. Although it bothered him, he tried his best to put it at the back of his mind as he started his light jog towards the village.

Just outside, Khal quickly cladded his feet in a viscous orange color before jumping over the fence. It didn't take long before he gathered enough clothes from a nearby line. He somersaulted over a low-lying wall before entering what appeared to be a merchant's shop. He quickly used recognizance, feeling the surroundings. He grabbed a few ingredients before making his exit.

Just outside the village, Khal could see a faint light off in the distance. Strange, why would there be light at the bridge? He thought to himself. Considering everything that had happened, Khal had his suspicions. He made his way back to the carriage only to see both Ewin and Arzela staring at the light in the distance. "You think it's a coincidence? Or are they after us?" Arzela asked as she turned towards Khal.

"We won't know until we're at the bridge-"

"Let's not leave it to fate. We should leave now, head towards the Gontu bridge instead," Khal blurted out, interrupting Ewin.

"Now wait here lad, we are under strict orders to take you to the northern wall. I may not be much, but my honor demands it!"

"Haha, honor? The Recluse have men of honor?" Arzela jokingly asked.

"Bah!" Ewin scoffed before saying no more.

"No, we're still headed towards the north. We're just going to take a long detour through Gontu. I have a few connections we can use there, whoever might be after us won't expect it," Khal explained.

Ewin grinned as he stroked his chin. "Hmm, how resourceful."

"It's decided then," Arzela said as she clasped her hands together.

"Good, you two should head towards Gontu quickly-"

"Wait wait wait! You're not coming with us? You're asking us to take a longer route AND you're not coming?" Ewin asked exasperatedly.

"The traitor within the Recluse must have already given a description for a three-man group. With your missing hand, it's easy to identify us even though none of them know our faces. It's far easier to move this way. They won't expect me to be alone and they won't expect you to be going towards Gontu," Khal explained.

"Lad, it's far too dangerous," Ewin sighed. He had given Khal a hard time within the Hollows but he knew that standoffish behavior was unnecessary outside. Two days, although not enough, had allowed him to bond with the young martial genius. He quickly realized how much of a difference it made when he didn't have to fear for his life.

"We've all faced far more dangerous things," Khal said matter-of-factly.

"He does have a point Ewin," Arzela said.

Khal stared at her. Although he wouldn't call her a butch, she was far braver than most women he had met. There was little that Khal could suggest that she would ever object to he noticed. Khal watched Ewin's mouth open and close a few times without him being able to say a word.

"Ewin, if you don't have any more objections, listen carefully. Head to Sydenham town and tell the Baron that Khal has sent you. Wait there and I will send further instructions."

Both Ewin and Arzela nodded slowly in confusion. Neither could understand why a Baron would have anything to do with someone like Khal. Although he was a gifted warrior, it mattered little within a noble circle.

---

A noisy crowd gathered for the opening of the new tavern. Matching waitresses roamed about busily, serving drinks without delay. The violinist played sweet melodies in the background while groups of men happily cheered and sang along to the rhythm. Lord Tommel had finally turned the small town into a hub for weary travelers and denizens of Sydenham town. Along with his many financial ventures, the tavern had been the hardest to start. Sydenham town was known as a farm town, only a little better than a typical village. It had taken many renovations and word of mouth from travelers before many had known of the town's changing nature.

Lord Tommel had only taken a seat moments ago after giving a short speech. He slowly gulped a swig of beer with the masses before the buzz quickly kicked in. If he had been 30 years younger, then he would have stayed longer to share in the celebration. His body had betrayed him and reminded him otherwise. Captain Michael helped him to his feet before taking him home via his carriage.

"I think this is as far as the road may take us, my old friend," Tommel said as he stared outside the carriage.

"There is still much to be done milord," Michael said almost automatically.

"Maybe you're right," Tommel whispered slowly. "But I have done more than enough, the future lies within Erik's hand now."

Michael glimpsed at the painful smile Lord Tommel displayed. It was rare to see the man's true emotions so readily. The rest of the carriage ride continued without any further conversation as Michael saw it fit to leave his Lord with his thoughts.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

It had been a long five years for Tommel. He found himself working much harder than he had in the previous years combined. His responsibilities as a baron were taxing on his body but he continued for his Erik's sake. Tommel gripped his cane as he was helped from the carriage. Not so long ago his remembered making the jump from the carriage without sparing a second thought. Now, his fail body needed more time before he could even take a step forward. He trotted towards his study, this time unaided. He greeted his servants by name with a warm smile as he made his way down the hallway. He made it his duty to treat each one with care, he knew how difficult life as a commoner could be after all.

Even though he was now living in a large mansion, Tommel still preferred the intimate time he shared with his books. He allowed Michael to resume his duties outside before closing the door behind him. He smiled. Michael had treated him like a father, always caring for him way more than he should. It was more evident now that he had gone up in years. Tommel had appreciated it, never voicing it out loud for the battle-worn man to hear. He never needed to, it was an unspoken understanding between the two. He sat in his chair, removing the buttons from the top of his shirt as he unwound himself. A low sigh escaped his lips before he reclined further in the chair.

"I see you've made an even bigger name for yourself old man," a raspy voice said slowly. Tommel didn't flinch or bother to turn around. He knew this day would come. He had been waiting for it for a little over five years.

"It seems I'll have to hire new guards," Tommel said in a serious tone as he turned towards the man.

"You think newer guards would stop you from fulfilling your end of the bargain old man?" The visitor scoffed. He was a medium built man dressed in a dark green uniform. A Burgan uniform Tommel knew. The man stroked his dark, groomed mustache as he showed his displeasure.

"Are all Burgans without humor Ser Wolfe?"

"We are," the man said without hesitation. "The deal was, you give me the blueprints for the ships, I'll raid your little town, so you can play your little political games then you'll trade goods with my people. Isn't that right? Or have you forgotten?"

"I'm aware of the deal, there is no need to repeat it. It's difficult to forget when you've sold out your own people," Tommel said with a sigh. "Although this was done under duress, I'm a man of my word. Four carriages full of grain and meat correct? I can have them ready by nightfall."

"Haha, blessed be the day my men captured you in Talawa. Your schemes run deep old man, the other nobles would fear you had they known what you've done. Even allowing your own men to meet their end. You'd make a fine Burgan and for that, you've earned my respect." Ser Wolfe then grinned triumphantly as he stood up.

Patting Tommel's shoulder, Ser Wolfe added, "Have the carriages travel to Telemer, at the village closest to the sea, my men would take care of the rest."

Nodding, Lord Tommel reminded, "This concludes our dealings Ser Wolfe, four carriages every week, nothing more and nothing less."

"It is as you say, old man," Wolfe's voice faded as the man disappeared from where he came.

Tommel waited a few more minutes before he allowed himself to gasp for air. Ser Wolfe was a scary person to deal with. What made matters worse, Tommel found it difficult to read the man's intention. Hopefully, this deal would be the only interaction they shared. He could remember their first meeting. It was at least 30 years ago in Talawa. He was commissioned to teach a few young lords closer to the border. For a few extra coins, he had risked his life, placing complete faith in the Katarian Army. As faith would have it, the border town was captured by Burgans and almost everyone slaughtered.

He had managed to survive by hiding in the Servant's chambers but was quickly found by Zane Wolfe who had a frightening eye for details. Tommel was initially surprised by the man's lack of interest in killing him. Wolfe hadn't even laid a finger on him, but he gave off an eerie feeling of death and decay. Tommel had completely submitted to him, choosing to live as a slave than die as a commoner. It was a difficult decision that went against everything that Tommel stood for, but the fear of death had somehow overcome his principals. Tommel smiled bitterly as he remembered it. He had tried his best to beat his principals into Erik and Khal even though he knew he could never wholeheartedly do it.

Zane Wolfe had a peculiar taste for scholars, Tommel had thought at that time. He had shown a lot of interest in Katarian history and politics, something scoffed at by most Burgans. Tommel saw little harm in discussing the intricacies of it with him.

Two weeks flew by while teaching Wolfe whatever he wanted to know. Tommel was unsure whether he would live or die or whether the rumors about Ser Wolfe were true or not. It was said that the man loved to play with his food before eating it. It made for a more lavish 'meal' the Burgan soldiers always said. Whether they were true or not had yet to be tested.

It wasn't until the end of the week that Wolfe asked Tommel about ship blueprints. Tommel had written lengthy discussions about it in his many scrolls. It was an ancient shipbuilding technique that Tommel had discovered in the capital. Not many had known about it and even fewer were able to interpret its complex nature.

Tommel's mind had worked relentlessly before he came up with a plan that would both save his life and promote his political career. He had giggled internally at the sudden boon. His love for books had saved his life, he thought at that time. Burgans constantly lived in harsh environments, forcing them to adapt a warlike nature for survival. It was with that knowledge that Tommel was able to make the deal in the first place. He knew that the loss of a few soldiers was a small price to pay for a constant supply of food to the Burgans. Life mattered little in such societies after all.

Thunderfist Dor had been the only one to see through his schemes after the Burgan invasion. The man had spared him because of his relationship with Khal. Despite all his plotting, it had taken twenty-five years before the Burgans could actually develop the ship that would be able to traverse the deadly Tiger River. He had half forgotten about the deal until Avery was attacked. He doubted that Wolfe's only motive for allowing him to live was to procure food. Just how deep does his scheme run? Tommel questioned himself. The Burgans that invaded certainly had no idea of his dealing with Wolfe, in fact, their plan was to capture the entirety of Seabo.

Wait, send goods to Telemer? Does that mean that he now controls it? Tommel exhaled slowly as he gathered himself. It was too late to worry about that. The deal was done, and he had won, there was little time for regret now. He knew better than anyone that his deal wouldn't have worked without luck. Now, all he needed to do was follow through.

Tommel hardened his heart and began to pen several letters. His penmanship, as impeccable as ever. It took him long past midnight, but he was determined to finish. He made sure to address each to their rightful owners before he dropped his quill thereafter. He massaged his stiff hand while he stared at it, the loose skin that surrounded his bony fingers were mottled with dark spots. It was bittersweet, the fragility of life. He slowly grabbed his cane and stood up with great effort, before heading down the hallway.

His mansion overlooked Sydenham town and Tommel was determined to see the sunrise before he returned to his chambers. He gripped his cane and stood still. First, the roosters crowed loudly, eliciting a loud chuckle from Tommel. He used to hate those pesky animals but now it was a great reminder of the beauty of life. The fluttering of wings echoed in the quiet before the smaller birds chirped melodiously as they started their day. The sun peeped over the horizon slowly, creating a golden wanderlust with the clouds. Tommel smiled, it was the first truly satisfied smile he'd shown in a long time. He could feel all his worries drifting away, just as his consciousness was. He first released his cane, allowing it to hit the floor. The last sound he heard was his wooden companion bouncing a few times on the floor before coming still.