Rift of Askrah Book 1: Fracture

Almost immediately after she began screaming, Nihlen began running. He ran deep into the forest, and Marina watched as he ran. She was still screaming, and she couldn’t stop.

  As her breath was exhausted, and her scream ended involuntarily, Marina sank to her knees, gasping for air and clutching her chest. That eye… Black instead of white, with a red iris. The pupil was black as night. Like a never ending abyss. The feeling that eye brought out in me was the most terrible thing I’ve ever felt. I can’t even describe that emotion, except for…

  Despair.

  “Nihlen!” She suddenly yelled, jumping up. She ran back into the forest, not sure of where he went. Not sure if she should even chase him. She did though, and called out repeatedly as she ran after him, never hearing a response. She wandered and wandered, until she didn’t know how far in she was, or how long she’d been looking for him.

  He must be confused too… And even I screamed in fear of him. What was that though? He was so hostile, but only toward the enemy. I felt no hostility when he looked at me. Just that feeling…

  Suddenly Marina stopped, and sat down against the nearest tree. She was unbelievably tired, the entire situation had taken so much out of her. Plus seeing into that eye had drained her of her strength. She was afraid, confused, and tired. She rested her head, and closed her eyes. She just listened to the forest around her. It was alive with the sounds of wildlife. It was so peaceful, and she appreciated it more than ever since they had fled from Han and Calden.

  “Nihlen, please!” She yelled once more, desperate.

  “I’m sorry.” A voice called from behind her. She turned to see Nihlen sitting on the other side of the tree. His left eye was bandaged once again.

  I never even heard him approach… She thought, but then she just turned around, and rested her head on the tree once again.

  “Marina… I’m sorry that I scared you.” Nihlen said quietly.

  “What happened Nihlen? What is that eye?” She asked, unable to contain the wonder any longer. She had to know.

  “I don't know for sure, but I have been thinking about it, and I may have an idea.” Nihlen said. His voice seemed extra gentle, as if he was trying to show her he wasn’t a threat.

  “I’m listening.” She said.

  “On the day I was to be married, on the day that…” He trailed off. That we kidnapped you. “Anyways, before you guys came, I was in the middle of a ceremony that every male heir in my family goes through. That was the first time I had the throbbing pain I’ve been having since. I think there is something in my family line… Something that ceremony was supposed to keep hidden away. But the presence of others interrupted my vision of my Path, and the ceremony was interrupted. I think it was supposed to be sealed, and you guys stopped the process.”

  “What is a vision of your Path?” Marina asked.

  “That is when one is able to see down the Path they are destined to travel. We all have a Path, or fate, that we are meant to follow. That destiny can branch, and change though, like the many paths from one point to another. Being able to see down that path before you have traveled it is a skill that runs in my family. It has always run through those who rule the land of Askrah. It is the same for the royalty of your land.”

  “So you had no idea about your eye until now?” Marina asked. “Your parents never told you about such a thing?”

  Nihlen shook his head. “I have never heard of this.” He reached up, and placed a hand over his bandaged eye. “I do not know what this eye is, or what it even looks like. When I ran after you screamed, I searched everywhere for a pond, or river, something where I could see my own reflection. I couldn’t find anything though.”

  “I think that maybe it should stay that way.” Marina stated. “That eye… Whatever it is, there is something bad attached to it. Looking into it, I can’t even begin to explain to you the feeling. And something inside me is just saying that you should never look into it yourself.”

  “Where is Cal?” Nihlen asked.

  “Probably sleeping in the saddle where I left him. I don’t take orders very well, even from him.” She said dangerously.

  “We should go collect him. We need leave this place immediately.” Nihlen said, standing up. He offered his hand to help her stand, which she accepted.

  “Does that mean you aren’t afraid of me?” Nihlen asked, a slight amount of tentativeness in his voice. He still had a gentle hold on to her hand.

  “Of course I’m not afraid of you. I can beat you up after all.” She said, laughing a little afterward.

  “You think you beat me? That was hardly a fair fight. I was in terrible condition, and I had to beat the other two with what little strength I had before we fought.” Nihlen retorted.

  “Excuses, excuses, that's how it always is with you men. When you lose, there’s always a reason. You just can’t accept you lost to a girl.” Marina said in a patronizing tone.

  The two of them looked at each other, and then laughed. Despite the situation, things were a lot better now than they were a few hours before.

  We’ll just worry about the rest as we get there.

  The duo had returned to find a none too pleased Cal waiting for them. Before a fight could possibly break out, they mounted up, and rode through the forest. This time Cal rode with Marina, and Nihlen had a horse to himself. Exhaustion was quickly overcoming Marina, and she slumped against Cal's back, fighting a futile battle to keep her eyes open. She quickly gave in to the call of sleep and dreams, and could stay awake no longer.

  In the early hours of the morning, the trio reached the port city of Yomaria. Everyone was dead tired. They had ridden through the night, and though Marina had slept, sleep from the back of a moving horse is anything but restful. Despite the situation, Marina felt strangely happy. Nihlen also seemed to be in good spirits, which was amazing considering his situation. Cal, on the other hand…

  “How much gold do you guys have?” Nihlen suddenly asked, just as they had ridden into town.

  “Not very much… We traveled light since we weren’t expecting to stay.” Marina said, wishing she had brought what little they had left behind.

  “I need all that you have. I need to get some new clothes.” Nihlen said, pulling at his bloodstained robe. It was all he had on him when they had taken him.

  “You want to spend our money on clothes for yourself? You people really have no limits…” Cal said angrily.

  “It’s not out of vanity!” Nihlen snapped, making Marina flinch. “In case you haven’t noticed, this robe is strange enough. Add to it the fact that it’s covered in blood, and it draws a lot of attention! Look! People are staring at us! We are on the run, so attention is kind of something we have to avoid!”

  Cal looked from Nihlen to Marina, then back to Nihlen. “Yes, my Lord. Whatever you wish. Would you like me to give you a massage? Perhaps go and fetch you some grapes as well?”

  “Cal!” Marina said in a chastising tone, giving him a hard stare. “What he’s saying makes perfect sense! People are staring at us! What if the guards come?”

  “Then leave him!” Cal roared, their horse prancing nervously below them. “Why are you going so far for him? We got him to the city, he’s no longer our responsibility! Surely even this ridiculous notion you have that you have to protect this guy is satisfied now that he is safely in this town! We need to think about ourselves now!”

  “My ridiculous notion?” Marina said, her voice ice cold. She eyed Cal with a hard stare. “Thinking about ourselves is what got us into this mess! Do you not even feel the least bit responsible for any of this? You are acting like a child, blindly going your own way instead of actually looking at the situation!”

  “A child, am I?” Cal said, his voice lowered to a normal tone. “Well, I’m sure you wouldn’t want me around if I’m a child. You are dead set in helping him, and I’m dead set against it. I’m going home. If you don’t get locked up after ‘saving’ this guy, I’m sure you’ll be able to find your way back.”

/>   With that, Cal jumped off the horse, and began quickly walking away.

  “You should go after him.” Nihlen said, looking away. “Don’t ruin your life because you feel obligated to help me. I can make it on my own from here.”

  “Cal and I could never hate each other.” Marina stated simply, as a fact. “He is angry, and I can understand him. I've held the same anger as him. I am doing what I think is right in this instance though, and I won’t back down. I will make sure that you reach your home, even if it does mean I get locked up.”

  Marina started the horse forward, riding into the town. Nihlen was right behind her. “Let’s find a shop where we can get you some clothes. I’m sure the city guards will show up sooner or later after reports of a blood covered man in town begin circulating.”

  They rode for a little bit before they spotted a shop. They rode over to it, tied the horses, and went inside. The shop was nice, and well kept. Fabrics of all colors were spread out on large tables, piled high and neatly folded. The shop's name, The Rainbow Thread, fit quite appropriately. People browsed the shop, eying the completed garments on display. The way the first person looked at them when they walked in, though, it also seemed they didn’t belong there.

  “Excuse me, we have been on the road for quite sometime.” Marina said sweetly, grabbing the arm of a passing seamstress. “While we were traveling, my husband was injured when we were robbed.” She said, pointing at his eye. Though the bandage was clean, blood still covered Nihlen's face. “We had to tear his clothes down to use as bandaging until we were able to find a house to stop at. All they had to spare was what he's wearing...” Marina finished, doing her best to look pathetic. She was really good at it too.

  Nihlen was staring at her, but then turned to the seamstress, also putting on his best pathetic face.

  “That’s terrible!” The woman said, putting her hands up to her mouth. Marina produced what few coins she had, and the woman took them. She quickly counted them, and nodded. “But at least you were able to pull through! Don’t you worry now, I’ll make sure he’s taken care of. I’ll need you to take off the robe so I can properly measure you.”

  Nihlen looked back at Marina.

  “What are you waiting for dear? I believe she asked you to take off the robe.” Marina said, so sweetly she could tell it was making Nihlen sick.

  Nihlen turned from her, and seemed to hesitate slightly. I wonder if he's embarrassed...

  Without a word though, he pulled the robe off. He was completely naked beneath, causing the seamstress to pause. Even battered as he was, it was impossible to miss his attractiveness. With a nervous laugh, and slightly shaking hands, the woman began taking his measurements.

  “So why don’t you tell me what sort of clothes you’d like me to make? Material and cuts, those types of things.” The woman said, nervously glancing up at Nihlen.

  Marina turned away, trying to stifle her giggles. “He’d like it all black. It doesn’t have to be fancy, simple garments you can fashion quickly will do. They are only temporary. A pair of boots as well if you have them.”

  “I’ll get to work on that right away. Feel free to have a seat. Here’s your robe back in the mean time.” The woman said, moving off toward the back of the store. She glanced back at them over her shoulder for a fleeting second, drinking Nihlen in one last time.

  Nihlen slipped the robe on, and then came over to sit by Marina. They waited silently for quite a while, until eventually the woman reappeared, carrying the new garments.

  “Try these on, make sure they all fit.” The woman said, waiting for Nihlen to disrobe once again.

  Nihlen pulled the garments on one by one, and then turned to look at his reflection.

  “They look good on you dear.” Marina called from behind him, getting up to get a closer look. “Something is missing though…”

  Marina looked around the room, until she spotted what she was after. She ran quickly across the room, and grabbed a hat from a nearby rack. It was black as well, with a red band just above the brim. She ran back over to Nihlen, and placed the hat on his head. Staring at his reflection, she slowly began angling the hat toward his left side, until it covered up his bandaged face.

  Nihlen turned from the mirror to look at her.

  “I think it gives you a mysterious quality, instead of having people staring at the bandage on your face.” She said sweetly. “We’ll take it all.”

  As they left the shop, Nihlen touched the hat that now covered part of his face. As Marina watched, something suddenly occurred to her.

  “I wasn’t trying to hide your face because there’s something wrong or your eye or anything! I just thought it would be nice to not have people stare at your bandaged head…” She said, starting to feel bad about it.

  “I like it actually, it is rather ‘mysterious.’” Nihlen said, removing his hand. “Now it’s on to the next step.”

  “The next step?” Marina asked.

  “Fortunately, my father has a friend here. From his childhood, long before he became King. Jaylin Pascel is a famous merchant, but when he was a child, and his father still owned their shipping company, they would frequently come to the palace to do business. My father befriended Jaylin, and their friendship continued on even after he became King. Now that I am presentable, I am sure I can at least get a meeting with him. I’m sure he’ll be able to help me.” Nihlen said.

  “Then lead the way.” Marina said.

  The town was beautiful, and Marina gazed out at the ocean as they rode along the streets. It was a sunny and warm day. A gentle breeze blew across the area, making it feel perfect outside. It’s hard to believe it can be so peaceful after everything that happened last night...

  As she guided her horse, she took in the entire town. The buildings, beautifully maintained and of great craftsmanship. The people, so lively and full of joy. Children calling to their parents, lovers gazing at the ocean, and friends eating one of the many delicacies from the numerous shops. The sights, smells, and general feeling of this city were fantastic.

  “It’s hard to believe places like this really exist… Why can’t Rinh be like this?” Marina said aloud, though she had only meant to think it.

  “I do not know…” Nihlen said, turning back to look at her. “I would love to make it like this someday though.”

  Nihlen turned back around, and pointed ahead of them. “That’s his house ahead, lets hope for the best.”

  The house Nihlen guided them to was enormous. A large yard, full of beautiful flowers. An iron fence ran all the way around, allowing you to see only what was between the bars. The house was three floors tall and the architecture was much better than most buildings she had ever seen. Whoever owns this house is amazingly wealthy…

  They rode up to the gate, and climbed off their horses. They quickly tied them to the fence, and Nihlen opened the gate, gesturing for Marina to go ahead. When they reached the door, Nihlen knocked loudly a few times. Marina waited silently on edge to see if anyone would come to the door.

  The sound of a large lock being turned told them someone was indeed home. As the door opened, a small old lady stood there to greet them.

  “Can I help you?” She asked, her voice high and loud. She’s losing her hearing. Marina thought.

  “Yes.” Nihlen said, speaking louder than usual. He had picked up the hint too. “I am sorry for calling on you unannounced. I need to speak with Jaylin Pascel if he is available.”

  “Mr. Pascel is much too busy to deal with children, let alone those who drop by unannounced. I am afraid I will have to ask you to leave.” The lady said, starting to shut the door.

  “Wait, please, this is an emergency. Just tell him the son of the man who never wins is here, he’ll know what it means.” Nihlen said, a pleading note in his voice. “I promise if he says he doesn’t know, I will leave without taking up another moment of your time.”

  The old woman scowled at Nihlen, and then at Marina. “I will tell him, but you better l
eave afterward!” She said, slamming the door.

  “The son of the man who never wins?” Marina asked curiously.

  “When my father and Jaylin played together as children, he was always beating my father at games. Later on in life, he gained a certain amusement about this, and gave my father the nickname 'the man who never wins.' I guess it makes a person feel special when they can beat the King.” Nihlen said.

  Marina chuckled to herself quietly before returning to their patient waiting.

  As the door began to open once more, both of them straightened up, wondering what the decision would be.

  The person behind the door this time wasn’t the old lady, but a man. “Oh dear…” He said, stepping back. “Come inside quickly Nihlen, we have a lot to talk about.” He looked around the outside of the house in every direction as they moved through the door before he too stepped inside.

  Marina examined Jaylin as she stepped through the door. He looked quite young, with short brown hair that didn't show any signs of gray. He was tall, but not imposingly so. His clothes were immaculate, a beige shirt and slacks. He looked to be a happy person normally, but what Marina guessed was worry was currently clouding his unlined face.

  The man closed the door behind them, and slowly turned to face them. “Jaylin, I need your help.”

  “More than you know, I’m sure.” Jaylin said, his tone grave. “First though, I will have some food prepared while you both clean up, and you will eat and drink while we talk. You look exhausted, and I can only imagine what you’ve been through.”

  Marina looked at Jaylin, and she was concerned. He was fidgety, and definitely had something he needed to say. She looked to Nihlen. He didn’t seem to notice. The relief of making it to his friend was blocking his ability to see something was wrong.

  “Something to eat and drink would be lovely, it has been quite a journey. I’m Marina Elderol, nice to meet you.” Marina said, extending her hand to him.

  “Yes, a pleasure. Let’s get you two cleaned up right away.” Jaylin said. “Nallia, bring some food and drinks up to the second floor lounge, our guests are in need of refreshment! Also find a change of clothes for the lady!”

  “That’s not really necessary…” Marina began, until she looked down at her clothes. Her appearance, though not as bad as Nihlen’s had been, was travel worn to say the least. “It would be much appreciated.” She said, smiling.

  The old woman who had answered the door suddenly appeared at Jaylin's side. He hadn't called for her, but there she was. He bent down to speak close to the old woman's ear, probably so he wouldn't have to yell. “Ryma, will you please show these two to the bathrooms, so they may freshen up.”

  “Yes Mr. Pascel.” Ryma said, nodding curtly. “Come along you two!”

  Ryma moved pretty fast for her age, and walked the halls of the Pascel house as if they were her own. Marina supposed they were in a way, for all the time she spent in them. Jaylin's house was beautiful, full of expensive trinkets and furniture. Knowing she was heading to take a bath though, Marina could have cared less where she was.

  Ryma directed Marina into the first room they stopped at, leaving Nihlen to wander further with Ryma on his own. With a quick wave, she disappeared inside the door.

  Now alone, she found herself in a lavish bedroom. The four poster bed was covered in silk pillows and bedspread, and looked beyond inviting to Marina at that point. She pushed herself through the room though, and into the adjoining bathroom.

  As she saw the bath, she couldn't help herself. She jumped up and down a little and ran over to it. It was enormous, with eight golden water spouts circling around. It could hold fifteen people probably, with room to spare. As she turned the water on and quickly undressed, she was glad she'd have it all to herself.

  She wasn't able to relax long though, as she couldn't ignore how Jaylin had seemed when they arrived. She wouldn't want to hold things up so she could relax in a bath. So she quickly scrubbed herself clean, and climbed out of the soothing water, draping a towel around herself. She moved to the mirror, dried her hair, and quickly combed through it.

  Stepping back into the bedroom, there was a very nice blue shirt and black slacks set out for her. She changed into them, and they fit reasonably well. She then quickly left the room, and headed back for where they'd originally entered at. Waiting for her was Ryma, and she motioned for Marina to follow. Upstairs, Ryma led her to a room not far from the stairs, and opened the door for her to enter.

  Jaylin and Nihlen were already waiting for her. Nihlen was cleaned up now, his face still bandaged though. It seemed they hadn't spoken about anything yet. I wonder how long I've kept them waiting...

  A great spread of food had been set out, which Marina hurried over to gratefully. Ripe and delicious looking fruits, steaming meats, vegetables, cakes and cookies. The smell made her mouth water and her stomach growl. Marina wasn't sure where to start. Jaylin left them in silence as the two ate and drank, trying to regain some strength. Marina felt a twinge of guilt as she suddenly thought about Cal, and wondered if he had found anything to eat, but her anger with him quickly resurfaced, and she pushed it out of her mind.

  “Thank you for your hospitality Jaylin.” Nihlen said, sitting back in his chair after he'd finished eating. “Now, I’m sure you’d like to know what’s going on.”

  “I should be saying that to you, Nihlen.” Jaylin said, fidgeting in his chair. He then took a deep breath, and looked straight at Nihlen. “After you disappeared, the capital flew into a panic. They mounted a search for you, but it didn't last long. Just days after, the army of Rinh marched on Draven. There was no advance warning from any of the towns between the Dividing Wall and the city of Draven. Draven was caught completely unprepared. Rinh’s forces were in the palace before anyone could blink an eye.”

  “What do you mean, exactly?” Nihlen asked, halfway between rising and sitting.

  “I mean that your family is now missing, and our kingdom has been claimed by Rinh. Word spread like wildfire, and the entire nation, and probably most of the world, knows what has happened, or will very soon. I thought you were gone as well, until I heard that message from Ryma. Perhaps all hope is not lost.” Jaylin said.

  Marina looked to Nihlen. It looked like he had disappeared. Like he wasn’t there anymore. His eyes stared straight ahead, quietly, and unmoving. Marina opened her mouth to say something, but stopped. What could I possibly say?

  Suddenly he shook his head, and his eyes refocused. “Why did they kidnap me separately?” Nihlen asked. “If they had a force strong enough to crush us before we could react, what was the need to remove me separately?”

  “I can't imagine, none of this makes sense at all. Tell me about what has happened to you so far.” Jaylin asked.

  Nihlen began to recount his tale to Jaylin. It was cleverly edited on the spot to leave out the information about what happened during the day of his wedding with the ceremony, as well as what was really under the bandage beneath the hat he wore. He also changed Marina and Cal’s place in the story, saying he met them after escaping his captors.

  This isn’t going to hold up if other parts of the story have to come out… Like if he knows his captor. It may be possible to trace Han back to the two of them, if the right people were asked… Marina thought to herself, but there was nothing she could do except trust in Nihlen for now.

  When he was finished, Jaylin sat back in his chair, his fingers touching one another to form an arch. “That is quite a tale Nihlen.” Jaylin said, glancing over at Marina. “So you were betrayed from the inside, and kidnapped by this Han and Calden fellow. I must admit, I’m as curious as you are about why you were taken separately. Those questions will have to wait, however, for we must figure out what will be done next.”

  “Yes, that certainly is a problem.” Nihlen said. “I’m sorry for getting you involved in this. Had I known the situation had turned into this, I would never have come to you. You are in danger just by me being here.”
>
  “No, you did the right thing in coming to me Nihlen. It’s amazing you even escaped with your life. I’m sure we have this young lady and her missing friend to thank for that.” Jaylin said, inclining his head to Marina. “The problem is that Rinh crushed Draven, which certainly shouldn't be easy, in a matter of days, and with no effort or news of war to the outside. Other nations are going to fear getting involved with this island.”

  “Is there any other choice though? Surely the rest of the world wouldn’t sit by and watch something like that happen.” Nihlen said.

  “I know your father has taught you more about politics than that to actually believe something like that. Look at what has been happening in Rinh, but no one would touch that either. War is a slippery slope, especially when it doesn’t directly involve your country.” Jaylin said. “Even if they did want to move, going to war takes time and preparation. It would be quite some time before any action was taken.”

  “So appealing to other nations is out of the question…” Nihlen said, turning to look out the window. “It seems the situation is rather hopeless. Rinh has marched in, taken my family, and overthrown my kingdom. What should I do?”

  “There must be someone we can talk to.” Marina said, looking to Jaylin.

  “You should take a lesson from this one Nihlen, never give up hope. You’ll abandon all those people in Draven because you think you may not be able to do it? That it sounds impossible? I hope you can look each and every one of those people in the face and tell them that.” Jaylin said.

  Nihlen turned from the window, and then looked down at the floor. “I’m sorry, I could never give up. It’s just hard not to see what lies ahead as an impassible wall.”

  “No wall is impassible.” Jaylin said. “You just need the right tools for the ascent.”

  Marina smiled at Jaylin. He had a way with words, and a wisdom that seemed to run deep as the ocean. Nihlen was right to come to this man. The man who is greater than the King.

  “By the way Nihlen, what happened to your eye?” Jaylin asked.

  Nihlen didn't immediately respond. Marina could see he was fighting with himself over whether to tell Jaylin the truth or not. “I was injured during the struggle when I was kidnapped. I've had it looked at though, it just needs time to heal.”

  “I see...” Jaylin said, watching Nihlen silently for a few moments. “What I propose is the following. You should travel to Leoradan. I’m sure you know the Queen there. She was also a childhood friend of your father’s. I’m sure out of anyone who rules the nations of the world currently, she will have the most sympathetic ear for your cause. Even if she can’t help you directly, I am sure you will at least gain direction by meeting with her.” Jaylin said.

  “How will we get there? We have no money…” Nihlen said.

  “You think I would let the son of my childhood friend wander around with nothing to find his own passage to a foreign country? Today I have a shipping vessel that is headed to Leoradan. You will ride that boat out of here. When you get there, you will give the letter I will write for you to the castle guards at the gates. It will look like the shipping manifest which needs to be signed by the Queen for her specialty order items. When she sees my letter, she will certainly take care of you from there.”

  “When does the boat leave?” Marina asked.

  “Very soon I’m afraid, within the hour. We must head there now if we are to make it to the docks in time.” Jaylin said.

  Marina turned away, looking down at the floor. Cal… I don’t want to just leave him behind. But I can't leave Nihlen either after everything we've just learned! What should I do? She frantically asked herself.

  “You can stay Marina, and find Cal. Really, you’ve done enough. I’m about to leave this land, and I don’t know if or when I’ll be coming back. I can’t get you involved in a problem of this scale.” Nihlen said.

  “You’re not involving me, I’m involving myself.” Marina said, standing up. “We should be headed for the docks if we're on a tight schedule.”

  “Yes, we really must be going Nihlen.” Jaylin said, standing up. Jaylin led the way downstairs, and to the front door. “I have some business to attend to, and will be home later!” He called, before opening the door, and leading the way out.

  “I’m really sorry you have to be rushing again.” Jaylin said, as they approached the gate. “You’ve been on the move all night, and haven’t even had a chance to properly rest.”

  “We appreciate the help Jaylin. I’m sure we’ll be able to rest plenty on the boat ride to Leoradan. It is quite a journey from here to there.” Nihlen said.

  As they exited the gate, Marina looked over toward where they had left their horses, and jumped in surprise. Sitting on the ground against the fence was Cal. “Where are we headed to now?” He asked.

  “The docks.” Jaylin said. “You must be Cal. I’m Jaylin Pascel. You can leave the horses here, I will make sure they are attended to.”

  Marina expected Cal to say he wasn’t here to come along, but to her surprise, he stood up, and walked over to join their group. “Lead the way.” He said, gesturing for them to begin walking.

  As they walked, Marina moved up beside Cal. “Are you coming with me, even though you have no idea what’s going on?” Marina asked.

  “I am.” Cal answered simply.

  “Why would you be doing that? You definitely have a problem with what I’m doing.” Marina stated.

  “I do have a problem with what you’re doing, but I have a bigger problem with something happening to you. You have yourself convinced you have to do this, so I have to see you through it safely, even if I don’t like it one bit.” Cal said, looking down at her.

  “What would I do without you?” She asked.

  “You’d either still be a maid at that household, or you’d have been swallowed up by the streets long ago.” He said, but he smiled at her slightly.

  “I’m glad you two have made up.” Nihlen said, turning to walk backward so he could look at them.

  “Don’t start getting all friendly with me, I’m not doing it for your sake. Don’t think I’ll put my life on the line for you or anything. I’m only coming along to protect Marina.” Cal said, looking away.

  “Well none the less, it’s another one along for the ride.” Nihlen said, turning around and heading forward.

  Chapter 7

  The Calm Before the Storm