Morwin and Galvin arrived back at their inn later that night. Morwin tried his best to not show any signs of distress, but it didn’t work. Mr. Axwel noticed him and ran up to him. “Are you hurt? What did they want? Did you give it to them?” the head servant asked. Morwin spat out lies and fake answers to get the man to back off. He felt bad lying to Mr. Axwel like this. That man didn’t deserve it. But how could he tell the head servant of one of the Ministers that his son had decided to join a rebel group dedicated to fighting said man and the king?

  “I’m glad you’re okay,” Mr. Axwel finally said, breathing a sigh of relief. “But don’t do this again in the future. This experience has taught me something, and it’s for us to always keep a close eye on you. No more sending us away, no more wandering off. Is this understood?”

  Morwin nodded. Anything to placate him. He didn’t even pay attention to the conversation. All he wanted to do was go lie in his bed and curl up, drowning out the outside world.

  “And one more thing,” Mr. Axwel said.

  Morwin pretended to listen as the man droned on and on. He just couldn’t shake the images from the back of his mind. He could feel the heat of the lingering flames dancing off his skin, the look of satisfaction in Lord Demarian’s eyes as he set the building aflame. That image would sit with him for a while. He respected Lord Demarian. Then why would a just man like that do something terrible like this in a city which they didn’t even have sovereignty over?

  “Young Master Morwin, are you even listening to me?” he demanded.

  That snapped him out of his train of thoughts. “I said… one of our servants has been confirmed dead.”

  Morwin’s eyes went wide. “Who?” he asked.

  “Phalmor. He was in the square searching for you when a battle between Justicar and Lord Demarian broke out. He was caught in the collateral. He was found with an arrow sticking out his neck.”

  Morwin sighed. Another death on his hands. He wished he could go back to when he was a kid, simpler times, where he knew nothing about fighting, war, and death. Back to before the battle of Rathalin ten years ago.

  “I’m sorry,” Morwin said, tears stinging the corner of his eyes. “I’m going to go to bed now. I’m… really tired.”

  Mr. Axwel looked at Galvin. “Thank you for bringing him back in one piece,” he said, to which Galvin just gave a curt nod.

  Most of the servants retired. There were two posted outside Morwin’s door at all times. Vince and another servant whom he did not know the name of, stood and guarded him.

  Morwin knew nothing bad was going to happen to him now. Justicar wouldn’t attack. Lord Demarian got the vengeance he wanted. And the citizens of Jovin City didn’t even know he was there. But Mr. Axwel had insisted. If it would make him happier, then so be it.

  Galvin’s work was not done. He still had a mission left, one he would see to the very end. The peace talks were not concluded yet, and Lord Seldam did not show any hint of giving up his position. Especially not after what happened today. If anything, his allegiance would be pulled more towards Justicar, which worked out in Galvin’s favor in the end. But for now, he needed Morwin to succeed.

  When all was quiet in the town, he made his way out of the inn, careful to not let any of the other servants see him. Unfortunately, he’d burned even his cloak and mask.

  In truth, he could have let them keep it, but the risk was too great. He’d decided their mission in Jovin City was completed. So he would have to pay a little visit as Galvin, the humble servant.

  He had some gemstones in his pockets, hidden from view. Unfortunately, diamonds take the longest for their essence to come back. With good reason too. Diamonds are among the strongest of gemstones. He would have to do without it for now.

  He Absorbed in some emerald and let the words fill his mind. Wind, Freedom, Balance. He focused on Wind and sent a blast underneath his feet at the same time he jumped. He leapt higher than normal and landed on one of the rooftops.

  He hoped none of Demarian’s soldiers were out and about that night. If anything, he was more than certain they’d retreated after the massacre earlier in the day.

  He moved along the rooftops as silently as possible. Eventually, the palace came into view. The palace on the other end of the city, which supposedly housed Lord Seldam.

  But he knew that wasn’t true. Lord Seldam didn’t live in a fancy lavish palace. That was just a front, an appearance to look wealthy. Smart of him to not, as Galvin would fall into an easy trap.

  Lord Seldam is a careful man. Careful to look out for himself. He lives in one of the houses, goes home late at night when no one sees him and is escorted by several guards.

  How did Galvin know this? Well, members of Justicar arrived a day before Morwin did. Before they started wreaking havoc in the city, he’d instructed them to gather as much information as possible, specifically pertaining to Lord Seldam, as he knew he’d used that information soon.

  What was waiting inside the palace was not Lord Seldam, but several guards working in rotating shifts to make sure no one got in with ill intent towards the lord of the city.

  Galvin made a detour, leaping from building to building until he came to his destination. A random house, and which if Galvin didn’t know any better, seemed to belong to another citizen of Jovin City.

  Lord Seldam lived as a normal citizen in the city would. He’d brought along various gemstones with him to help in whatever he needed.

  He Absorbed in some sapphire and focused on Senses. He sat on top of the roof. Like usual, many sensations flooded into his mind, one for each of the senses.

  He’d been Gemming for a long time, and as such, he knows the ins and outs of it. He could filter out all the other senses and focus only on the one he needed within a second. The brightness of the night faded, the powerful breeze subsided, the chattering of citizens still awake vanished, and the taste of saltiness replaced by nothing.

  He heard Lord Seldam in his room. Using Senses to improve his hearing also increased his ability to pick up things. Subtle things no one else could know. He heard Seldam breathe in and out steadily, but within that steady breath, a tiny hint of panic.

  He was talking to someone. “But Clara, I can’t give in! Not to them… anyone but them,” he said.

  Galvin increased his area of focus so he could hear Lord Seldam’s wife’s voice as well. “I don’t give a damn about your pride, I don’t care whose side you’re on. My concern is keeping this family and especially our children safe. You always think about yourself. You’re not the only one in this family.”

  Lord Seldam sighed. “I’ll consider it,” he said.

  Galvin knew Seldam would give in. A simple threat would push him over the edge. He dispelled the rest of his sapphire essence and Absorbed in some emerald. He hated being able to only Absorb one essence at a time and maintain his sanity. He’d tried to Absorb ruby and sapphire together, and that didn’t go so well so he’d been careful to only have one essence inside him at a time.

  He propelled himself off the brick rooftops with a gust of wind. He landed on a roof a little bit closer to where the lord’s home was. He could still see the light was on and two shadows.

  He didn’t much care about the contents of the conversation anymore. He was just waiting for Clara to leave. He waited for about five minutes when he saw her shadow retreat, leaving Seldam’s silhouette in the window.

  It was now or never. With another burst of wind beneath his feet. He landed gracefully on the balcony of Lord Seldam’s home.

  He Absorbed in some sapphire and focused on Mind. He took a deep breath, and directed a thought towards the man.

  Open the balcony door.

  The silhouette grew closer and Galvin ducked to the side to avoid being seen before the door opened.

  He heard metal scrape against concrete, and immediately sprang into action. He grabbed Lord Seldam’s arm and yanked him outside, shutting the balcony door and slamming Lord Seldam against the railing.

  “What do you want with me?” he said, eyes wide staring at Galvin fearfully.

  “Do what your wife says,” Galvin said. “Open up the city to Lord De’Shai and his soldiers. Morwin is going to be back later to continue negotiations, since they were abruptly halted. And you tell him yes. That is what I want you to do.”

  Lord Seldam frowned and brushed Galvin aside, walking to the balcony. “So that’s how it is,” he said. “When you people can’t get what you want, you resort to petty eavesdropping and threats. I am above that.”

  “People died today,” Galvin said. “People who didn’t deserve to die. Innocent ones who were thought to be rebels. They died in your city because your weakness has allowed Justicar to infect it. If you don’t want more people to perish in the crossfire, then you will do as I say and as your wife says.”

  Lord Seldam stared at him blankly.

  “Do I make myself clear?”

  “Bah this is my city I do what I want.”

  Galvin Absorbed more sapphire and focused on Mind. He grabbed a hold of Lord Seldam’s arm and looked the man in the eyes. “Do I make myself clear?” he repeated, more ferocity in his words. He’d used Mind to influence the man slightly, giving himself an aura of intimidation.

  “I’m going to need a drink for this shit tomorrow,” Lord Seldam said then nodded, the effects of the sapphire not seeming to take effect.

  Galvin took a deep breath and released the man. “Good,” he said. With that, he turned around and leapt off the side of the balcony.

  Despite his exhaustion, Morwin could not fall asleep. He tossed and turned in bed until he decided he couldn’t do it. How could one be so tired and so full of energy at the same time?

  He got up off his bed and put the sapphire necklace around his neck. He could feel barely any essence inside of it.

  Morwin put on a coat and opened the door to his room and took a peek outside. To the left and right, two different servants stood, watching. They noticed the door opening and turned to him.

  “Going somewhere?” one of his servants said.

  “Just going out for a nightly stroll,” Morwin replied.

  “We’ll go with you,” another servant spoke up.

  Morwin shook his head. “No, that’s okay. I’ll go by myself,” he replied.

  The other servant shook his head. “No can do. Especially not after what happened today. So the two of us will go with you and maybe two more.”

  Morwin sighed. “Fine, I guess I won’t be going out after all,” he said, closing his door and returning to his room.

  At least they gave him a room with a window. He moved to unlock it and push it up. A breeze blew past and gave him a chill.

  He stared down at the ground. His room stood so high up… He reached into the cabinet and pulled out one of the diamond coins.

  Galvin said those take the longest for the essence to return. They’d drained it completely during the day, and now it was around midnight. Was that enough time?

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  He reached out for it and could feel a speck of essence within it. He Absorbed from all three diamonds, drawing in as much as he could. He looked over the window and prepared himself. How would he get down?

  He focused on Spatial. He willed his body to feel the ground underneath him. The air around him warped and twisted. He closed his eyes to avoid the vertigo, and when he reopened them, he laid face down on the ground. As he stood up, a powerful wave of dizziness washed over him. He’d never done that before…

  And he’d drained what little essence was in the igians. That was fine, he could just go in through the front door and take the heat from Mr. Axwel.

  He wandered the night streets of Jovin City. All remained calm, except for when he passed by the occasional taverns. Those were bustling with laughter, joy, and people. How did they seem so happy regardless of what happened earlier today?

  He entered into one of the taverns, and immediately, the stench of sweat, dirt, and alcohol slapped him across the face. He could barely get by without bumping into someone. Was it usually like this during Jovin nights?

  He wandered up to the bar and sat down, hands on the counter. He reached into his pocket for some money, but the only one he carried were the igians.

  The bartender approached him. “What can I get for you tonight?” he said, using a towel to clean a mug.

  “I don’t know,” Morwin replied. “Recommend me something for a first timer.”

  “First timer you say?” the bartender said. “I’d recommend something weaker, like Stormwins Ale.”

  “I’ll take that,” Morwin said.

  “Great, upfront please,” the bartender said.

  Morwin looked at him in the eye as he placed the highest denomination of money on the counter.

  The bartender glanced at the igian, then back up to Morwin. “Umm I can’t accept that,” he said.

  “Well free drinks around the house,” Morwin said. “And hopefully this can keep my night going for a while.”

  The bartender gracefully took the coin. “Hey everybody, free drinks courtesy of this rich boy right here!”

  Cheers and applause rang throughout the tavern, but Morwin just sat there. Many things circulated his mind. He didn’t know what was wrong with him. Before, he wouldn’t just… sneak out of the inn and go off to a bar on his own. What had changed? Being scarred by witnessing a real battle? Or from finding out that everything he’s been taught throughout his life had been a lie. Or the fact that… he just simply didn’t care anymore.

  “Well hello there stranger,” a voice said from behind. Beside him a figure sat. Someone he felt like he met earlier today. His voice sounded familiar.

  “Hey,” Morwin replied, as the bartender set down a mug filled with a clear drink inside.

  “I take it you were the one who bought drinks for everyone?”

  Morwin just shrugged. “Didn’t have a coin on me,” he answered. “So enjoy.”

  Morwin took a sip from his drink. It tasted both bitter and sweet at the same time. Mostly bitter. He didn’t like the taste whatsoever.

  “Jules,” the man spoke, extending a hand.

  “Morwin,” Morwin answered. “You’re the one Galvin and his friends risked their lives for I take it.”

  The older man sighed. “Yeah. Could’ve gotten themselves killed too.”

  Morwin took another swig from his mug.

  “I didn’t know you drink,” Jules said, taking a sip from his ale.

  “I don’t,” Morwin said. “Why do you drink?”

  Jules shrugged. “I don’t know kid,” he responded. “What’s a reason most people drink? Drown out your troubles, the only moments of relief you have are when you’re intoxicated. Lost a loved one you’ve known most of your life? There’s lots of reason.”

  “What’s your reason?” he asked.

  “Yes,” was his only reply before he took another sip.

  Morwin waited for more, but after an awkward moment of silence, he decided not to push it. Instead, he resumed his own drink.

  Weird. The more went down his throat, the less he could taste of the bitterness. When his mug was empty, it tasted completely sweet. Not a bad taste at all…

  “So,” he said. “When did you join Justicar?”

  “Ten years ago,” was his curt reply. “Bartender! Another round for me please!”

  After declaring Morwin had paid for all their drinks, lots of people called the various servers, requesting their mugs to be refilled. The servers happily obliged. The pub became louder and more boisterous ever since Morwin came in. It had become difficult to hear even the person sitting right next to him.

  “Why did you join?” he wondered.

  Jules set down his mug and turned to him. “I just think they’re a good bunch. Doing the right thing,” was his reply. He returned to his mug. Morwin stared as he downed the entire thing in one swig and slammed it on the counter.

  “Bartender!” he flagged. “Another round for me please!”

  “Right away!” the bartender called back as he poured another glass for a different patron.

  Morwin requested for some more drink as well.

  He noticed his head starting to feel light as he downed the next drink. He slammed his cup on the counter and called the bartender over once again.

  The two of them drank in each other’s company throughout the night. Morwin stuck on Stormwins Ale, as he liked the taste the best. Well, he didn’t have much to compare it to.

  Eventually, his vision grew blurry. He could barely stand up, and a fog came over his mind. He didn’t even notice that most of the bar emptied by that point. Jules and Morwin were the only two left, save for the people that worked there. A tingling sensation made its way around his body and tinges of black appeared around the edge of his vision.

  Is this what being drunk felt like?

  Why did he drink?

  Why did he sneak out? He’d never do such a thing normally.

  He turned around to call for Mr. Axwel, only to realize the older servant wasn’t there. Huh, he could swear he was in his own inn.

  A man Morwin didn’t recognize approached him. He looked to his side a stranger sat there, his hands in his arms. Where’d he seen that man before?

  Where’d he seen this man coming up to them? “It’s getting kind of late, don’t you guys think? Wouldn’t it be a good time to leave now?”

  Morwin raised a mug of ale to the bartender, slurred some incoherent words out, burped, then fell backwards, blacking out.

  Morwin’s head felt like a bag of ice that’s tumbled down a steep cliff, hitting every single possible jagged rock. He’d awoken in a pile of his own drool earlier, and before he knew it, someone was carrying him over their shoulder.

  He squirmed around, trying to break free of whoever’s whisking him off.

  “Will you stop?” a familiar voice said.

  Morwin’s head hurt too much to try and remember who that voice was. He wasn’t tied or bound in any way, which was a positive. So he wasn’t being kidnapped. Or was he?

  “I was on my way to the tavern this morning when I found you passed out in your own piss. Luckily I was there to help you up.”

  “I’m sorry,” Morwin said, shame coming to him. “I didn’t mean to make you worry.”

  “I don’t care what happens to you personally, kid. If Lord De’Shai finds out what happened to you in my city, he’ll have my head.”

  Morwin remembered who the voice belonged to.

  “It’s you,” Morwin said, feeling too tired and hungover to try and say anything else to him. “Thank you.”

  “Not doing this for you. If it were up to me, I would’ve just left you there,” Seldam grunted.

  “How kind of you,” Morwin slurred, closing his eyes again.

  He felt terrible. Now he remembers why he doesn’t drink often. It doesn’t taste that good and the next morning makes you feel like death reincarnate.

  “Must have had a night, huh?” Seldam said.

  “Oh yeah.” Morwin’s head was throbbing. He couldn’t even think straight. Couldn’t remember what happened. The last thing he remembered was talking to Jules before going back to the bar and enjoying his alcohol on his own. Or was that what happened? The rest was a blur and he couldn’t recall anything.

  “Come to the tavern with anyone?”

  Morwin shook his head. Not sure why he did, considering Lord Seldam couldn’t see him. “No,” he spoke.

  “By yourself? How lonely.”

  “I’d rather go by myself. That way no one can see me like this.”

  “Which inn are you guys staying at? So I can have someone take you there by horse and have you off my shoulders.”

  Morwin had to think for a moment to remember the innkeeper’s name. “Ishan’s inn. On the outskirts of the city,” he finally answered after a moment or two.

  “Ahh, Ishan. Good fellow,” Seldam said.

  “Listen,” Morwin began. “Our negotiations last time were cut short. Shall we set a future date for us to reconvene and talk about you letting my father have access to your river?” Morwin said. It didn’t feel right speaking to Lord Seldam like this. Morwin came to this city to display his strength and confidence, to show the country why you shouldn’t go against the king. But in that moment, the weight of his weakness dawned on him, and he couldn’t be more revolted with himself.

  “Bah! Still onto that, are ya? Forget about it. I’ll give him access. You just focus on getting better,” Seldam said.

  Morwin couldn’t believe the words he was hearing. “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “But why?”

  “Why do you have to question my every motive?” Seldam said. “Stop asking or else I’ll change my mind.” That shut Morwin up. “I’ll have the deed sent by couriers to the De’Shai estate before the month is over. Now you lot can finally get out of my city and leave me the hell alone.”

  “Yes sir,” Morwin said excitedly. The whole trip hadn’t been a bust after all.

  “Can I put you down now? Do you think you can walk on your own?” Seldam asked.

  “Yeah, I can,” Morwin responded. Lord Seldam hefted him over his shoulder and placed him on the ground. Morwin tried to walk but each step he took had a drunken stupor behind them. Oh well. It will do.

  “Looks like you’re having trouble there,” Lord Seldam said.

  “No,” Morwin said. “I can get back to the inn on my own. You don’t have to have me delivered by horseback like how I got here.” Morwin started to turn and walk away. He stopped and turned back to face Seldam. “Oh. And thank you. I really appreciate you helping me like that.”

  Lord Seldam waved his hand. “Bah, whatever. I was just doing it for my own sake.”

  Morwin turned around again and began to walk down the road. He had won. He’d gotten access to the Jovin River for his father. He balled up his fists and started a jog. For the first time in a long time, he hadn’t failed a simple task his father had given up. He’s successful. Morwin broke out into a run, sprinting through the streets. He still felt dizzy from the alcohol, but not to the point where he couldn’t move. As he ran, he stumbled all over the place.

  People turned heads to see a crazed man excitedly barreling down the roads, screaming and shouting.

  This victory calls for a drink! Oh wait. Right. Alcohol, bad.

  He couldn’t help but stop himself, memories of the previous day flashing before his eyes. Was it a good thing he’d won? Had he wanted to continue with what he was sent there for, knowing what he now knows?

  He’d wanted Lord Seldam to say those words ever since he got to this town, and now that he’s heard it, it didn’t feel like anything’s changed.