“Oh, I know all about you, Omurai Failyn, the former Commander of the 5th Battalion of the Cloud City Army,” Rowe said, using Omurai’s former full title. “And I did not mean my statement as an insult.”
Everyone turned to look at the battered wind adept, surprise written across all of their faces, Asher especially.
“You were a commander in the Cloud City Army?!” Asher exclaimed. “I knew you had been involved with the military…but a commander? Goodness, man…I’d be proud of something like that!”
Omurai’s head sulked low and he closed his eyes as he spoke, “No…I’m not.”
“It’s a touch subject for him, I’m sure. It’d be best to leave him alone about it,” Rowe jumped in, seeing Omurai’s distress, “Omurai, you mustn’t fear anymore. I am sure after the Royal Council hears about your chivalry in the battle without being asked for your assistance, they’ll go easy on you. After all, if it wasn’t for you and your friend killing the enemy commander, we’d of never won.”
Omurai’s eyes lit up, and yet they still seemed disturbed. “Do you think so?” he asked.
“I can’t promise anything, but I’d not completely drop the possibility,” Rowe answered.
“Thank you, soldier…what might be your name?” Omurai asked, regaining his composure.
“Lieutenant Rowe Halzezem, sir,” Rowe answered. “I have been Captain Garis Cord’s assistant ever since he left his battalion to work on more active duty.”
“You are unaware then…?” Omurai asked.
“Unaware…? Do you mean to ask if I knew he is dead?” Rowe asked.
Omurai nodded his head slowly, a somewhat surprised look in his eyes.
“Of course I know…I walked right past that room getting here. It’s…it is really bad in there, but I’m surprised we all didn’t turn out like that. We were unprepared for this…never would we have expected such a fight,” Rowe said grimly. “I already have men in there cleaning up the bodies and moving them out of there. They will all have proper burials, I assure you.”
“Yes, but it is a shame to hear that Garis is gone…you know, he and I were almost like friends back then,” Omurai said.
“Heh…I’m sure you were. For me, he was like the father I never had. But…I shall not take this too hard. I’ve shed my tears for him…but now it’s time to get down to business,” Rowe said, standing straight up.
“Indeed, so what was this about me returning to my homeland?” Omurai asked. “Are you suggesting that I finally make that meeting with the Prime Minister?”
“Yeah, it’d be best that you did. Even if she doesn’t think you’re ready, I’m sure they’d let you in. They’ll hear nothing but good coming from my report,” Rowe said. “But for now…I’m going to go help my men. Meet with me when you’re ready.”
“Alright…for now I shall finish discussing some things with my friends here,” Omurai said, waving to Rowe as he and his soldiers returned inside.
“Things seem to be looking up for you, I’m glad to hear that,” Kara said. Omurai nodded his head and looked towards Thalys.
“How much time will you need, nobleman?” Omurai asked.
“For the marriage? Oh, I had planned to have it in the spring…” Thalys replied.
“Alright then…we’ll meet in the spring then,” Kara decided.
“Yes, but…where?” Faux added in.
“Good question…” Asher said, rubbing his chin. “I’ll be wherever Omurai is…so you can decide that with him.”
“Faux and I will need to return to Rullenfay to update on the situation…” Kara informed.
“I’ve got it! You’re all invited to my wedding! That way, we can all just leave from there,” Thalys said, throwing a finger in the air.
“I was just about to suggest that…but it would be rude of me to invite myself to a wedding,” Faux said with a smirk.
“Oh, I’m sure you would really care,” Kara said, rolling her eyes.
Faux merely shrugged and showed a small grin.
“Then it’s settled. At the beginning of spring we shall all meet at the capital of Maeltryst for my wedding. From there, we shall all head to um…” Thalys stated.
“Indeed, where might we go?” Kara asked.
“Asher and I first ran into Voyse in Knollwood. All we have to do is figure out where an assassin of his caliber might be at in that general area,” Omurai figured.
“Yeah, I say we go to Knollwood first,” Asher agreed.
They all nodded their heads in agreement.
“I guess this is goodbye for now then…” Thalys said, shaking hands with Omurai and Asher before the two made their way inside Tier Bastion to help Rowe and his men.
“I suppose we could travel together until we reach Tolley,” Kara said to Thalys as they began to walk towards the east.
“Indeed, I’d like that. Remember the first time we met in Tolley…at the library?” Thalys said, looking up at the setting sun as he remembered.
“But of course. You and I bumped into each other because we were both in a hurry and not paying attention,” Kara said with a laugh.
“…ah yes, Tolley. I have some friends there I wouldn’t mind meeting again,” Faux threw in, catching the attention of the other two.
“But, all you did was get in a bar fight while you were in Tolley…with Ezekiel,” Kara said, losing her smile.
“Well, actually I was hiding behind the counter while he was in a bar fight…” Faux corrected, having no heart to throw in his sarcasm.
“Come on, guys…the last thing Ezekiel would want you two doing is being all sad while you made your way home…” Thalys said, trying to lighten the mood.
“You’re right…I’m sure he’s staring down at us right now and shaking his head at our stupidity,” Kara said, holding her fists towards her chest.
“Nah, he’s probably up there half-drunk surrounded by a bunch of women,” Faux said with a smirk.
The three all laughed and continued on their way.
**********