The Last of Kel'Thara by David Partelow

Author:David Partelow [Partelow, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-20T22:00:00+00:00

10 The Perilous Price

“Are you ready, Kaysa? The next chapter of our adventure awaits us,” said a humored voice.

Kaysa opened her eyes with bitter reluctance. Her rest had been brief, and the bed she was afforded was just comfortable enough to offer her a semblance of sleep. Yet haunting images and unanswered questions plagued her, making sleep difficult to claim. Kaysa knew not the duration of her sleep, yet her body held no qualms about professing that it was not enough.

Kaysa rubbed at eyes that felt like sand as she sat up. Removing the cover, she took a moment to orient herself before setting her scowl upon the door. There standing amusedly was Marro. The mercenary waited patiently for her response as Kaysa put on her boots.

“I find it surprising that one who holds a soul as dour as yours can be so cheery in such a time,” mumbled Kaysa.

Marro shrugged at this. “A sense of humor is a powerful tool, and one that has kept me holding to sanity when it should have escaped me an age ago,” said Marro casually as he motioned to the hallway. “The others are ready.”

Standing, Kaysa stretched as she checked the seed upon her neck. Satisfied it was secure, the young elf fetched her satchel and quarterstaff. A question that nagged upon her spirit chose to escape then. “Other than the paltry compensation I could offer, what is in this for you, Marro? Why do you still carry with us? You could surely call your duty paid in full now that we are here.”

“And miss all this fun? I surely think not,” said Marro.

Kaysa replied curtly, for the exhaustion was taxing her. “Truly, Marro. I want honesty from you.”

“I don’t know,” replied Marro swiftly. “Maybe it is the adventure. Maybe it is more. Perhaps I feel like I am doing something right for a change. But I am committed now and that should be enough for you.”

“It is not,” said Kaysa as she brushed past Marro and into the hallway.

“I shall remind myself not to be the unfortunate soul to wake you in the future,” said Marro as he followed.

Listlessly, Kaysa made her way back to the main hallway of the keep. The others were waiting for her there. Seeing Kaysa with Marro, Lokus offered an impatient glare before picking up his quiver and bow. Vienda was packed and ready for travel, allowing her focus to set fully on Khey. Vienda’s chosen offered her a courageous smile as he held his wounded arm close to his chest. Kaysa could see Khey’s pain, but knew it was bested by his courage and desire to be with Vienda. Onzlyn sat lazily with his back against the wall, munching carelessly on cheese as he waited.

“Our ray of sunshine has risen,” said Marro as he pointed to Kaysa. “I believe we are ready at long last.”

“Please do not stoke my urge to swing my quarterstaff at you,” said Kaysa.

“I could stand a good show,” said Onzlyn between bites.

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