The Gates of Memory by Ryan Kirk

Author:Ryan Kirk [Kirk, Ryan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Waterstone Media
Published: 2020-06-21T04:00:00+00:00

29

After a full day of introductions, tours, and welcomes, Brandt decided that if Hanns ever again invited him to become an imperial guard, he would run the other way. Guarding Regar mixed mind-numbing tedium with bursts of sheer panic.

The tedium grew because even in Falar, official greetings took too long, involved too many conversations, and meant absolutely nothing. But because those greetings involved too many people in spaces with too many dark corners, Brandt feared constantly for Regar’s safety. He couldn’t imagine a life filled with days like today. Guarding royalty might be an honor, but it also seemed like a shortcut to madness.

Beside him, Ana’s demeanor reflected similar thoughts. Only when they stuffed Regar safe into quarters that would require an army to breach did either of them relax. They went to their own quarters, not far from Regar’s, and collapsed into the bed, staring up at the ceiling, exhausted but unable to sleep.

Shortly thereafter, a knock on their door brought them again to their feet. They relaxed when they saw who it was.

Leana stood at their door and invited them for a drink with her and Ren. Brandt accepted. Ana begged off, claiming that the only company she wanted tonight was that of a soft bed. Brandt kissed Ana goodnight and closed the door softly behind him.

Their route took them up stairway after stairway, climbing higher until they reached an elevation where Brandt could see most of the valley. He wasn’t sure he’d ever worked harder in his life for a drink. He arrived at the tavern out of breath, but the view gave meaning to his exhaustion.

Ren waited for them. He had saved them a table, though the act appeared unnecessary. Only a few patrons graced the establishment, but they all looked dangerous. They weren’t ruffians, by any means. They sipped at drinks as they spoke quietly to one another. But Brandt noticed their studious glances, the gazes that never rested long in one place. Each of the warriors radiated a dangerous calm.

The effect was enhanced by the tavern itself. Weapons served as the wall decor, several of them notched from frequent use. Brandt’s entrance, accompanied by Leana, drew a handful of respectful nods.

A sense of belonging settled over Brandt. He never felt more comfortable than when he was in the presence of competent warriors. And this tavern held nothing but.

Ren’s smile grew as he watched Brandt’s reactions. “I thought you might appreciate it here.”

“What is this?”

“It’s run by a former Senki for one of the elder warleaders. When he fell to age, he started his third life as the owner here. He caters to warriors who seek companionship and no quarrel. It attracts many strong fighters who are passing through Faldun.”

“Thank you for introducing me.”

Before long, Brandt had lost count of the number of mugs he’d finished. It couldn’t have been more than five or six, but he couldn’t remember, despite his best efforts.

On the road, they had imbibed whenever Leana could get her hands on alcohol, a skill in which she showed remarkable competence.

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