"You've put on some weight," Pyle said, patting Thorsen's broad shoulders and giving him a once-over glance. "Being in Coltend's Guild will do that to you. Master, this is the one I spoke of," Thorsen said, watching the Master dismount his horse. "We've met before, but possibly long before you were born, Thorsen. It's good to see you again," the Master said, greeting Pyle with a firm handshake. "I thought that after that incident with the Ochelon by the river, you would never have come back," Pyle said with a raised eyebrow.
"I have always meant to return, not only to visit Hjalfar, but to thank you as well," the Master said. "Bullshit. I knew you'd find a use for what I had taught you, and it seems you have," he said, looking into Bernar's eyes. "Indeed I have," the Master said, looking over at Bernar, who dismounted and approached the three.
"An honor to meet you, Pyle," he said, stretching out his hand. "Likewise," Pyle replied, taking it and giving a nearly bone-crushing handshake. "So, down to business. What sort of aid do you seek?" he asked. "Well, we have traveled a long way to get here, so I think a place to rest and feed our horses will suffice for now," the Master began. "Ah, yes. My apologies, it's been a long time since we've had any visitors who came on friendly pretenses," Pyle said.
He put two fingers in his mouth and let off an ear-piercing whistle. A group of stable boys came rushing out of the nearby stables. The stablehand from Codrean rushed up from the cart he was riding in as well, and after getting their instructions, they immediately got to work. As they did so, the three, including Anwill and Garett, walked together, discussing a few things just out of earshot of the others.
"He didn't even introduce me," Leona said, somewhat discouraged. "I don't think the Master would want it to be known that you are here, lest someone spread the news that you're still alive," I replied hushedly. "I suppose you're right. I hadn't considered that news to have possibly traveled so far, so fast," Leona frowned, but quickly shifted into a smile when Bernar returned after a few moments.
"I'm to show you to your quarters," he smiled, gesturing to us. "What of the others?" Leona asked. "According to Pyle, they will be more than adequately cared for. Come, quickly," he said, taking Leona's hand, catching Ed and me by surprise, though Meliss was unfazed entirely by the gesture. We followed him down the main street, where everyone openly carried a sword, living peaceful lives. There were no beggars nor any apparent signs of poverty within the palisade.
"This place reminds me a lot of Codrean, ironically enough," Edryd said, observing his surroundings. "Everyone carries a sword, and yet there doesn't seem to be any sign of violence here," Meliss added. "It's a lot like how we are at Codrean. We all understand that a real disagreement would likely lead to someone's death, which is why we speak the way we do to each other. Ironically enough, releasing constant tension through snide remarks and foul language staves off physical violence quite a bit," I explained, to which she and Leona nodded understandingly.
We followed Bernar into Pyle's house, where the others, Anwill included, were seated around a large wooden table cut from an ancient cedar tree. The size of the table made me think that it had been made from more than one tree, but I later found out I was wrong.
"Come, sit, for we have much to discuss," Pyle gestured towards the vacant chairs, each of which had their own distinct carvings of ancient and heroic feats performed by Synners of old.
The Master has one of these in his study, I thought back to the chair in Codrean.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Pyle began. "It has been a long time since I have had any visitors aside from traders and merchants, or other nefarious folk, so please forgive any inadequacies that you may find," he said. "I would like to first speak to Leona, who, even though she has been unlawfully removed from her throne, still remains a queen to all of us," he said with a smile. "I am truly flattered," she said with a bow of her head.
"The others in this town do not know who you are, which is why I made no ceremony when I saw you, but I knew exactly who you were; the main reason I have decided to speak with you in a more private setting," Pyle said.
"Told you," I whispered to Leona, who sat beside me.
"Keeping that in mind, I am more than certain that there are people here who would gladly sell you out to your attackers for a measly coin purse, but I will not allow that to happen," Pyle continued. "The Master has also informed me that a large force of monsters has just gone through the Rhydian Pass, making their way West, and possibly, to Coltend. We have discussed all possibilities, and I've already agreed to the terms the Master and Anwill have presented. Hopefully, with yours and Thorsen's help, we will find a way to take back what is rightfully yours," he said cheerfully.
"But first, I would have you and Meliss tell your story, as I would like to hear how this all came to be so I can better understand what we're getting ourselves into," he continued, gesturing for her to begin her explanation. "Thank you, Master Pyle," she replied with another bow.
Over the next hour or so, Leona and Meliss explained everything that had transpired over the past week. Thorsen added a few of his own points and mentioned their tactics in hopes of clarifying things for the group.
After hearing the complete story, Pyle sighed heavily and nodded with grave understanding. "Thank you for sharing that, your majesty. It must have been a harrowing experience, but I'm glad you made it out alive," he said, lowering his head in reverence. "We couldn't have done it without Thorsen, though," Leona replied.
"I know. He's one of the most trustworthy people I've had the honor of meeting. Speaking of which: Edryd, as I understand it, you are Thoma's best friend, but unfortunately, I must speak with him in private," he said with a thin-lipped expression. "That's alright, Master Pyle. I'll take my leave," Ed replied. "We'll retire to our chambers as well. It's been a long journey, and I would very much like a bath," Leona chimed in, getting a warm smile from Pyle.
"I'm sure you would, your majesty," Pyle said understandingly. Edryd excused himself with a bow as he rose from his chair, leading Meliss and Leona out and closing the door behind them.
Out of the frying pan, I thought, feeling the anxiety begin to stir in my chest.
"Thoma, the others in this room already know what I am going to tell you, so there is no need for them to leave," Pyle began. "Well, I'm already nervous, but that's a little comforting to hear, Master Pyle," I said. "There is no need to be nervous. I only want to ask you a simple question," he said. "And what might that be, Master Pyle?" I asked, trying to take his advice.
"I know that you are a smart boy, not much older than I was when I was first told that my abilities could be enhanced even further than what I thought possible. I'm sure you have spotted a few similarities between me, your brother, and the Master," Pyle said calmly. "You three having glowing eyes is the answer, I suppose," I replied, to which he nodded. "So, you must know, by now, that it is because we have unlocked deeper stages of mana manipulation. But what if I told you that this could be unlocked for you, as well?" Pyle asked.
"How, Master Pyle?" I looked at him and tilted my head. "Over the many years that Synners have been in existence, we have always had a few who sought out to enhance their abilities. Most failed because they did not understand what they were trying to do, while only a few succeeded. The Master is proof of one of the many tests done in the past," he explained.
"There are five stages of mana manipulation, as you know, though the sixth is currently unobtainable by humans," he continued. "Wait, there's one more? Why did we not learn about this when we began our training?" I asked. "That's because that level of mana manipulation would put one at the level of one of the many gods," Pyle frowned.
That's news to me. I wonder why that kind of information was hidden. He's probably debating whether it was a good idea to tell me that, I thought as I looked at the Master who was vacantly staring off into the distance.
"While I am not as expertly trained in teaching mana manipulation as someone like Anwill or his people may be, I am offering to help you reach the next stage. According to your brother, you've already reached the second stage, but do not have it completely under your control just yet," Pyle stated, his eyes staring at me intensely.
I took a moment to understand what he was trying to tell me, and considered his offer as carefully as possible. I knew there was a chance I wouldn't come out of it in one piece, but that was a risk I was more than willing to take if I was going to catch up to Bernar.
I looked to him and then to the Master, who both watched me curiously. I took a deep breath to calm myself down before I answered. "I gladly accept your offer," I bowed my head respectfully. "By the gods, Bernar, he hardly even hesitated!" Pyle exclaimed with a hearty laugh. "You should have seen him take on not one, but two ochelons," Bernar snickered, making Pyle's eyes open wide. "At the same time?" he asked excitedly, leaning forward in his seat toward him.
Bernar shrugged in response, pursing his bottom lip a little. "This little monster. Well, I suppose that concludes my business with you for today, although I would love to begin as soon as possible," Pyle said with a shake of his head and a dismissive wave. "Thank you, Master Pyle. I expect to hear from you soon," I replied, bowing again. "And so you shall, Thoma," Pyle grinned, however, Anwill regarded me with a curious look I couldn't place.
"Is something the matter, Anwill?" I asked without trying to sound disrespectful. "No, nothing's wrong. I was just considering the ramifications of bringing you to Caegwen for when you're ready to cross into the next stages," he smiled, though it was obvious to me that he wanted at least some kind of answer.
"You were the one who trained my brother, correct?" I asked, but his eyes shifted away from me momentarily to the Master, who exchanged a wordless glance. "I was there for his third and fourth stage training, yes," he said, causing me to raise an eyebrow.
He's hiding something, I thought, but didn't say anything.
"Then I would be honored to be under your tutelage," I bowed with a smile, which he promptly returned. "When this is all over, I'll be waiting," he said as I turned to leave the room. Bernar also decided it was a good enough time for him to leave and followed me out of the room.
"I know what you're thinking, bird-brain," he said quietly, thrusting his elbow into my ribcage as soon as I shut the door. "Ow! What the h-...?" I started, but he raised a hand to stop me. "Those were two difficult decisions you just had to make, and now you're wondering whether you'll even be able to make it through their training," he said as if he'd read my ungathered thoughts.
How the fuck does he know all that? I wondered in the heartbeat that followed.
"There are things I wish I could tell you right now, but unfortunately, I'm under strict orders from the Master not to," he continued. "You think it would have influenced my choice," I said briefly, understanding his meaning. "I don't think it would've, to be honest, although you would be more surprised than you could ever imagine," Bernar said with a grin.
What does he mean by that? I thought, holding a curious stare.
"Alright, what is it, bird-brain?" Bernar asked with a sigh. "Were you the one who recommended me for second-stage training?" I asked. Bernar thought about the question for a moment. "One day you'll understand that it is more than simply more power, to quote Master Pyle. Not like I knew that before accepting my own second and later stage training, but I have come to understand it in the last few years," he continued.
"You dodged my question, you fuck," I said with a slight grin. "Of course I did, twit," Bernar spat back. "Did you really think I would answer that? No, no. The reasoning for your being chosen had little to do with me. If that helps you piece it together," Bernar scoffed.
"Can't beat that argument," I sighed, looking at the ground away from him. "No, you can't. However, the others will come more easily if you can fully unlock the second stage. I know you've dabbled in it already, but fully locking it in is another story entirely," Bernar explained. I nodded, receiving a heavy pat on the shoulder. "Now go find Meliss, and get some, little bastard," Bernar said with a grin from ear to ear. "How did you…?" I felt my jaw drop to the floor. "Leona mentioned that Meliss likes you to me this morning," Bernar interrupted.
"Sh-she told you that?" I asked, my eyes widened to their utmost limits. "She did, but if you're not there with her, I don't know how much longer that liking will last," he shrugged, pushing me in the general direction of where she would be staying. "Run, dipshit, run," he said with a chuckle.
I was forced to take a second or two to process it all and nearly stumbled when I turned around to go find Meliss.
I can't believe it, Thoma thought. She… likes me? I mean, I'm definitely not the most handsome guy around, so why me? Fuck it, I guess I'll just have to find out, I thought as I felt an anxious smile creep onto my face.