The Crimson Claymore

The Crimson Claymore: Chapter 28

Chapter 28

The stars were out, glistening above the dark city as they reached the outside of the bunker. Starlyn smiled as she looked at the glowing specks in the sky. Her thoughts were warm after seeing Andron reunited with his family. The look on his face was priceless when he glanced upon his children again. She was taken aback when his wife came up to him to slap him. It was strange to her, but Andron had warned her of his wife's temper. Anger seemed to replace the love and loss of her husband instead of dread and sorrow.

Starlyn found the behavior of humans strange. Many of the kheshlars would be rejoiced in celebration when their family returned. Instead, it seemed Andron was punished. She only hoped they would be able to make up before he had to leave again.

It was strange seeing Sh'on again after so many years. The last time she had seen him was at the end of the draeyk wars. He had been there to help her capture Arria. Without him, she might not have ever caught her sister. But Arria could not be held for long, and she had escaped after killing two male guards. Starlyn shook her head in disgust with what she had done to them.

When they neared the barracks, Sh'on grabbed her arm. She turned around to look at him. His eyes seemed to blaze, and a smile set on his lips.

"Take your leather armor off, and put your battle armor on."

"Why?"

"Because your bosom looks better in chain mail."

"Excuse me?"

"Starlyn, please keep in mind I have already seen every inch of your flawless body before today. There is no need for embarrassment. That washed away the moment I saved you from those cells long ago."

"What are you getting at?"

"These are humans, not mere kheshlars we seek help from. Enough kheshlars drool when they stare at your body. Think of how these human warriors will react. If we are in need of allies, the best course of action would be to tempt them to follow. The way you look in chain mail and armor is nearly the most tempting thing these men could ever see. Besides, I believe a display of your fighting skills will get these men to crawl over themselves to help you."

"What you suggest is wrong, for me to use my body to inspire these men to fight; it is not something a kheshlar should do."

"Ask yourself this: To fight these creatures, to find your sister, how far are you willing to go? Without the help of these men, if they deny you, how long do you think you will survive against the overwhelming number of foes we shall ultimately face?"

Starlyn gritted her teeth. She knew the mage had a point, and a strong one at that. Even Andron's eyes could barely contain themselves from her body, and he was faithful to his love. She looked around, but nobody was in the small alley they both stood in.

"Could you shield from wandering eyes?"

"Yes, of course."

A shimmering green glow encircled them in a globe. She could see outside of it in a hazy green mist, but she knew that nobody could see within. Sh'on watched her as she unpacked her armor from her travel bag. She nearly removed her light leather armor before staring deep into his eyes.

"Do you mind?"

"Sorry, I suppose the memory has my mind craving for another glance. I will give you privacy."

He turned around with a smirk on his face and closed his eyes. Starlyn rolled her eyes as she dropped her leather armor to the ground and began securing the chain mail and plate armor. She secured her hammer on her belt and felt at her pouch with shurikens. When she was satisfied, she nodded.