The Lost Sigil; Dawn of Light

Chapter 12: The Blind Dragon

Harvey sat by the burning oven, sweat dropping from his head with a scowl on his face. He kept on swiping the grindstone along the blade of his axe some few sparks flying from it. His lips were shut and quavering and no one dared to go near him. He looked like he was about to erupt.

Eda and Rhys were at the round table looking on at Harvey as he continued to sharpen his axe.

"What do you think he's going to do?" Eda whispered leaning in towards Rhys.

"He definitely isn't going to chop vegetables," Rhys whispered back. "Go and ask him."

Eda turned towards Harvey, straightened her back and in a soft tone she asked, "What's the axe for?"

Harvey continued sharpening for a short moment then stopped. He put the grindstone on the shelf above the oven and walked towards Eda and Rhys while holding his axe. Rhys had started moving away slowly and Eda was paralysed stiff with fear.

When Harvey was at the table, he threw the axe on it and it produced a slight glow from its pommel and along the handle.

"Four days now, and no one bothers."

"What are you talking about?" Eda asked.

Harvey's eyes were welling up and his lips quavered even more. "She's missin'. Dora's not been home fer four days and none of yer shits care," Harvey said banging his fist on the table.

Eda and Rhys just looked at each other unsure about what they should tell him.

"Uuumm... Harvey. Dora left with Lester two days ago." Eda hoped that Harvey would believe her.

"Come on. Take a seat," Rhys offered Harvey the chair from which he had retreated from.

"You need a drink. Rhys, get Harvey a drink,"

Rhys frowned at Eda for a moment but then got up and brought a jug of wine that he finally refilled and two cups. He poured some for Harvey and himself then sat down beside Harvey.

"Do yer know where they went?" Harvey asked Eda.

Eda was a bit shocked and hesitated which was time enough for Harvey to chug down the entire cup and pour some more.

"Lester never told me. Rhys?" Eda had to give Rhys some of the burden of the lie.

"Like Lester would tell me anything," Rhys responded immediately and so confidently.

"Dora said she was going to put her affairs in order. Perhaps that's what they're doing," Eda said.

"Why would she go with im? She only just met the cat man," Harvey said, "I've always been there for her. She should tell me an' not im."

"Harvey. If I may ask, what is your relationship with Dora?" Eda asked feeling a hint of jealousy from Harvey.

"She's me aunt. Took me into her care after me own mother left me for dead," Harvey growled.

"Was your mother Dora's sister?" Eda asked.

"She was. Never knew where that bitch ran off to. I was a wee baby when she left,"

Eda looked at Rhys and they shared a similar look. It was also surprising that Harvey did not look as old as he should.

"How old are you mate?" Rhys asked softly.

"Have no clue. Stopped countin' after thirty," Harvey said and poured what was now his fifth cup. "Enough about me. What about yer? How did yer end up with the cat man?"

"It's a sad story really. My entire village was burnt down and Lester rescued me. He was still human then but I never knew what he did to get cursed. He would never tell. Just says, 'It's a curse I had to bear'," Rhys said.