Eight of Hearts: The Vision - Book 2

Chapter 17

"Bryce Sheffield! I saw your battle against the spider earlier, and I'm proud to call you an ally!"

Bryce flinched as the man who introduced himself as Alexander Lowe clapped him heartily on the shoulder. While he was no Chad Rayner, he was still solidly built. "Um, thanks, I guess," Bryce answered, trying his best to lean out of the bigger man's reach.

"If only you had been able to duel Chad in the first round, that truly would have been a sight to see!" Alexander Lowe loudly declared with his hands on his hips. "Although taking him down will be my pleasure, if I get the chance."

Despite his aggressive words, Alexander had a cheerful attitude. His broad smile and booming voice radiated camaraderie that made even Bryce feel welcome.

"You already tried once, Alex, remember? He bested you without breaking a sweat," Jason Lowe--Alexander's younger brother--cut in. Although he wasn't a match for Alexander's strength or enthusiasm, Jason had a lean fighter's build, and a keen eye. They were both swordsmen, though while Alexander had a claymore strapped to his back, Jason had a single shortsword on his waist.

Alexander rubbed the back of his head with a look of embarrassment. "Ah, brother, did you have to call me out like that in front of our new friend? What if he loses faith in me?"

"I'm sure you'll earn it back tomorrow," Jason said with a chuckle.

They were standing together in Rhea's lounge, the seating currently occupied by Nani Summers and the woman attending her. Bryce couldn't help glancing at them occasionally, but Nani seemed just as oblivious to the people around her as ever. She had a brace around her neck, evidence of her fight with Chad. But her unfocused eyes showed no hint of emotion or awareness. The woman at her side was probably in her late forties or fifties, and was busily fussing with Nani's blanket. She had the healthy build of someone who had an appetite that exceeded their metabolism, and she seemed more like a maid than a warrior.

"Now, look at ye, Summers," the woman said, ignoring the conversation. "I told ye to stay home while the boys had their meeting. Ye're gonna aggravate yer injury if ye don't rest."

Alexander noticed Bryce's glances, and he flashed a mischievous grin at him. "Ah now, don't be getting any thoughts, Bryce; Aunty Sophie's heart is already taken."

Sophie reached over and smacked Alexander on the knee with the back of her hand. "Now get ye gone from here, Mr. Alexander; ye know he's just curious why an ol' lady like meself is in the tournament." Sophie gave Bryce a stern look as she wagged a finger at him. "Though mark me words, Mr. Bryce: I ken tan yer hide with a wooden spoon if ye get any ideas like that. I ken fend for meself."

"She works with custodial, overseeing the grounds," Rhea explained. "We needed more people, and she offered to pad out our numbers so long as she's not asked to participate."

So she basically is a maid, Bryce thought.

"I've not got much left in life to look forward to, so I don't mind workin' for miss Circé," Sophie added, "but if I can help the rest of ye younguns save yer futures, I'm glad to help."

Bryce nodded in polite agreement, then looked around at the others. "Aren't there supposed to be six of you?" he asked, confused.

"Ahem," came a quiet voice.

Bryce turned around to see a young man standing just outside the doorway into the kitchen. He was probably not that much older than Bryce, with dirty blond hair and a scruffy beard. He wore a loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt and pants, and a black baseball cap pulled low over his face. The oddest feature about him was the sunglasses he wore, despite being indoors, making him look more like a hobo than a fighter.