(1)
Unlike Balaki's Dagger, Vassili's Spear was a small and agile ship. The ship was bare of anything except the necessities and the crew cabins were tight. When they'd first settled into their cabins, Kell had searched them top to bottom before climbing into her bunk and curling up, not saying a word to the others.
Nul set out their books and their diagrams, using their fiery amulet to call upon a great library of books so they could continue their research. Roran had simply laid down and closed his eyes. He wished the three of them could have had their own rooms. As much as Roran enjoyed his companions, he didn't have the energy to interact with them like before. He just felt so tired all of the time.
Roran's bunk shifted slightly and something gentle brushed his cheek. The words, "I'm here," were whispered gently into his ear, the faint breath raising the hairs on his neck and arms. His body melted in relief. Sarah was with him. They hadn't spoken properly since Karyn died, instead sharing only brief interactions while Sarah recovered. Each time she left him, it felt permanent. After having her in his shadow for so long, he felt painfully alone without her.
Knowing that Sarah was there was a weight off his chest. He'd been afraid that they'd have to leave her behind in King's City, and he didn't know how we would be able to handle that. Thankfully, he wouldn't have to.
He settled in and let the rocking of the ship lull him into a doze.
The first day of the trip was calm and uneventful. They spent it sleeping, reading, and studying, alternating between the tasks throughout the day. Captain Merem popped in for a visit, though he stood in the doorway, making awkward conversation through a too-wide grin while his hound sat uncomfortably in the hallway.
The second day was more eventful, even if it was no more productive. After a walk around the ship to stretch his legs, Roran came back to the cabin to find Kell lying on her bunk, mouth stretched wide open, and Nul peering into it.
Thin rings of glowing gossamer covered Nul's fingers, lighting up the room and, more importantly, Kell's mouth. In each hand, they held long golden etching needles. Roran sat across from them.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"Shhh," said Nul, "I need to concentrate."
Roran nodded and leaned forward, trying to see what Nul was doing to Kell's mouth. They were prodding her gums with the golden needles, gently probing the holes where Kell had recently lost teeth. Nul worked one of the needles in, making Kell grunt in pain.
"A synthetic replacement would be easier and just as effective."
Kell raised a single finger in response.
Shrugging, Nul leaned forward again and began working in the second needle. Kell grunted but remained still as a board. There was a crackle of sparks and Kell's fisted a handful of bedding, letting out a low groan of pain as Nul worked.
Roran watched as Nul pulled the needles back and a silky white substance began flowing out of Kell's gums. It came out in two hollow branches that began to fill with red, pink, and black substances. The construct grew larger, the two branches joining together to create a round bulb.
Kell let out a muffled cry of pain and arched her back off the bed. Her head stayed still while the rest of her spasmed.
"Sorry," said Nul. They flicked their wrist and the little white orb came out with a pop. Kell gave another muffled grunt and fell back onto the bed, gasping. "I messed up the nerves," said Nul.
They set the needles down on a bedside table and pulled out a notebook to start scribbling notes. Roran bent down and picked the white object off the floor. It was a misshapen tooth.
YOU ARE READING
Kings Game
Adventure[Updates Daily] THE FINALE BEGINS!!! After losing friends and family, fighting in two wars, and suffering through more than they could possibly imagine, Roran and his comrades set their sights on the Kings. Every obstacle has been cleared from their...
