Kings Game

Chapter 95 - Awkward Favors

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Nul had never felt comfortable aboard flying ships. Not because of the height they traveled at, they had long since created ways to survive a long fall, but because of how cramped it was. There was nothing Nul could do to deal with all of the people constantly around them. Nothing practical anyway.

Nul was used to Roran and Kell being around, but even they'd begun to make Nul feel crowded. The only person who never made Nul feel uncomfortable was Karyn. She'd been the one person Nul had been able to relax around. She had been the one person Nul felt they could trust with their fears and anxieties. To date, they were the only other person Nul had ever let etch them.

You can't let your anxiety hold you back, said Akanos. Our effectiveness takes priority.

I know, said Nul. But that doesn't make it easy.

It's Roran, he's been your comrade for a while now. You chose him, brought him into the fold. If you can't trust him then ask Kell.

Nul considered the option. Kell was Nul's oldest friend. They had spent years living together, fighting side by side and supporting each other. But Nul felt that Roran was the better choice. He was calmer and easier to approach about delicate subjects. And this subject was very delicate as far as Nul was concerned.

Stalling will only make it worse.

"I know that!" Nul snapped. They sighed and glanced around. The cabin was empty. Hopefully, nobody outside had heard their outburst. There were too many people on this ship and Nul didn't even have enough privacy for an internal conversation.

Rubbing their face, Nul mumbled, "Sarah?"

"Yes?" said Sarah, appearing before them.

"Can you fetch Roran for me?"

"He's on his way."

Nodding, Nul started digging through their bag and pulling out their etching supplies.

See, that wasn't so hard.

"Shut up."

You really need to get over these little insecurities of yours. They don't behoove the Keeper of Lost Knowledge.

"I don't care what you think. Besides, I'm not your Keeper, I'm the Worldbreaker."

A droll title at best. You should be more concerned with how the academics view you rather than those barbarous gladiators.

"Those gladiators are my friends and family!"

Expanding your family to include those with higher mental faculties is something you should really begin to prioritize. That Pelkha for instance, she's a smart girl. I imagine that she'd be more suited to our goals than a novice tactician and a maimed berserker.

"Say another word and I'll rip you half!"

"I'm sorry?"

Roran was standing in the cabin staring at them. His brow was furrowed into a look of concern. More and more people had started giving Nul concerned looks over the last year. Even before Karyn died, they'd all been worried about them. Now they were becoming overbearing. It felt like they were doubting Nul's sanity, as though Nul's newfound abilities were something to fear rather than celebrate.

"Did you need me for something?" Roran asked.

Nul realized they'd been silently staring at Roran and shook their head. "Sorry, just spacing out. I need your help with something...sensitive."

"Okay...how can I help?"

Nul gestured to the etching supplies they'd set out on the little table. "I need you to adjust some of my etchings."