Iorrjaer

Chapter 22

Shanna and Kressi peeked out from the kitchen door. Krasson was busy getting the bar counter clean while the two from Khico were still sitting with the brothers. It looked like things were wrapping up and Shanna felt momentarily dizzy. She felt two sensations at once, her baby and the larva in her neck. Her dizziness caused her to falter a little but Kressi caught her and supported her so that the kitchen door did not make any noise.

Kressi knew that Shanna wanted to keep hidden from the brothers. Shanna's plea had been surprising and made Kressi's heart sink. Such a plea from such an innocent-looking girl was heartbreaking. Kressi had made a silent vow to herself that she would see Shanna to safety and to hell with Victor, his sons, and that conniving woman, Granna.

Granna had visited her and her father when the ziggurat started to awaken. She had been endearing enough in her doddering old manners, but something about her had always seemed insincere to Kressi. An act, a ploy, a guise. Granna had wanted them to pledge themselves to her, and when called upon, to be willing participants. She never clarified or explained what she meant but it was understood that denying her would be worse than agreeing. Krasson took the path of less resistance and when Granna was satisfied with their pledge and left, Krasson took Kressi aside and told her that they needed to just play the part until it was time to escape.

Which should be now. Right now. Kressi thought as she reflected. She should get her father, Shanna's father and get the hell out of there. Get to Khico or even Ockry before nightfall.

The brothers seemed to be lingering around, obviously trying to wait until Shanna returned but one of them was starting to show impatience. He was up a little and looking around the tavern nervously. The dwarf was still talking to the other brother but even he was showing signs of impatience. The elven woman, still floating beside the dwarf made a quick glance over to their direction and both girls had a sudden voice in their heads.

Don't be afraid. Chester is just wrapping up.

As quickly as the voice had entered their minds, it was gone. And surely enough, just as they were aware of themselves again, Chester sat back and dismissed the brothers. When they started to linger some more, Chester barked at them to get out and back to daddy. They scurried from the tavern and did not see Yophiel as she was shaking off her ordeal. The door came inches from hitting her but the force and surprise of the door missing her face by mere seconds, did cause her to stumble back.

She watched as the two boys high-tailed it away from the tavern and made their way back towards the manor. Yophiel thought of following them and letting Victor know how they almost killed her and that as a Paladin, she demanded that they be smote for their insolence. As she started to follow the boys, a twinge in her neck caused her to stop and stare at the tavern. Something terrible was about to happen and she needed to get inside.

Shanna and Kressi ducked out of the kitchen and made their way over to where Chester and Rin were. Both sat patiently waiting. Shanna was looking tired and Kressi had to help her to the table. They sat and Chester gave them time to get settled.

"What seems to be on your mind, lassy?"

Shanna hesitated. She looked tired, scared and most of all, weary. She could not articulate it, but she could feel the larva in her neck and how it was draining her.

"Go on," Kressi said, compassionately. "Tell them what you told me."

"I want..." Shanna started. It was becoming laborious for her to stay awake. "I want... kill me."

Rin extended a hand and Shanna seemed to regain some strength. She took in a big inhalation and her eyes seemed to roll back.

"Kill me. Do not let me die under Granna's control. If I am to die, I want to die human and under my own control. Please."