The Adventures of Rose Hood

Chapter 65: The Codephrase

I walked in the park with my boyfriend, Dallel. We held hands and wandered.

He was assigned to be my guard, so we could spend a lot of time together.

We had dinner, where he complained about Jalad. He didn't realize that people gave him nasty looks.

His squad liked him, and they defended him in the public square.

Darsen was the biggest supporter of me and him getting together.

The city was torn on this issue. Some wanted Dallel to return to the guard, but a guard said,

"Until he apologizes to Captain Jalad, we won't give him any respect."

The king and the Kingsguard stood on Dallel's side, and the city guard on the other side. The citizens didn't know what to do.

Selethon was destabilized, and it was by one man. At least, that's what everyone thought.

To all 3 groups I was a peacemaker. I acted like I was at all interested in helping. It was pitifully easy.

To Jalad, I acted as though while he was correct, Dallel was also in a tough situation.

To Dallel, I acted as though Jalad was at fault and needed to apologize.

It was almost disappointing that it was that easy.

"It's a wonderful day, isn't it, love."

"It is, Rose."

I saw Mammon.

"'Xcuse me Rose, but could I speak to ya."

"Sure, why not?"

"In private."

He looked at Dallel.

"Sure, why not?"

I turned to Dallel.

"Go home and wait for me, love."

Dallel nodded and walked off. I turned my face business and looked back at Mammon.

"Yes?"

"I want t' know what's goin on with ye."

He only spoke in his dwarvish accent anymore when he was either tired or angry. He was both.

"What do you mean?"

"This!"

He gestured around him to the several posters, some marked with anti Dalis propaganda.

"Ye did something, and I want ye t' stop."

"It's a result of Dallel joining the Kingsguard, people don't think he can live up to Royce."

"Tell me the truth, Kala."

That name, I looked at him in annoyance.

"I know y' haven't regained yer memories, so what're ye doing, actually?"

Then he signed his death contract.

"And what was that smile when the adventurers were cursing Dallel."

I noticed that no one was around. What a coincidence.

"Oh, it's quite simple. Purity hasn't merged with me yet, so I'm torturing her until she relents."

Mammon froze.

"What?"

"I'm going to destroy everything the one you called Rose loves until she gives up and lets me absorb her."