Cabochon

Chapter Four

"Well? Excited for the hearing?" Ranex asked. Irvin strained to hear the boy over the crowd. Hundreds flooded the once tranquil market stand, all now dying to hear what the assembly has to say. It makes sense for everyone to be so energetic-this is one of the only times where the general public can approach Lindell's most important figures, asking for their aid in whatever troubles they may have.

Irvin gave an eventual shrug. The representatives' decisions were always a hit or miss. Riling up the west certainly wasn't in anyone's interests. "I suppose I'll wait and see. You always were looking forward to be a royal guard. This what you've been hoping for?"

Ranex nodded, his blonde hair almost glowing in the morning sun. "You should be jealous. I'll have spent a fourth the time in intensive training as you have, and be walking out with a good-paying job to suit me for the rest of my life."

Irvin grinned. "If standing guard at a door for decades on end is your cup of tea, be my guest."

"Well what about you?" Ranex pressed. "Don't want anyone taking your title as the world's best swordsman?"

Irvin stammered. He never did feel the need to become best of the best, but his mentors thought otherwise. They saw potential in him, and worked night and day to wring every last drop out. To suddenly disobey would be to disobey his father's wishes, and result in Lindell losing one of their best fighters. Could he even live with himself after that?

He fought the urge to burn more of his emeralds, instead straining to drown out the anxiety on his own. He always has at least twenty carats worth spread out across his entire body, hidden beneath his uniform. His dependency wasn't nearly this bad years ago. Back then, he could make it through nearly an entire day while only expelling a carat or two of an emerald's energy. And now look at how weak I've become. Was he even deserving of Ranex' title? Or was even that beyond his own strength to accomplish anymore?

"Hey," His friend nudged him to attention. All five of the assembly members strode up to their respective platforms, sending the crowd into another roar. "Jesus. They look older and older every time I see them." The two practically had a front row seat to the event, thanks to their status as security.

One of them walked up to the center most podium, taking a moment to clear his throat as the crowd grew silent. "Good evening, citizens of Lindell." His voice boomed throughout the market square. "As I'm sure you know, we have much to announce this hearing. Please be patient, as we will take suggestions following the conclusion of our declarations."

Irvin drowned out the man's words as he scanned his surroundings. People leaned out of the building windows surrounding the crowd, many of which rising three stories high. Had this hearing been any more popular, some would have probably dared climbing atop the steep roofs for a better view. They'd be ordered down-

Irvin's breath caught in his lungs as he caught sight of a singular man tucked away behind one of the spires. An assassin? Impossible-security would have caught him a dozen times over should he have tried a move as basic as that. Maybe another guard? Certainly doesn't look like one-

A musket inched out behind the spire, aiming down at the speaker.

"Shit!" Irvin dashed forward, flaring a ruby as he jumped up onto the podium, clearing the seven foot height. He whipped out his saber just as the representative stopped mid sentence, backing up step. Irvin burned diamond just as a gunshot cracked through the air.

The bullet pinged off his saber, followed by a volley of more shots. The crowd erupted in screams.

"Get back!" Irvin ordered the men. They stumbled off the stage. Ranex climbed up the podium to join him. "Fall back and protect the assembly!"