The King's Knights

Chapter Forty-Five: Showdown

There was only so much scrubbing could do to remove stains on the tables you waited.

It was sad but true, and Tef, working at the bar, had come to learn as much. The new diamond earring she had on her was nice. Alasa had helped her put it together. But she was still troubled about Rundas being out there.

He'd always been very kind to her by his own standards. And if he ended up dead, they could have some really serious problems.

"Ugh..." said Tef.

"What's wrong?" asked Alasa.

"I think Rundas is going to end up dead, Alasa," said Tef.

"I don't think William would kill without need," said Alasa. "He's quite compassionate, you know."

"Yes, I know," said Tef. "But that'll only buy him time. Rundas doesn't have the influence he used to, and he is a loose end. I'm afraid he's going to be killed."

"I'm sure he'll live," said Alasa. "The High King wants him alive."

Tef nodded. "I know."

It didn't dispel her doubts, though. If anything, it made her more worried he would be killed.

Alasa shifted as they worked. "I'm sure I can finish up here myself.

"I would be more worried about William, personally. That boy is going to go through hell to try and save Rundas if he can."

"Actually I think he'd go through hell to watch him hang," said Tef. "He just won't.

"Are you into him?"

"You don't have to worry about competition on that, Tef," said Alasa.

"How long are you going to maintain this bar?" asked Tef. "I doubt you're spending the rest of your time here."

"I was thinking of finding someone to take over after I finish up here," said Alasa. "But having a community gathering place is important for times like these. We've been working a bit too much on any kind of move.

"You're a good assistant."

"Mmhmm," said Tef, appreciating the compliment.

At that moment, the Bastille arrived.

As usual.

Tef had been expecting her. Alasa was the nice company and nice on the eyes, but Bastille only had one of those qualities. Turning to her, Tef allowed her to approach.

"Excuse me?" asked Bastille.

"Bastille, what is it?" asked Tef, adjusting her hair and wondering if William would like it. "Can I help you?"

"Tef, I need your help," said Bastille, mirroring the motion and thought. "I have to take my ship to Blackfear immediately. And I need you to come with me."

"Why do you need me?" asked Tef, curious about it.

"Traveling alone is a bad idea," said Bastille. "And everyone I have spoken to recommends not doing it in Blackfear. I need someone I can trust."

"How long will this take?" asked Tef.

"Less than a day, if we're lucky," said Bastille. "I want to scout out the area and find the downed ship Nautus came from."

Tef looked to Alasa, who was humming that beautiful song to herself while finishing up a counter. How was she always so composed and calm about these things? She'd obviously been in this business a long time. "Go on ahead, Tef.

"I can finish things up here."

Tef nodded. "Thank you, Alasa."

"Any time," said Alasa.