The Bearer of the amulet

Chapter 12: Undesirable change

Richard took the reins of the horses, as the cargo began rolling again towards Neverlis, inside the body of the wheeling cart. The group was eating some of their rations while wasting a funky time with chattering and delight. All except for Richard. The man didn't know how to hide his disappointment in how his reckless brother's road was chosen while his alternative safe road idea was shoved aside.

"Hey, are you still mad about my decision?". I asked the protector whose eyes was focused at the details of the road.

"Nah, not really. I am a bit discouraged by the way you think things through. But well, who is me to object?"

"What if I decided to go on the wrong course of action and you were giving too much credit to me?". I teased.

"Then you will give me some recognition and my brother better hand me some owned apology". His left-sided sarcastic smile was all over him as if he already had seen it happen. 

I rolled my eyes away in the opposite direction. What an extra proud man.

After the morning time passed peacefully through an uneventful stroll across the road, and facing unimaginable boredom that didn't get any better after the other men went dark with a nap.

All I had left was that uncooperative man beside me in the driver's seat. He was too quiet and had a disciplined posture. His looks were that of a hawk. He rarely made any sound and was too focused. I didn't even know if a human being could reach this level of quietness anyway. He made me envious at how I didn't gain such virtue during my prayers.

"You done staring?". He said. I flinched back as my cheeks burned. I didn't even notice it.

"Sorry". I stammered while biting my lips.

"You are bored, I get it, maybe that's why you chose the shorter road, not that patient person here, are you?"

Is that what he thinks of me? "That's actually...well...I am a bit pushy sometimes. Waiting was not always my speciality". I ended with a cringe chuckle while touching the back of my head.

"But aren't you a nun? I mean, you must have at least one virtue or...something. That...creature or spirit that is called Death must have seen something in you that made him leave 6 dead behind and choose you to bear the amulet"

I sighed, "I asked him that specific question and he never answered me. But I bet he is enjoying my dilemma, to be honest"

"Happened yesterday, ha?"

"What's that?". My gaze narrowed at the irrelevant question.

He smiled. "Alfred told me about your sneaking"

"Wait, WHAT!?". I didn't exert any control over my opened mouth. That snitcher!!

"Protector, I_"

"Don't worry, I just listened. I didn't actually see what happened. I am not blaming you either for taking back the amulet. I just wanted to be sure you are safe. But as I think about what Alfred told me, I believe that you have reached a good term with this 'Death' demon?"

I locked my arms to my chest. "N-Not exactly. And I will have you know, I don't appreciate your snooping". I made a grumpy silly face to show my annoyance.

 However, he is a protector. His duty orders him to shield me from mortal dangers. To that end, the list surely didn't include an ancient demon trapped in an amulet and of course, didn't include acting like my nanny. I had to embrace that the treatment inside the church is not the same outside of it.

"Excuse me!? There was a reason for you to sleep inside a circle surrounded by armed men. You could have been harmed!". His seriousness wasn't made hidden.