Whispers of Blood & Magic

Chapter Four

We could see the ocean now to our west and the sun was casting a beautiful array of oranges and reds as it set, dipping down into the waves. We would spend one more night outside, even though the city was fairly close and we probably could make it to the city perimeter just after nightfall.

Since the merchant confirmed that it was a rough place to be, the last thing we wanted was to travel into the city with horses and coin, even though we looked rough ourselves.

So, we found a craggy hill off to the east of the road and we set up camp behind it, hoping that it would keep us hidden enough in case some travelers decided to venture out this late at night. The vast majority of this trail had been flat and somewhat windy, leaving only small brush or strong grasses to hold on to the soil.

We didn't start a fire, but stayed close to the wagon and horses, whom we kept hitched to the wagon in case we had to make a fast getaway.

I once again set out my fluffy pack with its lavender scent, and snuggled down for the night. Scythe stayed standing right next to the cart, but he faced us, watching over us.

I guess I was staring a little too hard at him because he slightly lowered his head and took a quick peek at me and then raised his head and gaze back to the expanse beyond.

"Why are you staring, Lillian?" His voice was just as humanoid as any of ours, but it was his accent that separated him. Warforged have a distinct accent that is easy to hear.

I was embarrassed for a second, having been caught staring, but shook that feeling off. "Thanks for watching out for us every night, Scythe. It makes me feel safe."

He did look directly at me this time. It was his turn to stare, but after a moment he said, "It is my job."

"No, it's not. Just because you are able to do it and you are the best at it does not make it your job. You chose to do it, so I am choosing to thank you." I kept my voice as close to a whisper as I could, so as not to disturb Fausto with his reading or Flyn with his snoozing.

"You are welcome. Thank you for your contributions to the group as well. Even though I do not eat your food."

I don't think he meant it as a joke, since I hadn't really heard much humor come from him, but I gave a little chuckle anyways. I now had a weird yearning to make sure that my "contributions" to the group could also benefit Scythe. We were a team now, even if we had been thrown together by fate.

Scythe's next sentence surprised me. "I am sorry," he said in a whisper.

"Sorry? For what?"

"For what my kind did to yours." Scythe held my gaze now and although his voice did not waiver with emotion, I just knew that he was being sincere.

"Don't be sorry. Your kind didn't ask to be created to destroy others. You didn't even have any control over your actions. Your own creators wanted to disassemble you after it was over. You have no reason to be sorry." But I hastily added, "but thank you for the apology."

"Good night, Lillian," he whispered so quietly that I almost missed it.

"Good night, Scythe," I said in response, knowing that neither of us really slept. I think it was a real hope that nothing would happen through the night.

But my hopes of a full night's rest were dashed when Scythe once again unsheathed 570N3 and the sound of our horses screaming broke through the night's quiet lullaby.

Flyn immediately grabbed for his rapier and one of his daggers and Fausto stood, flipping through the pages of his horrendous book.

The sounds of wolves gnashing their teeth could be heard coming from the other side of the cart and we all raced to that side to protect the horses, especially the one on the side closest to the threat.