The Blue Flames And Rusted Swords

Chapter 10

It was the next morning, and everyone had to report to the dining hall for breakfast. For breakfast, we had crackers, blue cheese, and more beans. I walked over to the table with Cardan and the rest of my cellmates. The dining hall was bustling with inmates and chatter.

It was the same table as yesterday with the same people. I sat down in the same seat, and nobody said anything for a few minutes. There would be guys exchanging glances with the other and then to me. I didn't bother looking at anyone at the moment. Cardan finally spoke up amongst the unbearable silence in the group.

"So... what happened yesterday with Togen?"

Cardan questioned me, making all eyes on the table turn to me for an answer. I scanned each face, and my eyes landed on Cardan, whose expression I could not read.

"We had dinner with another guy, and they discussed some personal matters with me. I can't tell you more because the guards are keeping a close eye on me, and nobody should know more than that."

I said as I picked up a cracker and ate it. Nobody said anything to that for a minute until Cardan spoke to him again to clear the silence.

"Alright then, well, I could say you've been missing out on some news as well when you were gone. Did Hayden, Nor, Burns, or Icarus tell you?"

I exchanged a look between the whole table before my eyes landed back on Cardan.

"Told me what?"

Cardan sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He looked around the table as if he was hoping someone would speak up and say it instead of him. Nobody said anything, and so he relied on himself to answer.

"There's this gang in Beydrin called 'Xycora', and lately, you've been catching their attention. Kadrieus, you are the first topic of everyone's conversation."

"Why? Did they run out on other things to talk about?"

I remarked, looking over at the other tables to see who the 'Xycora' were. No other table had caught my attention until my eyes landed on a table with a group of guys looking over in my direction. I nod over to their direction.

"Is it those guys?"

The whole table followed where my eyes landed. They noticed the guys on a table looking back at us, and one of the guys smirking.

"Yeah... they are the 'Xycora.' They're a gang in Giredehan known for... well, whatever crime you can think of..."

Cardan looked over his shoulder to see the Xycora's table before looking back at his plate like the rest.

"Well, why are they interested?"

I looked over to Cardan and the rest.

"You were what everyone's been talking about. Of course, they would be interested. Especially since you're the first one from Thervian."

Burns said matter of factly, taking a bite of the beans on his plate.

"Hey, consider yourself lucky if they ask you to join them."

Icarus said, and everyone at the table seemed to agree. I scoffed at his words.

"I'd rather die from starvation than be recruited by a bunch of dimwits."

"But nobody will bother you if you're in their gang."

Hayden prodded on, and Nor spoke up.

"Yeah, and they will not ambush you when you haven't paid up your debt to them."

"When they can ride a dragon, I'll accept. Nobody should owe them anything except for a black eye."

The silence had hung in the air, and it was thick as fog. For all I know, I was speaking the harsh truth, but to them, it probably meant nothing.