Drone

18 Consequences.

Niklas pushed his way into the yard, bleary-eyed and exhausted. As he entered, several workmen grinned at him, and he heard several of them whisper his name in hushed conversation. He noted that many people were absent, and some tried to hide bruises. On top of that, the yard was a wreck. Several things had broken the previous night, including the shelf he had put Tim through. Several liquor bottles and wax paper for meat slabs lay on the ground, abandoned by the spectators of the pit.

Niklas failed to fight a massive yawn and stretched his sore body. He tried to hide his limp, but there was something majorly wrong with his knee.

"Niklas!" Osred cried as he ran up to him frantically.

"What's up?" Niklas asked dumbly, only slightly anxious that someone may have told him what happened.

"What happened here?" Osred asked worriedly. "I think we had vandals in the yard last night. I should have left you the key to lock up when you were done."

"Vandals?" Niklas asked. "What do you mean?"

Osred waved his arms around frantically. "Look around. This place is a wreck. Someone broke a shelf and a wood stop. It looks like a stampede came through here last night."

Niklas furrowed his brow. "Okay, Os," he said. "I'll confess. It's my fault."

"What?" Osred asked in surprise. "Niklas, what are you talking about?"

"I should have cleaned up after work. I remember thinking it looked horrible when you left, but I was tired."

"Niklas!" he said urgently. "It didn't look like this when I left!"

Niklas feigned confusion. "Yes, it did. I remember noting the yard needed some work. Don't worry, I'll clean it up."

"Niklas!" Osred said earnestly, pulling him close. I think one of the other yards is working against us—probably Sigegar. I want you to be careful. I think he's jealous that I have you in my yard, and I think..." He looked around to ensure no one was listening, then whispered, "I think he might be hurting my workers. I saw Stephan; he was beaten pretty badly! Tim and Zach haven't come in."

"Were they?" Niklas chuckled nervously as he rubbed his swollen and torn knuckles. They itched and ached under his leather work gloves. "Did Stephan tell you what happened"

He shook his head. "He was petrified. I sent him home to recover, but I want you to watch your back. If Sigegar does anything suspicious, tell me immediately."

Niklas nodded. "I'll let you know if I hear anything."

Osred nodded, looking worried. "Be careful, my friend."

Niklas felt a ping of guilt but more relief. If no one had said anything by now, they probably never would.

Niklas found Robin, who looked at him with dark eyes.

"What?" Niklas asked.

"You look like dung," Robin muttered. "And so does the yard... I still think what you did was wrong."

"You were there too," Niklas pointed out.

"Because I'm an idiot, and so are you."

Niklas couldn't hide his grin. It crept onto his face like an unwanted sneeze, making him look like a fool. "You won't say that when you hear how much I made."

Robin's face shifted in surprise. "How much?"

"Four hundred and thirty-seven cesh!" Niklas said.

Robin's jaw dropped as he failed to find words.