Shadow Blades (The Cimmerian Cycle #2)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

It was at the end of three and a bit weeks that Cormac felt comfortable enough to finally stop bandaging his knee up. All that was left of the wound was a thin, white scar. His last days as a thief had finally come to an end. He was both nervous and excited for he had known no other life then thievery and he was about to rise in rank.

The last few weeks had been pleasant. Cormac had almost lived normally, as if his parents were still alive.

That night the gang held a sort of farewell feast in honour of Cormac. Rider sat to the side, removed from the festivities. Cormac grabbed a wedge of stolen cheese and briefly glanced at him. He knew that Rider was getting impatient and he longed to return to his precious guild.

Cormac shoved the cheese into his mouth and turned his attention back to the party. Root seemed to have acquired some ale and the boys were getting quite tipsy. Root was singing in a slow voice, his eyes glazed over. Cormac hadn't dare touch the stuff. He needed a clear head for the next day.

Isabel sat on his right and Mouse to the right of her. They were both talking happily although Cormac could see that Isabel's smile looked rather forced. Mouse kept flicking her eyes towards him and he couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable.

Cormac cleared his throat and stood up. The table immediately fell silent.

"As you all know I have a job awaiting me tomorrow upon a ship bound south for Bekyrius," he said.

"You're goona get sea-sick!" someone yelled and the table erupted into laughter.

Cormac raised a hand for silence and the attention of the room was quickly returned to him.

"When I return, which may not be for many months, I will not be re-joining the gang. This all of you should know by now," he folded his arms. The boys held their breath as one.

"That is why the question of leadership should come up now. Anyone of you is welcome to step forward but I am personally nominating Isabel."

Isabel didn't look at all shocked. The boys all turned to her. They all had some respect for her, whether it be the way she looked after them and fed them or her beating them in a battle of skill. She took this as her cue to stand up.

"Thank you Cormac," she said, "I will only be your leader if you want me."

She smiled and the table went into a frenzy. They all chanted her name. Her smile was genuine this time as Cormac nodded to her and she took back her seat. Cormac hushed them.

"Raise your hand if you wish Isabel to be your new leader," Cormac said.

He didn't even need to count. The vote was unanimous. Cormac sat down and shook her hand.

"Congratulations Isabel," he said. She merely nodded and turned back to her gang.

As happy as Cormac was for Isabel he couldn't help but feel a little sad. This was truly the end. There was no turning back. He grabbed some more food and hoped it would wash away his worries.

It was early into the new day when everyone was finally asleep. Cormac crawled into his bed for what would be the last time. Rider remained seated on his chair, staring blankly at the wall. The morning couldn't come quick enough for him.

Cormac grinned into his pillow. Tomorrow he would be rid of Rider, once and for all.

He woke a few hours later to the noise of people shuffling around. The morning air had a slight chill to it and Cormac sniffed. He didn't have long before dawn and he had some last minute packing to do.