The Whisper of the Nightingale

Chapter 27: The Debt

"Life debt?" Raven stared at the man.

"Yes, do you recall releasing a small white Spirit Beast a while back?" Raven nodded so Fenris continued, "Well, that was my grandson."

"Senior's grandson? But you..."

"Have human form, indeed. He might too, eventually."

For the second time that evening Raven's mind spun. She had read legends of extremely powerful Spirit Beasts that managed to take human form, the great raven that had caused the death of Weebill the Great was rumored to have been one of them, but that was in legends only. Besides, those creatures supposedly had no problem defeating Spirit Masters, doing so with but a thought; such a thing should be impossible.

Before Raven had a chance to compose herself, Fenris continued talking.

"By doing so, you saved his life. According to the laws laid down by our ancestors that means that my grandson owes you a life debt. That being the case, he must follow you as a servant until the debt is repaid, until he has saved your life."

Raven's mind had calmed down and she focused on what Fenris was telling her.

"However, my grandson is still very weak and it is unsuitable for him to follow you - most likely he would do you more harm than good by doing so. That being the case, I chose to follow you in his place. I had intended to keep doing so in silence, until he was strong enough to do so himself, but curiosity got the better of me when I heard you singing and observing you create a new Divine Skill."

As Raven listened she realized something.

"Senior, may I be as bold as to ask if you perhaps did something to bandits who entered the Great Valley Woodlands after I left?"

"Ah. Yes, I felt a little bit of punishment was at hand." Fenris smiled a sinister smile.

'That explains the fear the bandits had for that place...'

"Then, when did Senior Fenris catch up to us - three days ago, perhaps?" Raven continued her investigation with as much respect she could muster.

"No," Fenris seemed to be counting backwards, "it was twelve days ago. How so?"

'Hmm, so the silent forest is not because of him... Was the low Spirit Champion enough for the wildlife to quiet down?'

Raven shook her head. "Never mind. So, what is Senior's proposal exactly? Senior helps me restore my brother, by a method he would approve of, and I cancel the life debt of Senior's grandson?"

"Not quite." Fenris shook his head. "Since your brother's life isn't in direct peril at the moment the two acts don't cancel each other out completely, and also, a life debt must ultimately be repaid by the one in debt. No, I will help you restore your brother's body and, in turn, you will cancel my grandson's servitude - he will still have to save your life some day but you two will be considered equals from now on."

"...Senior Fenris, do not take offence, but how do I know you are not tricking us with all this? Senior might not even be related to that little Spirit Beast at all." Raven very much wanted to agree to his proposal but she was never one to trust easily.

Fenris didn't take offence though, he just smiled and flicked his wrist. A loud *thud* was heard as the spiked cage that Raven had rescued the small Spirit Beast from, landed by his feet.

"You recognize this, right? Besides, no doubt your instincts are telling you that if I wanted to harm you I would not have needed to make a deal with you first, she-human."