The Crimson Claymore

The Crimson Claymore: Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Searon, Karceoles, and Xython sat alone around a table in the back corner in the common room of the Dancing Donkey. All was silent around them, as even the inn owner and most of the serving maids had gone off to bed. Only two remained; one continued wiping down the tables and cleaning the floor. She smiled at the three men from time to time but left them alone after they said they wouldn't care for a drink. The other was the same redheaded maid with the white hat they had spoken to before. She knelt next to Searon, cleaning his wound and bandaging it. Searon and Karceoles both puffed at their pipes as they leaned back in their chairs. Karceoles's pipe was thrice the length as Searon's with a long stem that he held nearly two spans from his face. Xython watched the two carefully with arms crossed.

"Where do we start?" Searon asked.

"The beginning is usually suitable," Karceoles said.

"How about where you have been the past ten years," Xython added.

Searon sighed. "Do you remember Victoria?"

Xython's expression changed from stern to worry. He looked around as if expecting her to come from the shadows. When he saw nothing, he turned back to Searon and studied him with caution.

"Yes," he said reluctantly.

"Well, fourteen years ago, we married. She grew with child after half a year, and we decided to move. We had a son, Kellen, who grew to the age of ten when she was with child again. Before our family could grow, we were attacked by draeyks. I am all that is left, and a little over three years have passed. My life quest from then on has been to seek out these creatures one by one and destroy them. Nothing else has mattered."

Xython nodded but kept silent.

"Well?" Searon asked.

"What?"

"Would you like to join us in gathering an army to destroy them once and for all?"

"After nearly thirteen years, little has changed about you, Searon. You are still the selfish leader that took off to battle with little regard to anyone but yourself," Xython paused. "No, I will not join your quest. While I'm sorry for what grief you must be going through, your act is still selfish. Can you not see what these villages are going through? This daerion threat has only begun in the last few years, and it has been increasing rapidly. To ask us to abandon our armies that are needed to protect us here to instead run off and leave this village unprotected for thousands of innocents to die? You ask too much."

Xython got to his feet and slid his chair in. He took one last hardened glance at Searon before shaking his head and walking toward the exit.

"Wait!" Searon called.

Xython stopped and reluctantly turned back to look at Searon. His expression was unreadable, but it seemed borderline rage and sorrow.

"You're right; I am selfish. These people need protection as well. Please sit. I am not here to dictate. I have come with ideas and have come to listen. Your politics have always been appreciated in the past, even if I haven't always thanked you for them. Please, sit, friend."

Xython raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps you have changed a little. Fine, I will sit. Do not think to change my mind without a debate."

Searon smiled. "I would never. Have I ever?"

"Nope, and unlike you, I haven't changed."

"And that is the reason, my friend, that I wish to have you as my ally."

"Go on, tell me what you have to say."

"We need an alliance. Even if we aren't to take many on a journey to fight, the fact that an alliance is true against these creatures is security enough. If a bond can be created, with messengers to let each other know where there is trouble so that the other may come to aid. If we have a few thousand strong, and the city is being attacked, we would make haste to come defend. Yet if we find a camp where they dwell, we could send for aid and head in strong."