Secrets in the Snow

Chapter 8

Shaemus' insides felt like they had been entered into a knot tying competition, and not just because of the hangover. Seeing the weapons of mass destruction the royal army kept in the warehouse gave him an unsettling feeling. He had no idea what kind of enemy would require artillery of that scale. Perhaps he'd be wiser to fear the thing they were hunting more than the weapons themselves. Despite his discomfort with the matter, however, he had more pressing worries to attend to. Right now he was on his way to Stephis Wysawraek's house to get answers for things he had neglected to ask the previous night.

Before he left, he told Gryffell that he was going out to collect food. Shaemus left Gryffell alone at the den so his friend could concentrate on devising a plan to put more eyes on the warehouse. Gryffell was determined to figure out the reason behind crafting up those barbaric weapons. Behind his friend's childish sense of humor, he was actually quite smart. He and Gryffell had planned all of the gang's best heists together, each one a success. Shaemus hoped his visit with the Half-Elf wouldn't take too long, but even if it did, he didn't think Gryffell would care as long as he brought back something to eat.

The tall blonde moved swiftly past the rows of brightly colored cottages and apartments, closing in on the small bleak home at the end of the street. He hoped Stephis was home and alone. Shaemus wanted straight answers before exposing his idea. Winnie's crazy, kissable presence would just be a distraction. Shaemus approached the front door. Taking a deep breath to cool himself, he gave the wood three good knocks. Minutes ticked by without an answer. Shaemus tapped his foot in irritation. Birds cawed overhead as they sat on branches staring down at the man. They may be just birds, but he could just feel the mock in their caws. Patience was a virtue that Shaemus did not have. Growing more agitated, Shaemus beat on the door again. This time with more authority.

Shuffling about like a lop-sided oaf, Stephis opened the door squinting up at Shaemus as the outside light struck his eyes, "Shaemus, my boy. Please come in."

The words had barely left the Half-Elf's mouth before Shaemus muscled his way inside, "We need to talk."

Stephis stared worriedly at Shaemus as he closed the door behind them, "Of course. I must say this visit is a surprise. Can I get you something to drink?"

"No!" Shaemus blurted out, already feeling his liver's protest, "No. That won't be necessary. Is Winnie here?"

Stephis shook his head as he lead Shaemus over to the couch, "I'm afraid not. Did you need her?"

"No. I was hoping you'd be alone," Shaemus said, a small hint of irritation sneaking its way into his voice, "I was starting to think you weren't home after five minutes of knocking."

"My apologies. I was putting some stuff away upstairs," The Half-Elf focused his pale gaze on Shaemus as he laid his hands in his lap, "Now, what is it I can do for you?"

"I need you to tell me why I'm doing this."

Stephis scrunched his brow in confusion, "I'm not sure I understand your request."

A moment of silence passed before Shaemus closed his eyes and clasped his hands together, "I need you to tell me exactly why I should help retrieve our wings. I need you to explain the dire importance of why I'm risking my head to help some kingdom I've never even heard of."

Stephis sat quietly in his chair, staring at the table in front of him. He looked thoughtful and composed, but also mournful. A painfully silent minute passed before the Half-Elf spoke again, "I'm not going to ask you to understand a life you've never known. I'm not going to ask you to try and sympathize with an old misfit. All I want is for you and Winnie to receive the gifts and family that should have been yours from birth."