Wizardly

Chapter Nine: Friends

About an hour later we were finally back in the dining area and I got myself a plate full of food. I'm starving after training and walking around. We all sat down to eat and I chose to ignore the looks people were giving us. They'll come around eventually.

"So when are the others supposed to arrive?" Candice asked and I sighed. She just really wants to push for answers doesn't she? Setting my fork down I looked around at my friends, then I decided to give them a little of an answer.

"If I had to guess, I'd say three will probably show up tomorrow and then two more the next day. Going off of their locations and travel time anyways," I mumbled, "As for Theo, she should be arriving sometime tonight."

"You mean you even called Theo here dude?" Max asked sounding surprised. I shrugged.

"Well you ten really are the only people - outside of the guild - I know. At least the ones who know me well enough to call friends," I replied and shrugged again.

After dinner everyone headed to their rooms for the night. I staid up and just hung out in the dining area. When Max cleared his throat I jumped out of my skin not especting him to came back.

He laughed when I grabbed at my chest and he sat down. Closing my laptop I looked over at him, knowing he probably wanted to talk. He seemed to be thinking, no doubt trying to figure out how to word what he wants to say or ask. After a long quiet moment he sighed.

"I'm just going to say it and I hope you will give me a straight answer. Why - Why don't your guild mates or even your friends know about that incident? Does your Guild Master even know?" He asked.

"That's two questions, but I'll answer them. When Shay died he left me some very important things and to protect those things and the people around me I chose to hide the truth of what happened. No one, not even the Captian know. Only you know and I hope I can trust you to keep quiet about it," I mumbled.

He seemed lost in thought and sighed. Was he going to let it go then? Will he keep quiet?

"So what story are you going to feed them about how you met me. I mean we did meet through Shay. What harm could it do to tell them a partial truth. Shay is dead, he was our friend and a researcher, like your parents were," he said, "Don't even mention to them about the other stuff."

"Listen I can and will only say this once and I hope I can trust you to keep your mouth and your mind quiet about it," I mumbled and he nodded, "Shay left me "The Sword" and trusted me to keep it safe. The more people who know I have ties to Shay, the more danger the sword and everyone is in."

His eyes were huge in complete surprise and I swear they'd pop out of his head if he tried to open them any wider. Then once the shock of what I said wore off he sighed running his hand through his curly, sandy-brown hair.

"Well shit, Dude. I never thought you were the one he entrusted it to, but I guess that makes total sense now. He trusted you and you chose to carry the burden alone to protect your guild and friends, from the same fate he had," he rambled.

"I need you to completely close this conversation and everything about Shay from your mind. If someone tries to get in your head, we're all screwed," I said.

"What conversation?" He replied and I nodded. If anyone can put a block on their memories and keep quiet, it's Max. Not only is he an Animal Tamer he also has great mental abilities. Beaing a tough nut to crack is important for them. They kind of have to in order to communicate with animals and to protect them.

"In other news, I'm going to need your help when the others get here. I just want to be sure no fights occur," I said and he studdied me closely. What is he thinking in that head of his?

"Fights, huh? Is there somone you're referring to specifically? Let me refraise that, Is there someone in particular I should be keeping an eye on?" He asked. I nodded.

"His name is Nash. He has a hard time trusting people and well he and Ray have some history," I said and shrugged, "They should be okay since they're at another guild and all, but just to be cautious." He nodded and said he'd help me out. "Well, we really should head to bed soon. I kind of wanted to wait for Theo, but it looks like she's running late," I added.

Right on cue we heard commotion in the lobby and I smiled knowing Theo must've just arrived. I looked at Max and motioned him to follow me. Max and Theo have met briefly in the past and they know each other a little bit, but I know they'll get along well.

As we entered the main hall by the front door I saw Theo standing there apologizing to the front guard. She was bright red and clearly did something to upset the guard. Oops. I interjected myself into the conversation apologizing for any mix up or issues she may have caused and the guard, Ivan, put his weapon away.

"Sorry, I didn't realize she was one of our guests. I caught her stalking around outside peeking through the windows. I found it suspicious so I confronted her," he said. I apologized again and asked Theo what she was doing.

"I - I'm sorry. I - I knew it was real late so I didn't want to wake anyone by knocking so I thought if I spot someone who could let me in I could've avoided waking anyone. I suppose I could've just called you and I apologize for causing a scene," She mumbled shyly. Not being able to hold it in I let out a laugh and shook my head at her.

"It's alright, it's a good thing the guard here asked questions before jumping to conclusions," I said. Especially with the situation we're all in with the Dark Guild.

"When I saw her luggage I figured she might be a friendly so I detained her here and sent word to Captain," he said. I nodded and thanked him for his help and apologized again for the confusion.

"Well anyways. It's late and I'm sure you are tired so I'll have you bunk with Candice," I said and grabbed her bag. She followed me and continued to apologize to which I waved off. No harm no foul.