ANDREW BLACK

Chapter 8

Levison Dalte

"Master," Gavin whispered from behind the door. He heard no response, so he knocked again. Still, no response. Opening the door he expected to find Master Levi fast asleep but the bed was empty. "Master?" he called walking further into the room. He wondered whether his master had left for training. If then, he could just resume work. He could start from the table by the balcony. He saw his master dump his clothes on there when he was preparing him a bath late at night. He was fast asleep in the chair when his master had returned and found him lounging in his chamber. His master had poked his forehead springing him awake and he came face to face with different colored eyes. Gavin yelped falling to the floor and bruising his bum. His master simply shook his head and requested a hot bath. He sounded tired and somewhat frustrated. Gavin could smell the blood on his master's clothes, but it wasn't his place to ask questions. His eyes followed his master who walked over to the balcony doors pulled open his curtains and then began to undress tossing his mask on the table, then his coat.

"Are you enjoying the show?" Levi asked turning to him, but his eyes weren't smiling they looked somewhat dazed. He threw his unbuttoned shirt to the table, then opened the balcony doors stepping bare-chested into the cold night, Gavin wondered if the cold pricked his skin. He wondered what assignment his master had been given to affect him so much.  "How many demons must a man conquer in his life? If I had a choice, I'd choose a different life, a simpler one. In my next life can I ask to be happy?" Levi asked solemnly, and Gavin felt his heart reach out to him. He had never seen his master like this, so vulnerable. It was almost like he was a different person.

"Happiness is relative," Gavin said out unconsciously.

"How so?" Levi asked promting him to continue turning back to the dark sky.

"To some happiness is a hot meal and a bed to rest their head and hopes that tomorrow would provide same."

"Then I must be a selfish bastard." Gavin heard him whisper. "Because I want more, this is not en-". His words were cut short as he fell to the floor. Gavin rushed to his side panicked.

"Master!" he yelled repeatedly. He placed his hand under his master's nose he could feel breaths, then he brought his head to his chest he could hear his heart. He was fine. Gavin was surprised at how much he had learned from helping Mortis the physician. "Master?" he called more quietly this time. He saw his master's mouth moving but he heard no words, so he brought his ears closer.

"Wasted care, I am unredeemable," he whispered. Gavin pulled back, his face contorted with confusion. Then his master's eyes peeled open, weary mismatched eyes of green and blue staring up at the ceiling. "Gavin," he heard him call. The way he called his name almost  as though the words themselves held hope and answers. At this point, Gavin was certain he would give his life if his master requested...maybe not his life but he was willing to do as much if it would take away the misery from his voice.

"Yes sir," he answered.

"My hot water," Levi responded, his voice commanding. His previous emotions seemed to have evaporated. Gavin stared at his master stunned. "Why are you staring, Will the water make itself?" he asked getting up. Gavin offered to help but he flung his hands away. "I am not old yet," he muttered.

"Of course, not sir! I shall go prepare the water," Gavin said jumping off the ground.

"Make it very hot." Levi requested.

"Steaming hot?" Gavin asked and Levi nodded. "Why?"

"So, I may burn away from existence," he simply responded. Confusion found its way to Gavin's facial features once more. Again, with the coded words, he thought. "It is only humor Gavin," Levi said, "By now you should be acquainted with it."