Bound By Madness

61. Uncertain Events

"Who the heck is that!" The Listener pointed at Ellery as my Jester moved to take a seat in the chair at the far end of the table before grabbing a bottle of ale and taking a swig.

I turned my head so quickly that I flinched from the sudden pain in my neck, staring at Destin with wide eyes.

You see him? How? Nobody has ever seen Ellery before other than me, and you most assuredly couldn't see him earlier!

"Now, now, Juni! That's not true! I've always seen him when we have our little get-togethers! Amicus, too. Tell me, does he still make you shut your eyes? You always did have a fixation on that part after spending a night with your assassin," the man said, his smile growing wider as he leaned back in his chair. "But to answer your question of how, that would be because we are inside of Pelly's mind! That which is unseen outside is visible, even to those normally are blind to such things."

"Amicus?" The Listener said as he turned his head to peer behind me. "Wait, isn't that-"

"Ah, ah, ah! No telling! That little tidbit is between Amicus and... Well, you know who. It is up to them to decide whether or not to tell. Or for her to find out on her own! Oh, wouldn't that be interesting to watch!" Laughter spilled from the man's lips as he slapped his leg a few times.

"I'm not sure if I agree with what you call interesting... Still, we were sent here to find someone. Do you know a... Ummm, hey Faith? What was that guy's name?" My Listener looked at me with a confused frown before his eyes wandered behind me to Amicus again.

"Dervenin. His name was Dervenin, foolish man. Now stop bothering Faith with your silly questions," Ellery spoke up, swirling the ale left in his bottle as he grinned wickedly at Destin.

Ellery! He's our Brother! Don't be so rude to the Listener!

"And here I thought you had figured it out for a moment, little Juni! Ahh, but if you have both joined the Dark Brotherhood where all are Brothers and Sisters, then I guess not. Too bad! To think you have him right in front of you and you still don't see it! Ha!" The man was laughing again, grabbing the drink in front of him and taking a sip. "Not that he's that much better. After all, you were nearly grown the last time he saw you and you haven't changed that much since then. Well, outside of filling out a bit and the whole madness thing! I'd say nothing but improvements all around!"

I felt Amicus' arms wrap around my waist, his head leaning against mine as I felt confused by this strange man. Nothing made sense. How could I know Destin, since I'd never met him before, regardless of what this man said? What had he thought I'd figured out? Turning to look at the Listener, I trailed my eyes slowly over his features. No, all I saw was the familiar face of a young man I had spent week after week getting to know, both at Home and on contracts.

"Shh, it will be okay, sweet Faith. Lord Sheo will not harm you. He's a friend, even if you have forgotten him. Besides, if he tried anything, we would both do everything we could to protect you," Amicus whispered into my ear softly, his hands pulling me back into a comforting hug.

"No matter! So, you were sent here to fetch me, were you? Pelly, do you hear that? They want me to end our visit and go home! Can you imagine that? If it was anyone but Juni here, I'd likely be rather upset at the nerve of them. Ahh, but how could I get upset with one of my favorite people? At least, of those still alive! Ha! But no, I've put a lot of effort into her and I don't think I could stay upset with such a fun little lady and her... companions. Of course, this doesn't mean I want to leave, so how about a deal?" He grinned and leaned forward, elbows resting on the table as he pressed his fingertips together in front of him.

"What kind of a deal?" Destin said cautiously, stepping between this 'Lord Sheo' and myself.

"First, I should conclude my visit with dear Pelly. Time to end things! A good day to you sir, I said good day! Now begone!" He cackled as the other man looked first confused and then resigned.

"Yes. Leave me to my ceaseless responsibilities and burdens." The man said before fading away as I almost jumped in shock at the sight.

"You look how I felt when I saw Ellery walk past me," the Listener mumbled to himself as he shifted slightly, trying to ignore the snickering that arose from the table as my Jester began nibbling on some of the cheese nearby.

"Now. Now let us begin! While you run around and try to cure dear Pelagius' fractured mind, little Juni and I shall become reacquainted with each other! Oh, and if you really want, I'll let you take one of her companions with you. If both the companion and Juni agree, that is," a smirk twisted Lord Sheo's lips as he looked from Ellery to Amicus before settling his gaze on me.

I don't mind, so it is up to either Ellery or Amicus if they are willing to join my Listener. What I want to know is... how is Destin supposed to cure someone's mind?

"Ah ah ah, Juni! That is for him to find out! Can't spoil the surprise after all! Oh, but I guess I should give him something to help him out with the task, eh? Here, take this with you!" He clapped his hands before a strange looking staff dropped down from above, nearly landing on the Listener's head as he fumbled to catch it. "The Wabbajack! Now take it and go! There is a lot for us to catch up on. Juni has been a busy girl, it seems."

Leaning forward, the strange man rested his chin on his fingers after gesturing to the seat across from him. I watched as Destin began moving toward the archway at the edges of the clearing, closing my eyes when I felt Amicus' arms leave and his hand pat my head, a whispered "Stay safe, dear Faith." all he said before following silently after the Listener.

"Come, have a seat, little Juni. Or don't you trust your oldest of friends to behave?"