The Cainite Order

CHAPTER 20

ਦੋ ਕੁੱਤੇ ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਹੱਡੀ ਲਈ ਲੜ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ, ਜਦਕਿ, ਇਕ ਤਿਹਾਈ ਇਸ ਨਾਲ ਦੂਰ ਚੱਲਦਾ ਹੈ

CHAPTER 20

"While two dogs are fighting for a bone, a third runs away with it."

In the mess hall, Beathen sat with Ruaraidh and a mountain of food. The two of them plowed through sausage, spaghetti, shrimp and hush-puppies while washing it down with ale, water, and pop. Eating and drinking and talking did much to alleviate their tensions. Neither of them could remember the last time it felt this good to just sit and eat. It could have been the impending doom they felt that made them relax, a sort of calm before the storm. No matter the cause they were both glad for the opportunity. On his way to getting a third helping, Beathen decided to eat the apple before he ate anything else.

"That thing still good?" asked Ruaraidh.

"Well, Odin said it was from Idunn's Garden so I imagine it will last a while. However, I was thinking we should share it." Beathen said.

"Tis a grand gesture lad but dat was a gift from ta gods to you." Ruaraidh protested.

"And I'm going to share my gift with a friend and partner. Besides, I think we could both use a pick me up right now and this thing feels like it's full of energy." Beathen said, cutting the apple in half and offering part to Ruaraidh.

"I think it'll take more than eating a battery to help us, but it can't hurt." Ruaraidh said, hopefully.

The two men ate their half of the enchanted apple tentatively. Once finished they both sat and laughed deeply.

"I half expected to start glowing or turn invisible." Beathen said through the laughter.

"As much fun as this is lad, I think I'm going to take a nap. All this food has made me a bit sleepy." Ruaraidh said through tear-filled eyes.

"That sounds like a great idea." Beathen agreed, leaving the table.

He took all the dishes back to the kitchen before making his way to his bed. He was taken aback at how tired he was while he walked. The thoughts that had been blasting through his mind were finally leaving him be for the moment. He was almost twenty feet from the mess hall when Volkov appeared next to him.

"Faulkner."

"Volkov"

"If you're looking to relax, I think you should consider a meditation technique I know."

"I would usually accept any help you could offer, but I think I'm going to take a nap before I pass out." Beathen said sleepily.

"I think you would benefit more from a rejuvenating meditation. I would prefer to teach you willingly."

"Fine, I'll go with you, but I can't guarantee I'll stay awake.

...

Ash dug through piles of records trying to find the most probable location for a large ritual to be done. Ohio was home to several thousand magikal ley lines that made pinpointing one place near impossible. Nevertheless, she was determined to find something to help. The Northwest was too far and had less concentrated ley lines so it was less likely to be happening there. The Northeast had a few locations that may have the right amount of energy for a large ritual.