The Iron Skeleton

Chapter 23

Hannah grinned and nodded as she listened to Princess Chariya's endless gushing over the success of their meeting. However, her mind was more occupied with trying to imagine how Wendy could be honest in her claim to have convinced the hotel staff to allow the Sand Dollar to make a rooftop landing in their absence. Hannah hurried her footsteps, eager to return and discover if it was really true. 

"It is true we will have to wait seven days before he will begin sending us men." Chariya said, continuing a train of thought Hannah hadn't boarded until now, "But nonetheless, the promise of Innutukian aide certainly lifts my spirits, and hopefully, everybody's morale will then increase." 

Baird nodded. "I hope so, too. With Innutukian legions on our side, victory seems so much more tangible." 

"Indeed!" the princess agreed, "After a path of disappointments and defeat, it is encouraging to relish in a moment of success." 

"Like overcoming writer's block." Baird remarked with a smirk. 

Hannah and Chariya both grinned back at Baird and laughed. Then the three continued on their way to the hotel. When they arrived, they ascended the elevator straight to the rooftop. Once the doors opened, Hannah beamed at the sight of the Sand Dollar resting on its landing gear perfectly in the middle. 

Her grin widened when her eyes landed on Aaron and Wendy sitting side by side on a crate. Hannah dashed over to the two and embraced them both. 

"How'd it go?" she asked Aaron excitedly. 

He glanced up pleasantly at the sight of Hannah, but bit his lip and hesitated at her question. "Well...we succeeded, so yeah." 

Hannah tilted her head. "Then why do ya seem down? And where's everybody else?" 

"Keira's washing up inside, last I saw her. And Ace...well...I dunno—" 

"C'mon, tell me!" 

Aaron sighed. "He's not walking right now." 

"Why's dat?" 

Wendy grunted. "That bloody chinless wonder you and Keira picked up struck again, apparently!" 

Hannah frowned. "Brant, ya mean?" 

"Yeah, that idiot. He's been nothing but trouble this whole bloody time." 

"I wouldn't say that, he's just...tryin' to find his way, I reckon." 

"Well, he'd better find it quick." Aaron muttered, "Because this 'finding his way' business nearly killed my sister and did injure Ace." 

Hannah took in a deep breath and held it for a few seconds before finally releasing it. "Can I go see him?" 

"Which him?" 

"Ace." she replied with a light grin. 

"I think Sila's gonna bring him out when he's all bandaged up." Aaron said, "You should probably just wait until then." 

"Alright. And Brant...where's he?" 

"He's moping on a balcony somewhere, more than likely." 

Hannah nodded. "Well, I'll be back up in a bit. Gotta put my coat away, anyhow." 

"Sounds good." Aaron patted the brunette's shoulder and smiled before watching her pivot on her heel and head for the elevator again. 

After the twin doors slid aside, Hannah marched down the hallway and entered their suite. Aside from two of Chariya's soldiers playing checkers on the floor and a third clicking through television channels, the common area was empty. The girl tossed her coat onto an armchair and headed straight for the balcony door.