Felix Let Loose (The Slayer Book 2)

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

A Safe Home

After the incident in the mountains, the guild returned to the town in which they had been staying for the last few weeks. But now, Lyle came with them.

They sat together outside on a bench, beside the inn they spend much of their time now. And it was here, that Lyle was able to meet the other members of Waltz's guild.

'Hello Graham and Loxus' Lyle smiled at them.

Loxus stayed a distance away, Graham on the other hand edged forwards, sniffing this newcomer with suspicion, but keeping well out of his reach. Graham drew back after a time, running away back to Loxus's side. They moved off together, going away and out of sight.

Only the cat which had no name, seemed to be the only one who trusted him.

It sat before Lyle upon the table now, watching him.

Lyle reached out to it, caressing it. The cat bowed its head, closing its eyes as he scratched it behind its ear. The cat began to purr.

'Such a fascinating creature' Lyle breathed. 'You may have saved my life friend' he said to the cat.

The cat stepped closer to him, rubbing his chest once with its head, before turning and curling up on the table, continuing to purr as Lyle pet him.

'This creature has some sort of tie to you' Lyle said. 'It's been following you for a long way.'

'We know' Waltz said flatly from where he sat opposite Lyle on the bench. 'It's been following us for ages.'

'How do you feel?' Lyle asked him, glancing up at Waltz.

'Ok I guess' Waltz replied sullenly. 'No thanks to you.'

Waltz sat now only in his boxers, as Sumaey kneeling before him washed the blood away from his body.

'Ack' Waltz flinched. 'It's cold.'

'Oh give me a break' Sumaey snapped, 'stop being such a baby.'

She rose then, dumping the bloodied cloth into the bowl of water.

'I'm going to get some fresh water. Back in a minute.'

Waltz watched her walk away. Completely ignoring Lyle. His expression was sour. He was in a particularly bad mood after being injured, and even more so after all their efforts had been in vain.

Spirit the water elemental who sat beside Lyle stared at him silently. Lyle blinked back, beginning to feel a little uncomfortable.

'Where will you go?' Spirit asked Lyle, eager to see him go (he didn't like strangers).

'I will leave' Lyle spoke in a mumble, 'I.... have things I want to...things that need to be done' he finished.

Spirit continued to watch him.

'Why do you follow this guild?' Lyle asked him suddenly.

'Because I want to' Spirit answered shortly. 'That's all you need to know.'

'You care for Sumaey greatly' Lyle said.

'She saved my life' Spirit answered.

'Indeed.'

Lyle turned away from Spirit then, looking towards Waltz now.

'And what will you do?' he asked Waltz.

'You want to know if I will continue this job?' Waltz replied.

Lyle was silent.

'I have not abandoned it' Waltz said turning back to Lyle, facing him at last. 'But I have nothing I can kill it with now. Thanks to you.'