What Makes a Monster

♱Eighty♱

Third Person P.O.V.

"Your Grace?" Layne calls from the door. His soft knock follows. "Dinner is ready."

Dinner with Wallie, but notifying Karsissia risks her untimely visit. She won't hesitate to try and speak with Wallie, which is the last thing on Soran's to do list. He doesn't want to risk leaving again either. There is no telling how long Karsissia may wish to speak with him once she learns the truth.

"Your Grace?"

"I'll be right there," he responds around a low growl. The doors swing open with his frustrated steps. Layne barely has time to jump back, watching Soran stomp to the dining room where Wallie already waits.

He smiles until spotting Soran's grimace.

"What happened?" Wallie asks.

He was informed earlier of the high priest and grand knights visit. All thought they'd have to run around like chickens with their heads cut off to clean, but then Higra came around to inform everyone not to worry. Soran didn't want them to be comfortable. Admittedly, Wallie laughed at that and was not surprised to hear it.

Soran sits. The chair rattles from the impact. Food is placed before them, which Soran inspects. Wallie frowns, waiting in silence until he knows it's safe to eat. Even then though, he doesn't touch his food. He watches Soran tap the table until his nail actually pierces the wood.

"Soran," Wallie calls softly, bringing Soran's attention to him. His shoulders relax unknowingly. "Did they bother you?"

"They always bother me."

Wallie chuckles. "Yeah, I know, but what happened?"

Soran doesn't know how to answer. Wallie isn't aware of the hidden rooms. Even if he puts on a brave face, he would worry if Karsissia came to the estate. Soran couldn't blame him. He is worrying at the mere thought, but there isn't much else he could do.

"I must call Karsissia here."

Wallie's jaw drops before he sputters, "W-What?"

"I can't risk leaving after what happened last time," Soran explains. "She will come so I am going to send everyone into town tomorrow. You and Malatis should remain hidden. If we're lucky, she may be too troubled to bother you."

"By the sounds of her, I highly doubt that."

Soran bites his lip. "I'm sorry for putting you through this."

As expected, Wallie puts on a brave face, but his eyes speak volumes. They're shaking, as are his hands that are now clutched in his lap beneath the table. "It's fine," he lies. "Must be serious for you to call her here."

"It is. I would explain more if I could, but it's best that you don't know."

Wallie pouts, understandably so.

"Is there anything I should do to avoid her?" Wallie asks.

"Be quiet and if she does come to you, answer honestly, but politely, even if she frightens you."

"I can do polite." Wallie sits up straight, chin held high. "I'm a butler, after all."

"Eh, a mediocre one at best."

Wallie slams his foot into Soran's, relishing in the quiet yelp that follows. Slack jawed, Soran gapes at Wallie's childish response, but he can't hold back the smile that comes next. Even when stressed, Wallie's presence calms him enough to forget for a moment. Only a moment though.

~~~~~~

The following day, the estate is cleared. All workers are sent into town for their random day off, told not to return until nightfall. Wallie remains in his room with Malatis while Soran works from the basement below. He attempts to ignore his own trembling hands when he calls for Karsissia in the same way she called for him. A few herbs mixed into a fine powder that he then uses to draw a glyph on the floor and then he can report to her.