A Game Death Pepper

I stared at the image sketched upon the parchment. Though a priestess habit hid the woman’s hair, the round eyes and beautiful face were unmistakably Lina’s. Wanted. Alive. 20,000,000G. And stamped with the crest of the Royal Falcon, the symbol of High King Benedict. That was all that there was.

At last, I found my voice, “This…can’t be. I don’t believe it.”

“Believe it, Headband,” said Nova, folding her arms. “Your girl’s got the highest bounty in all of Rhine. Higher than the reward for slaying the Demon King.”

Ulrich was shaking his head, “Well, slap my flank and call me Betsy. If I wasn’t seein’ it with my own eyes…”

“Why’s her bounty higher than mine?” asked Dietrich in an offended tone.

We all gave him various degrees of disapproving stares. Mine was the harshest. “Priorities.”

Dietrich scratched his face sheepishly, “Right, sorry.”

I looked at the siblings. “Where did you get this?”

“We’ve got our connections,” said Nova, “But she must’ve done something pret-ty bad to get her face put on one of these. Imagine our surprise when she popped up right in front of us this morning. Didn’t recognize her at first with her hair out, but there she is, no doubt. And we want her.”

My mind was racing. Lina was wanted by Ald Alira, possibly by High King Benedict himself. And that headwear…

I had seen it many times before when representatives from the Daughters of Iliana came to inquire about my father, mostly asking for donations for the Goddess’s church. Lina must be one of them. Or she had been one of them. Did she desert the order? She said before that she’d abandoned her duty. Perhaps…

I forced my thoughts back in line. As tempted as I was to ask for more information from these mercenaries, now was not the time to ponder such things. I promised Lina that she would be the one to tell me. So, I smiled, “How interesting,” I said with faux confidence, “But there’s something I don’t understand.”

Nova giggled, “I’m sure there’s a lot you don’t understand.”

“Quite true,” I said, ignoring her attempted goading, “You certainly have given us a lot to ponder, but I cannot help but wonder why stake such a lofty prize on a silly game in the first place? You could certainly take Lina by force.” Or at least try to take her. I did not care if I was useless; I would fight anyway.

Nova looked surprised, “What do you think we are, animals? —No offense, Hooves— Y’all seem like the honorable type, and we’d rather not resort to violence if we don’t have to. We’re just humble miners looking fer funding.”

My eyes alternated between the siblings, trying to think of some way out of this sudden turn of events. In my periphery, I could see Dietrich doing the same. Ulrich’s eyes, however, were elsewhere. He was focused on the other patrons, who had become still and silent since Moog brought out the poster. And yet, there was what could only be described as a silent buzz emanating from them, as if their anticipation were palpable.

At first, I thought it strange, but then I was inspired. I raised my voice and said, “You’re taking an awful risk revealing important information like a 20,000,000G reward in front of all these fine people. That’s enough money for anyone to live comfortably for two lifetimes.”

Nova did not look worried, as I hoped, nor did she take her eyes off of me. She only rested her chin on her hand and continued to smile. “If yer trying to stir up trouble, Headband, it won’t work. There’s no risk involved. If there’s one thing Altenians respect above all, it’s keeping their nose out of other people’s business.”

She tapped a finger on poster-Lina’s nose and raised her voice as well. “This here’s an exclusive contract. No paper, no reward. And there’s only one of these in circulation, and so long as we have it, it’s our business. Unless someone else wants to join us in our little game and make it theirs? Y’all are more than welcome to try.”

She waited several seconds for an answer, but none came. She then gave me a shrug, “Ain’t Alten a fun place? So, you in? Not only would you get a chance at any treasure you want, but we’ll throw in this poster to do whatever you want with.”

Our eyes bore into each other. “And if we refuse?”

“Why would you refuse?” she asked, nonplussed, “That’s one amazing deal we’re offering. Unless you want to jest hand her over without fuss. It’s not in the Altenian spirit, but we ain’t gonna argue.”

“But why offer it in the first place? It can’t be for mere honor.” Neither’s face gave anything away. Moog would not meet my eyes, though that was typical, and Nova only continued to smile.

“Good point,” she said, “How ‘bout we’ll tell you if you win?”

Her coyness was starting to get on my nerves. “You’re not going to let us back out of this, are you?”

Nova flashed her teeth, “Now yer getting it! We don’t have to be nice about it, though. Moog, show them what happens when we’re not so nice.”

Without a word, Moog wrapped his fingers around his empty stein and squeezed until the thing shattered. He let the pieces fall from his hand and onto the table.

“Nice one!” she said with an impressed nod. Her attention turned back to us. “Pretty good, right? Must be feeling intimidated after seeing that, right?”

Dietrich scoffed, “Big deal!” He, too, grabbed his stein, crushing it into even more pieces. He grinned at Moog. “Beat that!”

Moog glanced at him and started to reach for another stein when a woman’s booming voice made him freeze.

“Would y’all stop breakin’ my cups!” Gisela appeared and slammed a large jar on the center of the table. “Here’s yer daggum peppers! Now act like civilized folk, or I’ll have you tossed out for good!” With a final look of disdain, she said, “Food’s on the way,” before storming off, mumbling about young hooligans.

When she was out of sight again, Moog blushed and sat back down. “Sorry…”

Nova rolled her eyes at her brother, “You couldn’t even apologize in front of her? Honestly, you’re such a Moog.” Then, her attention returned to us. “Well, anyway, you get our point. So, how ‘bout it? Your big guy versus my big guy, the last man standing.”

She grabbed the jar from the table, raising it with both hands to show us its contents.

Inside was stuffed full of long, black fruits so withered that they looked to be made of charcoal. I half expected the jar to be smoking when Nova gingerly unstopped the cork, but I did get a good whiff of a pungent odor. As to what exactly it smelled like, I could not say. It burned my nostrils all the same, even from this distance.

I pinched my nose to save my aching sinuses and shook my head. “Uck, you call that food?”

“The best!” said Nova. “You’ll still be feeling the heat from these weeks after! Keeps yer innards nice and warm.”

None of that sounded appealing, but Dietrich was practically drooling.

“There’s no way I’d lose!” he said.

“Yer that confident, eh?” said Nova, “That makes me worried, then.” She did not at all sound worried.

Nova handed the jar to her brother, who pinched out a pepper by its stem, lifted it to his mouth, and ate it stem and all. The entire eatery waited on bated breath while Moog chewed and swallowed.

“Whew!” Moog exhaled a puff of air, then opened his mouth to show it empty. He proffered the jar to Dietrich with a stony stare.

The surrounding patrons began to beat their tables as they cheered.

Nova was grinning, “Well, look at that, he’s meeting yer eyes. That’s Moog’s way of challenging you. If yer scared, y’all still have a chance to back out and hand over the girl without a fuss. We don’t plan to hurt her. We’re jest gonna turn her in to the proper authorities.”

I said nothing. Ulrich snorted his disapproval while Dietrich fought his obvious desire to participate and made his expression solemn.

We agreed, then. “We humbly decline your offer,” I said.

The girl raised an eyebrow. “Really now? Yer a stubborn bunch. Why would you not want such a generous offer? ‘Specially if yer friend is so sure he’d win. Don’t you want the money and glory from turning such a dangerous criminal in?”

This time, I answered without hesitation. “No amount of glory or money is worth such a betrayal. I do not believe that Lina is a dangerous criminal for one second. She is our friend whom we have sworn to protect with our lives.” I did not need to see my other friends’ faces to know their affirmation. “Now, please, let us leave.”

Nova glanced at her brother and began to giggle. Even he had the ghost of a smile play across his lips.

“You jest wanna protect her? How noble of you,” said Nova. For the first time, her expression became serious. “But you know what I think? I think yer lying. And crafty to boot. Even if you don’t play, soon as you git outta here, yer gonna find a way to git yer hands on this contract. And once you do, you’ll drop yer humble guardian act and hand her over to Ald Alira the first chance you git.” Her grin crept back onto her face. “Or maybe even give her to someone willing to pay an even higher price. Am I right? Well, you can’t! Because that’s our idea!”

She paused, letting her words hang in the air. They filled me with an iciness. I dared not voice my theory on what she meant by that. Yet I did not need to, as Nova continued. “We heard that there’s a certain Hero out there who's desperate to git her back. How much d’you think he’d be willing to pay?”

Together, the three of us stood. Though it caused me great pain, I barely noticed. “You wouldn’t!”

Moog stood as well, expression dark as he produced an iron-gray pickaxe from beneath the table and planted it firmly on its top. While one side was pointed, the other was a flat, solid hammer. Either would be lethal.

Nova stayed seated, placing a chin on her hand with a bored expression. “Now, now. There’s no need to resort to violence. Moog, sit down! Let’s just keep talking like before.”

“We’re done talkin’,” said Ulrich through gritted teeth.

Nova spared him a glance, “No, we ain’t. Red hasn’t come back yet. Wonder what’s keeping her?” With the hand she rested her chin on, Nova tapped the side of her ruddy nose with a finger and flashed me a knowing smile.

I felt the blood drain from my face. “What did you do to her?”

Despite her size and age, Nova was giving off a confident aura, which was creeping into sinister. “Nothing. Yet. But that can change if you don’t listen to me. They only need her alive, not whole. Now sit.”

Moog sat, but his pickaxe remained where it was. With his other hand, he proffered the jar of peppers. The three of us stood in silence, calculating our next move. With Lina captured, Moog and Nova had us cornered. Had they been working for the False Hero all this time? No, it couldn’t be. If they had Lina already, then why not just leave? I could not wrap my mind around their motivations. Nothing they were doing made sense!

“What are you really after?” I asked again. “Why go this far?”

“We just want to play a game with our new friends,” said Nova. “So, please.” She gestured to the jar of peppers.

“Y’know what I think?” said Ulrich, straightening to his full height. “I think y’all are bluffin’. You ain’t got no intention of hurtin’ her. And If I go outside right now, I’ll find’er there, safe and sound.”

Nova’s confidence grew even brighter. “Really? And yer willin’ to test yer little theory out, are you, Hooves?”

She stared unblinking into the horse’s eyes, who stared back fiercely. Everyone in the eatery was silent. All eyes were on Ulrich, who began to back up, hooves echoing in the silence.

Raising a finger as if signaling, Nova’s eyes narrowed. She said nothing. The eyes of the other patrons were on me. Their pressure and the steely resolve in Nova’s eyes at last made my heart falter.

“Wait,” I said. “Ulrich, stay where you are.” Ulrich froze where he was, but his eyes remained fierce.

“C’mon, Mr. Prince, you know she’s tryin’ to bamboozle us into doin’ what she wants.”

I sighed, “You’re probably right.” I looked down at the poster. Lina’s innocent eyes stared back. “But I cannot take that risk.”

When it came to this battle of wills, I had lost. I sat in defeat, Ulrich shook his head in disappointment and clopped his way back to the table. I did not blame him for his sour attitude. I was disappointed in myself. But I had made my choice, and I was glad that Ulrich was willing to follow me.

The only thing we could do now was have faith in Dietrich and his odd ability to eat the inedible. I gave him a nod, then glared at the siblings, who were smiling innocently.

“Good on you!” said Nova, using the hand she had been about to signal with to pat my back. I did not have the energy to shrug her rough hand off me. “This’ll be exciting. Jest you wait!”

Dietrich could barely contain his excitement. He sat and reached for the jar of peppers. He then pulled out a fruit and sniffed it, before stuffing it whole in his mouth. Dietrich swallowed and grinned, sticking out his pale tongue as Moog had done. “Delicious! Even I can feel how spicy they are!”

Nova smirked. “Well, ain’t you a brave one! But that ain’t enough to impress us, right fellas?” She raised her arm to indicate the rest of the patrons. They responded with cheers and whoops, still pounding the tables in excitement.

Dietrich took this attempt at intimidation in stride. “Oh, I can keep going!” He looked at us and the patrons, whose anticipation grew along with my anxiety.

“That’s what I like to hear, Big Gray!” Nova slapped her brother’s shoulder. “Get’em Moog!”

Moog reached for the jar and pulled out another pepper, transferring it to his mouth. He chewed and swallowed within seconds and stuck out his tongue. The onlookers cheered. Dietrich tried to reach for a pepper, but, to my surprise, he was blocked by Moog putting his hand on the top of the pepper jar.

Dietrich stopped, eyebrows furrowed.“What’s wrong, dude?”

In response, Moog took his hand off the jar and raised a single finger. This confused me at first, but it was clear what he meant when Moog reached into the jar again and pulled out another pepper, which he promptly ate in the same fashion.

The patrons whooped even louder, Nova among them. “See that?” She said to us, “There’s no one tougher than my brother! He’s a death pepper champeen!” Moog’s cheeks flushed as he scratched his chin sheepishly.

I had to admit, the sheer bravado of these Altenians, had me shaken. What were we to do? The longer this went on, the more I was convinced the onlookers would want to join in for the fun of it. I shot a concerned glance at Dietrich, who gave me an assuring smile from the corner of his mouth. Then to Moog, he said, “That's pretty brave of you, Moog man. But how ‘bout this?”

He reached into the jar and plucked out four fruits by their stems. Everyone gasped.

“Ooh!” squealed Nova, “Upping the ante even more, are you? Go on, then! Eat ‘em!”

Instead of scarfing them as he had done, Dietrich took a careful nibble of each end, exposing the fruit’s red flesh. I could feel the juice spray my face. It was like being struck with a shower of sparks. I rubbed at my face with a hand, but the pain lingered.

Dietrich nodded slowly as he chewed, “Yep, still delicious.”

Nova was nodding eagerly, “Yeah? So go on! Gotta eat everything fer it to count!”

But Dietrich continued to chew, then swallow, after which he stared at the partially eaten peppers. All were silent.

Impatience appeared on Nova’s face. “What’re you waiting fer, Big Gray? You ain’t getting cold feet already? Game’s jest started!”

“No,” said Dietrich as he stared at the peppers, “I’m just remembering something you told us before about these things. They’re supposed to be really spicy. Is that true?”

“Ain’t nothing hotter!” said Nova. Though she smiled, her impatience remained.

“Right, right.” Dietrich’s tone was pensive, and he began to spin the peppers by their stems between his fingers. “And that thing you said about their juices, was that true, too?”

“Sure is!” said Nova, “Just the juice can burn paper. Just what are you–?”

Dietrich did not wait for Nova to finish her sentence as he slammed his hand upon Lina’s wanted poster, over her face, with the peppers in between. He pressed his palm hard against the tabletop so a reddish liquid seeped beneath his skin. He then smeared the scarlet flesh across the page.

Within seconds, the paper began to smoke and lit up in flames. My first thought after witnessing this turn of events was, Why in the twelve kingdoms would anyone ever eat such horrific things?! Then I looked at Dietrich, who was grinning at Nova.

“Well, whaddya know! You were totally right!”

Nova stared at him, then at the poster, quickly consumed by the flames. Neither of them moved, too stunned to stop the poster’s destruction. Dietrich’s hand continued to pin the paper down, the fire licking uselessly at his gray skin.

“You said there was only one of these things?” he said, “Looks like it’s gone, so there’s no more bounty.” He raised his fingers and sucked flaming pepper gore from each. “Told you we’d win.”

Nova’s mouth fell open, gobsmacked. My heart swelled. Our faith in Dietrich had paid off! He had beaten them at their own game!

The girl closed her mouth and watched the last flames consume the poster. All that remained was a shriveled black pile of ash. “You…just burned…twenty million…G. All fer some girl you don’t know…”

Ulrich was also grinning. “It’s like the prince said, Miss. We’ll protect our friend no matter what. It’s our job to keep her safe.”

I smiled at his words, then at the siblings, “Yes. And if you have no more business with us, I suggest you keep yours out of ours. In the name of the Altenian spirit, of course. So we ask you to return Lina to us unharmed. We don’t wish to resort to violence, now do we?”

I expected anger, defeat, or even calm defiance from the siblings, yet I found myself utterly baffled as Nova began to laugh. Not a light giggle or a chuckle as she had before, but full-on guffaws deep from her core. She leaned forward and pounded her fist several times on the table as she fought to gain control of herself.

It took almost a minute for her to do so. Nova sat up and wiped a tear from her eyes. “Y’all are the best! I never thought you’d actually have the gems to burn the paper. That was some good thinking, Big Gray. ‘Course, you only knew about it ‘cause I told you. Glad you got my hint.”

I blinked several times, “Got your— What?! You mean you wanted him to destroy it?”

Moog removed his pickaxe from the table and used his other hand to wipe the ashes away in a single swipe while Nova pulled the jar of peppers to her, removed one, and stuffed it in her mouth.

She swallowed, then said, “Yup.” Before eating another.

My vision flashed before me as my blinking became out of control. “Hah?” It was not my most sophisticated response, but it was highly appropriate as my brain felt as if it were filled with those monstrous peppers she was munching on so casually.

Nova swallowed again, “We jest wanted to give y’all a little test. See how you would do when faced with temptation. Y’all passed.”

Ulrich looked as stunned as I was, but he, unlike me, possessed the ability to form coherent sentences. “You said this was a…test?”

I looked around at the other patrons, chatting and playing music as if the last few minutes had never happened. They’re certainly keeping the Altenian spirit. I thought.

Between peppers, Nova answered his question. “”Course it was. Had to know if y’all were gonna take care of Lina or dump her the first chance you got. And you passed.”

At last, I found the words to speak. “Why do you care if we keep her safe? Where is she? What have you done with her?”

“Here she is,” said Gisela, who appeared with an ill-looking Lina. She helped the poor girl into a seat beside Dietrich. “There you go, brightshine. How’s about I get you somma that gruel yer friend was eatin’? It’s good fer the stomach.”

“Thank you…” said Lina, leaning her head on folded arms.

Her voice was muffled as she said, “I don’t know how anyone can ever prepare themselves for something like that. Wait.” she turned her head, cheek pressed into her forearms, to look up at all of us staring at her. “What’s wrong?”

Nova was the first to answer, “Nothing. Nothing at all.” She winked at me and stuck her tongue out. Her smile possessed a mischief that reminded me far too much of Silva. It was a bluff after all!

I glanced at Ulrich, who was nodding his head. His face had ‘Told you so,’ written all over it.

Lina’s eyes narrowed, “Hang on…aren’t you the girl we almost ran over this morning?”

“Guilty,” said Nova with another wink. “Jest wanted to come to say thanks fer not killing me. Thought we’d pay fer y'all's dinner.”

Lina rested her head on her arms again, “Well, that’s nice…” She cast her eyes about until they found Moog. “And then there’s you…” She said weakly, “You’re…” Her eyes popped as Lina raised her head to look into Moog’s face properly. “It’s you… you’re the—the strong man…from this morning. Thanks for saving us.” Her near-invisible glance toward me almost confirmed that she was going to say something else before catching herself.

Moog nodded in his usual mute fashion. There was something in both their eyes. A silent exchange, which ended when Lina broke eye contact and hid her face in her arms again. The exchange was so quick that I was uncertain of what I saw.

I opened my mouth, though I was unsure of what to say. But before I could figure that out, Gisela returned, arms ladened with crockery. “Here’s the rest of yer food! Sorry it took so long, dearies!”

She laid the plates and bowls before their owners, including the anticipated walnuts, in front of Dietrich. Gisela winked at him, “Took us a bit to find enough pepper powder fer you. Hope they're worth the wait.”

Dietrich shoved several in his mouth, his eyes alighting as the walnuts touched his tongue. “So worth it!” he said before inhaling the rest. Moog and Nova both drank their Fire Breath Special. Moog even added the remaining peppers from the jar to his. Lina was recovering over the gruel, her eyes focused on the food before her.

I could not help but notice that they were too focused. She was tense in a way I had never seen from her before. Her eyes would almost twitch toward the two mercenaries but never actually move. Did she know them? Or, more specifically, did she know Moog?

The man only looked to be a few years older than I was. Had he gained enough reputation as a mercenary to be notorious throughout Rhine? I had never heard of him, but I was coming to terms with knowing very little about the world. He must have notoriety if he got his hands on as hefty and exclusive a bounty as Lina’s. I feared that they would take retaliatory actions for destroying it. Their claims of testing us could be yet another bluff.

But no one mentioned anything about the wanted poster or the game of Death Pepper at all. For my part, I was content to let Lina believe the lie Nova spouted about their gratitude towards us. I continued to watch the siblings, though, as Nova chatted with Dietrich about the quality of the Fire Breath Special. They were being amicable, like they’d been friends for years. I was not sure how Dietrich could do that with a person who, until ten minutes ago, was our enemy, and may yet be still.

Ulrich was as silent as Moog and me. That was until he stood. “I think it’s time we find ourselves an inn. Don’t you agree, Mr. Prince?”

“I do,” said I with a pointed look toward Lina.

Ulrich understood my intention as he said, “Miss Lina. Suppose you wouldn’t mind helpin’ me out?” Lina jumped up and agreed without question. It was clear that she was as eager to leave as we were, if not more so. Despite my wish to join her, I remained seated.

“Help them with the wagon. If you don’t mind, Dietrich,” I added, “I’ll be out in a minute.”

Dietrich looked almost disappointed. “You sure?”

I nodded. “You’re free to return if you want, but please, I’d like a quick word with our new friends.”

He shrugged. And with a, “You’re the boss, Boss,” followed the other two out of the building.

With my companions gone, I turned to look at the mercenary siblings. Nova was smiling expectantly, but I focused on Moog.

“Tell me. You know Lina, don’t you?”

Moog nodded.

“I knew it.” As to what this meant, I could not guess.

Nova interjected, “Well, we don’t know her, know her. But we know who she is. We were asked by—”

“No!” I raised a hand to interrupt her, “Don’t tell me! I’d rather not know!”

Nova looked surprised, “Why? Don’t you want to learn more about her? I can tell you all that we—”

“I said I don’t want to hear it.” I could feel a fire in my eyes hotter than any flame or pepper. “Or at least, not from you. For one, I don’t trust anything you say.”

I expected her to look offended, but she only said, “Reasonable.”

“For another,” I continued,” I want her to be the one to tell me when she’s ready. I promised her.”

“You promised her? Ooh, how sweet! " Nova said with a playful smile. “You’ve grown to fancy her!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said with princely dignity, though I could not stop the warmth from reaching my face.

Her smile became a smirk. “Riiiiiight. But we’re not the type to get between a secret promise. Our lips are sealed.”

Ignoring her sly expression, I said, “Just tell me one more thing. Is she the criminal you claimed she was?”

“No,” answered Nova, her smile fading. “And I’m not lying.”

Though I could not trust anything Nova said, I chose to believe her on this. I sighed in relief. So, I was right to have faith in her.

“But if I could say just one more thing, Prince Anno,” she added, “That bounty was real. She’s wanted by some pretty important people. They entrusted us with the contract to keep that information from spreading too far, but we’re not the only ones who know the truth. It’s fine if you don’t want to know it, but keep in mind that she’s gonna bring you trouble no matter where you go.”

“She already has,” I said. “And we’re fine with that. I can only hope that your test proved as such and that you are on her side.”

“We can’t say that we are,” said Nova, “But we want her safe, even if it means we let you protect her alongside us.”

“Thank you. I can be content with that.” I rose to my feet, as did they. “But if I’m honest, I’d prefer if we never see each other again.”

Moog moved to stand by his sister’s side while she said, “Aw, really? ‘Cause we rather like you guys!” Nova patted my shoulder, “Just so you know, we didn’t come all the way out to the borderlands jest fer y’all; that was a happy accident. Our source—the one who gave us the contract—told us that you would be passin’ through here soon, and we happened to be in the area.”

Someone knew we would be here? That wasn’t good. “Yes, your expedition. I remember. And what’s your point, if you don’t mind me asking?”

She shrugged, “Well, you did technically win the game, so we’re more than happy to let y’all join in on our little expedition. You might find it to be pretty worthwhile.”

I shook my head, “I think we’ve shown that we’re not desperate for money. And besides, we’re in a bit of a hurry.” There was always the possibility that their source was based in Cross, specifically in Justice, who had witnessed our departure, but I doubted this.

Nova’s face became serious again. “I wouldn’t be if I were you. You ain’t no match fer the Hero yet, Prince Anno. And the farther Lina is from him, the better. Yer goal should be to take her to Alten’s capital, Baldwin. She’ll be safe there—or better yet, take her to Ald Alira.”

“But how—?” My breath caught, and my eyes narrowed, “You know far too much for mere mercenaries.”

Both smiled. “That would be because of our source,” said Nova with a mysterious grin.

She was trying to goad me into asking, but I would not.

Nova pouted at my silence, “Fine, be that way. But if you change yer mind about joining us, come to the plaza first thing in the morning. We’ll meet you there. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find exactly what you’ve been looking f—”

“Would you like me to put the meal on yer tab, Princess?” Gisela walked up, looking down at a small parchment, “Unless you have the money on you— Oh my!” At the sight of me, Gisela covered her hand over her mouth. “I didn’t realize he was still—”

At that, Moog shook his head, and Nova threw up her arms in exasperation, “Aow! Gisela! There goes our mystique!”

“Forgive me, your Highnesses,” said Gisela with a bow.

My ears must have stopped functioning. I did not just hear Gisela call them highness.

When her hands returned to her side, Nova grinned up at me, “Eh, doesn’t matter. It would’ve come out sooner or later.”

I stared in awe at the siblings standing together. Not much changed physically, but an air arose from the pair. A royal aura that I had seen before, years ago, though they looked quite different than my memory. More regal and less…rough.

“You obviously don’t remember us since you treated us like strangers,” said Nova, “But I guess we don’t look how you remember us. So, how ‘bout a proper introduction? I am Princess Alaya Strater. And this is Taurus Strater, Taurus Strater II, first Prince of Alten. It’s good to see you again, Anno. Been a while.”

My mind was blank. My eyes popped as I saw them for what felt like the first time. I could see their power radiating from them. That was until I met Moog’s eyes, who broke contact to stare at the floor. His aura vanished, and his cheeks reddened in embarrassment.

Nova rolled her eyes at her brother. “Alright everyone, show’s over. Git on home.”

At first, I was confused at who she was talking to, but that mystery was quickly solved, when the other patrons rose to their feet. A rather rugged looking man walked up and knelt at Nova’s feet. “Is there anythin’ you need from us before we take our leave, Princess?”

Nova took the parchment from Gisela and held it out for the man, “You can take this bill from Gisela and send it on to Pa.”

“Yes’m.” He took the parchment from her.

“Thank you, Rutger. That’ll do.”

The man bowed his head, stood and exited, along with every other man in the bar. All that were left was me, Gisela, and the siblings. Nova was grinning again.

“Surprised? Pa insists that there be at least a squadron of guards stationed in every town we might go to. When we said that we tracked you down… that was a lie. We actually got here long before you and set our guards in each possible stop you could make. No matter where y’all went, we’d find you.”

Upon seeing my expression, Nova laughed. “You look like you’ve been swallowed by a dogmole and spat back out!” She walked past me with another pat on my shoulder. “Remember, we’ll be in the plaza. Look fer the mural. Hope to see you there!” Moog followed behind his sister, eyes downcast.

I gawked after them as they followed the other patrons, unable to find the words to express my utter bewilderment at this new development. The only one to come to mind was a very unprincely, “HHHHHAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH?!” Which, in my humble opinion, was still quite fitting.