Chapter 54 - Repealed

As we head towards the barracks Clovis’s pace is surprisingly brisk, I’m struggling to keep up with her despite my best efforts. 

We don’t know where Taelun is, but the guards are our best bet. They know the comings and goings of everyone, especially those whose skills are now in high demand.

“Shikara!”

The voice is high-pitched and full of unrestrained joy. It stands out against the soundscape of the bustling village. I turn, and a small figure detaches itself from a group of people sorting through salvaged goods, barrelling towards me with reckless intent. 

It’s Naoki.

“Shikara!” he yells again, his face lit up with a bright, gap-toothed smile. He doesn’t slow down, launching himself at my legs and wrapping his small arms around them in a fierce hug.

I laugh, a genuine sound of surprise and warmth as I bend down to meet his embrace. “Hey, Naoki. It’s good to see you on your feet.”

“Naoki! What have I told you about running off like that!” A woman’s voice follows after him. She hurries over, with a scowl pre-prepared on her face. 

But she stops short when she sees me, her eyes widening in recognition. The anger on her face melts away, replaced by a complex mixture of shame and profound relief.

“Oh, it’s… it’s you.” she says, taking a step back.

I stand up, keeping a gentle hand on Naoki’s shoulder. The woman’s face is pinched with a familiar worry. I remember her. Her voice, at least. It was attuned with suspicion on my first night. “I’ve never heard of someone surviving a Jougolin attack alone!”

She seems to remember it too, because a painful blush has crept its way across her face. 

She bows to me, her head hung low. “I am so sorry.”. “I… I was one of the people who spoke out against you. I was scared. We all were. But you… you still saved my son.”

She looks at Naoki, who is now clinging to my hand, and her eyes fill with tears. “I was just round the neighbours when it happened, swept away before I could go back for Naoki. I thought… I thought I lost him. When they brought him back to me, safe… and told us what you did…” Her voice breaks, and she can’t finish.

There’s a natural urge to recoil, from the raw, messy sincerity of her gratitude. But the memory of Elara’s kindness, of Orville’s trust, has changed something fundamental inside of me. 

“It’s alright. I’m just glad he’s okay. That you’re okay. And now he has his family once again.”

Our conversation feels weighted with the unspoken truth of all the families that were not so lucky. The woman wipes at her eyes, composing herself with a shaky breath.

“My name is Mira. When things are more stable, please, you and Clovis must come to our home for dinner. It’s the very least I can do.”

“We’d love that, Mira. Thank you.” Clovis answers for both of us, her tone softer and warmer than I’m used to hearing from her with strangers.

Mira gives us another grateful, teary-eyed smile before gently taking Naoki’s hand. “Come on, little one. Let Shikara get on with her work.”

Naoki looks up at me, his expression solemn. “Bye, Shikara.”

“Bye, Naoki. Be good for your mom,” I say, giving his hand a final squeeze. I watch them walk away, a small, intact piece of the world that almost wasn’t. 

I never used to like kids very much but the interaction leaves a warm, glowing ember in my chest, a feeling of connection that is both new and overwhelmingly precious.

As we approach the barracks, the organised bustle gives way to a tense, charged stillness.

We catch Riel storming away from the entrance. He doesn’t even seem to see us as he pushes past the guards standing around to head in the other direction.

As we approach the guards, we don’t ask what happened as our objective can’t be misled. But it’s clear the conflict with Knight Captain Arrian is far from over.

A guard I don’t recognise stands watch at the door, his posture rigid. He nods to Clovis. “Healer.”

“We’re looking for Taelun.” Clovis says, getting straight to the point. “We thought he might be around here somewhere.”

The guard shakes his head. “Not here. With the barracks at full capacity and the forge needing to run day and night, the Knight Captain ordered a temporary workshop set up for him. It’s safer for everyone.” 

He jerks a thumb towards the south. “Just outside the southern palisade. Just follow the noise and heat.”

We thank him and immediately retreat from the barracks in hopes to not get caught up in the drama unfolding.