Myths of Power

Morning: The Sickle & Scythe

"coltan...Coltan..."

"zzmmph.. oh yeah honey.. that's nice."

"Coltan..."

"Hmpphh ya, prance around some more, i like..."

Coltan is woken by a splash of cold water. "Phphaaaahh.. Wazz goin on..." He looks around frantically and falls back on the floor. "Ow!" He rubs that back of his head

"The boss didn't mind you sleeping it off at the table overnight. You've helped him out enough over the years and there wasn't anyone left..." It was the innkeeper's wife. "...but people are going to be coming in soon and your snoring could wake the dead."

Coltan does a double take with the last comment as he pushes himself up. "Did anyone...?"

"No. They were left alone, but I must say there were some strange noises coming out of there all night."

She hands him a damp towel to clean himself off with and returns to her work. Coltan looks up towards the door and mutters. "You haven't got a clue..."

He wipes his face down, keeps the towel close and walks to the room. He starts to unlock the door but pauses and listens for any activity inside. "Nothing. I wonder if..."

To his surprise the door opens quickly. Richard stands before him, half covered in his bandages.

"Coltan! Come in, I wasn't expecting you to return."

"Actually, I.."

"Catherine's going to be in bed for most of the day, recuperating. The exchange can be a trying process."

Coltan looks Richard over. "Something's changed...you look..older somehow."

"Well, you didn't think it would just be hard on her did you? That was most likely the last time I'll ever be able to do that. It takes a lot from me...literally."

Coltan gulps. "I don't want to hear it. I don't think my stomach could take it." He looks over at Catherine. She's covered in the bed, tossing and turning, but asleep.

Richard grabs Coltan's shoulder and moves him out of the room, locking the door behind them. "We should get going. The monk will be getting more visitors today, and I would like to keep my business with him as private as possible."

Coltan stops Richard from moving to the stairs, standing stock still. Richard looks at him questioningly.

"What's.."

Coltan puts his finger to his mouth, then his ear. "That guard is downstairs, Gailin."

Richard looks around the corner down to the bar. Gailin is speaking with the innkeeper who suddenly points up the stairs, forcing Richard back. "Damn. He did say he was coming back this morning."

Coltan looks nervous. " He can't see me with you." and he walks back to an open window. "I meet up with you later." and he jumps out. Richard runs to the window but sees nothing but an old horse and cart.

"Ah..William isn't it?"

Richard pulls up the hood on his cloak and turns to see Gailin at the top of the stairs. " Ah Corporal..." Richard rubs his head. "umm...oh sorry. My mind is not what it used to be."

Gailin steps up too him, offering an arm for support. "Gailin, sir. Corporal Gailin. And where is your loving daughter this morning, sir? I was hoping to speak with her."

"Oh I am sorry Captain.."

"Corporal."

"Corporal, but she has become quite ill overnight. She does spend so much energy doting of this frail old father of hers."

"Oh.. I hope she will be all right."

Richard looks up at him. "Hmm this boy seems to be genuinely concerned for her..."


"Oh she will be fine after a nice long nap, Gillum..."

"Gailin"

"That's what I said..Gailim... but you seem to know about the physician. Could a frail old body ask for an escort?"

Gailin looks shocked and nervous, obviously not really wanting to be seen in public with a leper. " Oh..Um.. Well I guess I could take you part of the way. He does live close to my rounds."

Richard grabs his hand i n an firm but elderly embrace and pats it hard. Leading him away from the room and towards the stairs, he takes a look back at the room door. "You're so kind. I'll be sure to tell my daughter all about you."

As they start to go down, a flash of darkness catches his attention. "Yes I'm sure she will enjoy that immensely."

Out of sight, the light coming from under the door fades as the shadows of few dark insects crawl underneath it and scatter in the light of day.