Rising god

Chapter 92: Once again

Chapter 92: Once againThe Darkan army’s

One would think they hid when it was time for war.

"Wick," he murmured, his voice low. "Kill them a day after I leave. Leave no trace."

"Yes, master," Wick replied.

The visitors would be disappointed once more, but Baines didn’t care. Why should he? He hadn’t forgotten about his family just yet. He made Eye replay it regularly to him so he wouldn’t lose his purpose.

"WAAAAIT!" a voice shouted, frantic footsteps closing in. But Baines didn’t slow down, he continued at his steady pace.

’Can’t you just wait, you brat?’ Dolik cursed inwardly. He had sworn to uncover Baines’s secrets this time. The family refused to believe he was merely holed up in a motel, and Dolik was determined to prove them right.

...

Baines took the same carriage, the same route, to the same destination:

Harper Hawks. His legend was discussed in every tavern. Yet, save for the Darkan elite, the Last Front, and the church branch, no one knew his face. His absence from social gatherings shrouded him in further mystery.

At the motel, Baines approached the bartender with Dolik trailing close. A part of Dolik was expecting him to say I’ll go and he’ll respond, saying, I’m here to protect you.

Instead, upon sighting the two, the bartender snapped his fingers.

"Aacckkk!" A barmaid stumbled, ’accidentally’ spilling wine over Dolik’s armor.

"What is this?" Sir Dolik’s face contorted in anger.

"I-I-I’m sorry, sir!" she stammered, leaning in to clean the mess, her figure pressing against him.

"Hm?" Dolik held his breath as those two mounds rested on his body. Dolik flushed, torn between embarrassment and frustration. "I-It’s alright, just be careful," he muttered, pushing her away. His eyes darted to Baines, who was already taking a key from the bartender and heading upstairs. ’Shit, I’ll lose him!’

’This brat...’ Baines was acting as if he didn’t exist. Even though he was to act as his guard, at least there should be a bit of respect.

He rushed to the counter. "Can I get a room, preferably beside his?"

The bartender’s smile was infuriatingly professional. "I’m sorry, customer, but we’re full."

Dolik’s face sank. "You think I don’t see what you’re doing?" he snapped, his voice rising.

"Customer, please lower your voice," the bartender said calmly, whereas the bar was noisy. Dolik’s veins throbbed, but the bartender continued, "That is why we will offer you a room at our newest motel, just across the road." He gestured with an innocent smile.

Dolik’s anger boiled, but he was powerless. Using force would disrupt the Darkan name and would be termed as obstruction of business. Swallowing his pride, he glared at the bartender and stormed out, vowing to keep watch from across the street.

...

Baines entered his room, expecting solitude.

Instead, a figure awaited him, seated in the dim light. A black veil obscured her face, her dark robes blending with the shadows.

’Did they give me the wrong room?’ he thought.