A few days have passed since Allendis escaped the Golden Cloth. He kept thinking back to that day. He did not really mind killing someone, it was his job. Taking life…it came naturally to him and some part of him, deep down, he could not accept that.
He kept going back to that moment. When he found the Seer. Still as a quiet water, eyes that looked hauntingly empty, lips that dared not move or take in air. How it was too easy to play with her corpse, like a seasoned artist sculpting his one hundredth art piece.
He tried to forget about it. He really did. But his mind constantly drifted to that moment. Why was he so bothered? Is it because of how he escaped? Was it because he felt responsible for killing her? He did not even have proof that Milareth did it. For all he knew, it could be a botched attempt at divination. He doubted it, but whatever got him sleeping through the night, he clung to it.
Was he bothered by the killing? Or was there something else. He didn't want to go deeper than that but it would take some time before he could come up with an answer.
Allendis sat up from his chair. He had been laying his head on the table for a while now. For now, he had to make sure that the Seer's death did not connect to him. He had to act naturally.
He was worried about the commander of the Golden Cloth, Slen. Allendis thought that he would be some sort of brute, but during their brief exchange, he did not give off that impression. His last words before he left came to mind.
I'm sure she'll have to come out sooner or later.
Did he know that the Seer was dead? It was a likely outcome, but if he knew, why did Slen not apprehended him on the spot? Could he have been watching him since? No. Allendis was sure that he wasn't being watched. He had been sticking with Halbin and the others when he was out. The only thing in his cards now was that fake name he gave Slen.
Milareth… The name that started this whole mess. If he wanted to investigate more about his connection to her, learning more about the Golden Covenant and by extension, the Golden Cloth should be the easiest route to take. Which means…
"I have to get close to Slen."
Because if Slen wanted to, he would've been dead already. But he knew that the Seer was dead. That means he wants something from Milareth. Slen needs him alive.
Allendis stood up and opened the flaps of his tent. Noises that were muffled became clear and the sun gazed at him softly. It was a bright noon but the soldiers were still lazing about. He would consider them lucky, only for the fact that they can relax whenever they can. They are mercenaries of coin after all.
But the squad leaders of the Last Dogs were different and right now, Halbin needs his crew to do a mission for Captain Meindurg.
Yesterday, Halbin was assigned to a mission to take out a nearby Hallow Grounds. East of Rathlin, the road that leads to the next city, Highlor. They have to cover half the distance in order to reach the Hallow Grounds. The Golden Cloth was spread thin and they needed the help of the Last Dogs to clear it up.
Hallow Grounds were formed by Chaos. Pure Chaos that were made up of the memories and fears of people. It creates nightmares to those who enter it and if left unattended, it will spread like a disease.
The Golden Cloth are usually the ones who take care of them, but they're only sending a few priests to help contain it? Something does not add up. Was this some sort of ploy from Slen? No. He couldn't have made such a connection that fast. It was most likely that he's still culling the pond for the right fish.
But this could be an opportunity.
He could use Halbin to get close to the Golden Cloth without suspicion. Their employer, Tuvo, has connections to the Golden Cloth. Tuvo hired the Last Dogs to fight his war. For what reason, he did not know, but it was probably for stupid reasons.
There were certainly other ways he could investigate the Golden Covenant but Slen seemed like he could get information out of him. His mind drifted again back to his interaction with the commander of the Golden Cloth. Why did he let him go? Was Slen confident that he could track him down? If that was his reasoning or something close to that, then he was dealing with a monster.
Allendis went a few tents down. He was thankful that they haven't moved out yet, otherwise he would've had to remember where his crew mates were.
He stopped at a tent that looked too simple and plain just like the rest. It was much cleaner than the others.
I think this is the right one. Allendis thought. Only one way to find out.
"Chelsea!" He called out. "You there?"
A bit of ruffling can be heard inside her tent.
"Allendis? Is that you?"
"Yes. We're supposed to get ready for a mission, remember?"
There was a slight pause. "Anyways, can I talk to you for a minute?"
Allendis could not see her through the tent, but he was certain she just nodded. "Come in!"
Allendis obliged. Inside was just like what he would expect a tent to have, a bed, a chair, a table and a chest that contained her valuables. He placed his own chest under the bed when he finally got his request for an upgrade from Halbin. He preferred the softness of a mattress instead of the lousy and rough straw stack.
Chelsea herself looked a bit off. She still had her light leather gear as a scout, albeit more thrown together than he was used to seeing her. Her eyes were a bit tired. Her hair that reached only to her shoulders were messy alongside her bangs. She had some light makeup on, with her slight pink lips contrasting her paler than usual skin. Her cloak was on the ground like it was forgotten. Allendis never noticed it but she showed a little more skin than he thought. Her shoulders and thighs were bare but it was hidden well with her high leather boots.
"Sorry about earlier, I was just getting dressed when you caught me."
"I should be the one who's sorry. But that won't do anything good."
Chelsea laughed. Did she find his words funny? "You can be a prick sometimes, you know that?"
"I've been told once or twice."
"By Halbin?"
"No. From the whorehouse."
Chelsea's eyes widened. If she didn't have eyes, it would make a fine crater of two. "I didn't think you frequent a whorehouse, Allendis."
Her voice sounded surprised but above all, disappointed.
"I don't. My master and I frequent the one in Audoin to do some deliveries. They'd pay gold coins if they want to get real medicine."
"What about your mother? You mentioned her before." Chelsea asked. She strides slowly to him. Her short hair did not cover her curious eyes.
"Dead. I can't remember much of her now—"
Allendis froze . He did not notice it but Chelsea was close. When did she get so close? Her face almost struck with wonder.
"Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you've been a mercenary?" Chelsea asked. Softly. Too softly in fact. Her lips pursed and her ocean eyes quivered.
Allendis wondered the times he ended someone's life. The first slash. The first stab. The first beheading. The first time he let his fists do the talking. The first time he strangled someone. The first time he poisoned someone. The first time he…
"All the time." Allendis said. The only thing he could say.
"I thought so…me too." Chelsea said.
"What brought this on? You're not usually like this?" He had to ask.
Chelsea smiled yet it was far sadder than anything he had seen her in.
"We're going again on a mission and it just got me wondering, what if I didn't follow Halbin when I saw him again that day. If my ma and pa were still willing to accept me, would I have joined him?"
"I can't give you an answer to that."
Chelsea laughed. It was hollow. "I know but let a girl talk for a minute will you." A jest but it wasn't filled with humor.
Chelsea, who was incredibly close, let her head his chest, falling gently. Her hands raised to grip her head but instead gripped the black cloak that he wore.
"I'm sorry. But please…don't go."
Allendis obliged. He did not move from the spot he was in. He wished he could raise his arms and give her a gentle pat or a warmer reception. But he couldn't. He wished so, but he just couldn't bring himself.
Chelsea was the closest person to Halbin. She knew before any of the squad knew him, before he knew him. Halbin had something that he needed to make his plans work. To get close enough to Slen that he could use Milareth's name to know more about the Golden Covenant and the Realms Between. He could ask for her help. Perhaps he could use her.
No! It was wrong. Allendis never believed that he was a good person, but this? Would he really go through with using someone vulnerable? But his options were limited. He doesn't have the authority and leadership of Halbin or any of the squad leaders. He was just another soldier fighting a war.
Allendis felt something. Soft and warm. Something he was not used to. An act that he knew how to perform but it wasn't messy or professional. It felt vulnerable.
Chelsea's lips touched his.
This time, he did not move because he was asked not to, he did not move because he did not know what to do. This sensation. This feeling. The caress of her smooth lips overlapped with his. It felt sensational.
But her lips, it was soft yet trembling—unsure and unpracticed. Her lips felt for someone else, but he did not move anyway.
She moved away, her eyes were on his and he could only look at her.
"I–I'm sorry. I don't know what—I didn't mean…" Her words trailed off. Allendis couldn't blame her. He didn't exactly have the words for this.
"It's alright."
"No! I–that was wrong of me. Goddess I don't know what came over me!" Chelsea removed herself from him but her closeness was still worth mentioning.
"Perhaps you're scared?"
"Scared of what? I have Halbin and–and the others, and you! Why should I—?!" She tried to make excuses but Allendis grabbed her by the shoulders. She was now directly staring at his eyes just like moments ago.
"You don't have to explain anything. This life isn't for you, so it's alright to feel scared. I was too."
Allendis took a breath. "But you know something? The life you wish you had, it's no longer on the table for me or Halbin."
He saw her eyes drop. "So whatever you're feeling now, it's only going to get worse. You can leave Chelsea. Leave all of this behind."
"I'm sorry." She whispered.
"For now, you're Chelsea. You're our scout. We need you. After this, we can talk about it, how about it?"
Chelsea was still. Allendis dropped his hands from her shoulders and she still did not move. He could see tears forming but she gave a quiet nod.
"Yeah. We've got work to do."
"Let's go then."
Allendis and Chelsea exit the tent with the fresh air touching their faces again.
She stuck close to him when they walked. They might have another job to do, but they can at least take their time.