As Maerillus and Davin got their things together, Niam waited outside in the cold. His body seemed to have a mind of its own, and he could not seem to remain still for more than a few seconds at a time. Across the lawn, a lone girl in white hurried through the frost-whitened grass in little more than an evening gown. Even from where Niam stood unnoticed, he could tell that she was pretty. She kept her head down and seemed locked in her own thoughts. Oblivious to Niam, she moved on toward the servants’ wing of the manor. Before disappearing around the corner and slipping into the door on that wing, Niam realized who the girl was.
Betsy.
A stab of sympathy for Maerillus briefly distracted Niam from his own worries. If she were sneaking back in this late at night barely dressed, it seemed pretty obvious why she had lost interest in Maerillus so quickly. Somewhere nearby, Betsy had a lover.
Poor Maerillus.
At least it looks like it’s not Kreeth, Niam thought with a shudder. In a moment, Betsy was gone.
The door beside Niam opened, and Maerillus and Davin emerged carrying weapons.
“Here,” Maerillus said, still testy because of what they were about to do. He held out a bow and quiver full of arrows. Niam noted he had a bow of his own, albeit one that was considerably longer and more powerful.
Niam accepted it, happy to have some form of protection. Davin handed him his staff. “Thought you should have this, too,” he said.
“Thanks guys,” Niam said, honestly grateful. Memories of the trall attack still haunted him. Davin carried a bow of his own, and a short, thick bladed sword that looked sharp enough to shave with. Maerillus wore a thinner, lighter blade. If they were attacked by something like a trall this time, hopefully they could bring it down. Hopefully.
“So, you ready?” Davin asked. There was a level, solid tone to his voice that somehow made Niam feel more reassured that they could pull this off.
“I’ve been ready for this since the day my sister was found floating in the lake. Let’s go and get what we need to bring this bastard down,” Niam said heatedly.