—— ? ——

  “You have to be missing something!” Brian yelled, his face red.

  “Don’t you think I haven’t checked? Every etching, section, and corner?!” Zerathis snapped back, his metallic rings whirling faster. “She isn’t in there, Brian.”

  Brian inhaled, then released. As his breath left his body, so did his will. He slumped into the chair in the lab.

  “I am sorry. I had also hoped that my savior had survived.” Zerathis said, his voice quiet.

  Simon watched, his spirits at an all-time low. The three beings stared at the metal soul construct between them.

  “It was too much to hope for,” Brian said, his voice barely over a whisper. “I just… I can’t believe she's gone.”

  A final whisper floated through the air.

  “Identify.”

  Brian’s eyes moved from side to side as he read the prompt. With every line, every action of his grew slower, sluggish.

  “Even I hoped it was true,” Zerathis assured him. “Despite my knowledge of the rituals and procedures required to transfer your soul to the array. I hoped.”

  Brian leaned deeper into the chair. His hand moved to his face as he tried to cover fresh tears. At this point, the two small droplets were all he could manage anymore.

  The sitting room of the lab was quiet and heavy.

  None wished to be the next to speak.

  Simon uncorked another health potion and continued applying it to his wounds. He already had dozens going through his system, compliments of the lab stores.

  It had felt like days since Simon had stood guard in the street over Brian. The man had wept and cradled Kaelalin’s body for a time. Then Jorik had to play the role of an asshole. The head guard of Varnholt had eyed the growing crowd, then walked to Brian. He knelt and spoke softly to the man. After a minute, Brian had tensed, then nodded.

  Brian and Simon had been escorted to the lab and urged inside, the other two promising none would bother them.

  Simon had helped to open the airlocks, while Brian had carried Kaelalin’s body inside. Now she lay on one of the couches.

  She looked peaceful.

  Brian had peppered Simon with questions. They had begun with rage, the man outright screaming at him.

  Simon was sure Brian was going to strike him or lash out in some way. During the screaming, the researcher had even raised his fist.

  But he had just sobbed, then lowered it. Simon let the man scream, then explained what had happened.

  When he got to the part of the story related to the soul metal, Brian and Zerathis had gone full nerd mode.

  They had poured over the construct, identifying, then examining the array from one side to the other.

  Nothing.

  Empty.

  Time and time again, they had searched but come up empty.

  And so now they sat in silence, each dealing with the loss of a friend in their own way.

  What a horrible fucking night.

  —— ? ——

  Kaelalin dove to the side as a dark tendril whipped past her.

  Her battle with the creature had grown more and more desperate. The damned thing seemed to be growing in size and speed with every passing minute.

  The problem was, she hadn’t figured out a god damned thing about how to hurt the creature.

  Finally, she had retreated to a corner of their prison, one where the monster had yet to invade. She had instead focused on the world outside.

  That knucklehead was at the gates of Varnholt arguing with Jorik based on the voices. The insufferable man had shoved her into a pocket. Her! Kaelalin! In Simon’s pocket!

  There had been a blinding light, then more conversations.

  She had guessed based on the hissing sounds and Simon’s tone that he had done something dumb.

  Figures.

  Her mind had wandered as she heard nothing but the sound of steps, injected with Jorik yelling at people.

  Kaelalin’s thoughts had turned to figuring out how to fight this monster.

  Was it possible for her to fight it?

  She had some ideas; hell, she had tested dozens. None had worked.

  It was impossible. But that was fine, soon she would be back in the lab.

  If anyone was capable of figuring out her current situation, it was those two in the lab.

  Then a sound broke through her thoughts.

  A sound that broke her heart.

  Brian’s sobbing.

  After a minute, she had to pull away. The man’s hoarse voice and whispered pleas were far too much.

  She turned her attention to the area around her.

  “God. Damnit!”

  Two dark tendrils had snuck past her perception and attached to her legs. They had been subtle, most likely attached when she had listened to Brian.

  “Shit. Shit. Shit!”

  Her body warped and changed, one leg breaking free. But as she changed, so too did the tendril.

  The damned thing was learning.

  Her soul avatar’s jaw tightened.

  This wasn’t good.

  —— ? ——

  “We have a visitor.” Zerathis intoned, finally breaking the heavy silence.

  “Who?” Brian hissed. “Who thinks they are so god damned important that they want to barge in right now?”

  “Councilor Serel contacted me. She said you have cut off all attempts to communicate.”

  Brian grimaced. “Tell her we’re busy. Shit, tell her we are grieving for fucks sake. Tell her anything.”

  Zerathis was quiet for a long moment. “I have told her that.”

  Simon raised an eyebrow. “Wait, what?”

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  The metal orb turned towards him. “I told her what Brian instructed me to.”

  Simon glanced between the two, then asked. “Want to run by what you said to her? Exactly?”

  “I can.” Zerathis’s construct tilted to the side. “ I told her: ‘we’re busy, we are grieving for fuck sakes, and anything.”

  “Dude.” Simon groaned. “And how is she taking that?”

  “She has been silent since then… Oh, wait.”

  Simon rolled his eyes. He looked over to Brian. The man was uninterested, his empty gaze staring at the ceiling.

  “She says that this cannot wait,” Zerathis said. “That she cannot keep the Frost-kin calm forever, and conflict might occur. Serel asks that we consider Councilor Kurda and Guardsman Jorik, who are currently holding the entrance to this lab.”

  Simon sighed. “Brian, we need to talk to her.”

  “Fuck off.”

  Deep breath. Calm. Simon needed to be calm.

  “Brian, we have to talk to her.”

  “I said FUCK OFF!” the man snapped. “Don’t you people understand? Does no one give a shit? For the love of everything in this messed-up world, why can–”

  *Slap!*

  Brian’s glasses flew to the side at the blow. He looked bug-eyed at the figure that loomed over him.

  Simon.

  “I give a shit, Brian,” Simon said, his voice low. “I understand. But you need to get a god damned grip. Wake up.”

  Brian’s eyes went from a lifeless dull to flaring fire. His hand crackled as he stared into Simon’s eyes.

  “You. Without you, Kaelalin wouldn’t have died. You shouldn’t have let–”

  *Slap!*

  “You got that fucking right.” Simon snarled. “Yeah, without me, she wouldn’t have died. I get to live with that burden for the rest of my damned life. You, on the other hand, are being a child and an idiot.”

  Simon took a step back, his eyes glowing with anger.

  “And that’s coming from me. But enough of this.” Simon glanced around the room. “Sorry, not sorry. There’s no damned snow in this building to hit you with. That’s what Dravlen would have done, right?”

  He stared Brian down. “Now, I don’t give a shit what happens to me, got that? But I do care about the two outside that risked their necks so I could bring… her, to you.”

  Simon stepped forward, jabbing a finger into Brian’s chest.

  “You need to stuff these emotions down right now. Talk with Serel. I have barely been in this town, but even I know she doesn’t idly chit-chat. If she’s communicating with Zerathis, things are way worse outside than she's letting on.”

  Simon tilted his head. “Kaelalin wouldn’t want you to sit here and mope. So get off your ass and do your damned job.”

  Simon waited for Brian to lash back. For him to do something rash. But the fire in the researcher's eyes dimmed. What remained was that calculating stare that he wore when he was deeply engrossed in his work.

  Simon nodded, then walked back and fell into the chair.

  “Zerathis. Tell her I’m coming to speak with her.” Brian said, rising from his chair. He moved across the room, pausing next to Simon. “... You’re an ass.”

  Simon shrugged. “Someone needs to be right now. I don’t have anything left in me but that.” He looked up at Brian. “I’m serious, Brian. I cannot tell you how much I–”

  “Do I need to slap you now?” Brian cut him off, the faintest smile on his lips. “I didn’t say you weren’t right, Simon.”

  With that, he moved to the airlocks.

  —— ? ——

  Dozens of minutes later, Brian returned. His eyes had dulled, but there was still an air of grim determination around him.

  “I spoke at length with Councilor Serel.” He began. “We… have come to an agreement. I am going to go out and arrange for Kaelalin’s funeral according to the customs of her people.”

  Simon started to protest, but Brian held up a hand.

  “She didn’t force me, Simon, hell, she said that she would fight the Frost-king herself if needed.” he took a deep breath, then exhaled. “But, she did explain their reasoning. As it stands, I think… she would have wanted it this way…”

  Brian smiled. It was sad, filled with heartache.

  “So, that’s the plan? Let them freeze her into some ice thing?” Simon asked.

  Brian simply nodded. “Councilor Serel said she would act as mediator between us. She believes that, based on the wishes of the deceased, I have final say. I… I… I never wanted this, god damnit.”

  He slumped into his chair. With a sigh, Brian continued.

  “But, I think it’s the right thing to do. Kaelalin helped many people in her world. To not allow them this would be like spitting on her efforts and the people she helped.”

  Zerathis’s rings slowed. “If that is what you wish to do, I will help in any way I can.”

  “Same.” Simon agreed.

  Brian looked up at him. “Simon, you can’t help with this.”

  Simon pulled back in his chair. “Why not?”

  “Do I even need to say it?” Brian shook his head. “You’re banished, dumbass. That hasn’t changed. You should have seen just how many armed and armoured people are waiting outside.”

  “Ah. that.” Simon replied.

  “That’s actually the second part of this plan.” Brian stood, then moved to his shelves. He dug through boxes and pouches until he found what he was looking for.

  “Here it is.” He turned and walked to Simon, handing him a box. “You can’t be in Varnholt, but I can at least let you watch her funeral.”

  Simon took the heavy box, opening it at Brian’s nod.

  Inside, he found a shining metal tube. He picked it up and noticed the glowing glass on either end. Carefully, he pulled on it as he was pretty sure he knew what it was.

  A handheld scope.

  Resignation sank into him as he realized what Brian was planning.

  “The funeral will be held tomorrow morning, between the nearly finished outer wall and the main wall,” Brian said. “It was Serel’s idea. I will argue I don’t want the funeral held in the Frost-kin’s section. Then she’s going to suggest it as a way to remain neutral, and I’ll agree.”

  He sighed. “Sorry, this was the best we could come up with.”

  Simon raised his arm and wiped tears from his eyes. “Works for me. I was on my way out anyway.” He gave Brian a forced grin.

  Brian nodded, rising out of his chair. Simon got up as well as the Inventor crossed to him.

  Brian held out a hand. “Be safe out there, alright? I’m going to head out first and tell them you are saying your final goodbyes.”

  Simon took his hand, then pulled the awkward man into a hug.

  “I’m sorry, Brian.”

  Brian stiffened, then hugged back. “I am too. I should have been with you two. I co-”

  Simon pulled back, mockingly holding up his free hand. “Whoa there, buddy, that's enough of that!”

  Brian rolled his eyes, then shook the hand he still grasped.

  “Good–”

  “Dude, I WILL slap you.”

  Brian froze, then grinned. “Just try and hold off on causing any more disasters before you leave the valley,”

  Simon grinned back, releasing Brian’s hand.“As long as you promise not to accidentally blow yourself up.”

  “I don’t just blow things up!” Brian protested, then watched as Simon’s eyes drifted across the various patched holes throughout the lab. “Often!” Brian added quickly.

  The inventor moved towards the door. “Take your time, Simon, but they will start to ask if it’s too long. Recover and prepare yourself to head back into the valley.”

  Simon nodded. Then went to sit down. A thought crossed his mind.

  “Hey Brian! Hold up a second.”

  Brian paused, his hand on the airlock control.

  “What?”

  Simon searched his side and found the pouch he was looking for. He smiled to himself, then raced over to Brian.

  “Maelis was talking shit at the gate when I showed up. Has anyone else said I’m lying? Or that my story isn’t true.”

  Brian sighed. “There have been theories floating around. Serel is working to crush tho–”

  “Perfect!” Simon flashed his teeth. “Let me walk out with you then. I’ll head back in after, but I have something to show everyone.”

  Brian squinted his eyes. “Do I want to know?”

  “Probably not.”

  Another sigh from the inventor. “Alright, let's get this show on the road then…”

  —— ? ——

  Simon gave a big smile to the gathered crowd. He couldn’t help but notice the looks Kurda, Jorik, and Serel gave him.

  Guess the plan was to drag everyone away, then slip me out of town. That’s no fun.

  Whispers spread through the gathered crowd as they pointed at Simon. He was quite the sight. His arm was still burnt, but healing thanks to copious amounts of health potions.

  However, he was still soaked in various hues of gore. Simon grimaced as he glanced at Brian.

  The man had a Simon-shaped splat of color plasted on his robes.

  Whoops.

  Maybe that’s why he stiffened.

  Oh well.

  Simon faced the crowd.

  “Evening, everyone!” He shouted, drawing the whispered conversations to an end. “I have heard that some of you assholes don’t believe my story.” He glanced between Councilors, quickly avoiding the glare Serel was giving him.

  You’re just going to have to adapt your scheme, alright, shiny lady.

  “You call me a hollower, some monster of a human.” Simon shook his head. “Yeah, that’s all bullshit.”

  His eyes searched the crowd, then Simon grinned when he spotted who he was looking for.

  Marden.

  Simon continued yelling before someone could stop him. “But, I get it. You are all so terrified of this new world that you would rather not risk it. Bunch of fucking cowards.”

  Outrage bubbled in the crowd.

  “But! That’s just what you are.” His voice grew sharp. “What I am is many things, but a liar isn’t on the damn list.”

  Simon’s hand reached into the magical bag he held.

  “To quote a certain asshole, 'Don’t believe my words, look for yourself.’ or was it…” he paused as he tried to remember Marden’s words.

  “Ah fuck it. Here’s your damned proof.”

  With a fluid motion, he removed his hand, and a dark, tar-covered head appeared.

  Simon leaned back, then whipped the Stalker's head towards a certain asshole.

  Dark tar-like viscera rained down in its path as the head landed with a plop in front of a horrified healer.

  “That’s all, folks. Enjoy your shitty cowardly lives.” Simon waved, then strode back inside. He activated the airlock to the sounds of gasps and a few screams.

  He could have sworn he heard Marden’s high-pitched squeal.

  The first genuine smile in hours crossed his face.

  Behind him, the airlock hissed shut.

  “That felt great!”

  —— ? ——

  — HOLIDAY NOTICE —

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  Authors Corner

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