It took two more full days of riding before it was finally within their sight. It was Isaac who saw it first. Saw the small stone cottage on the horizon with smoke ushering from the chimney. The stones were pristine white near the middle but were browning from dust of the roof’s shingles and greenery at the base from the flora.
Adjacent to the cottage was a small gated off area with brighter flowers and plants stretching forward and reaching towards the sunlight above. Directly behind it was a small shed where Isaac knew the stables resided. The front door was open and the one window was open letting in the breeze. Isaac urged Soot forward his excitement bubbling up and becoming palpable that even Ryze smiled as he followed behind him.
Beyond the cottage he could see the gleaming city in the distance. The capital of the Sanctum. Never far away from the seat of power. Isaac slowed Soot down as he approached the home and slid off the horse and landed on his feet running forward as fast as he could. He went to the door and banged on it rapidly but before it could even be opened he took a step back and shouted, “Hector! Are you home? I’m sure you are. You were always an early bird.”
He stared at the door fantasizing about how this would work. About how Hector would react to seeing him alive. How he would feel about seeing him again. He was nervous, nervous to the point of not even knowing what to say. What words he’d use. If Hector would even be glad to see him. If he saw him and if he’d be terrified of what he’d become.
The doubts entered his mind so deeply that he didn’t notice the man coming around the corner. Didn’t hear the basket drop against the ground or the gasp that left his lips. All he heard was his voice when he asked, “Isy?”
Isaac turned and he was there. He was wearing a simple cloth shirt and pants. His hair was longer but just as curly. His face was smooth and skin a toucher darker than he remembered. But his features, his nose, his lips, his eyes, they were exactly as he remembered and he was perfect.
Hector walked toward him slowly and Isaac felt the panic in his core again. Feeling like he was going to react badly, to call him a monster, to be terrified of him. Isaac took a hesitant step back but froze in place as Hector closed the distance and touched his face. Those amber eyes searched his face up and down
“Johnathan said that you had changed. Said that you’d been brought back as something not human. But I look at you now and you’re the same man. That blank expression. Probably over thinking things again. I’m very positive about that,” he said slowly and smiled. “You were worried. I can see it plain as day.”
“I. I mean. Yes,” he finally said lowering his head. “I was scared about what would happen. About if you would see me. Or if I had changed too much. And had really become a monster.”
Hector smiled and shook his head hugging him tightly and holding him. Isaac hugged him back and they broke into laughs. Hector pulled away kissing his forehead then his lips and his nose and lips again. “Great Father I was so worried about you. But you’re back. I’ve got you back in one piece.”
“Yeah you do,” Isaac replied sighing softly. “Yeah you do.”
Pulling back, he looked at Ryze and smiled wider. Taking and squeezing Hector’s hand he kissed it and then with his other hand motioned for Ryze to join them. Slipping off Coal’s back the necromancer wandered over and smiled sheepishly at the pair of them.
“Wow. I’ve never seen him tense up that hard before,” Ryze commented walking past Isaac. “He’s fought mercenaries, zombies, and demons. Yet you froze him dead on the spot. I think I’m impressed.”
“He may look kinda tough but really you just have to know how to talk to him. Show him who’s boss and he falls apart like a big baby,” Hector tapped him on the shoulder lightly.
“I’ll keep that in mind. He certainly likes throwing himself into danger at the drop of a hat. Even for total strangers and to the detriment of our journey,” Ryze rolled his eyes.
“Oh tell me about it. He’s a pain in my ass,” Hector shook his head and put a hand on his head. “Always helping every orphan, granny, and couple with a broken wheel. He’s a block head with a good heart so I guess it evens out. I didn’t catch your name.”
“Ryze,” he said looking at him and his frown was gone for the time being. “Isaac talked a lot about you. You were his driving force since I met him.”
“Oh did he? He sounded like a love sick puppy, didn’t he?” Hector laughed and it lit his face up like a sun.
Ryze joined on the laughed and smirked, “He definitely did.”
“I feel like I’m the butt of a joke that I don’t deserve,” Isaac said slowly looking back and forth between the two of them mild distress and annoyance on his face. “I came all this way to see you again and now I feel like I’m being picked on.”
“It’s out of love from me and your friend,” Hector said. “Now let me be rude. Come in. Please. I’ll put some tea on for us.”
“Yeah come in,” Isaac echoed in him as Hector opened the door.
The cottage was spacious, two rooms as far as he could tell. The walk way split to the left with an icebox that doubled as a counter with hanging pots and pans. There were cabinets hanging across the opposite walls with drying racks. To the opposite side was a table and chairs mostly setup for one but with enough space for at least four. At the end of the table was a fire place with a small fire smoldering and a pot hanging from it. The opposite end was the window.
Light streamed from the back of the house that complimented the warmth of the first room. There was a door at the back of the house and Ryze could only assume that was their bedroom. If he had to pick a word for this place it would be quaint. There was a hominess to it all.
Slinging three mugs off the rack Isaac set them on the counter. Hector took the pot off the fire and brought it over to the counter top. Letting the steam out away from his face he poured into each of the cups one by one. Ryze watched them from one of the chairs at the table impressed. His shovel rested against the far wall but not more than a step away from him.
Isaac set one of the mugs in front of him and then sat down with Hector alongside him. “Thank you,” Ryze said softly and sipped on it. It was sweet but there was a bitterness at the edge of it that was interesting. It made him quirk his head to the side at the strangeness of it but he was intrigued and kept sipping.
“Like it? It’s a special blend I’ve found at a village not too far south from here. Remember the couple with the five children that you helped pick their fields a few months ago?” Hector asked and when Isaac nodded Hector continued, “They’ve been growing a plant there that they treat with oils. Once its dried the tea is delicious. I need to get another batch of them the next time I’m in that direction.”
“I’d love to go with you,” Isaac added. “The country side is nice this time of year.”
“I have to ask, the shovel. Is it like aesthetic or?”
Isaac made a face but Ryze chuckled, “It’s a family thing.”
“And the pouches?”
“They help me with my necromancy,” he replied producing a small bone from one of them. “Skeletons don’t grow on trees.”
“Where are you from?” Hector asked turning his attention onto Ryze. “I can already tell you’re nothing like the people from here. Probably Norian and based on your eye and your equipment I can imagine that you’re some kind of mage.”
Ryze coughed into his drink startled and winced at the heat of the liquid before staring at Hector. Hector panicked and quickly got up grabbing a towel and then brought it back so that he could wipe off his face slightly. “You’re observant,” Ryze said slowly. “And very direct.” Hector looked embarrassed glancing away.
“It’s what I do. I work with a lot of orphans and spotting things like that helps me learn about them sooner rather than later. Each one is different and that means they each need their own methods, care and attention. And no seven year old boy with a chip on his shoulder is going to be very forth coming about why they pick fights with everyone. You gotta go to them.”
“Mmhm,” setting down the mug Ryze leaned forward and set both his elbows on the table then looked at him. “Well you’re right. I was born in Noria. Not the Noria you’re familiar with I’m sure. The crown can burn for all I care.” He looked at Isaac for a second but continued talking. “And I am a mage. A blessing and a curse both here and in Noria.”
“Unfortunately. A child doesn’t have a choice on whether or not they will become a mage or manifest their abilities. And without proper training they can be a danger to themselves and others.” Hector squeezed Isaac’s leg under the table as he smiled.
“I already like you more than most of The Sanctum,” Sipping on the tea he set it down on the table and leaned back in his chair.
“That sounds like high praise,” Hector replied and looked at Isaac for confirmation which he got. “I’m honored. Will you stay here for long?”
“Unsure. I know I don’t want to stay here for long. I have some things that I need to take care of. But Isaac told me that I could use a proper home cooked meal. Since my bar for a good meal is so low.”
That made Hector laugh fully and grin at Isaac, “Of course he did! Well I have some things lying around but if we were to make something for the three of us we’ll have to go into town for a bit. Can I bring you both in without causing too many issues?”
“Depends. Would anyone figure me out the same way you did?”
Hecter frowned, “Town isn’t like the city so probably not. But Maybe, especially dressed that way. I can offer you a change of clothes and we’ll have to be a little discreet but I think we can make it work between us.”
Hector got up from the table and walked to the bedroom leaving Isaac and Ryze together. Isaac watched Hector leave and then sighed a content smile on his face. “So that’s him?” Ryze asked.
“That’s my Hector,” he replied. “I apologize now for you coming into town with us.”
“It’ll be fine. It’s not my first time visiting the Sanctum.”
“I can only imagine what that must have been like”
“The worst thing to happen to me was drunk soldiers. That’s about it. Keeping your head down means people ignore your eyes.”
“And the shovel?”
“Told them I was a grave digger. Ends a lot of conversations before they begin.”
“Ah of course,” Isaac shook his head. “I wouldn’t have thought of that.”
“And that’s why you’re my very straight forward Isy and I love you for it,” Hector returned with a tunic that was far lighter in color though a bit more disheveled. “Try this on.”
Taking off his cloak he pulled off his shirt as well and Hector gasped. Even Isaac was shocked. The first time that Isaac had ever seen him without a shirt and he wasn’t expecting the number of scars there. Except when he looked closer he realized they weren’t just scars, they were sigils and circles carved into his skin. They were all across his chest and stomach and the way that they were arranged they must have extended to his back.
“Was this also a part of your training?” Isaac asked carefully and Ryze nodded. Isaac set his jaw hard and looked down. “I’m-“
“Don’t say you’re sorry,” Ryze told him and then pulled the shirt on. It was a bit of a tight fit but it’s fine. Won’t attract attention at least.”
“Exactly,” Hector stood and motioned toward them. “Come on you two. I need muscle.”
“Not sure why I’m coming along then.”
The three of them went outside and mounted their horses, Hector mounting a beige mare that was resting in the shed. Hector mounted her without any issues and she looked at the two newer horses without much concern. Hector and Isaac led them down the road and it was well trodden. He could see the amount of horse foot falls and cart tracks. The town in question was in the direction of the city but as they rounded a corner and turned slightly toward the east he could see the small village outside of the glow of the city.
It reminded Isaac of the village Valle, now that he had something to compare it to instead of just being another village in the Sanctum. And there were people moving around transporting goods and having a few horses. Everyone stopped to greet Hector and even more than that they were excited to realize that Isaac was back.
“It’s so good to have you back. Hector was so worried.”
“You’re both so happy to be together again!”
“When are you available? I want to have you both over before Isaac is off again.”
“When are we going to see some kids from you two!”
“Who’s this stranger?”
Ryze started, having gotten used to tuning out the people greeting his hosts but looked down at a woman wearing a scarf around her head and mouth. Ryze stared at her but shook his head not trying to draw more attention. “Just a stranger passing through.”
Doing the best that they could to not get bogged down by too many people that knew them they shopped from most of the venders. Vegetables, meats, potatoes, fruits, a bit of everything. They saddled Isaac with carrying the majority of things which seemed to have been a custom Isaac was used to.
It took the better part of the day but they finished shopping and brought it back to the cottage. The moment they were back Isaac and Ryze both became the helpers to Hector. Isaac was on knife duty, cutting and chopping as need be. Ryze was responsible for maintaining the fire and setting ingredients in the pot.
Meanwhile Hector moved back and forth between making sure things were seasoned properly or making sure the pot was boiling properly and that Ryze didn’t over stir it. At the same time he was warming up a loaf of bread on a separate smaller fire.
“You pick things up quickly,” he commented standing over Ryze’s shoulder as the mage continued to stir, watching the pot.
“Cooking and magic are very similar. You need the right ingredients and a careful eye. One wrong step or mixture and,” he made a sound like an explosion.
“And you haven’t blown yourself up yet so I think that’s a good sign,” Isaac said then tapped his core. “And you haven’t blown me up either.”
“There was never a chance of that happening. Well when I was repairing your core there was a small chance.”
Isaac turned to face him almost cutting his finger, “I thought you knew what you were doing when it came to this. Part of your long term training.”
“If I wanted to make a traditional one yes but like I told you, your core is new territory that I myself invented,” Ryze shrugged. “It’s how you’re able to live independent of me instead of being a zombie. If you haven’t noticed your breathing and parlor has gotten better.”
Isaac gasped softly realizing it was true in regards to his breathing then looked at his hand. Sure enough there was a decent color to it.
“What happened?”
“The bird I had you dispatch helped you greatly.”
Isaac nodded, “I appreciate that. You’re a good person. Even if you don’t believe that.”
Ryze looked back at him and tried not to laugh. “Is this what being here is? Just you guys being positive all the time.”
“Yeah it’s called being in a happy place where people actually like each other. Do they not have that in Noria?” Hector teased.
Not taking the bait he continued to watch the pot and stir. Hector grabbed the last of the chopped ingredients from Isaac and slid them into the pot taking over for Ryze. Pushing both men away to the table he oversaw the rest of the cooking while they talked and told stories.
When the stew was finally done they set it on the table. Hector brought the bread and Isaac produced a bottle of wine from the cupboard. Setting their meal up Hector held out his hands to both of them. Isaac took it and Ryze took the other raising his eyebrow.
“Thank you, Great Father. Thank you for Ryze, for saving Isaac and bringing him back to me. For new friends and new beginnings with us here. For helping us prepare the food together. I hope and pray for many more nights like this in the future. Amen.”
“Amen,” Isaac whispered.
Ryze paused but nodded, “Amen.”
“Hector’s asleep,” Isaac said walking back from the bedroom. “He was always easily knocked out when it came to wine. Maybe that’s why the church said not to indulge in that kinda stuff.”
Ryze shook his head staring into the fire. “They don’t like sharing their goods.”
Isaac sat next to him looking at the fire and frowning hard. Ryze looked at him and nodded, turning over a container dumping ash onto the fire itself putting them in the dark. “Thank you.”
“You’ll get used to them. Fires. They won’t bother you forever.”
“I hope so. I don’t think Hector will enjoy living in a dark house,” Ryze flashed him a small smile but looked out the lowered window. “You’re thinking of leaving, aren’t you?”
Glancing back at the lich he sighed but nodded slowly. “Yes. The food was good and trust me I enjoyed meeting Hector. He’s definitely someone special. I think I would have liked meeting him before you.”
“I think I regret introducing you two to one another,” Isaac said laughing and then rested on a smile and then a sigh. “Where are you going to go?”
“I don’t know. I think I might try to find my sister. I get the feeling that a family reunion is in order,” he shrugged his shoulders. “But after that I’m not sure. Continue my research and lay low.”
“And the Ouroboros?”
“I’ll do my best to avoid them.”
“You really think they’re getting close to making their plan happen?”
“I think it’s something you should keep an eye on just in case,” he said tapping him on the shoulder. “But right now, being in the Sanctum is the safest place for you. And Hector.”
They sat together in silence for a bit enjoying things as it were. Isaac stared at the cottage that was his home, looked back at the mostly closed door where he’d left Hector comfortably asleep and sighed. He was home. He was really really home and for he thought he wouldn’t be able to do that again.
“I never said this before but thank you. Thank you for saving my life that day in the field,” he looked down. “I had made my peace with my Father that day and given up. But you gave me a second chance.”
Ryze rolled his eyes, “You were an experiment to me back then. It wasn’t some great good deed.”
“I know it started that way for you,” Isaac smiled. “But I don’t think you really believe that anymore.”
Getting up Ryze walked to the window and leaned against it staring into the distance that he knew the city was. “You know I used to not like the Sanctum. Everyone was too stuffy. Trying to navigate the niceties of them all was never worth it. Even when they didn’t know I was Norian or a mage. They still aren’t my favorite people. But you and Hector and the people in that village. I think you can could maybe change my mind a little.”
“Is that your way of saying you’re glad we met?”
“If one tried very hard you could read it that way,” Ryze shrugged. “But that would be a lot of effort on that one’s part.”
“Well this one would put in the effort and think that way,”
Taking off the borrowed shirt he put back on his own and then wrapped the cloak around his shoulders. Pulling the hood forward he grabbed his shovel and the weapon glowed in recognition for a second. Sliding it against his back he picked up the shirt and then folded it neatly on the table.
The pair of them walked outside and around the house to where the horses had been stabled. Soot and Coal looked at them lazily having had a full day of resting and munching on grain. Approaching Coal he stroked her neck and mane slowly. “You’re a good girl,” he said slowly and the horse threw her head back slightly. “Thank you for getting me this far. We’re going to see a lot of places together.”
“Hey,” Isaac said. He stepped forward holding his hand out. “I’m glad that I met you Ryze.”
Ryze looked at his hand and smiled before taking and shaking his hand, “I’m glad I met you Isaac.”
They shook and then Isaac hugged him. They stayed together for a moment and Isaac clapped him on the back before pulling back. Putting both his hands onto his shoulders. “Take care of yourself Ryze. I want to see you again one day down the line. Don’t be a stranger. This place will always be a home for you.”
Ryze untied Coal’s reins before leading her backwards slowly. Pulling himself onto her back he stroked her neck slowly. Adjusting himself slowly he glanced down at his friend and saluted. Kicking his feet into her side and took off down the road. Leaning forward in the stirrups he enjoyed the breeze and let his hood fly backwards. No matter where he went first he had a home he could come back to.
The Harlequin Library 