Blaystone - Guss House - Xander:

  Wait… Guss, you married Sonya?” Xander asked, his face brightening.

  Guss nodded. “She’s the love of my life, Xander. We fell in love while searching for you.” He leaned back, his gaze drifting upward for a moment. “It was... a blessing that emerged from a very dark time.”

  Xander gently placed his hand on Guss small, fragile shoulder.

  “I’m truly glad you found happiness.” Xander tilted his head back and looked up at the ceiling with a smile.

  Guss returned the smile, his eyes dropping to his mug of ale.

  A moment passed. Xander stared into his own drink. “Why did I disappear?” he asked quietly.

  Guss paused and looked at the ground. “Xander, the truth is—we never found out what truly happened to you. It’s still a mystery.”

  Xander took a long drink of ale, then set his mug down on the table. “Of course you don’t know what happened to me,” he muttered.

  They sat in silence for a moment.

  “Xander,” Guss said, looking at his old friend. “Do you still have your Sigil?”

  I know he does. I saw how quickly he healed when April removed those arrow fragments. That kind of healing power... Only a Sigil bearer could do that.

  Xander’s eyes widened. “I have an Arc Sigil?”

  “You don’t remember?” Guss asked. “What do you know about Arc Sigils?”

  “I don’t remember anything about Arc Sigils.” Xander combed his long sandy blonde hair back behind his ears as he scratched his head.

  “Arc Sigils grant immense power, Xander,” Guss said, staring into Xander’s eyes.

  “And I have one of these ‘Arc Sigils’?” Xander asked.

  Guss nodded. “Yes. They halt aging, protect against natural death and disease.”

  Xander’s brows lifted as he reached for his cup of ale.

  “But that power... it’s led to countless conflicts throughout history.”

  “Wars?” Xander asked.

  “Yes,” Guss said. “The great nations have fought many battles over Arc Sigils. But let’s leave the history lesson for now. There’s something more immediate you should know—something about your past.”

  Xander leaned forward. “What is it, Guss?

  Guss took a deep breath. “You had a twin sister, Xander. Her name was Rose Blight.”

  I had a sister? Xander stared at him blankly.

  “Rose was... special,” Guss continued. “She could do things with Arc Sigils that no one else could. Things thought to be impossible.”

  “What kind of things?”

  “She could wield two Arc Sigils at once, Xander. She was the only person in history ever known to do so.”

  Xander’s brow furrowed. “You’re talking as if she’s dead...”

  Guss face fell. “She died when you went missing, Xander. Rose fell in battle. She’s buried at your estate in Ash. I know you two considered that place home, the birthplace of the Crimson Knights.”

  Xander stood abruptly and began pacing, hands clutching his head. He stopped and turned to Guss. “You said she died in battle. Where? How?”

  “To this day, we don’t know who killed her.” Guss replied. “We didn’t even know where you went. We only found Edith near a cliff.”

  “Who the hell is Edith?!” Xander yelled.

  Guss looked at him with growing concern. He doesn’t remember Edith either? Before he could respond, the back door swung open.

  Sonya entered first, brushing past Xander with barely a glance. April followed, carrying a basket of fresh vegetables, her eyes flicking briefly to Xander before she hurried to the kitchen.

  Who is that? Xander glanced at the man behind them—short brown hair, blue eyes, average build, with a stubbled beard and narrow eyebrows. He carried two dead red-tailed rabbits in each hand.

  The man stopped, staring at Xander with wide eyes. “Mom told me we have a visitor,” he breathed, taking in Xander’s massive frame.

  “Jan, come here and stop talking to the ghost,” Sonya called from the kitchen. Jan backed away slowly, his eyes never leaving Xander as he retreated to the kitchen.

  Guss cleared his throat. “Looks like supper is being prepared early today,” Guss said, interrupting the silence. “Must be because you’re spending the night here.”

  Xander glanced out the nearest window, his brow furrowed. “Guss, supper in mid-afternoon?”

  “Well... yes,” Guss responded. “We have to prepare everything for the rabbit stew. It takes some time to make.”

  From the kitchen came the rhythmic sound of April chopping vegetables.

  “Jan, are you almost done skinning the rabbits?” Sonya’s voice carried from the kitchen.

  “No, Mom. I still have to skin the other one,” Jan replied.

  “Rabbit stew sounds good, Guss.” Xander said. He stood up slowly. “I think I’m going to retire to that davenport. I’m feeling tired. Thank you for the ale, it was good.”

  “Oh, okay,” Guss said, concern evident in his tone. “If that davenport doesn’t support you, we can take you to your room.”

  Xander walked towards the beige davenport. I should test this and make sure it can hold me. The furniture creaked slightly as he stretched out across it. He rested his feet and placed two soft pillows under his head.

  As he lay on his back, his mind started to wander. This feels so comfortable. This is all too much. I need to remember my past. Maybe a nap will help me remember a few things. Xander closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths.

  The voices in the room faded. Everything went quiet.

  Then a scream pierced the silence.

  “Xander, help me!” April cried out.

  “You stupid bitch, die!” Hawk slit April’s throat. Blood splattered across his face as he looked at Xander. “Yo—”

  “Hey. Hey jerk, wake up! Supper’s about to be done,” April said, bending down and shaking Xander’s shoulder.

  In a flash, Xander sat up, his hand shooting out to grab April by her throat. He pulled her close, his breathing heavy and erratic.

  April’s eyes went wide. What the hell is going on? “Xander, let go...”

  Slowly, Xander’s grip loosened, and he lowered his gaze to the floor. He struggled to control his ragged breathing. What the fuck is going on…?

  April dropped to her knees beside the davenport, coughing as she grabbed her throat.

  “What the hell is wrong with you?!” April demanded, her voice a mixture of anger and lingering panic.

  Xander’s voice was low and strained. “I... I had a nightmare. You were killed by the bandit, Hawk Blade.” He looked up at April, anger and fear mixing on his face. The vein in his forehead pulsed visibly.

  Xander’s hand reached out.

  April smacked it away, grabbed the davenport, and slowly got up.

  She took a step back, smoothing her dress. “Okay, look, that can’t happen again. I’m sorry for waking you up like that. That was inconsiderate of me.” April paused and took a deep breath. “Supper is done.” Turning, she walked toward the dining room, leaving Xander alone.

  Xander sat in silence for a moment, looking over to the window. The sun is beautiful. The day has slipped away from me. Supper looks to be done. Family suppers... did I have a family?

  Xander approached the dinner table. Guss and April looked up as he entered, while Jan’s face went pale, his mouth slightly open.

  “Come on, Xander. The supper will get cold,” Guss said while eating a cube of rabbit meat with vegetables.

  Sonya kept her eyes fixed on her plate. The smell of rabbit stew drifted from the large pan in the center of the table.

  Xander’s gaze fell on the silverware and the richly crafted wooden table. “Guss,” he said, tilting his head. “How did you afford this silverware? And this table - I didn’t notice before how fine the wood is.”

  “Your bowl is next to April,” Guss replied, dodging the question.

  Xander nodded. Why does he avoid my questions?

  “Jan, could you dish out the stew for Xander? We already poured our bowls,” Guss asked as he continued to eat. “Xander, please sit.”

  Xander pulled the chair out. As he sat, the chair creaked beneath him.

  April glanced down at his chair, then back up at him. “Bread?”

  “Umm, no. I’ll just take the stew and—” Xander grabs his fork.

  “Where have you been, Xander?” Sonya leans back as she stares at the man in question.

  Jan freezes mid-motion, and April looks at her mother in surprise.

  “My darling, he doesn’t—” Guss started, but Sonya interrupted him.

  “No. I don’t care if he doesn’t know. We looked for you for ten straight years,” she said, slamming her hand on the table. “Did you even see her yet? Oh wait, you pissed that into the wind as usual. Playing the hero when you didn’t have to. Oh wait, sh—”

  “Enough!” Guss yelled, his voice cracking.

  Xander looked at Sonya. “I don’t remember where I was for fifty years. I didn’t even remember my name when I woke up last night.”

  Sonya leaned forward and took a sip of the soup.

  Jan looked back and forth between Xander and Sonya.

  Guss sipped from his silver spoon. “Oh, this is good, my darling,” He said, leaning back in his chair.

  “Alright, Xander, I’ll play along,” Sonya leaned back in her chair again as she crossed her arms. “Did anyone see you when you entered this town?”

  “Yes, a few people did, but they wouldn’t talk to me. They quickly rushed into their houses.” He replied as he stared at Sonya. “You did look rough,” April said jokingly.

  Xander chuckled. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  Xander drank the stew directly from the bowl instead of using the spoon. “This is good stew,” he said, his mouth full of vegetables and rabbit meat.

  “You even eat like a barbarian,” April said softly.

  Guss looked at Sonya with a smile. Sonya’s stern expression softened, and she smiled back.

  “Guss, you never answered when I asked how you have afforded such well-crafted... everything,” Xander said.

  Guss smiled. “Well, I owe you everything, Xander. Without you, I would never have had the mets to pay for all of this. In fact, I still receive mets today from your estate.”

  Xander leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowing. “My estate...” he mused, a distant look in his eyes. “I remember what it looks like, and where it’s located—but it’s all blurry.” He looked at Guss. “You said you’re still getting mets from my estate? Who’s been running it for the past fifty years?”

  Guss swallowed his food, pausing longer than usual. He set down his spoon. “That would be Ambrose. He’s been managing it.” Guss’s eyes flickered away for a moment.

  He leaned forward. “Listen, Xander, since we’re talking about estates, there are a few things you need to know. You need to stay calm.”

  Xander relaxed back into his chair as he finished the last of his stew. “Okay, Guss.”

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  The old man took a deep breath. “Xander, what I am about to say may upset you. The Dela Mar kingdom has collapsed—split into two kingdoms and two orders.”

  Xander’s face twisted with confusion. “What do you mean collapsed? Split into two kingdoms and two orders? How did it collapse? Guss, what happened?”

  Guss’s expression grew serious. “Dela Mar was still at war when you went missing. Lords took advantage of the situation. The king of Dela Mar was assassinated, and that’s when the collapse happened. The strongholds of the lords announced their independence, becoming the kingdoms we know today.”

  Xander’s fists tightened. This isn’t happening. I was gone for fifty years and everything fell apart. Wait… “Guss, I never connected it before. When I was in the carriage, being escorted by the Order of the Seraphs... they said I was wearing Old Guard armor. The Kingdom of Dela Mar no longer exists. My branch under the old king... It’s gone. What happened to my men?”

  Guss leaned forward to reach for Xander’s hand. “Xander, please relax. We’re here to help and answer your questions.”

  “Guss, what happened to all my men?!”

  Sonya began to speak, “Why don’t you ask—”

  “Xander, we can answer that question when you’re less tense.” Guss said.

  Xander stood up abruptly, knocking over his chair. He strode into the living room. “This is horse shit!” Purple zeal began to seep from his body, the vein on his forehead becoming visible once more

  Guss and Sonya’s faces went pale.

  April’s jaw began to shiver.What is going on…? I can’t move.

  Jan started to get up. Why did we let this crazy man in the house?

  Guss and Sonya got up and cautiously approached Xander.

  “Dad, what’s happening?” April’s voice shook.

  Guss turned slightly toward his daughter. “His sigil is responding to his anger. Our conversation must have triggered this.” He focused back on Xander. Only small amounts of zeal were seeping out. His powers seem locked—it should have been pouring out. Something’s wrong.

  “Guss, we need to calm him down quickly,” Sonya whispered urgently.

  “Guss, what’s happening to me?” Xander asked as continued to pace the room.

  “That’s your Sigil responding to your anger,” Guss replied, keeping his voice steady. “It’s okay to feel this, Xander, but you need to control it right now.”

  “I can’t!” Xander yelled.

  “Xander, you need to. Everything will be okay. Just take a few deep breaths.”

  Deep breaths… Deep breaths… Gradually, the purple zeal seeping from Xander’s body began to fade. Xander made his way to the couch and sat down heavily, his gaze fixed on the floor.

  “Guss, room—now,” Sonya said hastily. They closed the door behind them.

  Jan began cleaning the table while April glanced frequently at Xander.

  “Why the fuck did we let this crazy man in the house, sis?” Jan asked quietly.

  April’s gaze shifted between Jan and Xander as she continued to gather the silverware.

  Moments later, Sonya and Guss emerged from the room. “Alright, April, could you show him the spare bedroom upstairs?” Guss asked.

  April rolled her eyes. “Sure, anything for this inconvenience of a man.” As she walked past Guss, he gently grabbed her arm.

  “You may think little of him now, but one moon, he will change your mind. He’s a good man,” he whispered to April.

  April gave her father a skeptical look before he released her arm. “Xander, follow me to your room.”

  Xander rose from the davenport and followed April to the top of the stairs. Look at all these portraits. These must be Guss and Sonya’s kids. I see April... Maybe that is her husband? He smiled as he took in the images of Guss and Sonya’s family.

  April stood beside him. “They weren’t all fun times. My parents fought a lot about giving up or continuing to search for you. And with Dela Mar falling, things turned chaotic.” She paused. “Down the hall is your room. I have to go back downstairs and continue to help with the cleanup.” She said softly.

  As Xander continued examining the portraits, something caught his eye. “Wait, what is this? I know this from some—”

  Suddenly, Xander dropped to his knees. A scream of agony tore from his throat—“AHH!” His eyes began to roll back in his head, the room fading in and out, alternating between blinding white and pitch black.

  “Hey!” April yelled. Xander’s screaming stopped, and he collapsed onto his side.

  The world shifted into color as the white and black faded and blurred.

  ◆◆◆

  Xander’s Dream:

  A woman stood tall,with her impressive height. Long, rich sandy blonde hair cascaded down her back, the color a striking contrast against her fair skin, which bore a slight tan from time spent under the sun. Her face was a canvas of delicate features, centered around a small nose that drew attention to her expressive eyes. A modest forehead gave her a youthful quality, while soft, endearing cheekbones framed her face. Her lips, neither too full nor too thin, perfectly complemented her harmonious features.

  “Xander! I... I found you!” Rose cried, her voice quavering.

  Xander, face down, slowly lifted his head. His bloodshot eyes met Rose’s gaze as blood ran down his forehead, dripping off his chin. Rose’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of her brother covered in stab wounds, his armor stained crimson. Her gaze shifted left, noticing Edith impaled in Alphason. She looked back at Xander, her face a mask of shock and horror.

  ◆◆◆

  Blaystone - Guss’s - House:

  A loud thump echoed through the house. “Dad, help!” April yelled, rushing to Xander’s side. She tried to sit him up but couldn’t lift his massive frame.

  Sonya and Jan came running, with Guss following at a slower pace. “What happened?” Sonya asked in a panic.

  “I don’t know,” April replied, cradling Xander’s head. “He looked at one of these portraits, started screaming, then collapsed.”

  “Do you know which portrait he was looking at?” Sonya pressed.

  April shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

  Which one could it be? Sonya scanned the portraits. It would have to be something with people he knew... Her eyes fixed on one. “It must be this one...”This portrait was created five years before he went missing, with all generals and vice generals of the Old Guard of The Order of the Seraphs and the Blights.” She pointed to a figure. “Rose is here.”

  April leaned in, curious. “I always wondered who that was. Where’s Xander?”

  Sonya’s voice carried a hint of sadness. “He was... in another country, helping with their war.”

  “Playing hero,” April muttered under her breath.

  “Are you two done? We can’t leave him here,” Jan snapped at them both.

  “Correct, let’s get him to his bed,” Guss said, having just reached the group.

  As the trio attempted to lift Xander, April grunted, “Yeah, he sure is heavy.”

  “Gently guide him to the room,” Guss instructed.

  After several minutes of struggle, they managed to get Xander into the room. “Let’s get him on the bed,” Guss said, earning a few exasperated looks.

  April and Jan each took one of Xander’s arms while Guss supported his head. Together, they dragged him onto the bed.

  Once Xander was settled, Sonya felt his forehead. “He’s burning up. Jan, get me a towel.” Jan rushed to comply.

  She started chanting, and the towel Jan brought became soaked and cold. She placed her glowing hands over Xander’s body, a blue zeal appearing as energy poured from her palms.

  “Alright, this should do,” Sonya said, finishing her spell.

  “Sonya!” Guss stepped forward.

  “I’m fine, Guss. Now it’s up to Xander to fight whatever he’s dealing with internally. We’ll have to wait and see.”

  As the three walked out of the room, purple light began to emanate. Sonya was behind Guss, the wall reflecting the purple zeal. Sonya turned around. “Guss!” she called urgently, just as April and Jan were descending the stairs. “Come back here,” she pleaded.

  Guss returned, his eyes widening at the sight.

  Sonya turned to him, her voice low. “His energy, it’s seeping out?”

  “You mean zeal?” Guss corrected gently.

  “Really, Guss? Something’s wrong with his sigil. The zeal’s barely seeping out, like it’s locked away. What are we going to do with him?”

  Guss looks at her. “I don’t know, Sonya.”

  The back door burst open. April’s voice echoed up the stairs, high and panicked. Footsteps pounded up to the room as Jan and April rushed in, breathing heavily.

  Sonya and Guss turned. “What is it?” Sonya asked.

  “Mom! Dad! Whatever that purple illumination is coming off of him—you can see it outside!” April exclaimed.

  Sonya glanced back at Xander. Not much we can do about that.

  April, peering past her mother, noticed movement outside. “Mom, are we expecting anyone else this late in the evening? There are people walking up the muddy path.”

  Guss turned to look out the window.

  “Those men look like Braxton Knights,” he muttered as he moved to close the curtains. The moonlight caught the gleam of their armor and weapons as they approached.

  Guss lowered his voice. “Xander is a wanted man for war crimes committed fifty years ago. This was ordered by The Kingdom of Braxton after the country split and the King was assassinated.” His eyes moved to Xander’s unconscious form, then back to the window.

  “What in the gods do we do, Dad?! Dad... we have to wake Xander up NOW!” April frantically waved her hands in the air.

  Braxton Knights’ armor clanked as each horse strode down the dirt road.

  “What the fuck are Braxton Knights doing in this area?! How the hell are we going to explain this to them? Guss? Guss?!” Sonya’s voice grew increasingly frantic.

  “Everyone, let me think! April, we can’t wake him up. Sonya…” Guss turned to her. “Yes, my love. I understand you’re worried. They can’t do anything to us or arrest us unless they find Xander. Even then, this is out of their jurisdiction and very far from home.”

  He turned to his son. “Jan, let’s go downstairs and talk to these Braxton Knights.” Then, he glanced at Sonya and April. “You two stay here. Try to cover up Xander.”

  After a moment, he slowly walked out of the room, Jan following close behind.

  ◆◆◆

  Xander’s Dream:

  Xander fell to his knees, his gaze fixed on the ground as if staring into the face of death itself. Rose, nearby, saw Betason’s mutilated body in the distance. Her eyes darted left and right, taking in the blood-soaked landscape torn apart by battle.

  Gently, Rose cradled Xander’s face in her hands, lifting it until their eyes met. They gazed at each other as if they were the last two souls in a world engulfed by the flames of the underworld.

  ◆◆◆

  Blaystone - Guss’s House - April:

  As April and Sonya covered Xander head to toe with a light cloth blanket, they closed the door to his room. Sonya locked it from the outside, then began casting a spell on the room. Guss was nearly at the bottom of the stairs while Jan positioned himself by the front window, watching for the approaching Braxton Knights. Sonya and April hid in a spare room.

  Jan whispered, “They’re here.” Moments later, a loud bang echoed from the front door.

  “Open up! It’s the Braxton Knights. We have reports of a man wearing armor of the Old Guard of The Order of the Seraphs,” a gruff voice called out.

  Guss opened the door, and five Braxton Knights swiftly entered the house. Four immediately began searching the premises while the squad leader faced Guss, a smirk playing on his lips.

  “You have no jurisdiction here,” Guss started quickly. “What is your claim to be in my house? Do you know whose house you’re in? This is the home of an ex-commander of the Dela Mar army. You have—”

  “Shut up, old man. I don’t give a fuck who you are. Here’s the deal, we have reports of a man tall as a house and just as broad. Long, dirty brown hair, green eyes, with a scar on the right side of his face. I’ll ask one time—where is this man?”

  As the Braxton Knights rushed upstairs, yells from Sonya and April could be heard. Guss glared at the squad leader.

  “Sir, we found two more!” A knight called out as they dragged Guss wife and daughter down the stairs, both women fighting and screaming.

  “Enough of the screaming!” the squad leader bellowed. Sonya gritted her teeth while April fell silent.

  The squad leader’s gaze lingered on April. “Oh, when you’re not screaming, you’re quite beautiful,” he said, circling her. “I should take you back as my third wife. Hey boys!” The other knights chuckled loudly.

  He turned to Guss. “Where’s the big man? I bet he’s as big as that guy.” He pointed at Jan, and the soldiers laughed.

  As Sonya and April moved towards Guss, the squad leader grabbed April’s arm. Leaning in close, he whispered, “I’ll plow your fields later,” and licked her ear.

  “Fuck you! I’ll kill you!” April yelled, her fists clenched as she faced the squad leader.

  He slapped her and spat in her face. Blood dripped down her lip. He released her, slapping her backside. “Go on to your dad,” he laughed.

  April stumbled back, wiping the spit from her cheek with a shaking hand. Blood from her split lip stained her fingers as tears of rage welled in her eyes.

  Sonya stepped towards the squad leader, but Guss grabbed her arm to stop her. Guss opened his arms to April, pulling her into a hug. “You’re okay, everything’s okay,” he soothed.

  “Bitch, you want some of this too? You may be old but you’re—” A call from upstairs drew his attention, and with a wink at April, he headed towards the sound’s origin.

  Guss grabbed Sonya’s arm and whispered, “What are you doing? Are you trying to get us killed?”

  “Once they find out who Xander is—” Sonya started.

  “It’ll be fine,” Guss assured her. Guss walked over to the large three drawer cabinet and opened the second drawer. I knew this would be useful. “Jan, you need to take this seal to the capital of the Order of the Seraphs. Find Tito! He’s Xander’s only hope.”

  Guss pressed the seal into Jan’s hand. “Take your horse from the stable,” he added hastily.

  Jan looked at his father with teary eyes. “We’ll be fine, Jan. Now hurry!” Guss whispered. Jan quietly slipped out the back door and headed for the stable.

  ◆◆◆

  Xander’s Dream:

  “Xander! Xander! XANDER!” Rose’s voice escalated with each call. “Please, tell me what happened to you! Why are you covered in stab wounds? Why the fuck did you kill Alphason and Betason?!” Her voice was tinged with hysteria.

  “Rose, I killed them. They are d—” Xander replied, voice barely above a whisper.

  ◆◆◆

  Blaystone - Guss’s House - Guss:

  The squad leader reached the sealed door. “Well, open it up.”

  One of his men responded, “Boss, it won’t open.”

  “Hey, old timers! Get up here and open your sealed door,” the squad leader barked down the stairs.

  Sonya looked at April. “Stay here!” She and Guss made their way upstairs.

  At the door, Sonya began chanting, her voice low and rhythmic. The ancient words seemed to hang in the air as sweat beaded on her forehead. Guss watched nervously as the magical seal began to shimmer and crack.

  The chanting grew more intense, Sonya’s hands trembling as she fought to maintain control. Finally, the seal flared once and died.

  “The seal is undone,” she announced, casting a nervous glance at Guss.

  The guards kicked down the door and rushed in. Purple light glowed through holes in the sheets covering Xander. Sonya’s eyes widened - the sheets had been whole moments before, now they were riddled with holes.

  The guards removed the covers, revealing Xander on the bed, purple zeal pouring from his body with frightening intensity. They all drew their swords, fear evident in their stances. Sonya and Guss, too, were visibly shaken.

  “What the fuck is going on here? Who the fuck is that?” the squad leader demanded, unsheathing his blade and pressing it to Guss throat. “I’ll kill both you and your wife. Speak now!”

  Guss cleared his throat, gently grasping the blade at his neck. “We don’t know who he is or what’s happening to him right now. Please remove that from my throat.”

  The squad leader reluctantly sheathed his sword. “Men, sheath your blades. Let’s arrest him and detain him.”

  “That’s not going to happen, you idiots,” Sonya interjected. “You won’t even be able to get near him. If you touch him, you’ll get hurt and lose—”

  “Shut up, lady,” the squad leader snapped. “Let’s go, boys.”

  As one of the guards approached and attempted to lift Xander’s arm, the energy pouring out of him lashed out, burning the guard’s hand. The man screamed in agony.

  “My fucking hand, this mother—”

  “Enough!” the squad leader yelled. “Everyone out! Leave the room!” Once in the hallway, he turned to Sonya. “Hey, bitch, you’ll seal this back up. If this man leaves, you’ll be tried for his crime of wearing the sacred armor of Dela Mar. Do you understand?” His voice rose. “I said—do you understand?”

  Sonya nodded.

  As the squad leader and his knights headed down the hallway, one knight mockingly commented, “He’s not even that big.”

  “We’ll be back with the boss to deal with this,” the squad leader declared, his cocky tone unchanged.

  “Guss, April is down there,” Sonya whispered, her voice laced with concern.

  As the knights descended the stairs, they locked eyes with April, who sat rigidly on the davenport. They filed out of the house, but the squad leader lingered. He approached April, bending down to her level. With a malicious grin that revealed yellowed teeth, he slowly traced a dirty finger from her lips, down her throat, and across her breast.

  Fuck, his breath stinks. April gripped the davenport arm and tried to lean away.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said with a laugh.

  He straightened and sauntered out, joining his knights on the muddy path.

  They’re gone! April slammed the door shut and raced up the stairs. She flung herself at her father, tears streaming down her face, and hugged him with a desperate force. He has to wake up… and soon. Guss rubbed April’s back in an attempt to comfort her.