Advent of Eternity - Chapter 3 (Patreon)

The door flung open, revealing an aged man with a salt and pepper beard. His eyes were sunken from lack of sleep and worry and his hair stuck out in every direction. He swept up to Jules, grabbing his daughter and hugging her closely to his chest as tears built up in his eyes.

The Last Laugh stood politely to the side as Baron Briggs inspected his daughter’s minor wounds and fussed over her. He stood a few minutes later, wiping his eyes and turning his gaze to the captain.

“Send my army. I want what remains of those bastards crushed by nightfall. There will be no peace treaties. Kill them all, and take no prisoners. Make especially sure that Yusef doesn’t escape.”

“Captain Yusef is already dead,” Jules said.

Briggs blinked and glanced at Knell. “Your doing, then?”

“He was in the way.” Knell shrugged.

“Absolutely brilliant. Then route the rest of the army, Jules.”

“Yes, sir,” Jules said, giving Briggs a sharp salute. He made no move to leave the room.

“You may leave, Jules,” Briggs said. “My daughter only stands here before me because of this mercenary group. If they had wanted to harm me, they would not have returned her.”

The captain gave Briggs another salute. He paused for a moment, then headed back out the door, pulling it shut behind him. The Baron let out a heavy sigh and ruffled the little girl’s hair. She slipped away and clambered into a bed tucked into the corner of the room, disappearing beneath the covers.

“She’s shy,” Baron Briggs said. “But I cannot thank you enough, both for her and my sake. I never would have thought that the Brennan Army would have bought my midwife over. I do not know what I would have done if…”

His voice caught and he trailed off, his hands clenching at his sides.

“It’s in the past,” Knell said. “Your daughter is safe now.”

“And you certainly can thank us enough,” Abe said. “Gold speaks like no man ever could.”

A grin tugged at the edges of the Baron’s lips. “I suppose it does. I have already prepared your fee. Is there anything else you require?”

“No,” Knell said. “I am just here to repay my father’s debt to you.”

“Ah. Consider it more than repaid, then. Tell me, how did you manage to infiltrate the Brennan camp and kill their leader just four people? And without taking a single loss – such a feat seems impossible. Are you far along your Path?”

“Knowledge is vastly more powerful than Path abilities,” Knell said with a wry grin. “I am no farther along my Path than any other man of my age.”

“Then I both dread and anticipate the day that you become as strong as your predecessor,” Briggs said. “Rynholt was a demon on the battlefield and one of the most honorable men I ever knew. I, along with the thousands of people he aided in his life, felt his passing dearly.”

“Your words are comforting. My father was a great man,” Knell said, his eyes tightening imperceptibly. “I strive every day to fill the shoes he left behind.”

“You’re clearly well on your way,” Briggs said, glancing back at where his daughter was hidden under the covers. “Is gold truly all you wish for this service? It feels like such a worthless thing to give in exchange for the life I value most in this world.”

“Word of mouth helps as well,” Sophia said. “If you put in a good word for our capabilities, it would be appreciated.”

“Trust me, you’ll have no trouble there,” Briggs promised. “I’ll spread your name as far and wide as I can. With Yusef dead, the Brennan army will likely be destroyed by nightfall. I do believe a celebratory feast will be in order. Will your company be joining us?”

“I’m afraid I must leave,” Knell said. “But I will request that you refrain from mentioning my involvement in this mission. Personal reasons.”

“Of course,” Briggs said, masking his confusion with a smile. “It will be as if you were never here, if it pleases you.”

“That’s exactly what I want to hear,” Knell said, a small smile spreading across his lips.