The Thayne Tantalus
EXP: 106,923, Level: 14
Level completed: 20%,
EXP required for next Level: 12,077
Arden hammered away at a white-hot rod of metal, sweat pouring down his forehead and goose bumps pricking on the back of his neck. He had worked since dawn and would not rest until he fulfilled the order long into the early hours of the morning. Nobody had visited his forge the days, and he became zealous about his work, forgetting all and sundry save for the designs burnt into his mind and the bag of gold he’d receive at the end of the week.
When Duffy appeared suddenly in front of him, his reflexes flicked the hammer from his grip and squarely at the bard’s skull. Fortunately for Duffy, he was just as quick and flickered into and out of being in a whorl of light. He raised his hands defensively.
“Arden, it’s me!†His eyes widened.
“Can’t you use the door like everyone else?†the swordsman chuckled. When he noticed the blood stains on the bard’s hands and the scars all over his exposed skin he frowned.
“What have you done now?†He put the white-hot metal back into the water vat and disappeared briefly behind a plume of steam. When it faded, Duffy pulled up his sleeves and revealed his bands.
“We’re going. Right now.†He advanced around the anvil and before Arden could object, they both vanished into the Tap and spiralled across continents and back to the grand hall.
Arden appeared first, dazed but unsurprised that his brother had dragged him into another mess. He looked around, puzzled, and when Duffy appeared he shrugged.
“Going to do what?â€
Duffy pointed at Leopold.
“Oh. Shit. What the hell?†He drew his sword, forever at his side and wiped its edge clean with the edge of his blood red scarf.
“Long story. Bring him back!†Duffy trudged to his brother’s side and knelt to close his eyes. He looked to Arden, who hesitated.
“You know what can happen if I do. Did he consent?â€
“Of course.†Duffy rolled his eyes. “He did!†He pointed frustrated at the corpse. “Now!â€
Arden didn’t need telling twice. He approached Leopold and pushed his blade’s tip into his chest to bloody Kerria. The red liquid rolled up the blade and spiralled along its edge. It formed Leopold’s true name and burnt bright orange for a second. He said a silent prayer in Akashiman, then raised the sword with two hands over Leopold’s heart. Duffy scuttled back, wary of the consequences of their actions.
“Are you sure?†Arden raised an eyebrow.
Duffy nodded.
Arden plunged the sword straight through his brother’s heart and a well of energy rose up from his corpse. A sudden blast of fire rocked the great hall and the smell of burning flesh and sakura blossoms cloyed their nostrils. The swordsman pulled it free and instantly the blood magic began to stitch back together Leopold’s body. The bruises healed outwards from the sword strike.
“Now we have to wait.â€
He retreated and sheathed his blade.
“Now. Tell me what the fuck happened?â€