Sekali, "The Sister City"
Chapter 20
As he reached the common room the next morning, the maid woman just happened across his path.
"Sir, it is good to see you this morning." She smiled and curtsied gracefully, and then was on her way with business to attend to.
Sekali nodded and bowed respectfully. He then entered the dining area. To his disappointment, the Shallant and the dwarf were there, eating, drinking and talking; always talking and saying nothing. He decided to leave without breakfast. He ignored the, "Hail, elf,” from Uther, and the pointless, "Let's get rich, elf,” that came from Finyat's stuffed mouth.
Once outside, he began to feel less trapped. This was his second day among the people of the Living World, and he would make the best of it. He headed straight for a large building, directly across the way and purchased provisions necessary for survival. On his way out of the city, he felt as though he was being followed. He did not doubt his senses. He knew who it was. It irritated him, yet amused him even more. He decided, that once outside the city, he would give them a surprise.
Passing through the gates, Sekali immediately left the path and hiked up the rolling hills of blanketing green. Before descending down the other side, he turned and stared at the Navarian Sea, as Arianna had called it. It was absolutely breathtaking. Its glistening surface, magnified in the radiant morning sun made him stand in awe. Almost, Sekali forgot he had vowed never to look at the sun again. But the experience of the burning in his eyes quickly reminded him of his oath. Turning, Sekali vanished down the other side of a knoll. As soon as he knew he was out of sight, he doubled back around the hill and sought for his followers. To his satisfaction, he beheld Uther following after him, over the same hill he had just recently traversed. Without a sound, he trailed up behind Uther, to the point of a five paces’ distance and hailed him.
"dwarf, I could have slit your throat where you now stand. Why do you follow me?"
Uther jumped, spinning around, battle-axe suddenly in hand. Sekali quickly drew forth his long sword and froze, not daring to take his attention from his opponent.
"I should cleave your legs out from under you elf. Sneak!" Uther advanced. Yet before he took three steps, Finyat rose up from the grass between them and held up his hands.
"Let not the blood of friends be spilt by the blood of friends." Finyat eyed Sekali warily, though with a broadening smile.
All three froze, the tension mounting. Then, without a word, Sekali sheathed his blade. He looked at the small boy-like man between himself and the dwarf. He respected the stealth of Finyat; at his ability to make himself unseen. He could be useful. Sekali nodded and began to scan the area around him. He did this for no reason, other than to ease Uther's tension. Finyat turned to Uther and began speaking to him. It took a long while for his axe to find its resting place once again. Sekali admired the bravery of the dwarf, though not his witlessness. Still, Uther might be good with the axe; he certainly looked stout. He decided that he would endure them for a time. He turned and walked on. The two fell in beside him.
For nearly three leagues, Uther stared at Sekali suspiciously, always staying out of weapon’s reach, while Finyat discussed hidden treasures of old, riches, and the wealth of dragons.