The Last Favor

Chapter 13

While all three of them were walking back to the tavern, Bryce ended up wandering off alone when he found a rather old woman carrying too many objects all by herself. In exchange for his help, the woman invited him for some biscuits and juice.

Adelaide took advantage of his absence.

“He doesn’t know, does he?”

“What?” Tristan glanced her way.

“That you committed the taboo,” she informed, “that you’re a ticking bomb, and most importantly that you’re putting him in constant danger.”

“I told him I’m dangerous.”

“In the name of all seven hells, Tristan!” she huffed, “he’s only seven. What does dangerous even mean to him? How on Ecanistus are his parents okay with this?”

“He was abandoned,” he shrugged.

“What a poor little thing,” she whimpered, “he’s so sweet. He deserves so much better. He deserves to be loved. I won’t rest until I make sure he’s safe from the world, and more importantly from you,” she sneered.

“How old are you?” Tristan as always completely ignored all of her comments.

“Eighteen.”

“Where are yours?”

“What?” she was confused at first until she put two and two together, “Oh! My folks are probably in the court of law condemning criminals. They can pretend they’re fixing everything wrong with this kingdom as long as they want; I’d rather actually be helpful by making sure our cities are safe.”

“Didn’t ask.” Tristan announced as he walked into the tavern for a drink

A couple of hours later, Bryce joined him again.

“I made a new friend today.” He handed him some biscuits. “I think you’ll like her. She has the same red eyes as yours, Tristan. She must have fought monsters and bad guys too when she was young.”

As soon as Tristan heard him say ‘red eyes’, he shifted positions, alarmed.

“You can never talk to her again,” he ordered, “you will never see me again if you do. Do you understand, Bryce?”

“But, Tristan…”

“Do you understand?” he repeated, firmer.

Bryce, shocked, nodded in confusion. It didn’t make sense. But he must have some sort of logical explanation, right? It’s Tristan after all. He’s smart and strong and brave and he knows magic. So, if he says Bryce should stay away from the lady, he must have a reason because he knows better.

“I’m going to practice outside.” The kid declared with a wobbly voice.

He walked out almost immediately without expecting any response from Tristan.

***

Bryce has made some progress since Sylvester’s lessons; he’s been practicing as often as possible.

“There you are!” exclaimed Adelaide. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“Why?” he was not in a cheery mood.

“I wanted to talk to you,” she answered, “I have an offer for you.”

“Not interested.” To her, he sounded a lot like Tristan, maybe too much.

“Hear me out first,” she complained, “I’ll take you anywhere you want and give you half the reward on all our missions.”

“But?” He raised an eyebrow.

“You’re too smart for your own good, kiddo,” she sighed, “but Tristan can’t come.”

“Then no.”

“I don’t get it. He’s cold, distant, rude, he gets you in trouble, he’s doesn’t even talk to you, he doesn’t take care of you. He’s bad news, Bryce. If you come with me, you’ll be safe and happy.”

“You don’t know him like I do. You’re weird and I don’t like you.”

“He doesn’t care about you, Bryce.”

“And you do?”

“Yes! More than he ever will. He’s not who you think he is. He’s not the hero you make him out to be. He’s a bad guy, a villain. He’s only using you. He doesn’t love you. You’re nothing but a parasite in his eyes and one day he will get rid of you and when that day comes, I won’t be here to help you. But today I am!”

“NO! You’re wrong! You’re lying! Tristan is a good guy; I know it! And he won’t get rid of me because we’re companions!” He exploded. “You’re the bad person here.”

“Bryce, wait!”

Well, that could have gone better, she thought to herself as she watched Bryce run away from her.

He couldn’t understand why he was crying. He didn’t want to but the tears spilled anyway. What does she even know? She couldn’t even find a Dearb! Tristan did in just a few hours. She’s stupid. And ridiculous. And, and stupid. Of course, Tristan cares about him! probably. He doesn’t say it but he doesn’t need to. And sure, he doesn’t take care of him but he’s a big kid; he can take care of himself. Also, Tristan saved his life so he is a hero. And a hero only kills bad guys.

Bryce kept repeating these thoughts in his head over and over again, but it didn’t stop the doubt from invading his mind. What if Tristan wasn’t the good guy? What if he were to leave him too one day?

Without him noticing, time flew by and as he looked around, the world was slowly falling asleep. So, Bryce headed back to the tavern. He passed next to Tristan without saying a word for the first time since they met and headed straight to their room. Somehow, this had been a rather long tiresome day and Bryce wanted nothing more than to just sleep. And yet, he found himself crying once more.

It felt like everything was going in the wrong direction. He missed his parents, he doubts Tristan, he can’t even make friends anymore. All he wanted was to go home to his mommy and daddy but even that he couldn’t do because the truth is there is no excuse for why they abandoned him other than they hated him. And why wouldn’t they?

Life seemed to get worse and worse by the day and it was slowly suffocating him.

“Kid?” He heard Tristan’s voice calling out to him.

He was so caught up in his sorrows he didn’t even hear him come in.

Tristan scratched the back of his neck, feeling awkward. He was never one for feelings.

“You’re going to leave me too, aren’t you?” Bryce cried, “just like mommy and daddy. You don’t even like me.”

Tristan walked up to the kid’s bed and slid next to him as he let his arm fall around him, cradling him.

At first, the boy was surprised. He never expected any sort of affection from him. but he hugged back. Bryce held him tightly then cried harder than ever before. He cried for hours on end until he tired himself to sleep with Tristan by his side.